Month: May 2013

New Beer Blog Tallgrass Velvet Rooster Belgian-Style Triple Ale

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In this beer blog, we are going to take a look at another beer from Tallgrass Brewing.  The beer is called Velvet Rooster Belgian-Style Triple Ale.  If you read my earlier beer blog on their flagship beer, which is 8-Bit Pale Ale, you know about Tallgrass Brewing.  If you have not read that beer and just saw this one, please, read that beer blog to get to know this brewery.  Let us get into the beer.

It has cloudy yellow color with a constant white head on the beer. The smell is Belgian spices to a slight citrus to the beer. The taste of this full body beer has a citrus with species. The aftertaste is a weird dry cinnamon that is pretty fade. It is drinkable beer however, beer drinker can only have one or two and have to move on to another beer.

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

Style: Belgian-Style Tripel

ABV: 8.5%

IBU: 30

Full Brew Birthday: October 2011

Interesting fact: The first Belgian-style tripel in a can in the world.

Velvet Rooster is a Belgian-style tripel that lives up to its name. Smooth and carefully crafted like a fine velvet painting, but with an 8.5% ABV this bird has some spurs! The beer pours a golden straw color with brilliant clarity. Topped with a lofty pure white head the beer has a wonderful floral nose, with subtle fruit notes.

The taste is clean and crisp, with subtle fruit notes and a touch of candy like sweetness. Rooster’s light carbonation gives it a Champagne-like effervescent that provides a crisp offset to its sweet finish. While a pint glass is always nice, Velvet Rooster would also be at home in a tulip glass or Champagne flute. It is the cock of the walk.

Malts: Pilsner, Munich Hops: Northern Brewer, Centennial, Willamette

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.tallgrassbeer.com

Twitter:  @tallgrassbeer

In closing, This is a pretty good beer.  I am not a huge fan of Belgian style beers.  This one is pretty unique because it is the first and only Triple Ale in a can in the United States and I believe the world.  I am pretty excited this brewery is hitting the Chicago Market.  I am a huge fan of this brewery.  I love their 8-Bit Pale Ale.  I might not be a fan of Belgian-Style Triple Ales but this is a well made beer.  I know people will be enjoy this beer.  I recommend all of their beers and you need to seek these beers out.  Please let me hear your thoughts and  let the brewery know.  They love to hear your thoughts.  Go get some!  Drink it!  Enjoy it!  Metal it!  \m/

Cheers!

Bill DJ Weiser

Email:  djweiser13@comcast.net

Twitter:  @djweiser

New Beer Blog Tallgrass Ethos IPA

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In this beer blog, we are going to get into Tallgrass’s latest India Pale Ale and it is called Ethos IPA.  They are coming to Chicago market in June and I cannot wait.  I know this brewery and my friends know that I am a huge fan of Tallgrass Brewing.  If you read my earlier blog on their flagship called 8-Bit Pale Ale, you know the history of this awesome brewery.  If you have not, please, read that beer blog to get up to speed on this brewery.  Let us get into the beer.

It has a clear copper color with a white constant head. The smell is earthy to it. The taste is piney to a fresh-cut grass with a dry hoppy aftertaste. It is kind of drinkable beer. It is one or two and I need to move onto the next one.

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

Dry-Hopped India Pale Ale

ABV: 6.8%

IBU: 110

The beer foretold in legend. Six types of hops are gathered from the corners of the world to make this legendary brew. This is no earthly IPA. They will write ballads, build monuments, paint caves, and sacrifice goats to this beer. They will drink Ethos and dance to shake the heavens. The aroma is the harbinger of the tastes to come. Big, bright, and beautiful, this beer exceeds all expectations and grants wishes. Twice dry-hopped and brewed with the aid of a dark alliance from another realm, this beer bestows upon you all the complexity of the hops’ flavors without overwhelming your senses. Ethos IPA is a gift to you, beer mortals. Drink it and fulfill your destiny.

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.tallgrassbeer.com

Twitter:  @TallgrassBeer

In closing, I love this beer and I once again I am very happy to hear this brewery has made it to Chicago.  I like this IPA over their other IPA.  There was nothing wrong with the other IPA.  I just felt it was more of an English style IPA.  You can taste the IBU in this beer but it is well balance with the great malt backbone.  I love the hops that they use in this IPA.  This brewery is a perfect storm.  What I mean by this, they have a great liquid and great packaging.  I know Chicago craft beer drinker will love this beer and I recommend all their beers.  Go get some!  Drink it!  Enjoy it!  Metal it!  \m/

Cheers!

Bill DJ Weiser

Email:  djweiser13@comcast.net

Twitter:  @djweiser

New Beer Blog Kona Brewing Wailua

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In this beer blog, we are going to get into the summer seasonal from Kona Brewing.  I am so happy this brewery has made it to Chicago market and I am looking forward a summer of drinking some of their great brews.  The brew that will be featured in this beer post is their Wailua Ale.  If you read my earlier beer blog on their beers, you know the history of this brewery.  If you have not read those beer post, please, read that beer post.  Let us get into the beer.

This wheat ale has a clear yellow color without a head on it. There is no smell in this beer. The taste of this light body is a tropical with a sweet passion fruit aftertaste. It is extremely drinkable beer.

Here is description from the beer bottle:

Paradise Found

Wailua is Hawaiian for two fresh water streams mingling.  This was just the inspiration we needed for our Aloha Series Wailua Ale brewed with tropical passion fruit.  A refreshing, citrusy, sun-colored ale with the cool taste of Hawaii.

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

Paradise Found

Swimming in a fresh water pool at the base of a cascading waterfall is what we all imagine we would find in paradise. On Maui, follow the old Hana Highway and you will find such a place – Wailua Falls. This plunging cascade of clear water is the inspiration for our Aloha Series seasonal release Wailua Ale. This golden, sun colored ale has a bright, citrus flavor that comes from the tropical passion fruit we brew into each batch. Sit back, relax and enjoy paradise anytime.

Available Spring/Summer

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.konabrewingco.com

Twitter:  @KonaBrewingCo

In closing, this beer is in their new bottle with the islands on it.  It is shaped like a long board.  This is not my favorite beer and it is way too light body to me.  There is nothing wrong with that.  It is a well made beer and Kona did a great job brewing this beer.  I know for a fact they will be selling a ton around the country.  I did not get too much in the smell but you can taste the passion fruit in it.  There is another great west coast brewery called Bridgeport that came out with a beer called Summer Squeeze with the passion fruit in it.  Both of these beers are great.  I believe Kona has shown us the lifestyle and beauty of the Hawaii.  I recommend this beer and I would love to hear your thoughts on 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 Redhook Wise Cracker Wit

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In this beer blog, we are going to sample out the Redhook’s summer ale.  The brew is called Wise Cracker Wit.  If you read my earlier beer blog, you know the history of this brewery.  If you have not, please, read that beer blog post to get know one of the America’s Craft breweries.  Let us get into the brew.

This Wit has a cloudy yellow color without a head on it. The smell is a citrus, lemon, and coriander along with yeast and wheaty to the beer. The taste has a lemon with species. It is very refreshing and drinkable.

Here is a description from the beer bottle:

Wheat beer brewed with Ginger, but still digs Mary Ann.

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

Redhook’s twist on the Belgian style is the addition of fresh ginger, which adds a refreshing snappiness to this lighter-bodied wheat beer.  Redhook Wit is perfect for warm summer months of outdoor BBQ-ing, sitting by the pool, or just taking a break by hanging inside enjoying the AC and watching old re-runs of Gilligan’s Island.

Style………………….Belgian Wit

Abv…………………….5.3%

IBUs…………………..8.0

IBUOriginal Gravity..11.85 degrees plato

Brewed Since………2011

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.redhook.com

Twitter:  @redhook_brewery

In closing, I will be the first to say that I am not a fan of wheat ales.  This Wit is a great beer but I will not add it to my line up of beers.  I will drink it if that is about the only craft beer at a bar or liquor stores.  I will say if you are a fan of wheat ales, this is a beer for you.  I can see the beer bring more American lager drinkers into the craft beer side.  It is drinkable and has flavor.  Go get some!  Drink it!  Enjoy it!  Metal it!  \m/

Cheers!

Bill DJ Weiser

Email:  djweiser13@comcast.net

Twitter:  @djweiser

New Beer Blog Redhook Audible Ale

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In this beer blog, we are going to get into another beer from the Redhook Brewery.  The beer is collaboration with the Dan Patrick Show.  If you do not know, Dan Patrick is a huge fan of Redhook brews.  He would always talk about their beers on his show which is live.  Redhook decided to do a brew with Dan Patrick.  If you read my earlier beer blogs on their beers, you know the history of this brewery and how much this craft beer drinker enjoy their beers too.  If you have not, please, read that beer blog to find out the rich history of this brewery.  Let us get into the beer.

It has a clear darker golden color with a semi white head on the beer. The smell is malty to a slightly citrus to it. The taste is light carbonated malty citrus with a dry hop finish. It is extremely drink beer.

Here is a description from the beer bottle:

Fill your passion bucket with the ultimate crushable ale.

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

Redhook has teamed up with Dan Patrick to brew the ultimate craft beer for watching sports: plenty of flavor and aroma, and crushable enough to make you want another — without making you sloppy by halftime. So, whether you’re watching the Dan Patrick Show in your mancave, or tailgating in a parking lot, it’s time to fill your passion bucket with crushable craft. Listen to your thirst. It’s Audible.

Style………………….Pale Ale

Abv…………………….4.7%

IBUs…………………..22 IBU

Original Gravity..degrees plato

Brewed Since………2013

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.redhook.com

Twitter:  @redhook_brewery

In closing, Redhook Brewing has stepped up again and made a great beer.  Redhook makes some great drinkable beers and this Audible Ale is no different.  It has some a ton of flavor and enough hop character in the beer.  I just kind wish this beer was available in six-pack but I will complain that have to buy a twelve pack.  Since  posting on twitter that I had this beer, I have had several people asking me where to get it.  I would keep on requesting it and ask for the beer.  I would find out who your local Anheuser Busch wholesale is and get hold of them.  They could tell you what stores are selling the beer.  This is a great beer and I highly recommend trying 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 Staropramen Cool Grep

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In this beer blog, we are going to get into another brew from Staropramen Brewery.  It is their Cool Grep, which is like the Cool Lemon but grapefruit.  If you read my earlier beer blog on their beers, you know the history of this brewery.  If you have not, please, read that beer post to get up to speed on this brewery.  Let us get into the beer.

It has a cloudy grapefruit juice color without a head on it. The smell is a heavy grapefruit to the beer. The taste is a grapefruit without an aftertaste. This is a drinkable beer.

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.staropramen.com

Twitter:  @Staropramen

In closing, this is a great beer but I am not a fan of grapefruit.  If you are a fan of grapefruit, you will enjoy this beer.  It is just like their Cool Lemon.  Staropramen did a great job on their packaging and liquid.  I recommend this brew if you are a fan of grapefruit or fruit beers.  Go get some if you are in Europe.  Drink it!  Enjoy it!  Metal it!  \m/

Cheers!

Bill DJ Weiser

Email:  djweiser13@comcast.net

Twitter: @djweiser

New Beer Blog Staropramen Cool Lemon

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In this beer blog, we are going to get into another beer from Staropramen.  It is their Cool Lemon.  If you read my earlier beer blog post on their beer, you know the history of this brewery.  This brewery has been around for a while but you might already know it.  If you have not read that beer blog, please, read that beer blog to get know this really old brewery.  Let us get into the beer.

It a cloudy yellow color without a head on the beer.  The smell is a heavy lemon to the beer. The taste is a heavy lemon without a n aftertaste. It is pretty drinkable beer.

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.staropramen.com

Twitter:  @Staropramen

In closing, I was pretty stun on how good this brew turn out.  When I was in Prague, as soon as I discovered this brew. I could not stop drinking it.  This is a great brew and I wish just like most of their beers were available in the states.  I am not a huge lager fan but this brewery does a great job on their beers from the packaging to the liquid.  Since, this brew has such a low alcohol level, you can drink this beer all day.  If you are around the Prague area or Europe, go get some!  Drink it!  Enjoy it!  Metal it!  \m/

Cheers!

Bill DJ Weiser

Email:  djweiser13@comcast.net

Twitter:  @djweiser

New Beer Blog Goose Island 25th Anniversary Ale

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In this beer blog, we are going get into another beer from Goose Island.  It is their 25th Anniversary Ale, which is a beer that is planned and brewer by Bert Porter, who is the current brewmaster, Greg Hall, who is the former brewmaster, and Nick Barron, who is the brewpub brewmaster.   If you read my earlier beer blog on their beer, you know the history of this brewery.  If you have not, please, read that beer blog.  Let us get into the beer.

It has a nice amber color with a semi white head. There is a fade caramel but not really a smell. The taste is a malty citrus but hop part is fade. It is pretty drinkable beer.

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.gooseisland.com

Twitter:  @gooseisland

Closing, Goose Island is a giant in the Chicago market and they have been around here around in 1988.  These three talent brewmaster took their flagship recipe and took it to another level.  If you ask anyone in Goose Island or wholesalers, they would call this beer style Imperial Honkers.  I can see that.  I say this is Imperial ESB and if any brewery knows anything about ESB, it would  be Greg Hall and Goose Island.  I will be honest I was expecting something else from this beer.  However, Goose Island did make a great beer, I hope they package it up into another classic beer style.  Could it be that if this brewery would have opened today, this beer would have been their flagship?  I did enjoy this beer but this is not my favorite beer style.  I do highly recommend you trying this beer.  It is a limited beer and you will need to hurry up to pick up 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 Mendocino Brewing Blue Heron Pale Ale

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In this beer blog, we are going to sample out Mendocino Brewing Blue Heron Pale Ale.  Mendocino Brewing was founded in 1983 under the name Hopland Brewery in Hopland, California.  They moved their brewery to Ukiah, California but left their brewpub in Hopland where their original brewery was located.  Let us get into the beer.

It has a clear golden color with a semi white head. The smell has a citrus to the beer. The taste is a citrus with a malty with a dull hop aftertaste. It is pretty drinkable beer.

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

Blue Heron Pale Ale is a delightful, medium bodied smooth ale, with a distinctive crisp mouth-feel and a fresh hoppy finish. It is brewed using premium two-row Pale malted barley, generous amounts of both Cluster bittering hops and Cascade finishing hops and our own special proprietary yeast strain.

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.mendobrew.com

Twitter:  @MendoBrew

In closing, this is a great beer.  I enjoyed this and I was pretty stun by it.  I had this beer a long time ago and I could not remember it.  It is drinkable and has a ton going on in it.  This brewmaster put some thought behind it.  I am not a fan of the packaging but it is what it is.  The history of the brewery explains why they have packaging they have.  There is nothing wrong with it.  I recommend you trying 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 Budweiser Vs. Budweiser Budvar

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In this beer blog, we are going to have a debate on 100-year-old argument.  There has been lawsuits and I believe they are still tied up in the courts.  Most general beer drinkers know about this debate and I know pretty much all craft beer drinkers know about it too.  The question how true is it that one of the Buschs stole Budweiser and brought the beer to the states.  I might not be able to answer this over 100 year question but I will put my thought on this debate.  Let us get into it.

Budweiser

History

I bet you already know the history of this beer.  Well just in case you do not here is a fast history lesson.  Budweiser was first brewed in 1876.  The company was known as Anheuser-Busch.  Adolphus Busch left Germany in 1850’s.  He prefered light lagers while everyone else, who is the general public at the time, wanted dark lagers or ales.  Adolphus Busch traveled throughout Europe learning the latest brewing techniques.

It has a clear golden color without a head on the beer.  The smell is malty or I like to say fresh air. The taste is a sweet carbonated to slight hop notes  with a dry crisp finish. It is a drinkable beer.

Budweiser Budvar

History

This brew was brewed back in 1785.  The brewery started exporting beer to the states in 1871.  Anheuser-Busch trademaked the name Budweiser two years after it was first brewed in 1878.  Czech Budweiser was sold to Budvar in 1895.  In 1938, it was settled that Anheuser-Busch could use the name Budweiser in the United States.  Of course, in 2007, Anheuser-Busch and Budvar agreed that AB would market and sell Budvar and Czechvar  in the United States and other countries.  Both sides said this does not affected their lawsuit to one another.  If you see Czechvar, it is Budweiser Budvar.

It has a clear golden color without a head. It is slight darker than the American Budweiser. The smell is a fresh apple smell like grannysmith apples. The taste is a sweet carbonated to slight hop notes with a dry  crisp finish. It is a drinkable beer.

In closing, so what is the debate on these two beers?  They do not look like.  Budvar is a little dark in color.  The smell is not the same either.  However, the taste is about the same, is the beechwood aging and the rice in American Budweiser any different?  They are a little different but the taste is about the same.  So the really debate is was the name stolen by Anheuser-Busch?  There is still a lawsuit in the courts.  We will never get the true and I believe this will never be settled.  They are big brands in their countries.  So just kick back and have a cold ones!  I just hope one day we could see both of these beers on the shelf with the same name on them.  Go get some!  Drink it!  Enjoy it!  Metal it! \m/

Cheers!

Bill DJ Weiser

Email:  djweiser13@comcast.net

Twitter:  @djweiser