chicago

New Beer Blog Pipeworks Ninja Vs Unicorn Double IPA

In this beer blog, we are going to feature a beer from Pipeworks Brewery. It is their flagship beer, which is Ninja Vs. Unicorn Double IPA. If you read my earlier beer blog posts on their beers, you know the history of this small and upcoming Chicago base craft brewery. If you have not, please, read them to get to know this Midwest craft brewery. Let us get into this double IPA.

It has a slight cloudy golden color with a white constant head. The aroma has a heavy grapefruit notes. The taste has a nice grapefruit to citrus notes with a dry hop bitter aftertaste. It is pretty drinkable for a Double IPA.

Here is a description from the beer bottle:

Ninja Vs. Unicorn celebrates the epic battle two of the biggest hop-heads of lore. Brewed with over five pounds of hops per barrel, this unfiltered double IPA is sure to please the most discerning hop lover. Whether you’re rooting for the mythical horned horse or the deadly assassin of the east, we hope you’ll enjoy Ninja Vs. Unicorn.

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website: www.pipeworksbrewing.net

Twitter: @PipeworksBrewin

Ending, this is a great beer. I love the hops they use in this beer. It is pretty well-balanced for being a double India Pale Ale. There is a nice malty backbone but I kind feel it should be stronger. I can live with it. I have to say for a beer that is in 22oz bottle. It is well worth the price. I have always felt beers in 22oz bottles are not worth the price. To me, this one lives up to the price. I recommend you trying this brew. 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 Goose Island Oktoberfest

In this fall beer blog, we are going to get into fall seasonal, which is Oktoberfest, from Goose Island Brewery. If you read my earlier beer blog posts on their beers, you know the history of this oldest craft brewery in Chicago. If you have not, please, read them to get to know this Midwest craft brewery. Let us get into this Oktoberfest.

It has a clear amber color with a semi constant white head. The aroma has a slight caramel notes. The taste has a sweet candy like caramel notes. The aftertaste has a dry malty finish that does not last long. It is a pretty drinkable beer.

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

Brewer’s Notes

Brewed in the traditional Märzen style, our Oktoberfest pours a brilliant copper over rose color with a bone white head. Notes of toffee and burnt sugar in the aroma and flavors of sweet dried apricots are delivered in a dry malty body with the mild earthy bitterness that is the hallmark of Hallertau hops.

Recipe Information

Style: German-Style Märzen

Alcohol by Volume: 6.4%

International Bitterness Units: 17

Color: Copper

Hops: Hallertau

Malts: 2-Row, Carapils, Munich 10, C-20, C-40, C-120

Availability

Seasonal Release

Cases: 4/6, 2/12 packs,

24 Pack Loose

Kegs: 1/6 & 1/2 bbl

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website: www.gooseisland.com

Twitter: @gooseisland

Ending, I know my readers know that I am a huge fan of Goose Island. I became a fan when I lived in the Chicago market for about eight years. I always look forward to their fall and winter seasonals. This Oktoberfest did not disappoint me this year. It is just like last years. There is many craft breweries that love to change their recipes of their seasonal beers. This brewery is no different. I am happy that they kept this one the same from last year’s version. This is by far best Oktoberfest to me for this season. I love it. I am not a caramel from candy and ice cream topping. I have to say I love caramel notes in the 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 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 Small Town Brewery Not Your Father’s Root Beer

In this beer blog, we are going to get into an unique product from Small Town Brewery. It is their Not Your Father’s Root Beer. This is the first time. This brewery and beer is being featured on this blog. Here is the history of this young brewery from their website (www.smalltownbrewery.com):

Small Town Brewery

My great-great-grandfather from the 1600s was the captain of a ship in England. He was also a bit of a gambler. As legend has it, he won a brewery during a high-stakes card game, which led him to start crafting his own beers. He began brewing beer on the ships he sailed. This allowed him to travel further than other vessels because beer stayed fresh during long journeys. The story goes that his beer was even consumed on a fleet of ships he commanded that transported some of the earliest settlers to America.

Growing up, I had never heard the complete story about my great-great-grandfather until I expressed an interest in making my own beer. When I told my mom that I planned to open a brewery, she finally revealed my family’s beer making history and why brewing was “in my blood.” Using some of my great-great-grandfather’s recipes as inspiration, I founded Small Town Brewery. At Small Town, our goal is to honor my family’s beer making tradition by creating handcrafted, specialty beers with unique and flavorful ingredients.

I just learned something from that description above about the history of this brewery and packaging. It now makes senses why there is an old sailing ship on the package. Let us get into this root beer.

It has a black color with the pop bubbles on side of the glass and in it. There is not head on this ale. The smell has a sweet root beer notes. The taste has an old fashion root beer notes without alcohol notes. The aftertaste has a dry root beer finish. It is pretty drinkable beer.

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

Small Town Brewery

Not Your Fathers Root Beer – 12 oz bottle

Tasting Notes: Silky, smooth and satisfying finish is unmatched in flavor. It appeals to craft beer aficionados as well as those who don’t typically drink beer but crave something unique.

Because of the overwhelming response to Not Your Fathers Root Beer, we have had thousands of requests from all over the country for this product in a package format. We’ve worked relentlessly with experts that make up over 80 years of brewing experience for almost two years to figure out how to increase production to meet demand while keeping the cost to consumers reasonable.

At long last…it’s here.

Serving Temperature: 38°-50°F
Availability: Year Round
Package: 12oz Bottle, 6 Pack

Description: Ale with the Taste of Spices
ABV: 5.9%
Profile: Bold, Sweet, Smooth, Spicy

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website: www.smalltownbrewery.com

Twitter: @smalltownbrewer

In the end, I heard a rumor that this root beer will be making its way to the Michigan market here soon. I did not know how to feel about root beer with alcohol in it. I have to say I am pretty impressed. I love balance of the root beer and they did a great job on it. I cannot get any alcohol notes maybe towards the end in the aftertaste. This is a great product. This is by far best root beer with alcohol on the market. I have had a few Hard Root Beer. I have to say I did not like most of 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 Lagunitas Brewery Equinox Pale Oat Ale

In this special beer blog, we are going to get into a brew from Lagunitas that was brewed back in 1995. It is called Equinox Pale Oat 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 this West Coast Craft Brewery. Let us get into this Pale Ale.

It has a clear golden color with overly constant white head. The carbonation is through the roof. The smell has a citrus notes. The taste has a bready to earthy notes with citrus notes. The aftertaste has a dry biscuits finish. It is extremely drinkable.

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

Equinox Pale Oat Ale |Lagunitas Brewing Company

A creamy, pale oat ale hopped up with a huge charge of Equinox and Simcoe hops for a piney, eucalyptus, cedar, sprucey, forest blast. First brewed in 1995… brewed today in a time of change.

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website: www.lagunitas.com

Twitter: @lagunitasbeer

In the end, I am a huge fan of this west coast craft brewery. I am always looking for something new to come out from Lagunitas Brewery. I like it. I don’t love it. It is different. I know people back then did not get it. I believe the Midwest craft beer drinker in general still do not get it. Chicago might be a different than the rest. I have a hard time finding their beers but it has been getting easier after a year moving back to Michigan. 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 Goose Island The Muddy Imperial Stout

In this beer blog, we are going to sample a beer that is a tribute to Muddy Waters. Goose Island The Muddy is the beer and craft brewery that is being featured in this blog. 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 Goose Island Brewery. Let us get into this stout.

It has a jet black color with a tan color head that disappears over time. The aroma has a sweet chocolate with some licorice notes. The taste has a sweet strong chocolate and slight alcohol notes with a licorice notes aftertaste. This is a sipping beer.

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

THE MUDDY | Goose Island Beer Company

Brewer’s Notes

Brewed with molasses, brewer’s licorice, and Belgian dark rock candy sugar, The Muddy is an imperial stout with amplified sweetness for a taste as distinctive as the Chicago blues that inspired its creation.

Recipe Information

Style: Imperial Stout

Alcohol by Volume: 9.0%

International Bitterness Units: 32

Color: Onyx Black

Hops: Nugget, Mt. Hood, EKG

Malts: 2-Row, C-40, C-120, Dark Chocolate, Midnight Wheat

Availability

National Seasonal Release (September )

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website: www.gooseisland.com

Twitter: @gooseisland

Closing, this is one stout that I was pretty nervous to try it. I did not know how the licorice would go well in this stout. I love Midnight Wheat malt so I had try it. I have to say this beer has a nice balance. Imperial Stout is not as strong and bitter like most on the market. It is pretty smooth and kind of drinkable. Licorice has went over pretty well. They did a great job on this beer. Brett has put some thought behind this beer and was successful. I loves this beer and I believe it will age well. I believe you can age this beer up to a year. 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 Urban Chestnut Brewing Zwickel Bavarian Style Lager

In this beer blog, we are going to sample a beer for the first time on this blog. The brewery is out St. Louis, Missouri and they call themselves Urban Chesthut Brewing Company. The beer that will be feature is their Zwickel Bavarian Style Lager. This brewery opened their doors about five years ago. They opened their second brewery two years ago and it is the largest craft brewery in the St Louis area. There is not much history on this young and upcoming craft brewery. Let us get into this Lager.

It has a golden to strew color with a constant white head. There is an aroma but it is pretty faded. The taste has a sweet malty with some slight hoppy notes. It has a very low IBU’s. The aftertaste has a crisp dry finish. It is pretty drinkable beer.

Here is a description from the beer bottle:

Pronounced ‘zv-ick-el’ the flagship lager of our Reverence Series (classically crafted, timeless, European-style biers) is an unfiltered, unpasteurized, German-style classic that finishes as a smooth-drinking, naturally cloudy bier (from the yeast). Prost!

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website: www.urbanchestnut.com

Twitter: @urbanchestnut

Closing, as many of you know, I have been on the search for the perfect craft lager. Of course, if you have been reading my blog on a day-to-day. While I was in Chicago visiting, I had a chance to bring some beer back with me. This packaging caught my eye. I love the bottles and four pack package. This beer is named after an old German word. I have to say my search is over. This is the perfect craft lager. I love this beer. There is some nice sweet malty but a little hoppy notes like a pilsner. I highly recommend this beer. I hoping to make a trip down to St Louis. 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 Buckledown Brewery Nefarious Aftermath

In this special beer blog, we are going to get into another brew from Breakdown Brewery and it is a special and limited release beer. It is their Nefarious Aftermath Porter. This is their Aftermath Porter aged in Bourbon Barrels. If you read my earlier beer blog posts on their beers, you know the history of this Chicago Craft Brewery. If you have not, please, read them to get to know Breakdown Brewery. Let us get into this beer.

It has a jet black color without a head on this barrel age porter. The aroma has a heavy bourbon notes. The taste has a smooth chocolate with bourbon notes. The aftertaste has a nice chocolate finish. It is a nice sipping beer.

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website: www.buckledownbrewing.com

Twitter: @buckledownbeer

Closing, I love this beer and I love this brewery. I know everyone knows that I am a huge fan of this brewery. I was excited to see this beer on tap still. I had to try since I love their porter. There is some nice bourbon notes. It has a heavy bourbon notes but the aftertaste has some nice chocolate notes. It is not a drinking beer but a nice sipping brew. This is very limited and if you want to try it, go fast. 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 Une Année Brewery Maya Belgian Imperial India Pale Ale

In this beer blog, we are going to get into one of my favorite craft brewery from Chicago. It is Une Année Brewery and it is Maya Belgian Imperial India Pale Ale. If you read my earlier beer blog posts on their stout, you know the history of this young and upcoming craft brewery. If you have not, please, read it to get to this Chicago base craft brewery. Let us get into this Imperial IPA.

It has a cloudy copper color with a white constant head. The smell has a slight citrus notes. The taste has a funky sweet citrus notes with slight carbonation notes. The aftertaste has a sweet malty to citrus notes. It is pretty drinkable beer.

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

Maya – Belgian IPA

ABV: 7.6% – Inspired by the founder’s daughter, and just like her, truly a one of a kind. A uniquely dryhopped Belgian Golden Ale with a subtle sweetness and a lot of mischievous tones. Don’t be disarmed by her easy going nature, she packs quite a punch.

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website: www.uneannee.com

Twitter: @uneannee

Closing, I am so happy to see this craft brewery having some success and start moving their beers out of the Chicagoland area. I love the name of this craft brewery. It is the French word for one year. There is some nice packaging. They did a great job color and aroma. There is a nice balance in the taste profile. I love it and it is pretty drinking brew. This is a great brewery and 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 Sports Thought Thursday Blog Jon Lester And Cubs Playoff Team

In this Sports Thought Thursday blog, we are going to dig into the exciting offseason from my Chicago Cubs. This MLB throughout the league has been really exciting offseason. I am pretty excited because Chicago Cubs are getting ready to start winning in two years. What does the Joe Madden and Jon Lester move means for this upcoming seasons in 2015?

The Chicago Cubs are not winning the World Series in 2015. They are going to make the playoffs but some of their kids might take a few steps back. Baez came up and started hitting some nice home runs. The excitement shot through Cubs nation. MLB took notice to the kid. He stroke a ton. His Minor League numbers show it. He had in last season 388 At Bats and stroke out 133 times. He had 23 home runs. He played 52 games with 213 At Bats and stroke out 95 times. The league will caught up with these kids on their weakest and strength. Soler when he came up he was pretty hot and then cool down. He batted .143 in the last seven games. I am not saying this doom. These kids will need to make some changes just like the league had too. I love our farm system and the upcoming kids on the roster. Jon Lester will give us that Ace they needed to fill out the rotation. He puts rest of our starters in line.

Here is the Rotation:

Jon Lester
Jake Arrieta
Jason Hammel
Kyle Hendricks
Jacob Turner
Travis Wood (Bullpin)
Edrwin Jackson (Bullpin)

I believe they will spit up that Lefty to Righty at the top of the rotation. It is pretty strong and I know Travis Wood had a rough year. I can see him bouncing back but I would not be shocked to see him traded to have one of other young pitchers come up in his spot. He might start the season in the bullpen because of the resigning of Jason Hammel. I know Edwin Jackson will be in the bullpen. I cannot see him starting and I would not be shocked to see him traded. He is owned a ton of money so maybe a bounce back year and traded before the trade deadline. He will start if there is some injuries. The Cubs has something they did not have in 2014. They have depth in the starting rotation. They will have some more kids ready half way through the year or September call ups. The lineup has some interesting looks. I know Joe Madden will have some fun here. Let take a look at that now.

Here is the Lineup:

C. Coghan LF
J. Baez 2B
S. Castro SS
A. Rizzo 1B
J. Soler RF
M. Montero C
L. Valbuena 3B
A. Alcanara CF
Pitcher

There is a ton of things can be moved around. You know Castillo will be traded because I cannot see team carrying three catchers. I also love pick up of Tommy Le Stella to back up Baez. If Baez starts out slow or just struggle, he can step in at second. We know Ross will be behind the plate when Lester is pitching so he will be in the 7th or 8th part of the line up. There is some choices and I know they are not done trading and signing players. I am not getting into the bullpen because I want to see what other moves they make. Joe might have a different way of looking at this line up.

Closing, I am liking what I am seeing from my Chicago Cubs. They will make the playoffs next season or just miss it. I can see them come out with a strong start or finish to the season. I can see a few more moves before spring training. I can see them doing some kind of moves before the trade deadline to add for the push to the playoffs or moves for 2016. Either way, Cubs fans are excited this season as they should be for this team. The last few years teams around the league believe they had a win playing us. This is not the case anymore. 2015 is a promising season and I am excited. Go get some! Drink it! Enjoy it! Metal it! \m/

Cheers!

Bill DJ Weiser

Email: djweiser16@gmail.com

Twitter: @djweiser

Instagram: @djweiser13

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