Background: Hey, it's from Alaska. Appearance: Dark reddish brown, small creamy head. Nose: Caramel, grapefruity hops, alcohol, raisins, and molasses. Taste: Sweet molasses and dark dried fruit, overwhelmed by piny hop bitterness. Overall: Good. Excellent aging potential.

Background: Original recipe by Rodney Kibzey of Illinois. Appearance: Murky brown body, fine-grained tan head. Nose: Cloves and dark dried fruit. Taste: Spicy banana bread, medium hop bitterness and... Thick and creamy, bubbly carbonation. Overall: Very rich and chewy. Fun, well-balanced flavour, but very filling. All in all, exactly what I think of when I hear "weizenbock". Good on yer, Rodney

Background: Since 2006 Samuel Adams has held a yearly AHA and BJCP sanctioned homebrew competition. Two winners are selected; the winning beers are released in a mixed six-pack with the winning beer from... A dry finish keeps it from seeming overly sweet. Overall: I like it. It has well-rounded flavour and uses its specialty ingredients well; they're not just there to make people go "Hey, that's odd.

Background: From the St. Julian Wine Company. The base wine is made from Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, and Vidal; after distillation the brandy was aged for two years in Hungarian oak, two years in neutral French... Solid oak background, some hazelnut presents, light flowery notes and a hint of rubber. Long, dry finish. Overall: A solid second outing for the distiller(s) at St. Julian. Flavourful and smooth