36. R.J. King Wingwalker Pale Ale

This one was a big disappointment. Not sure what I was expecting but it was certainly something better than this. I should have known when it was a twist top that the quality was not going to be good but the label made it appear to be a small brewer which apparently does not mean it is a quality beer. The smell was about the only good thing about this one as it did have a slight citrus smell after pour but the taste was mediocre at best, lots of carbonation and an aftertaste that 5 minutes after I am done is still lingering. I would not recommend this beer and am not looking forward to the Wingwalker Lager that I have in the fridge. Glad I only bought a single and not entire 6 or 12 pack. 

Pros: Aroma

Cons: Bad flavor, aftertaste, overly carbonated

Alcohol Content: 5.4% ABV
Calories: ???
IBU (Bitterness): ??
Rating: 
Brewers Website: R.J. Wingwalker

Brewers Description: Ah...the master showmen of aviation acrobatics. Performing in an era when flight was freedom, these competitive daredevils performed breathtaking feats as they "one upped" each other with their signature tricks. Wingwalkers brought excitement to the County Fairs of the 1920's as they whet the appetites of those spectators yearning for adventure! 

"Wet" your appetite for adventure with one of the trailblazing beer styles in the R. J. King Wingwalker portfolio. 

Maine Beer Trail Pass

Came across this today while viewing some stories on Craft Beer in Maine. This is such a great idea and I will certainly have to give it a shot. If anyone wants to join me at any of the breweries let me know.

Maine Beer Trail

Since 1986, Maine has been at the forefront of the craft brew movement.  The Maine Beer Trail spotlights the high quality and creative diversity of fresh, hand-crafted, Maine-made beer. You’ll find a wide range of award-winning breweries and brew pubs throughout the state. Cheers!


http://www.mainebrewersguild.org/BeerTrailWeb.pdf

There are also prizes for visiting breweries;
- 5 breweries = Baseball hat from a Maine brewery
- 10 breweries = T-shirt from a Maine brewery
- All breweries = Prize pack from Maine Beer Gear

35. Samuel Adams Black Lager

Most people think of dark beer as being heavy, thick and generally hard to drink. That would be true of most stouts but there are a lot of very dark lager and brown ales being brewed that are easy to drink, low alcohol content and generally smooth, even though they could be mistaken for your favorite cola in coloring. The Black Lager from Samuel Adams is a good example of a dark but smooth beer and I really enjoyed it. Not something I would drink every day but don't be fooled by the color. 

Pros: Great dark color

Cons:  

Alcohol Content: 4.9%
Calories: 191
IBU (Bitterness): 19

Rating: 
Brewers Website: Samuel Adams
Brewers Description: Our brewers’ interpretation of a traditional German schwarzbier.

When one sees a beer with a darker complexion these days, more often than not it’s a porter or a stout. But looks can be deceiving. There exists a style older than both and generally less well known; the schwarzbier, which literally translates to “Black Beer.” Unlike its dark cousins which are ales hailing from Britain, schwarzbier comes from Germany and uses a bottom fermenting lager yeast.  Samuel Adams Black Lager is brewed in the tradition of the latter. A medium bodied beer brewed using several different roasts of malt to create a smooth body and depth of malt character that has to be tasted to be believed.

34. Samuel Adams Harvest Pumpkin Ale

I think this is the fourth Pumpkin beer I have reviewed in the past week and of all of them this had the mildest flavoring. Overall this is not a bad beer but I expected more from Samuel Adams. As I try more varieties of Sam Adams I am finding they make very few bad beers but many of them are average or only slightly better than average. I have my favorites; White Ale, Summer Ale, Noble Pils and up until I started this blog I had pretty much stayed to these and their Light beer. You will not be disappointed in this beer but I doubt you will be running back to the store to buy more either. 

Pros: Good color, taste is not overpowering

Cons:  Tastes very similar to other Sam Adams varieties

Alcohol Content: 5.7%
Calories: 199
IBU (Bitterness): 14

Rating: 
Brewers Website: Samuel Adams
Brewers Description: A perennial favorite at our brewery Halloween party, Samuel Adams Harvest Pumpkin Ale is brewed with over 11 pounds of real pumpkin per barrel, adding a full body and sweetness to this dark reddish amber brew.  Deep roasted malts, including a smoked malt, lend a distinct roasted character while traditional pumpkin pie spices give the beer a subtle spice note.

33. Shipyard Pumpkinhead Ale

Another Shipyard option at the wedding reception today was their Pumpkinhead Ale which I enjoyed in lieu of cake. Not as good as the draft reviewed here but still a quality beer if you know what you are getting.   
Pros: Great aroma, color and very flavorful
Cons: Flavor can be too much at times
Alcohol Content: 4.9% ABV
Calories: ???
IBU (Bitterness): 15.5
Rating: 
Brewers Website: Shipyard Brewing
Brewers Description: Shipyard Pumpkinhead Ale is a crisp refreshing wheat ale with delightful aromatics and subtle spiced flavor. 
Food Pairings: Lamb, Turkey, BLT, Pumpkin Pie

32. Shipyard Export Ale

I attended a wedding reception this afternoon and was able to grab a couple Shipyards as it seems to be the beer that all the local function halls have for people that do not enjoy the Bud, Michelobs and Miller Lites. Overall not a bad beer but certainly low on my list if I had a long list of beer available. I think it is the slight hoppy aftertaste that spoils this one for me. It is certainly best when enjoyed with a meal as that tends to dampen the aftertaste. Had a great time at the reception and anytime you can have a beer surrounded by great people having fun it is a good day. 

Pros:  Available almost anywhere in Maine

Cons: Aftertaste 

Alcohol Content: 5.1 ABV

Calories: ???

IBU (Bitterness): Unknown
My Rating: 

Brewers Website: Shipyard Brewery

Brewers Description: Shipyard Export Ale, the flagship brand of Shipyard Brewing Company, is a full-bodies ale, with a hint of sweetness upfront, a subtle and distinctive hop taste, and a very clean finish. 

31. Geary's Autumn Ale

I am surprised it took me 31 beers to get to a Geary's as they are one of my favorite local brewers. The Autumn Ale reminded me a lot of the Sebago Brewing Boathouse Brown - both are locally brewed brown ales so I guess that makes sense. The color on this one is a deep red with a nice tan head, full of flavor but still very easy to drink. Great with a meal or all on its own. 
Pros: Great dark color with lots of flavor 
Cons: May be a little dark for some
Alcohol Content: 5.8% ABV
Calories: ???
IBU (Bitterness): Unknown
Rating: 
Brewers Website: D.L. Geary Brewing
Brewers Description: Geary's Autumn Ale is a faithful interpretation of the classic brown ales of Great Britain. With a deep auburn color and a subtle nut-like flavor, Geary's Autumn Ale is the perfect choice as the seasons change.

Original gravity: 1058

Ingredients: Two row English malt (clarity, crystal, chocolate and wheat); Cascade, Golding & Fuggle hops.