Your Next Pint

Kern River Pumpkin Ale

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This Hallows Eve, knock back a pint of Pumpkin Ale by Kern River Brewing Company. Like the label says, "this beer is no trick and all treat." It's sweet 'n spice and everything right, whether you're a die hard Pumpkin nut or not.

The Washdown:

- smooth pour, amber color, bready, malty, allspicey, Pumpkin Ale (Kern River Brewing Co. in Kernville, CA) 6% ABV

Just like a jack-o-lantern, Pumpkin Ale is light with fierce spice and just enough pumpkin essence to stave off candy cavities. It's super drinkable too – all the way 'til the howls come home.

Happy Halloween.

New Belgium's Lips of Faith Kicks some juicy booty

My latest Whole Foods pint discovery, Kick, a "Lips of Faith" series from New Belgium Brewery is a genius collaboration with Elysian Brewing Company for the holiday season. Pumpkin meets Cranberry for some juicy fruity goodness that's got a kickin' tart flavor, but also borders on the legs of a sweet Lambic.

The Washdown:

- grapefruity nose, lightly carbonated, cinnamon & tangy taste with a frothy head that fizzles fast, Kick "Lips of Faith" (Fruity Ale by New Belgium Brewery in Fort Collins, Colorado) 8.5% ABV

This beer just might be the next best thing to get you through Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. Its high alcohol content & freaky Jackolantern design makes it fit for any poppin' party, and its seasonal pumpkin 'n cranberry flavors makes it fit for your next family gathering.

Pint Advice: Start stockin' up now!

The Stoic Swings and Misses

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Ironically, The Stoic, a Belgian style Quadrupel, left me feeling very emotional. This pint's unique flavor has slightly changed my opinion of Deschutes Brewery. Known for their fresh ingredients and Pacific Northwest style, Deschutes has regularly been my go-to brew. Unfortunately, The Stoic missed the mark, from its difficult to open wax top to its cavity inducing sweetness.

The Washdown:

- exciting ambor color and nice carbonated head, deceptively delicious apricot nose, but tongue that's too sweet to enjoy, The Stoic (Belgian style Quadrupel by Deschutes Brewery in Portland, OR) 11% ABV

For me, beer falls into three categories: Good, Bad, and "This'll Do". To classify, the only way this beer "Will Do" is to add a squeeze of lemon to help counterbalance the sweetness with some acidity.

@DeschutesBeer

Trick or Treat? The Beast Grand Cru

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Go ahead, drink The Beast (Grand Cru) and you too just might grow fangs, claws, and body fur because this brew is like taking a sip of super human syrup.

The Washdown:

- dark color with thick head and strong boozy smell, The Beast Grand Cru (A Belgian Strong Dark Ale from Avery Brewing Company, CO) ABV 14.9%

With huge amounts of alcohol and sweet nectar-like flavor, this beer tastes more like your childhood cough syrup rather than a drinkable beer. I don't recommend buying a six pack or even a 22oz as The Beast has too much sweetness and booze for even a 12oz beer.

More like a trick than a treat, this brew's just for your bucket list. Needless to say, I'm happy to check this one off, and never look it in its blood red syrupy eye again.

Pint Advice: Don't pick a fight with this monster.