bridgeport brewery

New Blog Stone Cali-Belgique IPA

In this blog, we are going to the west coast to check out a brewery that has push the limits of hops and craft beer drinkers around the country since there exists.  This brewery I am talking about is Stone Brewery and the beer is Cali-Belgique IPA.  Here is a little history on this west coast brewery.  Stone Brewery was founded in 1996 in San Marcos, California by Steve Wagner and Greg Koch.  This brewery is now the largest brewery in Southern California.  This brewery as of 2010 became the 14th largest craft brewery and 23rd overall brewery.  Stone Brewery is still growing and still doing different things with their beers.  They have beer teaming up with different breweries around the country to create new beers. We are going to get into one right now.

I am trying this beer at the Blues Bar in Mount Prospect, Illinois.  This beer is bright yellow color with little to no head. The beer drinker will smell the funky from Belgian spices or yeast and a little melon or mango smell from the hops. It is a little different than the American craft Belgian IPA or Triple. This Stone brew taste like sweet carbonation citrus going on in it.  There is no really no aftertaste to this beer.  This beer is a very drinkable beer.

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

When reading the name “Stone Cali-Belgique IPA”, “Cali” hints that it is a California-style IPA, and this brew has an undeniable Belgian influence, indicated by the word “Belgique” (which is how Belgium’s French-speaking population says the word “Belgian”; the Dutch-speaking Belgians say “België”). We carefully selected a Belgian yeast strain that  illuminates a fascinating new aspect of the beer that is otherwise quite simply Stone IPA. The result is both completely new and different, while still being recognizable as a Stone brew—and Stone IPA in particular. Think of it as an otherwise identical twin to Stone IPA that was raised in a Belgian culture. Literally.

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website: www.stonebrew.com

Twitter: @stonebrewingco

In closing, I will be honest and let just say the way it is about this beer.  I really enjoyed drinking this beer.  This is a Belgian Triple not a Belgian IPA.  I understand what American Craft Breweries are trying to do for the general beer fan that understand what India Pale Ale but do not understand a Belgian Triple.  I believe they are trying to create a new beer style to grow off the Belgian Beer Style. There is nothing wrong with this brewery doing it or another brewery. Hell I just brought a pint so they got me and I am glad I did it. I just hate the name that is all. I am off my soap box on this topic.  With that all set at the side, I really enjoy drinking this beer.  If you are hop head like me or like the Belgian beers, I would go try this beer.  Go get some! Drink it! Enjoy it! Metal it! \m/

Cheers!

Bill DJ Weiser

Email: djweiser13@comcast.net

Twitter: @djweiser

New Blog Frankenmuth Brewery German Style Pilsner Lager

In this blog, we are going to get into the last beer from Frankenmuth Brewery Sampler Pack.  The beer that will be featured is called Frankenmuth Brewery German Style Pilsener Lager.  You read my earlier on Frankenmuth Brewery Blonde then you are pretty up to speed on this great brewery.  Let us get into one of Michigan’s Oldest Brewery beer called Frankenmuth Brewery Pilsener.

This beer in the glass has a clear and bright yellow tone with to head. It has a sweet and slight candy corn smell to it.  As far as the taste of this pilsner, it is clean crisp with a sweet dry carbonation going on in it. Frankenmuth Pilsner is very drinkable and sessional beer.

Here is a description from the beer bottle and their website (www.frankenmuthbrewery.com):

A time-honored German style pilsener, this definitive golden lager is made following the traditional German purity law: using only malted barley, water, German hops and German lager yeast. A great beer with a floral aroma, a hint of spices & a dry finish.

ABV 5.25%  IBU 26 Pairs well with lighter foods: chicken, salads, salmon & bratwurst

Here is a their twitter and website addresses:

Website:  www.frankenmuthbrewery.com

Twitter: @FB1862

In the end, this beer style is not one of favorite out there, however, trying beer styles I have not like in the past to write these blogs.  I have found a new aspect towards some of these beer styles.  Just what I said in my Redhook Longhammer IPA, if I did not try other beers I would not have found beer styles that I love to death.  It goes with this beer from Frankenmuth Brewery and the beer is Pilsner Lager.  I really enjoyed this beer and has turn me on to check out other Pilsners at least craft beer world wise.  It is not to light but not too heavy while drinking it.  It is an awesome beer to drink in very hot weather to the nice cold winter.  This beer fits into the classic pilsner beer style for its drinkable.  Being a German base American Craft Brewery, they did an awesome job on this classic beer style.  I would say they did a better job with it then the German Breweries that have been brewing this style for hundreds of years.  I might get some hate mail but I am fine with that.  I am just an idiot with many thoughts on everything in the world.  This is my idea and you can agree or disagree with it.  To finish this blog up, I really highly recommend trying this beer at least once in your lifetime.  I love this beer and this brewery and I wish I could get in Chicagoland.  I just want to say thank you to my parents for bring out these beers when they were here visiting me.  I will be stocking up when I go back to Michigan.  Go get some! Drink it! Enjoy it! Metal it! \m/

Cheers!

Bill DJ Weiser

Email: djweiser13@comcast.net

Twitter: @djweiser

New Blog Frankenmuth American Batch 69 IPA

In this blog, we are going to sample out my favorite brew from Frankenmuth Brewery and the third of four beers that will be featured this blog.  Please go back to my earlier blog on Frankenmuth Brewery Blonde to get to know this brewery, if already read it then you already know this brewery.  The beer that we will be experience is Frankenmuth Brewery American Batch 69 IPA.  If you look at the beers that we have done from this brewery between the Dunkel to Blonde and then Pilsner, they are all German base beer style.  This brewery went outside of their comfort zone and did American beer style.  This speaks out open minded a brewery can be to bring beers to their fan base.  It does not go just for Frankenmuth Brewery.  There is another brewery down in Texas that just put out their first pale ale.  Frankenmuth Brewery have been brewing this beer for a while but with a huge growth of pale ales and IPAs.  Breweries are doing IPAs and pale ales or doing different things with them.  Let us see where this brew ranks to me in the world of the India Pale Ales.

This beer in the glass is not your normal India Pale Ale color. It has a clear yellow color to beer with a light white head to the beer. Smell is of light piney to earthy. This India Pale Ale has a sight citrus carbonation taste with a dry hoppy aftertaste.  To me, the hoppy aftertaste is just right. It is not overpowering like other IPAs aftertaste.  This beer for hoppy IPA is really drinkable.

Here is a description from the beer bottle and their website (www.frankenmuthbrewery.com):

A medium light bodied India Pale Ale with an intense hop aroma and flavor. This IPA will wake up your senses to fine American hops to discover tastes of citrus, flowers and pine.

ABV 6.9%  IBU 69 Best with strong, spicy food and bold appetizers.

Here is their twitter and website addresses:

Website: www.frankenmuthbrewery.com

Twitter: @FB1862

In closing,  I really love this drinkable India Pale Ale from Frankenmuth Brewery.  This is a very well balance beer and just like most India Pale Ales it is perfect with spicy foods.  If I could get this beer all the time, it would be in my refrigerator on day-to-day basis.  I know I said this before in other Michigan beer blogs but I will say it again.  I am not a fan of any Michigan breweries but Frankenmuth Brewery has won me over to like at least one brewery.  Do not just get go out and hunt this beer down but go find the rest of their beers.  Go get some! Drink it! Enjoy it! Metal it! \m/

Cheers!

Bill DJ Weiser

Email: djweiser13@comcast.net

Twitter: @djweiser

New Blog Frankenmuth Dunkel Dark Lager

In this blog, we are going to sample out the second of four beers from Frankenmuth Brewery Company. The name of the beer is called Dunkel Dark Lager. If you read my blog on their Blonde Ale, then we can move onto the next beer in their lineup. Let us stop talking and start drinking this awesome beer.

In the glass, the beer is brown in color with a constant white head. The smell of toffee and malt is in the air from the beer. The taste of the beer is a classic german style. The beer drinker will taste toffee to chocolate notes with a nice smooth finish.  It is very drinkable beer and very well made for the beer style.

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

Named for the city it calls home, this German style lager has a distinguished dark appearance and a notably smooth sweet balanced flavor. The result gives our Dunkel a flavor of toasted bread and a malty finish.

ABV 5.1%  IBU 22
Pairs well with hearty, spicy food: barbecue, sausages, & roast. Also pairs well with chocolate dessert.

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website: http://www.frankenmuthbrewery.com

Twitter: @FB1862

In closing, this has to be my favorite German Beer Style. I hold all import and craft breweries on a very high standard when they brew this beer. I mean the beer not the brewery. I really enjoyed this beer. This brewery did an awesome job making this beer. It is easy to drink with a ton of favor. I could drink this beer in the hottest summer days. Believe me, there are some summer days here in Chicago and Detroit that makes you want to dug deep in the earth. With that crazy talk, this beer is awesome beer. Go get some! Drink it! Enjoy it! Metal it! \m/

Cheers!

Bill DJ Weiser

Email: djweiser13@comcast.net

Twitter: @djweiser

New Blog Frankenmuth Classic American Blonde Ale

In this blog, we are going to dig into one of the oldest brewery in Michigan. We are going to take a look at Frankenmuth Brewery which was founded in 1862.  In 1987, there was a fire that burned down most of the brewery.  This brewery never gave up and their goals they want to have their beers to their fan base. They brew mostly German base beers but this brewery has some American Classic beers.  They are brewing in one of the best cities in the Michigan.  Here is the first of four beers that will be blog about it. The first to be featured is from Frankenmuth Brewery and it is called Classic American Blonde Ale.

The beer is a clear bright yellow in the glass with a simi-head to it. The smell is of fresh air by a waterfall. The taste is very smooth and refreshing with a nice sweet kick to it. The aftertaste is very crisp and refreshing. This is a very  drinkable beer for any season of the year.  Most craft beer drinkers normally see Blonde Ales available in the spring to summer seasonal.

Here is a description from the bottle:

Medium bodied classic American ale is made using American malts and fermented at a lower temperature to give it a clean mellow finish.  This is a terrific cross-over beer for those who enjoy American ales.

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

American Blonde Ale
This classic American style ale is made using American malts and fermented at a lower temperature to give it a clean mellow finish. This is a terrific cross-over beer for those who enjoy American style ales.

ABV 4.75%  IBU 17%
Goes great with lighter foods; chicken, salads, salmon, bratwurst, and is great with pizza.

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website: http://www.frankenmuthbrewery.com

Twitter: @FB1862

In closing, we dug into on of my favorite Michigan brewery called Frankenmuth Brewery Company.  You know me well if you read my blogs.  I am very up front and honest.  This is my favorite brewery in Michigan.  I like many beers around the state from different breweries but this brewery is by far the best one to me.  As far as this brew, I never was a fan of this beer style.  This beer style is normally to light in body for my taste buds but this one brings something out of this beer style.  I am a fan of this American Blonde Ale.   This beer is very well made beer and stays true to this classic style but with a American twist.  Go get some!  Drink it! Enjoy it!  Metal it! \m/

Cheers!

Bill DJ Weiser

Email: djweiser13@comcast.net

Twitter:  @djweiser

New Blog Bell’s Brewery Two Hearted Ale

In this blog, we are going to sample out one of an India Pale Ale from one of many craft breweries from Michigan. Bell’s Brewery is the most well known one from Michigan. Bell’s Brewery was founded in 1983 by Larry Bell in Kalamazoo, Michigan. This brewery is brewing several different styles of beer.  They are not just well known in Michigan but around the Midwest.   Let us get into this beer right now.

The beer in the glass is darker yellow in color. The smell of Two Hearted Ale is a strong citrus to piney to it. The first thing the beer drinker will experience from this beer is the rush of the carbonation and then heavy citrus taste. This is a very well balance beer and has a quick crisp aftertaste along with citrus punch to this India Pale Ale.

Here is a description from the bottle:

An India Pale Ale style well suited for adventurous trips to the Upper Peninsula. American malts and enormous hop additions give this beer a crisp finish and an incredibly floral hop aroma.

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website: http://www.bellsbeer.com

Twitter: @bellsbrewery

In closing, I would not say this is not my favorite but I would not say I highly dislike the beer. It is very drinkable and has a ton of favor going on in it. I would not drink it on a regular basis because of the high price point on a six pack bottles. I honestly do not think it is worth the price. There is a little value but not much. With all that said, I am not saying this beer is bad. I just feel I could drink another beer in the same beer style and get the same thing while saving money in the process. I recommend you, the craft beer drinker, to try it or retry if it has been a long time. Go get some! Drink it! Enjoy it! Metal it! \m/

Cheers!

Bill DJ Weiser

Email: djweiser13@comcast.net

Twitter: @djweiser

New Blog Sierra Nevada Pale Ale

In this blog, we are going to talk about one of the original craft beers. This beer is the standard for what a West Coast Pale Ale sure be made for us Craft Beer Drinkers. The beer that I will be featuring in this blog is Sierra Nevada Pale Ale. Sierra Nevada Brewery was founded in 1979 by Ken Grossman and Paul Camusi in Chico, California. These two founders were doing home brewing as a hobby until they wanted to start Sierra Nevada. Let us get into the beer because that is why we are here.

This beer has a nice amber color in the glass. It has a nice circus in smell. The beer is a carbonation sweet citrus in taste. It is a very sessional beer for a west coast pale ale. This beer is a drinkable master piece in the craft beer.

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

Our most popular beer, Sierra Nevada Pale Ale is a delightful interpretation of a classic style. It has a deep amber color and an exceptionally full-bodied, complex character. Generous quantities of premium cascade hops give the Pale Ale its fragrant bouquet and spicy.

Gold Medal Winner:

Great American Beer Festival:

(American Pale Ale): 1995, 1994, and 1993

(Classic English Pale): 1992

(Pale Ale): 1990, 1989, and 1987

In the end, this brewery push the limits of beer drinkers in the beginning of this brewery and they are still doing it today. This pale ale is the second highest selling craft beer behind Boston Beer Company Samuel Adams Boston Lager. Pale ale is still mine go to beer in this beer style. A ton of favor going on in the beer along with an awesome drinkablity to complete your beer pallet. I love this beer. If you have not had this beer or have not had it in a long time, it is time for the bottle meet your beer mug. Raise it high and proud! Go get some! Drink it! Enjoy it! Metal it! \m/

Cheers!

Bill DJ Weiser

Email: djweiser13@comcast.net

Twitter: @djweiser

New Blog Maui Brewery Coconut Porter

In this blog, we are going to talk about one of my favorite breweries and favorite porter.  Maui Brewery Coconut Porter is going to be feature in this blog.  Here is a little history from this brewery.  Maui Brewery was founded in 2005 by Garrett Marrero and Melanie Oxley.  All of their beers are packaged in cans to make it easy to take to the beaches of Hawaii.  They are one of the fastest growing companies and the only mirco-brewery on Hawaii Islands.  Yes Kona Brewery is on the island but that is own by Craft Beer Alliance and Budweiser has part ownership of it.  Let us get into this awesome beer.

This beer is black in the glass with no head. It has a very strong coconut smell to this beer from Hawaii.  This beer has a roasted chocolate to toffee taste with a nice refreshing coconut aftertaste to it. Shocking for the beer style, this beer is very drinkable.   This beer has a won Gold Award in 2006 Herb and Spice Beer at the World beer Cup and has won several other awards around the world.

Here is a description from the can:

Welcome to the microcanning revolution…. Cans eliminate light damage and reduce the risk of oxidation, keeping this craft brew fresher than in bottles!

Cans are lighter, chill quicker, and can be enjoyed on beaches and in sensitive environments, aluminum is the most recycled and most eco-friendly material.

Coconut porter is a fresh handcrafted robust porter brewed with six varieties of malted barley, hops and hand-toasted coconut

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.mauibreweryco.com

Twitter:  @mauibreweryco

In the end, I loved this beer when I visit this awesome brewery on the islands.  I brought back a case of their porter and IPA in my bag back to Chicago.  I am very happy to see I can order this awesome beer and rest of their beers online.  The shipping cost is as much as my beer order but it is worth it.  This is a very good beer and drinkable for the style.  This brewery is doing newer things everyday.  If you follow my blog, you know I wrote about their sour that they did with Jolly Pumpkin Brewery Company.  I am hoping to see this brewery in my local liquor store when they come to Chicago.  I hope that is really soon.  Thank you Maui Brewery Company for making some good beers.  Go get some! Drink it! Enjoy it! Metal it! \m/

Cheers!

Bill DJ Weiser

Email: djweiser13@comcast.net

Twitter: @djweiser

New Blog Flying Dog Cherry Sour Ale

While in DC for Savor, this is my last beer I had outside of Savor.  It was in basement of this bar where I had DC Brau Hell’s Bottom Stout.  I cannot remember the bar name.  Flying Dog had tap take over which is where a brewery switches all tap handles to their own beers.  The brewery puts some special beers on tap.  I had two beers at Savor from this brewery and I am a huge fan of this brewery.  Let us get to know the back story of this brewery.  Flying Dog Brewery was founded in 1990 by George Stranahan and Lydia McIntyre in Aspen, Colorado but they later moved to Denver, Colorado.  They moved to Maryland after they brought the Wild Goose beers and then sold it to the Logan Shaw Brewing Company.

This beer is a cloudy reddish color to it.  It does not really have a smell to the beer.  The taste is sweet carbonation cherry going on in it.  It was not drinkable and really bad. The marriage between the cherry and the sour was not happening in this beer.

Here is a website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.flyingdogales.com

Twitter:  @flyingdog

Closing out my trip to DC for Savor, I really hate to say this about this brewery.  I have to say this beer was a huge disappointed from this brewery.  I love this brewery and I follow them for everything they do in the craft beer world.  I have to call it the way it is on this beer.  However, with that all said, I know there will be a group of beer drinkers out there that will love this beer.  Just because I said I do not like it that does not mean you will not like it.  I am really looking forward to seeing Cholocate IPA to hit the market and I trying their Oyster Stout.  This brewery is not afraid to push the limits in the beer world and I respect them for what they are doing in the craft beer world. Slayer the person wanted to see my thoughts on this beer. Go get some! Drink it! Enjoy it! Metal it! \m/

Cheers!

Bill DJ Weiser

Email: djweiser13@comcast.net

Twitter: @djweiser

New Blog DC Brau Brewery Hell’s Bottom Stout Ale

While in DC for Savor, I had this at the after party for Savor.  The owner was clearly a huge motorcycle fan because he had some classics throughout the bar.  This bar had a special beer menu for Savor and I saw this beer from DC Brau Brewery called Hell’s Bottom Stout Ale.  Here is a little back story of this brewery.  DC Brau Brewery was founded in 2011 and was the first brewery to package in DC city since 1956.  The founded is Brandon Skall and the Brewmaster is Jeff Hancock.  All their beers are packaged in cans which is a huge trend in Craft Beer World now.

This beer is black in the glass with not head to it. It has a nice chocolate smell. It has a chocolate to dry taste to the beer.  The aftertaste is dry chocolate going on in it.   This beer is kind of drinkable for being a stout.  This beer is perfect for any seasons of the year.  There are not too many stouts a beer drinker can say that about it.

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

Named after one of DC’s most notorious neighborhoods, Hell’s Bottom. Where in the late 1800’s there was little money, whiskey was cheap and virtually no police force. Enter Hell’s Bottom Oatmeal Stout. Brewed with a healthy amount of flaked oats, roasted barley and both chocolate and black malts. Hell’s Bottom starts with a heavy roast character that will definitely wake up the pallet. Followed by a small kick of bitterness contributed by Northern Brewer hops. Lastly, the flaked oats contribute a smooth, cream-like mouthfeel that must be tasted to be understood. With a medium to light body this oatmeal stout is one that drinks easy in the upcoming spring/ summer season.

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.dcbrau.com

Twitter: @dcbrau

Coming to the end of the beer, I really enjoyed this beer.  I wish I had time to stop by their brewery to see it and try some more of their beers.  This is a very newer brewery and the future is bright by trying this beer and doing more research on them.  I hope to try some more of their beers in the near future.  I might just have to go back to DC just to visit this brewery.  I love how they put their beers in cans then the same boring ass brown bottle.  Cans protect the beer better then anything else that is out in the market.  Go get some! Drink it! Enjoy it! Metal it! \m/

Cheers!

Bill DJ Weiser

Email: djweiser13@comcast.net

Twitter: @djweiser