Thomas Creek, Up the creek, Extreme IPA

Smells:  apple, citris, cinnamon.  Tastes: heavy hoppiness and alcohol (almost medicinal), caramel.  Kinda thick on the tongue.  I'm going to have a hard time getting through this one.  I loved the smell though.  It really got my hopes up.  The heavy alcohol was a big let down though.  I guess that's where the "extreme" comes from in this IPA.

This could have been one helluva brew, but the overwhelming alcohol kills it.

Thomas Creek, Appalachian Amber Ale

Crystal clear copper.  Nice alabaster head.  Smells like a typical American amber ale.  Nothing unique, but still pleasant.

It's advertised as 40 IBU, but I think it might be a little higher.  High carbonation.  There's some good flavor on the font end, but it's quickly assassinated by the bitterness.

I'm typically content with amber and red ales, but this one just isn't appealing to me.

Founders, Red's Rye PA

 Nice brown/red color.  Most lacing I've ever seen.  Right when you open the bottle you get punched in the nose with an amazing pineapple, nectarine and rye aroma.

I'll admit that I had a hard time starting on this one.  It's heavy hop characteristic and 70 IBUs were way more than I'm used to.  This beer is definitely tuned for the hop-lovers (not me).

I warmed up to it a little bit about halfway through the glass.  I slowed down and sipped.  Just can't get over that bitter hop-earwax aftertaste.

The IPA yuppies probably love this one.  It's just not for me.  Not terrible... just not for me.