Heavy and tall boys will knock you over

Your Weekend Starter with Carter: Choosing your brews

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.

Your Weekend Starter with Carter: Sierra doesn't pale when put to the test

Sierra Nevada Pale Ale ($6.49 for a six-pack, available at Hannaford) My first experience with this pale ale was just a few months ago on a cool, crisp summer night in northern California (where it is brewed). Widely regarded as a great casual beer, Sierra Nevada did not disappoint?its light texture and subtle flavorings were a delight, delivering a memorable drinking experience from first sip to last gulp. Unlike other high-end beers, it is not a chore to drink an entire six pack of Sierra Nevada.

Your Weekend Starter with Carter

Heavy and tall boys will knock you over

This piece represents the opinion of the author:

Carter Thomas

Columnist

September 16, 2005

Sea Dog Blue Paw Wheat Ale?($6.99 for a six-pack, available at Hannaford)

This fine brew has become a Maine favorite over recent years, integrating the taste of wild Maine blueberries with a smooth, wheat ale body. Much like other flavored beers, the Blue Paw is very sweet and noticeably enchanting, causing people to fall into the trap of taking the first sip and thinking they can drink it all night. Unfortunately, after the glass is empty, the blueberries suddenly taste a little too sweet. I like to start my tab with a tall, cold Blue Paw because of its unique flavorings, but I recommend that one move to a less pungent drink as the night continues, such as a pale ale or car bomb. Furthermore, it is important to remember that the Blue Paw, though blueberry-flavored, is in fact similar in appearance to most other beers. Vanessa Kitchen '06 was cripplingly disappointed when she bought her first six- pack saying, "I thought this beer was supposed to be blue." An honest mistake, but disheartening nonetheless. I recommend Blue Paw when it is on tap, though the bottles are a great alternative. My ratings: Taste: 4, Partyability: 2, Cost/Benefit Ratio: 3.

Budweiser?($4.99 a six-pack, available anywhere in America)

Over the years, Budweiser has secured itself as a staple of the American experience, a prominent accessory at sporting events, Fourth of July celebrations, and tailgate parties. Originally brewed in Missouri, this lager has taken on the name Bud Diesel or Bud Heavy by college students everywhere because of its thick, rich flavors that can make you feel very full after only a few drinks. Despite its moderate alcohol content (five percent), Budweiser has a tendency to utilize the placebo effect, making drinkers think they are enjoying themselves more than they actually are, so make sure you're not that guy. Recently, Bud bottles have become a popular medium for consumption, coming in 12- and 20-packs , cramming in all the flavor you would find in a can or keg. All in all, Budweiser is a great beer that has always satisfied drinkers and will continue to provide crisp, full refreshment at American cookouts for years to come. My ratings: Taste: 3.5, Partyability: 4, Cost/Benefit Ratio: 4.

Pabst Blue Ribbon?($3.99 for a six-pack of tall boys, available at Hannaford)

Pabst is quickly becoming the bottom shelf beer of choice for party goers everywhere because of its bearable taste and cheap prices. Known for the 16-ounce "tall boy" cans, this lager (surprisingly brewed in Texas) has a flavor reminiscent of a Budweiser or Miller Genuine Draft, but with a noticeably poor aftertaste. It, like its lager counterparts, is a relatively thick beer that easily fills you up but continues to be a favorite for college students. The most popular form of Pabst is a keg because it boasts one of the cheapest prices. Pabst is also unique because, unlike other lesser quality beers, it is socially acceptable to buy a six-pack of tall boys. Mike Chute '06 explained, "Yeah, I drank a 12-ouncer once but it didn't taste right. I guess I'm just a tall-boy kind of guy." If you are looking for a good, solid beer to get the party started, Pabst could be just what you're looking for. My ratings: Taste: 2, Partyability: 4.5 Cost/Benefit Ratio: 4 (for cans), 4.5 (for tall boys).

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