Beer Review: Amsterdam Brewery Tempest Imperial Stout

Well yet again it is time for the world famous team van go beer review.  This time we are going to look at the last beer I bought at the LCBO, the Amsterdam Brewery Tempest Imperial Stout. If you think this beer was brewed in the Netherlands you would be sadly disappointed.  This beer is brewed in Toronto, so why it's not called Toronto Brewery I'm not sure.

This is a stronger beer, at 9% alcohol rating, and is a Fall / Winter seasonal beer. An interesting fact about the Tempest Stout is that its optimum serving temperature is 10 deg C.  So right off the bat I buggered that one up.  Being stored in my car in the nice cold temperatures we had, I'd say the temperature we drank it at was probably closer to 5 deg C....

So let us start with the appearance of the beer.  It comes in a brown bottle, with a label, so it looks like a brown bottle with a label on it.  When you pour the beer into the glass you have a very dark appearance, hence the name "Stout".  The word stout was originated from a Russian word which stands for "Alcohol which flows from the hills, and into a glass".  To be honest I have no clue what it stands for.... After the beer was poured into the glass, there was a thick head which didn't seem to dissipate quickly.

Smell.... The short quick sniffs that I took of this beer gave off a hint of chocolate and roasted malts.... some people smell coffee, raisins and caramel, but I'm thinking they were drinking folgers and eating caramel coated raisins, because I didn't get those when I smelt the beer.

The taste.  If you have ever had a party in your mouth, then you have probably drank this beer.  You did get the taste of chocolate with some bitterness.  At the end of the day the mouthful of the Imperial Stout was fantastic.  For a 9% beer, you did not get the sense you were drinking a high alcohol beverage.  Well until you finished the beer, cause then you notice you were drinking a high alcohol beverage.

IBU Rating: 100+


Rating: 4.35 out of 5

Would you buy a case of this beer?  I would and I wouldn't.  9% is a lot of booze, and you really can only drink 1 bottle at a time....
Was the beer hoppy? Not really hoppy, more bitter and chocolately....
Would you recommend this beer to a friend? Yes... and I did bring one and give it away to a friend.
How much does a 58.6 litre Keg weight? Full = 160 lbs, Empty = 31 lbs

Beer Review: Trafalgar Ales & Meads: Maple Bock

Not much else to do this time of the year other than have a nice refreshing beer.  Then write a review about it, so hence I need to keep trying different brews.  And this one was thanks to Don for supplying it after a ride this past Sunday.

The beer being reviewed is from Trafalgar Ales and Meads, and their Maple Bock Beer.  Pretty much the name states it all... it is a maple flavored beer... If you couldn't figure that out, this may not be the right review for you.

Let's start with the visual aspect of the beer, or for the normal people what the beer looks like.  When poured into a glass, or a plastic cup in the parking lot, you can see by the picture that it is a dark beer.  One thing that I noticed was that there was a lot of floaties in the glass.  One note was that there was not a lot of carbonation in the beer.   As you can see in the picture there is not a lot of head.  Get you mind out of the gutter, as I'm talking about the foam on top of the beer.

Next the smell test.  After a winter bike ride your nose is plugged up a bit, and running, so smelling the beer was not very successful...

We move from the smell to the taste.  With a name like Maple Bock, you guessed it, it has a taste of maple.  To give you a judgement on the maple taste, picture yourself licking a maple tree, without the bark... maybe pretend that you are drinking the sap out of the tree, or out of an Aunt Jamima bottle.  Long story short there was a hint of maple in the beer.  Mixed in with the maple, was a malt and slight hops.

At the end of the day, the beer was flavorful, and tastey.  Was not the #1 beer I have ever had, but it was no where near the worst beer I have ever had.

Rating: 3.75 out of 5

Would you buy a case of this beer?  I wouldn't, but I would buy a bottle at a time.  I could not see drinking a case of it in 1 sitting....
Would you recommend this beer to a friend? I would, but like the above comment states only buy 1 bottle.  Or if you like maple syrup, then have at it.
Was the beer hoppy? Slight, but nothing like a boneshaker.
What is the average IQ of a person?  90 - 115 score.

Beer Review: New Belgium Brewery Fat Tire Ale

Remote beer review on location in Sedona from Karen and Johnny.  

So what can be said....we've all had this beer, we all love this beer and we all want this beer.  It's got a bike on the label, has beer in the bottle (which in case you've forgotten, is tasty) and is usually consumed in great bike riding and beer drinking locations with great friends. For those who haven't had it, it is an amber ale, moderately hoppy and did I mention it's tasty...

First impressions, well it was a long time ago when we first had this beer and the impression was such that there seems to be a annual pilgrimage to get it again. I don't think that means we have a drinking problem but more like we just like good beer! 

Beer rating: 5 out of 5 (it may have something to do with the happy hour scenery)

Would we buy a case of it: bought one, drank it, gunna buy another

Was (is) the beer hoppy:  med hops

Would you recommend this beer to others: Yes. And hint, hint...If you like this beer you should definitely show up, rain,snow or shine to the next weekend ride!

Beer Review: Amsterdam Brewery

Oh yes, another Beer review... Well this one was done a few months ago, just took me that long to snap some pictures, etc.

The below picture is what the youth of today call Beer Flights... well that's what Amsterdam Brewhouse calls it.  When you are there they give you 4 samplers, which in total equals 1 pint. There are 4 different "Flights" hence 4 pints.  You think 4 pints is nothing, but surprisingly they hit you good.. it could be the higher alcohol percentages, or the quickness of the drinks, but either way you will notice it.


Please note, I am going to apologize for the incoherent writing on the paper.  We may have had a fair amount to drink prior to writing....
The ratings below go from Bad to Good....  If you click on the flight tour, hopefully you can zoom in enough to look at all the beers. There were some copies on different rows, which meant you just drank the beer twice.

All the Beer that you drink on the Flights

Dodin Belgium Style IPA

Oranje Weiss

416 Local Lager

Raspberry Wheat

Fracture

Tempest

Market Pale

At the end of the Day, doing the Beer Flights at Amsterdam Brewhouse was a great time, and recommend anyone to go down there.  With a large patio looking over the water, watching the planes come in and out of the island airport, you can make a day of it and have a lot of fun and drinks.  The Brewhouse is family friendly, and if memory serves me well, the food was really really good too!

Rating: 5 out of 5 For Beer Tours. 

Beer Rating: See Above.

Beer Review: Baron Bohemian Tmavy Lezak

Yes yes folks, it is time, once again, for the  (drum roll) Team Van Go Beer Review!!!  It's been a little while since I tried a different beer, seem to be stuck drinking Hops and Bolts, or Moosehead or something that I still have in the fridge....

This time the review comes to you via, Derek... well via a beer from Derek, which in turn he was given by someone else... Regardless, this beer comes to us from the Czech, through British Columbia.... The beer is a Baron Bohemian Tmavy Lezak... yes that Baron Bohemian Tmavy Lezak beer that everyone has heard so much about...

My initial thought on the beer was "Thank you Derek, that was very nice!"  I brought it home and had it in the fridge for a few days before I was thirsty enough to drink it... When poured into a glass it has the appearance as shown in the picture below... For people that are blind, it has a nice brown appearance, similar to a nut brown ale... me describing this in writing on the internet probably doesn't help the blind though...

The first taste started reminding me of a different beer, but to be honest I cannot put my finger on it... The beer was not hoppy but there was a distinct malt flavour.  The end of the day the beer tasted similar to a nut brown ale, just a little heavier.. 

The problem with this beer is that you cannot get it locally... This one you can only get out in British Columbia for some reason.

Beer Rating:  3.75 out of 5 (Nothing special, but still a very nice drink)

Would you buy a case of it: Probably not, reason being, I dont live in BC.  

If you lived in BC would you buy a case of it:  Still probably not.  It was good, but I would buy other cases of beer probably before this one. 

If this was the only beer available, would you buy a case of it: Yes

Was the beer hoppy: Nope... Malty but not hoppy...

Beer Review: Creemore Collaboration Altbier

Yet again, another episode of the infamous team van go beer review... I figure this time we will do a good review on one of Creemore's newer beers.  the Creemore Collaboration Altbier.  The beer comes in a can, and you can find it at selected LCBO outlets, if you look hard enough...

The appearance of the beer is canned shape... to be honest i never poured it in a glass, so im assuming it looks like a fluid in a glass, with bubbles... the can itself is nice, silver and blue... easy to spot at the LCBO mostly because you dont know it's creemore until you pick it up...

When the beer is cold, it tastes great... if you are thirsty after a ride, or doing some much hated yard work and need a break, make sure you have one of these beer on ice, or in the fridge... I'm not sure if they taste good warm, and to be honest dont really want to find out....

The beer itself isn't too hoppy, with an IBU of 28... i think i'll start adding the IBU's to these reviews, for people to have a track on the hoppiness of the beer....  If you are not sure what IBU stands for, it's the International Bitterness Units.  Pretty much the higher the IBU number the hoppier and stronger the beer.  the scale caps out at 100, as anything over 100 is not really recognized on the taste threshold..

Anyways, back to the beer.  After drinking the can, i realized it tasted great and that i would drink another one... So cudos to Creemore, it is a very nice refreshing beer.  I would put it as a cross from their Lager and the Kellerbier...

Rating: 4.15 out of 5
Would you buy a case of this beer:  Yes, and i did... actually i bought a couple 8 packs...
Was the beer hoppy:  Not really, it was smooth, but not hoppy..
Would you recommend this beer to others: I would yes... If you like beer, you will like this beer... if you dont like beer, why are you still reading this review????

IBU: 28

Beer Review: Mad and Noisy - Sunny & Share

Yet again another installment of the team van go beer review.  This time the review covers Mad and Noisy's new beer Sunny & Share.

This past Monday, Tyler, Emily, Karen and Johnny were in Toronto for the Mumford and Sons concert, which we drank before during and after the show.  When we arrived back at the Royal York hotel, we were going to have a night cap, and this was the beer of choice.

The appearance of the bottle is brown, with a cool label.  I must give them credit for the design cause it is neat, and the name is pretty cool as well with a play on words.....

To be honest, Creemore Brewery will probably not like this, but the label is the best part of the beer.  We poured it into 2 glasses, and struggled to drink it.  Personally I'm not a wheat drinker, or even citrus person for that matter, and after the glass, there was still some left in the bottle....

I think that picture describes what we thought of the beer. 

Now, for anyone who enjoys wheat beers, this may be up your alley, but if you dont like wheats, I would recommend not purchasing this beer.... sorry creemore...

Rating: 0.5 out of 5 (I need to leave a buffer in the case of a worse beer, which I hope I do not come across..)

Would you buy a case of it: Nope... this one was free, and I'm happy for that.

Was the beer hoppy: Nope, Citrusy yes...

Would you recommend it to a friend: If I didn't like the person yes I would....

Beer Review: Quidi Vidi 1892 Traditional Lager

It is probably a good time for another beer review.  This time the beer of choice is the Quidi Vidi 1892 Traditional Ale. The story behind the name of the beer comes from the great fire of St. Johns which destroyed half of the city. The fire killed 3 people and was started by a farmer who dropped a match into dry hay.

Now back to the beer.  The initial appearance of the beer is that of a typical ale. It has a golden brown translucent visual characteristic.  See how many big words I can use to describe a beers look.  To be completely honest, you will not look at the beer cause you will be drinking.

As for the taste, it tastes great.  Nothing bad about the taste at all. If you have a chance to try it you wont be disappointed.

Rating: 4.85 out of 5
Was the beer hoppy: not realyy. There was a slight hop flavor but not overpowering.
Would you buy a case: Yes I would, and yes I did. To be honest I bought a few cases.

Beer Review: Cheap beer; guest review by bernie the beer baron

While tasting the 34 ounce 8.99$ beer I found it worth every bit of the 8.99$ charged for the 34 ounce 8.99$ beer. The taste didn't matter since the 34 ounce beer was only 8.99$.

The appearance of the 8.99$ 34 ounce beer seemed to be a bargain.

Logic and beer reviews varies inversely with beer consumption.

Rating: 3.5 out of 5

Would you buy a case of this beer: if possible hell yeah at 8.99 how could you go wrong.
was the beer hoppy: taste buds quit working half way though the glass
would you recommend this beer: if the price is right




if you noticed he never mentioned the beer at all. ....

Beer Review: Quidi Vidi Premium Lager

Well it is again time for another beer review.... Being in Newfoundland it just seems normal to be drinking an extreme amount of alcohol.   This time the review will cover another one of Quidi Vidi brewery beers, Premium Lager.

Based on our beer tasting the premium beer ws created to compete with the molson Canadians of the world. It does this but so so much better.

the appearance is semi light, sort of a mix of a light beer and an amber beer. Pretend you mix white and dark chocolate and it comes out milk chocolate, thats what the beer looks like.

Taste, its smooth.  Tastes like beer.  That is all. But honestly there is no real hop taste and it does taste very similar to a molson Canadian.

If you are a fan of Canadian than you would really enjoy this beer.

Rating: 4 out of 5

Would you buy a 6 pack: yes I would and did.  Personally I may buy a second case if I sober up enough to get another one.

Is it hoppy: nope not at all.

Beer Review: Quidi Vidi Iceberg Beer

It is yet again time for the team van go beer review!!!  This edition takes place from the beautiful island of newfoundland.

The beer being reviewed is by a local microbrewery by the name of Quidi Vidi. The Iceberg beer like its name uses water from a real iceberg.  Yep a real iceberg!

If you are ever in newfoundland you must stop by the brewery for a tasting.

The beer comes in a nice blue bottle which makes it visually appealing.  When you pour the beer in a glass it has a very light appearance.

The taste, what can I say about it. ..... well awesome or fantabulous come to mind!!! Not hoppy at all but has a very smooth summer flavour. Just a pleasure to drink.

Smell.. well I never did smell it I just went straight to drinking.... im gonna assume it smelt like a glacier.....

Quote from Bernie: "not oftrn in life do you get the chance to piss out an iceberg"

Rating: 5 out of 5

Was the beer hoppy: nope not at all.
Would you buy a 6 pack: yup I would and did... actually bought 2 cases both are drunk and also had a lot from a tap...

Beer Review: Rogue - Voodoo Doughnut - Bacon Maple Ale

Good morning, good afternoon, and good evening, depending on when you are reading this.  Below you will read a story of trials, tribulations, action, and suspense.  Well not really, you will read about beer, and this review covers a beer that Johnny brought to a ride... Rogue's Bacon Maple Ale.  Yup, Bacon and maple all wrapped up into a bottle and served in a glass.....

As you can imagine, the initial smell, well it's bacon and maple smell... Think of a weekend morning, when you wake up to the smell of bacon, or if you are say at the Country Cabin, and you walk in and the first thing you typically smell is bacon.  Well thats what you smelt when you opened the beer, Bacon...

When you took the initial sip of the beer, your first thoughts went to breakfast.... then back to bacon, and maple.  you may think that would be a great idea, try the beer, you may have a different perspective when it's all said and done.

Poured into a cup, you couldn't really see the colour as the glass was opaque, but i could imagine that the beer looked like a beer, or like bacon...

At the end of the day, we had several taste testers, below are some of the comments...

Tyler "It does taste like bacon..."
Bernie "It's like breakfast"
Johnny "I'm Glad thats over"
Mark W "It smells like bacon"
Pinocchio " I wish I were a real boy"

Would I buy a case of this beer: I would not... Unless they came in 1 packs, to other people wanted to try it, but once was enough for me. 

Did it taste good: It did taste like bacon, but not good bacon....

What was your initial thought when you drank the beer:  eggs.... and bacon...   

Was the beer Hoppy: I couldn't really tell... i was more focused on the bacon maple flavor...

Score: 1.0 out of 5

For anyone counting, the word bacon was in the write up 16 times!

Beer Review: King Brewery Dark Lager

Yet again another edition of the team van go beer review.  As always, there is a disclaimer, that this review is completely bias, and my recommendation is to go out and try this or any other type of beer.... At the end of the day, beer makes everything better....

This weeks beer review (even though it hasn't been weekly) is from King Brewery, a local brew out of Nobelton, and the beer tested was their Dark Lager.

I've had this beer a few times, and need to give them credit for sponsoring the Homage to Ice, put on by Substance Projects, so that does help their score for sure.  I'm one to take bribes for good reviews too, just going to throw that out there.....

After a good ride, whether the ride has snow or humidity, this beer was a great one to quench someones thirst... to be honest any beer is thirst quenching, but I'm only reviewing one beer at a time...

Never poured the beer into a glass, only straight out of the bottle, so the appearance was brown... the same brown colour as the bottle...

The first beer didn't have much taste, as it went down too quickly... but the second beer tasted great... There was a slight chocolately flavour, some mild hops, nothing too overpowering though. The nice part of the beer was that it wasn't too carbonated, or bubbly.

All in all this is a great beer for after the ride.  If you can't find it at the beer store, make the short jaunt to Nobelton, and hit the brewery up.

Would I buy a case of this beer: Yes I would, and Yes I did.  I've bought several cases...

Did it taste good: Yes it did.  It tasted like happiness.

What was your initial thought when you drank the beer: mmmm beer.  

Was the beer Hoppy: There was a mild hop but nothing crazy. 

Score: 4.5 out of 5

Beer Review: Sam Adams Latitude 48 IPA

Yet again another edition of the almost semi world famous beer review.  As always this will be bias....  This edition of the beer review will cover Sam Adams Latitude 48 IPA, a product of their Hopology series....  

First Impressions: At the end of the ride at Primrose, a much needed refreshing beer was in order, and this was all I had in the car so it had to do.  My first impression was that I was thirsty and needed something to drink... It hit the spot for sure.

I did not have a glass handy, drank it straight out of the bottle, so I'm not sure what the appearance of the beer was.. if it is anything like other IPAs, it probably would have a cloudy amber beer colour finish...  you can use your imagination, or buy a case and try for yourself...

This initial tasting of the beer was a good mouthful... like I said, I was thirsty after the ride... The beer was chilled, not cold, not warm, sort of in the middle of the temperature range, which to be honest I think worked better for this beer.  It kept it smooth, not too carbonated, or anything like that..

I'm not sure what I would compare this beer to. It was not as hoppy as a Boneshaker from Amsterdam, but it did have noticeable hops...  it also seemed to have a bit of a citrus taste as well.  A good after ride beer for sure. 

Would I buy a case of this beer: Yes I would... probably a 6 pack at a time though... 

Did it taste good: Yes! all beers taste good in their own way....

What was your initial thought when you drank the beer: A great way to finish off the ride by the river....

Was the beer Hoppy: There was... not a significant amount of hops, but still a good hop balance... 

Score: 4.3 out of 5

Beer Review: Hockley Valley Black & Tan

As the ride pictures and posts are slowing down a bit, why not add some more beer reviews!!! This gives me the opportunity to drink more beer and think of analogies to review them.... Also people should be going out and trying different local beers as well....

First Impressions: At the end of a good bike ride, Mike handed me the beer which was fantastic!! First because mike is awesome, and secondly the beer was cold and will become very thirst quenching!!

I never poured the beer into a glass so I'm going to assume that the beer colour is Black with a hint of Tan... or Tan that is black.... either way it was tastey!

The first sip was more of a gulp than a sip... as I was still thirsty after the ride..... but it was very very smooth...  no hint of hops but more of a malty flavour.... i'm not really sure what I would compare this beer to... 

The scores and ratings below will be bias as always, more because of my thirst level at the time of drinking the beer!!

Would I buy a case of this beer: Yes I would... a great after ride beer for spring rides..

Did it taste good: Yes! I still am trying to find a beer that doesn't taste good...

What was your initial thought when you drank the beer: Mike is awesome.... because he gave me a beer..

Was the beer Hoppy: No hops, more malty sort of roasted flavour.... 

Score: 4.6 out of 5

Beer Review: Hop City: 8th Sin

Another edition of the beer review... This time the beer review comes from the Pub in Creemore... They had a seasonal beer from Hop City. The beer was called 8th Sin, and was a dark lager. It was a perfect finish to the day of great riding.....

First Impressions.... The waitress that gave us the beer was good looking and she was holding our beer so the first impression was how much I liked her at that moment!

The beer came in a very cool glass, with the logo of the beer on it... a nice touch.  Inside the glass was the beer.  the beer was dark in appearance, with a small layer of dark head on it....

The smell was similar to that of the Muskoka Double chocolate cranberry stout.... it had a bit of a cocoa scent to it... oh yes cocoa....

The first sip of the beer was an interesting one... it wasn't what i was expecting... the taste itself i would classify it between the Muskoka stout and a Kieths dark ale... there was a hint of hops to the taste as well but not overwhelming.... all in all I drank the entire beer, as it was cold and infront of me.....

Would I buy a case of this beer: Yes but only a 6 pack... I could see myself being very gassy if I drank a whole case at one time.....

Did it taste good: Yes! It is beer mmmm.

What was your initial thought when you drank the beer: That I do enjoy drinking beer and sitting at a pub after a great ride with friends made it much better....

Was the beer Hoppy: There was a slight hop taste, but not overwhelming.

Score: 4.5 out of 5

Beer Review: Grolsch

It has been a little while since there has been a beer review, so I've decided to drink a few beer, reluctantly.... I have a lot of Grolsch at my disposal so hence I'm drinking it, and will write about the smooth smooth alcohol....

First Impressions.... I drank the beer straight out of the can, so my first impression was that it was in a green can... not the flip top.... when the beer hit my lips i thought "mmmm beer"..... than i started to taste the beer too, and then thought "mmmm beer".....

The beer at a nice chilled temperature is very smooth, not too much carbonation or anything like that... I would compare grolsch to an Amsterdam Stock or Organic ale.. had the same drinking characteristics.....

The beer smelt like beer.... that is all... nothing special on the smell... if it smelt like chocolate or something like that I would have a much different opinion on the smell, but it didn't so i don't......

The beer was nicely delivered by Em's dad from Quebec, so it was cheaper than the average bear... I mean beer....

Would I buy a case of this beer: Yes.... I bought 2 cases of beer....

Did it taste good: Yes! If it didn't I wouldn't have bought 2 cases....

What was your initial thought when you drank the beer: it's a good thing I bought 2 cases because it wont last long.....

Was the beer Hoppy: Not really hoppy at all.... just a very smooth beer.

Score: 4.2 out of 5

Beer Review: Wadadli Premium Gold Lager

Special Beer Review by Johnny and Karen
From Antigua




First Impressions: It's Beer on a beach so it is great by default!

The first beer tasted like all the rest of them..... beer on a beach!!!

When poured into a glass it looked like peer on a patio... again being February, great by default!

Tasted a lot like beer and one that we could both enjoy..

Would I buy a case of this beer: Already did

Did it taste good:  It's beer on a beach!

What was your initial thought when you drank the beer:  I'm drinking beer on the beach!

Was the beer hoppy:  Did I mention that I'm having beer on a beach!

Score:  Judging by the snow pics... 25cm out of 25cm!

Beer Review: New Belgium Brewing Fat Tire Ale

Another episode of the beer review, I have been slacking on the Blog, so what a way to come back with a good review.  Oh yes, last week I was able to get my hands on a few pints of Fat Tire Amber Ale!!! I must say it was glorious!! So this will be a great review that's for sure.

I was able to get the pints in Virginia, and for the hefty price of 3$ for a 22oz glass, I was not complaining....

First Impressions.... the first glass didn't last long, so first impressions were I was very thirsty.... so the second glass I had a bit more time (not much) to enjoy the glass.  The beer had a nice almost caramel colour,  and when poured into a chilled glass it looks so tasty!!!!

The initial taste was like having a party in my mouth.... The beer was very very smooth, and no bitter taste or strong hops or anything like that.

I don't make it a habit of smelling the beer, so to be completely honest, I didn't smell it.... So to give an idea to people think of the best smell you have every smelt, then double the goodness.....

If I could, I would be buying cases of this beer and stock piling it. You would be able to drink too much of this beer, which at the end of the day could be a bad thing, but a good thing all at the same time.

Would I buy a case of this beer: Yes!!

Did it taste good: Yes!!

What was your initial thought when you drank the beer: This is the best thing since sliced bread!

Was the beer Hoppy: Not really hoppy, but damn good.

Score: 5 out of 5

Beer Review: Central City Brewing "Red Racer IPA"

It's been awhile since there has been a post on the Blog, so figure the best way to come back would be to drink a beer and write a review about it... So it's time yet again for the Team Van Go Beer Review!!!! 

Like on every beer review, I’ll give my forewarning that I am bias, and please go out and try this and many other beers as they all are good in their own special way… (I'm just copy / pasting this to add more words into the Blog, make it look a little more official)

This review will be of Central City Brewing Companies "Red Racer IPA".  Like the name states it is an IPA, so expect some hopiness.  This beer is brewed out of British Columbia.

First impressions, is the appearance of the can.  The beer can is green, has a woman riding a bike on it.  Need i say more... I drank the beer straight out of the can, so I'm going to assume that the beer has a beer colour to it.... 

The initial taste gives you a very very hoppy hit of flavour... The beer has a bunch of other flavours involved but for me the hops really took front and centre stage. The beer is 6.5% so a stronger beer for sure. 

Smelling the beer came off with an almost citrius flavor somewhat... Why I smelt the beer I dont know, just thought I should.  

This beer I would consider to be a great beer while watching supercross or some extreme sport like that.  You wouldn't be able to drink a lot of these with the alcohol percentage then drive, but if you are at home relaxing, grab a case and have at it.

Below are the ratings that I would give this beer.

Would I buy a case of this beer: I would buy these 6 at a time.  A 24 would probably take a while to drink I think.   

Did it taste good: Yes

What was your initial thought when you drank the beer: The beer tastes good, and I can look at a bike between sips. 

Was the beer Hoppy: Very much so. Not the hoppiest beer in the word, but not the weakest either. 

Score: 3.65 out of 5