Frederick, Maryland - Belgian Style IPA - 8.3% ABV - This IPA poured a hazy, deep amber color with an off-white head that leaves fantastic lacing on the glass. The nose featured aromas of funky Belgian yeast, hints of citrus, earthy pine notes up front, with an herbaceous back end. The mouth was tasty- big earthy hops are up front, followed by flavors of pine, citrus peel, sweet malts, and Belgian yeast. The Raging Bitch has a medium bodied mouthfeel, with a silky, smooth finish. This was one of the first Belgian Style IPAs that I've had, and it still ranks up there as one of my favorites. 8.6/10

Chicago, Illinois - Imperial/Double IPA - 9.5% ABV - The Amarillo Ninja poured a hazy, golden honey color with a frothy white head. The nose featured aromas of cat pee, citrus, mango, orange zest, and guava, while having a sweet malt backbone. The mouth was great; flavors of resinous pine, grass, orange peel, grapefruit, and bready malts give this brew some wonderful characteristics. The mouthfeel was medium-plus, with a silky, long finish. This was my first from Pipeworks and they sure impressed me. Hopefully I can get my hands on their Citra Ninja soon. Cheers! 9.5/10

Escondido, California - American Strong Ale - 8.5% ABV - This Bastard of an ale poured a deep, ruby amber color with a khaki colored head that lingers. The nose was solid- aromas of bready malts, toasted crust, oak, hints of vanilla, and a sweet molasses backend come together nicely. The mouth featured distinct flavors of toffee, caramel, vanilla, oak, and sweet malts with a hint of golden raisin. The mouthfeel was medium-plus with a silky, long finish. I was certainly a Lucky Bastard for coming across this one, cheers! 9.4/10

2013 Release - Intelligentsia ‘Los Inmortales’  - Chicago, Illinois - Imperial Stout - 13.4% ABV - This beautiful Imperial Stout poured a syrupy black color with a small layer of dark brown foam. The nose was solid- aromas of rich espresso, dark chocolate, and sweet malts are big up front, with undertones of bourbon and oak on the back end. The mouth was similar to the nose; decadent flavors of espresso, cocoa nibs, vanilla, oak, and bourbon explode in your mouth after every sip. The mouthfeel was full-bodied with a velvety, long finish. I finally got to try this beast because of my man @bmtanner3. This was certainly a treat and I cannot wait to try some more of it. 10/10

Ipswitch, Massachusetts - Belgian Style IPA - 7.0% ABV - This Belgian IPA poured a deep ruby orange color with an off white head. The nose featured aromas of coriander, orange peel, light spice, hints of cloves, and nice citrus hops on the back end. The mouth had your typical Belgian yeast flavor up front, with big notes of oranges and citrus, while having a dry backbone. The mouthfeel was medium, with a clean and crisp finish. I was kind of disappointed on this brew, but maybe I had higher expectations after just trying a Raging Bitch by Flying Dog. Cheers! 7.8/10

Redlands, California - IPA - 6.5% ABV - The Betty poured a hazy golden orange color with a big, fluffy white head. Juicy aromas of tangerine peel, lemon zest, resinous pine, and tropical fruits come together nicely on the nose. The mouth featured flavors of fresh pineapple, mango, ripe peach, and hints of sweet malts. The mouthfeel is medium bodied, with a clean and crisp finish that leaves you feeling refreshed. The Betty is a solid release by Hangar 24 who is already on the rise for great things, cheers! 8.8/10

Marshall, Michigan - Imperial Stout - 11.0% ABV - This luscious Imperial Stout poured a syrupy, pitch black color with a frothy brown head. Decadent aromas of chocolate, roasted malts, bitter espresso beans, and dark fruits create a cohesive, wonderful nose. The mouth featured flavors of dark cocoa nibs, sweet malts, toasted caramel, and hints of black coffee which become more prevalent as the brew warmed up. The mouthfeel was amazing; it had a heavy, syrupy body with a long, velvety finish. I was very pleased with Plead The 5th, I’ll certainly be looking for its bigger brother; the Bourbon Barrel Aged variant. Cheers!  9.4/10

Munster, Indiana - Pale Ale - 6.4% ABV - This unruly Pale Ale poured a slightly hazy, golden-amber color, with a fluffy white head that leaves nice lacing on the glass. The aromas were unreal for this Pale Ale; scents of freshly sliced oranges, ripe pineapple, juicy mango, and sweet malts come together beautifully on the nose. Zombie Dust had a mouth that outlasted any other Pale Ale that I’ve tried - flavors of citrus, grapefruit, and pineapple burst in my mouth initially, followed by hints of pine and sweet bready malts on the back-end to bring it all together. The mouthfeel was on point for a Pale Ale; it had a medium-minus body with a crisp and clean finish- the flavor even lingers for a few minutes. Thank you to my man Evan who hooked me up with this undead beast of a Pale Ale. ZD lives up to all of its hype and is now the best Pale Ale that I’ve tried yet. 9.9/10