I don't really go much for packaging or even branding when it comes to beer. All that tiny writing on Stone bottles from some PR hack telling me I am not worthy? Yawn. All the millions wasted on design that gets unnecessarily added to the cost of my beer? Spare me. Yet... yet, there is this cube of beer from Sixpoint. It's just four pint cans in a cardboard container but it's a cube. Perfect.

Sixpoint has come to far northern New York and I was over there to pick some up today at Bear World. Ten bucks for two litres is a pretty good price. And Sixpoint makes beer that is far better than pretty good. This is my favorite, a strongish ale that balances a bit of rye into the grist more artfully than any other featuring that grain. It pours an orange-hued light cola under a froth and rim. Sweet and spice aroma. In the mouth, it's as pungent as a Belgian dubbel but one from a parallel universe where spice means something slightly different. Rich without being creamy, more sweetish seedy herbal dark Swedish rye bread than maltier pumpernickel. But not heavy like either of those. Anise, orange zest... maybe dry thyme. More cracker than bread crust. Love it.

BAers know the love.