PILSENER OF EL SALVADOR

Plain, simple pilsener with moderate barley sweetness, understated grain-hopped bitterness, and tart peach-grapefruit mist hidden below overwhelming carbonation. Zesty citrus pep deadened by swill water flow that puts it too close to cheap American macrobrews such as Schmidt’s and Black Label. Hopefully, you’ll think it’s a tad closer to Red Stripe upon further inspection.

“PIKE 5X” STOUT

Velvety smooth bubblegum-scented dry-bodied Imperial Stout retains great tan head, ester-y grape souring, black licorice lining, and black cherry margin. Burnt toast aspect dominates embittered espresso frothing mid-palate before powdery sugar (reminiscent of Bazooka Joe baseball card gum) invades fully formed mocha finish.

PIETRA AMBER LAGER

From the isle of Corsica comes this 8 ounce 6% alcohol medium bodied lager. Curiously similar to grain-based hop-spiced Middle American fodder, settling into pungent honey roasted malt astringency and lulling sorghum dissonance. Meek powdered chestnut backdrop, indifferent almond wine tweak, and meager smokiness ruined by tinny setback.