Founder's reDANKulous Imperial red IPA

As part of the backstage series Founder's new release is exactly what the name implies: dank. It's a red ale but thanks to the generous amount of hops it's also an IPA. Chinook, mosaic and simcoe are featured here along with caramalt and roasted barley. It's a very big, very juicy and sticky brew that I'll honestly be buying more bottles of. Nice frothy crystal head, big 9.5% abv and a punch to the pallet at 90ibu's. The perfect release as fall starts to creep in. I haven't heard if this was kegged but there seems to be plenty of bottles to go around. Cheers!

My Score: 94

Rate beer: 95

Not your father's root beer

It's the biggest selling alcoholic item since Mike's hard lemonade. It sells more pallets a week than Bud or Miller. If you haven't had one yet there's a good possibility that you're dead, or just can't seem to find it. Grabbed off shelves as fast as it's put up. Brewed by Smalltown brewery at first but now contracted out and produced by the place where fourloko is made. I shouldn't have to tell you this tastes exactly like root beer, except after a few of these you may start to feel a little funny thanks to a 5.9% abv. Little did you know they also make a 19.5% abv version that goes into a nice 22oz bottle. Personally, I can only handle the sweetness of just one of these but by no means is it a bad root beer. However, the snob in me that I hate to whip out must tell you; this is not beer and it is certainly not craft beer. Nothing produced on a scale of its size can be considered craft. That being said, none of that information should stop you from imbibing this beverage. To each their own. Now go get drunk. Cheers!

My Score: 85​

Rate Beer: ​79

​Beer Advocate: 87

Flying Monkeys Brewery: The Matador version 2.0 - El Toro Bravo

Have you ever been inside of a humidor? It's a very distinct smell. Ever wonder what it would be like to burn one down and then use the ashes to make a beer that tasted just like it? Wonder no more. This version of Flying Monkeys The Matador dark rye ale is aged on a bed of Spanish Cedar. This process marries the beer with the flavors of the wood and, with the spiciness of the rye malt, leaves this beer with an amazing flavor and mouth-feel. A little on the beefier side in the mouth, along with a huge 10.10% abv Flying Monkeys is no stranger to gigantic flavors and huge beers. This beer is no exception. I can only imagine chewing the perfect medium-rare steak and sipping this in unison. The flavors were almost meant to be. Drink it now or cellar this beast for up to 2 years and see where it goes. Cheers!

My Score: 97

Rate Beer: 95

Beer Advocate: 87