Our beer map
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NICE AND SLOW
Berkshire Brewing Co. Steel Rail Extra Pale Ale Medium-bodied with a balance of malty sweetness and hop bite. It's 5.2 percent alcohol by volume, so you won't get derailed. (About $6 for a 22-ounce bottle. D & L Liquors, 113 River St., Waltham, 781-894-1907; Luke's Liquors, 167 Market St., Rockland, 781-878-0226.)
Allagash White Pale gold, with aromas of orange and coriander and a flavor redolent of citrus, with a hint of coriander, banana, and cloves (and 5 percent ABV), this is a lovely beer to spend time with in front of the electoral map. (About $8.50 for a 22-ounce bottle. Trader Joe's, 727 Memorial Drive, Cambridge, 617-491-8582; Wine Gallery, 375 Boylston St., Brookline, 617-277-5522.)
WAKE-UP CALL
Bear Republic Racer 5 IPA This Sonoma County brew gets its sweet, floral aroma from Cascade and Columbus hops. The big hop flavor is blended with caramel sweetness. (About $5.75 for a 22-ounce bottle, Cambridge Mall Liquor, 202 Alewife Brook Parkway, Cambridge, 864-7171; Marty's, 675 Washington St., Newton, 617-332-1230.)
Anderson Valley Hop Ottin' IPA A nose that's a mixture of citrusy hops and honey, with a sweetness that balances the hop bitterness. (About $10 for six 12-ounce bottles, Harrington Wine & Liquors, 10 Summer St., Chelmsford, 978-256-2711; Downtown Wine and Spirits, 225 Elm St., Somerville, 617-625-7777.)
WINNERS AND LOSERS
Avery Brewing Ale to the Chief A big IPA with citrusy hop notes, nicely balanced; strong but not overpowering. Exactly the qualities we hope for in a president. (About $11 for a 22-ounce bottle. Wine Gallery.)
Victory Twelve A Belgian-style ale with a subtle pear-apple aroma, flavors of honey and fig, and herb-y spiciness at the finish. At 12 percent ABV, strong enough to salute a winner. (About $10 for a 22-ounce bottle. Julio's, 140 Turnpike Road, Westborough, 508-366-1942; Charles Street Liquors, 143 Charles St., Boston, 617-523-5051.)
Stone Ruination IPA Big citrusy, piney, and floral notes in the nose and taste of this double IPA really pack a wallop. (About $7 for a 22-ounce bottle. Kappy's Liquors, 10 Revere Beach Parkway, Medford, 781-395-8888; Charles Street Liquors.)
ANN LUISA CORTISSOZ
