Adequate rocky tan-headed chestnut amber pale ale (given boost by costly ’08 ad campaign) maintains dry spice-hopped barley-roasted theme, but distant lemon-peeled orange-singed fruiting gets diacetyl. Caution: befuddling ‘full body’ labeling.

Toasted honey-fortified amber-hued moderate body pits prickly hop stead against sweet yeast, cracked wheat, and butterscotch before overripe orange effervescence sidles acidic oak-dried finish.

Turbid rocky-headed pale ale skewers floral hop dryness with fruited honey malt surge, almond-pecan tether, and biscuit-y breading. Musty peach-cherry-quince tartness picks up herbal coriander-clove nuance mid-palate, but creamy finish subsides hastily.

Befuddled medium-bodied mediocrity tethers brief floral-tinged tangerine-peach-grapefruit tang to dry rye spatter, but phenol nature overwhelms. Lingering wood-hopped bittering picks up earthen herbal nuance.

Well-calibrated malted grain sweetness and dry hop bittering provide English ale-like distinction for excellent pale body. While hearty guzzlers may be put off by sugary opulence, confident fruit-spiced finish showcases an impressive array of undefined adjuncts.

Mild hop char informs up-front burnt wood chip essence, but swampy sour-scented ale lacks firm foundation to compete with less watery average brews.

Caramel malt-enriched ale with pure spring water lightening fragile spiced hops, bleached mocha, and dried fruit. Soft yeast texture brightens overall mood. Brewery defunct: 2002.

Following in the British tradition despite American auspices, rich pine-fruited ale balances casual cascade hop bittering with subtle malt sweetness. Strangely reminiscent of some Canadian ales due to its briny salt-watered finish. Not unique, but damn fine nonetheless.

Hazy golden mainstream fodder integrates peachy clementine-tangerine juiciness with hop-embittered grapefruit rind sedation. But murky vegetal earthiness, trifling spiciness, and tinny finish negate early gains.

Dull and unconvincing, closer to mellow-grained pilsner with light barley sweetness and tempered spice hop fizz. Brewery defunct: 2007.

Charging more for 11-ounce (instead of twelve) 4 pack (‘stead of 6), bold amber compares favorably to Samuel Smith (though it’s a half-level below) and its regal name matches its ‘Superior’ affluence. Barley roasted chocolate hazelnut and mild apple-plum dalliance sweeten palate. Firm yeast foundation solidifies its base.

Faint fruited sourness and dry hop bitterness pace full-bodied pale ale, gaining strength as grainy persistence lingers to bold finish. Nothing fancy or pretentious, just pleasant and easy to imbibe.