Month: November 2013

New Beer Blog Frankenmuth Brewery Christmas Town Ale

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In this winter beer blog, we are going to sample the new brew, which is Christmas Town Ale, from Frankenmuth Brewery.  If you have read my earlier beer blog posts, you know the history of the oldest brewery in State of Michigan.  If you have not, please, read those beer blog posts to get to know this great Michigan craft brewery.  Let us get into the beer.

It has a cloudy amber to a reddish color with a tan color head on this winter seasonal.  The smell is a sweet malty notes.  The taste is a slight carbonated sweet malty notes with a sweet malty aftertaste.  It is a warm drinkable beer for the winter season.

Here is a description from the beer bottle:

Toasted sweet dark malts and American hops perfectly combine with holiday flavors to create a taste and aroma that is unmistakably Christmas in every sip.

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

Christmas Town Ale-For many, our little town of Frankenmuth is known as Christmas Town. So, it’s no wonder we created an ale to celebrate the Merry Season. Enjoy toasted sweet dark malts and American hops which combine with holiday flavors to create a taste and aroma that is unmistakably Christmas. ABV 6% IBU 27

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.frankenmuthbrewery.com

Twitter:  @fb1862

Closing, there is nothing more to say about this brewery.  Frankenmuth Brewery makes some great beers and they did not disappoint any craft beer drinkers in Michigan and around the country with this brew.  Christmas Town Ale is new to the market and it is pretty good for the holiday.  They put some thought behind this beer.  I mean you can drink it with any kind of dish and that is including dessert.  I enjoyed the sweet malty taste and this beer is at the top of my winter seasonals.  This brew gives l hope to all winter seasonals.  I highly recommend this brew.  Go get some!  Drink it!  Enjoy it!  Metal it!  \m/

Cheers!

Bill DJ Weiser

Email:  djweiser13@comcast.net

Twitter:  @djweiser

New Beer Blog Dark Horse Brewing 4 Elf Winter Warmer Ale

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In this winter beer blog, we are going to sample out a winter brew from Dark Horse Brewing.  I am talking about their 4 Elf Winter Warmer Ale.  If you have read my review on one of their brewpub beers, you know the history of this western Michigan Craft brewery.  If you have not, please, read beer blog posts to get to know this brewery.  Let us get into the beer.

It has a dark brown to black color with a head on this winter ale.  The smell has a heavy cinnamon notes.  The taste is a malty, cinnamon, and nutmeg notes.  The aftertaste is a warm cinnamon notes.  It is pretty drinkable beer.

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

A spiced Winter Warmer brewed with nutmeg, clove, allspice and other holidayflavors.

ABV: 9.0%

Availability:  Released to ALL markets in September

Package: Cases / 4 pack of Good ol’ Bottles

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.darkhorsebrewery.com

Twitter:  @DarkHorseBrewCo

In the end of the winter season, Dark Horse Brewing was the only Michigan brewery that I had a chance to get in the Chicago market that I could get.  I love their beers.  I have to say Dark Horse Brewing has out did themselves with this brew.  I love the warmth of the species that this beer kicks off.  It is pretty balance and does not drink like 9% brew.  I picked up hints of cinnamon and they do not list it on their site.  I highly recommend this awesome winter seasonal.  Go get some!  Drink it! Enjoy it!  Metal it!  \m/

Cheers!

Bill DJ Weiser

Email:  djweiser13@comcast.net

Twitter:  @djweiser

New Beer Blog North Peak Brewing Diabolical India Pale Ale

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New beer tab, we are going to sample out another beer from North Peak Brewing.  It is their everyday Diabolical India Pale Ale.  If you read my earlier beer blog on their Imperial IPA, you know the history of this northwest of Michigan craft brewery.  If you have not, please, read the beer blog post to know the history and information on this Michigan Brewery.  Let us get into the beer.

It has a cloudy copper color with little white bubble head on this India Pale Ale.  The smell is citrus and malty notes.  The taste is mild carbonation citrus notes for this English style India Pale Ale.  The aftertaste is a little weird and I can figure it out what it is.  It is pretty drinkable beer.

Here is a description from their website (www.northpeak.net):

The devil made us do it.  From the ABV and IBU figures to the fiendish use of Cascade, Perle, and Willamette hops.  lucifer was whispering in our ears the entire time.  Citrus and pine scents great you and are followed by the sharp bitterness expected of an IPA.  The beer’s true wickedness is revealed in the smooth Pale, Crystal 30 and wheat malts that surreptitiously broaden the beer’s appeal to more than just hopheads.

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.northpeak.net

Twitter:  @northpeakbeer

Closing, I have to say this is one of the worse IPA’s that I have ever had in my life.  It is towards the bottom of my listed.  I do not like the hops and malts that they use in this brew.  I pay good money for a fresh beer.  I had this beer three times.  I had it twice in the bottle and once on draft.  It all tasted the same.  I thought maybe I received a bad beer.  This beer is not the worse in the IPA world.  I could name a few that will be under it.  I love the hops they are using but I just believe they used them wrong or combination of hops is wrong.  It could be the yeast or maybe I received three bad batches.  I really doubt that idea. I will say this many times just because I did not like this beer. It does not mean you will not like it. We have different likes and dislikes and I would run with it. I courage you to go try it.   Please, let me know what you think.  Sorry North Peak Brewing! I am being honest here in this review. Go get some!  Drink it!  Enjoy it!  Metal it!  \m/

Cheers!

Bill DJ Weiser

Email:  djweiser13@comcast.net

Twitter:  @djweiser

New Beer Blog Sixpoint Brewery Global Warmer

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In this beer blog, we are going to sample another brew from Sixpoint Brewery.  It is their new winter seasonal, which is Global Warmer.  If you read my earlier beer blog posts, you know the history of this brewery.  If you have not, please, read my earlier beer blog post to get to know this great New York City brewery.  Let us get into the beer.

It has a cloudy amber color with foamy white head on this winter ale.  The smell is notes of citrus and malty.  The taste is a citrus to malty notes with a dry bitter hoppy aftertaste.  It is kind of drinkable beer.

Here is a description from the beer can:

Some say the world will end in fire, some say in ice. From what I’ve tasted of desire I hold with those who flavor fire. A Winter Warmer to warm your Globe, or a Global Warmer to warm your Winter? There’s no denying the Beer Climate is changing.

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

Global Warmer

Some say the world will end in fire, Some say in ice. From what I’ve tasted of desire I hold with those who favor fire.A Winter Warmer to warm your Globe, or a Global Warmer to warm your Winter? There’s no denying the Beer Climate is changing.

Here is their website and twitter addesses:

Website:  www.sixpoint.com

Twitter:  @sixpoint

In the end, as many of you readers know I am a huge fan of this brewery.  I believe they are one of the best breweries out of New York City.  I never had Bronx Brewery and they are on my list to try in the future.  I love Blue Point out of Long Island.  Sixpoint tries to push the limits of beer brewing that is what I love about this brewery.  I am not a fan of red ales but I have to say this brew is pretty good.  I love the hop character that lives in this beer.  The other red ale that I like is from Bridgeport Brewery and it is called Kingpin Red Ale.  I highly recommend this brew.  Go get some!  Drink it!  Enjoy it!  Metal it!  \m/

Cheers!

Bill DJ Weiser

Email:  djweiser13@comcast.net

Twitter:  @djweiser

New Beer Blog Round Barn Brewery Wood Oaked India Pale Ale

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Starting a new tab, we are going to sample out a first on this blog.  It is a brewery that is also a winery.  I am talking about Round Barn Brewery from the west part of Michigan.  It is their Wood Oaked India Pale Ale.  There is not much history on this brewery on their website and other sources.  I know they brew several different beer styles.  Let us get into the beer.

It has a cloudy golden color with a white head on this IPA.  The smell has wooden, earthly, and notes of citrus. The taste has notes of citrus and wooden with a slight vanilla and oak aftertaste.  It is a pretty drinkable beer.

Here is a description from the beer bottle:

From the first taste of this IPA you will pick up the fresh oak character and cascade hop bitterness that gives this beer a balanced finish. Pairs well with Asian or Mexican dishes, grilled meats and of course, IPA’s classic mate, Indian curry.

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

Wood Oaked IPA

From the first taste of this IPA you will pick up the fresh oak character and Cascade hop bitterness that gives this beer a balanced finish. Pairs well with Asian or Mexican dishes, grilled meats and of course, IPA’s classic mate, Indian curry. (ABV 6.75%)

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.roundbarnwinery.com

Twitter:  @RoundBarnWinery

Closing out my tab, I have to say I was pretty interested when I saw this brew on the shelf.  I was wondering how it would turn out.  I have to say I was pretty impressed.  It is pretty good but not good at the same time.  It was a pretty average beer.  I will give them credit on doing some original.  I am happy to see them not do the normal old India Pale Ale.  I do not mind those either.  I recommend you trying this brew because it is unique.  Go get some!  Drink it!  Enjoy it!  Metal it!  \m/

Cheers!

Bill DJ Weiser

Email:  djweiser13@comcast.net

Twitter:  @djweiser

New Beer Blog North Peak Brewing Hoodoo Midwest Wet Hop IPA

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In beginning, we are going to sample out the first brew from North Peak Brewing.  It is their Midwest Wet Hop IPA, which is a double or imperial IPA.  North Peak Brewing was founded in 1997.  They brew several different beer styles and use the classic beer style bottle.  There is not much history on this brewery asides they are in a beer that use to be the old “Big Daylight Candy Factory.”  Let us get into the beer.

It has a clear copper color with a constant white head on this India Pale Ale.  The smell is a slight malty and citrus notes.  The taste is heavy citrus notes.  It is kind of drinkable beer.

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

Hoodoo

MIDWEST WET HOP IPA – October

ABV: 8.0%  IBUs: 88

Hoodoo Midwest Wet Hop IPA is the first  of it’s kind. Brewed with fresh from the farm Michigan hops for  exceptional flavor. Hoodoo is hops from start to finish with a little  malt in the middle, just enough to keep Hoodoo from going Voodoo on you.  Not to worry – pretty much nothing but hops.

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.northpeakbeer.com

Twitter:  @northpeakbeer

Closing out, I have to say this is the best brew that North Peak Brewing makes.  I love the hops and I am happy to see they are straight from the Michigan Hop Farms.  This brew packs a nice little punch in this brew.  There is a nice malty backbone to cut through and balance the hops.  If you can find a bottle of this brew, you better pick it up since it is not all year-long brew.  I recommend this brew.  Go get some!  Drink it!  Enjoy it!  Metal it!  \m/

Cheers!

Bill DJ Weiser

Email:  djweiser13@comcast.net

Twitter:  @djweiser

New Beer Blog Speakeasy Butchertown Black Ale

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In this beer blog, we are going to sample out another brew, which is a limited release, from Speakeasy Brewery.   The brew is their Butchertown Black Ale.  If you read my earlier beer blog posts, you know the history of this brewery.  If you have not, please, read these beer blog posts to get to know this great west coast brewery.  Let us get into the beer.

It has a jet black color with a white constant head on this black ale.  The smell slight chocolate with a heavy citrus notes.  The taste has chocolate citrus notes with bitter hop aftertaste.   It is kind of drinkable beer.
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Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.goodbeer.com

Twitter: @SpeakeasyBeer

Closing out, this beer is something else.  I really enjoy drinking this beer.  This is a big boy beer for the experienced hop heads in the world.  The hops shine nicely through the chocolate notes.  They did a great job on the picking of the hops.  I love the bitter aftertaste.   They found a way to heavy and in your face but not making you run away from the beer.  I am hoping they make their way to the Michigan Market, if not I will be making road trips back to Chicago.  I am glad I am back in Michigan this is one of the breweries I will miss getting on a regular basis.  I highly recommend this beer and their other brews.  If you are in San Fran, you need to get by their brewpub.  Go get some!  Drink it!  Enjoy it!  Metal it!  \m/

Cheers!

Bill DJ Weiser

Email:  djweiser13@comcast.net

Twitter:  @djweiser

New Beer Blog New Belgium Brewing 1554 Black Lager

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In this beer blog, we are going to sample out another brew from New Belgium Brewing.  It is their 1554 Black Ale.  If you read my earlier beer blog, you know the history of this brewery.  If you have not, please, read those beer blog posts to get to know this brewery.  Let us get into the beer.

It has a dark black clear with a constant white head on this black ale.  The smell is a slightly chocolate with a nice crisp finish.  The taste is a milky chocolate notes.  It is pretty drinkable.

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

Born of a flood and centuries-old Belgian text, 1554 Enlightened Black Ale uses a lager yeast strain and dark chocolaty malts to redefine what dark beer can be. In 1997, a Fort Collins flood destroyed the original recipe our researcher, Phil Benstein, found in the library. So Phil and brewmaster, Peter Bouckaert, traveled to Belgium to retrieve this unique style lost to the ages. Their first challenge was deciphering antiquated script and outdated units of measurement, but trial and error (and many months of in-house sampling) culminated in 1554, a highly quaffable dark beer with a moderate body and mouthfeel.

Birthdate: July, 1999

Body: Light – Medium
ABV: 5.6%
IBU: 21
Calories: 198
Hops: Target
Malts: Pale, Carapils, Black, Munich, Chocolate
Yeast: Lager Yeast
Aroma: Slightly fruity, herbal, spicy, rooty, coffee, chocolate, toffee
Mouthfeel: Due to the lager yeast ferm at high temps and the chocolate and black malt- this beer starts and finishes dry yet the middle is round and malt rich. session!
Flavor: Starts bitter chocolate with bright acidity, roasty and toasty, sweetness to round it out sweet/spicy, rooty, peppery undertones, lingering fruit acidity,
Visual: Brilliant/clear, mahogany

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.newbelgium.com

Twitter:  @newbelgium

Ending, I remember the first time I had this beer.  I was not really too impressed when it hit the Chicago craft beer market.  I guess my taste buds have grown or I found a new way of liking this brew.  There is several different things going on in this brew.  I love the chocolate, fruit, coffee, and slight toffee notes.  There is a nice balance in this brew.  I love how it is not overpowering.  I love the crisp finish and it is pretty drinkable brew.  There is not much to say about this beer.  It is really good and I recommend you trying to this brew.  Go get some!  Drink it!  Enjoy it!  Metal it! \m/

Cheers!

Bill DJ Weiser

Email:  djweiser13@comcast.net

Twitter:  @djweiser

New Beer Blog Blue Point Brewery White IPA

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In the beginning, we will sample out another brew from Blue Point.  I am talking about the new beer style in the world of white IPA’s.  It is their version of White IPA.  If you read my earlier beer blog posts on their beers, you know the history of this brewery.  If you have not, please, read those beer blog posts to get to know this great New York brewery.  Let us get into the beer.

It has a clear golden color with a constant white head on the beer.  The smell is heavy wheat notes.  The taste is a slightly lemon with citrus and honey notes.  It is pretty drinkable beer.

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

Remaining at the forefront of experimentation, the brewers at Blue Point have produced a white beer/IPA hybrid that is well on its way to creating a new style for the beer description books. Our White IPA is an unfiltered European-style white ale with a fresh American IPA finish. Brewed with malted and unmalted wheat and just the right amount of west coast hops, it’s fermented with German yeast to give it a perfectly balanced character with less bitterness than traditional IPAs.

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.bluepointbrewing.com

Twitter:  @BluePointBrewer

Closing, I will have to say I am not a huge fan of this beer style in India Pale Ale world.  I do not know who makes a better Wheat IPA or White IPA.  I am up in the air between New Belgium Brewery’s new winter seasonal Accumulation White IPA and Blue Point Brewery White IPA, which is featured on this blog.  I love the balance between the India Pale Ale style and the wheat ale style.  Blue Point did a great job on this brew and I will be adding it to my line up of IPA’s in the future.  I recommend you trying this beer. Let me know what you think about it. Go get some!  Drink it!  Enjoy it!  Metal it!  \m/

Cheers!

Bill DJ Weiser

Email:  djweiser13@comcast.net

Twitter:  @djweiser

New Beer Blog Rochester Mills Beer Co. Cornerstone IPA

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In this beer blog, we are going to get into another brew from Rochester Mills Beer Co.  I am talking about their Cornerstone IPA.  It is their flagship beer.  If you read my earlier beer blog post on their Milkshake Stout, you know the history of this brewery.  If you have not, please, read that beer blog post to get to know this brewery.  Let us get into the beer.

It has a clear copper color with a semi white head on this India Pale Ale.  The smell is mango notes.  The taste is mango notes with nice malty backbone to cut through the hops.  It is pretty drinkable beer.

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

Cornerstone IPA – 6.6% abv. India Pale Ale

This unfiltered amber ale is packed full of hop bitterness, flavor and aroma. IPA is the most bitter beer style and it is enjoyed by people we refer to as “hopheads.” We dry hop this beer with a combination of English and American hop varieties for a wonderfully aromatic finish.

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.cplanet.com

Twitter:  @Rochmillsbeerco

In the end, I love this IPA from Rochester Mills Brewery.  I love the hops from aroma and taste it gives off in the beer.  It has a nice malty backbone that supports this India Pale Ale.  This beer reminds me of something the beer drinker would get from Summit Saga, Maui Brewery IPA, and/or Epic IPA.  It has a nice tropical notes.  I love this IPA and I will be drinking this brew as much as Frankenmuth Batch 69 IPA.  I highly recommend this brew.  Go get some!  Drink it!  Enjoy it!  Metal it!  \m/

Cheers!

Bill DJ Weiser

Email:  djweiser13@comcast.net

Twitter:  @djweiser