This week's Friday matchup features two award-winning American ales. Old Thumper, an English-style bitter from Maine's Shipyard Brewing, is a festival champ boasting Challenger, Progress and Goldings hops. Slightly sweet and strongly hopped, its flavors are balanced by a crisp, dry finish. Gold medal-winning Red Seal, from North Coast Brewing in California, has spicy notes over a generous hop base. Both are great choices for a medium-bodied ale that pairs well with food. (Or maybe a nice cigar [1].)