Stone Saison

I'm generally not a fan of a saison, but was forced into this since it was part of a mixed 12 pack. It definitely has that funky saison flavor, but is a bit dry, and in typical Stone fashion, this is balanced with more than ample bitterness. If I gotta drink saison, this is the one to drink! ID

12 oz bottle, 6% ABV
Stone Brewing Company
Escondido, San Diego County, CA
purchased at Mariano's

Pinedrops IPA

I bit of piney hop flavor, and a bit of spiceiness on the tongue. Thin and light colored. Otherwise, a simple easy drinking ale. ID

12oz bottle, 6.5% ABV
Deschutes Brewery
Bend, OR
purchased at Mariano's

Bad Mother Shucker Oyster Stout

Clearly taking a risk here. Oysters in beer?! But they are not a prominent feature. This is a thin stout tasting just fine, with maybe a tiny fishy odor, and just a slight hint of salt. Or reading the label made me think that. I'm glad to have tried something different. Not bad, better the further I get into it. Actually pretty good by the time I'm halfway down the glass. And now I'm sure I taste some salt, which is pretty cool. I wish I lived near the ocean to have fresh oysters at will. Anyway, give it a try! ID

22oz bottle, 8% ABV
Abita Brewing Company LLC
Abita Springs, LA
purchased at Kenwood

Close Encounter Hopped Up Stout

This is as advertised, a hopped up stout. Very much like a black IPA, bitter, hoppy, but with a burnt tar thick kinda stout feel on the aftertaste. That's the only thing stouty about this. Otherwise, the hoppy flavor and bitterness dominates. Not a bad brew, but make sure you're not craving a traditional stout, cause this beast is a different breed! ID

16oz can, 7% ABV
Pipeworks Brewing Company
Chicago, IL
purchased at Kenwood