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I don't know if I mentioned this in my first post but I type these out as I finish or have finished the beer in question. So apologies in advance if these begin to ramble. Anyway, on to the stats.

Name: Pike Stout Extra Stout
Brewer: The Pike Brewing Company
ABV: 6.6%
Size: 1pt 6 oz
Cost: $3.99 (I think. I lost the receipt.)

Well this is one of Pike's "big" beers. Dark, thick and heavy. It comes in a dark bottle but it would still look as such if it came in a clear bottle. It's got strong hints of coffee and a very subtle dark chocolate taste. If you didn't read the label you might think it was a porter but it is indeed a stout. And a fine one at that. It would be right at home paired with a steak or any other hearty meal. The taste tells you it might make a good dessert beer but the IBU's and the ABV will say otherwise. While full of taste and leaves a small, lingering, wonderful flavor in your mouth after, it is of the "one and done" variety. Enjoy it but don't plan on going anywhere when you are done.

Rating: 4 out of 6

Like Grandma used to make

Name: Banana Bread Beer
Brewer: Wells and Youngs (England)
ABV: 5.2%
Size: 1pt 3.25oz
Cost: $4.99

Bananas are certainly nothing new to beer. They at the forefront of El Jefe from Hale's Brewery in Seattle and also in the Hefeweizen brewed at the Ram Restaurant and Brewery, located across the US. This certainly is the most banana-est beer, to coin a word. Indeed, when the cap is off, the distinct aroma of banana is very prevalent. The beer is an amber color which reflects it's rather light taste on the mouth. What isn't light, however, is the banana taste. You taste it as soon as the beer hits your tongue and it lingers with you long after you have swallowed. There is a small hint of spice and the way it is brewed gives the impression that this is not only banana bread but banana nut bread. Not overly nutty but you can tell there is something there. Overall, I would say if you like trying new things, certainly give the beer a shot. Just don't expect to find your new reliable or something close to being considered refreshing.

Rating: 1 bottle (out of a 6 pack)