Brockton IPA, Granville Island Brewing, BC

GI is trying to brew a beer that tastes different from their others, but they didn't try very hard. Its boring. Hoppy, but not very, won't satisfy people who like over-hopped beers. And its not very balanced, won't make people who like more traditional IPAs happy either. Oh, well.

Nasty Habit IPA, Mt. Begbie, BC

Another hoppy, american-style IPA. OK, but not standout. Don't think I'd buy it again, though it was only $4.95, I think, for a 650ml bottle, so its cheap if you like hoppy!

Also called a "strong beer", but at 6%ABV... that seems a weak claim.

Total Domination IPA, Ninkasi, OR

American style IPA, i.e., totally hoppy. First time I tasted it I was a bit, "oh, one of these over the top ones". Next time it tasted more balanced. Anyhow, they know their market and are hopping to it. 6.7%ABV.

Bam Noire, Jolly Pumpkin, FL

Like they say, its a Dark Farmhouse Ale. A bit sour, complex, lots of different flavours. I liked it a bunch. Also, one of those expensive, need-an-excuse to buy beers. Too bad.

Nostradamus, Brasserie Caracole, BE

9%ABV, super tasty, dark, rich, very expensive... Julie and I shared it on Christmas Eve.

Abbey Ale, Abita, LA

This was a belgian style. It was OK. Julie quite liked it, I found it a bit sweet.

Christmas Ale, Abita, LA

Never had a beer from Louisiana before... my mother brought these back from New Orleans.

The Christmas ale was spiced, but not overpowering, quite enjoyed it.