Rating System
(from best to worst)
Excellent, Outstanding, Very Good, Good, Above Average, Average, Below Average, Poor. Undrinkable
"+" or "-" indicate half way to next level
From Bottles to Growlers- beer reviews by SANDY FELD, certified taster
Alementary Hops & Dreams

This 8% ABV double IPA pours an effervescent, golden hue,  It
opens with an aroma of fresh pines, lemons, and oranges.  The
flavor profile features lightly sweet citrus, pine, and tropical fruits
tones along with dank resinous notes throughout.  A fine example
of an East Coast IPA.  Well made.

Overall Rating: Outstanding-
Ballast Point Red Velvet

Don't worry it's a stout (5,5% ABV) not a cake though like the cake
it gets its red color from beets.   On nitro, it is nicely creamy, with
soft notes of bitter chocolate, bread, oatmeal, and beets.  In short
it smells like red velvet cake and in a fashion, tastes like it too.
Overall it tastes better than it has a right too given it's a gimmick
beer.  Having said that it's a fun drink.  If you see it, try it.

Overall Rating:  Good
Having sampled nearly 6,500 different beers in my
capacity as a fully certified taster I can promise
honest, thoughtful, and careful evaluations.  However,
remember that these reviews are totally subjective.  
Consider this column an informative resource only.  
The bottom line is to trust your own judgment and
keep drinking!  

Sandy
Beers Reviewed
Lagunitas High West-ified

This is a a barrel aged imperial (12.2%)
coffee stout - a first in bottles from
Lagunitas. It's nose brings rich notes of
chocolate, espresso coffee, vanilla, and
whiskey.  Flavors are led by spicy rye notes,
with coffee, caramel, oak, whiskey, and
raisins.  Complex and engaging this is one
of the best examples of the style.

Overall Rating: Outstanding
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