Beer Review: Arbor Brewing Sacred Cow IPA

Brewery: Arbor Brewing Company - Ypsilanti,     Michigan
Style: American IPA
ABV: 6.80%
IBU: 80
Color: Copper
Availability: Year Round

Beer Advocate Score: 84

Going to school at Michigan, Arbor Brewing is right down the street. ABC offers a wide variety of beers to suit all tastes. I have always been a fan of IPAs, so naturally I found myself drinking Sacred Cow.

Sacred Cow strikes a nice balance between hops a malt, and tastes darker than it is. Unlike other IPAs, the cascade hops do not overwhelm the beer, but provide a nice floral aroma. I was expecting a kick of citrus but was it never really came through. This copper colored ale finishes with the trademark IPA bitterness, though may not appeal big IPA fans, as it lacks the flavor profile of many other IPAs.

Honky Kong Says: 7.7/10 - Solid

Beer Review: Bell's Amber Ale

Brewery: Bell's Brewery - Comstock, Michigan
Style: American Amber
ABV: 5.80%
Color: Golden
Availability: Year Round

Beer Advocate Score: 86

Reviewed with Tony Franklin.

Bell's rarely disapoints. Their Amber Ale is no exception. In the glass the beer is a nice slightly opaque golden amber color with a white head.

The Amber is a lighter offering that does not lack for flavor. Brewed with toasted grain, the taste slightly sweet with slight caramel notes, and a crisp finish. Bell's Amber is a fine beer but not one I'm gonna fight someone over the last six-pack.

Honkey Kong Says: 7.6/10 - Solid

Beer Review: Bell's Special Double Cream Stout

Brewery: Bell's Brewery - Kalamazoo, Michigan
Style: American Cream Stout
ABV: 6.10%
Color: Dark
Availability: Winter
Beer Advocate Score: 89

Description: Bell's Special Double Cream Stout is exactly what the name implies..... creamy. Ironically the beer is completely dairy free.

In the glass the beer is very dark and retains a copper head. It has a malty, chocolaty, slightly coffee flavor with a smooth finish. For a stout, this beer has a relatively low ABV, so this beer doesn't have much of an bite, which is for the best with this style. The taste is not overpowering, and the taste does not linger too long. Overall this is a very solid cream stout from a brewery that can do no wrong. 

Honkey Kong Says: 8.3/10 - Solid