Craft Beer NYC

This summer brew was not that memorable.  The even balanced amber ale from San Francisco has been around since 1984.   50% Malted Wheat, and a top fermented yeast give this a full body head when poured from the bottle or on draft. The label design is nothing interesting, the muted colors make the anchor lost in the background.  Only available April through October, from west coast hops. 5.5 out of 10 Anchors Away ABV 4.5% http://www.anchorbrewing.com

Hershey, Pennsylvania is home to many fun thing, one of which is the Troegs' brewery which has planted a foothold on the craft brewery scene of the Mid-Atlantic since 1996.  This robust and spicy wheat beer has a very unique flavor.  This is a blend of northern German hops and German wheat yeast, with a touch of banana.  The result is a nice blend of sugar and spice, which I enjoyed ice cold at the recommended temperature of 45 degrees.  Remember to swirl your bottle to unleash the yeast beast when enjoying at home! This is a true fall classic.  Currently available on draft at Amsterdam Tavern on the Upper West Side near Columbia. 8.5 out of 10 Hershey Bars ABV 4.8%

Another entry from the San Francisco craft brewery, this amber ale stacks up very well with the competition.  The flapper lady on the label make me feel like I'm in a Nick and Nora Thin Man flick.  Is that the ghost of Johnny Depp eyeing us through the mailslot as he prepares for a dangerous re-imagination of a pop icon that might be best left untainted? The ale has a nice spicy overtone, and has the feel of a light IPA.  The brew masters at Speakeasy manage to cross pollinate between caramel malts and strong hopping very well.  I strongly recommend this for anyone who rides on the hoppy side of brown ale's when a good IPA has gone missing. 6.1% ABV 7 out of 10 flapper hats of delight! http://goodbeer.com/wordpress/prohibition-ale/