Point Belgian White

My good experience with the Southampton Double White last Sunday led me to try this wheat beer out of a bottle. If nothing else it reminded me why I am usually not a fan of the wheat ones. Smell was orangey and yeasty, definitely had that typical wheat beer aroma. At first taste I got the orange and coriander, then it went down hill with that terrible yeasty bready wheat beer taste that I despise kicking in. It finished very smooth, but that awful taste I can't stand lingered on slightly. If you're a wheat beer lover you might enjoy it, but I was not a fan myself. That was a short lived run with the wheaties, I'll be quickly returning to my hop loaded brews now.

Anchor Porter

Unfortunately I didn't have this one out of a glass, but I know for a fact that it is a very dark beer. Smell was of cocoa and dark chocolate which surprised me. I was expecting a coffee bean or expresso type taste but it didn't really have it. Taste was initially toffee, cocoa and some raisins - not overly sweet at all but with a nice touch of it for a good flavor. Finish was bitter but did not hit me all it once. It was very much a long drawn out bitterness that wasn't overbearing or hard to drink at all. Like the other Anchor beers I've had it was very crisp and well balanced. A very solid Porter that I'd recommend for all.

Southampton Double White Ale

I've seen Southhampton Double White on tap at a few other places and finally tried it out today at Park West Tavern in Ridgewood. I had a bad experience with Southampton's IPA back in February and have been reluctant to try their beers, but figured I'd turn over a new leaf and I'm very glad that I did. This double white ale poured a goldeny yellow and had a very interesting smell of lemons and bananas. Taste was sweet at first with the banana being the predominant flavor, and it finished very smooth with a slight lemony aftertaste. It also had a nice wheat taste to it throughout and wasn't overly fruity or sweet at all. A very drinkable beer that is great for the summer. I'd highly recommend giving this one a try, and as an added bonus it's 6.7% ABV!

Guinness @ The Columns in Avon-By-The-Sea

At the Columns to see the E Street Shuffle band. Bartender took her time with the pour and it showed as the beer was near perfect when I received it. Taste was very smooth with a slight bitterness at the end. One of the best I've had, but it doesn't top the Dublin House in Red Bank. Great pint though, you should be here!

Detour Double IPA

Poured this double IPA out of a big bottle into a pint glass and it poured a very dark amber with a big head that took awhile to disappear and left a trace throughout. Smell was herby, citrusy and very hoppy. Not sure if I've had a beer that had such a strong smell of hops. Taste at first is citrus and hops, nicely balanced, but the finish is very strong. The hops kick in, but so does a very strong alcohol taste. I'm a fan of double IPAs, but this one finishes a little too strong. Also has some slight herbal nodes which were delightful. Overall, a little too bitter and alcoholy in the aftertaste, but not terrible. Definitely more of a late fall/winter beer instead of when its 100 degrees in the summer.

Beach Haus

Live from 12 rows back from the stage at the Goo Goo Dolls concert at PNC, I'm waiting for the band to come on while enjoying a 24oz plastic cup of Beach Haus. Not gonna lie, I got it because it was $9.75 while Miller Lite was $11, but I really enjoy it. It has a nice light orange color that was surprising to me since I was expecting a very light yellowy beer. The smell is malty but with some slight hops - really nothing profound. At first taste its sweet, but then balances out with some hops. Its definitely easy to drink in the summer, but has a nice hoppy kick at the end that really intrigues me. Nothing crazy or over the top, but definitely a great hot summer night drinking beer for someone that wants some hops, but doesn't want to be over blown with bitterness.

Beach Haus is served best cold with your beautiful wife beside you.

Margaritaville Spiked Lemonade

I know this isn't a beer, but its made by Margaritaville Brewing Co. so I have to review/advertise it. I'm not a fan of the spiked lemonades or teas, but this one is refreshingly good. Its not too sweet and is more lemon seltzer than lemonade which makes it easier to drink more than one. I'd recommend it as the perfect thirst quencher on a 103 degree summer day. Fins up!