BuzzMachine: When did we Saudis stop beating your American wives? The Saudi government is funding radio ads to address charges about Saudi complicity in 9/11 and subsequent terrorist and Al Qaeda related activity. I heard the ad this afternoon—in a Cambridge-area liquor store (Dr. Ironic, call your office). Not very convincing…

A while back, I blogged the Harpoon 100 Barrel Series—“one of a kind creations fashioned by a Harpoon brewer, limited to a single 100 barrel batch.” At the time I didn’t think I’d have a chance to try any, but I’ve found two since moving back to Massachusetts. The Alt Ale, which is currently on their website, I found uninspired—a little timid, too little hop to balance the malt. The Scotch Ale (subtitled Wee Heavy), on the other hand, is pretty darned good, and true to the tradition too. High head that recedes quickly, good copper color, excellent malt nose, a little heavy on the palate in the true style, a good sweetish aftertaste. And strong too. A better effort than the Alt. But still room to grow in this series; I look forward to tasting more of the individual brewers’ efforts.