Craft Beer

Craft Beer or Mirco brews from small breweries!

New Beer Blog Beer Stores In Southeast Michigan Part 2

In this beer blog, we are going to talk more about the liquor stores in my area and market.  This is a follow-up from a blog that I wrote about year ago.   I just find some of these stores do things that are good or bad and craft or import beer drinkers should know.  I see some stores that are under charging and there are others that are over charging.  Let us get into each of the stores.

Wine palace

If you live in the Livonia or Westland area, you know about this liquor store.  They have a great liquor and wine selection.  I have been told that they have some gems over there too.  We are here to talk about the beer selection.  They have a great craft beer and import selection.  Just like everywhere else, you do need to watch code dates.  If they know you are one of their regulars, you will get some of the one off or limited releases.  They have a great Import selection and a nice beer cave.  Their prices are one of the best in town.  Their prices go pretty well against the Meijer down the street.  Overall, this is a place to check out.

Marcus Market

This place is located in the Wayne State area.  They have an average to below average beer selection. The huge problem with this store is they are not on top of their stuff.  What I mean, they do not know what most of their beer and product cost in their store.  Their prices are pretty high or way too low.  For example, which I have many, Blake’s 6 pack cans for $19.99, which should be around $9.99 and 10.99 like other stores.  Bell’s Planet Series Uranus single bottle (12oz) for $4.99.  While other stores are charges $2.99.  There is some cider and beer that are under cost.  There is a cider from Blakes that other stores charge $24.99.  They were charging $9.99.  They do not have too many rare beers or ciders, however, they have a great Mead selection just watch the prices.  Their little restaurant in the back of the store is a most try.  Asides  that, stay away from this store.

Forrest

This is another place not far from Wayne State either.  Their prices are pretty good.  They are little high but not by much.  They have a pretty good beer selection for craft beers and ciders.  This is a great store when you want some cheap beer with a good craft beer.  They get a ton of rare and limited craft beers and ciders. You will need to ask guys behind the counter. They have a nice staff and they are willing to help their customers.  I highly recommend this store.  If you are in the Wayne State area, come here and not Marcus Market.

Holiday Market Royal Oak

I have been here a few times.  I have not been here in a while.  I just know if I cannot find a beer in my area.  I can take a trip to the east side of the City of Detroit to get it.  They have an awesome craft beer and cider selection. I know many of friends said if you are a regular. You will get some of the one off and limited releases.  If you live on the east side, I highly recommend this place.

Closing, I know there are so many other stores and I know that I keep forgetting some of them.  Please, let me know about them and I will check them out.  I will do a write-up on them.  I hope you learn something from reading this post.  Let me know about your thoughts.  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 Left Hand Brewery 400 Pound Monkey IPA

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In this beer blog, we are going to get into the first brew from Left Hand Brewery.  It is one of their everyday brews, which is 400 Pound Monkey IPA.  Left Hand Brewery was founded in 1993  by Dick Doore and Eric Wallace.  They brought an old meat-packing building just outside the City of Longmont, Colorado.  This brewery is in 29 states and sell their brands in parts of Europe and Japan.  Let us get into this English Style IPA.

It has a clear golden color with a white constant head on this English India Pale Ale. There is not smell to this brew. The taste has an earthly notes with earthly to herbal aftertaste. It is pretty drinkable beer.

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website: lefthandbrewing.com

Twitter:  @lefthandbrewing

Ending, there is not too many English style IPA’s on the market in the States.  On top of that, there is not too many good English style IPA.  There is a nice balance and the malty backbone cuts nicely with the hops.  The backbone lets the hops shine nicely in this brew.  It is a good beer but not as good as Goose Island IPA.  I use Goose Island IPA to compare to other English style IPA and some West Coast IPA.  It is just nice to get a good English style IPA to break through all the West Coast IPA or American IPA.  There is too many bad IPA’s on the market.  They are normally over hopped to hide all the mistakes.  I 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 Beer Blog Victory Hop Devil India Pale Ale

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In this beer blog, we are going to get into a beer that is one of Victory Brewery’s everyday beers.  It is their Hop Devil India Pale Ale.  If you read my earlier beer blog posts on their beers, you know the history of this East Coast craft brewery.  If you have not, please, read them to get to know Victory Brewery.  Let us get into this IPA.

It has a clear copper color without a head on this IPA. The aroma has a heavy citrus notes. The taste has a citrus notes with a dry bitter aftertaste. It is pretty drinkable beer.

Here is a description from the beer bottle:

The mythical HopDevil resides in the lore of farmers.  Our HopDevil is the real deal.  Bold, spicy, and menacingly delicious.  He’s the product of distinctive American hops and meticulous craftsmanship.  Arising from the heady wilds of our hopback and gently tamed with time, this Devil makes a great companion.

Here is a descriation from their website (www.victorybeer.com):

­

HopDevil IPA

American India Pale Ale

The mythical HopDevil® resides in the lore of farmers. Our HopDevil is the real deal. Bold, spicy and menacingly delicious. He’s the product of distinctive American hops and meticulous craftsmanship. Arising from the heady wilds of our hopback and gently tamed with time, this Devil makes a great companion.

Composition

Malt: Imported 2 row German malts

Hops: Whole flower American hops

ABV: 6.7%

Flavor

Bold, spicy and Menacingly Delicious™, this American hopped India Pale Ale offers an aromatic punch and then follows through with a lasting, full-bodied finish provided by quality German malts.

Food Pairings

Cheddar cheese, BBQ ribs and grilled meats

Serving Suggestion

Serve chilled in a Nonic or Imperial pint glass.

Availability

Available year-round in 12oz. bottles and on draft.

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.victorybeer.com

Twitter:  @victorybeer

In the end, I have always been a fan of this brew and craft brewery.  I was looking at my blog and I was wondering why I never posted a review on this beer.  They picked a few good hops.  They have a great and well build malty backbone.  Could you say it is like every other IPA on a market?  You could be right.  This beer is better than most IPA.  I like it and I will buy more of this beer.  It is drinkable and I just wished it was in a 12pk bottles.  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 Beer Blog Shipyard Smashed Blueberry

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In this beer blog, we are going to sample another brew from Shipyard Brewery.  It is their limited release brew, which is Smashed Blueberry Stout.  The first time Smashed Stout series are being put into a 12oz bottles. It is normally in a 22oz bottles and they are still putting it in a 22oz bottles.  If you read my earlier beer blog posts on their beers, you know the history of this east coast craft brewery.  If you have not, please, read them to get know Shipyard Brewery.  Let us get into this stout.

It has a jet black color with a constant tan color head.  There is not any aroma. The taste of this stout has a chocolate cover blueberries notes. The aftertaste has a chocolate to blueberry finish. It is pretty drinkable beer.

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.shipyard.com

Twitter:  @shipyardbrewing

Closing, this brewery has a nice balance and it is pretty smooth.  It is kind of scary that Imperial Stout is pretty drinkable brew.  Normally Imperial Stouts are heavy and sipping beers.  It does not drink like an imperial stout.  I like it, however, I cannot see the money that I spend on it.   It is drinks like a normal stout.  I recommend this beer but I just feel you will be mad about how much you paid for it.  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 Bell’s Brewery Uranus The Magician Black Double India Pale Ale

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In this beer blog, we are going to get into another beer from Bell’s Brewery Planet Series.  it is Uranus The Magician Black Double India Pale Ale.  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 Michigan craft brewery.  Let us get into this Black IPA.

It has a jet black color with a constant tan color head on this Black IPA. The aroma has a chocolate to citrus notes. The taste of this medium body has a creamy chocolate with a touch of citrus notes. The aftertaste has a bitter with hints of chocolate and coffee notes. It is  sipping beer.

Here is a description from the beer bottle:

This is one of a seven part series inspired by Gustav Holst’s musical composition, “The Planets.”  Strap in and embark on a flavor tour of our solar system – in the order of Holst’s piece, Mars to Neptune.

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

Bell’s Brewery, Inc. :: Uranus – The Magician

TASTING NOTES: The sixth release in our Planets Series, Uranus, is a Black Double IPA. It is also our first large release of this style of beer. The hop profile is enormous and complex with help from Citra, Galaxy, Polaris and other hard to find hops. The use of de-bittered or de-husked black malt lends color without the overly astringent or roasty flavors normally associated with stouts and porters. Don’t let the illusion of The Magician deceive you. Dank, tropical, stone fruit, citrus, floral and pine hop characteristics with a touch of light chocolate are all revealed

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.bellsbeer.com)

Twitter:  @bellsbrewery

Closing, Bell’s Brewery did a great job on this beer along with Mars Double IPA.  I hope they revisit both of these beers. There is a nice balance and one of better Double Black IPA as a limited release.  I love this beer.  This is beyond far best one asides Mars.  This series of beers has been pretty hit and miss.  There is one more beer to come out from this series.  I am looking forward to that stout.  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 Beer Blog New Belgium Pear Ginger Beer

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In this special beer blog, we are going to get into another brew from New Belgium Brewery’s Lips Of Faith.  It is  their Pear Ginger Beer.  This beer is a limited released beer.  If you read my earlier beer blog posts on their beers, you know the history of New Belgium Brewery.  If you have not, please, read them to get to know this craft brewery.  Let us get into this beer.

It has a cloudy golden color with a white constant head. The smell has a slight ginger and a little hint of pear. The taste of this light to medium body has a sweet ginger to pear notes along with some citrus notes. It is almost like a pear shandy. The aftertaste has a slight burn like hot peppers but it has some spicy notes. It is pretty drinkable beer.

Here is a description from the beer bottle:

Add fizz and flavor to the mix with this spicy ginger meets citrusy pear concoction.  A tantalizing beer on its own, pear ginger is also eager to bring a crisp tartness to your cocktail creations.  Recipes and mixology at www.newbelgium.com

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

Pear Ginger Beer

Our latest Lips of Faith release updates the Victorian-era ginger beer with whimsical additions of pear and lemon peel, creating a zesty, invigorating summer sipper crafted for beer glasses and mixologists’ cocktail shakers alike. Warming, spicy ginger punctuates a lively wash of sunny lemon, pear and bready white wheat for a sip that starts sweet, but finishes with just the right amount of heat. Drink it straight, no chaser, or put a new spin on a classic gimlet—either way, shake it up this season with Pear Ginger Beer.

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.newbelgium.com

Twitter:  @newbelgium

In the end, I have to be honest.  I was not too sure how I was going to feel about this beer.  This beer is pretty unique.  I do not know of another beer like this in the market or in the craft beer world.  I know their is ginger beers on the market.  New Belgium took that beer style and made a beer that you can use to make mix drinks.  i am not a fan of mix drinks and hard liquor,  I like this beer.  I just feel to me it is not worth the money.  I believe there is some craft beer drinkers and beer drinkers that will enjoy this beer.  I 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 Beer Blog Canton Brew Works

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In this special beer blog, we are going to get into a new craft brewery that just open in late April. I am talking about Canton Brew Works in Canton, Michigan. It has the Motor City theme in name, brewpub, and names of their beers. The theme of brewpub taproom is like old factories down in Detroit. The owners are super nice and willing to talk beer and other things with their guests. They do not service food but you can order food from restaurants in the area. They have snacks, water, and of course Faygo. Let us talk about beer.

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It is all about the beer. People are not walking in to have peanuts. Their beer range from a light body Pale Ale, which is called Shakedown, to brown stout, which is called Twist ‘n Stout Brown Stout. Their stout has the nice American brown ale but finish like dry American stout. Of course, they have IPA, which is like English style, and Double IPA. Asides their stout, they made amber saison that is called Say Whaaat?!? It reminds me a lot of Milwaukee Brewery Booyah Saison. Arizona Pale Ale is dry hopped with hot peppers. Hot peppers are not overpowering but right amount of heat. They will be making more beer and new beers will be hitting their tap lines.

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Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website: www.cantonbrewworks.com

Twitter: @CantonBrewWorks

In closing, I will be back. They are better than some of newer craft breweries that are opening in Michigan. I will say they are better than most craft breweries. They make good beer and they have filled a need between Livonia to Plymouth area. I am excited to see what new beers they will be releasing next. They do flights and sell their beer in tasters. Of course, they will have pints, growlers, and howlers. They do offer a mug club for a 20oz pour for same price as a pint price. I highly recommend this place and if you see me, come by and say hi. I always love talking beer with anyone. I will be there on the weekend and I will be a regular. 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 New Belgium Porch Swing Single Ale

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In this beer blog, we are going to sample a revisit of an old seasonal from New Belgium.  It is Porch Swing Single Ale.  Every sampler pack, New Belgium brings back a seasonal from the past is in it.  If you read my earlier beer blog posts on their beers, you know the history of New Belgium Brewery.  If you have not, please, read them to get to know this craft brewery.  Let us get into this Belgian style single ale.

It has a clear golden color with a semi on white head on this ale. The smell has a sweet malty notes. The taste of this light to medium body has a sweet malty with a funky and spicy Belgian aftertaste. It is extremely drinkable beer.

Here is a description from the beer bottle:

Porch Swing Single Ale completes our tribute to the trilogy of abbey style beers produced here and in Belgium. This single ale differentiates itself from our abbey and trippel ale with simplicity: forthright American Northwest hops rounded with a subtle, eatery Belgian yeast strain. Like the basic pleasure of swaying on a porch swing, this beer beckons you to kick back and enjoy a momentary sojourn away from demands and deadlines.

Porch Swing Single Ale completes our tribute to the trilogy of abbey style beers produced here and in Belgium. This single ale differentiates itself from our Abbey and Trippel ales with simplicity: forthright American Northwest hops rounded with a subtle, estery Belgium yeast strain. Like the basic pleasure of swaying on a porch swing, this beer beckons you to kick back and enjoy a momentary sojourn away from demands and deadlines.

Visual

Bright golden yellow, clear, hefty white foam with sticky lacing
Phenolic and bubblegum isoamyl acetate, light general fruitiness leaning towards citrus, and perfume. Slight herbal, peppery, and grassy. Underlying malty caramel. Overall aroma is delicate.
Flavor
Mild sweetness and bitterness are balanced with one another.
Mouthfeel
Smooth drinking with a crisp, slightly drying finish.
Body
ABV – 5.22%
IBU – 37
Calories – 158

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.newbelgium.com

Twitter:  @newbelgium

Closing,I have been liking New Belgium Brewery more and more of late. Every time a new sampler pack comes out with a revisit seasonal.  I jump on it every time because it has been a while since I had that old seasonal or I never had it.  Porch Swing Single Ale, you can see that it use to be an old spring seasonal.  It is pretty light in body to give it a pretty drinkable with some favor.  It is not my favorite but I can see what New Belgium Brewery was trying to do.  It is pretty balance brew. I love malty notes. 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 New Belgium Fat Tire Amber Ale

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In this beer blog, we are going to get into a classic amber ale.  I am talking about Fat Tire Amber Ale from New Belgium Brewery.  If you have 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 New Belgium Brewery.  Let us get into this Amber Ale.

It has a clear amber to red color to a constant white head. The aroma has a biscuits to caramel notes. The taste has a sweet malty, caramel, and biscuit notes with a dry malty aftertaste. It is pretty drinkable beer.

Here is a description from the beer bottle:

Fat Tire Amber Ale perfectly balances biscuits like malt flavors with hoppy freshness. Named in honor of a storied bike ride through Europe, Fat Tire cruises with Belgian imagination and inspiration.

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

Named in honor of our co-founder’s bike trip through Europe,

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.newbelgium.com

Twitter:  @newbelgium

Ending, I have slowly becoming a big fan of New Belgium Brewery. I love the story of Fat Tire Amber Ale.  Co-founder using a fat tire bike to travel around Europe.  I am not a huge fan of their Lips of Faith series but I will try them here and there.  When comes to their everyday beers, I just find that they are really good.  I am not a huge fan of amber and red ales.  I love to try them and revisit them.  This is a great amber ale. I am not a huge fan but I go back to now and then. I have told people if you have not had Fat Tire, go retry them.  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 Beer Blog Great Lakes Brewery Alberta Clipper Porter

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In this beer blog, we are going to get into another brew from Great Lakes Brewery.  It is Alberta Clipper Porter.  I just realize that I have not blogged about their seasonals and special releases.  I am going to be blogging about their everyday beers here soon.  if you read my earlier beer blog posts on their beers, you know they history of this Midwest craft brewery.  If you have not, please, read them to get to know this Ohio base craft brewery.  Let us get into this brew.

It has a jet black color with a constant tan or a light brown color head. The aroma has a heavy raspberries notes. The taste has a smooth chocolate to light raspberry notes with a nice chocolate aftertaste. It is pretty drinkable even though it is almost 8%.

Here is a description from the beer bottle:

Bid farewell to winter’s cruel tyranny with the creamy, bittersweet dark chocolate flavors and fresh raspberry tartness of Alberta Clipper Porter.  Named for the intense winter storms that sweep the Midwest and Great Lakes Regions, making us all a little tougher (and a lot colder), Alberta Clipper is the perfect treat to celebrate the return of wintry winds goodbye . . . at least for a little while.

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.greatlakesbrewing.com

Twitter:  @GLBC_cleveland

In the end, I love their special release and seasonal beers from Great Lakes Brewery.  If anyone in craft beer world to make a special porter, let it be Great Lakes Brewery.  The raspberry is not over powering in this beer.  It is heavy in the aroma.  There is a nice balance and it is really smooth brew.  I like it. I will get more.  I cannot wait to see the new labels next season.  This is the last seasonal and limited release to have their old labels.  You will start to see new labels from Great Lakes Brewery.  Of course, the liquid will stay the same. 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