Our winners were RetroBrewz and TPA Bier Lass be sure to give them some love!

See all the submissions below!

What will you win?

The winner will be chosen at the end of the month based on the number of entries provided and the best looking picture. The prize will be determined later in the month, however you can expect some cool merch, possible new custom glass or even a game.

How to Enter The Contest

In order to enter the contest be sure to tag us on Twitter/Instagram by using #DBPG and #NOIPAMAY showcasing your non-IPA beer (extra points for including a video game too). We will be featuring our favorite photos on our site and social media throughout the month of May. Every different picture counts as a new submission, so get drinking and get sharing. At the end of the month we will select a winner who will get a special giveaway. I can’t wait to try some different beer styles with you all!

See some great examples from the previous years: Check out all pictures from 2021, 2022

What beer styles should you try during the month of May?

The obvious answer is, drink whatever style you like the most, but I have broken down a few styles that are staples for the spring time and reflect a lighter and more outdoorish (not a word) mood. There are plenty of other styles as well so don’t limit yourself to just this list. The descriptions were pulled from Craftbeer.com

Helles

A beer for beer lovers, the German-style helles is a malt accented lager beer that balances a pleasant malt sweetness and body with floral Noble hops and restrained bitterness. The helles is a masterclass in restraint, subtly and drinkability which makes it an enduring style for true beer lovers and an elusive style for craft brewers to recreate. The German helles reminds beer lovers that the simple things in life are usually the most rewarding and worth pursuing.

Some examples: Hofbräu Original, Hell Lager (Surly Brewing Company), Victory Helles Lager

Kölsch

Crisp, delicate and oh-so-drinkable, the German-style Kolsch is a beer hybrid, meaning that its production and subsequent beer drinking experience saddles qualities of both lager beers and ale beers. These light and refreshing ale-lager hybrids are perfect for warm summer days and have become a favored style by American craft brewers and beer lovers alike. In addition to their thirst quenching ability, they also are a fun beer to enjoy with food, including traditional German sausages and kraut.

Some examples: Ballast Point California Kölsch, Sierra Nevada Kölsch, Leinenkugel Canoe Paddler

Cream Ale

The American cream ale is a mild, pale, light-bodied ale, made using a warm fermentation (top or bottom fermenting yeast) and cold lagering. Despite being called an ale, when being judged in competitions it is acceptable for brewers to use lager yeast.

Some examples: Public House Cream Ale, Neshaminy Creek Cream Ale, Naked Brewing Cream Ale

Pilsner

The Bohemian pilsener has a slightly sweet and evident malt character and a toasted, biscuit-like, bready malt character. Hop bitterness is perceived as medium with a low to medium-low level of noble-type hop aroma and flavor. This style originated in 1842, with “pilsener” originally indicating an appellation in the Czech Republic. Classic examples of this style used to be conditioned in wooden tanks and had a less sharp hop bitterness despite the similar IBU ranges to German-style pilsner.

Some examples: Pilsner Urquell, Lagunitas PILS, Dogfish Head Piercing Pils

Gose

Straw to medium amber, the contemporary Gose is cloudy from suspended yeast. A wide variety of herbal, spice, floral or fruity aromas other than found in traditional Leipzig-Style Gose are present, in harmony with other aromas. Salt (table salt) character is traditional in low amounts, but may be perceptible in varying intensities. Body is low to medium-low.

Some examples: The Kimmie, The Yink & The Holy Gose, Sixpoint Jammer, Evil Twin Brewing Mission Gose

Wheat Beers

American wheat beers are some of the most approachable beers in the craft beer world, and the versatility of wheat beer allows it to be combined with a variety of ingredients or enjoyed on its own alongside a wide variety of food options. The sizable portion of wheat malt used to brew wheat beer lends a lighter, distinctive experience compared to beers brewed with barley exclusively.

Some examples: Bell’s Oberon Ale, Harpoon UFO, Sam Adams Summer Ale

Farm House Ales/Siasons

Beers in this category are gold to light amber in color. Often bottle-conditioned, with some yeast character and high carbonation. Belgian-style saison may have Brettanomyces or lactic character, and fruity, horsey, goaty and/or leather-like aromas and flavors. Specialty ingredients, including spices, may contribute a unique and signature character. Commonly called “farmhouse ales” and originating as summertime beers in Belgium, these are not just warm-weather treats. U.S. craft brewers brew them year-round and have taken to adding a variety of additional ingredients.

Some examples: Ommegang Hennepin, Boulevard Tank 7, Hill Farmstead Arthur

Bocks

Traditional bock beers are all-malt brews and are high in malt sweetness. Malt character should be a balance of sweetness and toasted or nut-like malt. “Bock” translates as “goat”!

Some examples: Yuengling Bock, Gunther’s Bock, Tröegs Troegenator

Sours

The acidity present in sour beer is usually in the form of lactic, acetic and other organic acids naturally developed with acidified malt in the mash, or produced during fermentation by the use of various microorganisms. These beers may derive their sour flavor from pure cultured forms of souring agents or from the influence of barrel aging.

Some examples: Victory Sour Monkey, Rogue Just a Pinch, Avery Apricot

We can’t wait to see all your beers, Cheers!

Background – From Neshaminy Creek themselves “It’s Creekfest time! This is our traditional German-style Festbier brewed once a year to celebrate the beginning of fall and all of the Oktoberfest merriment that the season brings. Best enjoyed while donning your favorite pair of lederhosen, Creekfestbier Lager is brewed with Pilsner and Munich malts for a medium body and toasty backbone. Herkules and Hallertauer hops balance the bready character with a touch of bitterness. The crisp, dry finish will leave you wanting another liter…or two. Prost!”

Appearance – The can design is everything I expect out of Neshaminy Creek. Alot of details and something funny, you have a coocoo clock with two Germans saying cheers with the nice blue and white checker design on the back of the can. Once poured it looks like most Marzens. A foamy head with a ton of lacing and that traditional burnt amber color.

Aroma – This aroma for this one is quite strong. You have big notes of caramel and with toasted grains and malts as the foundation. If you let this one warm a bit I can also notice some pretzel which is fitting for an Oktoberfest

Taste: The flavor is all about the caramel and malts with a slight toasted grain finish. There is a hint of spice but I can’t tell if its the hops or something else. Either way I really like what I am getting out of this one.

Drinkability – As one of the lowest ABVs for a Marzen (5.2%) this really helps in how easy it is to go through a few cans of these bad boys. You will notice a medium body with a hop and sweet finish. The surprise here is how it feels heavy for such a light brew.

Overall – I was amazed at how much I enjoyed this one. That’s not a knock on Neshaminy Creek because I enjoy all their beers, but for a non German brewer to make such a tasty Marzen I was impressed. This is a definite must try for you Oktoberfest beer enthusiasts.

Game Pairing: When it comes to game pairing I decided to pick Northgard. In a world of RTS’ that get overlooked this is one you should really try. It may be smaller in scale compared to other games but the various Viking Clans all offer something fun and unique. So grab a 6 pack and enjoy your time.

Background – From Tröegs themselves “Our take on this timeless German style starts with a traditional brewing technique called decoction, creating a bright, dry maltiness. A kettle addition of Hallertau Tradition hops adds subtle floral and herbal undercurrents to this toasty sweet Fest Lager. Eins, zwei, g’suffa!”

Appearance – The bottle design is everything you would want out of an Oktoberfest brew. With the dominant color of it being blue with nice touches of gold. The center piece of the bottle a nice stein of beer which is what this is about, the beer. I love the way Tröegs handles the information on the side as well with a nice little paragraph of information. Once poured you have that classic burnt amber color with alot of foamy head and a ton of lacing. Great looking brew here.

Aroma – This aroma at first reminds me of most Marzens. The malt, and toasted bread notes are heavy but I also notice a pretzel smell which is not normal for this style.

Taste: The flavor is heavy in toasted grains, almost like cereal, with a caramel finish. I also get something close to a dark brown bread, maybe with sweet butter. I like that that sweet and toasted notes are perfectly balanced.

Drinkability – The initial sip will be smooth with a little bit of a bite. This is a medium body brew with a crisp finish and a sweet sugar film left on the lips.

Overall – Tröegs has never disappointed me when it comes to their products and this is another great example. I love that this beer has all the standard notes you would expect from a Mazen, but I also find that there are some new flavors being presented. I would highly recommend this one.

Game Pairing: When it comes to game pairing I decided to pick Star Wars Rogue Squadron II: Rogue Leader. This is a great Star Wars game in the catalog of other great Star Wars games and it is commonly over looked. If you wanna feel like you are in control of a legit X Wing in a really fun game then grab a 6 pack and enjoy yourself.

Background – From Spoetzl Brewery themselves “Just like the world’s largest beer festival, our little brewrey has Bavarian roots and a long tradition of honoring tradition. Which is why we made this märzen-style with German-grown Hallertau tradition. If that doesn’t make you polka dance for joy, we don’t know what will..”

Appearance – The bottle has a predominantly orange palate that really stands out. There are nice accents of blue and white but it would be easy to mistake this for a pumpkin beer from afar. Once poured you have the burnt amber color with a heavy foamy head and alot of lacing, very traditionally looking Marzen here.

Aroma – This beer holds up the standard expectation of a Marzen. You have heavy notes of malt and biscuits. Both cold and warm I could detect alot from Shiner.

Taste: Just like the aroma the taste here is all what you would expect. A healthy dose of malt with a slight caramel finish. As the beer warms you will get some toasted notes and a minimal amount of hops. I like what they are doing with this one, its a solid beer.

Drinkability – The initial sip will be smooth with minimal carbonation and you will notice the sweetness of the malts. But as it sits you will have a dry almost stale aftertaste which is the biggest negative I could detect from this one.

Overall – The Shiner Märzen-Style Oktoberfest may not deviate too much from a standard Marzen, which is fine with me. Its the finish of the beer that stops it from being better. I would recommend trying it, especially if this is an introduction to Marzens.

Game Pairing: When it comes to game pairing I decided to pick Power Move Wrestling. Listen I know there are plenty of better wrestling game’s out there but this is an interesting choice that doesn’t do much wrong, yet its not perfect either. These two deserve each other.

Background – From Hofbräu brewery themselves “The waitress is carrying ten liters and she still has a smile on her face. Celebrating, singing, swaying – Prost! The Hofbräu tent at the Oktoberfest is known for its lively atmosphere. Here is where the world comes to celebrate. Down Under in Lederhosen. Of course, the most popular folk festival in the world wouldn’t be complete without a very special beer: Hofbräu Oktoberfest beer is a full-bodied, bottom-fermented specialty beer. With its fine hoppy aroma, it’s perfect alongside a classic Oktoberfest roasted chicken. The Oktoberfest originated in 1810 in Munich, Germany, as a wedding celebration for the Crown Prince Ludwig of Bavaria. This product was created especially for this event and is brewed usually for the Oktoberfest, now the largest beer festival in the world. Hofbräu München (HB) is one of a selected group of breweries granted the privileges of supplying the Oktoberfest with their products. Using the highest quality ingredients, HB’s Oktoberfest Specialty has its own distinctive and unique taste.”

Appearance – The bottle has the traditional Hofbräu style with a slight variation on the color to celebrate Oktoberfest. It looks good but it doesn’t stand out much in the crowd. Once poured you get the crystal clear golden straw color that you expect from festbiers with a heavy foamy head that leaves alot of lacing.

Aroma – Unfortunately most festbiers share the similar trait of a lack of aroma. Once this bad boy warms you will notice some lemon and grass with a hint of biscuit. But even after 1-2 I can barley notice much from the bottle or the pour.

Taste: The flavors are similar to the aroma, not very strong but there are hints of the lemon and grass. The finish is the biscuit flavor but not a great one.

Drinkability – For 6.3% this is on the stronger side of Oktoberfest beers and yet it goes down super smooth. There is alot of carbonation with a dry and crisp finish.

Overall –  I this is a solid option for a warm night and if you are not a fan of the dark Marzens then this isn’t bad to try out.

Game Pairing: When it comes to game pairing I decided to pick Mario Party 8. This is the type of beer you should be drinking with a group and while Mario Party 8 may not be the best of the bunch it is still a fun time. So grab a 6 pack and boot up the old Wii.

Background – From Funk Brewing Company themselves “This traditional lager that is brewed all German malt and hops. A slight toasted hazelnut flavor with a touch of caramel sweetness and a dry biscuity finish. This is the lager of your dreams. Funktoberfest is a Octoberfest style beer with a twist. Octoberfest is a traditional lager that is brewed at the end of spring and stored the whole summer until that autumn where is brought out to be consumed along with a traditional celebration. Funktoberfest is slightly different as it is brewed as an ale with no lagering period, cause hell, everyday your alive and breathing should be a celebration and who wants to wait to drink an awesome beer anyways. It has a medium level of bitterness with a wonderful malt complexity and a slight toasty/nutty flavor with a touch of sweetness and a dry finish.”

Appearance: Sometimes the classics are a classic for a reason. These tall boy cans stand out with their bright blue and white traditional checker design. Interesting choice on the oversized mustache, admittedly that’s not something I see very often. Once poured you get a very murky burnt amber color with a small head and a decent amount of lacing.

Aroma: The aroma throws me because it comes off almost more floral and hoppy versus malty and sweet. The notes I do get are faint and nothing that will grab you.

Taste: The taste is interesting because there is alot of bite in each sip. There is a slight toastiness with faint hints of something nutty. The flavor profile may be too subtle for its own good and in general this one doesn’t feel like an Oktoberfest Marzen.

Drinkability: Mouthfeel is heavy carbonation but very light. The finish is crisp with a surprising amount of dryness that manages to still have a sugar film leave over. Its an odd sensation, not necessarily bad but it does not feel like a Marzen.

Overall: I respect that Funk Brewing was trying something new, but this is one I will likely pass over in the future. Still its worth a try if you are looking for a Marzen that doesn’t follow the mold.

Game Pairing: Since this is not a typical beer for the style I wanted to go with a non traditional game. WindJammers 2. It may not be deep in its gameplay but it is fun with a buddy. So grab a 4 pack and and a buddy and enjoy yourself.

Background – From The Ayinger brewery themselves “Beer in Bavaria has had an exceptionally high value since time immemorial. It is not just the proverbial “liquid bread” alone, but rather also the social “cement” of our culture, in which values such as conviviality, community, honesty, reliability and solidarity with the homeland play a major role. The deep roots in our region, continuously deepened over generations, form the nutrient base of the Ayinger Brewery. The quality of our beer, consistently awarded numerous prizes for its excellence, is consequently not just based on the select ingredients of our region and the capacities of our brewing art. Equally important is the spirit, the mindset, the very values with which we have performed our craft for over 130 years.”

Appearance – Now this is what an Oktoberfest beer bottle should look like. A great depiction of people drinking from the steins and celebrating. I always appreciate more effort going into these labels. Once poured I was shocked because you get a clear burnt golden color and not the amber that you would expect from a Marzen

Aroma – This is one of the most robust aromas I have experienced when drinking any Marzen. It is filled to the brim with malts and caramel with heavy notes of sugar bread. I love this aroma and it may be my favorite one so far.

Taste: The taste follows the aroma. You have huge malt and caramel notes with an overall sweetness. Not as balanced as other Marzens but I found that I enjoyed it, maybe I am getting tired of any bitterness.

Drinkability – This is a silky smooth brew with barley any bite. The beer itself is medium bodied and does not leave too much of a sugar laced film in your mouth. After one bottle it is surprising that it sits kind of heavy, but still its a hell of an experience.

Overall –  I really enjoyed this brew. The aroma and flavor are both excellent and this one goes down smooth as hell. It is a must try if you like Marzens.

Game Pairing: When it comes to game pairing I decided to pick Ogre Battle The March of the Black Queen on the SNES. This is an overlooked real time tactical role playing game. If you like this genre then grab a six back of beer and prepare for an epic quest.

Background – From The Devil’s Backbone brewing themselves “Inspired by modern German Oktoberfest bier, O’Fest will make you want to hoist a stein at your local bier hall and say “Prost!” We hear that means “cheers” in German. It’s medium-bodied, golden in color, and tastes smooth, malty & bready thanks to the contemporary blend of malts and hops. You’ll love it whether it’s October or Oktober”

Appearance – Now this is what an Oktoberfest beer bottle should look like. A great depiction of people drinking from the steins and celebrating. I always appreciate more effort going into these labels. Once poured I was shocked because you get a clear burnt golden color and not the amber that you would expect from a Marzen

Aroma – The aroma is bright and crisp, like a fresh wake up with notes of malt and apple. While it may not be heavy in the aroma the notes that you do get are all pleasant. 

Taste: The taste is crisp with notes of malts and bread but it is very light. It almost surprises me how much it doesnt feel like a marzen. This reminds me of the festbier style lager, but either way it tastes good.

Drinkability – The O’fest is an extremely easy beer to drink with a dry finish. It goes down smooth and at 5.9% it may be a bit too smooth. I love brews like this that are perfect for a warmer September day.

Overall –  I like what this beer is going for, even at 5.9% this feels lighter than most of the Oktoberfest beers I have tried so far. If it is available near you then I suggest grabbing a 6 pack. 

Game Pairing: When it comes to game pairing I decided to pick Lego Jurassic World. Something about this beer made we want to go outside, and hell why not be outside with some dinosaurs. The lego games never disappoint and with this beer you will be able to enjoy yourself that much more.

Background – From Flying Fish themselves “We present this German style lager in celebration of the season. To be enjoyed with the fest fare and especially when paired with lederhosen. ”

Appearance – Standing out from most Oktoberfest beer this bottle sports predominantly red with the traditional blue and white checker style. Flying Fish even includes their fish logo with a nice little German style hat. Once poured you will notice a light brown amberish clear brew with little to no lacing and a tannish head.

Aroma – The aroma through me off at first because I had heavy notes of stale bread. As the beer warmed I noticed hints of caramel and toasted malts. It takes a minute to grow on you and once it does its quite nice.

Taste – The taste is just like the aroma where it starts one way and finishes in a different direction. The initial pop of sweetness takes you for a surprise but as the beer settles and warms you get that toast malt and bread flavor. There is also a noticeable amount of spice with this one so it doesn’t quite feel like a traditional Marzen.

Drinkability – The Oktoberfish has a medium to light body with a high amount of carbonation. The finish is mostly dry with hints of sweetness left on your lips.

Overall – The beer is nice because it maintains an overall subtle balance, however the spice makes it feel less like a Marzen than I am use to. It is still good and perfect for any fall day.

Game Pairing: When it comes to game pairing I decided to pick bioshock Infinite. A solid game but similar to this beer it didn’t feel like a typical bioshock game. So pair these two outcasts and enjoy yourself.

Background – From Weihenstephaner themselves “Deep gold in color, this beer is luminous in the glass. From the very first sip, the full-bodied flavor is immediately perceptible – a balanced harmony of hop and malt aromas. The dense foam and the rich maltiness of this beer are especially impressive in a Maßkrug (liter mug).Festbier is delicious with simple dishes, roasted chicken and flavorful Alpine cheese.”

Appearance – I could only manage to find cans of this one. In an off tan can with the green it doesnt read as a festbier. I like all the gold accents and logos. The bold lettering that claims it is from the world’s oldest brewery is a nice touch as well. Once poured it is a clear golden color with a foamy head that leaves plenty of lacing.

Aroma – Very light in the aroma with notes of apple and lemon. The malts are there but are not overpowering.

Taste – The taste is very light. I notice a mild balance of malts, apples and then a hoppy and tart finish. The sweetness is evenly balanced with a tart finish, which I presume is from the hops.

Drinkability – This is even lighter than most Marzens. With a very light mouthfeel this beer finishes dry and with a bit of tartness. Its easy to drink but I don’t love the mouth feel. This could easily be a full day drinker.

Overall – Another good beer from the Germans. This is a beer that is lighter than a Marzen and a perfect bridge beer for light lager drinkers. I imagine the best place to have this is during a festival/party while chomping on pretzels. I would highly suggest it.

Game Pairing: When it comes to game pairing I decided to pick Rampage. This beer is meant to be consumed while with others and playing into the chaotic and over the top fun of Rampage you are sure to have a great time. You will easily go through many of these brews and quarters, but you will have a great time.

Be sure to check out all of the other Oktoberfest Beer reviews here.

Background – From Spaten themselves “Our Spaten Oktoberfest beer is brewed in spring for the world’s largest folk festival. Countless Oktoberfest visitors are enthusiastic about this beer every year. Because every sip with its unmistakably tasty taste is as special as the Wiesn itself.”

Appearance – The bottle design is simple with a nice color scheme, with blue and silver being the dominant tones. The green bottle does help it stand out and the font used looks great. When you pour this out you will get a very dark amber with a robust foamy head that leaves alot of lacing.

Aroma – Typical of most Marzens this boasts alot of toasted malts, with hints of caramel and some kind of hop that I can’t really define. It smells like tradition.

Taste – The taste is really well done. The malts are heavy upfront but not overpowering. Then you get the caramel sweetness with a touch of hops. I cannot recommend this enough, allow this one to warm up a bit while drinking. The notes really open up as it reaches room temperature.

Drinkability – This is beer drinks like you expect an Oktoberfest to drink. Smooth with a medium mouth feel, a slight hop and burn after the initial sip. Then you get a sugar film on your lips. Alot to enjoy with this one.

Overall – To the surprise of no one the Germans do Oktoberfest beers the best. This is subtle in all the right ways but delivers with the flavors you would want.

Game Pairing: When it comes to game pairing I decided to pick Gauntlet from the arcade. I wanted to go to a traditional game to match this legendary brew. While Gauntlet may not blow people away today it is undeniable that it is a solid experience that spawned an entire genre.

Be sure to check out all of the other Oktoberfest Beer reviews here.

Background – From New Trail Brewing themselves “Available exclusively in our Hoppy Variety 12pack, our Modern West Coast IPA brings all the hallmarks of West Coast clarity and drinkability, while adding Modern East Coast hop aroma and lowered bitterness.
No. 2 in the series is brewed with Talus and Citra hops for high stone fruit aroma, as well as Crystal and Chinook calling back to classic piney West Coast character.
This beer will constantly evolve as we experiment with the style. Check back in the Hoppy Variety Pack to journey along with us.”

Appearance – The can design is striking with the use of purple and hints of yellow/gold. Like most New Trail Brews the background has a more subtle approach. The can definitely stands out, although you can only get this one in a mixed variety pack. Once poured the beer fairly clear with a substantial amount of foamy head.

Aroma – The smell of pine is strong, with notes hops and a little bit of sweetness that I can’t quite put my finger on. In general it smells like most West Coast IPAs, which can be good or bad depending on how you look at it.

Taste – The flavor is primarily pine with some heavy resin as well. The backend of the flavor tastes of citrus, and a slight sugar apricot. The initial flavor may not knock you back but the beer grows on you as you continue to sip and allow it to warm up.

Drinkability – Personally West Coast IPAs are my least favorite and its due to the bitterness. The Modern West Coast Experimental IPA – No. 2 reminds me of most WC IPAs I have tried and after 1-2 I am done with it.

Overall – Overall there is alot to like here, but the ceiling is low on this style. It is one of the better West Coast IPAs so if you are still able to grab it I would suggest it.

Game Pairing: When it comes to game pairing I decided to go with Satisfactory available on Steam. This is a unique first person factory building game that allows you to explore with some limited combat. I love when publishers try something different, much like this beer so enjoy these two experiments together.

Comment below on who your favorite submission is.

Background – From Guinness themselves “The best selling premium Irish import lager in the world today. This rich, golden pilsner style lager, with a smooth, refreshing hoppy taste, is brewed the Irish way, using only the finest barley and pure spring water from the Cooley Mountains of Dundalk, Ireland.”

Appearance – The bottle design is simple with a nice color scheme, with blue and silver being the dominant tones. Looking at this bottle nothing sticks out that this is a an Irish lager and I wish that Guinness would have made more of an effort. The beer itself pours a golden clear with a typical white foamy head. Lacing

Aroma – Like most pale lagers the aroma is quite weak. The only thing I notice is a bit of the malt and some caramel, but I cannot stress how faint it is.

Taste – The taste is similar to the aroma, not a lot here. Harp is more flavorful than Budweiser or Miller as the malts are a bit more present and you can notice a touch of the sugars leaves a nice flavor.

Drinkability – This is an Irishman’s dream when it comes to drinkability. You can drink this beer fast and in great quantities. When you let it settle there is a clean dry mouthfeel with a bit of sugar left on your lips. Next time you are having a party you should try playing some beer pong with Harp.

Overall – While I feel that Harp is a better lager than most of the American macro lagers it still suffers from the same issues. There is not a ton of aroma or flavor but holy hell is it drinkable. I would recommend trying this next time you need a beer for a party.

Game Pairing: When it comes to game pairing I decided to pick Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles for the Xbox. This game may not compare to the original arcade game or Turtles in Time but it is a solid beat em up and is great for a quick pick up and play game. So grab a six pack (or a case) and kick some foot solider ass! Sláinte

Background – From Guinness themselves “In 300 years of triumph, adversity and above all, brewing, you learn a thing or two about ale. This, our original Red Ale, is a blend of mild hops, sweet malt and roasted barley. Like the castle at the heart of our Kilkenny home, it’s stood the test of time throughout Irish history, and earned its rightful place as Ireland’s most loved ale. Smithwick’s Red Ale is the ruby red session ale with a gentle hop bitterness, sweet malty notes and a refreshingly balanced taste.”

Appearance – The bottle design stands out with the distinct red label and the photo of the Castle from Kilkenny. This beer screams Ireland and still manages to keep it very simple. With a nice description on the label this is what a standard beer label should be. When you pour the beer into a glass you will notice a dark amber/ruby color that is clear but quite dark. The head produces a ton of lacing that sticks around the glass throughout the remainder of the drink.

Aroma – Unless you are an Irish Blood Hound you will not get much of a scent from this beer. What you will get tends to be strictly malts, I would love to be clever enough to keep describing this beer but to be honest there’s little here.

Taste – The flavor is a typical for Irish Red Ales, malt heavy that tends to be a bit bready and notes of the hops finish off your sips. It may not be the most flavorful beer but there is nothing I dislike while drinking.

Drinkability – The Smithwicks Red Ale goes down real easy but man does it have a bitter upfront bite to it. The mouthfeel is both dry and bitter but doesn’t last long. After 2-3 of these beers it may begin to wear on you but make no mistake this is a solid session beer that is great to drink throughout the day.

Overall – Overall this is one of Jim’s favorite beers but strictly for nostalgia. The Smithwicks red ale is one of the most well known Irish red ales and is typically consider the “other” Irish beer aside from the Guinness Stout. I would recommend trying it but do not expect to be blown away, this is a drinking mans beer.

Game Pairing: When it comes to game pairing I decided to go with Maximum Carnage on the Sega Genesis. I used to love this game as a kid, and like Jim’s nostalgia for this beer,  neither ages as good as we thought. Still the beer is solid and the game is fun, although hard as hell, so suit up as Spiderman and Venom grab a few of these Irish Red Ales and get fighting, Sláinte

Background – From Coors/George Killians themselves “The original George brewed the first batch of Enniscorthy Ruby Ale, the inspiration for George Killian’s Irish Red. He just wanted a better beer to share with his friends. He then founded Mill Park Brewery in Enniscorthy, Ireland, so he could share his ruby-colored ale with all of Ireland.

George Killian’s Irish Red is an authentic Irish lager based on an original family recipe that dates to 1864 in Enniscorthy, Ireland. Using only pure spring water and the finest caramel malts, roasted longer and slower, give the brew a rich red color and distinctive taste. The beer is well known for its rich amber color and thick, creamy head.”

Appearance – The bottle design definitely stands out with the blood red label and the horse head design. While it may be brewed by Coors today there is no doubt that this is a beer that represents an Irish recipe. The beer itself pours a clear amber brown with little head and almost no lacing, a very clean looking beer.

Aroma – Amber lagers, Amber ales they are similar in many ways, primarily in the fact that neither produces much of an aroma. The only thing you will notice are the bready malts, which get stronger as the beer warms.

Taste – The flavor is quite simple for this beer. Imagine a typical American lager but with a lot more malts and a little more of a bready flavor.

Drinkability – I love how easy this beer is to drink. There is almost no bitterness and a surprising creamy mouthfeel as you finish each sip. For such a low ABV beer it manages to sit quite heavy, so its not perfect.

Overall – Overall many people will hate on this beer because it is associated with Coors. The true origin of this beer may be from Ireland and the original family may still be involved but that doesn’t matter to beer snobs. The George Killian Irish Red is a great option if you are looking for a solid amber lager.

Game Pairing: When it comes to game pairing I decided to go with Resistance for the PS3. Commonly overlooked because it had some steep competition between Call of Duty and Halo, however this is a fun game. Game snobs may look down on this one, much like beer snobs looking down on Killian’s Irish Red. So pair these two underrated gems and enjoy yourself, Sláinte

Background – From Guinness themselves “Irish tradition meets American spirit in Guinness Blonde American lager. Complex and flavorful. Light, floral and alive with citrus. This beer is perfectly balanced with a lingering malt and biscuit finish. It’s the coming together of vibrant flavors, of character drawn from both sides of the pond. And it’s come a long way to get here. Ireland and America go way back. Ours are histories that have crossed paths countless times. Our cultures may be totally different but we’ve still got a lot in common. One thing we can definitely agree upon is what makes a good beer. Whether it’s stout or lager, we demand the same things: quality, distinctiveness, character.

The first fusion beer in the Guinness Discovery Series, Guinness Blonde combines the best European brewing techniques – as well as our famous strain of Guinness yeast – with the finest American hops and malts. A collaboration between the Guinness brewers in Dublin and their counterparts at the legendary Latrobe Brewery in Pennsylvania, the result is an American pale lager akin to that of the 1930s: a crisp, light beer that’s big on flavor.”

Appearance – I really enjoy to style of the bottle as well as the design on the label. Using the traditional Guinness Toucan with some beautiful gold accents this bottle is an eye catcher. The beer pours a clear golden color with minimal white head and virtually no lacing which leaves you with a clean glass.

Aroma – The aroma is surprisingly strong for an American Pale Lager. With the bready malts being the strongest scents I also noticed a bit of banana.

Taste – Similar to the aroma there is a decent amount of flavor. Once again I primarily notice the malts and get an aftertaste of banana. Somewhere in between I notice a bit of the hops.

Drinkability – This is an odd beer to drink because you get the clean smooth drinking of a pale lager and yet you walk away with a dry mouthfeel and a bit of bitterness. Somehow when I first take a sip it seems to be a creamy sensation and will lay quire heavy for a 5% beer. Similar to most Guinness beers this is an overall easy beer to drink.

Overall – Overall I enjoy this beer. The Guinness Blonde manages to create a better American Pale Lager than most American breweries. With the bready malts and a touch of banana there is a lot to like about this Irish/American fusion.

Game Pairing: When it comes to game pairing I decided to go with Rage a unique game that is quite underrated. Its like Doom in the world of Mad Max so it manages to combine the best from both racing and FPS’s. Similar to the Guinness Blonde these two together yield a complex product that is very enjoyable. So grab a couple bottles and get playing, Sláinte

Background – From Guinness themselves “A direct descendant of our archival recipes, Guinness Extra Stout is based on a beer first brewed in 1821, when Arthur Guinness II set down precise instructions for brewing his Superior Porter. This beer has since become the precursor to every Guinness innovation you’ve ever enjoyed. Brewed at our St. James’s Gate brewery in Dublin, Guinness Extra Stout is crafted from finest quality malt, hops and Irish barley. Sharp and crisp to the taste, it’s an entirely different experience from the smooth, creamy Guinness Draught and punchier Foreign Extra Stout, but the trademark Guinness flavors preside. We’ve come a long way since this beer was first dreamt up in the 1800s, but we’ve stuck to our values. We’re blessed with over 250 years of brewing experience, and, as Guinness moves forward, history accompanies us in the bottle still enjoyed by people all over the world.”

Appearance – Starting with the bottle I have to say I love the overall look, simple and retro looking the dark brown bottle mixed with the tan label is a classic. With the iconic Guinness harp it helps make the label stand out. Once poured you will see the distinctive black body with a tan head that produces a ton of lacing.

Aroma – The aroma is similar to the Draught Stout being fairly strong with roasted malts, coffee and a general smokiness. You can detect a faint hint of fruits by the end of the glass.

Taste – The flavor is evenly balanced between the roasted flavor and the malts. You will notice a decent amount of chocolate and coffee and as the beer warms you notice a small hint of dark fruits.

Drinkability – Compared to the draught the extra stout is much more bitter. It is still quite smooth overall but just has a dryer finish with less of a creamy mouthfeel.

Overall – Overall, this is quite different from the draught, but it is still damn good. If you have only had the draught in the past I would recommend giving the Extra stout a try. The additional alcohol and sharp bite adds a new dimension to the Irish Dry Stout, without sacrificing the flavors.

Game Pairing: When it comes to game pairing I chose Bioshock. Something makes me feel that this would have been a popular beer in Rapture. An excellent game that manages to be both an inventive FPS with plenty of horror elements. Mix these two and keep an eye out for Big Daddy, Sláinte

Moving on with the Pumpkin Beer reviews I am trying out the Devil’s Backbone München on Pumpkin Lager. It tends to be less common to find pumpkin lagers versus ales, so I am always exited to try one when I see it out in the wild. You can see more on their website here. So lets see if this one is worth all the hype.

“It’s no secret we’ve always been inspired by the classic brews that originated in München (aka that’s Munich for our stateside friends.) The proof is in that sixer of Vienna Lager that’s probably in your fridge right now.  Well we’re bringing that traditional lager into the 21st century and customizing it for all those folks who have been impatiently waiting for fall.  No need to choose if you’ll celebrate Oktoberfest or pumpkin spice this year – grab a München on Pumpkin and enjoy the best of both worlds! “

Appearance: The label threw me off at first because of the flag background, which made me think of a Marzen style beer. But once I looked closer I liked what I saw. A tattooed brewer laying back in some pumpkins enjoying a brew. I also am a sucker for a label that has a custom cut.

Aroma: The aroma is much lighter than most ales. I notice a tasted bread with a slight hint of cinnamon which gets stronger as the beer warms.

Taste: The flavor is similar but lighter and semi crisp. There are hints of cinammon and a little bit of pumpkin but its very subtle.

Experience: By far this is one of the easiest drinking pumpkin beers I have had. The mouthfeel is light with a dry finish. Almost no sweetness lingers. This would be a perfect session beer that isn’t a light lager.

Game Pairing: When it comes to game pairing I decided to go with Monster Party for the NES. This is a fun twist on horror with all the typical elements of a difficult 8 bit platformer. There are a ton of monsters and more specifically bosses to deal with so you are going to need a beer that doesnt sit too heavy. Grab a 6 pack, sit back and enjoy.

Developer

Cold Iron Studios

Publisher

Cold Iron Studios

Platforms

Microsoft Windows, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S

Release

August 21st, 2021

Genre

3rd Person Shooter, Horror, Multi-player

Graphics: Playing on the original Xbox One Aliens Fireteam Elite felt like a modified Xbox 360 game. While the environments and Xenos all looked great the presentation felt lacking. For some reason there are almost no cutscenes and the NPCs don’t move their lips while talking. These are minor to most but its something we picked up on almost immediately.

Sound: The sound is strong with rich amounts of Alien franchise music and effects pulled directly from the movies. All of the weapons sound exactly as you would expect and the blip on the motion tracker is always a welcome sound. The music that isn’t pulled from the movies tends to be strictly atmospheric and therefore isn’t that memorable. Still its a good package for what the game offers.

Control: The control is done almost perfectly in this game. With the standard 3rd person shooter layout you can run (push in L stick), dodge (B), aim (LT), shoot (RT), use primary ability (RB), use tactical gear (LB), reload (x), change weapons (Y) and even bash (push in R stick). Everything feels right and the flow between weapons and using your abilities is seamless. The only issue we had is that using your special gear can be a bit clunky, as you have to use the d-pad to open a menu wheel. Otherwise we have no complaints about the control.

Gameplay: At its core Aliens Fireteam Elite is a perfect blend of Gears of War and Left 4 Dead set in the Aliens universe. There are 12 levels which span over sets from the Aliens film and even Prometheus. Each level generally plays out the same, move from point A to point B, hold the area from a wave based attack and move on. All the levels end with a huge wave attack that usually include a minor task such as obtaining power cells or opening a specific door. Because the general idea is the same the game can feel a bit stagnant. The way this is addressed is with the enemy types. For the majority of the first levels you are strictly facing off against various xenos, which include special types such as the spitter, prowler and exploder and every once in a while you will face off against a warrior (real pain in the ass). By level 5 you will encounter synths who come in all different varieties but now you have to utilize cover which makes it feel like an army base shooter. These areas seemed to bother the public, but Jim and I welcomed the change in pace. One area that cannot be overlooked is the amount of grinding that is needed to unlock every thing. You have 6 classes, which can all be upgraded based on time/points. In addition there is a special perk tree for each class as well as general perks that are only unlocked with points earned in a specific class. There is a huge arsenal of weapons ranging from pistols to rifles all the way up to flamethrowers and smart guns. Each weapon can be upgraded and fitted with 3 attachments. There is also special gear that can be found such as sentry guns, mines and drones. While most of these items can be earned you will also find some goodies in hidden caches around the levels, so keep an eye out.

Originality: On one hand this game doesn’t feel original at all, and on the other hand it feels brand new to the Aliens franchise. The core mechanics are all reused from other games, but the setting and delivery in the Aliens universe is a first for a multi player base squad shooter.

Replayability: As I mentioned the grinding is crazy in this game. You have the ability to play alone (with bots) or with your buddies so there will be a different feel depending on the level of difficulty and the level of your squad. You will also be able to find pieces of hidden intel which will reveal the story behind the game and even includes Easter eggs from the Aliens franchise.

Overall: Overall this game has plenty of issues, but while playing with a buddy you cannot deny the fun you will have. If all of the technical problems are fixed and there is a little more content added this could be considered excellent.

Beer Pairing: When it comes to beer pairing I decided to go the Lucky SOB from Flying Dog Brewery. This is an Irish Red Ale at 5.5% which goes down smooth but offers a little bit of sweetness. So grab a 6 pack and enjoy yourself.

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Next on the pumpkin beer train review is the Whole Hog Pumpkin Ale. Now let me start by saying this is the first beer from Whole Hog I have tried, we don’t get a lot of their catalog out here. Looking at their site it seems this particular Pumpkin Ale is a multi time award winner. You can see more on their website here. So lets see if this one is worth all the hype.

“Of all the gold medal-winning pumpkin ales, one factor sets Whole Hog apart: spice. Pumpkin pie spices, natural cinnamon, nutmeg, and real pumpkin are perfectly balanced in this sweet, fully enveloping Pumpkin Ale. “

Appearance: This is a simple label with the orange and white tones that you would expect from a pumpkin beer. Bordered by a real photo of pumpkins, filtered out to blend with the bottle give this a nice touch of realism. However I should say that this bottle does not stand out on the shelf. Once poured you get a cloudy and dark amber beer with very little lacing or head. You may even see a little bit of sediment on the bottom.

Aroma: The first thing that sticks out for this beer is the cinnamon and spice. I noticed almost no sweetness or vanilla in this aroma.

Taste: The flavor is both familiar and new at the same time. I have had many pumpkin beers, but this one really did nail the spice ratio. The cinnamon, nutmeg, and pumpkin flavor all play off of each other and it finishes with a subtle sweetness. Nothing seems artificial in this one and that makes a huge difference.

Experience: The first sip starts as almost creamy with a sweet lacing that lasts in the mouth. As you continue to drink you notice that the beer lacks a full body and is semi light. This is surprising to me as the flavor is so robust. Still with the way this beer feels I could see myself going through many bottles in one sitting.

Game Pairing: When it comes to game pairing I decided to go with Resident Evil 7. This game seems simple on the surface, you are being chased around a house by a deranged family. But soon you will discover how deep the game is and the true genius behind its design. Similar to this beer, RE7 manages to bring gamers something new and familiar at the same time. So grab a six pack, turn off the lights and enjoy these two together.

Lets start these pumpkin beer reviews off with an interesting one. The Voodoo Ranger Atomic Pumpkin is not your regular pumpkin spice filled beer. Brewed by the New Belgium Brewing Company here are some notes from the brewers themselves. You can see more on their website here.

“Enough with the run-of-the-mill pumpkin beers. I’m not interested in an ale that takes cues from a frozen coffee drink, and neither are you. That’s why I made Atomic Pumpkin. Does it really feature habanero peppers? Yep! What about Saigon cinnamon? Ding! Aji and del arbol peppers? Winner. I round it all out with a hearty malt bill that makes for a spicy brew that puts the “Fun” back in pumpkin. (Spelling was never my strength). “

Appearance: I have always been a fan of the voodoo ranger line from New Belgium. Its a fun character line that makes these cans/bottles stand out. The atomic pumpkin has a nice bright orange color with the voodoo ranger all dressed up for the occasional.

Aroma: There is a ton of cinnamon that really punches you in the face. Given the fact that they are using saigon cinnamon that makes sense why it seems a bit more spicy as well. There isn’t much else in terms of what you are going to smell, but what is here is really strong.

Taste: The flavor kicks in as soon as it hits your lips. A powerful amount of cinnamon starts the flavor and stays with you throughout. The flavor of the various peppers are detectable but not overpowering. I don’t notice anything in terms of the typical pumpkin beer flavors such as nutmeg/vanilla/pumpkin.

Experience: The spice is noticeable but not too strong, it can wear out its welcome by the end of the can as a subtle heat will last on your lips/tongue. What got to me is how it feels in your stomach. It does not sit well so this is a one and done style brew.

Game Pairing: When it comes to game pairing I will go with Fallout Tactics. A departure from the RPG nature of the Fallout series this is a game that tried something new, and while it was fun it didn’t quite hit the mark. Similar to this beer, which tries to tap into a niche market, its not bad but these two deserve each other.

I recently finished reviewing all 15 Oktoberfest beers that I was able to find around me, you can read that article here. While I did enjoy that challenge I am truly looking forward to reviewing all of the following beers. My goal will be to keep this as a sticky post which will be updated every year that way I can track the best Pumpkin Beer. Please be sure to comment on any beers I may have missed, which will be alot at first, and let me know your thoughts on these spicy brews.

• Whole Hog Pumpkin Ale: (4.2/5)
• New Belgium Atomic Pumpkin: (2.9/5)
• Sam Adams Jack O Pumpkin: (NA/5)
• New Holland Ichabod: (NA/5)
• Free Will Brewing Pumpkin Pie Mash
• Free Will Scarecrow
• Heavy Seas The Great’er Pumpkin
• Shipyard Pumpkin Head
• Elliotville Pumpkinville Latte
• Southern Tier Pumking
• Erie Brewing Johnny Rails
• Evolution Craft Brewing Jacques Au Lantern
• Weyerbacher Imperial Pumpkin Ale
• Saucony Creek Maple Mistress
• Jolly Pumpkin La Parcela
• Dogfish Pumkin
• Devils Backbone Munchen Pumpkin
• Flying Dog The Fear
• Schlafly Pumpkin Ale
• Neshaminy Creek Dunkless Dunkel
• Conshohocken Nightmare on East Elm
• Southern Tier Pumpking Nitro
• Southern Tier Warlock
• Two Roads Roads Mary Baby
• UFO Journey to Planet Pumpkin
• Evil Genius Trick or Treat
• Blue Point Brewing Company Mother Pumpkin Ale

The final Oktoberfest review for this year is the Firestone Oaktoberfest. Lets see where this California brewer comes in on the competition. Coming directly from their site.

“Oaktoberfest is our oak-inspired homage to the great German tradition of Oktoberfest. We go the extra mile of maturing this beer in French oak barrels to create an amazingly smooth mouthfeel. The result is a classic German Fest Bier with a hint of West Coast hoppiness. Grab your stein, don your lederhosen and enjoy!.”

Appearance: I really like the dark blue label and the small shield with alot of detail. It looks intimidating and the Oaktoberfest really stands out.

Aroma: The aroma is very light, with notes of bread and slight malt character.

Taste: The taste is very light a clean. For a beer that claims to be aged in oak I get none of the characteristics. The malt is very subtle as well, I wish there was more here.

Experience: Very thin with a small amount of dry mouth after each sip. There is a slight spiciness but nothing too overpowering.

Game Pairing: When it comes to game pairing I chose Firestone. This is a steam RPG, and obviously I went with the low hanging fruit of the name. But its a solid game that will go well with this perfect session Oktoberfest.

The Hacker Pschorr is the other grandfather to the Marzen style, coming from Germany. This beer adheres to the German purity laws and has a long and storied history. Coming directly from their site.

“Forbidden as it was to brew in summer, a stronger beer – the Märzen – was brewed earlier in March. It would finally be served at the Oktoberfest, under the “Heaven of Bavaria”. We have returned once again to the age-old recipe and recreated that gloriously smooth, honey-coloured piece of history from times gone by. And all is brewed with due reverence to the Bavarian Purity Law of 1516..”

Appearance: Classic with the blue and white checkers and the German woman holding up a stein while riding a horse. Even the way the bottle is shaped makes you think this is going to be good.

Aroma: The aroma is heavy bready with touches of malts. Not too heavy but there is something here .

Taste: The taste is actually very clean with a little bit of caramel and some toasted malts. The taste won’t knock your lederhosen off but it will keep you coming back for more.

Experience: This is another prime example of a beer hall classic. Goes down smooth, not too heavy. I love it.

Game Pairing: When it comes to game pairing I chose Pitfall. The classic platformer deserves a beer with a ton of history that will be easy to drink. Grab a six pack and avoid those pits!

The Warsteiner Oktoberfest is debatably the golden standard in the Oktoberfest style. Coming from Germany lets see how this one stacks up to the competition. Coming directly from their site.

“Celebrate German heritage with this authentic, German Specialty Beer. A truly German import brewed according to the German Purity Law, as are all Warsteiner beers, in limited quantities especially for Oktoberfest celebrations. This special edition has a well-balanced, mild and smooth taste with a uniquely soft, hoppy aftertaste and 5.9% alcohol. So bring a bit of Germany with you to your next Oktoberfest celebration and bring a Warsteiner Oktoberfest Special Edition..”

Appearance: Simple and classic like most of the label coming out of the Warsteiner brewery. I like how it looks like a German beer just from the label, it holds alot of history.

Aroma: The aroma is not that strong but what I got was malt, bready and a hint of caramel .

Taste: The taste is classic Marzen but its quite understated, caramel, malts, biscuits and a slight pepper finish.

Experience: This is what a Marzen is all about, easy to drink with a good mouthfeel. I can imagine myself in Germany now with some pretzels drinking boot after boot of these bad boys.

Game Pairing: When it comes to game pairing I chose Galaga. Similar to this beer, Galaga helped spawn an entire genre and its a classic, it may be simple but damn is it fun. Grab a six pack and enjoy yourself.

The second entry this month from Sam Adams, we have their classic Octoberfest. Interesting that this is one of the few beers to spell Oktoberfest with a C. But I digress, this is the staple for fall beers from Sam Adams, so lets see how it stacks up. I have only had a few beers from this brewery so I am excited to see how this one turns out. Coming directly from their site.

“In 1810, the Oktoberfest tradition was born when Munich celebrated the Crown Prince’s wedding with a special beer and 16-day party. Our version of this classic style blends hearty malts for a deep, smooth flavor of caramel, creating a brew that’s perfect for the season, or whatever you’re celebrating. Smooth with a roasty sweetness, and light hop character..”

Appearance: Just like the FestBier from Sam Adams this can is very dominant in one color and that is orange. With there pumpkin beer following its a bit on the lazy side. Still, the can stands out, even if it is a bit simple.

Aroma: The aroma faint but what I do detect is burnt toast, caramel and malts.

Taste: The taste is spicy and sweet. Mostly malts and biscuit with the hop finish balancing it out nicely.

Experience: This is a very light Marzen with a dry and bitter finish. It is easy to drink and does not sit heavy at all, so you can go through 3-4 with no problem.

Game Pairing: When it comes to game pairing I chose Streets of Rage of 3. This is the black sheep of the franchise so it needs a good beer to pair with its difficulty. Just don’t drink too many as you will need all of your whits to try and survive.

As a surprise entry in this months reviews I recently picked up the Two Roads Brewing Company’s fall mix pack. Todays review is their Ok2berfest, a cute spin on Oktoberfest. I have only had a few beers from this brewery so I am excited to see how this one turns out. Coming directly from their site.

“Modeled after the classic “Marzenbier,” Oktoberfest style that was traditionally the beer served at the Munich Oktoberfest. It possesses a smooth, toasty malt profile with a crisp character of traditional German hops.”

Appearance: Damn, Two Roads went all out with this can design. You have the blue checkered flag, a German man blowing into an alphorn and plenty of orange accents. If this doesn’t scream Oktoberfest then I’m not sure what does.

Aroma: The aroma is strong with biscuits and hops taking center stage. Once it warms I get notes of banana and clove which is a nice change of pace.

Taste: The taste is reminds me of a spicy apple juice. There is the typical malt and biscuit flavor, but I am sure that I taste apple juice with a spicy hop finish. Its an odd combo but I like it.

Experience: This is a very light Marzen with a dry and spicy finish. It seems that from the Marzens I have tried there is a split between dry or sweet finishes. I prefer sweet but this is fine.

Game Pairing: When it comes to game pairing I chose Chip ‘n Dale Rescue Rangers 2. This is an extremely expensive game, so I would suggest emulation. But it is a fun game that doesn’t get a ton of attention, probably due to its rarity and price. Grab a six pack sit down and enjoy yourself.

Now we are moving on to the critically acclaimed Great Lakes Oktoberfest. If I am being honest I have always enjoyed every beer I have tried from Great Lakes. However, I tend to find their reviews a little too high and a bit overrated, so lets see if their Oktoberfest is any different. Coming directly from their site.

“Prost! Our take on this classic German style is a real malt party, packed with toasty autumnal flavors perfect for hearty hoisting.

 FLAVORÜber smooth with vibrant malt flavors and a festive flourish of noble hops (lederhosen not included).”

Appearance: I am happy that Great Lakes has changed their label. The original was boring and this one is colorful with a scenic view in the background. Huge improvement and I love to see changes for the better.

Aroma: The aroma is light but what I am able to detect is stale sweet bread with a malt finish . The aroma begins to pick up as it warms, but its never heavy.

Taste: The taste is mostly malts with hints of toasted bread. After the beer warms I got a little bit of clove, which is interesting for this style. Its not bad, but doesn’t feel like a Marzen.

Experience: This is one of the strongest Marzens I have tried (at 6.5%) and its surprisingly smooth. There is a bit of a bite and some dryness after the fact, but it drinks more like a 5.5% brew.

Game Pairing: When it comes to game pairing I chose Halo 3: ODST. This game is loved but it has plenty of faults, especially how short it is. I think a strong beer with this game will enhance anyone’s experience.

The next beer we are looking at is from a Philly local brewery, the Unter Dog from Yards. Yards has always brewed quality beers and I have yet to be disappointed by anything in their collection, so lets see if the Unter Dog is just as good. Coming directly from their site.

“This Oktoberfest, we’re celebrating the city that never gives up with our new Märzen-style beer. Fetch a 6-pack today, sit back, and roll over with joy. Good boy!”

Appearance: The love this can, the German Shepard, the orange and tan, this is a great play on words too.

Aroma: The aroma is very strong with a ton of sweet malts and some notes of brown sugar sweet bread. I really love this one already.

Taste: The taste is a copy of the aroma, but it is very subtle. I wish the flavor profile was a bit stronger but what you get is still good.

Experience: The mouthfeel of the Unter Dog is interesting, it’s both flat and very creamy. Almost no bitterness or dry mouth after the can. I really like this style from Yards.

Game Pairing: When it comes to game pairing I chose Call of Duty Ghosts. As soon as I looked at this can I thought of Riley and it was a no brainer. Ghosts is easily one of the most hated in the COD franchise and its a shame because there are alot of great aspects to this game.

The next beer we are looking at isn’t technically a Marzen. We are checking out the Sam Adams FestBier. This is a Festbier / Wiesnbier. Sam Adams does have an Oktoberfest beer, which we will get to later. So let’s see if what the FestBier is all about. Coming directly from their site.

“Malty w/soft sweetness, like a biscuit spread with honey.
A lighter lager with a higher ABV for bigger celebrations”.

Appearance: The baby blue is an interesting choice as it stands out for a beer can. However, this only comes in a variety pack, at least to my knowledge.

Aroma: The aroma is odd because it almost smells like stale bread and that’s when you get an aroma because it is super light.

Taste: The taste is very light with a slight sweetness almost like corn. There are some malt notes but I get no hop flavors at all.

Experience: Since this is only 5.1% I knew this would be a light beer, but the mouthfeel is incredibly thin. So you will be able to get through 4-5 of these bad boys, but only having one bottle is a bit of a disappointment.

Game Pairing: When it comes to game pairing I chose Abzu. This is a chill under water game that lets you explore while trying to avoid sharks and other enemies. The FestBier can be easily drank for a few hours while you swim around and discover new areas.

The next brew we are going to look at is the Leinenkugels Oktoberfest. Jim and I have discussed Leinenkugel on this site before and even though many people talk down to this brand, we love it. So let’s see if they have what it takes to make a tasty Oktoberfest. Coming directly from their site.

“Our proud German heritage shines through in our homage to arguably the world’s greatest festival. A traditional Märzen-style beer, our Leinenkugel’s Oktoberfest has a toasted malt flavor and subtle, spicy hop notes that make it perfect for celebrating fall in true German fashion. So let your steins runneth over.”.

Appearance: The classic Leinenkugel symbol over top a scenic German lake is a nice looking bottle. The colors are nice nd it is exactly what you would expect. The beer is surprisingly dark for a Mazen and the head is a thick tan with a decent amount of lacing.

Aroma: The aroma is thick and heavy with caramel and malts. As the beer warms up I get notes like candied apple’s. I really like what this beer is bringing to your nose.

Taste: The taste is just like a caramel apples but it is surprisingly thin with a toasted malt finish. The caramel apple flavor throws me off because it feels fake, but it does taste good.

Experience: Since this is only 5.1% I knew this would be a light beer, but the mouthfeel is incredibly thin. So you will be able to get through 4-5 of these bad boys, but only having one bottle is a bit of a disappointment.

Game Pairing: When it comes to game pairing I chose Lakeview Cabin. This is an over the top violent and goofy 2D survival horror game available on Steam. This beer pairs very well because you have an interesting flavor mixing with a super light mouthfeel. Grab a six pack, rip off those pants and enjoy yourself.

The next brew we are going to look at is the Goose Island Oktoberfest. Goose Island has quickly become infamous with their barrel house collection beers, both with consumers loving and hating them. So let’s see how they do with a non-barrel aged brew. Coming directly from their site,

“Goose Oktoberfest is brimming with notes of toasted malt and freshly baked rye bread. This light-bodied German lager is clean and crisp with a fine noble hop character and mild earthy bitterness that is the hallmark of Hallertau hops. Raise a few steins of Goose Oktoberfest this fall and celebrate this time-honored tradition. Prost!”.

Appearance: While I am a big fan of the blue used for the can, this is a boring label. It suffers from the minimalist style that alot of breweries are going for. Once poured you get a huge khaki colored head with a decent amount of lacing.

Aroma: The aroma is primarily the caramel that you would expect from this style. Although I did notice some brown sugar once it warmed up. Nice aromatics from this one.

Taste: The taste is like a brown sugar apple, almost candied. Its interesting and surprising but the hop spiciness really comes through on this one. The flavor is all over the place, its not bad but it doesn’t feel like a Marzen.

Experience: This is a surprising Marzen, since there is alot of bitterness. Usually I expect a little bit of bitter, but man this one punches you in the face.

Game Pairing: When it comes to game pairing I chose Anno 2205. This is a futuristic sim city clone that allows you to manage cities on Earth and the Moon. Grab a few cans and build away.

The next Oktoberfest brew we are going to look at is the Flying Dog Dogtoberfest. I have a hit or miss history with this brewery as they have made some really good beers and others I cannot stand. Let’s see how their take on the Märzen holds up. Coming directly from their site,

“Brewed with 100% imported German ingredients, this quintessential Marzen offers malty flavors of caramel and graham cracker sweetness with a finish more crisp and clean than you will be after a few days at d’Wiesn”.

Appearance: One thing you cannot say about any Flying Dog beer is that the label isn’t eye catching. The Dogtoberfest is no different, with two burly drunk men and an odd looking pooch this is another festive beer. Surprising that they chose yellow instead of orange, but still it looks great.

Aroma: The aroma smells like most Marzen style beers with malt in the front but this one has a little bit of a toffee in there too. Not too powerful but you do get some good notes in there.

Taste: The taste is interesting because all the typical caramel and malts are there but there is a subtle spiciness almost like a cinnamon graham cracker. Similar to the aroma its not too powerful but it is complex with the spicy and sweet balance.

Experience: This is a fuller bodied Oktoberfest with a bigger mouth feel. The finish is surprisingly dry which is not my favorite, but still I like the way this beer starts. After one bottle is doesn’t sit too heavy, which is always a good thing.

Game Pairing: When it comes to game pairing I chose All Walls Must Fall. This is a tech-noir tactical game set in a futuristic Berlin, where the Cold War never ended. There are a lot of tense moments in this game and you need a beer with plenty of complex flavor to complement what is happening on-screen. Grab a six pack and enjoy.

The PA Brewery that we talk about all the time, Yuengling. As the oldest brewery in the US Yuengling is synonymous with lager in the NE. Directly from their site,

“Yuengling is proud to offer our Oktoberfest as an homage to our German Heritage. Copper in color, this medium bodied beer is the perfect blend of roasted malts with just the right amount of hops to capture a true representation of the style.”.

Appearance: I am a sucker for the Yuengling logo, and this slight twist with the orange and brown looks great. Simple and classic looking, you can’t go wrong.

Aroma: The aroma threw me off. I detected stale bread, maybe it was an old beer, and some slight malts. But it was not very strong as the aroma only lasted for a small amount of time.

Taste: The taste leans much more towards sweet as it seems there is a bit more of malts in this beer. I like how much flavor is here, but it doesn’t feel like a Märzen.

Experience: This Oktoberfest sits a little too heavy for its own good and is surprisingly bitter, even though the taste doesn’t reflect the complexity.

Game Pairing: When it comes to game pairing I chose Elevator Action for the NES. The cover reminds me of fall and that fact that its not a perfect game, but a unique arcade like experience lends itself to a beer you can sip for a while. Grab a six pack and avoid those agents.

“Friendship and camaraderie: the two keys to any festive event. And then there’s the beer. It should be full-bodied, yet infinitely smooth. Seductively malty, with a kiss of the hops for balance. This is our Festbier. Painstakingly crafted from German malts, decoction brewed for full flavor and carefully aged for depth of character. Subtly sweet with a delicate malt nose, our Festbier gains its impressive body from our use of all imported German malts and decoction brewing process. Gather with your friends for a festive moment of Victory!”.

Appearance: I love the addition of the boot, a staple in German beer drinking. Typical color scheme of blue and orange, but there is alot going on. This label makes me want to cheers in a beer hall with a huge pretzel in my hand.

Aroma: Strong aroma here with plenty of bready notes and thick malts. I love how heavy the aroma comes on, from both the pour and the bottle.

Taste: The taste is interesting because I get the caramel/malts but I also detect corn. Its tough to describe but its like a buttered roasted corn flavor backed by the breadiness you would expect. Very unquie, but not overpowering.

Experience: This Märzen has a little bit of a bite. While the initial mouthfeel is creamy and smooth there is a bit of a biting dryness when it is finished.

Game Pairing: When it comes to game pairing I chose Final Fight 3 for the SNES. This is my favorite Final Fight game and it is underrated. Fun, not super long and alot of replayability with some buddies. So grab a case and make a night of it.

“Grab a pack and let your fest commence! This rich Märzen lager features German malts for inviting aromas of honey and biscuity bread, flavors of caramel and graham cracker, and visions of sprawling beer tents. Smooth and balanced, Oktoberfest is here to celebrate.2021 Fall Seasonal”.

Appearance: The two colors you will see the most when looking for an Oktoberfest brew is blue and orange. Sierra Nevada went with the blue theme and I am not mad about it. With gold accents and the checkers style the can stands out. The beer pours a bit darker than typical Oktoberfest beers and retains a small tan head.

Aroma: The aroma blows my mind because I couldn’t smell anything. Usually I can pick up something, malts/breads/caramel/etc, especially from this style. I am not sure if I had a defective can but there wasn’t much here.

Taste: The taste mimics the aroma because it is incredibly light. The small amount of flavor I tasted was the malts, typical of the style.

Experience: Easily one of the smoothest Märzens that drinks more like a light lager. I could easily drink 3-4 of these bad boys and not miss a beat…until I have to pee.

Game Pairing: When it comes to game pairing I would suggest Revolution X for the SNES. This was an odd one off Aerosmith rail shooter that isn’t great. Similar to this beer it is easy to play, so grab a 6 pack and chug away as you listen to a great soundtrack.

Appearance: The label looks great on this one. With the orange, yellow and black that is traditional for fall colors and the German styles skyline shown on the can this beer screams Oktoberfest. The overall bright orange can definitely stands out on the shelf, and the nice classic ribbon label is a nice touch too.

Aroma: You will notice a semi-strong malt heavy aroma with this one. It can be a bit deceiving as you may suspect the beer is going to be super sweet, but its not.

Taste: Typical of the Märzen style you will immediately notice the caramel and malts with a slight biscuit finish. While the flavors are all noticeable they are also subtle.

Experience: This is a very, very smooth beer and considering it is 6% that is impressive. While there is no discernable bitterness in this one, there is a bit of dryness after you sip for a while.

Game Pairing: When is comes to beer pairing I would suggest Tekken 4. As a follow up to one of the best fighting games this beer will sip very well between matches and won’t leave you too tipsy to pull off some great combos.

Quick history lesson time. Celebrated every year, minus the past two due to COVID, in Munich Germany the first festival was established as a celebration of the marriage between the crown prince of Bavaria, who later became King Louis I, to Princess Therese von Sachsen-Hildburghausen on October 12, 1810. The festivities lasted five days and included a horse race called Theresienwiese. This festival would be repeated every year which would include an agricultural fair and eventually temporary beer halls. Fast forward to modern times and this festival is celebrated in Europe and the US alike over a 15-16 day period, usually beginning in mid September. It is commonly reported that at every event over 2 million gallons of beer is consumed…this makes us proud.

Now lets talk about the beer itself. The Oktoberfest style is actually made up of various styles that are served during the festival. The dominant and most popular style associated with Oktoberfest is the Märzen. Interestingly enough Märzen translates to March beer which is now usually only served in September. To add to the confusion you may also see Dunkel’s, as well as other German lagers being labeled as Oktoberfest too. Either way you should be expecting a beer rich in malt with a caramel or biscuit flavored finish. Usually these beers go from 5.1% to 6% ABV. A great and easy drinking lager that is perfect for Fall weather and some warm Bavarian pretzels.

Now for this “contest” and I use that term lightly I will be comparing and ranking every Oktoberfest beer I can get my hands on. I have a solid list below, which will be updated with each review, but if I find anymore over the next few weeks I will gladly add more entries.

Be sure to follow along and comment on your favorite Oktoberfest, Prost!

Oktoberfest Beers to be ranked

• Hacker Pschorr Oktoberfest: Score (4/5)
• Victory Brewing Festbier: Score (4/5)
• Founders Oktoberfest German-Style Marzen: Score (3.9/5)
• Ayinger Oktober Fest-Märzen: Score (3.8/5)
• Spaten Oktoberfest: Score (3.8/5)
• Neshaminy Creek Creekfestbier: Score (3.8/5)
• Warsteiner Oktoberfest Marzen: Score (3.8/5)
• Tröegs Oktoberfest: Score (3.7/5)
• Yards Unter Dog Oktoberfest: Score (3.7/5)
• Great Lakes Oktoberfest: Score (3.6/5)
• Two Roads Ok2berfest: Score (3.5/5)
• Sam Adams Oktoberfest: Score (3.5/5)
• Firestone Oaktoberfest: Score (3.5/5)
• Shiner Märzen-Style Oktoberfest: Score (3.5/5)
• Devils Backbone O’fest Lager: Score (3.4/5)
• Flying Dog Brewing Dogtoberfest Marzen: Score (3.4/5)
• Weihenstephaner Festbier: Score (3.3/5)
• Yuengling Oktoberfest: Score (3.3/5)
• Leinenkugel Oktoberfest: Score (3.3/5)
• Sam Adams Festbier: Score (3.3/5)
• Flying Fish Oktoberfish: Score (3.3/5)
• Funk Brewing Funktoberfest: Score (3.2/5)
• Hofbräu Oktoberfestbier: Score (3.2/5)
• Sierra Nevada Oktoberfest Amber Marzen: Score (3.2/5)
• Goose Island Marzen: Score (3.1/5)

Submit your Tier List in the comments!

https://tiermaker.com/create/best-oktoberfest-beer-962416 (Retired)

So who won #NoIPAMay?

We had a ton of great submissions so we decided to chose to winners for this month.

The first MVP goes to PeekaBoozie on IG for her numerous submissions and dedication to trying out new beers. Huge shoutout to her and we are glad that she has won one of our shirts!

The second MVP goes to our buddy Alex P who sent in numerous beer and gaming pictures that really celebrate the spirit of this page. As a true gamer we are happy to send him the code for RetroMania, enjoy bud!

Thank you to everyone who joined in!

Once again thank you to everyone who joined in our contest, it was a ton of fun and we will likely do another one next year. Stay tuned because we will also be running other contests in the future. Cheers!

Background: When speaking with head brewer Hannah Godhe she described this as a first in a series of beers meant to replicate famous mixed drinks.

See Also

3.5

Veteran

BeerBeer Review

Thank Frank IPA Review

Appearance: The can artwork is fun with what looks like a grumpy cat celebrating 11 years of Naked Brewing. The backdrop reminds me of a donut with sprinkles and they even made the bottom branding into the outline of a cat.

Aroma: The aroma will make you believe you are about to have a cocktail. The coconut, pineapple and orange take center stage. It is very strong, even for those of us with allergies. It smells delicious.

Taste: The taste is everything advertised. Coconut, pineapple, orange and milk sugar. It truly tastes like a Piña colada with just a bit of sourness at the end. I really enjoyed the flavors even though its not what I typically expect from a beer, and that’s a good thing.

Experience: The beer has a thin body with a semi tart finish. After 1 can the sugar is noticeable on the lips, but it is definitely not too sweet. Although the beer goes down easy after one you may only be able to drink another can or so, as the citrus and sour builds up.

Game Pairing: When it comes to game pairing I decided to go with Super Adventure Island (SNES). The island setting and the over the top fun graphics are a perfect pairing for such a unique beer. If you have never tried this game then you should give it a play.

Thanks for reading the review and if you would like to learn more about the Naked Brewing Company you can click on their link here.

Poll ends on May 19th (Wednesday) at 11:59pm

What will you win?

The winner will be chosen at the end of the month based on the number of entries provided and the best looking picture. The prize includes;

• 1 of our new shirts (Click Here)
• Digital Copy of RetroMania for Xbox
• Our undying love

How to Enter The Contest

In order to enter the contest be sure to tag us on Twitter/Instagram by using #DBPG and #NOIPAMAY showcasing your non-IPA beer (extra points for including a video game too). We will be featuring our favorite photos on our site and social media throughout the month of May. Every different picture counts as a new submission, so get drinking and get sharing. At the end of the month we will select a winner who will get a special giveaway. I can’t wait to try some different beer styles with you all!

What beer styles should you try during the month of May?

The obvious answer is, drink whatever style you like the most, but I have broken down a few styles that are staples for the spring time and reflect a lighter and more outdoorish (not a word) mood. There are plenty of other styles as well so don’t limit yourself to just this list. The descriptions were pulled from Craftbeer.com

Helles

A beer for beer lovers, the German-style helles is a malt accented lager beer that balances a pleasant malt sweetness and body with floral Noble hops and restrained bitterness. The helles is a masterclass in restraint, subtly and drinkability which makes it an enduring style for true beer lovers and an elusive style for craft brewers to recreate. The German helles reminds beer lovers that the simple things in life are usually the most rewarding and worth pursuing.

Some examples: Hofbräu Original, Hell Lager (Surly Brewing Company), Victory Helles Lager

Kölsch

Crisp, delicate and oh-so-drinkable, the German-style Kolsch is a beer hybrid, meaning that its production and subsequent beer drinking experience saddles qualities of both lager beers and ale beers. These light and refreshing ale-lager hybrids are perfect for warm summer days and have become a favored style by American craft brewers and beer lovers alike. In addition to their thirst quenching ability, they also are a fun beer to enjoy with food, including traditional German sausages and kraut.

Some examples: Ballast Point California Kölsch, Sierra Nevada Kölsch, Leinenkugel Canoe Paddler

Cream Ale

The American cream ale is a mild, pale, light-bodied ale, made using a warm fermentation (top or bottom fermenting yeast) and cold lagering. Despite being called an ale, when being judged in competitions it is acceptable for brewers to use lager yeast.

Some examples: Public House Cream Ale, Neshaminy Creek Cream Ale, Naked Brewing Cream Ale

Pilsner

The Bohemian pilsener has a slightly sweet and evident malt character and a toasted, biscuit-like, bready malt character. Hop bitterness is perceived as medium with a low to medium-low level of noble-type hop aroma and flavor. This style originated in 1842, with “pilsener” originally indicating an appellation in the Czech Republic. Classic examples of this style used to be conditioned in wooden tanks and had a less sharp hop bitterness despite the similar IBU ranges to German-style pilsner.

Some examples: Pilsner Urquell, Lagunitas PILS, Dogfish Head Piercing Pils

Gose

Straw to medium amber, the contemporary Gose is cloudy from suspended yeast. A wide variety of herbal, spice, floral or fruity aromas other than found in traditional Leipzig-Style Gose are present, in harmony with other aromas. Salt (table salt) character is traditional in low amounts, but may be perceptible in varying intensities. Body is low to medium-low.

Some examples: The Kimmie, The Yink & The Holy Gose, Sixpoint Jammer, Evil Twin Brewing Mission Gose

Wheat Beers

American wheat beers are some of the most approachable beers in the craft beer world, and the versatility of wheat beer allows it to be combined with a variety of ingredients or enjoyed on its own alongside a wide variety of food options. The sizable portion of wheat malt used to brew wheat beer lends a lighter, distinctive experience compared to beers brewed with barley exclusively.

Some examples: Bell’s Oberon Ale, Harpoon UFO, Sam Adams Summer Ale

Farm House Ales/Siasons

Beers in this category are gold to light amber in color. Often bottle-conditioned, with some yeast character and high carbonation. Belgian-style saison may have Brettanomyces or lactic character, and fruity, horsey, goaty and/or leather-like aromas and flavors. Specialty ingredients, including spices, may contribute a unique and signature character. Commonly called “farmhouse ales” and originating as summertime beers in Belgium, these are not just warm-weather treats. U.S. craft brewers brew them year-round and have taken to adding a variety of additional ingredients.

Some examples: Ommegang Hennepin, Boulevard Tank 7, Hill Farmstead Arthur

Bocks

Traditional bock beers are all-malt brews and are high in malt sweetness. Malt character should be a balance of sweetness and toasted or nut-like malt. “Bock” translates as “goat”!

Some examples: Yuengling Bock, Gunther’s Bock, Tröegs Troegenator

Sours

The acidity present in sour beer is usually in the form of lactic, acetic and other organic acids naturally developed with acidified malt in the mash, or produced during fermentation by the use of various microorganisms. These beers may derive their sour flavor from pure cultured forms of souring agents or from the influence of barrel aging.

Some examples: Victory Sour Monkey, Rogue Just a Pinch, Avery Apricot

We can’t wait to see all your beers, Cheers!

Graphics: Its hard to complain about any of the new Mortal Kombat games and this is no exception. Somehow MK 11 managed to look even better than MK10. With more colors, better environmental depths, better lighting effects and model details this game looks amazing.

Sound: NetherRealm knows how to do two things. The first is make fitting music that is prefect background for any given level, and the second is hiring great voice actors, aside from Ronda Rousey. The only ding we can give is that the music is well composed but unmemorable.

Control: The control is tight and requires a better level of timing. MK10 allowed a little bit of sloppy button mashing, but this game increases the required discipline, especially for pulling off the combos and amplified moves. Its very well done, once you get the hang of the timing.

Gameplay: There is a ton of gameplay options here. You have two story modes, the towers of time, multiplayer, the krypt and a shit ton of unlockables. Plenty of great characters to choose from, and with the DLC you can play as Spawn, Rambo and the Terminator! The gameplay has changed a bit to become a bit more technical. With the removal of the x-ray moves that have been replaced with brutal blows and final blows you have to time everything a bit more. This slower style makes sense and helps the flow of the fights.

Originality: Unfortunately there isn’t a ton here. After all this is the 11th entry in the main series, the only new aspects of the game are in the story and the 4 new characters; Kronika, Centrion, Collector and Geras.

Replayability: So damn much. Each character has almost 30 different costume variations along with the 3 pieces of equipment that can be changed you will spend way too many hours trying to unlock everything. In addition you have the Krypt that has so much to unlock and some of the items are hidden and are time dependent.

Overall: Overall this game is amazing, we truly cannot hate on anything in this game. I cannot stress enough that you need to get the Ultimate edition if you haven’t already played the game.

Beer Pairing: When it comes to beer pairing I decided to go with a unique white stout from the New Holland Brewing Dragon’s Milk White. Such an amazing game deserves a special beer, and how many of you have tried a white stout. So stock up, since its seasonal, and enjoy yourself.

Watch our video review!

Background: From the can. “Frank is our fixer. Frank likes beer. We brewed a beer to Thank Frank. West Coast-style IPA hopped with Citra & Amarillo. Easy. Uncomplicated. Gets the Job Done.”

See Also

3.5

Veteran

BeerBeer Review

Buck Naked Cream Ale Review

Appearance: The can is simple yet catchy. With the Local Union 420 hat in green off setting the zebra themed spiral pattern the art catch’s your eye. The pours semi-hazy with a golden yellow hue and a light off white semi foamy head. The lacing sticks around till the end of the glass.

Aroma: The aroma is typical of most West Coast IPAs. Hop heavy with a nice dose of citrus and pine.

Taste: The taste is hoppy, with a little bit of pine and has alot of grapefruit. If you have had alot of West Coast IPAs before then you will know what to expect.

Experience: Like most west coast IPAs you can expect a decent amount of bitterness, but the good news is this is not one of those beers that taste like you are licking straight pine. Thank Frank has a medium body with a drying aftertaste that goes down fairly easy. I like that the bitterness fades quickly which allows you to drink 2-3 in one sitting without any issue.

Game Pairing: When it comes to game pairing I decided to go with Dead Rising 2: Off the Record. The return of Frank West was needed as he is the original mass zombie horde killer. So what better way to say Thank Frank than by playing as one of the most iconic in video game history.

Thanks for reading the review and if you would like to learn more about the Naked Brewing Company you can click on their link here.

Tier Maker Link: https://tiermaker.com/create/kombatkharacters-620

Brians List

Jim’s List

Patreon’s Lists

Background: From the brewers site. “Easy drinking cream ale style beer. A little reminiscent of the old days but much better! “Nostalgic and simple. Crisp and clean. Approachable and always in style. This beer brings timeless classic to the modern masses with a thirst-quenching appeal. This is Buck Naked Cream Ale.

See Also

4.1

Veteran

BeerBeer Review

Guinness Draught Stout Review

Appearance: The can art is very nice, with a deer on the front and an art deco style you will certainly notice this one from afar. The pours mostly clear with a hint of haze. The coloring is a is a light golden hue topped with a semi foamy white head.

Aroma: The aroma is very light on this beer, as you would expect from the style. The only thing I could pick up was a bit of mild malts.

Taste: The taste is beer…but there is a bit of extra sweetness here. Its not as sweet as the major adjunct light lagers but it stands out. The sweetness reminds me of a cold glass of apple juice, with nothing artificial in it.

Experience: Super thin and very drinkable this is a beer drinkers beer. I could easily pound through a six pack by myself. Even though this is 5.3% it drinks like a 4% session beer, which may be dangerous. Still this would be easy to drink at any time, although I would favor the summer months as a nice cold relief brew.

Game Pairing: When it comes to game pairing I decided to go with Deer Avenger 2: Deer in the City. Much like the Buck Naked Cream Ale this is a game that doesn’t take itself too seriously. The idea of a deer getting its revenge on human in an over the top FPS is perfect for a beer like this. I may have been influenced by the can art but I think you will have a great time sitting back with a six-pack and this goofy shooter.

Thanks for reading the review and if you would like to learn more about The Naked Brewing Company you can click on their link here.

Background: There is not a ton of background on the beer available other than the notes provided on the side of the can. “A double dose of dare. Drinking this brew is anything but a physical challenge! A mind boggling level of Citra Hops provides a perfect balance for a silky smooth body and a crisp finish. We double dare you to not enjoy this beer!s.”

See Also

4.1

Veteran

BeerBeer Review

Guinness Draught Stout Review

Appearance: This can copies the Double Dare logo with the font, colors, and the splat. Its awesome and eye catching, I love it. Once poured you are treated to a hazy amber/copper tone and a foamy highly lacy head that lingers for a while, especially when fresh.

Aroma: The one word I can say about the aroma is WOW. It is filled to the brim with lemon, pine, grass and citrus. Even Jim tried one who has a terrible sense of smell could get all the aroma that this has to offer. Its odd when an aroma outshines the taste, and this may be one of those cases.

Taste: The taste is very juicy with tons of citrusy fruits. Once again I got alot of orange and lemon upfront. As the beer warmed up I noticed more tropical fruits like papaya and pineapple.

Experience: Like most hazy beers the Super Duper Citra is very smooth and also has a creamy mouthfeel. This beer tricks you though, as I continued drinking the bitterness really kicked up for me. By the end the smoothness went away and gave way to the hoppy bitterness. Its still a good drink, but it is odd how much it changes throughout.

Game Pairing: When it comes to game pairing how could I not chose Double Trouble for the NES. The only game licensed by he show you can relive your childhood fantasies of competing against your friends. Make sure you grab a friend or two and grab a four pack of these juice brews sit back and enjoy!

Thanks for reading the review and if you would like to learn more about Thomas Hooker Brewery you can click on their link here.

Graphics: When Mortal Kombat hit the arcades motion capture was still brand new. To see sprites that looked like real people was something that alot of kids had not seen. Once it got ported to home consoles there was a quite a dropoff in quality. Still, both the SNES and Genesis look pretty damn good and all of the sprites retain alot of detail. Now everyone probably knows the SNES lacks the violence and the Genesis requires the blood code. So if you want to see some blood, go with the Genesis version.

Sound: The sound is very different depending on which console you are playing. The SNES attempts to adapt the arcade sound and has some issues with the quality of the music. The sounds effects are all there and are better than the Genesis. The Genesis attempts a few adaptations but also creates their own tracks for the game. The Genesis has better quality music, but lacks the sound effects. Either way the sound is not the strong point of this game.

Control: The control is interesting for the time. Most kids were use to the Street Fighter 2 layout of fighting games. Mortal Kombat introduces a few tweaks to that style which include; a dedicated button for blocking, the juggling mechanics and pulling off special moves using only the d-pad. As with most digitized graphics there seems to be a slight delay in the input vs what you see on screen. If you spend enough time with the game you will get use to it. The arcades were able to overcome this, but for these two home ports the controls still feel a bit sluggish.

Gameplay: Like any other fighting game Mortal Kombat has single exhibition matches, endurance matches, tournament and multiplayer. Sprinkled into the tournament you have test your might mini games. What sets Mortal Kombat apart from all other fighting games are the fatalities, the best way to truly embarrass your defeated enemies is to rip there heads off. The only major thing missing from this game is a true combo system, likely due to the digitized graphics. To compensate you have the juggling system I mentioned above. Mortal Kombat 1 is just a simple fighting game with alot of violence and some cool finishers.

Originality: Alot of the basic aspects of this game are similar to most fighting games. High and low punches and kicks, blocking, tournaments, etc. But with the inclusion of fatalities, extra violence and the idea of a secret easter egg were all new to this genre. Unlocking Reptile is still one of the most annoying tasks to attempt and then trying to beat him is damn near impossible. Still, this was something extra for kids to try and every game after would always include some kind of easter egg like it. So for the time when there were a ton of Street Fighter 2 clones, this stood out.

Replayability: With 7 characters available you have at least 7 playthroughs to see the ending for each one. You have multiplayer which always drives the replayability of a game and of course as I just mentioned there is Reptile. So the replayability is pretty high here.

Overall: Overall we love Mortal Kombat, but even we see the flaws in this first title, especially for these home ports. The control is one area that really hampers this game from being truly great, but still this is a must play for any fighting game fan.

Beer Pairing: When it comes to beer pairing I decided to go with one of my favorite stouts the New Holland Brewing Dragon’s Milk. Clearly I was influenced by the dragon but this is a delicious oak aged stout that has a ton of flavor and is a nice compliment to the violence you will be shown in this classic game. So grab as many as you can find and enjoy!

Watch our video review!

Background: There is not a ton of background on the beer available other than the notes provided on the side of the can. “Tent Zipper is a Hazy IPA brewed with Germanic malts, wheat, and oats. Heavy handedly hopped with some of our old favorites Cascade, Centennial, and Crystal. Then hopped again with some of our new favorites Mosaic and Citra. Expect lush orange, deep piney resin, and a blend of your favorite tropical fruits.”

See Also

BeerBeer Battle

Beer Battle #7 – New Trail Brewing IPA Battle

Appearance: A distinct dark green can with blue and black accents that cover a nice picture of a lake. The New Trail logo is a bit more subtle as compared to other beers this time, which I prefer. This beer pours super hazy with a khaki brown body and a light white head. I will say this is what I expect when I see a hazy poured and its a damn good looking beer, if you like hazys.

Aroma: The aroma was strong with pine, lemon and orange. After a few sips I was able to get some other tropical fruits, but the orange is the dominant scent throughout. I feel like this is one of the Tent Zippers best qualities, it smells pretty damn good.

Taste: The aroma give way to a very similar taste that is full of citrus, as you may expect from a Hazy IPA. I mostly notice grapefruit, papaya and oranges. There is a distinct sweetness that mixes well with the citrus that I cannot quite put my finger on. Its very tasty upfront, by the end of the glass the citrus may be a bit overpowering.

Experience: From the first sip to the last this beer goes down very smooth. The body feels creamy and light with a dry finish. Not too heavy or sweet and definitely not too bitter. This is definitely a well rounded pub beer. It may not stand out in the hazy crowd but it gets the job done.

Game Pairing: When it comes to game pairing I chose Green Hell released for the Nintendo Switch and Windows. In the world of survival games this one is fun and disturbing at the same time. The tropical setting was the inspiration for the pairing. The citrus of the beer will help calm your nerves as you attempt to stay alive while also dealing with all of the psychological anxiety this game presents.

Thanks for reading the review and if you would like to learn more about New Trail you can click on their link here.

Graphics: The sprites and the animations are all very charming and colorful, but ultimately there is very little variation. The facial expressions are funny and overall this is a goofy look that works for such an obscure title.

Sound: The sound is very simple. You have a few music tracks and the sound effects of the punch’s, police sirens and celebration. Nothing special, but we can’t say it is bad either.

Control: The control is rough. Even though you only have two punches, a light and heavy punch, the response time is very delayed. You can figure out this delay but it is still frustrating while trying to pummel your opponent.

Gameplay: The purpose of the game is to knock the other player into a sewer manhole. There is a 99-second time limit, and the player has a set limit of stamina (200 hit points).

Each punch costs the player 1 HP. Also, flower pots are occasionally dropped from windows, which will cost a fighter 5 HP and daze the fighter if they hit. When a player is knocked off the pavement, they advance to the next street. After every third fight, the opponent is knocked into a manhole, then the player has a brief celebration where a lady throws confetti from a window. The goal of the game is to reach the rank of Champion. Every three fights won, the player gets a specific symbol on the lower right corner; after five symbols are earned, they go to the next set of symbols. In addition, a police car may pass by the fighting at any point in the fight which causes the players to return to their starting positions. If the timer runs out, the police will arrest the player closest to being knocked off of the pavement, meaning it is a default win for the other player for that round.

Originality: This is definitely and original idea, never had I heard of a game where the goal was to knock someone into a sewer manhole.

Replayability: The only replayability is the multiplayer. But the repetitive nature of the gameplay will have you bored within 10 minutes.

Overall: Overall we like the look of this game and it can be fun in short spurts. If you can find it for under $5 it may be worth it as a time waster.

Beer Pairing: When it comes to beer pairing I decided to go with the Yards Brawler Champion Ale. The goofy can design and the way the two are squaring up reminds me of this game. Plus it is only 4.2% so you can easily go through a 6 pack with a bud.

Watch our video review!

DBPG: How long did it take for your hand to recover after that silver surfer play through
Bootsy: Oddly enough, that game is tiring on the entire arm. I use a “spastic” approach that starts in my upper arm and works its way down. The hand was just fine!

DBPG:How much play doh did you wind up eating in the Splat video?  How many takes did you need for that?
Bootsy: No play doh was actually eaten in the Splat filming. I had to chew on it to make it look convincing, and it was salty and disgusting. I was happy to put my head through a Topple board in “Donut Disaster”, but I wasn’t going to trivialize my intestines for “Splat”.

DBPG:  How many instruments do you play?  Do you do all of the composing on the original songs for Board James?  Does James play the drums with you on any?
Bootsy: I play a number of instruments, but not all of them very well. Guitar, ukulele, and drums are the main ones. I’ve written all of the Board James songs except for “Shark Attack” & “Splat” – those were the actual jingles. They’re so memorable that we felt we needed to stick to the actual songs there. James and I haven’t played or recorded music together. We don’t live close to one another, so it would be a huge hassle if we tried.

DBPG:  Neither of us can sing to save our lives.  Did you have any vocal training or were you born a good singer?
Bootsy: I was in chorus in 8th grade and we were forced to sing songs from the Lion King soundtrack. That was the extent of my training. I wouldn’t say I was born a good singer at all, I just kept working at in my own time to get to the point where I didn’t feel like I was embarrassing myself.

DBPG:  Mentioned in a video before that you are a big coffee drinker, how much cups would you say you down each day?
Bootsy: I worked as a campaign manager for a political campaign last year, and I drank way too much coffee – like 4 or 5 cups a day, which is a lot for me. It was a stressful job. But normally, I’ll drink about 10oz a day. I try to limit my caffeine intake because I hate being kept awake at night. I enjoy the Kona blend from Wawa (a convenience store chain in the northeast) whenever they have it.

DBPG:  Shark attack video – where did you find that 1920’s swimsuit?
Bootsy: We were supposed to film that episode on the beach, but there was a huge storm that day on the Jersey Shore, so that victorian bathing suit doesn’t make much sense in retrospect. I found it for cheap on some costume store website, I think.

DBPG:  You are a beast when it comes to hard NES games.  Are there any games from your childhood that you still cannot beat after all these years?  Are there any modern games that you have trouble with?
Bootsy: This will be a disappointing answer, but I don’t play video games very often and I hardly own any. As a kid, I could never beat the ending to Double Dare on NES, but I just borrowed it from Mike Matei recently, and I finally did it. The only modern games I’m familiar with are the Rockstar games Red Dead Redemption and GTA V, both of which I loved. I got 100% completion in Red Dead, but in GTA V, I got wrapped up in the online portion before I could get to 100% completion. I haven’t played a modern game since, though, unfortunately.

DBPG:  Ever have any drunk gaming nights with James, Mike and the boys?  Any favorites when it comes to brews?
Bootsy: We’re all very busy, so when we get together, it’s for work purposes. In the rare event that we get to drink, it will only be for a couple of beers. With that said, I tend to keep it simple with Miller Lite or Yuengling Lager. When it comes to craft brews, I lean towards IPAs. My favorites include Heavy Seas Loose Cannon IPA (Clipper City Brewing Company), Jai Alai (Cigar City Brewing), and Pinner Throwback IPA (Oskar Blues Brewery).

DBPG:  In the Donut Disaster video? Also who came up with the infamous “like my coffee like I like my women…with my dick in them” line?
Bootsy: It’s a line that my friend Dan said to me several years ago as a joke, and I always loved the brilliant absurdity of it. It seemed very relevant to the Bad Luck Bootsy character and the situation of the episode, so I was able to use it. I get the credit for it because I say it onscreen, but I didn’t think of it. Thanks, Dan!

DBPG: What kind of equipment do you use when making the songs?  Any brand loyalty?
Bootsy: I used whatever instruments that were lying around the studio at those times. Each song has a different feel, so they needed different instruments – whatever worked in the moment. For personal use, I really love older Alvarez acoustic guitars and Lanikai ukuleles.

We want to say thanks again to Bootsy and be sure to check out his twitter @ReallyBLBootsy or at any of the his sites here.

Round 1 Results

• Sonic 3 destroys Ecco the Dolphin.
• NHL 94 sweeps by Madden 94.
• Golden Axe 2 finished off Michael Jackson’s Moonwalker
• Comix Zone defeats Ranger X
• Castlevania Bloodlines destroys Beyond Oasis
• Mortal Kombat 2 beats Toejam & Earl
• Road Rash 2 destroys Pulseman
• Phantasy Star IV edges by on Thunder Force 4 (Lighting Force)
• Streets of Rage 2 destroys Ghost Busters
• NBA Jam edges by Earthworm Jim
• Shinobi 3 destroys Virtua Racing
• Disney’s Aladdin defeats Herzog Zwei
• Gunstar Heroes destroys MUSHA
• Contra Hard Corps defeats Vectorman
• Super Street Fighter II cleans up Dr. Robotnik’s Mean Bean Machine
• Shining Force 2 defeats Shadowrun

Round 2 Results

• Sonic 3 defeats NHL 94
• Comix Zone defeats Golden Axe 2
• Castlevania Bloodlines narrowly defeats Mortal Kombat 2
• Road Rash 2 gets a huge upset over Phantasy Star IV
• Streets of Rage 2 destroys NBA Jam
• Disney’s Aladdin defeats Shinobi 3
• Gunstar Heroes defeats Contra Hard Corps
• Super Street Fighter 2 narrowly defeats Shining Force 2

Round 3 Results

• Sonic 3 defeats Comix Zone
• Castlevania Bloodlines narrowly defeats Road Rash 2
• Streets of Rage 2 destroys Disney’s Aladdin
• Gunstar Heroes defeats Super Street Fighter 2

Semi-Finals Results

• Sonic 3 defeats Castlevania Bloodlines
• Streets of Rage 2 defeats Gunstar Heroes

Finals end on April 9th (Friday) at 11:59pm

Graphics: Very simple, the two players are palette swaps with the ref staying the same throughout. There are a few different stages that have some decent coloring but it is nothing special. Given the time there could have been a little more thrown in.

Sound: We will give this game credit the main theme is catchy. However, the voice work is awful and the hit sounds are blah. If the developers would have added some music to the stages this game would have scored much higher.

Control: The control is a joke. The inputs are outrageously laggy and executing the moves are determined with a flip of the coin. Movement is sluggish and the jump is terrible. I would love to give this game a break here, but I cannot.

Gameplay: Playing out like a real karate match your goal is to score points by striking your opponent. The first one to 3 points wins the match. In between matches there are mini games with various objects coming towards you. The problem is that you cannot pull off the moves in time, because of the input lag. Even with a friend this game is monotonous.

Originality: Since this is the first fighting game for a home console we have to give it credit. So we can appreciate being the first of its kind.

Replayability: The only replayability is the multiplayer. You could go for a high score, but lets be honest this game is not fun enough to want to replay over and over again.

Overall: Overall we can appreciate that this is the first fighting game for the NES, but we cannot forgive how bad it is. Only try it out if you are really bored and on a mission to play every NES game.

Beer Pairing: When it comes to beer pairing we had to go with the first beer we drank when reviewing games, Lionshead. This is a cheap pilsner hailing from PA, that Jim and I absolutely love. It is a perfect beer for almost any occasion and don’t let beer snobs tell you otherwise.

Watch our video review!

Mike Matei, previously of Cinemassacre was nice enough to answer our questions below.

Drink a Beer and Play a Game (DBPG): Thanks Mike for giving us the chance to ask you a few questions.

Since this article was written Mike has now

You can find Mike at MikeMatei.com or on twitter @Mike_Matei

Video Game Related Questions:

DBPG: Are you into any games outside of console video games: computer games, card games, tabletop, etc?

Mike: I assume you mean sports. No, I’m not. I’m pretty anti-sports other than I think it’s good as a means of exercise. The only thing sports related I can really tolerate is Realsports Volleyball on Atari 2600. I remember when I was a kid, getting Nintendo Power issues in the mail, and one month they sent one with a Football cover. Still goes down as one of the most disappointing days of my life.

DBPG: We know you love the WiiU but what is your favorite Xbox/PS4 game?

Mike: I’ve yet to really find anything for XboxOne or PS4 that I really love. There was one driving game I played at a friends house for PS4 which had amazing looking graphics.. I think people get the impression that I don’t like those consoles. It’s not that at all. I’m just not big into most recent first-person shooters, and that genre seems to have a stranglehold over those systems. Recently I asked on my Twitter for some recommendations for games on those systems I might like, and got some good suggestions. I just need the time to try some of them out.

The thing about first-person shooters is that I do like SOME of them. I LOVE Doom & Doom II. And Wolfenstein 3D. (Those are some of my favorite games of all time) But I can’t stand Halo or Call of Duty. So really, it’s not that I don’t like First-Person Shooters. I’m just particular about what the THEME is.

DBPG: You mentioned before that you like the WiiU because of how unique the games are compared to the rest of the current generation.  What game-play styles draw you in the most when gaming?

Mike: My favorite game of all time, The Legend of Zelda (NES) is listed as an Action-Adventure game. But I think of it more as puzzle solving. I don’t think I get more enjoyment out of any game, more then going through dungeons in Zelda. That can’t be beat.

Another one of my favorites is Warcraft II: Tides of Darkness. That’s Real-time strategy. What’s funny is, I don’t care for World of Warcraft or Warcraft 3. I guess I’m just really particular.

I also love Side-scrollers, Platform, beat em’ up, tower defense and shooters (like Life-force)

As far as fighting games, I love Smash Bros but I’m not too big on Street Fighter. I was just never good at doing combo movies.

DBPG: We know that you and James are huge movie buffs, what movie based games are your favorite, if any?

Mike: Retro – Batman on NES. Modern – Batman Arkham City. Wow, Batman owned that answer. Don’t fuck with Batman.

DBPG: Are there any gaming goodies (games, consoles, etc) that you have that James doesn’t?

Mike: Quite a bit. I have a modded Atari 5200 that doesn’t use all those shitty AC adaptors and working controllers. I have a modded Game-Gear which can hook up to the television. I have a ton of home-brews, hacks and mods for various systems. My Atari 2600 collection is more complete. I have a Turbo-Duo, where James has the TurboGrapx-16 with CD attachment. A ton of other stuff too that I could spend all day trying to list. That said, James and I share our gaming stuff a lot. If he ever needs a game from me, I lend it to him and vice-versa. So I look at more of two collections that we share.

Beer Related Questions:

DBPG:What is your favorite kind of beer?

Mike: Lately Saison, Leffe, Hefeweizen and Weihenstephaner!

DBPG: What is your favorite local bar?

Mike: The Barcade!

DBPG: Between you and James who can handle their beer better?

Mike: I’m honestly more into mixed drinks then beer. James is more of the beer drinker. So I guess I’ll say him.

DBPG: Did you guys ever get drunk during the filming of any of your videos?

Mike: We’ve had a few drinks while filming on rare occasions, but have never been drunk while filming. As much as that seems like it’d be fun, filming is hard to do, and requires a lot of thought. You have to stay focused. So, no.

DBPG: How sick are you of Rolling Rock/Yuengling at this point?

Mike: I will still have an occasional Rolling Rock. But I really don’t drink Yuengling anymore. I had one earlier this year and didn’t even finish it. I used to love it though.

Site Related Questions

DBPG: What videos are more fun to film: AVGN, Board James, James & Mike Play, etc?

Mike: James & Mike Mondays are infinitely more fun to film because it’s just us playing video games. AVGN and Board James are scripted, and the filming has to be a lot more precise. Filming AVGN can be really fun, like throwing around a Bugs Bunny costumed dummy. But overall, filming while sticking to a script is mostly just a lot of hard work.

DBPG: Are you planning on making any more “hidden gem” videos, especially ones focused on more current systems?

Mike: Yes, I’d really like to. The reason I haven’t yet is that those videos are insanely time consuming. It’s like doing 10 videos in one. If I ever get the time again, I will. Right now the focus is on editing J&MM.

DBPG: What are the plans for Cinemassacre in the future? Will you continue to branch out and create your own series?

Mike: Well, I’ve already been doing my own game reviews. That basically is my own “series”. I’ll most likely just continue doing one-off game reviews. I like doing it that way because I can just review whatever I feel like at the time. If I named my show “Mike’s 8 bit gems” or something, then I’d have to stick to 8-bit games. I just don’t want to have any restrictions because of a title.

General/Personal Questions:

DBPG: If you could select 1 horror movie that would be turned into a video game which movie would you choose?

Mike: Probably the Universal Horror Movies. Like Dracula. Because there has never been a good game based on those classic characters. The Shining would be cool to see too.

DBPG: Do you still find time to collect action figures even with everything you do at Cinemassacre?

Mike: Yes. My action figure collection continues to grow at a steady pace. I already have almost all the G1 Transformers. Most recently I’ve been collecting all the Go-Bots. I think I have most of them now.

DBPG: This may be a bit generic, but what advice would you give to reviewers/gamers who are trying to get a foothold in a bloated market?

Mike: I think the key is that you have to do something REALLY original. Look at SmoothMcGroove. I never thought about someone doing video game music with their voice before that. It’s a brilliant idea that I had never seen. You gotta do something good that no one else has done before.

DBPG: Do you watch other online reviewers, and if so, who are some of your favorites?

Mike: Not much. The last thing I want to do when I have spare time is look at YouTube or game reviews any more then I already do. When I have some extra time, I try and spend it with my girlfriend or get out of my apartment.

DBPG: What is your personal opinion on the Let’s Play style reviewers and would you consider Youtube/Twitch the “modern” arcade, where you have people watching others play video games and posting high scores?

Mike: That’s interesting about it being like a modern version of the arcade. I do think it’s a great way to keep high score records. Because if it’s on video, and everyone can see it, there’s no debate about it. Back in the day, you used to have to send a VHS tape to twin-galaxies. And the public couldn’t view the tapes. So there was no way of knowing what was legit and what wasn’t. Online video is definitely great for high score keeping.

Thanks again Mike for taking the time to answer our questions!

The two beers competing are:

• S.O.B Hill, 6.5%
• Tent Zipper Hazy IPA, 6.5%

After spending a solid 3+ hours clearing brush/trees and getting myself genuinely exhausted. After a much needed shower I sat back and cracked open one of the S.O.B Hill IPAs which is described as an American IPA brewed with a mixture of Pilsner malt, Light Caramel malts, and Wheats. Heavy handedly hopped with a mixture of newer American varietals as well as some “old standbys”. This IPA is meant to bridge a gap between the West Coast body/ bitterness and East Coast aromatic craze.

S.O.B Hill IPA

Appearance: A nice bright green can with yellow and black accents helps make this one stand out. The New Trail logo is huge and is flanked by a subtle topographic map. Once poured

Aroma: Fairly aromatic with heavy hops, nothing too special.

Taste: Semi-Citrus with notes of a tart peach, tropical fruits/hops and a decent sweetness from the malts.

Experience: This has a medium body with a bitter after taste. There is some sugar left on the lips, but overall it goes down easy. Drinks like most IPAs.

See Also

2.9

Experienced

BeerBeer Review

George Killian’s Irish Red Review

Next on deck was the Tent Zipper Hazy IPA, which is described as a Hazy IPA brewed with Germanic malts, wheat, and oats. Heavy handedly hopped with some of our old favorites Cascade, Centennial, and Crystal. Then hopped again with some of our new favorites Mosaic and Citra. Expect lush orange, deep piney resin, and a blend of your favorite tropical fruits.

Tent Zipper Hazy IPA

Appearance: A distinct dark green can with blue and black accents that cover a nice picture of a lake. The New Trail logo is a bit more subtle this time, which I prefer. This beer pours super hazy with a khaki brown body and a light white head.

Aroma: The aroma is strong with pine, lemon and orange. It smells pretty damn good.

Taste: Alot of citrus in this one, as you would expect from any Hazy IPA. I mostly notice grapefruit, papaya and oranges. There is a distinct sweetness that mixes well with the citrus.

Experience: From the first sip to the last this beer goes down very smooth. The body feels creamy and light with a dry finish. Not too heavy or sweet and definitely not too bitter.

Overall both are solid IPAs that I would easily recommend, but you are here for a winner. I think that the Tent Zipper IPA offers more in terms of taste and is not quite as bitter as the S.O.B Hill. It was not a clear cut decision but after having 2-3 of each I tended to enjoy my time with the Hazy IPA a little more. If you want to learn any more about the New Trail Beers be sure to check out their website here.

Round 1 Results:

• Custer’s Revenge beats Ninjabread Man
• Pit Fighter (SNES) beats Vroom In the Night
• Pac-Man (Atari) beats Double Dragon 2 Wander of the Dragon
• Action 52 beats Flatout 3: Chaos & Destruction
• Link: The Faces of Evil beats Zelda: The Wand of Gamelon
• Family Party: 30 Great Games — Obstacle Arcade beats Hotel Mario
• SPOGS Racing beats Yaris
• Wayne Gretzky Hockey (NES) beats Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde
• Bubsy 3D beats Hong Kong 97
• Rambo: The Video Game beats Aliens: Colonial Marines
• Plumbers Don’t Wear Ties beats Leisure Suit Larry: Box Office Bust 
• Superman 64 beats Nighttrap
• E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial beats Sonic the Hedgehog
• Big Rigs: Over the Road Racing beats Postal 3
• Ride to Hell: Retribution beats Shaq Fu
• Rise of the Robots beats Mortal Kombat Mythologies: Sub-Zero

Round 2 Results:

• Pit Fighter (SNES) beats Custer’s Revenge
• Action 52 beats Pac-Man (Atari)
• Link: The Faces of Evil beats Family Party: 30 Great Games — Obstacle Arcade
• Wayne Gretzky Hockey (NES) beats SPOGS Racing
• Bubsy 3D beats Rambo: The Video Game
• Superman 64 beats Plumbers Don’t Wear Ties
• E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial beats Big Rigs: Over the Road Racing
• Rise of the Robots beats Ride to Hell: Retribution

Round 3 Results:

• Pit Fighter (SNES) beats Action 52
• Link: The Faces of Evil beats Wayne Gretzky Hockey (NES)
• Superman 64 beats Bubsy 3D
• E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial beats Rise of the Robots

Semi-Finals Results:

• Pit Fighter (SNES) beats Link: The Faces of Evil
• Superman 64 beats E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial

Final Results:

• Superman 64 beats Pit Fighter (SNES)

Link to full Site: https://www.polltab.com/bracket-poll/Vb2oSyWm8ov

Background: From Guinness themselves “Developed in 1959, this beer was our brewers’ celebration of Arthur Guinness signing his 9,000-year lease – a fitting way to mark 200 years of groundbreaking brewing. With a skillful pairing of nitrogen gas and carbon dioxide, the smooth, velvety texture was born. Distinguished by its legendary stormy surge upon pouring, Guinness Draught brewed up a storm all of its own. It established itself as the top-selling Guinness beer with lightning speed. Drinkers were instantly drawn to its complexity; its bold combination of flavors made a lasting impression. Guinness Draught was an unparalleled success.

Rich and creamy. Distinctively black. Velvety in its finish. This iconic beer is defined by harmony. Sip after sip, sweet counters bitter as the malt arrives on cue to compliment a base of roasted barley. Just as the unmistakable white head sits flush atop the dark beer, so do the flavors counter and combine perfectly. This is our greatest innovation. Truly unique. Perfectly balanced.”

Appearance: The bottle used in this review is a special commemorative design with a white dominant color scheme and the classic image of the Guinness Tucan taking center stage. I personally prefer the usual black can/bottle with the golden harp. For the purposes of this review I am using the classic can as my basis. The beer pours a dark black with a tan head that leaves the traditional lacing that anyone who has sipped this Irish classic knows well.

Aroma: The aroma is fairly strong with roasted malts and coffee being the strongest. It is an inviting smell that will always remind me of my time in Ireland.

Taste: The flavor is everything that you would expect from a Stout. Coffee, smokiness, chocolate, and roasted malts all blended in a very pleasing way.

Experience: It may be my personal bias but I find the Draught Stout to be one of the most drinkable stouts I have ever had. Of course if you have too many it will begin to sit heavy so you will be limited. During the time when you are enjoying this iconic brew you will notice a creamy mouthfeel with a dry finish that leaves you craving more.

Game Pairing: When it comes to game pairing I chose Left 4 Dead 2. This is my favorite multiplayer game as well as one of my favorite games of all time. Naturally I had to chose one of my games to go with one of my favorite beers. Grab a few cans and some buddies and mow down some zombies, but avoid the witch, Sláinte

Create your own list here: https://tiermaker.com/create/sega-genesis-mini-games-183514

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Brian: Man G has no love for Altered Beast or Eternal Champions? Otherwise I like the list.
Jim: G and I are on pretty much the same page, though there is a massive amount of disrespect shown to Eternal Champions.  

Brian: I like this, it feels like an honest list, I def disagree with the spots for sonic 3 and ecco, but its unique for sure.
Jim: I harp on how much I love Tetris a lot but the Great tier is pretty high for the genesis arcade port…ish…version.  He really needs to get around to Super Fantasy Zone, can’t go wrong there

Brian: Not a huge Sonic fan I see, and I love the placement of shining force, fairly overrated game.
Jim: Oh man, throwing Golden Axe and Shining Force in not good is a brave stance. You really need to get to Alisia Dragoon, its excellent.

Brian: Castlevania needs to move up, otherwise this is one of the more balanced lists.
Jim: Pretty fair list overall, some redemption here for his disgraceful Streets of Rage rankings.  No real complaints here, I can see the arguments even if Sonic Spinball deserves better.

Brian: Overall I will go with G’s list, it had all the Godlike games I cared the most for. Great job everyone!
Jim: Overall I think Ill go with G’s list as the best but noone made me cry, which is a plus

Create your own tier list and share it with us below. Link here: https://tiermaker.com/create/best-nes-games-36479

Brians List

Jims List

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Create your own tier list and share it with us below. Link here: https://tiermaker.com/create/the-ultimate-streets-of-rage-4-tier-list-363546

Brians List

Jims List

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Welcome to Beer Battle #6, this time it’s going down between two big barleywines.
– Wander Brewing 3 Ton, 12.3% – Click here for our review.
– Elevation Beer Company Arete, 12.5% – Click here for our review.

First up is Arete. The label is simple but looks good, and apparently this bottle is from Oct of 2014, prob from when I was a member of the rare beer of the month club. Hopefully it’s still good. Usually I don’t like text heavy labels but something tells me this is a special brew.

The aroma is quite strong and mostly has a dark fruit and malt scent. The flavor is really sweet, prob due to the aging I get almost no hop or bitterness. Raisins, caramel and malts are the main flavors. There is a fair amount of booziness, which is what I would expect.

This beer really is delicious and maybe the aging helped it but I love how smooth it is considering it’s so strong. When it comes to game pairing I gotta go with God of War 3, inspired by the name which is of Greek origin I wanted to pick a beer that Kratos himself would enjoy.

@WanderBrewing 3 ton at 12.3%. Once again it’s a very simple label. The colors are very simple and for some reason remind me of a granola bar. Either way this was a brew that my buddy got me for my bday so let’s start sipping.

So right off the bat I get little to no aroma, which is odd for a barley wine that aged in bourbon barrels. The flavor has me shocked too. A little bit hoppy, slight malt and some vanilla, but there’s not a ton here. I’m gonna let it warm a bit before I give a score.

The beer gets much better as it warms but still it doesn’t quite measure to what you would expect from a barley wine. So I gave it a 3.25/5, when it comes to game pairing I chose the forest on PS4 it matches the label for subtleness.

And the winner is the @ElevationBeerCo Arete, although the 3 Ton did get better the Arete had a better taste and felt smoother. Sorry for the delay I got a bit too drunk last night, cheers

Welcome to Beer Battle #5, this time it’s going down between two of Spoetzl Brewing Company’s Shiners winter brews.
– Shiner Frost, 5% – Click here for our review.
– Shiner Morello Dark Cherry, 7% – Click here for our review.

First up is the Morello Dark Cherry coming in at 7% this is a European Strong Lager. The label is sexy, I know that’s a weird word but the style of red and black combined with the stylish font looks quite nice. The aroma is heavy with cherry and has notes of milk chocolate.

The flavor is very interesting because it tastes like the filling of cordials, chocolate covered cherries, which is both odd and pleasant. The beer is surprisingly light considering it’s creamy mouthfeel. The finish is semi tart, probably thanks to the cherries.

Overall i wasn’t a huge fan of this beer while it was cold but as it has warmed up it has grown on me. I’m giving it a 3.5/5. I am gonna pair this unique brew with Infamous 2 Festival of Blood. The red and black made me think vampire and this standalone DLC is a lot of fun.

Next up is frost a winter Dortmunder coming in at 5%. This beer has a very wintery label with a nice blue/white combo, basically a polar opposite of the morello. The snowflakes really drive it home. The aroma is very light with malt and bread being the only detectable notes.

The flavor is similar to a pale lager with some additional malt/bread flavors. Maybe a hint of apple juice in the finish. There are some nice spices to the mouthfeel. This beer goes down real easy, like Jim’s mother,

Overall this is a solid session beer, even at 5% I can easily go through a lot of these guys. I give it a 3.1/5 and when it comes to pairing I am going to choose Ski Freak from Puppet Combo a fun indie horror game that takes place on the slopes.

I had to go with the Morello Dark Cherry. Better flavors and a bit stronger it has more to offer in the end, but if you hate cherries then this isn’t the best for you. Thanks for following and be safe, cheers!

Welcome to BeerBattle #4, this time it’s going down between two of Neshaminy Creek Brewing Company’s IPAs.
– The County line IPA, 6.6% – Click here for our review.
– Strange Rituals, 8.2% – Click here for our review.

Let’s start with the County line IPA. First off I hope other breweries take note, this is the effort I like in my beer labels. This is a fun colorful label that makes me want to buy this beer even more.

The aroma is 95% hops with a hint of grapefruit that builds as the beer warms. I have to be honest this smell reminds me of summer and I love it. The taste is hop/pine heavy with a tart aftertaste. This is what you would expect from most IPAs.

Overall this is a solid IPA, unfortunately like most IPAs the flavor and aroma tend to not stick out in the crowd. I am giving it a 3.9/5 When it comes to game pairing I am going with the Maw. This game lets you play as an all consuming blob, what’s not to love!

Now it’s time to try Strange Rituals red IPA. Once again this is an amazing label, immediately I knew what game to pair this with, see if you can guess before I get to my last tweet.

The aroma is much more subtle with hints of malts mixed in with the hops. The flavor is a nice balance of hops and malts, which is what makes me think this is more of a red ale than IPA. The initial mouthfeel is creamy with a dry/tart finish.

I love the complexity of this beer and if this is an IPA that enhances my decision. The 8.2% ABV without feeling boozy is a nice touch as well. I have to give it a 4.2/5. Give it a try if you can. The label was a dead giveaway for the game I chose, Chiller on the NES.

The winner is Strange Rituals, thank you to everyone who has been following along. If you can try any beer from Neshaminy Creek Brewing Company they have good quality brews. Cheers guys and be safe!

Bonus #BeerBattle for St Patrick’s Day , I’ll be comparing two Irish legends.
– Guinness Extra Stout click here for our review.
– Murphys Imported Stout click here for our review.

Starting off with the Guinness , let’s begin with the bottle, I love the overall look, simple and retro, the dark brown bottle mixed with the tan label is classic, ass the iconic harp it helps make the label stand out.

The aroma is fairly strong with roasted malts, coffee and a general smokiness. The flavor is evenly balanced between the roasted flavor and the malts. Giving a decent amount of chocolate and coffee. Quite smooth overall but just has a dryer finish then the classic draught.

Overall this is an excellent Irish Stout and just a little bit below the draught when it comes to my favorite Guinness beer. I had to give this one a 4/5. Give it a try! Sláinte.

Next up is Murphys Imported Stout and this is the first time I’ve tried this. So black, tan and gold must be a standard for Irish Stouts. Bold and regal looking can with helpful instructions on how to pour the beer on the back.

The aroma is all about roasted malts with a little bit of chocolate. The flavor is very similar, malt heavy with coffee and chocolate. The mouthfeel is interesting because it’s creamy yet light, and has a very dry finish.

Overall this is another great beer. A bit too dry in the after taste but all the familiar chocolate and coffee notes we love. It should also be noted that this beer goes down really easily.

And the winner of tonight’s #BeerBattle is Guinness Extra Stout. There was a little more flavor and not as much bitterness in the end. Still they are both great. Sláinte, happy St Patrick’s Day and be safe everyone

Welcome to the 2nd Beer Battle, a live beer vs beer comparing the look, aroma, taste and drinkability of two random brews. You can witness the live results on our twitter every Friday or Saturday night.

The 2 Beers on deck tonight are both Chocolate Peanut butter flavored
– Manayunk Brewing Companys Crunch click here for our review.
– Great Barn Brewery Dunkel Shaun click here for our review.

I am Starting with the Manayunk Brewing Companys Crunch, a chocolate peanut butter Porter. I’ll not sure why so many breweries are going with this minimalist style, I liked the old can design.

Once poured the peanut aroma fills the entire room. The flavor surprises me since it is light on peanuts and heavy on roasted Malts with some chocolate flavor. The finish is both tart and semi-dry. This has to be one of the thinnest porters I have tried

Overall this is a decent beer. I wish the body was a little heavier and the peanut/chocolate flavors came through a little more. Still I like it as a easier drinking porter. I give it a 3/5, try it out.

Next up is the Great Barn Brewery Dunkel Shaun Peanut Butter Chocolate Dunkel. I really enjoy this label, the half zombie hand holding the peanut appeals to the horror fan in me, and I gotta believe the name is a nice nod to Shaun of the dead.

The aroma is strong up close and is very reminiscent of Reese’s peanut butter straight from the jar. The flavor is also strong with peanut butter with a hint of chocolate. The mouthfeel is semi creamy almost oily (like peanut oil) with a semi-sweet aftertaste.

Overall this is one of the most peanut butter heavy beers I have had, and it’s a nice consistency, I just wish there was a bit more chocolate. Still I would give it a 3.75/5, give it a try.

Welcome to the 1st Beer Battle, a live beer vs beer comparing the look, aroma, taste and drinkability of two random brews. You can witness the live results on our twitter every Friday night.

The 1st two beers are a couple of great Double IPAs.
– Flying Monkeys Killer Cupcake Panda click here for our review.
– Evil Twin Brewing I Don’t Know How To Put This But This IPA Is Kind Of A Big Deal click here for our review.

First Beer up is Flying Monkeys Killer Cupcake Panda. Great label love the art work. The aroma is crazy because it smells like a vanilla cupcake or an orange creamsicle with minimal hop notes.

The flavor mimics the aroma, a ton of vanilla, citrus (either orange or grapefruit), white cake, with a slight hop finish. Easily one of the more complex double IPAs I have tried. It’s also incredibly smooth and easy to drink. The aftertaste is dry and semi bitter.

Overall this is an excellent beer and one of the more unique double IPAs I’ve tried. 4.75/5 from me…next beer is up

Now time to try the Evil Twin Brewing I don’t know how to it this it this IPA is kind of a big deal. I love the name and the humor, but the can design is a bit too minimalist for me. There is a ton of sediment and a very strong aroma dominated by hops with some citrus and wildflower.

The flavor is a nice mix between the hops and honey. There is a creamy mouthfeel, mostly due to the malts. Very smooth with a touch of booziness.

Another great double IPA, the 10% hits you quick by the time you finish the can, and the honey leaves a nice sugar finish on the lips. Highly recommend.

My choice for tonight’s Beer Battle is the Killer Cupcake Panda from Flying Monkeys, overall it had more complex flavors and a more unique taste for a double IPA. Still I would highly recommend either beer. Cheers everyone!

Welcome to the first of our beer brackets. Help us find the best beer style! Comment your final selection below!

Welcome to the first of our weekly brackets. Help us find the best Video Game Console. Comment your final selection below!