Bell's Hopslam Ale

... and it's here.
Each year, Bell's releases this yumminess upon us.
Hopslam is available in Cincy at finer beer stores (IGA has it), it costs $15 per 6 pack.
It's been compared to a super Two-Hearted Ale, but I'd say it's on its own. THA uses Centennial, HS uses comething else. I've read that it uses Simcoe as a dry hop.
With an Original Gravity of 1.087, it starts as a high gravity wort, and ends at 10% alcohol by volume with a Final Gravity of 1.014. That FG results in a nice malty sweetness that balances the crazy alcohol content.
For a double/imperial IPA such as this, you KNOW to expect hoppiness. But with a name like Hopslam, you get it. I wasn't able to find a good clone recipe on any of the boards I frequent. But once I find one, and hops aren't so ridiculously priced, I'mma make it. Hoppiness.

Anchor Brewing's Christmas Ale 2007

Christmas Ale 2007

ABV = Varies
Details = Top Secret

Too funny.

This is the 33rd year for this seasonal brew. It's only sold in January.
The pour revleas a dark, Coca Cola colored body and a nice head.
Sweet aroma slides into a complex flavor of citrus, spice, apples, clove?

Good and yummy. But did not go well with my taco soup. Once that stopsbloating my belly, I'm gonna have at least one more.

Brooklyn Brewery Black Chocolate Stout

Brooklyn Brewery

Nothing says winter like a good strong stout.
This imperial version starts out with a crazy head from a little too much carbonation (a good thing). Once that settles down and the lacing appears, a cold one makes for some great drinking. I dunno about drinking 6 of these, coz they're 10.1% alcohol. The starting gravity was 1.096, meaning the final gravity is 1.020, pretty sweet.
It pours like motor oil and its mouthfeel is only a little less viscous.
I recommend drinking this in the early evening, one gulp at a time, over an hour and a half, letting it warm up in the glass to experience the different textures the higher temps bring.