Beer of the Week

The beer: PB & Jams

Brewed by: Abita Brewing Company, Covington, Louisiana

Description (from the website): "With aromas & flavors of strawberry and peanut butter, PB & Jams will immediately take you back to your favorite childhood snack - the peanut butter & jelly sandwich. The flavors meld perfectly resulting in a medium bodied brew with a subtle sweetness."

Would I buy it again?: I couldn't resist a PB&J beer. I just can't. Positive point: This is definitely the best peanut butter–flavored beer I've ever had. Of course, that's not a high bar; peanut butter just doesn't really work in beer, in my opinion. This isn't bad, and I'm glad I bought it, but I don't think I'd get it again.

Beer of the Week

The beer: Pecan Ale

Brewed by: Abita Brewing Company, Covington, Louisiana

Description (from the website): "Pecan Ale is made with real Louisiana roasted pecans for a subtle, nutty flavor and aroma. It’s brewed with pale, Munich, biscuit and caramel malts, and Willamette hops. The roasted pecans are added in the brewhouse. Crack one open and geaux nuts!"

Would I buy it again?: We have the rarest of all beers -- a fall beer that isn't pumpkin based or an Oktoberfest. Unfortunately, they should have stuck with the old stand-bys, because this beer wasn't very good. I just felt it was boring and pretty tasteless. Definitely not worth the trouble of buying again.

Beer of the Week

The beer: Andygator Helles Doppelbock

Brewed by: Abita Brewing Company, Covington, Louisiana

Description (from the website): "Abita Andygator, a creature of the swamp, is a unique, high-gravity brew made with pilsner malt, German lager yeast, and German Perle hops. Unlike other high-gravity brews, Andygator is fermented to a dry finish with a slightly sweet flavor and subtle fruit aroma. Reaching an alcohol strength of 8% by volume, it is a Helles Doppelbock. You might find it goes well with fried foods. It pairs well with just about anything made with crawfish. Some like it with a robust sandwich. Andygator is also a good aperitif and easily pairs with Gorgonzola and creamy blue cheeses. Because of the high alcohol content, be cautious — sip it for the most enjoyment."

Would I buy it again?: I love a good doppelbock, and I'm happy to report that this is a very good one. It's nothing like any other doppelbock I've had before, which you can tell right away from the color. Doppelbocks are very dark and heavy beers, and while I can certainly down Troegenators quickly, they don't really lend themselves to the same sort of drinking that something like a pale ale does. But Andygator is golden and fairly transparent, and that translates to the taste as well. It is, strangely enough, a very drinkable doppelbock. You could absolutely relax with one on a summer evening. So not only would I buy it again, I'd recommend you try it too. It is that interesting.

Beer of the Week

The beer: Mardi Gras Bock

Brewed by: Abita Brewing Company, Covington, Louisiana

Description (from the website): "Mardi Gras Bock is the first of our seasonal brews. Abita Bock is brewed with pale, pilsner and caramel malts and German Perle hops. Our bock is similar to German maibocks with its rich malt flavor and full body. A perfect choice during Carnival season in New Orleans. Gruyére, Emmental and Swiss are nice cheese choices with Bock. Great with roasted beef or pork. Try it with Mexican food, too."

Would I buy it again?: Yes. I'm a big fan of bocks, and while this one wasn't the best I've ever had, it was still very good. A malty taste, but not thick. Very easy to drink. A great beer for a spring evening.