Shipyard Pumpkinhead Ale ($7.49 for a six-pack, available at Hannaford)
This autumn favorite has become a staple in the fridge of all beer lovers in recent years. Bringing with it Shipyard's patented glossy taste, this brew is best known for it's "pumpkin pie" effect, essentially liquefying the heavenly dessert with some sugar and a little spice. Fellow beer consumer Stewart Stout '07 agrees by chirping, "You know, it tastes like pumpkin pie." Be warned, however, that this beer is not one to be taken lightly?indulging in more than one or two of these could ruin the entire experience given the beer's powerful taste. Thus, it should be used as a nightcap or meal companion so that it can be savored and enjoyed slowly. Though it is not altogether rare for some brave souls to attempt the excessive binge, it is not recommended, for they usually wake up with a pumpkin head. My scores: (out of 5) taste: 5, partyability: 1, cost/benefit ratio: 3
Rolling Rock ($5.99 for a six-pack, available anywhere beer is sold)
Originating in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, Rolling Rock has established itself as the smooth, "extra" pale lager. It's unforgettably green bottles set the stage for the taste, one that is unique but not overpowering, much like modern art or finely-cooked vegetables. When taking the first sip, the drinker is surprised to find that "the rock" has a great pale taste without the subtle aftertaste found in other, slightly darker pale ales. Because of this, Rolling Rock is a very versatile beer. It can be consumed during a dinner (a great beer for cookouts) or during a party. Because of it's attention to the "extra" in "extra pale," the bubbles seem to melt in your mouth, and not in your stomach, allowing for a less filling and more satisfying experience. Also, this is a great brew to drink when you want to look like you're classy even though you didn't really spend that much money. taste: 4, partyability: 3, cost/benefit ratio: 5
Milwaukee's Best Ice ($3.99 for a six-pack, available at all fine beverage centers)
As the juggernaut of all bottom shelf beers, when you buy "Beast" Ice, you mean business. Coming in at a solid 5.9 percent alcohol content, this brew packs a punch that catches most unsuspecting college students off guard. After taking his first sip, Mike Peraza '07 flatly stated, "It tastes like regular beer with pepper crushed in it." Indeed it does. But the sacrifice your taste buds make do not go unrewarded. Not only does this beer get the job done, it fails to put a huge dent in your wallet. Scott Brisson '06 put it well, saying, "It's what I buy when I'm looking to get [e]xtreme." The most popular method of purchasing Beast Ice is a keg, running around $75-80, while 30-packs tend to be a close second. If you're buying a six-pack, you need to re-evaluate a few things. Regardless of the quantity, though, you can rest assured that everyone at the party will know it's Milwaukee's Best Ice. My scores: taste: -2, partyability: 5, cost/benefit ratio: 5