Aroma: 8 | Appearance: 8 | Mouthfeel: 9 | Flavor: 9 | Overall: 9

I've had really high hopes for this beer for over a year, and thank the Beer Gods, I haven't been let down. Chocolatly, caramelly, raisiny, and sticky toffee puddy aromatics waft over a dark brown body and KC style BBQ ribs colored brew (the only real BBQ ribs, I might add). Full and sweet, but not cloying, ample but not annoying carbonation. A fine batch, Arcadia. Like chocolate covered raisins with a shot of espresso, rum and a 1/6oz of hop vodka (I know, because I've made it...good stuff, btw). Thank you for delivering on all you promises, Arcadia. I look forward to your other big beers.

Aroma: 8 | Appearance: 9 | Mouthfeel: 9 | Flavor: 10 | Overall: 9

Well, to put it bluntly, if this is a true Sticke Altbier, then an Altbier is a German Barleywine, which I doubt many would argue with. Richly malty aroma with some Bavarian hop spiciness. Deep copper/brown and some tightly bubbled head. A fine, exceptionally smooth mouthfeel, strong and coating yet clean in the finish...this could make for one great, but far too easily forgettable Oktoberfest. Phenomenally complex and clean malt flavors and spicy hop bitterness, really, words fail me, just drink this beer! Seriously, drink this beer...do it now!

Aroma: 8 | Appearance: 8 | Mouthfeel: 7 | Flavor: 8 | Overall: 8

A beer brewed truely in the Belgian spirit. Very spice and fuller bodied for a trippel, more of a Golden Strong Ale, I would venture to guess...but certainly not the Duvel sense...or maybe a Belgian Specialy Beer...eh, whatever, its Belgian-esque and its pretty darn good, too. Very aromatic, floral and phenolic, like coriander and chamomille, as opposed to black pepper and centennials. Medium gold and a fair amount of foam for the carbonation level. Fuller mouthfeel than most Belgians, but a nice, medium bodied change of pace.

Aroma: 7 | Appearance: 8 | Mouthfeel: 7 | Flavor: 8 | Overall: 7

A nice IPA here, simple and straightforward, kind of like O'Fallon's 5 Day IPA. Some IPAs strive for complexity by leaning on a fruity yeast strain to tie the malt and hops together, but not this class, they are clean, mean and forthright. Hops...check, malt...check. Citrusy, grassy and mild pine aroma, how AIPA of them. Some lace, cloudy gold, small foam stand that faded. Crisp and refeshing mouthfeel, creamy foam (yummy luplin foam). A nice hop showcase with malt to support, bready and a touch dry. I'll have another pint, please.

Aroma: 9 | Appearance: 9 | Mouthfeel: 9 | Flavor: 9 | Overall: 9

I had this at the Trinity House, Dallas, TX. A great bar and one helluva great beer! Pours with a malty and coffee oriented aroma, chocolate and figs/raisins. Deep, dark brown body, slightly opaque, tan head, very nice lacing for a coffee beer. Velvety body, coating, but not too thick, very nice, and even a bit refreshing. Coffee, chocolate, mild spice and vanilla, dark fruits, clean yet complex, very interesting...a winner, especially in the cold. Its always nice to have a great winter warmer that won't knock you on your ass, and this one is phenomenal.

Aroma: 7 | Appearance: 6 | Mouthfeel: 7 | Flavor: 7 | Overall: 7

A pretty nice Blonde Ale, poured at the Gingerman in Dallas, TX. Sweet, grainy aroma, slightly spicy. Billowy, soft head, clear body, light gold. Between creamy and crisp, soft carbonation. Grainy, sweetish, some spicy hops. A nice blonde ale.

Aroma: 4 | Appearance: 5 | Mouthfeel: 5 | Flavor: 7 | Overall: 5

I will regard this as an Old Ale, since, really that's what I found to be in the bottle. Malty and cardboard like oxidative aroma, no hops, but some earthiness. Pours almost completely flat, and ruddy brown, no foam, no lace, nada. Flat and minerally, in the mouth, coating but not obnoxious. Minerally and malty to start, sweet malt and sour finish. I like the interplay between sweet and tart notes, but it lacks the malt complexities of most English Strong Ales (whatever the sort). Not a bad Christmas offering, but it certainly leaves something to be desired.

Aroma: 8 | Appearance: 8 | Mouthfeel: 8 | Flavor: 8 | Overall: 8

Ahh...review number 750, the goal buster for 2006. Malty, toasty aromas, some dark fruit, like toasted cinnimon raisin nut bread. Pours a slightly hazy deep brown with eggshell head. Mildly creamy and softly carbonated mouthfeel combind with faint flavors of dark fruit, toasted grahamn crackers and nuts along with resinous hops for a sticky but not saccharine sensation. Quite the treat for another milestone. Not quite an Old Ale, not quite a Barleywine, not quite an ESA, but some kind of wonderful, strong ale, indeed.

Aroma: 7 | Appearance: 7 | Mouthfeel: 7 | Flavor: 7 | Overall: 7

Resinous and caramelly aroma, very clean and straightforward, a good indicator for the beer, simple but bold, an interesting interpretation. Pours crystal clear brown/copper with quickly fading head. Rather thin across the palate, nice carbonation, no sticky sweetness, attenuation apparent (hmmm...chico yeast, perhaps?) yet quite warming. Again, caramelly and toasty malts, resinous, earthy hops, not the most complex, but bold and straightforward, I'll be putting some more back in the cellar to see what develops, but this a clean staring point.

Aroma: 8 | Appearance: 8 | Mouthfeel: 8 | Flavor: 8 | Overall: 8

Poured at the end of a BJCP class. Fruity, funky and spicy aroma coaxed up from my sample. Coating mouthfeel despite the apparent tartness and carbonation coupled with a dry finish. Tastes of spice, vineous character, leather, fruits. A very nice blended lambic, I'd hate to see these guys go.