craft lager

New Beer Blog Fort Street Brewery Visit

In this beer blog, we are going to get into the second brewery that I visited last weekend with friends. It is Fort Street Brewery. This brewery was started in 2005 in my hometown of Lincoln Park. I grew up there for 18 years. They offer a new Firkin every week. This brewery has been around for 10 years and Congrats to that. Let us get into the beer.

They cover just about every beer style. I did not see a normal IPA or Double IPA. There was a session IPA and it was pretty good. The Lincoln Lager is gone and was replace with a good Cream Ale. There is a nice English Style ESB. This brew was my favorite. They also had a great Imperial Pilsner. Their White Ale was pretty average but I am not a wheat beer fan. I can see beer drinkers liking this brew. Black Hole was another great beer that I loved. They had a Root Beer on tap. It was pretty interesting. It came out as a golden ale and root beer notes were slight. It was not overpowering the brew. Overall, I will make the trip downriver to visit this brewpub again.

I did not order any food but I did look through their menus. It did look good and prices were just right for anyone’s budge. My friend order some food and his food did look good. This is a great place also to watch some sports games. I would say this brewpub is the whole package. Great beer and food while watching some of the local sports teams on TV.

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website: www.fortstreetbeer.com

Twitter: @fortstreetbeer

Ending, I have to say that I was pretty impressed. I know I heard mix thoughts on this place. Most of those thoughts were wrong. This brewery is making some good beers. They are making beers that fit their neighborhood. The place is pretty busy with regulars in the area. I love their beers and they have some nice balance from each of the styles. There is a nice selection of beer. I also love environment in this brewpub. I will come back. I recommend this place if you are in the downriver area. 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 Sierra Nevada Brauhaus Riegele Oktoberfest

In this fall beer blog, we are going to get into the new fall seasonal from Sierra Nevada Brewery. It is their Oktoberfest. It is brewed with Brauhaus Riegele. If you read my earlier beer blog posts on Sierra Nevada Brewery, you know the history of this west coast craft brewery. If you have not, please, read them to get to know Sierra Nevada. Brauhaus Riegele was founded in 1386. It is one of the oldest brewery in Germany. Let us get into this fall beer.

It has a clear golden color with a white constant head on this fall beer. The aroma has a light malty notes. It is hard to pick up. The taste has a malty notes that finish slightly sweet for the aftertaste. It is pretty drinkable.

Here is a description from beer bottle:

We partnered with one of Germany’s oldest breweries – Brauhaus Riegele – to create a true festival beer unlike any other brewed in the USA. Using traditional techniques and ingredients, we’re bringing the style back to its authentic roots with a deep golden color, delicate hop note and rich malt complexity.

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

Oktoberfest

A German-American collaboration on the classic festival beer.

“How Sierra Nevada Made the World’s Best Oktoberfest” —

We’re on a mission to explore the roots of Germany’s festival beers. Each year, we’ll partner with one of a handful of incredible German brewers to create a traditional take on the most famous beer style in history. This year we’re working hand in hand with Brauhaus Riegele of Augsburg. Together we created an authentic Oktoberfest beer, true to the roots of the festival, that’s deep golden in color and rich with complex malt flavor from the use of traditional German Steffi barley.

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website: www.sierranevada.com

Twitter; @SierraNevada

In the end, I was pretty excited to see Sierra Nevada making Okotberfest. I thought it was one from the Fall Sampler from last years. This is a brand new brew beer for this fall. The one from last year was their brewpub only Oktoberfest. I will be honest. I was not a really a huge fan of this years at first. I believe it was because I was hoping to get the one that I had from last year. I have to say it really grew on me. I have been picking it up and sharing it with friends. I have to say that my friends are loving it. I love it. I am having a hard time finding it now because stores are selling out and fast. I highly recommend this one if you can find it. Go get some! Drink it! Enjoy it! Metal it! \m/

Cheers!

Bill DJ Weiser

Email: djweiser16@gamil.com

Twitter: @djweiser

Instagram: @djweiser13

New Beer Blog North Center Brewing Visit

In this special beer blog, I finally had a chance to get by one of the newer craft brewery in the State of Michigan. I will get into the history and then the beer. This brewery opened in April 2015 in Northville, Michigan. This brewery founded by Kevin DeGrood and a few other individuals. Let us get into the place.

This small and upcoming craft brewery has a nice place just off busy 8 mile. The place is welcoming and has a nice modern look. I love the wood work. They took some time to think about where to put everything in this brewpub. I love the lay out of this brewpub. It has a better layout than Farmington Brewery and Canton Brew Works. North Center Brewing does not service food, however, they will let you bring food in or order from the two restaurants nearby them. There will be a Kroger opening soon across the street from them. They have some awesome cheese and salsa, which I recommend you trying both of them. Let us get into the beer.

You are coming here for the beer and I will say they will not let you down. I recommend the flight. You will sample all of them but one. Kevin and his crew are making some great and awesome beers. You can see that they worked on their craft before opening up this brewery. They know what they are doing and it is showing. I am not a wheat beer fan but they have a solid American Wheat Ale. What I love about their Cherry Saison, the cherry is not in your face and that was by design. They have awesome blueberry ale that is heavy on the blueberries. This is one of the best fruit beers that I had from Michigan craft brewery. There Imperial Stout is off the charts good. The Triple is still making me trip on how clear it was. There is not too many clear triples on the market. You can correct me if I am wrong unless they are filtering it. They are not doing that here. Their pale ale is really good. The IPA is good but I just wished it was more bitter and hopper. It is nice Midwest IPA. What I love about this brewpub and their beers, they are all different and they do not taste the same unlike some breweries. There is several breweries where all their beers taste the same. Most cases, it is because they are using the same yeast strain. This brewery does not do that.

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website: www.northcenterbrewing.com

Twitter: @northcenterbrew

Closing, I have been too many brewpubs and new ones too. Craft beer machine keeps on going with new breweries opening up all the time. There is some you can see people just jumping in to make a quick dollar. There are several of them opening up in Michigan. North Center Brewing is not like that. They are here for the love of making and enjoying beer. They fine their art and brought their A game. The staff that they hired or brought in are super nice and willing to talk beer with you. They will help you pick the beer to fit your taste profile. This craft brewery is here to stay and I am looking forward to my next visit. I will make sure I eat next time. I had to cut it short because of that. I highly recommend this brewery. I cannot say it enough. 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 Farmington Brewery Visit

In this beer blog, I had a chance to stop in to visit Farmington Brewery. Jason Hendricks and Jason Schlaff started to put together plans to open a brewery in downtown Farmington in 2013. Jason Schlaff’s father, who is Gary Schlaff, joined the team. Later on that year, Farmington Brewery finally opened up in 2014 and offer eight different beers. They are offering up to twenty-one and two to three different ciders. The building itself is small but it is perfect for them right now. It has a nice location in downtown Farmington, Michigan. They are right next door to an Irish Bar. It also has a nice outside sitting facing the main street. Customers get to enjoy the nice weather with some good craft beers. It has a nice welcoming inside this brewpub.

They do not service any food, however, you can bring food in or have it order to be delivered. They do not mind and they coverage it. This is a small place so keep that in mind when you go out during prime bar nights. Let us talk about the beer because this is the reason why people would come here. I did like their Pale Ale, Dry Stout, and 4 c’z Slam MI IPA. I love their Mt.Olympus Double IPA, I like the Dry Stout but it is pretty average. The Wheat is below average. I will be back to try some more of their brews.

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website: www.fbcbrewing.com

Twitter: @farmingtonbeer

Closing, overall, I believe this craft brewery is going in right direction. They just need to slow down and take in what they are successful to build on it. Most craft breweries do see their faults and keep doing the same mistakes. I am not saying Farmington Brewery. I am talking in general. Farmington Brewery are working to be successful on everything. I can see them starting to do it after one visit. I had some of their at a beer party and at some of neighborhood craft beer bars. I enjoyed their beers and I will be back to try more. I recommend checking out this craft 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 Shiner Bock

In this beer blog, we are going to sample the flagship from Shiner. It is their Bock. If you read my earlier beer blog posts on their beers, you know the history of this Texas base craft brewery. If you have not, please, read them to get to know this American classic craft brewery. Let us get into this bock.

It is not a see through beer. It has a reddish-brown color without a head. The aroma is pretty faded. It is hard to pick up but I believe it is a sweet malty notes. The taste of this medium body has a power of malt but it has some sweet malty notes with hints of nutty notes. The aftertaste has a sweet malty dry finish. It is a drinkable beer.

Here is a description from the beer bottle:

Bock Beer combines old world bavarian heritage with American handcraft brewing for a smooth, delightfully drinkable dark beer.

Handcrafted in this same brewery where it was first made back in 1913, this genty hopped medium brown brew is the pride of Shiner, Texas.

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website: www.shiner.com

Twitter: @shinerbeer

Ending, this is an American classic brew. I do not know anyone that does not like this brew. This brew has everything. It is drinkable and has some flavor. It is not really missing much. I love it. I just wish it was a little bit bigger here in Michigan. I normally go out of my way to get to this beer during football season. 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 Roak Brewing Visit

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.

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

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 Great Lakes Brewery Dortmunder Gold Lager

In this beer blog, we are going to get into another everyday beer from Great Lakes Brewery. It is their flagship Lager, which is Dortmunder Gold Lager. 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 Great Lakes Brewery. Let us get into this Golden Lager.

This Dortmunder Style Lager has a clear clear golden color with a white constant head. The smell has a slight hint of corn. The taste of this medium body has a sweet malty to hints of corn. The aftertaste has a clean dry crisp finish. It is extremely drinkable beer.

Here is a description from the beer bottle:

our Dortmunder Gold is a consistent gold medalist and a balanced golden lager (do you see a pattern forming?). In the Middle Ages, this style brewed in Germany was so popular it required armed escorts when exported to surrounding towns. As you can see, this beer was and still is as good as gold!

Not as dry as a Pilsner or as malty as a Munich-style lager, our golden lager is a balanced beer named after Dortmund, Germany, the city where the Dortmunder style originated.

In keeping with the Bavarian Purity Law of 1516, this beer is traditionally brewed from all natural ingredients: barley, hops, yeast, and water.

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website: www.greatlakesbrewing.com

Twitter: @GLBC_Cleveland

Closing, as many of you know, I have been on the hunt for the perfect craft lager. I know I have found one in St Louis. It is Urban Chestnut Brewery’s Zwickel. I cannot get that beer in my market. I am still looking for a good craft lager that I can get in my beer market. I believe I might have found it with Great Lakes Brewery Dort Gold. This Golden Lager is well balance but still gives you flavor unlike the mass-produced lagers. I have to say this is one of best lagers in my market. It is drinkable 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 Great Lakes Brewery Eliot Ness Amber Lager

Great Lakes Brewery Elliot Ness Amber Lager is the feature brewery and beer in this beer 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 this Ohio base craft brewery. Let us get into this Amber Lager.

This Amber Lager has a clean Amber color with a white constant head. The aroma has a sweet malty to hints of caramel and candy notes. The taste of this medium body has a sweet malty to caramel notes with a smooth crisp aftertaste. It is extremely drinkable beer.

Here is a description from the beer bottle:

In memory of Eliot Ness and his paddy wagon of guilty criminals, we have the “Fatty Wagon” (minus the criminals). Our eco-friendly Fatty Wagon and beer delivery truck both run or straight vegetable oil (SVO), which results in lower toxic emissions and a 25% savings over the cost of regular diesel fuel.

named after the one-time Cleveland Safety Director who frequented the original bar that is now the Great Lakes Brewpub, our deep amber lager has a faint hop nose and a slightly sweet finish.

In keeping with the Bavarian Purity Law of 1516, this beer is traditionally brewed from all natural ingredients: barley, hops, yeast, and water. No chemicals or preservatives are used.

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

Eliot Ness® Amber Lager | Great Lakes Brewing Company//

Admittedly, it’s a bit of a paradox to name our Amber Lager for history’s most famous agent of prohibition. But it’s a smooth, malty (and dare we say, arresting?) paradox.

Flavor: Almost untouchably smooth–armed with lightly toasted malts and noble hops.

Packaging:

6-pack

Draft

Glassware:

Mug

ABV: 6.1%

IBU: 27

Pairs With

Smoked meats, hearty breads, and a classy fedora

Beer Availability:

Year-Round Beer

World Beer Championships: 12-Time Award Winner Since 1995 (Gold, Silver)

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website: www.greatlakesbrewing.com

Twitter:

Closing, I am a little slow but I am starting to realize that Great Lakes Brewery makes some great beers. I love their porter, pale ale, and their golden lager. I will be adding this brew to that list. There is a nice balance in this amber lager. This beer has a nice smooth creamy aftertaste. I love the caramel notes and the overall balance in this beer. This is a great Amber Lager. I love it. I will be adding this beer in the later summer and fall days. This beer and banana bread beer will a nice break in the fall from all the pumpkin and Octoberfest brews. I highly recommend this beer. Plus, this beer is so much better than Samuel Adams Boston Lager and Brooklyn Lager. 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 Shiner Haymaker Extra Pale Ale

In this beer blog, we are going to get into the new pale ale from Shiner Brewery. It is called Haymaker Extra Pale Ale. If you read my earlier beer blog posts on their beers, you know the history of this Texas Craft Brewery. If you have not, please, read them to get to know Shiner Brewery. Let us get into this pale ale.

It has a clear golden color with semi on white head. There is not any aroma to this ale. The taste has a light earthly to slight citrus notes. The aftertaste has a slight hop bitterest that is not overly powerful. It is pretty drinkable beer.

Here is a description from the beer bottle:

This small batch brew is the sixth in our Limited Edition Brewer’s Pride Craft Brew Series. Our light-bodied extra pale ale has a golden color, smooth malty flavor and clean finish. Cascade hops balance it out to create a truly refreshing session beer for those who know there’s nothing better at the end of a long day of making hay. Prosit!

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website: www.shiner.com

Twitter: @shinerbeer

In the end, I was pretty upset that I had to buy the sampler pack. I am not a fan of all the Shiner’s beers. There is some that I can do without. It was worth it to try this beer and get more of this great brand. This beer has a nice balance and some nice hop tasting notes. I love this pale ale. I believe Shiner Brewery is starting to find themselves in the Ale world. I believe all other craft breweries will need to watch out. They make some nice and good lagers. I just wish that this beer was in 6 or 12 pack bottles in my market. This is a great beer 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

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Oktoberfest

A German-American collaboration on the classic festival beer.

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Packaging:

Glassware:

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