So I picked up a well-designed, cork-topped bottle of Brooklyn Local 2 on a trip to Minnetonka, MN (don’t you always go to MN to pick up a NY brew?!).

Sounded delish, honey and citrus peel are a great combo and I love a strong beer (it’s 9.0%). The brewery calls it a Belgian-inspired dark abbey ale.

Pouring it filled my glass with a deep amber brown, cloudy bevvie with a light fizz and high head. It’s a pretty pour, no doubt!

Sweetness in the form of strawberry and raspberry flavours are prominent, with some spiciness and bitterness on the finish. It’s well balanced, and you wouldn’t know that ABV is so high if you didn’t read the bottle.

It’s good, and has very admirable qualities, but not outstanding enough for me to put it on any “must try” list. I’m biased a tad, as I love a darker, less fruity beer. If you’re Belgian style / abbey ale fan, you probably want to put this on your list to try.

For me, if reminded me of a bar staple, rather than a unique brew. I’ll give it a pass next time, in favour of finding something that stands out a little more.

This beer ain’t no joke – Clown Shoes or not.

Deep, rich, smokey and thick, Undead Party Crasher, from the folks at Clown Shoes, is a brew worthy of gifting to a beer-loving friend or saving for a special occasion.

It’ll kick your ass at 10%, but with no strong alcohol undertones. It’s both smooth and bold… I know I’m sounding pretentious and I don’t care. This brew is kinda fantastic.

On the pour it is dark and rich, with little head. As someone who doesn’t like overly smokey beer, it gave me some big flavours without being overpowering. Malt and a touch of chocolate came across as well.

Two bottles are going in my suitcase to bring home from this trip. No question.

Recommendation – get it. Thank me later.

Having arrived in Minnetonka Minnesota for show we needed to stock up on some local beer. Off we went in a taxi to a local liquor store and we dug up a few beverages worth tasting.

The first is Bitter Neighbor. We’ll post about the others later. Bitter Neighbor is a dark black IPA brewed by Third Street Brewhouse in Cold Spring Minnesota. It’s excellent. Definitely worth drinking if you’re in the neighborhood. While it’s bitter it won’t leaving you feeling disappointed. A dark, rich and smoky beer with lots of hops.