Honker’s Ale

Goose Island Brewery

Chicago, IL

4.2 percent ABV

$6.99 per six pack

This is the first Goose Island beer I’ve tried and I would say that it’s actually above average. Honker’s Ale pours a solid amber and smells like fresh grain with a touch of citrus. The first sip brings on a crisp beginning followed by a stop sign bitter and then a quick hop finish. One could drink a lot of this, especially since it’s only 4.2 percent. Not all beers have to be exciting with crazy flavors, and Honker’s Ale is a good example of this. Buy a six pack if you’re bored of what’s in your fridge.

2 out of 4 Mugs

XP Pale Ale

Bear Republic Brewery

Healdsburg, CA

5.5 percent ABV

$6.99 per 22 oz. bottle

Bear Republic is gaining quite the name on the east coast. Their Racer 5 India Pale Ale is outstanding and can be found on tap at the Blue Tusk. If you’re not into the high hops of IPA’s, the XP is the next best thing. XP pours a golden hue and smells mildly of hops and malts. The nose goes right with the palate for this well-balanced beer. I get mild hop and yeast flavor with a nice malt touch. This is an easy drinking beer and certainly not as hop-heavy as it’s older brother, Racer 5.

2 out of 4 mugs

Brooklyn Brown Ale

Brooklyn Brewery

Brooklyn, NY

5.5 percent ABV

$8.99 per six pack

Ah yes, Brooklyn Brewery. Since 1987 they have been brewing delicious beer, including their sensational black chocolate stout. Today however, the brown ale is on the chopping block. At first glance it pours a deep, dark hazel hue, as brown ales do. The taste is heavy on the roasted malts and overall has a medium-mouth feel. It’s not club soda, but not stale or that left-on-the-counter soda. This is a really good fall beer – good for the lower temperatures and good for your taste buds.

2.5 out of 4 mugs

wlhalsey@syr.edu

Published on September 30, 2009 at 12:00 pm