512 Five

512 Five STYLE: American Double / Imperial Stout STATS: 10.10% ABV PENDING RATER: Che - RATE: X.X/5 MEDIA FACEBOOK: 512 Brewing Page TWITTER: @512brewing WEB: 512 Website HOMETOWN: Austin, TX

Six Point Hi Res

Six Point Hi Res STYLE: American Double / Imperial IPA STATS: 11.1% ABV PENDING RATER: Che - RATE: X.X/5 Pours a clear amber color w/ a thin, white head. The aroma is largely tropical citrus w/ a hint of the alcohol coming through. When first tasting this, it didn't have a huge hop flavor that I was anticipating. It actually was very balanced on the tongue. Picking up grapefruit and malt, w/ very lil hops suprisingly. Even though I could smell it, the alcohol is well hidden in the taste. For having a double digit abv, this is very drinkable. Especially considering its an IPA & theyre not my favorite. A "must try" for you hop heads. RATER: Joey - RATE: 3/5 MEDIA FACEBOOK: SixPoint Page TWITTER: @sixpoint INSTAGRAM: @sixpointbrewery WEB: Six Point Website HOMETOWN: Brooklyn, NY

Real Ale Devils Backbone

Real Ale Devils Backbone STYLE: Tripel STATS: 8.1% ABV PENDING RATER: Che - RATE: X.X/5 Poured out of a bottle w/ a slightly cloudy, bright amber color. Frothy white head. Smells of citrus with a kick of something sweet. Despite the citrus smell, it tastes of banana w/ a kick of alcohol. Not too much alcohol to be a turn-off, even though its 8%. Very carbonated but slightly spicy and not a lot of hops. Very drinkable beer that I enjoy often. RATER: Joey - RATE: 3.6/5 MEDIA FACEBOOK: Real Ale Page TWITTER: @RealAleBrewing WEB: Real Ale Brewing Website HOMETOWN: Blanco, Texas

Pennsylvania Penn Dark

Pennsylvania Penn Dark STYLE: Munich Dunkel Lager STATS: 5% ABV PENDING RATER: Che - RATE: X.X/5 MEDIA FACEBOOK: Penn Brewery Page INSTAGRAM: @PennBrewery TWITTER: @PennBrewery WEB: Penn Brewery Website HOMETOWN: Pittsburgh, PA

Shipyard Longfellow Winter Ale

Shipyard Longfellow Winter Ale STYLE: English Porter STATS: 5.8% ABV PENDING RATER: Che - RATE: X.X/5 MEDIA FACEBOOK: Shipyard Page TWITTER: @ShipyardBrewing INSTAGRAM: @shipyardbrewing WEB: Shipyard Website HOMETOWN: Portland, Maine

Circle Third Anniversary

PICTURE ANNIVERSARY GLASS

Circle Third Anniversary

Event: 3rd Anniversary Party for Circle Brewing Location: 2340 West Braker Lane, Suite B Austin, TX 78758 VENUE: This is hosted at the actual brewery, which is in North Austin. Its a medium sized warehouse space that is accessible off Braker itself or Kramer Lane. It's not too hard to find but there is no sign from road as they generally don't host customers there. Each anniversary is on the weekend so there is plenty of "park-where-you-can-fit" spaces.

The entry fee is $15 & this year it includes a special anniversary glass. You also receive a couple drink tokens to net you free pints. There is a bar inside the brewery where drinks are available, an area to wait for a tour & a booth selling merchandise. Outside were a couple food trucks to help pad the belly.

Unfortunately, this year the weather was terrible. It started off overcast but eventually turned into a downpour. Previous years everyone would hang outside in the parking lot & mingle w/ their beers & food. Dogs, lawnchairs & a sort of "tailgate" feel is invoked. Due to the poor weather & lack of space inside, I had to cut my visit short.

Despite the rain, I did get the sweet anniversary glass & get to try some cool beers. I got to try a cask Circle Nightlight and their new "Epic Bock" release. Hopefully Mother Nature cooperates with us next year!

PRO TIP: Everyone queues up for the first bartender after they receive their tokens. Bypass this line & walk into the brewery to find the 3-4 bartenders that are not busy to redeem your tokens.

Review by Joey

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PENDING

Review by Che MEDIA

• FACEBOOK: Circle on Facebook
• TWITTER: @circlebrew
• WEB: Circle Website

Blackstar Coop

Blackstar Coop Event: Lunch w/ friends Location: 7020 Easy Wind Dr, Austin, TX 78752 VENUE: This place is slightly north of "central" Austin but well placed for anyone residing from downtown up to North Austin. Very easy to access off of Airport & Lamar. There is a parking garage close-by that provides plenty of spaces. The bar has plenty of seating both inside and out. The patio is not covered but has umbrellas available. There is a good selection of quality "bar" food available & of course, plenty of craft beer. The taps are always rotating so there's something new to try each time I go. The service was good & the staff friendly. Due to their "Coop" nature, they do not accept tips. Look out for special pint nights where you get to try a special brew & keep the pint glass. Great place to hang with friends! Will come back often. Review by Joey MEDIA FACEBOOK: Blackstarcoop TWITTER: @blackstarcoop WEB: Blackstar Coop Website

Blackstar Vulcan

Blackstar Vulcan STYLE: American IPA STATS: 6.5% ABV Had this out of a keg on-site at the Coop. It pours amber with a thin, white head. Smells of orange peel & rye. It has a very smoky, malt flavor. Very tasty beer w/ a medium amount of carbonation. It is slightly hoppy & you get a lil' bit of the alcohol but that dies down after a few sips. I'm more of a stout man as opposed to IPA but I had a couple of these while I was there. Very drinkable beer. RATER: Joey - RATE: 3.5/5 MEDIA FACEBOOK: Blackstarcoop TWITTER: @blackstarcoop WEB: Blackstar Coop Website HOMETOWN: Austin, Texas

Odell Runoff Red IPA

Odell Runoff Red IPA STYLE: American Amber / Red Ale STATS: 6.5% ABV Pour - more of a rich mahogany, very clear. Light head. Nose - smelled some melon in there with some kind of citrus. Something like clementine or fruity hop flavors. A bit herbal, same with the after taste. Almost like a delicious fruit salad. I had some melon and a bit dry toward the end. Not too much. Tasted more like hoppy amber than an IPA. Great overall beer, excellent take on the "red IPA". RATER: Che - RATE: 3.75/5 MEDIA FACEBOOK: Odell Page TWITTER: @OdellBrewing WEB: Odell Website HOMETOWN: Ft. Collins, Colorado

Odell Myrcenary Double IPA

Odell Myrcenary Double IPA STYLE: American Double / Imperial IPA STATS: 9.3% ABV This beer pours hazy golden orange, moderate fairly creamy head. Didn’t get a overwhelming feeling in terms of smell, a bit of citrus, orange rind, maybe some piney hops. Citrus, hops, some malty sweetness, some bitterness, but it doesn’t linger. One of the best Double IPAs I’ve had. RATER: Che - RATE: 4/5 This beer has a hazy, light copper color w/ a thick white head. It has a distinct, citrus smell that is slightly floral. The floral notes are also present in the taste. For being a double IPA, this beer is not as hoppy as one would expect. Its crisp, clear & smooth w/ only a hint of alcohol despite the higher ABV. Be careful with this one, it will sneak up on ya. I'm not an IPA guy so this is one of the best double IPAs I've had. True hop heads may not agree. RATER: Joey - RATE: 3.8/5 MEDIA FACEBOOK: Odell Page TWITTER: @OdellBrewing WEB: Odell Website HOMETOWN: Ft. Collins, Colorado

Odell 90 Shilling

Odell 90 Shilling STYLE: Scottish Ale STATS: 5.3% ABV The beer pours a hazy brownish amber orange, light tan color head. Smelled nutty, hoppy, and a bit toasty. Also hints of chocolate, toffee, fruity. Tasted just like the smell of roasted malt, caramel with a light touch of fruit some mild bitterness. Nice rich flavor and well balanced. Enjoyable beer that goes down easy. RATER: Che - RATE: 3.25/5 MEDIA FACEBOOK: Odell Page TWITTER: @OdellBrewing WEB: Odell Website HOMETOWN: Ft. Collins, Colorado

New Belgium Trippel

New Belgium Trippel STYLE: Tripel STATS: 7.8% ABV Straw yellow pour, crystal clear and dense white head. It’s actually really gorgeous. I smelled some banana and some spicy coriander. The taste was fruity, malty, also with a touch of hop bitterness. Just a perfect balance. Some dryness on the finish. Beautiful Trippel. RATER: Che - RATE: 3.8/5 MEDIA INSTAGRAM: @newbelgium WEB: New Belgium Website HOMETOWN: Ft. Collins, Colorado

Lagunitas Cappuccino Stout

Lagunitas Cappuccino Stout STYLE: American Double / Imperial Stout STATS: 9.2% ABV Poured dark brown with a light brown thick head. Smells just like cold coffee there isn’t another way to describe it. Tastes like sweetened black coffee with hints of chocolate. It’s a pure coffee style. It’s high in alcohol, but you don’t taste is at all. It’s just a beautiful beer through and through. I highly recommend this to anyone coffee drinker or not. RATER: Che - RATE: 4.3/5 Pours very dark brown w/ a small white head. Smells of coffee & cocoa. The beer itself is a little heavy but thats expected w/ a stout. The taste is very rich & has hints of chocolate & coffee. Its not overly sweet however. Although its a higher percentage beer, the alcohol is hidden well. Very drinkable beer & an enjoyable stout. Wish I had more of it. RATER: Joey - RATE: 4.3/5 MEDIA FACEBOOK: Lagunitas Page TWITTER: @lagunitasbeer WEB: Lagunitas Website HOMETOWN: Petaluma, California

Great Divide Yeti Imperial Stout

Great Divide Yeti Imperial Stout STYLE: India Pale Ale STATS: 9.5% ABV Pours a beautiful thick black with nice dark tan head. Smells of roast, chocolate, and hints of coffee. Nice deep flavors of chocolate and espresso some a bit of caramel. Also it’s thick and savory. Excellent Imperial Stout. RATER: Che - RATE: 4.35/5 MEDIA FACEBOOK: Great Divide Page TWITTER: @greatdividebrew WEB: Great Divide Website HOMETOWN: Denver, Colorado

Deschutes Chainbreaker White IPA

Deschutes Chainbreaker White IPA STYLE: India Pale Ale STATS: 5.6% ABV / 50 IBUS Straw colored pour w/ a thin white head. Citrus aroma w/ a citrus taste as well. I like that it's not hoppy at all. Drinking it feels more like a wit as opposed to an IPA. Very summery & fresh w/ a medium amount of carbonation. Like this beer a lot & want to try it on tap next time. RATER: Joey - RATE: 3.3/5 MEDIA FACEBOOK: Deschutes on Facebook INSTAGRAM: @deschutesbeer TWITTER: @DeschutesBeer WEB: Deschutes Website HOMETOWN: Bend, Oregon

Deschutes Black Butte Porter

Deschutes Black Butte Porter STYLE: American Porter STATS: 5.2% ABV / 30 IBUS Pour looks like coffee. Nice thick head, light brown. Smells lightly of coffee with no hops and a bit of malt. The taste was pretty amazing. I love coffee and you could taste the roasted coffee in this one. Light chocolate and a little bitterness in the after taste. Great balance in the chocolate and coffee flavors. Highly carbonated. RATER: Che - RATE: 4.25/5 MEDIA FACEBOOK: Deschutes on Facebook INSTAGRAM: @deschutesbeer TWITTER: @DeschutesBeer WEB: Deschutes Website HOMETOWN: Bend, Oregon

Circle Nightlight

Circle Nightlight STYLE: Irish Dry Stout STATS: 4.7% ABV Solid black pour w/ a cream, frothy head. It smells strongly of coffee. It looks thick but actually tastes thin. Tastes slightly bitter but its very creamy. There is no discernable alcohol taste & it's very low in carbonation. I can pickup a slight hint of chocolate as well. It also may be a lil' bland to some but as a stout-lover, I find it very drinkable. Definitely looking out for this everywhere I go. RATER: Joey - RATE: 4.1/5 MEDIA FACEBOOK: Circle on Facebook TWITTER: @circlebrew WEB: Circle Website HOMETOWN: Austin, Texas

Ballast Point Sculpin

Ballast Point Sculpin STYLE: American IPA STATS: 7% ABV Pours golden honey with great clarity and thick white head. Smells of citrus, pine, and floral hops. I’ve tried this one in many different serving styles: Bottle, tap, growler and the taste is consistent. A great IPA taste. Thick and rich without losing the fruitiness experienced in the aroma. It’s one of my favorite beers. I do have to knock it down a bit because it’s on the pricey side. It’s $16 for a six pack and I’ve seen the Bomber bottles anywhere from $9-$12 which makes it on the expensive end for beers in our local area. RATER: Che - RATE: 4/5 MEDIA INSTAGRAM: @ballastpointbrewing TWITTER: @bpbrewing WEB: Ballast Point Website HOMETOWN: San Diego, California

Ballast Point Fathom IPL

Ballast Point Fathom IPL STYLE: American Double / Imperial Pilsner STATS: 6.8% ABV Straw colored pour w/ a foamy, white head. It has a strong, citrus aroma. Almost smells of grapefruit. It's carbonated w/ a slightly sweet flavor that balances out the IPA bitterness. The cirtus hops never let the taste fall into the "too hoppy" category (sorry hop heads). This is truly a unique blend of a lager & an IPA. Very interesting to try but won't be a staple in my fridge. RATER: Joey - RATE: 3.4/5 MEDIA INSTAGRAM: @ballastpointbrewing TWITTER: @bpbrewing WEB: Ballast Point Website HOMETOWN: San Diego, California

Abita Spring IPA

Abita Spring IPA STYLE: American IPA STATS: 6.2% ABV Poured from a growler with a golden-orange in color and a frothy white head. The head stayed throughout the duration of the beer. That’s about all the only good thing I have to say. The nose is pretty one dimensional, some sweetness there. Citrus smells along with hops. Nothing there in as far as taste. Very light and not very good in my opinion. It didn’t have a bad flavor, it just didn’t have much of a flavor at all. RATER: Che - RATE: 1.7/5 MEDIA TWITTER: @TheAbitaBeer WEB: Abita Website HOMETOWN: Abita Springs, Louisiana

Abita Andy Gator

Abita Andy Gator STYLE: Maibock / Helles Bock STATS: 8% ABV / 25 IBU They had an Abita growler giveaway at my local beer spot so I decided to give this a try. It pours as an ultra clear, golden color w/ a white, whispy foam head. A very light, sweet apple smell. Pretty standard lager taste and the alcohol only slightly comes through. Nothing special about this beer but it's still better than most non-craft brews. RATER: Joey - RATE: 2.4/5 Pours cloudy gold with an off white head. You can get some of that high alcohol sense, sweetness, and hoppy. You get some spicy and fruitiness in there from the dry hops. Taste. Malty, hint of caramel, hops, high alcohol. It goes down smooth and leaves a hint of bitterness. RATER: Che - RATE: 3.5/5 MEDIA TWITTER: @TheAbitaBeer WEB: Abita Website HOMETOWN: Abita Springs, Louisiana

512 Cascabel Cream Stout

512 Cascabel Cream Stout STYLE: Milk / Sweet Stout STATS: 6% ABV This beer is a very dark & opaque pour. Has a thin cream-colored head. You can immediately smell the chocolate & coffee. It's body is medium but very smooth. The alcohol is transparent. It has a creamy sweetness that is not overpowering. Very drinkable & not overly sweet. Easily one of my favorite beers now & the best stout I've had in awhile. RATER: Joey - RATE: 4.5/5 MEDIA FACEBOOK: 512 Brewing Page TWITTER: @512brewing WEB: 512 Website HOMETOWN: Austin, TX