Boris Bold (France) 8.6%

Not surprisingly, this high alcohol beer has a high alcohol burn. Though expected this makes the rest of the flavours a little difficult to access. It is quite malty and a little hoppy. Like many strong beers the malt and the alcohol taste mix to form something a little sticky but it certainly tastes better than most.

On the darker side of full gold, nearly a brass sort of colour in glass.

This beer is kind of neat, its alcohol burn is more like that of a strong mixed drink but the typical beer flavours of malt (mostly malt) and a hops touch are there too. An interesting beer to try and certainly and interesting option for those who like strong beers (and 8.6% is really strong); however, if you don't like tasting your alcohol give this one a pass.

Ambrosia Blonde - Alexander Keith's (Canada - Nova Scotia - Halifax) 5.2%

A full gold colour in a glass. Keith's Ambrosia Blonde has a sweetness to it with a slightly caramel taste. It is only barely bitter but is fairly malty with some roasted malt flavour and has some mild wooden tones. The aroma is along much the same lines though the roast and the caramel flavours share the spot light whereas the roast stays more in the background of the taste.

A very pleasant beer: well balanced and tasty. Keith's has come out with several limited release beers lately, I really liked the Tartan Ale - I'm looking forward to seeing what they come up with next. Hopefully they are considering moving towards having a variety of their beers out there all year round.

Royal 100: 1910-2010 - Mount Royal University & Wild Rose Brewery (Canada - Alberta - Calgary)

In honour of the 101st anniversary of Mount Royal University I will review the beer released to celebrate their 100th:

Royal 100: 1910-2010 - Mount Royal University & Wild Rose Brewery (Canada - Alberta - Calgary) 5.0%

Tastes of red malt make this beer taste warm with bitter hop tones. The mix of flavours were perfect for winter. A tasty beer and a grand one liter bottle - handy for homebrew too! A deep reddish amber colour in a glass.

It was brewed by the neighbouring Wild Rose Brewery for Mount Royal University located in Calgary in celebration of the 100th anniversary of Mount Royal University's founding.

Happy Octoberfest!

Paulaner Oktoberfest Bier (Germany) 6.0%

The most notable thing about this beer is its awesome format. The glass, the 1 litre can of beer and the cardboard flaps holding the two together cost somewhere in the realm of $13.00 at liquor stores in New Brunswick and is well worth it; the glass alone is worth nearly that much to me.

The beer itself pours clear and golden. The aroma is malty and sweet but also hoppy, and the taste is much the same. Very pleasant but mild tasting, a combination that would make it very easy to drink lots of this beer (I think that's the idea).

I highly recommend this purchase, the glass is fantastic, the beer is good and traditional, and the can itself is sturdy and has a great label (piggy bank perhaps?).

Happy Oktoberfest!

Propeller Hefeweizen (Canada - Nova Scotia - Halifax)

Propeller Hefeweizen (Canada - Nova Scotia - Halifax) 5.3%

Full gold in a glass, this Hefeweizen from Propeller hits on all cylinders. A yeasty bread aroma with hints of the flavours to come: cloves, dried banana chips, sweetness and spice. These flavours dance across the palate along with flashes of pumpkin, earthy nuttiness, as well as floral spiciness. A mouth wateringly nutty and earthy aftertaste, with echos of the cloves explosion, means the drinker will be reaching for a second shortly after finishing the first. Propeller really nailed this one, delectable and true to the style. Just a fantastic beer.