Review: Victory - Helios Ale

Style: Saison / Farmhouse Ale
ABV: 7.50%

The story behind this one is that Victory rebranded their V-Saison due to low sales numbers. It's gone from a corked finished 750 to a capped 22, going from about $9 a bottle to about $3.50 a bottle. This is a huge savings, and the beer is every bit as good as it was before. This is every-bit a dry, "farmy" saison, just how I like it. Massive frothy head, so be careful when you pour it. Light golden in color, looking very active. Lots of yeast on the nose, a bit of grass, of farmyard. Upon tasting, it's one of the dryest saisons I've had, lots of carbonation, amazingly crisp, with a grassy edge on it. Almost ephervescent. Lingers on the tongue with its bite, but still manages to be amazingly drinkable, almost dangerously so. This was a great move by Victory, and I'll bet they will sell a lot more of this great beer.

A: 4/5
S: 12.5/15
T: 42.5/50
M: 13/15
D: 13/15

Total: 85%

Review: Highland - Gaelic Ale

Re
Style: American Amber / Red Ale
ABV: 5.80%

The first comparison that sprang to mind immediately was to fat tire. Honestly, I was expecting a little richer, but I actually ended up really enjoying this beer. Deep amber in color, nice frothy head, a lot like a fresh Sam Adams pour, and similar smell. Malts abound with just the hint of a hoppy undercurrent. Tastes a bit more hoppier than it smells, which is very pleasant. Pale grassy hops on the backpalate, with a sweet biscuityness up front. Smooth, tastes like fresh ale. Extremely drinkable, and makes for a great little session ale. This would work great in 12oz bottles.

A: 4/5
S: 11/15
T: 41/50
M: 12/15
D: 14/15

Total: 82%

The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown!

Once again I have a buttload of reviews to do, which I'll get to in a minute. In the meantime, here's my Top 3 Pumpkin beers at the moment.

1) Weyerbacher Imperial Pumpkin - I've not had this one yet this season, but I thoroughly enjoyed it last season. The perfect balance for me, light spicing and pumpkin flavors, with a ton of malt so that it tastes like beer still. Just a bit on the darker side. I'd love to age some, see how it turns out.

2) Southern Tier Pumpking - If you're looking for authentic pumpkin flavor, this is it. Look no farther. Like Pumkin Pie in a glass, intense, pumkiny, spicey, boozey. Has just a bit of soapiness to it from the pumpkin skins that go in it. Not the most balanced beer, but still tasty.

3) Dogfish Head Pumpkin - Another darker-ish pumpkin beer that's light on the pumpkin. Spicing is a little more prevalent, but with a bit of age it mellows out quite nicely. Possibly the best value for a good pumpkin beer, at ~$10/4pk.

Honorable Mention:

The Bruery Autumn Maple - Brewed with yams instead of pumpkins. But an awesome Belgian Dark Ale. It takes a bit to get past the smell, for whatever reason, their Dark Ale yeast strain smells kind of soapy and metallic. But it tastes delicious.