The Rating System

I have 2 types of ratings. One for beer and one for restaurants and drinking establishments.

For beer I rate on a 10 point scale taking the average of 4 categories, TASTE, BALANCE, COMPLEXITY, and AROMA. For example Taste=8, Balance 7, Complexity 7, and Aroma 7 would give the beer an overall score of 7.25



For restaurants and drinking estabishments I have a simple 5 bottle cap scale similar to a star system.

Taste of Tops

For my first entry I'm starting with the new kid on the block, Taste of Tops. Tops Liquor has always been known as a great place to get some of the best craft beers in the valley. So naturally when they opened up a beer and wine bar next door the expectations were high.

The first thing you notice when walking inside is the modern decor. It has a bit of an upscale feel. There are several nice flat screen TV's which make it a great place to watch a game while sitting at the bar. They have a modest wine selection and 12 beers on tap that they rotate frequently. There is a beer cooler located in the back with a diverse selection of excellent beers.

Although the beer selection is great most nights, the prices can be a bit high. The average beer price is around $6 with some speciality beers priced even higher. It makes you want to walk next door and grab a beer out of the cooler from Tops for half the price. However, they do sometimes lower the prices to make sure and keep the beer rotating, so don't give up on it after just one visit.

The service was good and the bartenders are knowledgeable and friendly. Taste of Tops also has tasting events, art shows and guest brewer's showing up all the time. For a list of upcoming events you can check out their website at http://www.topsliquors.com/.

Taste of Tops will be popular among beer afficianado's but I for one can't afford to be there too often. They only have appetizers so make sure and stop by Oregano's or Thai Basil next door. You don't want to be drinking an IPA with 8% alcohol on an empty stomach.

I rate Taste of Tops 3 out of 5

All things food, travel and beer

Three of my favorite things in life are food, travel and beer. With my blog I intend to rate food and beer all over the world. I have also had the good fortune to travel extensively and I want to share my stories with everyone. Whether it's being held up at gunpoint in Venezuela, getting hit by a car in Ireland, or almost being thrown in a prison in Morocco, I've got a few good stories to tell. Also, as a foodie and a beersnob I'll never point you in the wrong direction.