At Middleton Brewery in the Hill country of Texas. Trying their special Amber on tap. Half glass with no head, hazy copper color. Medium texture has a little softness to it. A deep earthy Amber flavor. Has some sweetness added along with a touch of pecan. Middle and finish adds a nutty bitterness I have found in shelling pecans. A better than average amber.

At Middleton Brewing in the Texas Hill country trying out one of their favorites, Black Lab Porter. Poured into the top of a half glass. Small amount of aroma has almost a fruity quality. Crisp for a medium textured beer. Flavor is roasted malt, chared wood, no sweetness, fleeting notes of cherries or plums, perhaps a pinch of cocoa tossed in. Finish adds some roasted bitterness. Not one of my favorite porters.

Trying out a Texas brewery not far from Whiskey River Ranch. Small Texas Hill country establishment. Outside on a windy deck with a half serving so no aroma and no head. Dark brown color with some red shining through. Creamy smooth texture, almost no effervescence. Mild flavor, earthy, faint notes of semisweet chocolate. Finish gently adds some roasted Colombia coffee and a very late snap of bitterness. It's okay, seems more like a creamy brown ale. Very drinkable with a low effervescence.