Gary Foster, as some of you may know, home brews beer. He sent me a couple bottles to try. I've tried one so far, and here's my review. The beer reviewed is his 70 Shilling. Now understand, I am no beer connoiseur...I love the stuff, and drink as much of it as the budget will allow , but I'm basically uneducated when it comes to what makes a good beer good, and how to define that "goodness" in technical terms. If it tastes good (or it's free ) I'll drink it. I'll save you, the reader, the suspense, and tell you that even to a non "beer snob", this stuff is reeally good.

I followed Gary's suggestion, and served myself the beer at around 40 degrees, rather than ice cold, which is the only way to drink most American beer (at least the mass-brewed A-B & Miller stuff)

The head on this beer was amazing. Actually, it was aggravating, because I had a layer of light foam 3 inches thick for around five minutes. Every time I tried to drink it, I wound up with a "milk moustache". I'm told that's a good thing.

The taste was even better than the head. (I can't believe I just said anything was better than head It was very similar to Sam Adams, both in color and taste, but didn't seem to have the very bitter aftertaste I normally find with Sam Adams. Seemed to me to be a bit sweeter (very very slightly) and smoother, as well. I love Samuel Adams beer, so for me, it's a great accolade.

This is not a beer to drink after mowing the lawn and wanting something cool and refreshing. This is a beer to enjoy all by its lonesome, with no distractions, or with an exquisite meal, to accentuate the flavors, like some people drink good wine.

This was probably a poor review (and makes true beer connoiseurs cringe), but the bottom line is this: I loved this beer, and will get more when I can. It's wonderful stuff, and I hope Gary does very well with it. He sent me a bottle of the "Junkyard Dog" beer, too, and I'll review it in the future.

P.S. It's definitely got a bit more kick than your average American lager. One bottle gave me a little lightheaded feeling I really liked. lol Normally, it takes 3 Miller High Lifes...either Gary put a little hemp juice in the beer, or maybe it's because I guzzle the others and they hit all at once. lol