Beer of the Week

The beer: Special Double Cream Stout

Brewed by: Bell's Brewery, Kalamazoo, Michigan

Description (from the website): "Named for its velvety smooth, creamy texture, this incredibly rich stout is brewed with 10 different specialty roasted malts chosen that impart notes of rich mocha and espresso. Dark and sweet tones intermingle with a soft, roasty finish."

Would I buy it again?: I was expecting a bit more from something called a special double cream stout. There was nothing wrong with it, it tasted good, nice and creamy, but the name advertised something special, and this wasn't that. So no, I probably wouldn't go out of my way to buy it again.

Beer of the Week

The beer: Apollyon Golden Ale

Brewed by: Arcadia Brewing Company, Kalamazoo, Michigan

Description (from the website): "Tremble before Apollyon, The Destroyer, for herein is a beer that requires careful handling. Produced using a technique that amplifies the intense apple/pear fruitiness of Arcadia’s house English-style yeast, the result is a straw-colored golden strong ale that hides its strength carefully. Obscured by intense honey notes, hints of cotton candy, fresh-baked bread, and a wickedly dry, crisp body, we took to calling it Apollyon in homage to the Belgian tradition of naming beers after 'devilish' figures. Unlike the king of locusts, the only truly dangerous part of Apollyon is how enjoyable and refreshing it is."

Would I buy it again?: You know, I was really expecting a lot more kick from this beer when I first tasted it. I figured something called a strong golden ale and with such high alcohol content would be more intense. But it's very drinkable. Unfortunately, I think that works against this beer in a way. It wasn't cheap, which is not so good, and it's supposed to be a winter beer, but it really strikes me as more of a warm weather beer. It was fine, but it definitely isn't something I'll be rushing to get again.

Beer of the Week

The beer: Two Hearted Ale

Brewed by: Bell's Brewery, Kalamazoo, Michigan

Description (from the website): "Brewed with 100% Centennial hops from the Pacific Northwest and named after the Two Hearted River in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, this IPA is bursting with hop aromas ranging from pine to grapefruit from massive hop additions in both the kettle and the fermenter. Perfectly balanced with a malt backbone and combined with the signature fruity aromas of Bell's house yeast, this beer is remarkably drinkable and well suited for adventures everywhere."

Would I buy it again?: This isn't the first time I've purchased this particular beer, and I doubt it'll be the last. I don't often buy IPAs on their own, and there's a good reason for that: I don't like IPAs. This is a notable exception, because it honestly doesn't taste too much like an IPA. It's hoppy and bitter, but not excessively so, and there's enough maltiness there to balance it out. It's not my favorite beer of all time, but it's definitely interesting.

Beer of the Week

The beer: Loch Down Scotch Ale

Brewed by: Arcadia Brewing Company, Kalamazoo, Michigan

Description (from the website): "Our tribute to the Scottish Highlands, this beer offers a gorgeous garnet color joined by the aroma of ripe plums and freshly-baked biscuits. The rich, full-bodied texture reveals notes of roasted chestnuts and caramel in the smooth single-malt style brew. Balanced with just the right amount of hop character, this beer delights with crisp alcohol finish."

Would I buy it again?: Yes, but only during the winter. It's quite strong and rich, and I couldn't imagine enjoying a beer like this in the middle of a hot and humid Maryland summer. This is a year-round beer, so you could do that. It's perfect for a cool, cloudy, and wet evening when the nights are long. So, you know, typical Scottish weather.