Two beers

Blue and Gray Classic Lager I am beginning to suspect that Blue and Gray may have a capping problem. This beer was nearly flat when poured. In comparison, the brewery sample was distinctly carbonated. The next two Blue and Gray bottles will tell. Classic Lager is pale amber in the glass. It is distinctly hoppy, with the malt taking a back seat. However, there is none of the citrus aroma that I associate with west coast beers. The hoppiness is roughly that of a Pale Ale, but without the malt to support it. There is also the characteristic lager bite, a product of the yeast and aging. This beer would go well with highly spiced food, such as Indian or Thai curries. It would also stand well with strong cheeses. It would serve well as a session beer for hop heads. 3.5/5

Tröegs Rugged Trail Nut Brown Ale This beer was dark amber in the glass, with minimal head. The malt is distinctly stronger than the hops, but the hops are more noticeable than in a Porter. In short, this is a fairly standard Brown Ale. My one complaint about it is that it is a bit thin for the style: the malt did not provide the somewhat thick mouthfeel I expect from a Brown Ale. While not to quite the same degree, drinking Rugged Trail was similar to the disconnect of seeing a Vienna Black Lager and tasting it; the beer is not as heavy as the color would indicate, nor as heavy as I would expect from a Brown Ale. Rugged Trail might do well as a session beer in a pinch, but there are better selections -- Brown Ale or otherwise -- for the task. This beer would go well with most food, especially something hearty enough to cover for the deficiency in the beer. 3/5