Well, I’ve hit another beer milestone, 150. Not bad. As the weather starts to turn cold, some new varieties of beer are showing up on shelves and taps. There are several Oktoberfests in this batch, along with multiple Peace Tree and Backpocket beers.

I’m starting to catch up to writing about the beers I’ve tried. Time for more drinking.

Beer 142: Fox Brewing Red Berry Blonde

ABV: 6.3%

Notes: This was nice and refreshing. I took Ava down to the Science Center’s Mini Maker Faire, which had food trucks and some local beers. Ava got a Sprite, I got this.

Beer 143: Toppling Goliath Xhops Silver

ABV: ?

Notes: A little sweet for a pale ale, but very smooth. At this point I haven’t had a Toppling Goliath beer that disappoints, and I don’t really expect it to happen.

Beer 144: Backpocket Murderhorn

ABV: 10.5%

Notes: Brought to you by Flavor Sauce. Now that I’ve got the Simpsons reference out of the way, on to the beer. This is very strong, a little more so than Blonde Fatale, but I’d put them on a similar level for taste, with the Belgian yeast doing most of the heavy lifting.

Beer 145: Backpocket Hawktoberfest

ABV: 5.3%

Notes: I love a good Octoberfest, and I’d say Hawktoberfest qualifies. It’s got a nice golden color compared to some of the darker marzens out there.

Beer 146: Peace Tree Sure Shot

ABV: 5%

Notes: Peace Tree beers are always awesome, kolschs are usually awesome, so of course this is a good one. This used to be known as Sidekick, but Peace Tree rebranded when the beer rolled out this summer. Drink while listening to the Beastie Boys on repeat.

Beer 147: Confluence Ash Tree ASB

ABV: 5.6%

Notes: I think this is the first Iowan English bitter I’ve tried, and it’s maybe my favorite Confluence beer to date. It’s got a fresh, clean taste. Iowa breweries have really embraced sours this year, maybe 2017 will be the year more branch out into ESBs. I’d be in favor of it.

Beer 148: WestOberfest

ABV: 5%

Beer 149: Kalona Oktoberfest

ABV 5.5%

Notes: I’m going to combine these two, because I forgot which photo was which. One was very dark, one was very light and… crap, I screwed up on this one. I’ll try harder next time. Sorry, guys.

Beer 150: Peace Tree No Coast IPA

ABV: 7.5%

Notes: Strong, with a lot of bite, but refreshing. This is a powerful IPA. Unfortunately, it’s also at the center of a bit of controversy, since an Oskaloosa brewery is going by the same name. I’m looking forward to trying their beers, but the name controversy has already left a sour taste in my mouth.