Month: August 2014

New Beer Blog Great Lakes Brewing Oktoberfest (2014)

In this fall beer blog, we are going to get into this year’s Great Lakes Brewing Oktoberfest. If you read my earlier beer blog posts on their beers, you know the history of this Midwest Craft Brewery. If you have not, please, read them to get to know this Ohio craft brewery. Let us get into this fall beer.

It has a clear copper color with a white constant head. The aroma has a sweet malty to caramel notes. The taste has a depth of sweet malt, slight caramel, and nut notes. The aftertaste has a dry crisp malty finish. It is a pretty drinkable fall beer.

Here is a description from the beer bottle:

Our Oktoberfest is the noble brother of the Vienna lager…. As if wearing “lederhosen” and getting your “oompah” on didn’t make you noble enough. Oh, and enjoy this German lager in our energy effcient Beer Garden, complete with a retractable roof, straw bale wall and radiant heat fireplace and floor.

Cleveland’s celebration of Oktoberfest dates to the mid 1800s when German immigrants gathered at outdoor beer gardens like Haltnorth’s and Kindvater’s St Clair Gardens. Our amber lager with rich malt flavor and noble hops honors Cleveland’s diverse cultural heritage.

In keeping with the Bavarian Purity Law of 1516, this beer is traditionally brewed from all natural ingredients: barley, hops, yeast and water. no chemicals or preservatives are used.

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

An amber lager with rich malt flavor balanced by fragrant noble hops.

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website: www.greatlakesbrewing.com

Twitter: @GLBC_Cleveland

Closing, it has been forever since I had a Great Lakes Oktoberfest. I was happy to get a bottle in my hand. I have to say I was not disappointed. So far, this year’s fall seasonals has not been disappointing asides New Belgian Brewery Tour De Fall. I am not going to get into it on this review. Just like Goose Island Oktoberfest, there is some nice depth of malty notes. I am getting some nice hints of sweet caramel notes. It is nice drinkable and easy to drink beer. It is true to the classic beer style and I will have a few more pints before the end of the season. I highly recommend this beer. Go get some! Drink it! Enjoy it! Metal it! \m/

Cheers!

Bill DJ Weiser

Email: djweiser16@gmail.com

Twitter: @djweiser

Instagram: @djweiser13

New Music Monday The Black Dahlia Murder Everblack

In this Mondy Music blog, we are going to get into the latest record from The Black Dahlia Murder from Michigan. The record is Everblack which is their sixth studio record in their music career. We are going to get into the history and then the music. Here is the history.

History

The Black Dahlia Murder was formed in late part of 2000 in Waterford, Michigan. It was named after unsolved murders. They were signed to Metal Blade Records in 2003. Ryan Williams joined the band to replace David Lock just in time to record their first record, which is “Unhallowed.” The band toured and then released their second record, which was “Miasma,” in 2005. After the tour for Miasma, Zach Gibson, who was the drummer, and Pierre Langlois, who was drummer, left the band. Pierre was on drums after Gibson. The band replace Zach Gibson with Shannon Lucas. In 2007, the band released their third record, which was “Nocturmal.” The band went on a World Tour with Cannibal Corpse to support their new record and celebrate 25 years of Metal Blade Records. In 2008, they joined tour with several different metal bands for Summer Slaughter Tour. After the tour, John K guitarist left the band and was replaced with Ryan Knight in 2009. In the later part of 2009, the band released their fourth record, which was “Deflorate.” They tour to support the record. In 2010, they kept on touring while writing their next record. In 2011, they released their fifth record, which was “Ritual.” In 2012, the band gets another line up changes. Max Lavelle replaces Ryan Williams on bass. Shannon Lucas steps down as the drummer and was replaced by Alan Cassidy. In 2013, the band released their new record called “Everblack.” Let us get into the music.

Track List:

In Hell is Where She Waits For Me

Heavy and hard-hitting music at the beginning from the drums, bass, and guitars. There is some talking but I can not make it out because it is not loud enough. The lead singer comes in screaming. The guitar playing on the main part is solid. The singing is the type you can barely understand what he is saying. The lyrics that I have picked are pretty solid. There is some nice back up singing too. I love time changes towards the middle part of the song. There is some nice double bass from the drums about that time. This is a pretty solid song. I love slower guitar solo at the beginning of it and then it picks up towards the middle and end of the solo.

Goat Of Departure

I love the guitar playing at the beginning. The drumming is good but it starting to sound the same from song to song. I love the lyrics they wrote for this song. I really not a fan of the back up singing on this song. I love the guitar solo towards the end of the song.

Into The Everblack

I love the guitar work and the drums fit perfectly even though it is the same beat. It changes a bit when the singer comes into the song. I hate the chopping guitar playing. I get it fits but it sounds very messing during the main part of the song. I love the keyboard part in this song. It gives a break to the same old in the song and the record. The guitar playing coming out of it. It is some pretty impressive playing. It leads into a short guitar solo.

Raped in hatred By Vines of Thorn

I love the guitar playing at the beginning and the slower drum beat. This song has a nice pace and I love it. It gives you a different feeling unlike the rest of the record. I love double bass but this is a bit overkill. I love the lyrics and the singing. The listeners can understand the singers a bit. I do not know how I feel about the lyrics but it is what it is. There is a pretty well written guitar solo towards the end of the song.

Phantom Limb Masturbation

The song starts with the vocals in your face. This song echos the songs at the beginning. The drumming slight different but about the same. I love the lyrics they placed on this song. I love the chorus music. There is a nice short guitar solo at the quarter point of this song. There is another guitar solo towards the middle part of the song that is a little longer than the last one. This one is a little well thought about it. I love the pace of the music and solo itself.

Control

Just like the last song, the vocals start it out but the music is right there after the start of the song. I cannot pick up the lyrics. There is some well written guitar riffs on this song. The drums are pretty complex and well written. He has been kicking some serious ass throughout this record. This song is short and to the point. There is a nice guitar solo towards the end of the song and I love how the guitar solo keeps on going to the end of the song.

Blood Mine

I love the guitar playing and bass too. The drums can let off on the double bass at least one song please. Asides that, I have been loving the drums towards the end of this record. I cannot understand the vocals so I cannot pick up the lyrics. I love the title of the song. I am not sure on the duo singers at least on this song. There is a guitar solo towards the end of the song but it is short and sweet to the point.

Every Rope A Noose

Oh my God, I love the drumming at the beginning. It has pretty awesome beat. I love the guitar playing. I love the singing but I cannot understand the singers. This song has a nice fast pace and it is perfect towards the end of the record. The double bass makes so much sense at this point of the song. There is a well placed guitar solo towards the end of the song. There is a nice piano playing at the end that comes into full focus to end the song.

Their Beloved Absentee

I love the singing from the group of singers at the beginning but they were so far in the background and volume is to low. This is a straight driving song. It has a nice pace. This is a classic extreme metal song. I love the pace. I love the music on this track. I love the guitar solo towards the end and it is well placed.

Map Of Scars

There is some nice well-written music from the drums and guitars. The bass playing is pretty simple but it is perfect. I cannot understand the singer so I cannot judge lyrics. I guess I could look up the lyrics on the net. This is a perfect song to finish a great record from this Michigan band. Great song and nice ending to this record.

Original Line Up:

Trevor Strnad – Vocals

Brian Eschbach – Guitar

John Kempainen – Guitar

David Lock – Bass

Cory Grady – Drums

Current Line Up:

Brian Eschbach – Guitars

Alan Cassidy – Drums

Max Lavelle – Bass

Ryan Knight – Guitars

Trevor Strnad – Vocals

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website: www.facebook.com/theblackdahliamurderofficial

Twitter: @bdmmetal

Closing, overall, this is a great record and I really enjoyed this song. I wish I could understand the singers a bit more but I understand because it is the singing style. There is some nice music on this great. I kind of wish drums were a little bit different from song to sing but that is hardest job in this band. I get what he is trying to do and it is pretty limited. They place guitar solos in the right spots to break up the song. I love how some times the guitar solos keep going during main part of the song at the end. It gives a nice and different sound. Great Job! It is a nice touch for someone that does not like this singing type but love the music. It seems every song of this type of metal needs a guitar solo to break up song. If they do not put the guitar solos in the songs, the songs will become white noise. I love this band and I cannot wait to hear their next record. I highly recommend this band and this record. Go get some! Drink it! Enjoy it! Metal it! \m/

Cheers!

Bill DJ Weiser

Email: djweiser16@gmail.com

Twitter: @djweiser

Instagram: @djweiser13

New Beer Blog Shipyard Brewing Smashed Pumpkin Ale (2014)

In this beer blog, we are going to get into Smashed Pumpkin Ale from Shipyard Brewing. Shipyard Brewing started out as Federal Jack’s Restaurant and Brew Pub at Kennebunk, Maine in 1992. The brewery kept on growing and open a brewery called Shipyard Brewing at Portland, Maine. They partner with Sea Dog Brewing Company and Casco Bay Brewing Company and they became the fourth largest brewery in New England. They are fourteenth largest brewery in the United States. They opened a brewery in Winter Park, Florida. Let us get into this beer.

It has a cloudy copper color with a white constant head. The aroma has pumpkin to slight cinnamon to nutmeg notes. The taste has a sweet cinnamon to nutmeg with a nice creamy caramel notes. The aftertaste has dry cinnamon aftertaste. It is not drinkable.

Here is a description from the beer bottle:

Smashed Pumpkin is a big-bodied beer with a light coppery orange color and pleasing aroma of pumpkin and nutmeg. The OG and final Alc./Vol. provide the structure and body. Pale Ale, Wheat and Light Munich Malts combine with the natural tannin in pumpkin and the delicate spiciness of Willamette and Hallertau Hops to balance the sweetness of the fruit. To fully enjoy all the flavors, this ale is best drunk at 55 degrees Fahrenheit. Smashed Pumpkin pairs well with sharp cheese, nuts, lamb, hearty stews and desserts like flan or pumpkin pie. Chefs find this an excellent beer to cook with in dishes such as braised short ribs. Try adding a little Shipyard Blue Fin Stout to Smashed Pumpkin for a fall warmer.

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

A big bodied beer with a light coppery orange color and pleasing aroma of pumpkin and nutmeg. Pale Ale, Wheat and Light Munich malts combine with the natural tannin in pumpkin and the delicate spiciness of Willamette and Hallertau Hops to balance the sweetness of the fruit. To fully experience all the flavors, this beer is best enjoyed at 55 degrees Fahrenheit.

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website: www.shipyard.com

Twitter: @shipyardbrewing

Closing, I have been eyeing this beer for the last few fall seasons. I just finally picked up a bottle. I figure that I will make it my third pumpkin beer of the season. It has a nice color and aroma. I love the taste and the aroma notes. It has a nice bite for being a big fall seasonal but nice and kind of drinkable beer. There is a nice balance from the cinnamon and nutmeg notes but I love the nice creamy caramel notes from the malt. I will be picking up a few more of these beers with some Well’s Banana Bread beer. This is a great beer and I highly recommend it. Go get some! Drink i! Enjoy it! Metal it! \m/

Cheers!

Bill DJ Weiser

Email: djweiser13@comcast.net

Twitter: @djweiser

Instagram: @djweiser13

New Beer Blog Atwater Brewery In The Park

In this beer blog, we are going to talk about my visit at Atwater Brewery In The Park. I did not take tasting notes but I will talk about the food and kind of what I had to drink. I also will talk about my experience there. If you have read my earlier beer blog posts about their beers, you know the history of this Detroit craft brewery. If you have not, please, read them to get to know this craft brewery. Let us get into this dining and drinking experience.

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website: www.atwaterbeer.com

Twitter: @atwaterbeer

Ending, I know there is other craft breweries using churches as their brewery. I know there is one in Pennsylvania. I have never been there. I would love to go. I will be the first to say that I am not a fan of this brewery but I wanted to check out this new brewpub in the Grosse Pointe, Michigan. I might not like the beer from the brewery but I like going to brewpubs. Sometimes, it might be the traveling that might be have an effect on the beer. The staff is super nice and helpful. The inside and outside area is very welcoming to their guests. They have two beer menus. One is beers that are brewed there and the other list is brewed at their main brewpub. I had two beers exclusive to the brewpub there. I had their Poorboy, which was a smoked porter, and Black IPA. I love these two beers and I was pretty impressive. I believe the main brewmasters need to look at some of these beers being made at this brewpub. The other two were Detroit Pale Ale and Bloktoberfest. I kind of like Bloktobeerfest. It is true to the beer style but I felt it was a little light for the style. Pale ale, I just felt it was a little weak on the hop and not strong malty backbone. I had two more that were not on any of these photos. I had GP IPA and Scherthing Cream Ale. These beers are part of the exclusive to Grosse Pointe brewery. The food came out. It was a German theme food menu. I love apps we order. It was a basket of Pretzels. They were awesome. There were different sizes with cheese and honey mustard, which were homemade there. There is a spicy mustard that was also made there. The main course was Turkey Burger with fries. I loved it. It was cooked just right and I love the spices. Overall, I had a great time and I will be back. I would love to try all the exclusive beers brewed there. I will be upfront and honest. I am not a fan of their everyday beers. There beers brewed there need to be packaged. Go get some! Drink it! Enjoy it! Metal it! \m/

Cheers!

Bill DJ Weiser

Email: djweiser13@comcast.net

Twitter: @djweiser

Instagram: @djweiser13

New Beer Blog Short’s Brewery Strawberry Shortcake Ale (2014)

In this beer blog, we are going to get into a special release from Short’s Brewery. It is their Strawberry Shortcake Ale. If you read my earlier beer blog posts on their beers, you know the history of this craft brewery. If you have not read my earlier beer blog posts on their beers, please, read them to get to know this Michigan craft brewery. Let us get into this dessert beer.

It has a cloudy amber color without a head but there is a white head at first. The aroma has a heavy strawberry notes. The taste has a light body with strawberry notes with a crisp finish. It is pretty drinkable beer.

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

Strawberry Short’s Cake is a golden ale. The addition of strawberries and milk sugar transform this beer into a rose-colored nectar that has hints of cream and is pleasingly sweet. Biscuit flavors and aromas arise from the great amounts of Victory malt used in the brewing process.

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website: www.shortsbrewing.com

Twitter: @shortsbrewing

Ending, these are the beers that give me hope that Short’s can be something special again. Most of their flagship beers I am really not a fan of them. I use to be a fan. I do not know if my taste bud changed or their beers changes. I know there are many craft beer drinkers like their beers. There is nothing wrong with it. This is my thought pattern of their beers. However, I love this beer, I do not put this beer as a fruit beer. I look at it as a dessert beer like their Key Lime Ale, which I did a review of it earlier. This beer reminds me of Fruli Strawberry Beer. I have done a review a few months ago. Both beer are great. I just feel Short’s focus on their special releases and not on their flagship beers. 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

Instagram: @djweiser13

New Beer Blog Finch’s Beer Company Threadless India Pale Ale

In the beginning, we are going to get into Finch’s Beer Company Threadless India Pale Ale. As you know I was at the brewery a few months ago. I thought I would start writing up reviews of their beers. If you read my review on their brewery tour, which I highly recommend doing, you know the history of this craft brewery. If you have not read it, please, do so get to know this Chicago craft brewery. Let us get into this IPA.

It has a cloudy dark golden to light copper color with a semi white head on this IPA. The aroma has a nice citrus notes. The taste has a light carbonation citrus notes with a dry hoppy finish that hangs out a bit. It is pretty drinkable IPA.

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

Finch’s Beer Company’s Threadless IPA is the gold medal winner in the IPA category at this year’s World Expo of Beer, Michigan’s largest international beer sampling event. Our Threadless/Finch collaboration IPA is a balanced experience of both perceived hoppiness and true bitterness. It pours a darker amber color and finishes with a citrus flavor, and when combined, will require this to be the last IPA you ever drink!

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website: www.finchbeer.com

Twitter: @finchbeer

Ending, I really enjoyed this IPA. It is one of my favorite ones that I can get into Michigan market. It is one of my non Michigan craft IPA that I can get in my market. Later, found out that they are not in this market anymore. The hops have a great balance with the well designed malty backbone. When they released this beer, I was nervous because to be honest, I was not a fan of their Golden Ale or Pale Ale. I am glad that I did try it. This beer was the turning point for this craft brewery. This beer might be my second favorite beer from this craft brewery, today. My favorite is their Black IPA and it was a no brainer to try it after enjoying their IPA. I highly recommend this beer and a review of their Black IPA is coming soon. Go get some! Drink it! Enjoy it! Metal it! \m/

Cheers!

Bill DJ Weiser

Email: djweiser16@gmail.com

Twitter: @djweiser

Instagram: @djweiser13

New Beer Blog Magic Hat Wilhelm Scream Pumpkin Ale (2014)

In this beer blog, we are going to get into the new fall seasonal from Magic Hat Brewery. The new fall seasonal is a Wilhelm Scream Pumpkin Ale. If you read my earlier beer blog posts on their beers, you know the history of this craft brewery. If you have not, please, read them to get to know this East Coast craft brewery. Let us get into this fall beer.

It has a clear dark copper to almost a light amber color with a constant white head. The aroma is really faded. I kind of picked up some notes of nutmeg and cinnamon. The taste has a sweet malty notes with hints of cinnamon and nutmeg. There is some hints of creamy caramel that blends into the aftertaste. The aftertaste has a nutmeg finish. It is extremely drinkable beer.

Here is a description from the beer bottle:

The ancient ritual of brewing a distinctly rich and flavorful beer is a performance to behold. Our mysterious melange of time-honored ingredients harmonize with chaotic chemistry, humble patience, and blind faith to create this unique beer to share in the rousing company of kindred spirits. Cheers!

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

The distant drums of change are thumping, signaling the coming of chilling frosts, falling leaves and ghoulish screams. In a patch ripe with orange glow, Wilhelm Scream awakens and unleashes his season-stirring call for fall. His revelers listen for his echo across the ripened dancing days and prepare their seasonal celebration of harvest and ale.

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website: www.magichat.net

Twitter: @magichat

In the end, I am so happy to start seeing fall seasonals hitting the market. I love this time of the year and winter for the beer that comes out. I hate the two seasons for many reasons. Of course, my guys that have the weird going on in their brewery are up to giving the craft beer drinker some unique. This is a new seasonal from Magic Hat. There are so many pumpkin ales on the market. Why should anyone try this beer? This is why. One, it is a new beer and seasonal in the market. This might be the beer that might be better than your favorite pumpkin beer. Two, you know Magic Hat makes good beer and they like to put a twist on their beers in a good way. What I like about this beer, it is well balance beer from the pumpkin, nutmeg, and cinnamon. Other pumpkin beers on the market have too much nutmeg or cinnamon. This is a great beer and I will have a few more pints before winter comes. I highly recommend this beer. Go get some! Drink it! Enjoy it! Metal it! \m/

Cheers!

Bill DJ Weiser

Email: djweiser16@gmail.com

Twitter: @djweiser

Instagram: @djweiser13

New Music Monday Blog Halestorm The Strange Case Of…

In this Music Monday Blog, we are going to get into the latest and second record from Halestorm. It is called “The Strange Case Of…” and was released early last year. We are going to get into the history and then the music from Halestorm. Let us get into the history.

History

Halestorm started back in 1997 from Lzzy and Arejay, who are brother and sister. The two put out an EP, which was called “Don’t Mess With The Time Man” in 1999. Their father played bass for the band before Josh Smith in 2004. The band was finished up the band with Joe Hottinger, who joined in 2003. The band signed record contract with Atlantic Records in 2005. They released their second EP, which is out of print like their first one, and it was called “One And Done.” Their full length record, which was self titled, was released in 2009. Their first single “I Get Off” received heavy air play. They released several more singles off this record. They are also known to tour a ton and they have toured with several different bands. In 2010, they released their first live record, which was called “Live In Philly 2010.” In 2011, they released their third EP, which was cover record, and it was called “ReAnimate.” In 2012, they released their fourth EP, which is called “Hello, It’s Mz. Hyde.” This EP was a sneak peek on their second full length record, which is called “The Strange Case Of…” “The Strange Case Of…” was released in 2012 and is the record that featured on this blog. In 2013, Halestorm won a Grammy for Best Hard and Metal Performance Category. They became the first female fronted band to win and be nominated for this award. “Freak Like Me” is the first single to reach #1 on Billboard Hot Mainstream Rock Tracks in 2013. Let us get into the music.

Song List:

Love Bites (So Do I)

This is the first single off this record. There is a nice pace with some killer to hard-hitting drums. There is a nice guitar and bass playing. I love the singing from Lzzy. The lyrics are not my style but they are well written. There is a nice guitar solo towards the end.

Mz. Hyde

This is the fifth and final single off this record. I love the guitar and drumming at the beginning. I love her singing. I love the lyrics. The music is pretty solid. There is some nice time changes throughout this song. The ending is a little weird.

I Miss The Misery

This is the second single off this record. I love the music and singing at the beginning. I love the lyrics. Lzzy singing is pretty solid. I love this song. The ending is pretty solid.

Freak Like Me

This is the third single off this record. I love the guitar playing so far on this song. The singing is pretty solid with some great lyrics. I love the lyrics. The music is pretty solid. I just feel the drums are pretty calm for a Halestorm song. The guitar solo towards the end is pretty solid.

Beautiful With You

This song is off pace with the record. It is a good song but it is not their style. I just feel the record company made them make a song like this. It is good. It is too mainstream for a band that were themselves make the mainstream. I am not a fan of this song.

In Your Room

What the hell is up with the last two songs? I cannot listen to it. The lyrics are too thoughtful for this band. The music is solid if it was 1984 and they were Heart.

Break In

Again!!! I am starting to get pretty upset. This one is kind of in their style than the last two songs. I have a feeling half of this record. I will not be listening to again. I will be passing on this one too.

Rock Show

Yay!!! Finally a rock song. I love the guitar playing and the music at the beginning. I do not like the lyrics but the music is pretty solid. I love the bass playing. There was a solid guitar solo towards the end of the song.

Daughters Of Darkness

The beginning of this song is pretty dark. The music is pretty solid. I am not a fan of the lyrics but the song is pretty solid. I will listen to it again.

You Call Me A Bitch Like It’s A Bad Thing

I love the drumming and the music at the beginning. There is a guitar part that reminds me of something of an Alice In Chains song. I love the lyrics and they are pretty well written. I love the short guitar solo towards the middle of the song. I feel this song needs some kind of music break. It is the same thing over and over. It is kind of boring towards the end of the song.

American Boys

I love the guitar playing and drumming. It has a nice pace and great music. I am not a fan of the lyrics and it kind of kills the song for me. I will pass on this song.

Here’s To Us

This is the fourth single off this record. I love the acoustic guitar. I love the music and it has a nice pace for a slower song. The lyrics are pretty solid and well thought. I love this song.

Here’s To Us (Guest Version)

The only different from the first version. I love the guitar solo and there are different singers available and singing. I love this version better.

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website: www.halestormrocks.com

Twitter: @halestorm

Closing, I have been a fan of this band since their first record. I loved their first record. I was pretty excited to see them do a few EP’s and this one, which is their second record. It took me a long time to write a review and I am sorry to my readers and the band. I enjoy doing these music reviews but they are pretty time-consuming. I will get better when it is all said in done. Anyways, this record starts out pretty solid. I am loving it until I made it to the middle part of the record. There were three songs I could do without. They are not my style of music. I always look at this band as a hard rock to slight metal band. They are not a pop act and I felt those songs they were trying to be a pop act. If anything how they were themselves on their first record, mainstream music came to them. They are good songs if you like that type of music. The back half of the record was pretty solid with some rock tunes. The lyrics overall was average. There were some songs where they were above average. Overall, I was pretty disappointed with this record. There are some songs I will be listening to again and I enjoyed them. Give this band a listen. They are still upcoming band. I believe their next two records will be awesome. Go get some! Drink it! Enjoy it! Metal it! \m/

Cheers!

Bill DJ Weiser

Email: djweiser13@comcast.net

Twitter: @djwieser

Instagram: @djweiser13

New Beer Blog Alaskan Icy Bay IPA

In this beer blog, we are going to get into the second beer from Alaskan Brewery. It is their Icy Bay IPA. This is a newer beer from them. I had their regular IPA a few years back. I loved it along with their Black IPA. If you read my earlier beer blog from a few days ago, you know the history of this craft brewery. If you have not, please, read it to get to know this craft brewery from Alaska. Let us get into this IPA.

It has a clear copper color with a white constant head. The smell has a slight citrus notes. The taste has a citrus notes with a dry hop finish for the aftertaste. It is pretty drinkable beer.

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

Style:

India Pale Ales are characterized by intense hop flavor and aroma accompanied with medium maltiness and body while also being crisp and dry.

Flavor Profile:

Alaskan Icy Bay IPA is made from glacier-fed water and a blend of Cascade, Bravo, Calypso, Summit and Apollo hops and premium two-row pale and specialty malts.

History:

India Pale Ale is a style of ale originally derived from a colonial thirst for British-brewed beers. By initially brewing the beer to high specific gravities it could continue to ferment during the journey to British colonies. Larger amounts of hops were also added for their preservative properties and resulted in a golden beer with a hoppy flavor.

Ingredients:

Alaskan Icy Bay IPA is made from glacier-fed water and a blend of Summit, Apollo and Cascade hops and premium two-row pale and specialty malts. Our water originates in the 1,500-square-mile Juneau Ice Field and from more than 90 inches of rainfall each year.

The Story Behind The Label:

The surfers who ride the waves around Yakutat and Icy Bay have to be prepared for all of the extremes that come with Alaska’s maritime climate. That can mean air temperatures well below freezing, and water temperatures not too much higher. It’s sometimes called blue face surfing, and it requires a special breed of adventurer to seek out the rugged shorelines that yield the best breaks.

Alaskan Icy Bay IPA comes from the heritage of a beer brewed to endure the long ocean journey from England to India, with a bold taste, brisk bitter bite, and a citrus hoppy aroma. For the surfers who venture into the cold waters of Icy Bay, it’s a beer to match the intensity of a remote ride on a wave breaking on a solitary Alaskan beach.

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website: www.alaskanbeer.com

Twitter: @alaskanbeer

Ending, I am so happy to see this craft brewery in Michigan. I had a rock show on a Friday at Freedom Hill. I will be enjoying some Alaskan at the tailgate. This IPA is just right. It makes me happy as a Hophead, however, it will bring some border line IPA drinkers over. This will bring new drinkers to the IPA beer style. It has a nice mild and refreshing brew that makes you coming back for more. The malty backbone has a nice bite to fight against the over the top hoppy notes. This is a great IPA and welcome to Michigan. Go get some! Drink it! Enjoy it! Metal it! \m/

Cheers!

Bill DJ Weiser

Email: djweiser13@comcast.net

Twitter: @djweiser

Instagram: @djweiser13

New Beer Blog Griffin Claw Norm’s Gateway Session IPA

In this beer blog, we are going to get into a brewery that I need to stop drinking. I am talking about Griffin Claw and it is their Gateway Session IPA. If you read my earlier beer blog posts, you know the history of this young Michigan craft brewery. If you have not read it, please, do so to get to get to know this Michigan craft brewery. Let us get into this Session IPA.

It has a clear golden color with a constant white head. The color is like an American lager. The aroma has a fresh piney to a slight grapefruit notes. The taste has some grapefruit to piney notes. The aftertaste has a dry hop bitter finish. It is extremely drinkable.

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website: www.griffinclawbrewingcompany.com

Twitter: @Griffinclaw

In the end, this is a really good beer. I was pretty impressive. I really have not liked many of their beers that I have had. I will be hunting down their Pumpkin Ale because there is a rumor that it is the same recipe of Michigan Brewery Company one. There is an ongoing theme with this brewery and their beers. Their batches of beer are not constant. This makes it challenging for the craft beer drinker. I had this beer a few times already before writing this beer blog post. Yesterday, I had a great batch but this one that I have today is not really good. If this craft brewery corrects this problem, they could have some success in this tough Michigan craft beer market. Go get some! Drink it! Enjoy it! Metal it! \m/

Cheers!

Bill DJ Weiser

Email: djweiser13@comcast.net

Twitter: @djweiser

Instagram: @djweiser13

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