Randy and Jan invited us over for enchiladas tonight, so earlier today, when I stopped by Petaluma Market for a few necessities, I picked up a little something that caught my eye: The Vixen, a chocolate chili bock from Samuel Adams. An “Ale brewed with cinnamon and with spices and cocoa nibs added,” The Vixen sports an attention-grabbing label, featuring a lovely blonde, rose clenched in her teeth, eyebrow provocatively arched. Can’t resist a pinup. And the ingredients? Promising. The… Read More »

Third time’s the charm. I have the best intentions in writing these reviews. I believe that brewing is one of the hallmarks of civilization, and that by sharing my thoughts on quality adult beverages with you, I somehow enrich your lives. Thing is, some of these adult beverages can be a bit strong. And I’ve reached the point a few times, mid-way through a bomber of fine ale, where I’ve said to myself, “This is quite good, but there’s no… Read More »

I’m having an epic day. Not only did I just realize it’s a three-day weekend, but I got word earlier today that Publishers Weekly have given my anthology The Book of Cthulhu a coveted starred review. In the book biz, that means you’ve done something right. So I’m marking the moment with an Epic Armageddon IPA, which comes “All the way from New Zealand.” I’ve never been clear what was wrong with the old Zealand, but everybody I’ve ever known… Read More »

One of the risks in reviewing adult beverages: a high ABV may lead to a missed review. That’s what happened with Knee Deep Brewing Company’s Hoptologist DIPA, which I purchased, photographed, and enjoyed a couple weeks ago, but forgot to write a review. At 9% and 102 IBU, this one packs a wallop, so in the interest of SCIENCE! here’s a second attempt: Hoptologist pours bright, clear, golden amber with a thick finger of off-white creamy head. Notable retention; thin… Read More »

Friday night seems to be as much about celebrating the things you managed to get done over the course of the week as it is about recognizing that there were a few things that just plain aren’t going to get done, things that are just going to have to wait for Monday. In that spirit, I’m marking this Friday night with a Boatswain Twin Screw Steamer Double I.P.A., a $2 bomber from Trader Joe’s. Apparently, this is a TJs repackaging… Read More »

Veterans Day, Remembrance Day, Armistice Day, call it what you will, the holiday not only commemorates the end of the War to End All Wars (ah, if only that name had been more accurate), but also pays tribute to those who serve this country (too often giving all). Plus, it’s a whole lot of elevens–particularly this year. And who doesn’t like the number eleven? I was hoping to track down a bottle of this year’s Stone Vertical Epic Ale to… Read More »