Reviews

Photograph of a 16oz can of Leaf Pile Pie Ale, a pumpkin ale collaboration between Greenport Harbor Brewing Company and Root + Branch, featuring a clean white label with orange lettering and an illustrated pie graphic.

Leaf Pile Pie by Greenport Harbor Brewing Company Reviewed

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Leaf Pile Pie Ale is Greenport Harbor Brewing Company’s richer, pastry-inspired twist on their popular Leaf Pile Pumpkin Ale. While the brewery calls it “pastry-style,” it drinks far more balanced than the dessert-heavy reputation the phrase usually brings. The spice hits first—warm cinnamon and autumn spice notes—followed by a touch of graham cracker and vanilla that softens the edges without turning the beer syrupy or overly sweet. At 8.5% ABV, it stays surprisingly smooth, with no alcohol bite fighting its way through.

What makes Leaf Pile Pie interesting is the way it walks the line between classic pumpkin ale and the brewery’s attempt at a richer, fall-dessert version of their flagship seasonal. For me, it lands just north of middle-of-the-road: the flavors are clean, the profile is steady, and although I wouldn’t call it a true pastry beer, it’s still a pleasant, slightly elevated take on the original. If you want to know how this one stacks up against dozens of others this season, check where it ranks in our Fluid List of the Best Pumpkin Beers Ranked.

  • Style: Pumpkin Ale (Pastry-inspired variant)
  • ABV: 8.5%
  • IBUs: N/A
  • Seasonal: Fall (Limited Release)
  • Brewer: Brewed by Greenport Harbor Brewing Company in collaboration with Root + Branch Brewing. Based in Long Island, NY, Greenport Harbor is known for its balanced, approachable styles—especially its long-running fall favorite, Leaf Pile Pumpkin Ale. This “Leaf Pile Pie” variant is their richer, dessert-leaning interpretation, incorporating vanilla, cinnamon, brown sugar, and other autumnal ingredients while still keeping the overall profile cleaner and less sugary than typical pastry ales.

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A 16oz can of Allagash Dark Lager with Cherries, featuring a burgundy label with illustrated cherries and “Limited Release” branding, photographed on a clean white background.

Allagash Dark Lager with Cherries Review

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I picked up Allagash’s Dark Lager with Cherries, hoping for a stronger cherry flavor — and I kind of still do — but it works for what it is. The dark malt takes center stage with notes of roasted coffee and cocoa, while the cherry quietly softens the edges and keeps the beer from feeling too heavy.

It’s not sweet, but the fruit adds just enough roundness to make the roastiness more approachable. The finish leans dry and slightly bitter, giving it that crisp lager character that balances out the darker tones.

If you like dark beers, it’s definitely drinkable; if you don’t, it may not win you over. Still, for those who enjoy roasted malts with a subtle twist, it’s a satisfying and easy-drinking brew.

  • Style: Dark Lager
  • ABV: 5.1%
  • IBUs: N/A
  • Seasonal: Limited Release
  • Brewer: Allagash Brewing Company, located in Portland, Maine, is known for crafting Belgian-inspired beers with creativity and balance. They focus on quality ingredients, traditional techniques, and subtle innovation, producing beers that are approachable yet layered with depth and flavor.

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KCBC Vicious Crush Watermelon Lime Gose in a 16 ounce can, sour ale brewed in Brooklyn, New York by Kings County Brewers Collective.

KCBC Vicious Crush Watermelon Lime Gose Reviewed

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KCBC’s Vicious Crush Watermelon Lime Gose is one of the best watermelon beers I’ve had. It opens with a rush of sweet, tangy watermelon before easing into a smooth, salty linger that takes me back to childhood summers—watermelon with a sprinkle of salt. It’s a juxtaposition as intriguing as a Margarita, so don’t knock it until you try it.

Bright, refreshing, and full of character, this gose works in any season, but it feels essential for summer drinking. Balanced and playful, it’s the kind of beer that keeps you coming back for another sip.

  • Style: Gose (Watermelon Lime Sour Ale)
  • ABV: 5.2%
  • IBUs: N/A
  • Seasonal: Summer (Limited Release)
  • Brewer: Kings County Brewers Collective (KCBC), based in Brooklyn, New York, is a standout in the city’s craft beer scene known for its bold, artistic can designs and inventive flavor combinations. Their beers often balance creativity with drinkability, and Vicious Crush Watermelon Lime Gose exemplifies that ethos—bright, tart, and refreshing with a touch of salt and fruit-driven flair.

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A 12oz can of Southern Tier Raspberry Shine Summer Wheat Ale, photographed for a blog review on its aroma, flavor, and overall drinking experience.

Review of Raspberry Shine Summer Wheat Ale by Southern Tier

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Southern Tier’s Raspberry Shine Summer Wheat Ale greets you with a pleasant aroma of fresh raspberries, setting an inviting tone. Each sip provides mild raspberry flavor, slightly reminiscent of candy but without becoming overly sweet or artificial. Although there’s a touch of syrupiness, it doesn’t dominate or weigh the beer down.

The ale finds balance between vibrant raspberry notes and its wheat malt base, making it a nice choice for relaxed summer sipping. Its subtle bitterness in the finish is noticeable but mild enough not to distract from the fruity profile, even though it prevents the beer from being as crisp and refreshing as some may prefer.

Overall, Raspberry Shine offers an easy-drinking experience, best suited for those who appreciate fruity wheat beers on a hot day. While it might not top my favorites list, it’s certainly enjoyable and worth trying if raspberries are your thing.

  • Style: Summer Wheat Ale
  • ABV: 4.6%
  • IBUs: N/A
  • Seasonal: Summer (limited release)
  • Brewer: Southern Tier Brewing Company, founded in 2002 in Lakewood, New York, is known for its wide range of innovative ales and lagers, including seasonal specialties and experimental releases. The brewery takes pride in balancing bold flavors with approachable drinkability, offering beers that appeal to both craft enthusiasts and casual drinkers.

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12oz bottle of Abita Strawberry Lager with a red label featuring strawberries, brewed with real Louisiana strawberries.

Abita Strawberry Lager Review

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I first tried Abita Brewing Company’s Strawberry Lager years ago and thought it was just okay. At the time, I even liked another strawberry beer more. But beer can change over time, so I decided to give it another shot. I’m glad I did—this one is much better than I remember.

Brewed with juicy, ripe Louisiana strawberries picked at their peak, this crisp lager immediately hits you with the aroma of real strawberry as soon as it’s poured. The flavor is sweet but balanced, with enough strawberry to stand out while still letting the light gold lager, made with pilsner and wheat malts and Tradition hops, shine through. There’s no artificial aftertaste—just a clean, refreshing finish that makes it easy to go back for another sip.

One of the best things about Abita Strawberry Lager is that it’s available year-round. That means whether it’s the middle of summer or the dead of winter, you can enjoy its bright fruit character and crisp, easy-drinking nature anytime. If you’re looking for a fruit beer that actually tastes like fresh fruit and is refreshing from start to finish, this one’s worth picking up.

  • Style: Fruit Lager
  • ABV: 4.2 %
  • IBUs: 13
  • Seasonal: Year-round
  • Brewer: Abita Brewing Company, located in Abita Springs, Louisiana, crafts its beers using pristine artesian water drawn from deep local wells. Known for producing full-flavored, easy-drinking ales and lagers, the brewery also makes small-batch sodas, root beer, and hop water—all brewed to reflect the Louisiana way of life.









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Can of St. Bernardus Watou Tokyo Belgian Wit Ale with Japanese-inspired artwork depicting nightlife in Tokyo.

St. Bernardus Tokyo Wit Review—A Belgian Witbier with a Tokyo Twist

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St. Bernardus Tokyo Wit is a solid Belgian witbier offering a straightforward yet pleasing experience. It pours beautifully with a cloudy, golden hue capped by a thick white head, providing a visual treat before the first sip. On the nose, gentle aromas of citrus and coriander come forward, complemented by subtle hints of clove and a floral undertone, adding depth without overpowering the senses.

Taste-wise, St. Bernardus Tokyo Wit delivers a smooth, refreshing profile highlighted by a mild wheat base. Citrus notes are balanced by a gentle spice, creating a harmonious flavor that’s enjoyable sip after sip. While the carbonation feels somewhat muted—giving the beer a flat sensation—it doesn’t detract significantly from the overall drinking experience.

The beer finishes with a pleasant dryness, coupled with a lingering, subtle bitterness that cleanses the palate without overstaying its welcome. While it might not reinvent the style, its nuanced flavor profile makes it a great option for anyone looking for a reliably tasty witbier. Easy-drinking yet layered enough to keep things interesting, this beer might just earn a regular spot in your rotation.

  • Style: Witbier
  • ABV: 6.0 %
  • IBUs: 15
  • Available: Year-Round
  • Brewer: Brouwerij St. Bernardus, Watou, Belgium

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