Munich Helles Lager (5.1% abv)

Bayerische Staatsbrauerei Weihenstephaner (Freising, Germany)

Quick beer tip before the review, Helles is pronounced “Hell-us"

This lager pours a perfectly clear gold with a thin white head sustained by a constant stream of tiny bubbles (similar to that of a good champagne). It smells of biscuit malts, grass, and is slightly sulfuric. Extremely light body, the biscuity malt flavor fades into the grassy, lemony aftertaste. Helles lagers are never at the front of mind for me when thinking of my favorite beers but every once in a while a good clean lager really hits the spot. So clean and easy to drink, no wonder Germans drink it liters at a time.

88/100

Pier - American Wheat Ale (6.7%)

Trillium Brewing (Boston, MA)

Pier pours a hazy, yellow-orange with a frothy head that leaves excellent lacing. It smells of sweet citrus, lemon, and pine. The soft wheat malt base makes creates a great body to showcase the citrus from the hops and the light bitterness on the end. Another terrific brew from one of my favorite breweries, this is the epitome of everything I want in a summer beer. Highly recommend seeking out a bottle or two if you can.

95/100

Julius - India Pale Ale (6.8% abv)

Tree House Brewing (Monson, MA)

Julius pours a hazy, burnt orange with a large rocky, beige head. A blast of oranges, tangerines, peaches and mangoes hit you as you sip. It's so citrusy its almost like orange juice with a slightly bitter after taste. A truly amazing and unique IPA, you hardly know you're drinking a beer.

99/100

Rind - Saison Cider with Coriander and Orange Rind (6.9% abv)

Far From the Tree Cider (Salem, MA)

A bit of a change up here, my first cider review is in the books. I tried a few ciders from Far From the Tree back in February and was blown away by their amazing takes on what cider can be. I've since be looking for their products in stores and finally saw them this past week in the new Boston Public Market and so here we are.

This ciders pours an murky yellow with no head. The saison yeast gives a slight funk to the nose but other than that it smells like any other cider I've tried. The initial taste is simply of tart apple juice but in the drying after taste the coriander and orange peel really come through. I definitely enjoyed this cider and am glad I bought it, but for $10 per 500ml I don't think I'll be buying this one again given their other offerings put this one to shame.

86/100