The Beer Enthusiasts of Blacksburg

Style: Hefeweizen Purchased at: Vintage Cellar What makes this beer different: Nice cloudy Hef! Will I be drinking this again: Probably. Grade: B Comments: This is a nice, unfiltered, traditional Bavarian Hefeweizen. There isn't a lot to complain about on this beer. That being said, there isn't much that sets it apart from the likes of Sam Adams or ... when it comes to Hefeweizens. Should be $2 or less from most places; that is a little more than I would like to see on this beer. You can get a 6 pack of Sam Adams Hef for about $8, and it is just as good. Definitely worth a try though if you are looking for something new to try. Recommendations: This beer is a MUST with a nice juicy bratwurst. PERFECT COMBO!

Style: Witbier Purchased at: Kroger What makes this beer different: Oranges! Will I be drinking this again: Probably. Grade: B Comments: This is a special release beer, brewed by Blue Moon. Overall the beer looks great, chunky floaters, and a ton of action . Essentially this is a spicier version of a Blue Moon with bits and chunks of orange in it. As this is a special release, I have to admit I am a little dissapointed. Don't get me wrong, the beer tastes great. But paying $9 for this beer, it doesn't WOW me completely. WOW is a must for vintage/special release brews!!! Recommendations: Don't put an orange slice in this beer. It has enough citrus in it already! Pair this with some fresh made guacamole and chips. You're gonna like it!

Style: American Pale Ale Purchased at: Kroger What makes this beer different: It's thick, bold aroma. Will I be drinking this again: Definitely. Grade: A- Comments: A wonderful, full bodied beer with something for everyone. Starr Hill Pale Ale may be a little heavier than your typical ale, but I guarantee you will enjoy it down to the very last sip! Full, rich, honey laden, thick and malty and nice lacing; a beautiful amber color defines this beer. Recommendations: Enjoy this brew with some fried flatbread & a nice spinach dip! 

Style: Lager Purchased at: Kroger What makes this beer different: Woodsy kind of taste. Will I be drinking this again: Probably not. Grade: D+ Comments: I am usually a pretty big fan of Magic Hat brews, but I think they really dropped the ball on this one. It leaves a dirt/bark like lasting taste in my mouth and an overall dryness, which I hate. Has a nice hop smell, and the head on this beer is actually quite nice. Little to no lacing present. Give this one a try and let me know what you think; personally I would stick to #9 until the next seasonal is released! Shame on you Magic Hat. Recommendations: 1) Finish this beer, 2) Have a nice Beck's waiting and ready to drink immediately following the last sip of Vinyl. That's all I got!

Style: American IPA Purchased at: Vintage Cellar What makes this beer different: Strong citrusy hops. Will I be drinking this again: Possibly, but will not go out of my way to get it. Grade: B- Comments: A very citrusy hop can be detected in this beer along with a decent amount of carbonation. That being said, there is a very weak head on this beer which confuses me a little. Overtones of oranges, grapefruit, and pine can be detected in this beer. If you are used to American IPA's, then the slightly bitter finish will not surprise you. To be honest I was pretty disappointed in this beer, and it is probably one of my least favorite IPA's. It has a strange smell, and not a whole lot of bite. I would also recommend shaking the beer before you open it, as it re-ferments in the bottle. Recommendations: 1) Seriously consider another IPA, 2) If you do get this one, drink with a hot, salty pretzel. 

Style: Belgian Strong Dark Ale Purchased at: Vintage Cellar What makes this beer different: Dark Rich Taste! Will I be drinking this again: Definitely. Grade: A Comments: This is a wonderful Trappist Ale, and one of my favorites of all time.  The brewery at Rochefort has been brewing beer since 1595. Plenty of time for them to perfect their recipes. The three recipes they have, 6, 8 and 10 are each aged for 6, 8, and 10 weeks respectively.  It is a sweet beer, with a generous amount of alcohol; so it goes down so smooth but lets you know you're alive! One Word to the Monks - BRAVO! Recommendations: Pair this ale with a nice french miche coupled with brie; trust me, you will LOVE IT :)

Style: Belgian Strong Dark Ale Purchased at: Vintage Cellar What makes this beer different: Strong 9% kick! Will I be drinking this again: Probably. Grade: B+ Comments: Man this beer has a kick! Smooth, sweetness with a lasting bitterness is what I take away from this beer. This beer should be enjoyed at the proper, which is slightly chilled (not warm however). Quality of the brew varies on each bottle, so  I hope you obtain one of the better bottles. There is heavy carbonation, followed with a light head and excellent lacing. Not the greatest beer I have ever sampled, but a good one none the less! Recommendations: Enjoy this beer with a selection of fresh dates and apricots to punctuate the excellent overtones.