craft stout

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 Shipyard Smashed Blueberry

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In this beer blog, we are going to sample another brew from Shipyard Brewery.  It is their limited release brew, which is Smashed Blueberry Stout.  The first time Smashed Stout series are being put into a 12oz bottles. It is normally in a 22oz bottles and they are still putting it in a 22oz bottles.  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 know Shipyard Brewery.  Let us get into this stout.

It has a jet black color with a constant tan color head.  There is not any aroma. The taste of this stout has a chocolate cover blueberries notes. The aftertaste has a chocolate to blueberry finish. It is pretty drinkable beer.

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.shipyard.com

Twitter:  @shipyardbrewing

Closing, this brewery has a nice balance and it is pretty smooth.  It is kind of scary that Imperial Stout is pretty drinkable brew.  Normally Imperial Stouts are heavy and sipping beers.  It does not drink like an imperial stout.  I like it, however, I cannot see the money that I spend on it.   It is drinks like a normal stout.  I recommend this beer but I just feel you will be mad about how much you paid for 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 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 Shiner Brewery Birthday Beer Chocolate Stout

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In this winter beer blog, we are going to get into the first stout from Shiner Brewery.  It is their #106 Birthday Beer and it is called Birthday Beer Stout.  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.  Let us get into this stout.

It has a jet black color with a tan constant head. The smell has a heavy chocolate notes. It also has a fresh chocolate cake notes. The taste has a sweet to heavy chocolate notes with a dry cocoa chocolate aftertaste. It is a nice sipping beer.

Here is a description from the beer bottle:

Happy Beer-Day to Shiner!

To celebrate the 106th birthday of the “Little Brewery” in Shiner, we crafted this special limited-edition brew that’s a sweet treat for all.  Brewed with chocolate malt and real cocoa, this year’s Shiner Birthday Beer is a delicious stout with a soft creamy head, chocolate aroma and taste and a slightly sweet finish.  Drink this beer that’s as rich as Shiner’s heritage while it lasts – once it’s gone, you’ll have to wait until next year for another birthday surprise!

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.shiner.com

Twitter:  @shinerbeer

In closing, I am very proud of Shiner Brewery.  When I was down there, they were getting ready to open their Ale Brew House.  This brewery has come a long way in 100 years.  Happy Birthday, Shiner!  This is their first stout and their new winter seasonal.  I will have to say it is not disappointing.  I love it. It is like a chocolate cake taste but in liquid form.  It has a nice aroma and taste profile.  There is nothing more to say but this is an awesome 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 21st Amendment Marooned On Hog Island Stout

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In this blog, we are going to get into another brew from 21st Amendment Brewery.  It is their Marooned On Hog Island Stout.  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 21st Amendment Brewery.  Let us get into this special stout.

It has a jet black color without a head but the head that was there is a tan color. The aroma has a chocolate to coffee notes. The taste has a slime chocolate with a burned malt to coffee notes for the aftertaste. It is a nice sipping beer.

Here is a description from the beer can:

Exhausted by the tedious work and rancid beer, deck swabs O’Sulivan and Freccia abandoned Sir Francis Drake’s Galleon.  Days later, they washed up on a tiny island in Tomales Bay, where they encountered local oyster Farmers John and Terry.  Soon, these beer mutineers and oyster mercenaries were feasting on roast pig, fresh oysters and goblets of the Captain’s finest ale.  They could think of worse fates than being…

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.21st-amendment.com

Twitter:  @21stAmendment

In the end, I have always love stouts.  I am pretty much in love with stouts made with oysters.  My first ever stout with oysters was from Flying Dog.  These stouts are really unique and it takes stout and oyster fans to love this unique beer style.  The oysters make this stout a little slime like notes with some nice chocolate to coffee notes.  I love it. There is a nice balance in this brew.  I cannot wait to see this brew next season or everyday.  There is no information on their website.  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 Brewery And Perennial Artisan Ales Lips Of Faith Salted Belgian Chocolate Stout

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In this special beer blog, we are going to get into beer from a team of New Belgium Brewery and Perennial Artisan Ales.  It is part of New Belgium Brewery’s Lips Of Faith.  The brew is called Salted Belgian Chocolate Stout.  If you read my earlier beer blog posts on both of these craft breweries, you know the history of  both breweries.  If you have not, please, read them to get to New Belgium and Perennial Artisan Ales.  Let us get into this stout.

It has a jet black color with a creamy tan color head. The aroma has a creamy milk chocolate with slight salt notes.  The taste has a slight salted creamy chocolate notes.  The aftertaste has a dry salted notes.  It is kind of drinkable beer.

Here is a description from the beer bottle:

Dessert is best poured and the brewers at Perennial agree.  We dreamt up a beer that would bring together chocolate sweetness, Belgian yeast, deeply roasted malts and just the right shake of salt to pour a creamy stout worthy of a cherry on top.

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.newbelgium.com

Twitter:  @newbelgium

Closing, I will say New Belgium has been hitting some home runs of late between their everyday beers, new seasonal, and high-end brews.  I am a pretty big fan of Perennial Artisan Ales when I lived in Chicago.  I am still a fan but I can not get their beers here in Michigan.  They have not made it here.  I was pretty excited when I saw they teamed up with New Belgium Brewery.  I love the salt and chocolate mix in this beer.  It reminds me a creamy milk chocolate with sea salt notes on it.  This is a great liquid.  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 Special Double Cream Stout (2014)

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In this beer blog, we are going to sample one of my favorite beer from Bell’s Brewery.  It is their Special Double Cream Stout.  If you read my earlier beer blog posts on their beers, you know the history of this Michigan craft brewery.  If you have not, please, read them to get to know this craft brewery.  Let us get into this cream stout.

It has a jet black color with a nice creamy tan color head. The smell has some chocolate, coffee, to alcohol notes.  The taste has a chocolate to burn coffee notes with a dry coffee aftertaste.  It is a nice sipping beer.

Here is a description from the beer bottle:

Brewed with a blend of 10 different malts, Double Cream is an incredibly rich stout composed of dark, sweet, and smooth tones intermingled with a soft, roasty finish.

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

Special Double Cream Stout derives its name from its smooth, creamy texture, not the ingredients. Completely dairy-free, this stout blends ten different specialty malts to yield a remarkable depth of flavor. With only a touch of burnt notes, Special Double Cream Stout focuses on the softer, cocoa & espresso-like aspects of roasted malt.

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.bellsbeer.com

Twitter:  @BellsBrewery

In the end, I love this beer and I enjoy it very much.  I had the chance to have this beer in a Firkin.  It was even better brew.  I love the fact the shelf life is a year but I bet I can get it to age for a few years.  I just wish this beer was available all year-long.  This beer I know cost a little bit more to make and let it age to quality to the beer.  This beer has some nice creamy chocolate notes but a nice burn coffee notes.  This beer will sneak up on you because it does not drink like a high alcohol beer.  I recommend it.  Go get some!  Drink it!  Enjoy it!  Metal it!  \m/

Cheers!

Bill DJ Weiser

Email:  djweiser16@gamil.net

Twitter:  @djweiser

Instagram:  @djweiser13