The Wishing Wand by Urban Family Brewing

An Imperial Boysenberry Sour Ale

8.5% ABV No IBU's
Untappd - 3.79/5

28B. Mixed-Fermentation Sour Beer

American Wild Ales are beers that are introduced to "wild" yeast or bacteria, such as Brettanomyces, Pediococcus, or Lactobacillus. This introduction may occur from oak barrels that have been previously inoculated, pitching into the beer, or gained from various "sour mash" techniques. Regardless of the method, these yeast and/or bacteria leave a mark that should be noticeable to strong, and often contribute a sour and/or funky, wild note. Mixed-fermentation examples will display a range of aromatics, rather than a single dominant character.

Found at Market of Choice (Willamette St) - Hails from Seattle, Washington

I am going to make this quick and easy. I chose this beauty on the recommendation of the new Beer/Wine Steward at the grocery store. It was the first thing he brought in, so it's as near to a can't miss situation you can possibly find yourself...if you like sours...and I do. I am thinking it's the perfect companion for my mental health day. On to the review!

Appearance: Oooooh, pretty. The color is magnificent. A deep pinkish blue with a head the color of pink icing on a cake. Really big head that stays for a long time. Very inviting.  8.5

Aroma: Sour berries is at the fore front of this brew. I obviously smell the boysenberry but it is also reminiscent of raspberry and a touch of blueberry. I rechecked the label...still says it just boysenberry.  8.3

Flavor: Nice, berry puckerlishissness that dives into some funk and trails off with a little bit of sweetness. Has a slightly sour aftertaste. The boysenberry definitely shines in this one. The missus didn't enjoy it too much (she actually hated it but not surprising since sours are at the bottom of her list of enjoyment) but I like it a lot.  9

Mouthfeel: A crisp and dry sour. Low to medium mouthfeel. Doesn't drink like an imperial...dangerous.  8.9

Overall: The Wishing Wand has me wishing that I had purchased two of them. It's probably the best sour I have had (outside of the one I made of course) but the Mango Flossi is a close second. Urban Family is popular for their sours and I can see why. Highly recommend.  8.68

Matt's mark: 4.34/5

Ancestry Brewing's Glori Haze Imperial Hazy IPA

7.8% ABV 63 IBU

Beer Advocate score - N/A
Untappd score 3.83/5

21A. American IPA

A decidedly hoppy and bitter, moderately strong American pale ale, showcasing modern American or New World hop varietihe balance is hopforward, with a clean fermentation profile, dryish finish, and clean, supporting malt allowing a creative range of hop character to shine through.

Found at Market of Choice (Willamette St) - Hails from Tualatin, OR

I was taking my time through the beer section and this little guy caught my eye. I now know why you want to avoid driving red cars...they do cause more eyes to drift their way. But with beer cans, you don't have to worry about the coppers...unless you have an open container while driving. That is a whole other issue entirely and one I can't help you with. On to the review!

Appearance: It has a thin layer of white foam sitting on top an apple ciderish looking brew. The only way to distinguish it from cider are the tiny white chunks. I will never get used to the "look" of a hazy. 7.3

Aroma: Nice dankness to the citrus hop aroma. I detect guava and tangerine mostly. Tropical fruits galore for sure. 8

Flavor: Intense citrus hop flavor up front but not overly bitter. Not a real malty IPA but enough to be well balance with the citrus and bitter of the hops. A highly quaff-able brew.  8.1

Mouthfeel: It has a nice mid medium mouthfeel that is really smooth. Good carbonation level as well. 7.8

Overall: I really enjoyed the Glori Haze. So much so, I later returned to Market of Choice and purchased another. It's probably the best version of a hazy that I have had outside Anchorage Brewing's hazy IPA's. Stellar job by Ancestry Brewing. 7.8

Matt's mark: 3.9/5

Orval Trappist Ale by Brasserie D'Orval

6.9% ABV No IBU's

Beer Advocate score - 4.24/5
Untappd score 3.73/5

24B. Belgian Pale Ale

A moderately malty, somewhat fruity, easy-drinking, copper-colored Belgian ale that is somewhat less aggressive in flavor profile than many other Belgian beers. The malt character tends to be a bit biscuity with light toasty, honey-like, or caramelly components; the fruit character is noticeable and complementary to the malt. The bitterness level is generally moderate, but may not seem as high due to the flavorful malt profile.

Found at The Brewstation in Cottage Grove, OR -  Hails from Abbaye de Notre-Dame d'Orval, Villers-devant-Orval, Belgium

The Brewstation is my favorite watering hole here in The Grove (which now produces their own beer under the moniker of Coast Fork Brewing). While getting a fill for my growler with the new Brice Creek Brown Ale, I decided to splurge a little more and brought home my first true Trappist Ale. I know, right? My first one. I had no idea what to expect. By the way, if you are ever in Cottage Grove, the CFB brews are definitely worth your while. The Brice Creek Brown is a fine example of the style. On to the review!

Appearance: A nice copperish to amber color with a huge beige head. Has really good retention and has lovely lacing as it dissipates. 7.9

Aroma: A spicy and bready aroma abounds on this one. A little bit of clove, sweet malt and raisin rounds it out.  7.6

Flavor: A good dose of malt with a twinge of sour fruit. A spicy undertone with hints of barnyard. Nicely balanced and quite refreshing.  8.3

Mouthfeel: Medium mouthfeel with a smooth finish despite the lively carbonation. Not to say the carbonation is off-putting...it isn't. 7.9

Overall: Can I have monks make all my beers? That was a delicious, well balanced brew that even the missus didn't mind (I saw a look, she almost took it from me). Definitely saying a lot. Whenever you see this on the shelf, go ahead and take it home...it doesn't cost much and you won't regret it. 7.92

Matt's mark: 3.96/5