Stone Brewing Co.'s Arrogant Bastard Ale (6/10)

Stone Brewing Company's Arrogant Bastard Ale has one of the funnier labels you'll ever read.  It starts off with the warning: "This is an aggressive ale. You probably won’t like it. It is quite doubtful that you have the taste or sophistication to be able to appreciate an ale of this quality and depth."  Beer Advocate certainly appreciates it, rating the beer 94-98 out of 100 ("world class").

Arrogant Bastard pours a rich brown color, with a thick tan head that lingers in the glass.  It's the kind of head you feel like you could float a quarter on.  The hops flavor is moderate, though not overpowering.  You can still pick up a hint of sweetness underneath.  The lacing is as thick as the head, and lingers in the glass after you're finished.  On the rare occasion (a few times a year) that I'm in the mood for a hoppier beer, I'll usually choose Arrogant Bastard or Rogue's Dead Guy Ale.

You can find this beer at many local retailers, including Giant Eagle Market District at Kingsdale, Kenny Road Market, and Cost Plus World Market at Tuttle Crossing.

ABV: 7.2%
IBU: 77-100 (Stone says it's "classified" but their other products range in the 77-100 IBU spectrum)
My rating: 6/10

Victory Brewing Co. V-Twelve (10/10)

Victory's V-12 is a Belgian style Quadruppel, delivered in a large 24.5 ounce corked bottle. It pours a beautiful reddish brown, with an off white head that dissipates quickly, leaving behind a moderated amount of lacing.

When you take a sip, the first thing that hits you is a malty caramel sweetness, with a touch of apricot. This is followed by a bit of Belgian spice, a touch of hops, and a warming alcohol afterglow. It is really a delicious beer, and my hat is off to Victory. This is a beer I want to drink when I can.

The visitors to Beer Advocate agree with me, rating it a 90/100 or "exceptional".

I typically find this at The Andersons General Store, and sometimes bump into it elsewhere.



ABV: 12% or more, per the brewer
IBU: unknown, but I would guess 20 or below
My Rating: 10/10

Samuel Smith's Oatmeal Stout (8/10)

Samuel Smith Brewery is one of my favorites.  I've had many of their products over the years, and I've yet to find one I disliked.  Even as much as I dislike IPAs, their IPA was still quite drinkable.  Samuel Smith's Oatmeal Stout is no exception.

Poured from the bottle, it is a deep brown color (almost black) with a thin, light brown head.  The flavor has a nice balance of malty sweetness and hops bitterness, with hints of coffee and chocolate to the flavor.

Beer Advocate rates it a 94 or 95 out of 100, and describes it as a "world class" beer.  I can't argue with that.

This beer can be purchased locally at Whole Foods in Upper Arlington, Giant Eagle Market District at Kingsdale, or Kenny Road Market.
ABV: 5%
IBU: 32
My rating: 8/10

Ayinger Celebrator Double Bock (9/10)

Ayinger Celebrator Double Bock pours into the glass a deep brown, almost black color.  It has a tan head that slowly dissipates as it rests in the glass.

The flavor is malty, with a very mild hops presence.  It is a perfect example of the things I like in a beer:  good flavor and a decent balance between malt and hops.  It's a beer that I buy regularly, and always enjoy.

Beer Advocate describes this as a world-class beer, rating it 96-100 on a scale of 100.

I sampled this at The Winking Lizard on Bethel Road, but have seen it for sale at several local retailers, such as Kenny Road Market.



ABV: 6.7%
IBU: 22
My rating: 9/10

Schneider Weisse Original Hefe-Weizen (8/10)

Schneider Weisse Original is an excellent German Hefe-Weizen beer.  It pours into the glass a cloudy brown, with a thick off-white head.

The flavor is very mild, with a slight citrus note.  There is little or no hops bitterness.  It leaves behind a minimal amount of lacing in the glass.  It's a beer I'll definitely have again.

Beer Advocate rates it an 86-89 or "good".

I tried this beer at The Winking Lizard Tavern, but have seen the brewery's products at Whole Foods Market in Upper Arlington, among other locations.

ABV: 5.4%
IBU: 14
My rating: 8/10