Fistful of Hops Red - Sun King Brewery - Indianapolis, IN

One of my favorite decisions that Sun King has made is to not create a house IPA, but to create seasonal releases.  Crafted from the same malt base they switch the hops up every quarter for a whole new IPA experience.  Their red release might be one of my favorites.  It is very crisp and clean even though it spouts an impressive 75 IBU.  Out of any of their seasonal IPAs the Red release might be my favorite.  Defiantly pick up this beer.

Repeatability: 5/5
Taste: 5/5
Appearance: 4/5
Aroma: 4/5
Overal: 4.5/5

Oktoberfest - Upland Brewery - Bloomington Indiana

When the word Oktoberfest is said in the conversation three things come to my mind 1) Germany 2) Sam Adams 3) the movie Beerfest (which is completely underrated).  Oktoberfest was originally a royal celebration where the royal family decided to invite all of Munich, Germany to a wedding.  During the planning of the celebration a brewmaster was asked to create a beer for the celebration, and thus the dawn of Oktoberfest the party and Oktoberfest the beer.  In case you were wondering Paulaner Oktoberfest Märzen is considered to be the original beer of Oktoberfest.

I mentioned the above story because my first experience with Oktoberfest beer was with Sam Adams' recipe and it was one of my favorite beers and look forward to its release every year.  Two years ago I tried Paulaner's recipe and was surprised how much lighter of a pale taste it was then Sam Adams'.  Upland Brewery has the closest to Oktoberfest Paulaner's that I have been able to find.  If you are looking to branch out and try what I personally would say is a reimagining of Sam Adams and a good homage to tradition.

Repeatability: 5/5
Taste: 4/5
Appearance: 4.5/5
Aroma 4/5
Overall 4.5/5

Cinnamon Girl Autumn Ale - Fountain Square Brewery - Indianapolis Indiana

So normally when I write I review on a beer I am at home drinking that beer.  It gives me a chance to let the inspiration flow, remembering old stories from my past, and give a accurate description of the beer.

But with Cinnamon Girl I had to write a review without that luxury.  I went to Fountain Square Brewery today (review to come next week) and decided to branch out and try their seasonal beer selection while killing time before my soccer game.  Cinnamon Girl was the first beer I ordered and it might be one of the best fall seasonal beers I have ever had.

My family has owned a bakery for over 40 years and I have been around baked goods my whole life. The cinnamon rolls are my favorite item that they make.  I have gone to many bakeries all over the country (I might be bias) and my families bakery has the best cinnamon rolls I have ever had.  Yet what I learned today this beer might come in a close second.  While drinking this beer a sense of nostalgia from my childhood came over me.  Riding with my mother down to the bakery before school just so I could grab a cinnamon roll.

Out of any seasonal brews I have tried so far this season this is number one recommendation.

Repeatability: 3/5 with such a strong flavor 2 of these might be my max in a day
Taste: 5/5
Appearance: 5/5
Aroma: 5/5
Overall 4.5/5

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