Orlio Organic Common Ale

Orlio Organic Common Ale was, for me, like an unknown movie seen on a whim that delivers entertainment. And like said movie, I went mostly on appearances - Orlio has a very attractive, spare label, and "Common Ale" intrigued me. Judging from their slick/still-under-construction/annoyingly Flash-based website, Orlio is a fairly new brewery, and probably not available too far outside of its home state (Vermont, where I happened to be at the time). As to the beer itself, Orlio's own description of it as a "golden ale that starts with an elegantly creamy malt complexity and ends with a firm but understated hop finish that balances the initial sweetness with a touch of bitterness" is pretty right-on. Not unlike the Anchor Liberty Ale, though creamier and a touch less hoppy. Recommended, if you get the chance.

Wolaver's Wit Bier: white beer with orange peel and coriander

Served with a thin slice of orange peel, Padgett Station's newest beer (and according to Emmett, their current best-seller) is a solid, mildly cloudy entry - organic but, as with many beers, not affected particularly in price or taste one way or the other. Not overly sweet even with the orange, this definitely joins the "recommended summer white beers" list right off the bat. Reminiscent of Hoegaarden (in a good way), with a bit fuller body.

Eel River Extra Pale Ale

Despite what the name would seem to imply, this Eel River offering is actually a medium-golden hue, several shades darker than lager. Nor is it IPA- or Northwest- hoppy, despite the Santa Cruz address. These are not, however, bad things - it has a smooth, balanced taste, a finish clean but not too dry and with just a hint of floral hoppy finish. Solid and satisfying, but neither exceptional nor unusual enough to warrant special notice.