Mackeson Triple Stout

Mackeson XXX is one of those beers I've known about forever but can't recall trying. When I noticed that it is contract brewed in the US, I decided to give it a try. I used to brew an amber ale with lactose added to enhance the malt and add a fuller mouth feel. The Mackeson pours jet black, starts out with a punch of roasted barley reminiscent of a Baltic porter or imperial stout without the depth but ends quickly. Sweetness soon prevails over the roastiness. Nice creamy mouth feel no doubt a result of the lactose. Stuck in the middle; being too sweet for a session and not complex enough for a dessert beer. Kudos have to be given when large brewers adhere to tradition.

Shoals pale ale review

The first time I tried Shoals pale ale from Smuttynose Brewery was at a Beer festival in the late 90's. I remember enjoying it so I decided to give it another try. The case box was freshness dated which is a complete bonus. As much as I love to support the micro brewing industry, my biggest complaint is buying stale beer.

Deep amber color obviously coarse filtered with yeast and chill haze. Great head retention and foam laces glass top to bottom. Nice malty front with an orange hop presence. Serious hoppiness. More of a kettle hop than a dry hop. Bitterness is part hops part yeasty bite balanced with malty sweetness. Enjoyable. www.smuttynose.com