alaska

New Beer Blog Black Tooth Brewing Bomber Mountain Amber Ale


In this beer blog, we are going to get into the second and last beer from Black Tooth Brewing.  It is one of their flagship, which is Bomber Mountain Amber Ale.  If you read my beer blog posts from yesterday, you know the history of this West Coast Craft Brewery.  If you have not, please, read it to get to know Black Tooth Brewing.  Let us get into this amber ale.

It has a clear reddish to amber color with white constant head. There is not any aroma notes. The taste has a caramel to biscuits notes with a sweet to dry malty aftertaste. It is pretty drinkable.

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

An Irish-style red ale with a complex malt profile of biscuits, caramel and cotton candy. A well rounded and balanced amber with a dry, crisp, finish.

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.blacktoothbrewingcompany.com

Twitter:  @blacktoothbrew

Closing, I am not a fan of amber, American red, and Irish red ales.  I am not saying that this beer is not for you.  It could be your beer styles.  I always try new beers in any beer styles.  Even in beer styles that I do not like.  This beer style is no different.  I try to keep an open mind.  This one is pretty average brew.  It is a great gateway beer into the craft beer world.  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 Alaskan Hop Turn IPA


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In this beer blog, we are going to sample another  beer from Alaskan Brewery.  It is their Hop Turn IPA.  If you read my earlier beer blog posts on their beers, you know the history of this West Coast craft brewery.  If you have not, please, read them to get to know this Alaska base craft brewery.  Let us get into this IPA.

It has a slightly cloudy to a fog like golden color with a white constant head. The aroma has a citrus notes. The taste has a dry citrus to lemon notes with a dry lemon bitter aftertaste. It is kind of drinkable beer.

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

Hop Turn IPA uses Pilsner malt and Sterling hops for a distinctive old-world taste. With a floral, peppery, lemony aroma, crystal-clear pale straw color, brisk flavor and lively 7.5 ABV, Hop Turn is a radical take on a West Coast IPA.

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.alaskanbeer.com

Twitter:  @alaskanbrewing

In the end, I was pretty happy to see this craft brewery make it to the State of Michigan.  I was disappointed that their Black IPA did not make it.  The last year, they have been pushing more and more of their IPA’s.  I am holding on to hope that they bring their black IPA to the state.  I was not impressed with this beer.  It has everything that I am looking for in an IPA.  It just rub me the wrong way.  It is a spring seasonal so I am good with it.  I can see others liking this product.  I recommend it for a try.  I know every craft beer drinker will try it at least once.  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 Alaskan Brewery Kicker Session IPA


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In this beer blog, we are going to get into my last session IPA on this blog,  It is from Alaskan Brewery.  It is their Kicker Session IPA.  If you read my earlier beer blog posts on their beers, you know the history of this West Coast craft brewery.  If you have not, please, read them to get to know this craft brewery.  Let us get into this Session IPA.

It has a clear golden color with a white constant head. The smell has a citrus notes. The taste has a light citrus notes with dry bitter hop aftertaste. It is extremely drinkable beer.

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

Session India Pale Ale

Inspired by 24 hours of daylight, Kicker Session IPA is an anytime brew with fruity Citra and Amarillo hops and a burst of bright citrus Simcoe hop aroma.

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.alaskanbeer.com

Twitter:  @alaskanbrewing

Closing, I am so done with Session IPA’s.  I am not going to blog about them and sample them anymore.  They are Pale Ales and that is that.  No more marketing gimmick. I accidentally picked up this beer. I am done after this beer style unless it says Pale Ale.  This is a pretty good version of a Pale Ale.  Death to the session IPA’s.  Drink it!  Not Enjoy it!  Metal it!  \m/

Cheers!

Bill DJ Weiser

Email:  djweiser16@gmail.com

Twitter:  @djweiser

Instagram:  @djweiser13

New Beer Blog Alaskan Winter Ale (2014)


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In this winter beer blog, we are going to sample another brew from Alaskan Brewery.  It is their Winter 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 northwest craft brewery.  Let us get into this winter ale.

It has a clear copper color with a white to off white constant head. The aroma has hints of spruce tips notes. The taste has a sweet malty with a heavy focus spruce tips notes. The aftertaste has a crisp aftertaste. It is pretty drinkable beer.

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

Style:

English Olde Ale. Traditionally malty with the warming sensation of alcohol, Olde Ales are brewed in the fall as winter warmers.

Flavor Profile:


Brewed in the style of an English Olde Ale, this ale balances the sweet heady aroma of spruce tips with the clean crisp finish of noble hops. Its malty richness is complemented by the warming sensation of alcohol.

History:
From the seafaring adventurers of the 1700s to the homebrewers of today, adding spruce tips to beer has a rich history in Southeast Alaska. Alaskan Winter Ale was first released by the Brewery in 2000.

Ingredients:
Alaskan Winter is made from glacier-fed water, Sitka spruce tips and a generous blend of the finest quality European and Pacific Northwest hop varieties and specialty malts. Our water originates in the 1,500-square-mile Juneau Ice Field and from the more than 90 inches of rainfall we receive each year.

Recommendation:
Perfect winter warmer by the fireside or an accompaniment to holiday fare. Serve with roast goose, turkey, ham or lamb. A nice complement to holiday breads, pound cake, or apple pie.

The Story Behind The Label:
Throughout Southeast Alaska, bald eagles can be spotted landing atop the towering old growth forests of Sitka spruce trees. As many as 3,000 bald eagles congregate among these evergreen trees on the shores of the Chilkat River for the last large run of salmon before winter. Sitka spruce trees carry a significance of their own to local Alaskans. The tender new growth of the spruce tips lends a delicious, yet subtly sweet floral aroma to teas, jelly and now our Alaskan Winter Ale.

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.alaskanbeer.com

Twitter:  @alaskanbeer

In the end, I have been wanting to this beer for a long time.  I was pretty excited to them enter the State of Michigan.  I was pretty stun that they skip the City of Chicago.  Chicago is a pretty big market for craft beer.  Most craft breweries did not want to enter that market because of the laws.  On the other side, most craft breweries did not want to enter the Michigan Market because the huge push for Michigan craft beers.  Beers that are outside of state get pushed away and do not get a fair shake.  I did not know if they will be pushing out their seasonal beers right away.  I was pretty happy to see this beer on the shelf.  I had to pick up a bottle and try it.  I was interested to see how Spruce would work in this beer.  There is a Michigan craft brewery that used spruce tips and failed on their beer.  The beer was terrible.  I knew experienced craft brewery would know how to work it correctly in this beer.  They did a great job and it is pretty good.  There is a nice balance in this beer.  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 Alaskan Brewery Hop Thermia Double IPA


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In this beer blog, we are going to get into Hop Thermia Double IPA from Alaskan Brewery.  If you read my earlier beer blog posts on their beers, you know the history of this Northwest craft brewery.  If you have not, please, read them to get to know this craft brewery.  Let us get into this beer.

It has a clear copper color with a semi white head.  The smell has slight citrus notes.  The taste has a citrus notes with a citrus hop bitter finish for the aftertaste.  It is a sipping beer.

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

Style:

This American Double India Pale Ale, or IPA, is as big and bold as the mythical lone brewer himself. Legend has it that he first came up with this beer, with the help of his woodland friends, to fight against the long frigid winter nights endured by all of the pioneers of the Last Frontier.

Flavor Profile:

Hopothermia is a full-flavored representation of the Double IPA style with a robust malt body resting in easy harmony, like a massive grizzly bear in winter, with the big and drinkable American hop character.

History:

Much of the history of Hopothermia is lost to the mists of time. We know that the windswept lone brewer dreamt of a Double IPA so bold and packed full of hop flavor that it could keep the wild wolves from the door of his remote cabin. We know he was able to converse with the creatures of the woods – except for the bears who slept through the cold winter, and the mink, who were just really super rude. And we know he skillfully crafted a beer that became the stuff of legend.

There are strange brews made where glaciers cascade
By the brewers who know no bounds.
For they stuff in the hops ’til the temperature drops
And then call for a few more rounds.
In Alaska, it seems, every brewer dreams
of a bold Double IPA.
Hopothermia’s the beer, in the Last Frontier
That will keep the wild wolves at bay.

Story Behind The Label:

The legend of Hopothermia begins as any Alaskan tale should, on a frozen landscape with wolves howling and a vast dark moonless sky of swirling Northern Lights above. It was on that long-ago night that a lone brewer stood against the harsh winds with only his beard to protect him, and dreamt of a beer so full of hop flavor, so jam packed with the spirit of frontier Alaska, it could freeze your very soul and one of your thumbs.  All that winter, as moose, wolverines, and one beaver peered through his remote cabin window, he feverishly labored to make a beer that could face down the harsh elements – that could conquer not only thirst – but fear itself.  After the thaw, the lone brewer had vanished, leaving behind only a few recipes scrawled on scraps of paper, a sock puppet, and a hand-whittled keg. In that keg he left his legacy – Hopothermia.  Respect this beer. Wear layers. Lots of wool. Mittens? Open a bottle and then, sshh . . . Listen for the windswept cry of a lone wolf.

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.alaskanbeer.com

Twitter:  @alaskanbeer

Closing, I know you know that I am a huge fan of this brewery.  I loved this brewery before they came to the State Of Michigan.  I was always excited when my friend Dean would bring some bottles back from the West Coast.  When they finally made it to Michigan, I have been going crazy finding out what is being released in the state.  There were several beers that are here that I never had.  I was excited to get them out-of-the-way.  This Double IPA was one of them.  I love the name and the packaging.  I love how it is a nice sipping beer.  There is some complex flavor going on in this beer.  I love it.  It has a nice color and aroma.  This is a great beer.  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 Alaskan Pumpkin Porter (2014)


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In this fall beer blog, we are going to sample a brewery new to Michigan.  It is Alaskan Pumpkin Porter.   If you read my earlier beer blog posts on their beers, you know the history of this Northwest craft brewery.  If you have not, please, read them to get to know this craft brewery.  Let us get into this pumpkin porter.

It has a jet black color with a nice tan head on this porter.  The aroma has hints of cinnamon and nutmeg notes.  The taste has a light chocolate to cinnamon and nutmeg with a smokey malty aftertaste.  It is drinkable beer for a porter.

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

Style:

A native plant of North America, pumpkins were first used in beer in colonial America as a substitute for hard-to-find malt, and none other than the father of our country George Washington had a highly touted recipe. This imperial porter pumpkin beer combines the robust, full-bodied style of a porter with a, frankly, crazy amount of pumpkin.

Taste Style:

With over 11 pounds of pumpkin added to every barrel of this imperial porter, this beer has a smooth, velvety rich texture. Brown sugar, holiday spices and a scoche of Alaskan’s famous alder-smoked malt are added to create an aroma and flavor reminiscent of grandma’s Thanksgiving pumpkin pie.

History:

This is the first bottling of our Alaskan Pumpkin Porter, after a highly sought-after holiday Rough Draft release in Alaska. This Alaskan Brewing take on a colonial American tradition is perfect for autumn and Thanksgiving, as here in Alaska we see the nights get longer and colder and can find comfort in the richness of this brew.

Ingredients:

Alaskan Pumpkin Porter is made from our glacier-fed water and a blend of Magnum and Goldings hops, 6 different malts including Alaskan alder-smoked malt, brown sugar, and a spice blend including cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves. Plus, of course, Red Hubbard variety pumpkin.

Story Behind The Label:

Alaska is home to some of the world’s largest cultivated vegetables, squashes, gourds and pumpkins. The long daylight hours in the summer promote fast growth, and also prompt fierce competition amongst the farmers of the Matanuska-Susitna Valley, who converge on the Alaska State Fair with their gigantic prize produce in the quest to be crowned State Fair champion. It is a common sight at the fairgrounds in Palmer to see a pickup truck barely able to contain the huge pumpkins they haul to the competition, which can weigh in at more than 1,200 pounds.

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.alaskanbeer.com

Twitter:  @alaskanbeer

Closing, Yay!  This is my first Pumpkin Porter of the season.  I am glad it is coming from one of my favorite breweries out west.  There is a nice balance between from the porter and pumpkin.  To me, I found this beer taste like a chocolate cover pumpkin with some cinnamon and nutmeg notes.  It is a sipping beer but perfect for the fall and winter seasonal.  I can see many beer drinkers drink this beer after fall is over.  This is a great and well designed 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 Alaskan Icy Bay IPA


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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 Alaskan Free Ride APA


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In this beer blog, we are going to get into the first beer, which is Free Ride APA, from Alaskan Brewery.  This is the first time this craft brewery is being feature on this blog.  Alaskan Brewery opened their doors in 1986.  They were founded by a young couple, who is Marcy and Geoff Larson.  They were the frist brewery in the state since Prohibition.  They brew several different beer styles.  Let us get into this beer.

It has a clear copper color with a white constant head on this APA.  The smell has a floral like to tropical fruit notes.  The taste is a lightly carbonation tropical fruit notes with a dry crisp finish.  It is pretty drinkable beer.

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

Style:

American Pale Ale. Arguably the style that triggered the craft beer movement in the United States, the American Pale Ale showcases the floral, fruity, and citrusy aroma and flavors of Pacific Northwest hops in balance with a medium malt body


Flavor Profile:

Alaskan Freeride APA features a lush, green, almost tropical hop aroma paired with the unique taste combination of these three, distinctive hop varieties, making it both full in flavor and crisply thirst-quenching.
History:
Freeride APA started as a springtime staple for Alaskan’s backcountry skiing and snowboarding crew, then became a perfect beer to savor with summertime kayaking, biking, and just about every other outdoor activity.
Ingredients:
Alaskan Freeride APA is brewed with Cascade, Citra, and Centennial hops, premium two-row and specialty crystal malts, and Juneau’s glacier-fed water.
Recommendations:

Freeride APA pairs well with gourmet pub fare, especially a BLTA or club sandwich with peppered bacon, a spicy chicken quesadilla, or freshly battered Alaska halibut and chips.

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.alaskanbeer.com

Twitter:  @alaskanbrewing

In closing, I am pretty happy to see them finally make it to Michigan.  I am been a huge of this craft brewery for a long time.  I am loving the fact that I get to try all the newer beers and favorites.  I am happy I do not have to trade with anyone out west. I am happy to walk into my beer store and get this craft brewery.  I am a huge fan of PA and APA.  I was pretty interested in this beer. I love hop aroma and taste of the tropical fruit notes.  This is a great and balance beer.  It is pretty drinkable and refreshing.  This is one beer you can have it any part of the season.  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