Beer of the Week

The beer: White Oak

The brewery: The Bruery, Placentia, California

Description (from Untappd): White Oak is an equal blend of two beers. A wheat-wine aged in Bourbon barrels (we call it "White Oak Sap") and our Belgian-style Golden Strong Ale (Mischief) join each other in a delicate dance of flavor and character before we package the final product. White Oak showcases vivid caramel, coconut and vanilla flavors blanketed in a crisp yet robust wheat ale. A true exercise of balance."

Would I buy it again? This beer has apparently been discontinued, which makes buying more a moot point, apparently. Which is a shame, because I really like this beer. It's strong and has plenty of vanilla flavor, but because the base beer is a wheat ale, it's not that heavy. Not an easy-drinker by any means at all, but this doesn't feel like a meal all on its own. If I could buy it again, I would.

Beer of the Week

The beer: Blueberry Wheat Ale

The brewery: Ellicottville Brewing Company, Little Valley, New York

Description (from the website): "A dry and fruity wheat beer with the perfect amount of mellow blueberry flavor. EBC has been brewing this beer for over 10+ years as it continues to grow in popularity — even internationally."

Would I buy it again? Personally, I wouldn't, but that's because I'm just not a huge fan of the blueberry taste. If you enjoy blueberries, I think you'd get a lot out of this beer. It's got a good balance of blueberry taste and beer taste. Also, a clarification on the brewery name: This brewery has multiple locations, including one in Ellicottville, N.Y. But this particular bottle was brewed and bottled in Little Valley. Very important information right there.

Beer of the Week

The beer: Pumpkinhead

Brewed by: Shipyard Brewing Company, Portland, Maine

Description (from the website): "Pumpkinhead is a crisp, refreshing wheat ale with delightful aromatics and subtle spice flavor. To celebrate the fall season, we enhance the pumpkin flavor with a proprietary blend of spices including cinnamon and nutmeg. A proper pint of Pumpkinhead is served in a pint glass rimmed with sugar and cinnamon and often accompanied by a shot of spiced rum or vanilla vodka."

Would I buy it again?: Sometimes breweries go too far with their pumpkin beer. While drinking a double imperial pumpkin stout or spicy pumpkin beer (never again) might be fun once, sometimes it's nice to kick back with an approachable pumpkin beer. That's Pumpkinhead. It's light, it's drinkable, and it's got a great name. I'd definitely buy it again.