Tuatara India Pale Ale

Style:English IPA
Alc %:5.0
Brewery:Tuatara Breweries
Country:NZ
Tap/Bottle?:bottle, 330ml
Where/When:NZ Dec 2010
Cost:(NZ$) 3.35
Rating:6.5/10

Nice white head. Orange copper colour.
Nose:Mild nose- a little hard to pick-
Nice malty sweetness, slight bit of caramel.
There's something I can't quite taste.....
Not a bad drop but nothing amazing all the same.

Dogfish Head 90 Minute IPA

Style:Imperial IPA
Alc %:9
Brewery:Dogfish Head Brewery
Country:USA
Tap/Bottle?:bottle
Where/When:Home, Dec 2010
Cost:$12 approx
Rating:8+
This was a lovely drop but not at all like other Imperial IPA's- nice juicy fruits but mild bitterness yet very drinkable- the alcohol is hidden expertly- which makes it very session able.

Dogfish Head 60 Minute IPA

Style:US IPA
Alc %:6
Brewery:Dogfish Head Brewery
Country:US
Tap/Bottle?:bottle
Where/When:Home, Dec 2010
Cost:approx $7
Rating:5.5

Nothing outstanding about this- no outstanding fruit or hoopiness.
Just an ok drop that is barely worth a mention in the scheme of all things IPA.
I would go so far as to say that it didn't seem like an IPA but an average lager.
This was a Grey Import.

Franziskaner Weisse Kristalklar

Style:Kristalweizen
Alc %:5
Brewery: Spaten Brauerei

Country:Germany
Tap/Bottle?:500ml bottle
Where/When:Home, Dec 2010
Cost:$5
Rating:7/10

Pale gold, clear with a decent frothy white head. Lots of bubbles heading south.

Nose: bit of spice(clove i think) and a hint of banana.

The clove/spice is secondary...., it's sweet and juicy upfront.... bugger me I can't quite pick it...

the wheat mixed with candy/bubblegum.

It is kinda creamy but with a little bite at the end. Fairly high carbonation.

Very drinkable, well balanced.

I really enjoy a wheat beer when I haven't had one for a while- a nice change.

7/10

Lagunitas Maximus

Style:Imperial IPA
Alc %:7.5
Brewery:Lagunitas Brewery
Country:USA
Tap/Bottle?:bottle,
Where/When:Dec. 2010
Cost:
Rating:8/10

Nice orange/copper colour, and nice white bubbly head.

Candied sweet citrus nose. V nice.

Nice toasted malt backbone. Slightly dank pine needles with a hint of grapefruit sweetness and a mild pleasant bitterness. For a Imperial IPA (according to Beer Advocate) it's just on the right side of intensity of flavour for my pallate- not over the top.

I like this and think it's session able for sure.

Hop Stoopid

Style:Imperial IPA
Alc %:8
Brewery:Lagunitas Brewery
Country:USA
Tap/Bottle?:bottle
Where/When:Home, Nov 2010
Cost:$13
Rating:8

Nice white head. light orange/copper colour.
Lovely floral and citrus nose.
Strong malt all the way, bit of pine and a bit of citrus-grapefruit mainly.
Although the taste lingers on the tongue it's not heavily bitter.
It's a lovely drop and I'd love to have one ready to pop in the fridge when I felt like it.
I enjoyed this and rate it as highly as when I last had it....just.
This is a grey import. I had one in the States at the end of September and I wouldn't say this bottle had a freshness problem anymore than I could say the bottle I had in LA did.

Holgate Choc Temptress

Style:American Porter
Alc %:6.0
Brewery:Holgate Brewery
Country:Australia
Tap/Bottle?:tap
Where/When:Darlo Taphouse
Cost:$13 tasting Paddle
Rating:6

Alcohol . Raisens and cocoa on the nose. Same deal on the palate but not so sweet

2 Brothers James Brown

Style:Belgian Brown Ale
Alc %:8.8
Brewery:2 Brothers Brewery
Country:Australia
Tap/Bottle?:tap
Where/When:Darlo Taphouse
Cost:$13 Tasting Paddle
Rating:7.5

A Belgian brown
Sweet brown sugar on the nose
Lovely perfume for sure
Carries thru to the palate
Fab banana fruit flavours
And that Belgian touch v nice
A real keeper
7.5/10

Stacks Bluff Oatmeal Stout

Style:Oatmeal Stout
Alc %:5
Brewery:Van Dieman Brewing
Country:Australia
Tap/Bottle?:tap
Where/When:Darlo Taphouse. 7/11/10
Cost:$13 tasting paddle
Rating:5.5

Very dark
Tobacco on the nose
Getting malts but not chocolate
There's something wine like about it, like a touch of Cabernet or some other berry/grape.
5.5/10

Dark Knight Porter

Style:Porter (UK Style)
Alc %:4.5
Brewery:Murray's Brewery
Country:Australian
Tap/Bottle?:tap
Where/When:Darlo Taphouse, 7/11/10
Cost:$13 tasting platter
Rating:6/10

Smoky! Kinda thin. Bit of molasses
Solid enuf
6/10

Renaissance Funkelryesen

Style:Spiced Rye Ale
Alc %:5
Brewery:Renaissance Brewery
Country:NZ
Tap/Bottle?:tap
Where/When:Darlo Taphouse, 7/11/10
Cost:$13 tasting paddle
Rating:5.5/10

A lightly spiced ale indeed- can't pick the nose
The spice is pleasant and well balanced- different, in the vain of a mulled wine 5.5/10

Murray's Pumpkin Ale

Style:Fruit Beer
Alc %:4.8
Brewery:Murray's Brewery
Country:Australia
Tap/Bottle?:tap
Where/When:Darlo Taphouse, 7/11/10
Cost:$13 for a paddle of 5
Rating:5.5

Sweet pumpkin pie- for a vege beer it's quite good 5.5/10

Stone IPA

Style:India IPA
Alc %:6.9
Brewery:Stone Brewery
Country:US
Tap/Bottle?:Bottle
Where/When:Home, Nov. 2010
Cost:$5.50
Rating:6.5

Light orange copper colour with a little white head.
Nose:Lovely sweet pine.
A little herbal up front followed with a mild bitterness that lingers nicely. Not alot of fruit.
I get a slight mineral taste. Well balanced.
This also felt creamy with food and had more body to it, however i think I'm going to give it 6.5/10.

Stone Ruination IPA

Style:American Double/Imperial IPA
Alc %:7.7
Brewery:Stone Brewing Company
Country:US
Tap/Bottle?:bottle
Where/When:Home, Nov 2010
Cost:$7.50 for 375ml
Rating:8.5/10

Cloudy light copper colour with a nice white fluffy head.
Nose:Lovely mix of citrus, malts and passion fruit. It does have me salivating!
Citrus with a solid backbone of malts-
a creamy mouth feel, highlighted with food, the bitterness is bold, but not over powering.
The alcohol is nicely hidden which makes it a very session able drop, that said it is an ale you can't ignore- it's big! And kinda filling too!
I'll give it an 8.5/10

Radeberger Pilsner

Style:German Pilsner
Alc %:4.8
Brewery:Radeberger Exportbierbrauerei
Country:Germany
Tap/Bottle?:bottle
Where/When:Home, Nov 2010
Cost:$2.69
Rating:6

Lovely pale gold colour with a nice froth white head 1cm high. Lots of bubbles rising.
Mild light malts on the nose...scent of straw.

Initial sharp bite up front, then a little sweetness that covers the tongue- despite the bubbles it's smooth and well balanced- no single ingredient raising it's head.
It's a pleasant, mild pilsner- good everyday drinking.

Erdinger Weissbier Dunkel

Style:Dunkelweizen
Alc %:5.6
Brewery:Erdinger Brewery
Country:Germany
Tap/Bottle?:tap
Where/When:Darlo Taphouse, Nov 2010
Cost:$13 for a tasting paddle
Rating:5.5

Soft and mild - bit of banana- a bit creamy
Not bad not great

Red Hill Weizenbock

Style:Weizenbock
Alc %:7.9
Brewery:Red Hill Brewery
Country:Australia
Tap/Bottle?:draught
Where/When:Darlo Taphouse
Cost:$13 tasting paddle
Rating:

Nice short sweet nose- bubblegum like
Nice malts with a bit of banana
Very nice

Sierra Nevada Torpedo Extra IPA

Style:American IPA
Alc %:7.2
Brewery:Sierra Nevada
Country:USA
Tap/Bottle?:bottle
Where/When:Home Nov. 2010
Cost:$5.50
Rating:6

Lovely white fluffy head, nice orange body.
Sharp perfume on the nose, not as citrus as i expected. A little bit of pine and sweet pineapple.
Bitter much. Citrus rind and a bit of pepper along with a solid bit of toasted malts.
Not as sweet and fruity as i expected - and in that sense it is a little different for it's style-
the bitterness really lingers which is true to style.
I want to have this again 'cos this didn't quite hit the spot.
6/10

Lobethal IPA

Style:English IPA
Alc %:4.8
Brewery:Lobethal Bierhaus
Country:Australia
Tap/Bottle?:draught
Where/When:Darlo Taphouse, Oct 2010
Cost:$13 tasting paddle
Rating:

Weird almost medicinal scent or leather? A little off.
Didn't do it for me

Feral Raging Flem

Style:Belgian IPA
Alc %:7.2
Brewery:Feral Brewing Company
Country:Australia
Tap/Bottle?:draught
Where/When:Darlo Taphouse, Oct 2010
Cost:$13 tasting paddle
Rating:

A Belgium ipa- cool - mild nose- smooth taste- it's got that Belgium thing about it. A keeper

Alpha Pale Ale

Style:American Pale Ale
Alc %:5.2
Brewery:Matilda Bay Brewery
Country:Australia
Tap/Bottle?:draught
Where/When:Darlo Taphouse, Oct 2010
Cost:$13 for a tasting sample of 5
Rating:

Sweet resin on the nose- with a little orange peel
Taste: translates from the nose but just a little thin
Fresh cut hay- good but doesn't quite meet expectations.
Didn't rate this, will have to try it again.

Nogne O IPA

Style:American IPA
Alc %:7.5
Brewery:Nogne O
Country:Norway
Tap/Bottle?:Tap
Where/When:Darlo Taphouse
Cost:$11.60 for 330ml
Rating:6.5

Finally get to try this infamous brew!
Lovely citrus nose- aromatic not overpowering.
Quite sharp- and kinda thin- not as big as I thought it would be- the burden of expectation!
Quite well balanced- no outstanding ingredient that dominates.
So what do I taste? A light bit of citrus, toasted malts and mild hops- not a big lingering finish on this IPA.
I would say the malt is a little strong giving the sense of burnt citrus that turns me off a little.
a little bit of apple at the end too. Quite strong abv - 7,5.

Mikkeller Amarillo Single Hop IPA

Style:Single Hop IPA
Alc %:6.9
Brewery:Mikkeller
Country:Denmark
Tap/Bottle?:bottle
Where/When:Home. Oct 2010
Cost:$10 approx
Rating:8

More in common with US IPA's- fruity/juicy and drinkable. Hop finish lingers nicely.

Mikkeller Nelson Sauvin Single Hop IPA

Style:Single Hop IPA
Alc %:6.9
Brewery:Mikkeller
Country:Denmark
Tap/Bottle?:bottle
Where/When:Home, Oct 2010
Cost:$10 approx
Rating:7.5

Unique, intense, assertive powerful.
Lasting hop bitterness soaks the tongue and lingers.
Like nothing else really even tho it's a IPA- very full-on.
I will have to have this again.

Liberty Pale Ale

Style:American Pale Ale
Alc %:6
Brewery:Anchor Brewery
Country:US
Tap/Bottle?:bottle
Where/When:Home Oct 2010
Cost:$US8 or 9 6 pack
Rating:7+

citrus on nose- lemon rind?
biting hops, juicy fruits- pineapple....
Very nice easy drinking despite the bite.
good session beer.
I brought this back in my luggage from LA.

Mountain Goat Hightail Ale

Style:English Pale Ale
Alc %:4.5
Brewery:Mountain Goat Beer Pty
Country:Australia
Tap/Bottle?:bottle
Where/When:Home, Oct 2010
Cost:$6 approx
Rating:6

Toffee and caramel malts on the nose. Bit of sediment in my glass.
Malty - not a bad drop. Have to try it again.

Erdinger Octoberfest Weissbier

Style:Hefeweisen
Brewery: Erdinger
ABV: 5.6%
Darlo Taphouse
Sat 16th Oct 2010.


Banana and a little clove - classic standard/ benchmark.
I enjoyed this quite a bit, it's been a while since I've had a wheat beer and this hit the spot.

Bridge Road Oktoberfest Marzen

Style: Marzen
Brewery: Bridge Road Brewers
ABV: 4%
On Tap
Darlo Taphouse
Sat 16th Oct 2010.

Again very little notes, but this was kinda intriguing.
Mild, honeyed, quite different.

Last Drop Oktoberfest

Brewery: Last Drop Brewery
Style: Marzen
ABV: 5%
On Tap
Darlo Taphouse
Sat 16th Oct 2010

Didn't do much for me this one.

3 Ravens Oktoberfest

Brewery: 3 Ravens Brewing Company
Style: Marzen
ABV: 6.3%
On Tap
Where: Darlo Taphouse
When: Sat 16th Oct 2010

My complex notes: Beery & solid
Again, I didn't dislike it, so 6/10

Spaten Münchner Hell

Style:Munich Helles Lager
ABV: 5.2%
On Tap
Where: Darlo Taphouse
When: Sat 16th Oct 2010

Solid brew.
Obviously I didn't make alot of notes at the time- I didn't dislike it so I give it a 6/10.
It was a cold day in Sydney and I felt like trying some brews in a comfy environment as opposed to going to The Australian Hotel in the Rocks where they were having a big line-up of beers that most likely got packed out.

Bling India Pale Ale

Style:English IPA
Alc %:5.8
Brewery:Bridge Road Brewers
Country:Australia
Tap/Bottle?:bottle
Where/When:Oct 2010, home
Cost: $7 approx
Rating:6/10

Quite dark, but not as dark as the photo suggests- an off white head disappears quick.
I smell molasses mixed with lightly toasted malt and very little fruit at all.
On the palate the same comes true with earthy notes and a touch of pine.
A solid dose of bitterness both in the mid and late palate- the malts seem to stand out more as the temperature changes.
It's just a little bold for a English IPA and not fruity enuf for a US style IPA- the pine isn't so prominent.
Mouth feel is good, a little creamy and overall fairly pleasant.

I'd be tempted to say this beer is a little schizo- it can't decide if it wants to mild or loud and bold. I would have another to check it out but I wouldn't buy a 6 pack.
I have to give it 6/10....maybe 6.25/10.

Bear Republic Racer 5

Bear Republic Racer 5
Quite pale in colour for a IPA....and that's my notes...
musta got busy!
Will rate it a 7/10 all the same.
Cost: US$ 4.29

Bear Republic Hop Rod Rye

Bear Republic Hop Rod Rye
Pours a dark orange/ copper. Lovely tart fruit - it's very
Moreish- and a lovely balanced finish.
7.5/10
Cost: US$4.29

Green Flash imperial IPA

Green Flash Imperial IPA
Not too over the top for a IIPA initially -pleasant fleshy malts with a pleasant bitter finish. Nice fruit- mix of mandarin/'orange juice with a slight to mild roasted malt finish.
7/10
Cost US$5.29

Lagunitas Hop Stoopid IPA

Lagunitas Hop Stoopid IPA, Imperial IPA, 8% ABV
Upfront the flavour is lovely- very morish-
That was the extent of my notes- suffice to say I enjoyed this 2xIPA.
The label say's:"102 IBU 4 U"
8/10
Cost: US$4.49

Rogue Dead Guy Ale

Rogue Dead Guy Ale (Maibock/ Helles Bock), 6.5% ABV
Nice, fresh & malty - seems quite sessionable. Well rounded and balanced.
7+/10
Cost: US$ 5.99

Anchor Liberty Ale

Anchor Liberty Ale, US$8.99 a 6 pack, 6% ABV

Had this before- sweet malts, caramel and a bit of pine- lovely session beer tho a little rich. I like it quite alot- nice little bitter note at the end too. (Sometimes this tasted great and other times just OK- I bought a bottle home to share)
Wish it was readily available here - can get here for $30 (+ freight) for a 6 pack.
7.5+/10

Anderson Valley Pale Ale

Anderson Valley Pale Ale
Ok nice and fresh- not outstanding, just good.
Didn't make many notes and the picture I took didn't work out.
6/10
Just checked the receipt, this was the 'Poleeko' Gold Ale
Cost US$ 3.49

Tower 10 IPA by Karl Strauss Breweries

Tower 10 IPA by Karl Strauss Breweries - 6.5 % ABV
Total freshness up front - nice flavour of malt and citrus that is nicely balanced. Yeah I like this and think it's quite sessionable & flavorsome without being overpowering.
7.5/10
Cost: US$ 4 approx

Stone Arrogant Bastard

1st beer (on my trip to LA October 2010) was a Stone Arrogant Bastard on draught- at The Grove in LA.
It was quite nice - the end bitter note was very persistant and strong. Worthwhile good drop.
Didn't take notes at the time-was kinda surprised to find it at this place- Morels French Steakhouse & Bistro
7/10

Holgate Hopinator

Style:Imperial IPA
Alc %:7
Brewery:Holgate
Country:Australia
Tap/Bottle?:bottle
Where/When:Home, Sept 2010
Cost:$7
Rating:6.5/10

Next to no head - very dark copper with a hint of ruby when held up to the light.
Caramel, malts, hop resin. A little bit of orange.
Taste:Some nice fruit up front-but not alot.
Lots of malt in the middle palate finishing with some lasting bitterness.
I thought this was an OK drop, not a lot of Imperial IPA's around in Oz, but nothing outstanding all the same.

Bridge Road Beechworth Pale Ale

Style:American Pale Ale
Alc %:4.8
Brewery:Bridge Road Brewers
Country:Australia
Tap/Bottle?:bottle
Where/When:AFL Grand Final Day, 2010
Cost:approx $5
Rating:5

Nice orange copper colour. Small white head.
Lovely sweet dried apricot on the nose-very pleasant & fruity.
Not getting much of the sweetness upon tasting...getting a bit of malt- grainy, biscuity but also a slight earthy woody-ness that really puts me off.
I don't believe this fits the style.... I searched all over the bottle for a use by date, looked under daylight and the glass seemed stained inside from sediment or 'cos it was past use by date?

Nice creamy mouthfeel with medium carbonation.
Presentation is classy with the golden label.

Samuel Smith's India Ale

Style:English India Pale Ale
Alc %:5
Brewery:Samuel Smith Old Brewery
Country:UK
Tap/Bottle?:bottle, 500ml
Where/When:Home, Sept 2010
Cost:approx $10+
Rating:7/10

Nice light copper colour, fluffy white head that disappears to edge of the glass bubbles.
Subtle hints of malt and citrus zest/peel. Yeast present too. A little tea as well.
The tea makes it way to the palate- quite mild/medium flavour wise- it's all about the malt and hops-tho, i must say i get a bit of pineapple.

Pleasant, easy to drink calming ale, not at all confronting or big and powerful like it's American counterpart. A nice quaffing ale.
I like this, it's intriguing in it's mildness and quite session able. Nice bottle too!
7/10

Stone and Wood Pale Lager

Style:American Pale Lager
Alc %:4.7
Brewery:Stone & Wood
Country:Australia
Tap/Bottle?:bottle, 375
Where/When:Home, Sept 2010
Cost:$5 approx
Rating:6

Little white head that disappears.
Very light straw golden colour.
Sweet, lightly herbal, slightly grassy.
Sweet and spice- fairly well balanced, easy to drink with medium carbonation, more spice than lasting bitterness, slightly reminds me of a Redback Wheat beer.

Pretty easy to drink and undoubtedly vying for wide appeal- nothing outstanding is the result.
6/10

Sheaf Stout

Style:Milk/Sweet Stout
Alc %:5.7
Brewery:Fosters/Carlton & United Breweries
Country:Australia
Tap/Bottle?:bottle
Where/When:Home, Sept 2010
Cost:$15 a 6 pack (375ml bottles)
Rating:7/10

Pours dark with a nice fluffy tan head that disappears.
Nose has a scent of cinnamon and spice... faintly roasted.
Sweet and juicy; roasted malts with slight coffee notes- pleasant mouth feel too.
Flavoursome, smooth and well balanced.

A really solid stout that isn't that heavy.

Tennent's Super Strong Lager

Style:Euro Strong Lager
Alc %:9
Brewery:Tennent's
Country:Scotland
Tap/Bottle?:Can
Where/When:Home, Sept 2010
Cost:approx $7
Rating:5.5/10

Head dissapears fairly quickly.
A light copper, fairly clear. Quite alot of bubbles.
Nose:like a stale bar the nite after. A little sweet/sugary- some type of grain i can't pick.
Nothing hoppy up front with a slight oillyness in the mid palate. It seems gassy yet a little tepid.
It doesn't really taste like anything i've drunk recently- the alcohol is hot and peppery-there is nothing like it in Australia- such a strong beer it doesn't take long to catch up with you.
It's not a pleasant drop to drink.

The reason I got it was 'cos of a beer I had in England back in '94 that was similar- high abv and known for being the beer of choice by homeless men- i've only had that drop one other time which was in a irish bar in my home town. So I just had to try this.
I find it easier to drink than some of the funky ales i've had- it's not hard to drink but it's not pleasant or enjoyable to drink . So i'll give it a 5.5/10

Holgate Hopinator

Style:Double IPA
Alc %:7
Brewery:Holgate Brewery
Country:Australia
Tap/Bottle?:bottle,330ml
Where/When:Home, Sept 2010
Cost:$8approx
Rating:6/10

Off white head. Leaves just a little layer of bubbles.
Ruby copper colour.
Nice sweet malty nose. Definate fruit- grapefruit. A little toffee. Now it's been in the glass a while i get a little bit of pine.
Rounded malt up front. Burnt toffee is sharp on the tongue with residual bitterness.
If a I savour a mouthfull I get the pine & grapefruit but otherwise it seems all malt.
From my experiance of some US 2IPA's I've had- this is pretty similar- the malt/burnt toffee is very bold. So, it's true to style in my mind.
Creamy, fresh and well carbonated.
Overall the burnt toffee was just a little over powering for me- so not something I would drink more than a bottle of at a sitting.
Not as good as I'd hoped for.

Epic Lager

Style:Lager
Alc %:5
Brewery:Epic Brewery
Country:NZ
Tap/Bottle?:Bottle
Where/When:Sydney
Cost:$11.95
Rating:6

I didn't take notes.
So, from memory it was quite a nice lager which I rarely drink at all. Clean and not overpowering.
A pleasant sunday afternoon drop which I will review at length next time i have it.
Kinda pricey.

Rogue Brutal Bitter Ale

Style:American IPA
Alc %:6.2
Brewery:Rogue Brewery
Country:USA
Tap/Bottle?:bottle 650ml
Where/When:Home 28/8/2010
Cost:$17.95
Rating: 6.5

Nice fluffy white head
Orange light copper colour.
Nice floral nose.
Light caramel sweetness with a touch of grapefruit. The fruit doesn't really burst out at you- all kinda mild really for what is a brutal bitter.
A little hoppy oilyness.
Lingering bitterness yet overall fairly well balanced.
Mouthfeel a bit like a hefeweizen.
Quite drinkable and morish.
Worthy of a 6.5 or 7.

Ekim Brewing Co Viking IPA

Style:US IPA
Alc %:6.3
Brewery:Ekim Brewing Co
Country:Australia
Tap/Bottle?:33oml bottle
Where/When:Home, 27/8/10
Cost:$7.95
Rating:6/10

Dark copper in colour, head dissapears with a little lacing.
Can't quite pick the nose-herbal and earthy.
Carbonation is medium. Malts up front- a little sweet (toffee) which I like- a bit of bitterness pops up. My palate waits for the the fruity/citrus flavours to burst out but they don't make it- just weaker variations of malt and leafyness.
It grew on me as it went but just lacked the fruit of the style.

Knappstein Reserve Lager

Style:German Pilsener (they call it a Bavarian Lager)
Alc %:5.6
Brewery:Knappstein Wines
Country:Australia
Tap/Bottle?:bottle
Where/When:home, Sept 2010
Cost:$18 for 4
Rating:7/10

Quite golden in colour with a fluffy bubbly white head.
Bit of passionfruit on the nose.
Fruity, sweet and juicy- delicious. Lots of fruity notes going on that I can't put my finger on. Definetly a Sauvignon Blanc-ness about this with a little tartness going on.

Having another taste now: not as sweet and juicy as I recall.
Not quite as good but still a keeper. I'll give it 7/10.