Kalamazoo, Michigan - American Stout - 7.50% ABV - This coffee stout poured an opaque black color with a small, khaki brown head. The nose featured aromas of robust coffee and sweet malts up front, with undertones of chocolate and vanilla on the back-end. The taste of Java Stout wasn’t bad at all; flavors of coffee, milk chocolate, caramel, and candied malts are prevalent throughout the mouth. The feel was medium-plus, with a creamy, smooth finish. I was hoping for a richer flavor on this one, but it was still palatable. I cannot wait to try Bell’s Expedition and Black Note Stout- those will certainly be a treat. Also, if you didn’t know, Bell’s will begin distribution to California in May, Cheers! 8.5/10

Bible Belt < Prairie Bomb! 
Tulsa, Oklahoma - Imperial Stout - 14.00% ABV - This Bomb! Imperial Stout poured an opaque black color with a small layer of khaki brown foam that dissipates quickly. The nose featured complex aromas of vanilla bean, fresh espresso, cocoa nibs, oak, and sweet malts that are big up front, while having subtle undertones of chili peppers. The mouth was solid; flavors of espresso, chocolate, and vanilla are prevalent initially, with a back-end of chili peppers that is prominent on the throat. The flavors are so unique, yet so balanced- it's sort of a paradox, in a very good way. The mouthfeel is medium-plus bodied, with a smooth, silky, and warming finish that keeps you wanting more. Bomb! out-shined the Bible Belt, and has easily became one of my favorite Imperial stouts, Cheers! 10/10

Kernville, California - India Pale Ale - 6.80% ABV - This outstanding IPA poured a clear, copper-gold color, with a fluffy white head that leaves excellent lacing on the glass. The nose featured distinct aromas of bitter grapefruit, tangerine peel, ripe pineapple, and bready malts that come together beautifully. The mouth was solid; crisp flavors of tropical fruits and citrus burst in the mouth, while notes of caramel cut the bitterness to balance everything out. Just Outstanding has a medium-minus body, which has a clean finish that keeps you wanting more. I highly recommend this brew if you can get your hands on some, it's worth checking out. Cheers! 9.5/10

København, Denmark - American Pale Ale - 5.50% ABV - This ale poured a hazy, straw-gold color with a frothy white head that holds well. The nose featured aromas of freshly cut oranges, lemon peel, bitter grapefruit, and bready malts. The mouth was okay; flavors of grapefruit, honey, pineapple, earthy pine, and biscuity malts are prevalent throughout the brew. The mouthfeel has a light body, with a crisp and clean finish. Hipster Ale was a decent beer, perhaps it would be better a bit more fresh. I enjoyed this brew at Congregation Ale House in Azusa, CA- it's such a great place. The food is great too. Cheers! 7.2/10

Vista, California - Milk Stout - 5.30% ABV - This tasty milk stout poured an opaque black color with a small khaki brown colored head. Aromas of peanut butter are big upfront, with undertones of cocoa nibs, caramel, and sweet lactose sugars on the back end. The mouth featured decadent flavors of creamy peanut butter, hints of chocolate, and roasted malts that come together seamlessly. The mouthfeel was medium-plus with a lingering finish that keeps you wanting more of this dessert-like treat. Belching Beaver certainly nailed it on this one, it's got a real peanut butter flavor. Cheers! 9.4/10

Long Beach, California - India Pale Ale - 7.10% ABV - This tasty IPA poured a copper-gold color with a small layer of white foam that dissipates quickly. Aromas of pine, grapefruit, melon, and biscuity malts create a balanced nose. The mouth was solid; flavors of grapefruit, ripe pineapple, resinous pine, and bitter malts create a wonderful IPA taste. Pole Position has a medium-minus bodied feel with a crisp and quenching finish that leaves you refreshed. I had this bad boy straight from a growler from the source; I highly recommend checking out Beachwood, they know what they're doing. Cheers! 8.9/10

Escondido, California - American Strong Ale - 7.20% ABV - This Bastard of an ale poured a dark amber color with a khaki colored, frothy head that leaves excellent lacing on the glass. Aromas of pine needles, citrus, biscuity malts, toasted caramel, and molasses are prevalent on the nose. The mouth was solid; balanced flavors of bitter malts, pine, cracked pepper, and herbaceous notes come together nicely. Arrogant Bastard has a medium-bodied mouthfeel with medium carbonation, and a long, zesty finish. Arrogant Bastard may not be for everyone, but if it is, "You're Worthy!" Cheers! 9.2/10

Brooklyn, New York - Imperial/Double IPA - 103 IBU - 9.10% ABV - This hop-forward Double IPA poured a slightly hazy, golden orange color with a frothy head that holds nicely. The nose was solid; resinous pine, grapefruit, pineapple, honey, and sweet malt aromas come together beautifully. The mouth featured dank flavors of sticky pine, candied malts, hints of caramel, and bitter grapefruit that create a well-balanced DIPA. Resin has a medium-bodied mouthfeel, that leaves resinous hop flavors on the palate after each sip. I personally enjoyed Resin more than Hi-Res from Sixpoint- they certainly know how to whip up some tasty brews, cheers! 9.4/10