Ninkasi Believer Double Red Ale

As you pour yourself a glass the first thing you’ll notice is that the beer is very aromatic and has a dark reddish brown color, with coffee/tan head. Already drinking it looks pretty appealing. Add to that a rich, thick, malty texture with a spicy flavor like spring clover, a little bitter, and a lot of hops, and you’re looking at a pretty satisfying drinking experience.

IBUs 60
ABV 6.9%
Eugene, OR

3 ½ stars

2010 Pike Old Bawdy Barley Wine style Ale

This is a seasonal beer for Pike, whose brewery is actually right around the corner from Pike’s Place Market in downtown Seattle. The beer has a thick texture, sweet and fruity flavor profile with an undercurrent of bitter aftertaste, like an IPA. It’s a nice pub beer for sipping (which is good, because if you drank it any quicker it would kick you in the face). It’s expensive though, at $9.95 for a 22 Oz. bottle.

IBUs 90
ABV 9.9%
Seattle, WA

3 stars