craft porter

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 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 Great Lakes Brewery Alberta Clipper Porter

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In this beer blog, we are going to get into another brew from Great Lakes Brewery.  It is Alberta Clipper Porter.  I just realize that I have not blogged about their seasonals and special releases.  I am going to be blogging about their everyday beers here soon.  if you read my earlier beer blog posts on their beers, you know they 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 brew.

It has a jet black color with a constant tan or a light brown color head. The aroma has a heavy raspberries notes. The taste has a smooth chocolate to light raspberry notes with a nice chocolate aftertaste. It is pretty drinkable even though it is almost 8%.

Here is a description from the beer bottle:

Bid farewell to winter’s cruel tyranny with the creamy, bittersweet dark chocolate flavors and fresh raspberry tartness of Alberta Clipper Porter.  Named for the intense winter storms that sweep the Midwest and Great Lakes Regions, making us all a little tougher (and a lot colder), Alberta Clipper is the perfect treat to celebrate the return of wintry winds goodbye . . . at least for a little while.

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.greatlakesbrewing.com

Twitter:  @GLBC_cleveland

In the end, I love their special release and seasonal beers from Great Lakes Brewery.  If anyone in craft beer world to make a special porter, let it be Great Lakes Brewery.  The raspberry is not over powering in this beer.  It is heavy in the aroma.  There is a nice balance and it is really smooth brew.  I like it. I will get more.  I cannot wait to see the new labels next season.  This is the last seasonal and limited release to have their old labels.  You will start to see new labels from Great Lakes Brewery.  Of course, the liquid will stay the same. 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 Goose Island The Muddy Imperial Stout

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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 Buckledown Brewery Nefarious Aftermath

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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 Smuttynose Brewing Robust Porter

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In this beer blog, we are going to get into another brew from Smuttynose Brewery.  I am so glad they finally made it to the Michigan market.  I now can have one of my favorite IPA back in my beer line up.  If you have 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 Smuttynose Brewery.  Let us get into this nice English Porter.

It has a jet black color with tan creamy looking head on this English style head. The smell has a chocolate to coffee notes. It also has a slight burn to roasted malty notes. The taste has a roasted chocolate to slight coffee notes. The aftertaste has a dry chocolate to coffee finish. It is kind of drinkable beer.

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.smuttynose.com

Twitter: @smuttynosebeer

Closing, what I like about this beer, they did not do too much to it.  They stayed in the true beer style and there is nothing wrong with that.  This is an English style porter.  It has a pretty color and appearance.  I love the aroma notes this beer gives the beer drinker.  This is a great beer.  It is a nice and perfect brew in the coldest winter or fall days.  I love it. It is one of my favorite brews from this brewery.  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 New Belgium Portage Porter

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In this spring seasonal beer blog, we are going to sample the new spring seasonal, which is Portage Porter, from New Belgium Brewery.  This craft brewery is always changing it up on all their seasonals.  They normally switch seasonal brews every two years but they have been switching them sooner if they are not selling.  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 know New Belgium Brewery.  Let us get into this porter.

It has a jet black color with a constant tan head on this porter. The aroma has a chocolate to coffee notes. The taste of this American porter has a nice creamy chocolate to toffee notes. The aftertaste has a dry chocolate to coffee finish. It is kind of drinkable beer.

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

A great porter just feels right in your hand. And carrying a glass of Portage Porter is no different. An opaque, brown pour, this beer presents with coffee and chocolate aromas, with hints of toast and smoked almonds. The taste follows suit, adding an upfront sweetness and a slight, roasty bitterness to back it up. Creamy and wonderful, this porter sips a medium body and finishes dry and delightful. Portage Porter carts itself towards perfection. Just tip your glass and keep smiling. Available January 2015.

Here is their website and Twitter addresses:

Website:  www.newbelgium.com

Twitter:  @newbelgium

Ending, I did not see a normal American porter coming from New Belgium Brewery.  On top of that, it is a spring seasonal.  Now, my head is starting to spin.  This spring seasonal as a porter makes some sense.  This is why.  It was released about the half way point of the first quarter.  I am talking late January and early February.  I know here it is still winter.  This is one reason this beer makes some sense.  It is a light body porter and this is a second reason.  It is not like most porters that are pretty heavy.  I like it but it is not the best porter that I have had in my lifetime. I give credit for trying to do something new.  I can see some craft beer drinkers loving this beer.  I recommend it.  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 Stone Smoked Porter With Vanilla Bean

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In this seasonal beer blog, we are going to get into Smoked Porter with Vanilla Bean from Stone Brewery.  If you read my earlier beer blog posts on their beers, you know the history of this west coast craft brewery.  If you have not, please, read them to get to know Stone Brewery.  Let us get into this vanilla bean porter.

It has a jet black color with a tan color head. The aroma has a heavy vanilla notes. The taste has a smooth chocolate with a slight smoke notes. There is a heavy vanilla notes with a nice vanilla aftertaste. It is pretty drinkable beer.

Here is a description from the beer bottle:

In 2006, almost exactly 10 years after we first released Stone Smoked Porter, Stone Small Batch Brewer Laura Ulrich came up with a brilliant idea: What if she added whole Madagascar vanilla beans to a small batch of the finished beer?  She did just that, and Stone Smoked Porter w/ Vanilla Bean was born.  It was an instant hit, as the resulting flavor combinations – rich vanilla melding with the malty, chocolaty, coffee like characteristics of the beer – were practically made for each other.  Originally available only as an occasional growler fill or on tap all too briefly in the restaurant, this exquisite creation was bottled for the first time in 2012.  To the many fans who have been clamoring for more, worry not:  Your voices have been heard.

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

Warm up your palate with this delicious vanilla-laced creation. Whole Madagascar vanilla beans impart a vanilla quality that melds perfectly with the malty, chocolaty, coffee-like characteristics of our venerable Stone Smoked Porter. Enjoy this exquisite brew on its own or paired with a variety of food.

Here is their website  and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.stonebrewing.com

Twitter:  @StoneBrewingCo

In the end, I saw this year and I wanted to try it.  I wanted to long and it sold out.  There was a case where I saw it go out of code in some of my craft beer stores.  When the season came back around, I had to check code dates.  I love the aroma of the vanilla bean in this porter.  I thought that the smoked porter would over take the vanilla or make it weak.  The vanilla shines throughout this brew.  I love the aftertaste.  They did a great job on this brew.  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 Yuengling Porter

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In this beer blog, we are going to sample another brew, which is the Porter, from Yuengling Brewery.  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 this Oldest Brewery in the United States.  Let us get into this porter.

It has a jet black color with tan color head. There is not any aroma in this porter. It is pretty faded and I cannot pick up the notes. The taste has a nice balance of chocolate to roasted malt with a nice slight alcohol burn for the aftertaste. There is a little chocolate notes within aftertaste. It is a pretty drinkable porter.

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.yuengling.com

Twitter:  @yuengling_Beer

Closing, I just wish this brewery would make it to Michigan.  I happy to say that I can drive 60 miles south and pick up cases in Ohio.  I have not had their porter in a long time so I was happy to see it on the shelf.  I love it. This is a nice classic English style porter.  There is a nice balance in this porter.  I really enjoyed this beer.  What I love about this beer, it is really drinkable for the beer style.  I highly recommend this porter.  Go get some!  Drink it!  Enjoy it!  Metal it!  \m/

Cheers!

Bill DJ Weiser

Email:  djweiser16@gmail.com

Twitter:  @djweiser

Instagram:  @djweiser13