I spent the last few months drinking beers, almost never the same brand twice. I am reposting my notes on the subject here.
Ales
Henry Weinhard Summer - Plain. Tastes like "beer". Above mediocre.
Full Sail Amber - Good with pizza, as I recall. 3/5.
MacTarnahan's Amber - Better than Full Sail, details hard to recall
Arrogant Bastard IPA - Challenging. Hoppier than I'd like, but lots to keep my interest.
Devil Dog IPA - Wasn't bad, but even more hoppy than Arrogant B. Made me feel bleary eyed.
Lagunitas Lucky 13 Red ale - Good. Interesting aftertaste.
Alameda El Torrero IPA - Robust and flavorful.
MacTarnahan's Winter HumBug Ale - A bit watery, very mild and not bitter. Pleasant, but not exciting.
Drifter Pale - Smooth, slightly sweet, refreshing. Paired seamlessly with a Caesar salad.
Porters
Black Butte - It was alright. Same as many ales, better with pizza.
Lagers
Session - Good! Has an interesting pungency almost like licorice.
Mate Veza Black Lager - Drinking this as I post these notes, and really loving the smooth, frothy texture mixed with the distinct mouthfeel of Yerba Mate. It's good!
Bocks
Paulaner Salvator Double Bock - Delicious! I was pleasantly surprised.
Weltenburger Kloster Asam Bock - Another treat! Starting to love Bocks.
Weihenstephaner Korbinien Doppelbock - Again, quite smooth, very flavorful, not bitter, just enough hops.
Stouts (Muh fav'rit.)
Old Rasputin Imperial - Favorite. Tastes like gold in beer terms.
Bison Chocolate - Sippable, tasty, pleasing.
Black Bear XX - No complaints, interesting character.
Sheaf - Didn't like it. Tasted sour.
Sam Smith Oatmeal - Delicious, a bit filling.
St. Peters Cream - Smooth and slightly flat tasting. Good though.
Victory Storm King - Complicated, a bit hoppy, but in a good way.
which one is your favorite so far?
DEFINITELY Old Rasputin. I don't have the requisite language to convey how happy it makes me.
Red Hook rules.
I know a man who drinks it every day. For the last two decades. And nothing else.
Red Hook rules.
If you get a chance to try Old Rasputin on nitro tap, DOOEET!
The nitro adds a creamy frothiness that changes the flavor to something even BETTER
Oh shit.
PORTLANDERS
Anyone know a place that has this?
Old Rasputin is the bomb shit diggity.
It's always on tap at the bar I go to.
I don't frequent public houses very often, so my knowledge of local dives is rather lax.
Delirium Nocturnum - Belgian Ale
Pouring it kind of flummoxed me. I seem to have botched that part a bit. But still, it is everything I expected. It's frothy and light and slightly sweet at first, with a mild tang, then a mellow finish. It tastes like something, but I can't put my finger on it- kinda golden tasting. Kinda grainy, but - Perhaps yeasty? No...
Ah, nailed the pour on the second half. It's still hard to describe. Not hoppy, and not spicy. Not fruity...
Help! This is too complex and I don't understaaaaaand!!!
I like it. :)
I always found it to be malty with hints of molasses and caramel.
Strong too. 8.5% abv
Nocturnum is good, it's definitely not as...Belgian-y, which is good for folks who don't like the typical dubbel or tripel taste. Have you tried Tremens yet?
Also Squid, what was that Delirium I got from you last year? A Christmas one...Was it Noel?
Yup
Yep, that caught me off guard. LOL. I was buzzed before I finished the bottle.
Haven't found Tremens yet.
I was kinda buzzed by the end, but it didn't last more than a half hour after I finished.
I think I noticed some odd stuff floating in the bottom, that was normal right?
yeah that's just yeast sediment.
most belgian style ales have that.
I'm still learning day one stuff like that. I suspect I will be for a long time, if I keep educating myself on beer.