Ron del Barrilito

We bought this Ron del Barrilito in Puerto Rico during the summer of 2013, it's been sitting in my liqour cabinet since then.

Very fun label, almost distinguished looking. I really like the clean white look of the label and cap. The gold foil effect with embossing on some parts also looks good.

The label, neck, and inside of the cap are all decorated by a cherubish child with a small barrel.

The rum is very nice, smooth but still with some kick. It has a very pleasant strong wood flavors, appropriate since the name is basically "from the little barrel." Also slight sweetness. A+

Berkshire Brewing Co. Lost Sailor IPA

Had the BBC Lost Sailor IPA on draft at a bar called the Asgard in Cambridge.  Its a very easy to drink IPA.  Has a mild floral smell and taste.  A very sessionable IPA. 
The brewery is from western MA.  Very easy to find on draft or bottle around Boston.  I definitely recommend giving it a try.  Along with the Harpoon IPA , a good way to introduce someone to the IPA style.

Cerveceria 5 de Mayo Osadia Ale Oscura

Tryng a Mexican craft beer, Osadia dark ale. Made in Puebla, Mexico, but bought in Boca del Rio, Veracruz (still Mexico). I wasn't there, but my traveling companion went to a liqour store by the mall to look for a local rum I had noticed. 

I'm not sure if the brewery is Arte en Maltas (Art in Malts) or Cerveceria 5 de Mayo, since both are named on the bottle and cap. I had already known there was more of a beer scene in Mexico then we can see from here in the states, but I was surprised by what I saw at a Belgian beer bar in Puebla.

This was bought in late December. The label is fun and appropriately Mexican. We also bought their Saga white ale. This beer was a dark ale, but when held up to the light it was more a dark caramel. At first taste it was very drinkable and almost creamy. Further drinking revealed some bitterness and and an unplaceable aftertaste (plasticky?). Full disclosure: my companion used this glass to make herself a michelada a few days ago and maybe she didn't wash it out right. I'll give this a B.

Enjoyed at home on a telework day.

Sam Adams Cherry Chocolate Bock

The Cherry Chocolate Bock by Sam Adams came in the Sam Adams winter mix pack.  Its the first year I've seen this beer.  It pours a black color. Very strong taste of chocolate with just a hint of cherry.   I'm generally not a fan of fruity beers but I have to say this beer works well.  Its a good beer to have on a cold day.  I'd imagine it would go well with a desert.  Especially a slice of cheesecake.  I definitely recommend this.  Even if your not a big fan of the style. 

Two Roads Honeyspot Road White IPA

Bought during the holidays at the Whole Foods in WestHartford. I wanted to take some things from Connecticut with me, along with a beer I found that would fun for a Hanukkah dinner. The label says it's from Stratford; it is a pretty fun design. The label on the neck has what appears to be a VW van drawing and the back of the bottle has a clear sticker of pulley hook with the number two.

The beer is effervescent and tastes like what it is, citrusyness of a white ale and piney taste of an IPA. But maybe not as good as an actual dedicated version of either, B.

3 Stars Samsquanch White IPA

Enjoyed at Shaw's Tavern right after the previous Right Proper post (after another beer for each of us at the previous place), this 3 Stars Samsquanch white IPA had a slight bite.  The "type" says it, like an IPA and a white ale. Not as bitter as an IPA.  We gave it a B.

A local D.C. beer from a relatively new local brewery.  She had a White Rascal from a can (in a pint glass) and an Allagash White on tap. My beer was also in a pint glass.

Good ambiance with live music; we split a burger with bacon and avocado accompanied by truffle fries.

Right Proper Brewing Company Häxan Robust Porter and Raised By WolvesAromatic Pale Ale

At a new brewery bar in Shaw, D.C., Right Proper.  The Raised By Wolves pale ale had by my companion was a little bitter, not too filling or heavy, B-.  She said she was biased against "that kind of beer."  

The beer on the left (above), is the porter.  It was a little bitter and flavorful, with and coffee and chocolate flavors.  We had them in 20 oz glasses; my companion liked the rounded shapes that subtly open up at the top. B, nothing special but good.

The bar is new with a lively ambience and allows for conversation because there isn't loud music. We just stood because the wait for a table was one hour.

We were both thirsty from drinking a couple of Bloody Mary's earlier in the day when we were teleworking during a snow day. We probably should have had more water before we came here.