Palmetto Pale Ale. I remember this brewer from my days living in Charleston, but wasn't quite yet into the craft beer scene then as I am now. This time around, this was the first beer I had to kick off the vacation! However, it was the only time I had it all week. Just nothing super exciting. Was it worth the $4.75? Of course. Would I buy a 6 pack to drink on a 95 degree day? Probably. Just wouldn't pay a ton or race out to buy it and would probably choose something else if I had the option, but still was a decent hoppy pale ale.



Sweet Water IPA. My buddy brought over a couple of 12 packs of this stuff to sip on around the house. I have to say, I was impressed. Was a fairly light bodied IPA that had a monster citrus punch. Was full of tangerine, grapefruit and orange flavors...just my style when it comes to IPA's. We don't have this one up here in Chicago (or at least haven't found it), but if you have it where you're at, pick this up...delicious!



Anderson Valley Heelch O'Hops. this one I actually had last night while waiting for our to-go order. What can I say? I'm a sucker for $6 pints with a 9% ABV. Had actually never heard of this brewer up until last night and overall, the flavors are well balanced but I think the hops win out. The hop flavors is evidenced by a lemon, apricot, honey and pine flavor. This is a great DIPA that may not set itself over the BA Top 250, but is certainly worth the purchase.

Rogue Brutal IPA. This was the first beer OTHER than Dead Guy Ale that I've had from Rogue. Dead Guy Ale used to be one of my absolute favs before the taste buds switched over to the hoppy IPA's, PA's, etc. Looks wise, Brutal is a nice orange color with a thin head and was slightly hazy which threw me off. Smell wise, nothing much stood out. Was very mellow and pretty balanced. The taste equaled the aroma, again, not too much there. It was good, just not super potent like a lot of the IPA's out there.



Firestone Pale 31. I have been on the lookout for Parabola here in Chicago, but I've since given up hope. Instead, I decided to pick this up. I wasn't impressed at all with their holiday brew that I posted earlier in the thread, but regardless, Firestone always puts out quality beers. This pale ale wasn't as hoppy as some of the other good ones that I've had lately, but still decent. Color wise, this pours a light yellow with a thin head that still clings to the glass. Best way to describe it would be gritty bitterness with a floral touch. Has nice citrusy notes of lemon and faint pine. Appropriate lighter feel and ease for drinking. Solid and fresh.

Not going to name them all, but the one venue that we checked out only had a limited beer list which obviously wasn't going to work for me. So the guy was super cool and said they would be willing to add some good craft beers to the mix if I wanted. He said his buddy owned a small batch craft brewery just outside of town and that they would have no problem putting something on tap if I wanted. Of course, I had to drive out there right away to sample. The brewer is called Bare Hands and the bartender was super cool in hooking us up with a free flight of all they beers they had on tap. Was super impressed and decided on one for sure...



Mail Order Bride Imperial Stout. Not only was this beer AMAZING (one of the biggest chocolate/coffee flavored stouts I've come across), but we loved the name for a wedding reception. So, I'm going to put this on tap, but I'll need to figure out one more before hand. I just didn't imagine having a stout as the craft beer, so I'll be adding an IPA or saison to the mix for a little lighter variety. Guess I just have to figure out what their distributor can get their hands on.

Finally, had this one Saturday night...



Revolution Coup D'Etat Saison Ale. Ran out of Daisy Cutter while grinding during the afternoon and needed to keep things going so picked this up for the night cap. Color was obviously a honey colored yellow and hazy. Hardly any type of head and minimal lacing (obviously I jacked up the pour) . Was pretty medium bodied and the smell was that of citrus, apricot and hops. I wish it tasted more like it smells. It's not bad, just missing the saison funk and overly hopped. Probably won't have it again. Disappointing too as it was 80 degrees here in Chicago Saturday and all I wanted was a nice, light summery type of beer, but wasn't a "summer ale".

Firestone Double Jack DIPA. This is damn near perfection in a glass. Pours a clear golden color with a decent white head. Aromas are very complex, encompassing everything from tropical fruit to floral to grassy to caramel to honey. Taste is sweet and caramel-like upfront, with a good amount of yeast and florals here and there. This beer is a seriously happenin' one so pick it up if ya see it out there!