Custom 6-Pack - Widmer Brothers, New Belgium, Magic Hat and more

Another week, another 6-pack. Well, more like a 5-pack considering the 6th bottle was O'Fallon's Black Hemp which I talked about last time. I enjoyed it enough to pick up another bottle in place of something new. So that left me with 5 new beers to sample; 4 Domestic and 1 International.

The 5-Pack Lineup

First one out was New Belgium's 1554 Enlightened Black Ale. Talk about BLACK. This beer truly was thick enough to cut with a knife and bordered too dark for me. What I did like about it was the rich chocolatey flavor from the malts. It was definitely smooth and enjoyable, but not something I could see myself drinking frequently.

Second out of the pack was Widmer Brothers' Hefeweizen. This was the polar opposite of 1554. It was a very light wheat brew that was very satisfying. Tasted like a crisp spring day, cool and clean. I really liked the slight citrus flavor that was added. I was debating with myself as to whether it was lemon or orange zest, it's difficult for me to tell. Irregardless, it was nice and refreshing.

Third bottle reminded me of a big box brewery's beer. It was my international pick, Carlsberg Beer. Honestly, not impressed. Watery and a little bitter, I just did not care for this one. It was just a beer, but not in a good way.

Next up was Magic Hat's #9. Another light beer, but this time with a great Hops taste. This is a taste that is growing on me and I'm enjoying it more and more and was pleased with the level of flavor in this bottle.

Last bottle out was Arcadia Ale's Loch Down Scotch Ale. I guess I saved this one for last since it was the only beer I picked up with a high ABV of 8%. First sniff and I could tell too. Definitely had a bite to it, but that was it really. To put it simply, I did not like this beer and it was, in fact, the first one I could not finish. Beer Advocate gives it a much better rating that I ever would consider (link), so I hope I just got a bad bottle. All I could taste was the alcohol and a bad flavor underneath, like a cheap wine that got too warm and sat too long.

Thus ends another pack of beers. I think the "winners" from this week were #9 and the Hefeweizen. I think for my next pack, I might do a 4-Pack of Boulevard's Tank 7. Several of my friends at work were talking about this one and how good it was so I think it's next. Until next time, happy drinking!