Top 5 Beers of the Week: Oct. 29, 2011

"Mendocino Brewing Co. (actually based in Ukiah, CA) makes a pretty tasty lineup of bird-themed brews, but Red Tail Ale is by far my fave. It's crisp and slightly hoppy, but also has the caramel notes and smoothness characteristic of a good red ale. Its complexity makes it an awesome beer to pair with food." — Mandy Harris, editorial production director