Beer of the Week

The beer: Imperial Maple Sunday

The brewery: Lone Pine Brewing Company, Portland, Maine

Description (from the can): "Every fourth Sunday in March, sugarhouses across Maine open their doors for tours, music, and most importantly, a pancake breakfast with Maine maple syrup. Brewed in collaboration with the Maine Maple Producers Association, with local syrup from our neighbors at Merrifield Farm, Imperial Maple Sunday is our dialed-up contribution to one of Maine's longest standing and most delicious traditions."

Would I buy it again? I don't actually remember buying this beer or where I got it, but I'm incredibly glad it made its way into my beer collection, because it's extremely good. I love maple syrup, I love brown ales, Lone Pine would have had to supremely screw up to make this beer not one I enjoyed. Fortunately, they stuck the landing: it's wonderfully thick and maple flavored while still maintaining the brown ale maltiness. No hoppiness to speak of here, which is a relief. I would definitely buy this again.

Beer of the Week

The beer: The Kaiser Imperial Oktoberfest Lager

Brewed by: Avery Brewing Company, Boulder, Colorado

Description (from the website): "Just in time for fall and its most notable Fest, this limited release Imperial Oktoberfest Lager is our emboldened Prost! to one of the world's most recognized styles. The Kaiser weaves together rich, toasted Vienna and Munich malts with the floral spiciness of Hersbrucker and Bravo hops to create a bold and brazen dry Imperial Oktoberfest."

Would I buy it again?: Depends how much I'd have to pay for it. It was definitely good, it had the signature Oktoberfest taste but richer and deeper. If we're talking maybe a dollar or two more for a six pack of this than of a regular Oktoberfest, than sure. But if they're looking for $15 to buy a four pack, then probably not. It's good, but not that good.