Boatswain - American IPA; Heavy Lift Vessel (H.L.V.) Ale

Boatswain beers are brewed by the Rhinelander Brewing Company of Monroe, Wisconsin (Minhas Craft Breweries).  These were purchased at Trader Joe's.

American IPA - This 6.7% ABV beer pours a dark copper-amber-orange in color with a quarter inch of off-white head.  The aroma is fairly light, some toasted malt, some fruitiness, toast with jelly.  The taste follows the aroma and has a moderately bitter and dry finish.  Slightly sour in the aftertaste.  It's a fairly drinkable beer, but not a very good American IPA. 

Heave Lift Vessel (H.L.V.) Ale - This 7.0% ABV beer pours an extremely dark brown to black in color with a quarter inch of light brown foam.  The aroma is fairly mild, a bit of roasted nutty malt and a touch of caramel.  The taste is very dark roasted malt, nutty, a bit of coffee, some sweetness, but followed by a semi-dry and moderately bitter finish.  This is a quite drinkable dark ale.