craft pale ale

New Beer Blog The Alchemist Heady Topper

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In this beer blog, we are going to get into a brew that I have been wanting to try in a long time.  The brewery is The Alchemist and the beer is Heady Topper.  Alchemist is from Vermont.  It is a small brewery that focus on this brew.  They do brew other beers.  This brewery started in 2003.  They opened a larger brewery in 2011.  There is not much history on this brewery.  This beer is hard to get and people go out of their way to get this brew.  Let us get into this beer.

It has a cloudy golden color with a white constant head. The carbonation is pretty alive. The aroma has a heavy earthly to floral like notes. The tastes of this full body double India Pale Ale has a slight citrus to piney like notes. The aftertaste has an orange to grapefruit like finish. It is extremely drinkable beer.

Here is a description from the beer can:

Heady Topper is an American Double India Pale Ale.  This beer is not intended to be the biggest or most bitter.  It is meant to give you wave after wave hoppy goodness on your palate.  Tremendous amounts of American hops will creep up on you, and leave you with a dense hoppy finish in you mouth.

So drinkable.  It’s scary.  Sometimes I wish I could crawl right into the can.  Freshness and control have always been my main concern when it comes to our beer.  We are committed to providing you with an unfiltered and unpasteurized hop experience. The act of pouring it in a glass smells nice, but it releases the essential hop aromas that we have worked so hard to retain.  If you MUST pour it into the glass, you mind find that some of the hop resins have settled to the bottom – leave them in the can when pouring.  This beer is perishable, and at its best when it is young, fresh and hazy.  Keep it cold, but not ice-cold.  Drink this immediately, we are always making more.

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.alchemistbeer.com

Twitter:  @alchemistbeer

Ending, I will say this beer did not disappoint me for the wait and hunting to get this brew.  This is a great beer and I can see why it is rated so high. It is well-balanced for double IPA. This is the best Double IPA that I have ever had.  There is a nice balance and it does not drink like a Double IPA. They did an awesome job on this brew. I want more.  This is the brew that I will base other Double IPA’s on in the future.  I bet others do the same. I highly recommend this beer and 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 New Holland Brewing Mad Hatter Midwest India Pale Ale

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In this beer blog, we are going to get into another beer from New Holland Brewery.  This brew has been redesign recipe and new packaging.  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 IPA.

It has a cloudy to unfiltered golden color with a white constant head. The aroma has a citrus like notes. The taste has a nice balance of citrus that bends into a nice dry bitter aftertaste. It is a pretty drinkable beer.

Here is a description from the beer bottle:

Mad Hatter’s whimsy is celebrated with floral aromatics from assertive dry hopping, and a bright, hoppy body, punctuated with Centennial, Citra, and Michigan grown Cascade hops.  Citrus notes and pleasant bitterness excite your palate before welcoming a balancing malty finish.  Pairings:  aged cheddars, herb roasted poultry, vinaigrettes and six o’clock.

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.newhollandbrew.com

Twitter: @newhollandbrew

In the end, New Holland finally took noticed that their old IPA was not really good.  They redesign it and put a new recipe in their beer bottles.  I love citrus notes and it turned out pretty good.  They finally did something right with one of their everyday beers.  I believe it is turn off for what you have to pay to get this beer.  I am not paying 9.99 to 11.99 for this beer. This is made in Michigan not New York or California.  I understand that IPA’s are not cheap to make.  I just do not understand why the price being high in Michigan.  I recommend it, however, you will see what I am talking about.  I can get the same beer but cheaper.  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 Farmington Brewery Visit

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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.

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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 Great Lakes Brewing Lake Erie Monster Imperial IPA

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In this beer blog, we are going to sample another brew from Great Lakes Brewery.  It is their Lake Erie Monster Imperial IPA.  If you read my earlier beer blog posts, you know the history of this Ohio base craft brewery.  If you have not, please, read them to get to know this Midwest craft brewery.  Let us get into this Imperial IPA.

It has a clear golden color with a white constant head. The smell has a tropical to almost mango like notes. The taste has a some nice sweet citrus to tropical fruit notes like a mango. The aftertaste has a lasting dry bitter finish. It is a sipping beer.

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.greatlakesbrewing.com

Twitter:@GLBC_Cleveland

Ending, I look forward every year for this beer to be released.  I was pretty stun to see that I never blogged about this brew. This brew has a well built malty backbone to give off a nice balance for Imperial IPA. The malty backbone let the hops shine nicely throughout the drinking experience. I love this beer. I love the mango and tropical like notes.  This is a great beer and I wish it was one of their everyday brews.  I highly recommend 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 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 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 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 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