craft ipa

New Beer Blog Nickel Brook Brewery Head Stock India Pale Ale

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In this beer blog, we are going to get into Nickel Brook Brewery from Canada.  The beer that we are going to get into is Head Stock India Pale Ale.  There is not much information on their website about their history.  I do know they are part of the group of craft breweries that is back by Canadian Government.  Let us get into this IPA.

It has a cloudy golden color with a white constant head. The aroma has a tropical fruit notes. The taste has a smooth light carbonated notes with hints of tropical fruit notes. The aftertaste has a slight bitter but it is dry crisp finish. It is pretty drinkable beer.

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

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About: We admit it. We have a problem… We love our hops. We especially adore the amazing science of hops! As homage to our favourite wonders of nature, we present to you our award-winning Headstock IPA. The flowering humulus lupulus hop-cone provides us with the vital acids, essential oils and resins that permeate throughout our IPA. The result is a deliciously obscene wallop of tropical fruit, citrus and pine flavours and aromas any hop-head would gladly give a DNA sample for. We conclude that hop science is one tasty passion.

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.nickelbrook.com

Twitter:  @nickelbrookbeer

In the end, I was pretty impressed with this brew. I love the play on the words.  It looks Nickelback, who is the Canada Hard Rock band.  I love the tasting notes and this is one of best Canadian Craft beer that I had. I know that I have not had many. It is a pretty good IPA. I have to say that I had better.  I would have this beer over the Flying Monkey Atom Smash Bomb IPA any day of the week.  There is a better balance than Flying Monkey Brewery IPA. They put more thought behind on what hops to use in this beer.  There is a nice well build malty backbone.  I highly recommend this beer.  I wish it was in Michigan or just the United States.  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 Roak Brewing Visit

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In this special beer blog, I had a chance to get by Roak Brewing a few days after their grand opening. They opened just this year but they were founded it in 2014. Let us talk about the beer.

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Their goal was to do something different in every beer that they make. If it is higher alcohol level on their Devil Dog Oatmeal Stout, it is same price as rest of their beers in draft to package. It is a huge value. Mean Streets Amber Ale is a hoppy amber ale. They also have a American IPA and session IPA along with Belgian style white ale and Belgian style Dark ale in package and draft. They will have brewpub only beers in the near future.

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.roakbrewing.com

Twitter:  @roakbrewing

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Closing, they invested a ton of money into brewery and brewpub. They are here to make a stand in the craft beer world. Overall, their beers are really good. I am not a fan of both of their IPA’s. They are pretty weak to me. I can see some craft beer drinkers liking them. I am pretty excited to see what they will come out next. I recommend this brewery. 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 Flying Monkey Brewery Netherworld Dark Ale

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In this beer blog, we are going to get into our first beer from Flying Monkey Brewery.  It is their Neither World Cascadian Dark Ale.  I cannot find any history on this Canada craft brewery.  I know this craft brewery is part of craft breweries that are back by Canadian Government.  Let us get into this Black Ale.

It has a jet black color with a health tan color head. The smell has a chocolate to citrus notes. The taste has a smooth to creamy chocolate notes with a hint of dry bitter aftertaste. The hops are not really in attendance. It is pretty drinkable beer.

Here is a description from the beer bottle:

Heeding a chorus of voices crying for a dark roasty thing with lots of west coast hops and a higher ABV we summoned Netherworld from the chaotic flip side of the brew house where hybrid is the norm and nothing is ordinary.

Hovering just this side of evil, in the right hands, our “Cascadian Dark Ale” is bizarrely nice with its own entrancing mojo.  However, watch out for those who refuse to see the darkness.

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.theflyingmonkeys.ca

Twitter:  @flyingmonkeys

Closing, this import craft brewery is new to the craft scene in the United States.  I have had a few of their brews.  I just found them average because of the price.  The price is a little high for this beer market.  When most of the beer drinkers only want Michigan only craft beers.  There is nothing wrong with that.  I just found there are better beers outside of this state.  There is bad ones too.  This beer is a little different from the rest of the dark ales on the market.  It is not as bitter and hoppy.  It is pretty mild and I like that.  The price of this beer is too high and it affects the way beer drinkers looks at this beer.  It is a good beer but it is average because of the price.  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

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New Beer Blog Perrin 98 Problems IPA

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In this beer blog, we are going to sample 98 Problems IPA from Perrin Brewery.  This is the first time that this craft brewery is being featured on this blog.  Here is a little history on this brewery.  Perrin Brewery was founded in 2012 just outside of Comstock, Michigan.  Their goal is to make drinkable and session-able beers.  They were sold to Osckar Blues in 2015.  They will be releasing six-pack 12oz cans by the end of the year.  Let us get into this IPA.

It has a clear copper color with a white constant head.  The smell has an earthly to floral notes. There is more floral notes. The taste of this medium body has a smooth earthy to slight piney notes. The aftertaste has a smooth but bitter finish. It is pretty drinkable beer.

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.perrinbrewing.com

Twitter:  @PerrinBrewing

In the end, this is a pretty young craft brewery in Michigan.  They are starting to make some noise around the state and country.  I know many people outside of the State of Michigan that want their beers.  They are the guys that started the whole Grapefruit IPA trend.  I love this beer. I might be drinking this more when it is in package than Goose Island IPA.  There is a nice balance in this India Pale Ale.  Untappd says it is an American IPA.  I believe it is like Goose Island IPA.  They are both English style India Pale Ales.  They use Michigan grown hops but they are all original from Europe.  I highly recommend this beer.  Go get some!  Drink it!  Metal it!  Enjoy 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 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):

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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 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 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 Petoskey Brewing Mind’s Eye PA India Pale Ale

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We are going to sample Petoskey Brewing for the first time on this beer blog.  We are to get into their Mind’s Eye PA India Pale Ale. Petoskey Brewing was founded 1898.  They stopped making beer in 1915.  Since 1915 to 2012, it was used as retail space and warehouse.  In 2012, Patrick Dowd and Lou Gostinger became new owners of the “Old Brewery.”  They redid the brewery and began flowing beer from the “Old Brewery.”  This might be an old building but this is a young and upcoming craft brewery from Michigan.  Let us get into this IPA.

It has a clear copper color with a white constant head. The carbonation is a lot in this beer. The beer drinker will need to be careful with it. The aroma has a nice citrus and slight caramel notes. The taste has a nice sweet caramel, malty, and citrus notes. The aftertaste has a dry bitter and slight caramel finish. It is pretty drinkable beer.

Here is description from the beer can:

Burnt copper color and giant hop aroma come to the forefront in this traditional American IPA.  Rich caramel malt and red wheat balance the dry, wheat balance the dry, bitter finish of this full-flavor craft brew.

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

Mind’s Eye P.A (I.P.A.)

Burnt copper color and giant hop aroma come to the forefront in this traditional American IPA. Rich caramel malt and red wheat balance the dry bitter finish of this full-flavor craft brew.
6.7% ABV, 74 IBU

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.petoskeybrewing.com

Twitter:  @petoskeybrewing

Closing, I am due to travel this great state to check out all the brewpubs and craft breweries.  I will say this brewery is on the list.  I have to give a huge shoot out to my friend Bill for bring me a few cans back of this brew.  Let us talk about this beer.  First thing that I like, it is in cans and I know most people around do not like their beers in cans.  Bottles are nice but they do not do a good job of protecting the beer from sun light and oxygen.  The beer itself has a color tone that invites beer drinker to drink it.  This is pretty good IPA. It is not one of my favorite brew but I will drink it again.  I will drink it again to help a Michigan craft brewery that has some promise.  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