Our "staff" enjoyed a return to the festival this year after a 2 year absence. The session we attended wasn't as crowded as previous years, so we were able to chat with some of the other attendees and share opinions on the various selections.
Toby's New Zealand Dark - Brewed locally at Watson Brothers this Dark Lager has a great smell and taste. Surprisingly not as full bodied as you might expect. Slightly watery finish.
Hebrew Jewbelation - "The world's first Chanukah Beer" Nice rich taste, good finish.
Hebrew Messiah - Did not like this one at all... Sweet and malty, not a good blend of flavors. Possibly a bad bottle???
Spanish Peaks Black Dog Ale - Sweet, but not overbearing. Smooth finish. A good session beer.
Breckenridge Oatmeal Stout - Outstanding Stout, Great flavor and finish. Hints of coffee and stuff in there.
Dogfish Head Chicory Stout - Tasted fairly average, expected something different with the Chicory addition.
Dogfish Midas Touch - We decided this tasted like bad communion wine. Sorry about the religious imagery, that's all we could come up with.
Dogfish Head Raison D'Etre - Mahogany Ale, dark and heavy. Complex taste,
Two Brother French Country Ale - One of the favorites of this year. Loved the taste, great body, great finish.
Mackeson Stout - Always a favorite, It is sweet and heavy, so it is an acquired taste.
Bar Harbor Coal Porter - Nice chocolate flavor, but too much of a bitter coffee finish.
Shipyard Old Thumper - Distinct malt flavor, good finish not too bitter.
Buzzards Bay Golden Ale -
Summit Porter - Another great Porter, the stuff from Summit is usually top notch.
Summit Winter Ale - Again nothing bad to say about Summit, nice flavor, good finish, very solid ale.
Bert Grants Scottish Ale - Good Stuff ! I really like the smell and taste of this one, Sweet and malty, smooth finish.
Pyramid Snowcap - Another favorite, Seemed like it was a hit with a number of people we spoke with.
Unibroue Don de Dieu - This one got pitched so quickly I can't even begin to say why it was so bad.
Unibroue La Fin DuMonde - Also a bad experience,
Adams SSB -
Tilburg Dutch Brown Ale - somewhat disappointed, I am a big fan of the Brown Ales and expected a richer taste.
Goose Island Demolition - Big Winner. The Favorite of the Festival as far as we were concerned. The new special reserves from Goose Island have been great.
Ommegan Three Philosophers -
