Author: BuffaloJern
I am the Buffalo editor and curator of Honest Booze Reviews
Jack’s Abby Cascadian Schwarzbier
Jack’s Abby Cascadian Schwarzbier: 3.0 – This is a lie, you expect with Jack’s Abby to get a black lager like their smoke and dagger, but with a bit more hops, instead you get a black IPL and it’s just awful.
Google Shop Average: Jack’s Abby Cascadian Schwarzbier $6
Website: http://jacksabbybrewing.com/
Gordon Biersch Amber Ale
Gordon Biersch Amber Ale: 6.5 – It’s got a good hoppiness to it, and there’s certainly a bit more spice there than a custom amber, but it’s overall balanced enough that those are merely additions to the Amber ale, and not overpowering
[Sadly no image because I had this on-site and Google is not helping – it was not the Marzen though]
Google Shop Average: Gordon Biersch Amber Ale $5 for a pint
Website: http://www.gordonbiersch.com/
Talisker 18 Year Single Malt Scotch Whisky 750mL
I think at this point we’re running out of Taliskers to try. So while the original 10 year has been something that we like well enough, and gives us enough uniqueness to pick it up every once in a blue moon, this is sadly a different case. We picked up the 18 year for a recent convention, and while it’s a great scotch, we wanted so much more from an 18 year old scotch, and an 18 year old Talisker.
Allagash Saison
Allagash Saison: 7.0 – It’s like a nice spicy Allagash White – which is very much not anything against it. This is certainly very drinkable as far as spiced beers go, but it’s not as powerful as some others I’ve had and prefer.
Google Shop Average: Allagash Saison $11 for 4-Pack
Website: http://www.allagash.com/
Collaboration not Litigation Ale
Collaboration not Litigation: 4.0 – It’s mostly bland, but it’s also got a taste to it that’s not terribly pleasant. You expect collab beers to be more mellow, but even then this just isn’t terribly great.
Google Shop Average: Collaboration not Litigation $9
Website: http://averybrewing.com/our-ales/collaboration-not-litigation-ale/
Glenlivet 15 Year Single Malt Scotch Whisky 750mL
We’ve never actually reviewed Glenlivet, so apologies on starting with the 15 year. Personally while I find the 15 much better than the 12 – it’s the 16 Year Nadurra is my favorite (the later years are okay, but are a bit too overpriced.) Overall though Glenlivet is likely one of my favorite scotches that you can find almost everywhere.
Shipyard Bourbon Barrel Aged Prelude Ale
Prelude: 5.0 – Even Shipyard is not immune to a bourbon barrel aged beer mellowing out whatever taste was there to the point where you no longer enjoy the beer. This is simply mild and lacks any sort of gravitas, which considering this was a Shipyard big beer – I really wanted that.
Google Shop Average: Prelude $15
Website: http://www.shipyard.com/
Bear Republic Red Rocket Ale
Bear Republic Red Rocket Ale: 5.0 – Based on how much I really enjoyed their Big Bear Black Stout, I was hoping for another winner here, and while it’s certainly not a loser – it’s mostly just an average red ale. Which is sad.
Google Shop Average: Bear Republic Red Rocket Ale $6
Website: http://bearrepublic.com/
Deanston Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky (Virgin Oak) 750mL
Deanston was something we found at one of the rare Whiskey Wednesday events that we actually have been able to go to, and it’s something we’ve come back to a few times. For those unaware Whiskey Wednesday’s is a meeting at Julio’s Liquors which basically involves them opening their basement to a bunch of whiskey tastings (god we wish we lived closer)
