Stone RIS 2008

It was a Saturday Night and I was bored, So I thought why not have a Stone RIS vertical, the weather was a bit cold, even more reason for a good RIS. I'm Reviewing the 2008 Spring Release, as that was my favorite, also had 2007 and 2009, both good but the 2008 stole the show.

Appearance: A Dark black, can't see a thing. A nice brown head as well, sticks around for a little bit.

Smell:Roasted Malt is very apparent, Small hint of chocolate and coffee.

Taste: Roasted malt is dominate in this beer, just like the smell. A hint of coffee comes through at the end. Some subtle vanilla notes as well. Hard to get a real handle on this one, lots of stuff going on, some chocolate taste comes around also.

Drinkabilty: Very drinkable, and at 10.8% ABV almost too drinkable. The alcohol has toned down with age, not as noticeable as 2009 version.

Overall: I'm still trying to figure this beer out, so good, but I just can't pin down the flavor profile. One of the best beer I have had in awhile.

4.9/5

Tyranena Paradise By The Dashboard Lights

Picked this up as my dad is a huge Meatloaf fan, thought we would share this 4 pack. Anything from Tyranena's brewers gone wild series is almost always a good beer, so I thought what the hell. On with the review.

Appearance: Pours dark black, with a thin tan head.

Smell: Some coffee notes, chocolate, and a very faint cherry smell as well.

Taste: Roasted Malty taste at first, followed by a hint of coffee, finishes with a cherry aftertaste.

Drinkabilty: Could only have two of these in one sitting, the coffee and roasted malts gets a little overpowering.

Overall: 3.9/5

Victory Hop Wallop

Appearance: Hop Wallop pours a dark orange with a white head.

Smell: Smell very bitter, pine smell from the hops, little floral as well.

Taste: A very hoppy, yet bitter taste. Can taste some citrus aftertaste

Drinkabilty: At 8.5% I would only have a few of these bad boys in a sitting. The high ABV is hidden very well though.

Overall: 3.5/5.

I was impressed with this beer from Victory. I think Bell's Hopslam is too sweet for my liking, this hop bomb had the perfect sweetness and bitterness as well.

Alesmith IPA

To say I was impressed with this beer would be an understatement. After enjoying a Pliny The Elder, I though this would fall short of the bar that Pliny set. Overall Alesmith IPA was very, very impressive, and it stands right up there with Pliny The Elder.

Appearence:  Pours a copper/orange with a thin white head.

Smell: Slight smell of grapefruit, also some citrus as well.

Taste: Very clean, hoppy flavor. Hop bitterness at the end.

Drinkability: Very drinkable, I would enjoy a few of these without a problem, although that could be a problem as it is 7.25% Alc.

Overall: 4.0/5

Love Potion Collection 5

If your familiar with Mac Lethal's Love Potion series, than this album is an instant classic. mac Lethal cover's everything from Beer, Twitter, Sentras and Blimmys ( a Blazer with Jimmy parts) and a little bit of motivational speaking thrown in there. Overall a very good album, be sure to check out the Cherry Soda Pop demo, as well as Wood Chip Grinder with Aesop Rock.

check it out here:http://www.lethalville.net/store/index.php?item=ML-LP5

Beats

I have been slacking on the beats, but will get around to posting a review of Mac Lethals Love Potion Colection 5 later this week

Pliny The Elder

I think Dre was right when he said "it's all good from Diego to tha Bay" because the West Coast, especially California knows to make a beer. Russian River, Lost Abbey/Port and Firestone Walker all put out amazing beers. Probably the flagship beer for the "West Coast Style" IPA is Pliny.

Appearance: A light orange color, with a thin white head.

Smell: Grapefruit, and a little more grapefruit.

Taste: As you may have guessed, grapefruit, with a little sweetness from the hops. Also has a very small bitterness.

Drinkability: If I had access to this beer everyday, I wouldn't drink anything else. This is simply gods water.

Overall Rating: 4.7/5