Guayabera Citra Pale Ale

As compared to the last "Citra" focused beer I've had, this is disappointingly average. I taste a citrus, almost sour, and it is very light in body, but all of the funkiness you can squeeze from the Citra hop is missing, and so this beer misses the mark, doesn't deliver enough booze, and so costs too much. Nuf said. ID

12oz can, 50 IBU, 5.5% ABV
Cigar City Brewing
Tampa, FL
purchased at Kenwood

Super Cluster

I've been waiting for this since first seeing their post on Facebook. And at first sip, it is big with Citra! Forget the old Zombie Dust, this has all of that funk, and with price on its side, though maybe not availability. Smooth, and very crisp, not at all silky. Let me drink a few more bottles before I decide if this is the be all, end all. But it is so damn close, and at 16 bucks a 12er, (yes, that's right, it's sold by the 12 pack) this tastes like something almost twice the price from everyone else. Put this in the "unlimited" release category, Lagunitas, and I promise: I'll drink it daily; I'll bring it to every party and gathering; I'll buy and wear clothes to advertise it; and I'll even write a song about it! This is my jam! MB

12oz bottle, 8% ABV
The Lagunitas Brewing Company
Petaluma CA and Chicago IL
purchased at Kenwood

Lil' Devil Belgian-Style Pale Ale

Another beer I'm only drinking because I scored it on an unbelievable deal. It is not often I'd want something "Belgian". That ranks along with "farmhouse" in my mind as something to usually be avoided. But this is just really f-ing good! Probably better even than the "Apex Predator" I unexpectedly became fond of. This has that Belgian yeast flavor, but it gets brutally beaten back by hop bitterness, so that the overall flavor is amazing. I'm a big fan of this one! MB

12oz bottle, 5.75% ABV
AleSmith Brewing Company
San Diego CA
purchased at Jimmie Garant's Party Store

Windows Up IPA

A solid IPA with a nice flavor that is a bit dank and citrusy. I expected little from this since I got it for a steal at $14.99 a case since it is past its "best by" date. But this is really good - better than beer I've paid a lot more for. So cheers!! Sometimes you win, I guess. I had forgotten the feeling. ID+

12oz bottle, 7% ABV
Alpine Beer Company
San Diego, CA & Virginia Beach, VA
purchased at Jimmy Garant's Party Store

Purple Juice Cannon Hazy New England Style Double IPA

Smells like juice. Tastes like it too, but with a bit of bitterness. Not much like a beer. Refreshing and poundable! But if you do, look out. This thing's packin'!

12oz can, 28 IBU, 9.8% ABV
ShortFuse Brewing Company
Schiller Park, IL
purchased at Binnys