Beer of the Week

The beer: Domaine DuPage

The brewery: Two Brothers Brewing Company, Warrenville, Illinois

Description (from the website): "One of the most award-winning craft beers (period), Domaine DuPage is a French Country Ale that offers a toasty caramel sweetness with just enough hops to cleanse the palate. A true original, both in style and taste, this decorated ale continues to shine as the flagship beer of Two Brothers."

Would I buy it again? The description on the can caught my eye here; I don't think I've ever had a French-style beer. And I discovered there's a reason for that, as this beer tastes like pretty much any other beer I've had before. This is about as beer tasting as beer can get, if that makes any sense. It's fine, but I was expecting something, you know, interesting. If I want a beer-tasting beer, I'll buy something else, something that doesn't overpromise.

Beer of the Week

The beer: Atom Smasher

Brewed by: Two Brothers Brewing Company, Warrenville, Illinois

Description (from the website): "Named with our atom-colliding scientific neighbor in mind, this Oktoberfest-style lager is oak-aged, providing added layers of depth to the signature flavors of roasted malt, caramel and toffee found in marzen style beers. But a beer this exceptional shouldn’t be limited to just Oktoberfest. Raise a glass, stein or boot to Augustfest, Septemberfest and beyond!"

Would I buy it again?: Yes, I think I would. Aging beer in barrels is a fairly common practice, but I've never seen this particular type of beer aged. The flavor is definitely different, being more mellow yet deeper. Definitely a beer to enjoy, not one to chug down.

Beer of the Week

The beer: Pahoehoe Coconut Ale

Brewed by: Two Brothers Brewing, Warrenville, Illinois

Description (from the can): "Sometimes life calls for a day to put your feet up on a chair, some music in the air, the sun on your face, and a beer in your hand. Pahoehoe Coconut Ale was created for those moments. A refreshing, drinkable beer with a twist. Pahoehoe features the uniquely sweet taste of coconut. Smooth and creamy with notes of coconut, vanilla, and a dry, crisp finish, it will be sure to make you go nuts for coconuts"

Would I buy it again?: No. I thought I'd like this a bit more than I did, I definitely recall enjoying the one coconut beer I've had before (Maui Brewing's Coconut Porter), but this wasn't so enjoyable. I think that beer was the exception, because I generally don't like coconut-flavored things very much. I think this was a well-made beer, and if you do like coconut, I'd recommend it on a warm summer evening.