Month: March 2013

New Beer Blog Brooklyn East India Pale Ale

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In this beer blog, we are going to sample out another beer from Brooklyn Brewery and the beer is their East India Pale Ale.  If you read my earlier beer blog on their beers, you know the history of this brewery.  If you have not, please, read the first part of that beer blog.  Let us get into the beer.

This English India Pale Ale has a clear copper color with a white constant head on the beer. The smell is a heavy grapefruit to it. The taste of this full body beer is a carbonation grapefruit with a wet grapefruit hop to it. It is drinkable beer for what it is but to me, it is one and maybe two beers. I have to move on to the next beers.

Here is a description from the beer bottle:

East India Pale Ale is our version of the sturdy ale made by the british brewer George Hodgson in the 1820’s to survive the voyage from London around the Cape of Good Hope to Calcutta.  East India Pale Ale is brewed from English malt and hops and will taste best before the freshness date indicated.

Here is a description from their website (www.brooklynbrewery.com):

Brooklyn East India Pale Ale is inspired by the original East India Pale Ales brewed in England in the early 1800’s for the troops in India. Everyday English ales were spoiling during shipment from London, around Africa’s Cape of Good Hope, to Calcutta. Using extra malt and hops, British brewer George Hodgson developed an ale with the bitterness and strength to endure the long sea voyage, giving rise to a great beer style. Our East India Pale Ale is a deep golden beer brewed from British malt and a blend of hops featuring the choice East Kent Golding variety. It is traditionally dry-hopped for a bright aroma of hops, lemongrass, pine and citrus fruit, and has a robust bitterness, a warming malt palate and a clean hoppy finish. We think Hodgson would be rather pleased.

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.brooklynbrewery.com

Twitter:  @brooklynbrewery

Ending, this is not my favorite India Pale Ale.  I have to say with all the over the top hopped up India Pale Ales.  This beer gives the hop head another aspect of this great beer style.  Brooklyn Brewery hit a home run with the traditional beer style going back to England.  They honor that great man on their beer bottles in their description.  I will flip this beer in and out of my line up.  This is a pretty good English IPA style.  This is a great beer to start with if you are trying to like India Pale Ale.  I recommend you trying it.  Go get some!  Drink it!  Enjoy it!  Metal it!  \m/

Cheers!

Bill DJ Weiser

Email:  djweiser13@comcast.net

Twitter:  @djweiser

New Beer Blog Uinta Brewery Birthday Suit Sour Brown Ale

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In this beer blog, we are going to get into another beer from Uinta Brewery.  The beer is their Birthday Beer, which is their 20th and it is called Birthday Suit Sour Brown Ale from their Crooked Line.  If you read my earlier beer blog on their beers, you know the history of this brewery.  If you have not, please, read the first part of those beer blogs.  Let us get into the beer.

It has a clear brown color without a head on the beer. The smell is like sour air. The taste has a heavy sour  with a sour aftertaste. It is a nice sipping beer to have anytime of the season.

Here is a description from the beer bottle:

Brewed in celebration of Uinta’s 20th Birthday, this American Sour Brown Ale flaunts significant acidity balanced by flavorful Abbey and Chocolate malts and a modest amount of hops.  A distinct tartness on the palate combines with notes of toffee and earthiness.

Here is a description from their website (www.uintabrewing.com):

Notes

Brewed in celebration of Uinta’s 20th Birthday, this American Style Sour Brown Ale flaunts significant acidity balanced by flavorful Abbey and Chocolate malts and a modest amount of hops.  A distinct tartness on the palate combines with notes of toffee and earthiness.

Art

Label art by local Utah artist Travis Bone

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.uintabrewing.com

Twitter:  @uintabrewing

In closing, I enjoyed drinking this beer and I am in love with sour ales.  This beer was right up my alley but the average beer drinker will not like sour ales.  This beer is for the experience craft beer drinker.  I am not saying that the beginner will not like this beer.  It is possible.  It has a heavy sour taste and smell.  It is pretty drinkable beer for any season of the year.  I highly recommend this beer.  It is a limited release so if you do not get it this season.  You will have to wait for next year and that is not a bad thing.  I also want to thank for the Brewery for letting me try this beer and showing me around the brewery.  Thanks Steve and Uinta Brewing!  Go get some!  Drink it!  Enjoy it!  Metal it!  \m/

Cheers!

Bill DJ Weiser

Email:   djweiser13@comcast.net

Twitter:  @djweiser

New Beer Blog Fort Collins Double Chocolate Stout

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In this beer blog, we are going to get into the Fort Collins Brewery and the beer is called Double Chocolate Stout.  Here is the history or information of this brewery from their website (www.fortcollinsbrewery.com):

The Fort Collins Brewery is a microbrewery located in Fort Collins, Colorado. We have been open for 7 years and provide 7 full-time brews and a whole slew of  limited release offerings.

There is not too much information about this brewery asides their website.  It looks like a newer brewery from the information that I did find on the internet.  Let us get into the beer.

This stout has a dark black color with a semi tan color head. The smell is a chocolate to coffee to the beer. The taste of a full body is a chocolate and roasted coffee with a dry chocolate aftertaste. It is drinkable beer but the beer cannot have more than three in one sitting.

Here is a description from the beer bottle:

The most decadent creation ever to be crafted in FCB’s brewhouse.  A bold chocolate nose introduces deep roasty flavors rich with coffee undertones.  Impeccably balanced and completely indulgent.

Here is a description from their website (www.fortcollinsbrewery.com):

Double Chocolate Stout

The most decadent creation ever to be crafted in FCB’s brewhouse. Deep roasty flavors, rich chocolate nose,coffee undertones and impeccable balance are the result of imperializing an already flawless brew.

Availability

October – April.

Packages

12oz bottles, 1/2 bbls, 1/6 bbls

Stats

Alcohol by Volume (ABV): 8.1% Hop Bitterness (IBU): 48 Color (SRM): 62

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.fortcollinsbrewery.com

Twitter:  @FortCollinsBrew

In the end, this was a pretty enjoyable beer.  It is a beer you can relax and sip it on a spring, summer, fall, or winter night with a nice cigar.  This beer is not over the top and in your face but it will get you if you are not paying attention.   This beer is pretty smooth of chocolate but you will notice some coffee in the taste and smell.  This beer is not my favorite chocolate stout but I enjoy this beer.  For all the chocolate stouts, this beer is up on the list.  I recommend this beer.  Go get some!  Drink it!  Enjoy it!  Metal it!  \m/

Cheers!

Bill DJ Weiser

Email:  djweiser13@comcast.net

Twitter:  @djweiser

New Beer Blog Heavy Seas Black Cannon Black IPA

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In this beer blog, we are going to sample out one of my favorite beer style and my favorite craft brewery out of Maryland.  Heavy Seas Brewery and the beer is called Black Cannon Black IPA.  If you read my earlier beer blog on their flagship beer, which is called Loose Cannon, you know the history of this  brewery.  If you have not, please, read the first part of that beer blog post.  Let us get into the beer.

It has a black color with a semi tan color. The smell is a roasted chocolate with a hint of pine. The taste is a chocolate piney with a dry hoppy finish. It is a drinkable beer but really not drinkable. It is kind of in that in between worlds.

Here is a description from the beer bottle:

While the style is an oxymoron, this ale is a variation of our “Loose Cannon” IPA, with an obious dark note.  7.25% Alc./Vol.

Here is a description from their website (www.hsbeer.com):

Black Cannon

Seasonal Selections

Our brewers modeled this black IPA after Loose Cannon, with a slight change: it’s almost as if they burnt the brew. Deep-dark ruby, Black Cannon has a roasted character from Blackprinz and Roasted Barley malts, but a heaping portion of hops—in the kettle, hopback, and fermenter—impart flavor and aroma. Floral and pine notes show up in the nose. The mouthfeel is very smooth.

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.hsbeer.com

Twitter:  @heavyseasbeer

In closing, I love this beer style, which I said at the beginning of this beer post.  I am a huge hophead but yet I love my porters and stouts.  This is a dream of mine taking both beer styles and put them in one beer bottle or beer glass.  It is a smooth full body beer when drinking but yet get the pine notes during the drinking experience.  This beer at first I was not a fan but when I got to the bottom of the glass.  I was really enjoying this beer.  I recommend you trying this beer if you are a fan of Black India Pale Ale.  Go get some!  Drink it!  Enjoy it!  Metal it!  \m/

Cheers!

Bill DJ Weiser

Email:  djweiser13@comcast.net

Twitter:  @djweiser

New Beer Blog Mt. Pleasant Brewing Iron Horse IPA

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In  this beer blog, we are going to get into a beer from Mt. Pleasant Brewing and the beer is called Iron Horse India Pale Ale.  There is not a ton of information of when this brewery started but they are from Mt. Pleasant, Michigan.  The State of Michigan has been seeing a huge growth of up and coming craft breweries.  Let us get into the beer.

This India Pale Ale has a hazel copper color with a heavy constant white head. The smell of this full body has a heavy grapefruit to it. The taste is a heavy grapefruit to the beer has a grapefruit aftertaste. It is drinkable beer.

Here is a description from their website (www.mtpleasantbrew.com):

Iron Horse I.P.A. An American pale ale with full hops flavor and aroma Don’t be shy, try it.  Like any good I.P.A. this one has plenty of hop presence but not so much that it is not approachable by our hop-weary friends.  Instead of biggering and biggering like so many I.P.A.s these days we are keepin’ it real with a beer that will make you want to drink more than just one.  Don’t worry though, hops heads, this beer still has enough bite to cut through any spicy dish you might want to pair it with.  Try one, or five, with buffalo wings or a spicy blackened chicken dish. Iron Horse can also go quite well with shrimp, crab, or other light fish, so we have heard from a few of our loyal patrons.  So, belly up and try Iron Horse if you have ever wondered what a good I.P.A is like.  We promise you won’t be disappointed.  ABV – 6.6%

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.mtpleasantbrew.com

Twitter:  There is no twitter address.

In closing, I thought this beer was a little different to me.  It has a heavy grapefruit to this full body India Pale Ale.  If you love grapefruit, this will be a beer you need to try it.  I have some mix feelings towards this beer.  I would not say I do not like it but I would not say it is not one of my favorites.  I would like to try this beer on draft to get a better feel towards this beer.  I will have to say this beer is worth a shot of trying this India Pale Ale.  Go get some!  Drink it!  Enjoy it!  Metal it!  \m/

Cheers!

Bill DJ Weiser

Email:  djweiser13@comcast.net

Twitter:  @djweiser

New Beer Blog Wynkoop Brewing Rail Yard Ale

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In this beer blog, we are going to get into another beer that I brought from www.letspour.com.  The brewery and brew are Wynkoop Brewing Rail Yard Ale.  If you read my earlier beer blog on their B3K Black Lager, you know the history of this Denver, Colorado brewery.  If you have not, please, read the first part of that beer blog.  Let us get into beer.

It has a clear copper color without a head on the beer. The smell has a caramel to malty to it. It is hard to explain. It has a creamy caramel start the taste.  Later part of the taste is a citrus with a wet citrus aftertaste that fade with a hop finish. It drinkable beer.

Here is a description from the beer can:

This unique amber ale is built with the malts and hops of an Octoberfest lager, then fermented with an English ale yeast.  Hearty and refreshing, it features caramel flavors, a hint of fruit and a kiss of hops on its finish.  All Aboard!

Here is a description from their website (www.wynkoop.com):

Our flagship brew is a smooth, amber beer that combines the malty goodness of an Octoberfest lager with the slight fruitiness of an ale. Hearty but refreshing.

  • ABV 5.2%

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.wynkoop.com

Twitter:  @wynkoop

Closing, I have to say so far.  I have really enjoyed drinking their beers and once again, they have great packaging.  Rail Yard Ale is their flagship beer and it holds its own.  It is not like most flagship beers that are just really disappointing to the experience craft beer drinkers.   I am not saying that about all flagship beers. There are some flag ship beers that are the worse beer in some craft breweries’ selection.  In most cases, it is the first beer that the brewery or owner created.  It is extremely rare to have a beer in the later part of the craft brewery career that a beer will replace the first beer they ever brewed.  This is a drinkable and has a ton of flavor.  This beer gives you both an ale and lager.  I recommend this beer.  Go get some!  Drink it!  Enjoy it!  Metal it!  \m/

Cheers!

Bill DJ Weiser

Email:  djweiser13@comcast.net

Twitter:  @djweiser

New Beer Blog Wasatch Brewery Polygamy Porter

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In the last night in Utah, we are going to check out a beer that was recommended to me by my sister.  The brewery and beer is called Wasatch Brewery Polygamy Porter.  Wasatch Brewery was founded in 1986.  It was the first brewery to open in Park City, Utah since Prohibition ended.  There is not too much information to be founded about this brewery.  Let us get into the beer.

This stout has a black color with a creamy constant white head on it. The smell is between smokey chocolate to coffee. The taste is smokey roasted coffee to chocolate with a dry finish. It is drinkable beer for being a porter.

Here is a description from their website (www.wasatchbeers.com):

This dark, medium bodied ale offers the drink-ability of a much lighter  beer. The inviting chocolate and malty flavors fade into a slightly  dry, silky smooth finish. Why have just one? 4.0% alcohol by volume.

• 2006 Silver Medal Winner, Brown Porter, North American Brewers’ Association

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.wasatchbeers.com

Twitter:  @wasatchbeers

Closing, this is a great beer and I wish it was in my market but I understand why it is not.  I just found weird to drink some porters, IPAs, and stouts that are only 4%.  This is a great porter that has the same creamy taste like a Guinness.  It was smooth, smokey, and chocolate notes.  This beer is perfect and does not need to be more than 4%.  I highly recommend this beer.  Go get some if you are in the Utah area!  Drink it!  Enjoy it!  Metal it!  \m/

Cheers!

Bill DJ Weiser

Email:  djweiser13@comcast.net

Twitter:  @djweiser

New Beer Blog Moab Brewery Johnny’s American India Pale Ale

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While in Utah, we are going to get into a brewery located in Utah.  The brewery and the beer is called Moab Brewery Johnny’s American India Pale Ale.  There is really no history or information on this brewery.  They are a young and upcoming brewery.  Let us get into the beer.

It has a light clear copper color with a constant white head on the beer. There is a heavy grapefruit to a touch of citrus smell to this American ale. The taste is a sweet carbonation little grapefruit to citrus with a dry finish for the aftertaste. It is a pretty drinkable beer.

Here is a description from their website (www.themoabbrewery.com):

An American style IPA, golden in color with light malt hues and strong hop characteristics. It’s vibrant citrus aromas and bitterness are created by four bold American hops. Our dry hopping gives this beer that distinctive and aggressive hop finish.

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.themoabbrewery.com

Twitter:  @moabbrewery

In closing, this beer is missing something.  I just feel it might be the ABV % in the beer because of the Utah laws.   I believe it is that and the hops that are used in this India Pale Ale are not the best.  The brewery cannot control the laws but they can control the hops that they use in their beers.  I also feel there is not enough maltly backbone to off set the hops.  I am not saying it is extremely over hopped because it is not.  This is my thought about the beer.  This is not a very good beer.  I could have had a better India Pale Ale.  I am glad I had a chance to try this beer.  If you are in Utah, please, try this beer and let me know what your thoughts are on this beer.  Drink it!  Enjoy it!  Metal it!  \m/

Cheers!

Bill DJ Weiser

Email:  djweiser13@comcast.net

Twitter;  @djweiser

New Sport Thought Thursday Chicago Cubs and Wrigley Field

In this Sport Thought Thursday, we are going to get into the debate on the Chicago Cubs and Wrigley Field.  We are going to review the history of Chicago Cubs and Wrigley Field.  I do not think that the general baseball fan know they both have different history.  Let us get into this debate.

Chicago Cubs History

The history of Chicago Cubs started as Chicago White Stockings in 1870 by defeating the St Louis Unions.  In 1876, the White Stockings join the newly formed league known as the National League.  In 1907 and 1908, the Chicago Cubs became the first team in Major Baseball League to win back to back World Series.  They beat the Ty Cobb’s Detroit Tigers.  Everyone knows the history of never winning another World Series after that.  They are now own by Ricks and they are in rebuilding mode, which is being rebuild by former GM of the Boston Red Sox.  Red Sox just like the Cubs went on a long just like the Cubs.

Wrigley Field History

The history of the Wrigley Field is just as rich as the Chicago Cubs.  Wrigley Field was home of the Chicago Whales of the Federal League when it opened back in 1914.  In  that year, the field was known as Weeghman Park.  When the Chicago Cubs moved into the field after the Federal League folded in 1916.  The field was called Cub Park.  It was renovated in 1937 and 1988.  It was expanded in 1922, 1927, and 2006.  To build this field, back in the day was $250,000 in 1914, which today will equal $5.73 million.  This field is one of the smallest in the league.

State of Wrigley Field Today

Today, the Chicago Cubs as a business is taking a hard look at Wrigley Field. They need to restore the field and they know it.  They are looking at putting up more Ads throughout the ballpark that the previous owners would not do.  They are also looking to put more signs behind the bleachers. The problem is the rooftops are complaining that it would block their views into the ballpark.  Does this sound wrong?  It is wrong because the Chicago Cubs only get a small percentage of the ticket sales from the rooftops.  The ads they could put up behind the bleachers would cover their small percentage that they get from the rooftops and more in about a season. The other problem is the neighborhood around Wrigley Field and it does not help that the field is a historical landmark.  The Ricks, who own the Chicago Cubs, would have to get permission from the state and the neighborhood to do anything in and around Wrigley.

In closing, I believe it would be best for the Chicago Cubs to move out of Wrigley Field.  This is the reason why.  They are profitable at Wrigley Field because it is a tourist event.  I am not saying that is the fan base.  They are getting most of their money from the box office.  They cannot put signs throughout the park because of the rooftop that are stealing the product on the field.  Yes, they are giving money to the Cubs but not at what the Chicago Cubs Could make on ads.  Yes, the Chicago Cubs could fix up the locker room, etc.  They want to make sure they can do everything not somethings.  I believe Rosemont deal will help the Cubs get what they want out of the City of Chicago and the neighborhood.  I believe you will see no more rooftops in the future if the Chicago Cubs stay at Wrigley Field.  I believe the Chicago Cubs will not be playing baseball in the city limits soon. I could be wrong. Please let me know what your thoughts are about this.  Go get some!  Drink it!  Enjoy it!  Metal it!  \m/

Cheers!

Bill DJ Weiser

Email:  djweiser13@comcast.net

Twitter:  @djweiser

New Beer Blog Uinta King’s Peak Porter

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While in Utah, I was able to spend some time at Uinta Brewing to sample out this beer, which is their King’s Peak Porter.  If you read my earlier beer blogs on their beers, you know the history of this brewery.  If you have not, please, read the first part of that beer blog.  Let us get into the beer.

This beer has a jet black color with a big white head on it. The smell is between chocolate to coffee to it. The taste is chocolate and coffee with a nice coffee finish but fade to it. It is a pretty drinkable beer.

Here is a description from their website (www.uintabrewing.com):

Description

Roasted chocolate malts influence this full-flavored ale. This sessionable porter is black in color and well-balanced.

Tasting Notes

Delicate hop character balances a mild bitterness. Hints of expresso and dark chocolate mixed with fruit. Mildly sweet. King’s Peak pairs well with classic hearty, cold-weather dishes such as chili, stew, and roasts. Also pairs well with hearty dishes, and cheeses such as gruyere, emmenthaler, and swiss. Have a sweet tooth? Try King’s Peak with chocolate and maple flavored desserts.

Story

Named after the highest point in the State of Utah at 13,528 feet, Kings Peak is located in the Uinta Mountains

Here is website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.uintabrewing.com

Twitter:  @uintabrewing

Closing, Uinta Brewing was fun and I was glad to tour the brewery.  I was able to sample some beers that I cannot get in the Chicago market.  I was also able to talk with the owner Steve.  I had a really great time and I want to thank Steve and everyone at Uinta Brewery for showing us around the great state of Utah and their brewery.   As far as this brew, it is a pretty rich chocolate and coffee.  This is pretty drinkable beer or I just want it to be a drinkable beer for being a porter.  I highly recommend this beer.  Go get some!  Drink it!  Enjoy it!  Metal it!  \m/

Cheers!

Bill DJ Weiser

Email:  djweiser13@comcast.net

Twitter:  @djweiser