Summer Grifter IPA

Summer Grifter IPA, originally uploaded by Ben McLeod.

Summer Grifter IPA, from MacTarnahan's Brewing Company
Season: Summer
ABV: 6.2%

It's delicious. As far as IPA's go, it's fairly tame, as the hoppy aftertaste is more reminiscent of a pale ale. It was the perfect drink to end this hot day.

The picture doesn't do the color of the beer any justice, as it has a beautiful amber glow. I thought it would be fun to take the picture out on the street, to give it that "grifter" look (and make my neighbors look at me funny) and all, but I guess the dark background wasn't the best way to show off the pretty beer!

Wailua Wheat Ale

Wailua, originally uploaded by Ben McLeod.

Wailua Wheat Ale, from Kona Brewing Company
Season: Limited Release
ABV: 5.4%

A refreshing beer for sure, and easy to drink! I'm not a fan of fruity beers, so I was a bit hesitant about getting this wheat ale brewed with passion fruit. I really couldn't taste any fruit, but I do notice how much "lighter" it tastes than most wheat ales (which are generally pretty light to begin with!). It's been perfect for the hot, sunny weather we've been experiencing!

Mom Hefeweizen

Mom Hefeweizen, originally uploaded by Ben McLeod.

Mom Hefeweizen, from Rogue Ales
Season: Mother's Day
ABV: unsure

I'm not usually a big hefeweizen fan, but this beer is yummy! It's unfiltered and just a touch spicy (like your mother...).

84/09 Double Alt

84/09 Double Alt4, originally uploaded by Ben McLeod.

84/09 Double Alt, from Widmer Brothers
Season: 25th Anniversary
ABV: 9.4%

A heavy-duty beer - for a heavy-duty anniversary; 25 years of brewing yummy beer in Portland, Oregon. The beer has a heavy malt taste and booze kick. One bottle and you'll be singing, "Happy Birthday!"

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I realize this may not be a "seasonal ale" in the traditional sense of the (you know, the four seasons and all that stuff) but I figured that anniversary or celebration-type ales could fit the bill.

Especially considering the fact that our life is about to get crazy as we move forward with a gypsy existence, following Nikki from rotation-to-rotation.

We'll spend the month of July in Idaho, August in New Hampshire, September in San Diego, and from there until the end of the year, we're not sure.... Hawaii may be a destination....

We'll be spending January through March of next year in the Cascades of Washington, up near Snoqualmie Pass and April through August in Portland.

W '09 Belgian Style Ale

W '09 Belgian Style Ale, originally uploaded by Ben McLeod.

W '09 Belgian Style Ale, from Widmer Brothers
Season: Brewmasters' Release 2009
ABV: 6.5%

A delicious, spicy ale!
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I realize this may not be a "seasonal ale" in the traditional sense (you know, the four seasons and all that stuff) but I figured that anniversary or celebration-type ales could fit the bill.

Especially considering the fact that our life is about to get crazy as we move forward with a gypsy existence, following Nikki from rotation-to-rotation.

We'll spend the month of July in Idaho, August in New Hampshire, September in San Diego, and from there until the end of the year, we're not sure....

We'll be spending January through March of next year in the Cascades of Washington, up near Snoqualmie Pass and April through August in Portland.

Henry Weinhard's Summer Ale

Henry Weinhard's Summer Ale, originally uploaded by Ben McLeod.

Henry Weinhard's Summer Ale, from Blitz-Weinhard
Season: Summer
ABV: 4.95%

Like a good Budweiser.

This isn't normally the type of beer I'd purchase, but I'll do anything for science...

This is a decent, refreshing beer. I could certainly see it's appeal on a 90-degree day.