Beers of the month August/September

It is the middle of September and that means time to crown the beer of the month and the four runners up. My total volume was down this month with only 14 new beers sampled, but I figured it was still worth highlighting the five best of the bunch.

5. Murphy's Red Ale

• This one does not fit into the "craft beer" category since it is mass produced, but still not one that a typical American beer drinker would likely look for. Beer had some nice head and lacing. Like other red ales it had a minerally and metallic aroma, but a much milder flavor. A nice balance and character made this one my favorite red ale. Murphy's

4. Sierra Nevada Porter

• A great example of the Porter style from a fantastic craft brewery in California. Nice head, lacing, chocolate, coffee and malt flavors. These guys just consistently put out good beer. Sierra Nevada Porter

3. Anchor Summer Beer

• One last shot for summer. This wheat beer had an unexpectedly creamy mouthfeel, but did have an expected light and refreshing drinkability. Just enough complexity of flavor to make it not watery. Anchor Summer beer

2. Samuel Adams Octoberfest

• An early fall seasonal beer. Very impressive looking with a copper color and nice carbonation. Smooth malt flavor with some citrus notes. No bitterness gave this beer a high level of drinkability. Sam Adams

1. Rogue Dead Guy Ale

• I had been holding on to this one due to not really liking their Mocha Porter, but was a very pleasant surprise. Nice malt flavor with a great finish. Some banana notes and no bitterness. Appearance was great also. Beer of the month. 

Three months down and still lots of great beers to try. Thanks for the support. 

Cheers!