Firestone Double Barrel Ale

Nice dark color and smooth, hearty flavor. Ample bitterness, but this is not a hop-driven ale. Some slight but pleasant sweetness that is different than an alcoholic sweetness. When I'm in the mood to give the hoppy beers a rest, this would be a good choice! ID

12oz can, 5% ABV
Firestone Walker Brewing Company
Paso Robles, CA
purchased at Binnys

Black Fang Mead

I first sampled this almost 2 years ago. It took me that long to go to a different store to buy it. Wow, as good as I remembered. Thin body, and then you're immediately hit with the scent and flavor of the cloves. The combination of flavors with the blackberry juice and orange peel is just a beautiful mix. When you want a carbonated mead (and you should!), this is MB.

500 mL bottle, 6% ABV
B. Nectar Meadery
Ferndale, MI
purchased at Binnys