Mendocino Brewing Co. - Blue Heron Pale Ale

For a while I avoided pale ales purely based on the fact that I was not a fan of hoppy beers. Since moving to California I have found it hard to avoid these styles, so I have begun to embrace that which I for so long avoided.

Blue Heron is a cloudy golden ale with a very crisp nose. The scent reminds me of a honeydew melon that is just not quite ripe yet. Slightly tangy with a healthy dose of sweet. Not very heady, but very pleasant.

First sip, I got hops. (I always get the hops first, call it a gift). Crisp and sweet, just a hint of lemon or tart oranges. As it warms I start to get less lemon and more sweet flowers. Not strong, just hinting at the end.

Blue Heron is a good sipping beer. Starts cool sweet and crisp and ends with a light hoppy finish.

4 out of 5 pints.

Anchor Brewing Co. - Anchor Bock Beer

I have a love/hate relationship with Bock style beers. I have really liked some, and despised others. So, this being one persons opinion, I decided to stay true to my taste buds.

The Anchor Bock Beer is robust to say the least. At first the nose hits you. Rich and slightly citrusy, you go in expecting a hearty fruit-filled experience. The question I thought with the first sip is, "Is it fruity, or could it be more nutty?" A clue... neither.

The hue of this beer is a deep brown chestnut with a rich clear shine. It's not 'dirty' colored unlike some bocks I have encountered. It produces a good head, but that dissipates about as quickly as my desire to continue to drink it. The best way I can describe the flavor profile is like this: oaky, smokey, pachoky! The hops and malts merge together in a some-what burnt manner, while all I can continue to think about when drinking it is "Mmmmmm, barbecue sauce!"

If hearty, chewy, and smokey are thing s you look for in your bock style ales, try this one. However, if you are going into this thinking "I would like to try a good Bock style ale.", then don't go for this little number.

1 out of 5 pints.