Deviant Dales

I decided to take my winnings from my bet on I'll Have Another and go on a beer buying trip. Bestway in Greensboro NC got Deviant Dales in this weekend.  I am a fan of Dale's Pale Ale, and had high hopes for this beer. I postulate that Dale's cans make for good road sodas as they look like a coke can, but I would, of course, strongly advise against testing my theory.

The beer pours copper orange with an inch head.  As it's drunk down, the beer has some decent lacing.  The nose has pine, citrus, and is a little danky.  The palate is brimming with pine and syrup.  Citrus notes strike mid palate.  Mild bitterness as an aftertaste, and very hoppy.  Not too boozy. Overall, a winner.

Overall score:  90
Rebecca's score: 94

Food pairing: Goat cheese and crackers

Great Divide 18th Anniversary Wood Aged Double IPA

While watching the Braves, I opened up the Great Divide 18th anniversary Double IPA. I had just finished enjoying a supper of sloppy joes, and I was feeling stuffed. I didn't need a beer, but after watching an overweight baseball player, who couldn't manage to run faster than my mother, fail to make it to home, I decided I was in great shape and deserved a beer. (My mother is in a wheel chair). Rebecca, as always, was up for a beer (or any sort of alcohol).
The original plan was to split it with my hop-loving fiancee, but she took one sip, handed it back to me, and headed to the fridge for a Hopzilla, leaving me on the road to a Monday night buzz.

Poured into a tulip glass, the appearance is promising. Amber in color with a decent head. The nose is oaky, earthy, with more pine than floral or citrus. On the front palate I detect oak, pine, and a slight sweetness. The back palate is bitter and metallic with some oak. (Rebecca says yuck.) Despite the high alcohol content, this beer is not very boozy.

Overall, I give it an 83.

Rebecca wasn't as impressed. She gave it a 72. She probably wasn't drunk enough yet.

Food pairing: Chicken Picatta with vegetable lemon pasta