Samuel Adams Imperial Stout

 This is an intense Brew. If you have not graduated to truly enjoying Guinness Draft, you should avoid this beverage, particularly since its 9.2% abv demands, that at least in the state of Tennessee it be sold in Liquor stores for $12 to $14 per 4-pack. Now that the preliminaries are concluded, on with the review.
  This stout pours thick and smooth, with a thin, darkly tanned head. There are hints of sorghum, barley, anise and coffee in its aromatic presentation, which as a whole approximate the smell of Worcestershire sauce. Yes, I said Worcestershire Sauce. I again reiterate, this is NOT a brew for the unitiated.
  Ok, so basically I pop the top off this thing, pour it into my frosted pub glass and smell something a retard (forgive me...mentally challenged) might pour on a poorly done steak (read "Zech is not a fan of Worcestershire Sauce"). But being a determined reviewer and ultimately concerned that our readers spend their hard earned cash wisely, I dive in.
 Surprise! This stuff is actually rather tasty. There are hints of grape wine as the stout breathes, the high abv ensures that the finish lingers smooth on the tongue with very little bitterness and it even burps smooth. 
  The blurb on the bottle label written by Jim Koch, founder of Sam Adams, whom I respect immensely, would lead one to believe that this is a complex brew that will make the drinker more sophisticated. In this, I must disagree with Mr. Koch. The mix of strong flavors all seeking to overpower each other, turns this beer into a single, uncomplicated miasma of 'what is that?'. So I did not find it to be a complex fairyland of flavor, but rather an example of art gone wrong. Though I found this brew drinkable, even somewhat enjoyable, I will not be purchasing it in the future. On the other hand, if someone else purchases it and offers it to me, I will gladly drink as much as they will share.  Zech gives this 2 out of 5 stars

Up and Coming Reviews

Matt's in the Gulf Coast looking for brews we don't or can't find in our local area. Here's a few Zech and I will consume in the coming weeks and critique for you beer lovers.
McSorleys Irish Black Lager, Lazy Magnolia's Indian Summer, Covington's Bayou Bock, and Red Brick Brown we'll see how these beers stack up. Ready Zech I'll be headin home tomorrow?

Will there be a lame duck in the bunch? Stay tuned to see how these beers weigh in.

Dragon Stout

This product of the Red Stripe brewery on Spanish Town Road brings back childhood memories of Puerto Rican Malta (which is non-alcoholic by the way). It pours with a dark, foamy head and sits in the glass nearly as dark as Guinness. This is however more of a milk stout and hints at molasses. It is sweet, but not overtly so. Though it does not excel in presentation or flavor it is quite enjoyable. If you are fond of the brews that physicians of the British Isles were wont to prescribe to nursing mothers, as I am, then you will enjoy this offering from a much more southern latitude. 3 out of 5 - Zech

A Dragon gives you thoughts of something powerful with a bite, but this Dragon doesn't bite at all it is smooth as a babies bottom. This dark brew is something that I was really surprised at. I had expected an overly sweet stout with a bite but what I found was truly smooth, just a hint of sweet and really drinks well. It was good ice cold as well as when it warmed in the mug. If I had one desire to make it better i think it could use a little more bite up front, after all it is a Dragon! Matt gives it a 4 out of 5

Innis & Gunn Rum Cask

Upon the initial open, this hand crafted Scottish beer from Manhasset, NY initial presented with hints of caramel and vanilla aromas. Swirling it in the glass released a suggestion of maltiness. It pours with a rich and thick tan head. The rum flavor, though present is not overpowering, yet is more than simply a hint. The initial taste is somewhat sharp and cutting indicating the presence of some hops, and quickly smooths on the tongue. A smooth finish indicative of the care taken in the crafting of this brew. The aftertaste is not at all bitter and leaves memories of vanilla and allspice. To be honest it turned my thoughts to images of tanned women in sarongs smelling of mango and coconut... I digress. As the beer breathes and nears room temperature, the aroma also hints at Jamaican allspice and perhaps even fermenting apricots. A thoroughly enjoyable experience, and to be recommended, even if you are not a connoisseur of rum.

4 out of 5- Zech

I was initially impressed by the bottle and label itself, it reminds me of an old time bottle of tonic. After reading Zech's review I was anticipating the Pirates of the Caribbean and a tropical setting, I was not disappointed. I enjoyed the whiff of sweetness mixed with a scent of rum and beer, as I opened the bottle. The heaviness of the liquid made me feel like I had a stronger liquor pouring into the Pilsner glass, but as I took my first drink I realized this truly is a beer. The start and finish is smooth and sweet, which for me I like the smooth without bitter, but i'm not a huge lover of sweet so I have to say it was a little much for me.  That being said there is a distinct taste that I cannot compare to any other Brew Ive ever had, and as a whole brought pleasure to my soul. I give it a 3 of 5.- Matt   

Lazy Magnolia Southern Pecan

This product of Mississippi's only brewery is quite pleasing. As a true craft beer, produced with love, the pecan flavor becomes more prominent as the brew reaches room temperature. The finish is quite smooth though it can be just a tad  watery. This brew has certainly won a place near and dear to my heart. An interesting note is that I have consumed this immediately after a 90 min IPA,  and the hoppiness of the IPA emphasized the pecan flavor so much, I felt like I was drinking pecan pie! A truly delightful experience. Give it a try. 4 out of 5 stars. - Zech

Winner of the Bronze award for Specialty Beer Category at the '06 World Beer Cup. This Brown Ale is quite satisfying, I especially enjoy the initial flavors, the pecan and ale compliment each other with a good amount of   frothiness to mix the flavors on your palate. This beer would make an excellent beverage with a steak dinner. Not a sweet beer but with sweet foods the pecan stands out even more. I think anyone who enjoys an Ale would rank this one high on their list. I again agree with Zech 4 out of 5 stars. - Matt

Dog Bite High Gravity Lager

This Lager's initial visual presentation is not overly impressive. The simple orange can with a silhouetted Cerberus give no indication of the smooth 10% abv joy that is waiting inside. Reminiscent of some of the finer Belgian refermented barley wines such as Golden Drach, this american made lager, though not amazing, is slightly sweet and easy to drink. Because of its low cost (I paid $1.89) you might be slightly impressed. 3 out of 5 stars. -Zech

My first impression was, "not another alcohol based energy drink", but I was pleasantly surprised by the flavors that came from the can. It has an almost sweet start to it, and finishes a little bitter, but definitely worth a glass or two. I would suggest drinking it very cold, as it warms the bitterness increases. Will drink it again and I recommend giving it a shot yourself. I also give it 2.5 of 5 stars. -Matt