Founders Double Trouble IPA: 29

Taste: 10 Finish: 10 Visual: 4 Aroma: 5
Total: 29

When did beer get so expensive? At $12 for a 4 pack, it's a bit pricey. But given the 9.4% alcohol in the end it's worth it. Visually it is cloudy and the color is a pale amber. The head is very creamy with good lacing. The aroma is very strong. Lots of grapefruit and bread. The bitterness kicks in early and stays throughout. Under it is plenty of grapefruit and orange. A slight banana flavor. And the hops definitely spice it up. The alcohol is very "round" and helps mellow it a bit. Flavor and bitterness. Really a terrific double IPA.

Sierra Nevada Glissade Golden Bock: 22

Taste: 7 Finish: 8 Visual: 4 Aroma: 3
Total: 22

Nice creamy head. Minimal lacing. A good golden color leaning towards amber. The aroma is very clean. Definitely some honey upfront for the sweetness. The carbonation kicks in nicely. I get a good amount of spice/clove. Under it is banana. And under that is a bit of lemon on the tongue and in the finish. Hops show up towards the back which lends to the spiciness. A nice brew that's easy to drink.

Flying Fish Exit 4: 24

Taste: 8 Finish: 8 Visual: 4 Aroma: 4
Total: 24

Exit 4 nabbed the gold at the Great American Beer Festival for best American made Belgian ale. This version is a tripel. The color is great showing a cloudy and glowing orange. It is very lightly carbonated with no lacing. Aroma gives off some citrus and banana. The taste is very smooth. It has a lot of sweetness of honey. There is a decent citrus bite and then a good taste of hops. Under it is banana and clove. The alcohol (9.5%) is muted and definitely contributes to its smoothness. I think the lower carbonation hurts it a bit. It would give it more of a bite to combat the sweetness.

Is it worth the gold? A bit too sweet for me. But very good and it makes my hometown proud. Go Cherry Hill, NJ!