Beer of the Week

The beer: Small Paradise

Brewed by: Love City Brewing Company, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Description (from Untappd): "Small Paradise is a Czech-style Amber lager we brewed this beer with our good friends from 2SP Brewing Company from DelCo. Small Paradise is a slow fermented traditional lager fermented with Czech yeast, malt and hops. Complex yet crushable, this amber lager boasts notes of sourdough, caramel, and dark fruits complemented by a refreshing dryness and floral Saaz hops."

Would I buy it again? This beer was about as amber lager as amber lagers get. It was nice and malty, drinkable but with plenty of substance. Not too hoppy, either. I don't think it'll win any awards, but as a beer to actually drink, it's tough to beat. I'd buy it again.

Beer of the Week

The beer: Barrel Aged Imperial Amber Lager

The brewery: Great Lakes Brewing Company, Cleveland, Ohio

Description (from the website): "Join our 35th anniversary celebration with this limited edition Imperial Amber Lager inspired by one of our original 1988 recipes, aged in Bulleit™ bourbon barrels."

Would I buy it again? You don't usually see imperial lagers. Stouts, all the time, IPAs, not as common, but definitely out there. But an imperial version of a regular old amber lager? I couldn't resist trying it out. But does it work? Yes and no, I would say. You can definitely taste the bourbon in this, and I'm not going to deny this beer tastes good. It's not an easy drinker, but I enjoyed drinking it. However, I feel like something has been lost of the original lager, which I have had before. That doesn't stop this beer from being very good, and I would drink it again, but I'm not sure how well it works as a celebration of their regular amber lager.