Outta work early = Beer Review?

So I get out of work early. Windy and chilly outside, and I don't feel like running. Apartment is a wreck. Blah blah blah. Right? Ok. But let's do something fun first. Something to celebrate getting out of work early....What shall I do? I'm going to review some unknowns waiting in my fridge. But only two. I mean, come on, it's not even 5 o'clock yet.

Lagunita's Undercover Investigation Shut-Down Ale.

This is an interesting, bitter ale. As the bottle states it was brewed in response to the 2005 (pot) investigation at the brewery that shut it down temporarily. Something about pot being sold on premises, but that wasn't the case. It's bitter because they're bitter about the 20 day suspension, etc etc. The story intrigued me. So I purchased it. It was bitter, which I enjoy. I'm not into the extremely malty sweet beers, which is why I enjoy Belgians, but I do not love them. However, the initial aroma, like the head in this beer, died as quickly as you can say...[insert something appropriately clever, I'm too lazy].  It poured a beautiful amber, very clean and crisp. But all in all, my taste buds were just left with how I felt, bitter. There isn't very much to it. Not much character. It felt thin. Perhaps if I would've drank this last week, or even directly after bottling, I'd have a completely different experience, as aromatic compounds tend to degrade quickly. But, the beer does have a 9. 87 % ABV, so it's not a total downer. And it's drinkable, not filling. Sooo let's say I was this bitter woman, and I had a bad day or a bad break up. I would recommend this beer because it's not going to kiss your ass, or sugar coat things. It's bitter. Easy. And to the point. And you'll only need a few so if you're counting calories, you can still go for that ice-cream later, girlfriend! Just don't drink and dial (or txt) afterwards.

Brooklyn's Local 1

This is a Belgian beer. Bottle conditioned. [side note/question: aren't most Belgians bottle conditioned? I know they aren't filtered.] But I'm not sure how best to review this beer. I'm not very good at distinguishing all the different yeast components that come with all Belgian strains. Actually for any strains. For instance, I cannot seem to detect pear for some reason. I can discern a sweet citrus, but I can't say pear, apricot or fig unless it's rather obvious in the initial aroma. But I'm still learning. It's very interesting and not usual in comparison to any previous Belgians I've had before, or at least certain notes I seem to be catching at this point, which might have something to do with previous review. It pours a hazy golden, with a perfect head. Not too big, or little. Effervescent. Slightly sweet, but it carries with it a slightly sour (and perhaps dry?) finish. And it's light. Not really sticky, as some Belgians seem to me. So very drinkable. And also at 9% ABV, dangerous. So if you're a big fan of Belgian beers, I'm not sure if I would or wouldn't recommend this to you, because that's not my area (if I had one). But if you're a fan of good beer, this is a good grab and I'd definitely recommend it.