Italian

Imperial Pilsners were incredibly rare up until a year and a half ago when it seemed like this strong double Lager was all the rage. I've had three different Imperial Pilsner style beers and I've enjoyed them but I've had the same one twice, and I don't have a strong desire to pick up another Imperial Pilsner any time soon. Pilsner is one of my least favorite styles, it seems I only ever enjoy this style is during the hottest days of the summer, and even then I'd rather be drinking a Kolsch or Helles. This bottle of My Antonia comes from Birra del Borgo in Italy and was brewed in collaboration with Dogfish Head in Delaware. Dogfish also bottled their iteration of this beer, which I've had and wasn't too crazy about, so I'm curious to see if the Italian take on the Imperial Pils is any more enjoyable.

This bottle of Baladin Nora has quietly been hiding in the basement for the past year. I forgot all about this beer. It's a bad habit, but I often buy more beer than I have time to drink at home... and some of it sits around a bit longer than it should before I get around to opening it myself or sharing it with friends. Being a Spiced beer, I wasn't sure how the Nora would hold up. I'd always heard that spice levels drop off, like hops, as a beer ages. That can't be good for a beer that derives most of its flavor from spices...