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New Beer Blog Mendocino Brewing Blue Heron Pale Ale

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In this beer blog, we are going to sample out Mendocino Brewing Blue Heron Pale Ale.  Mendocino Brewing was founded in 1983 under the name Hopland Brewery in Hopland, California.  They moved their brewery to Ukiah, California but left their brewpub in Hopland where their original brewery was located.  Let us get into the beer.

It has a clear golden color with a semi white head. The smell has a citrus to the beer. The taste is a citrus with a malty with a dull hop aftertaste. It is pretty drinkable beer.

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

Blue Heron Pale Ale is a delightful, medium bodied smooth ale, with a distinctive crisp mouth-feel and a fresh hoppy finish. It is brewed using premium two-row Pale malted barley, generous amounts of both Cluster bittering hops and Cascade finishing hops and our own special proprietary yeast strain.

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.mendobrew.com

Twitter:  @MendoBrew

In closing, this is a great beer.  I enjoyed this and I was pretty stun by it.  I had this beer a long time ago and I could not remember it.  It is drinkable and has a ton going on in it.  This brewmaster put some thought behind it.  I am not a fan of the packaging but it is what it is.  The history of the brewery explains why they have packaging they have.  There is nothing wrong with it.  I recommend you trying this beer.  Go get some!  Drink it!  Enjoy it!  Metal it!  \m/

Cheers!

Bill DJ Weiser

Email:  djweiser13@comcast.net

Twitter:  @djweiser

New Beer Blog Budweiser Vs. Budweiser Budvar

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In this beer blog, we are going to have a debate on 100-year-old argument.  There has been lawsuits and I believe they are still tied up in the courts.  Most general beer drinkers know about this debate and I know pretty much all craft beer drinkers know about it too.  The question how true is it that one of the Buschs stole Budweiser and brought the beer to the states.  I might not be able to answer this over 100 year question but I will put my thought on this debate.  Let us get into it.

Budweiser

History

I bet you already know the history of this beer.  Well just in case you do not here is a fast history lesson.  Budweiser was first brewed in 1876.  The company was known as Anheuser-Busch.  Adolphus Busch left Germany in 1850’s.  He prefered light lagers while everyone else, who is the general public at the time, wanted dark lagers or ales.  Adolphus Busch traveled throughout Europe learning the latest brewing techniques.

It has a clear golden color without a head on the beer.  The smell is malty or I like to say fresh air. The taste is a sweet carbonated to slight hop notes  with a dry crisp finish. It is a drinkable beer.

Budweiser Budvar

History

This brew was brewed back in 1785.  The brewery started exporting beer to the states in 1871.  Anheuser-Busch trademaked the name Budweiser two years after it was first brewed in 1878.  Czech Budweiser was sold to Budvar in 1895.  In 1938, it was settled that Anheuser-Busch could use the name Budweiser in the United States.  Of course, in 2007, Anheuser-Busch and Budvar agreed that AB would market and sell Budvar and Czechvar  in the United States and other countries.  Both sides said this does not affected their lawsuit to one another.  If you see Czechvar, it is Budweiser Budvar.

It has a clear golden color without a head. It is slight darker than the American Budweiser. The smell is a fresh apple smell like grannysmith apples. The taste is a sweet carbonated to slight hop notes with a dry  crisp finish. It is a drinkable beer.

In closing, so what is the debate on these two beers?  They do not look like.  Budvar is a little dark in color.  The smell is not the same either.  However, the taste is about the same, is the beechwood aging and the rice in American Budweiser any different?  They are a little different but the taste is about the same.  So the really debate is was the name stolen by Anheuser-Busch?  There is still a lawsuit in the courts.  We will never get the true and I believe this will never be settled.  They are big brands in their countries.  So just kick back and have a cold ones!  I just hope one day we could see both of these beers on the shelf with the same name on them.  Go get some!  Drink it!  Enjoy it!  Metal it! \m/

Cheers!

Bill DJ Weiser

Email:  djweiser13@comcast.net

Twitter:  @djweiser

New Sports Thought Thursday Blog How To Act As A Sports Fan To Other Fans.

In this Sports Thought Thursday blog, I might be wrong or right on this subject.  I will be talking on both sides of coin.  This has been a pretty big issue  to me of late living in the Chicago market.  Here is my thought.

Fan of a Team Not in the Market

At Stadium

Beware where you are and what you are doing.  For example, if you are going to see your team in another team’s stadium.  There is nothing wrong showing your team proud but there is an issue when you are acting like a jackass.  If you wear your team colors, you need to act like you are not there but you are there.  It is OK to clap when your team scores but do not stand up when they make a big hit and clap.  You are asking for problems.  You need to watch your alcohol in tank.  We all know people do dumb things when they are drunk.  It is fine to drink but know your limit.  If some other team’s fan says something, just ignore them.  If they keep going, just say, I am here just like you are and I am not bothering anyone.   You will need to know where security and Customer service.  Remember, you might be out-of-town but you are still a paying customer.  You deserve what the hometown fans get in their sports experience.  You need to show respect and it is pretty easy.  They will see it and just be nice. They will talk to you nicely.  At least, they will not get in your face and try to start a fight.

Out And About In The Town

This is part that bugs me.  I will wear a Red Wings hat around Chicago.  I am supporting my team like you are supporting your team.  I will not wearing a jersey around unless I am going to the game or bar event.  I know that is wrong and I am asking for problems.  I mind my busy and go about my errands just in my hat.  You need to be yourself and just respect your surrounds.

Fan In A City With Opposite Team’s Fan

At Stadium

Remember these people are human and they have feelings like you.  Treat them like you would treat yourself because what you give out will come back around.  It is fine to say their team sucks but do not get in their face to start a fight.  I realize you have to support your team with the rest of the fan base but remember you might be in that same situation down the road.  Plus, you need to realize how much you are drinking because you might do something you might regret.  Respect them and you might have a nice talk with them.  You might learn something from them.  Of course, if they do something, you know when to put them in their place.  Remember this is your building but that does not give you the right to be a jerk.  They are there like you to enjoy the game.  I get it they are rivalries. Respect!

Out And About To See Another Team’s Fan

Here is the big one for me.  I had this happen to me yesterday (Saturday).  I walk into a place with my Chicago Cubs coat and Red Wings hat.  There was a Blackhawks fan shouts across the place saying “Detroit Sucks!”  I just ignored him and then he goes on to say, “you made my day bad now! Detroit Sucks!”  I get it they are a really good team and they are better than the Red Wings.  I just looked at him and said, “I am minding my own busy.”  He just left me alone.  I did not just walk in and say Red Wings Rule because then I am asking for it.  Those are the fans that put a bad name on fan bases.  Remember that, when you see a co-fan doing something, you might want to step in or say sorry for how that person acted.

In closing, I get it you are a fan of your team.  Congrats but there are a time in place for everything.  I love the passion of any fan for their team.  What I do not like are jerks killing my sports experience or to any fan. I love to see all ballparks in the MLB and that goes with NHL and NFL.  The big think you need to put this in mind.  If I pay money to come into your town, I am helping your team and your city.  In the end, we are here to enjoy the sports event and just respect each other to have some fun.  This is not to paint a cloud on any fan base. I am basing my experience on my experience. Go get some!  Drink it!  Enjoy it!  Metal it!  \m/

Cheers!

Bill DJ Weiser

Email:  djweiser13@comcast.net

Twitter:  @djweiser

New Music Monday Blog Hard Rock And Metal Bands and Beers

In this Music Monday blog, we are going to take a look at something that is going rapid just like the Craft Beer industry.  I want to say this right off the start of this blog.  There is nothing wrong with these bands making or teaming up with a beer brewery to make beers.  They have that right to do that in their career and they earn this opportunity. I just feel in the past most are not that good.  I am going to highlight some of the beers you might see on your local liquor beer stores along with the growing craft beers too.  Let us get into this!

Motorhead Beer

This beer is a normal lager.  I have never had this beer but it could be a normal American Lager or it could be an import lager.

Here is a description from their website (www.brandsforfans.se):

Motörhead Bastards Lager Beer

For all beer drinkers and hell raisers, fans of loud and fast rock and roll, no matter if you have no class or if you are a damage case, this mean machine lager is fuel for any head banging opportunity. They are using Swedish brewery called Krönleins.  This beer is not available in the United States yet but if you live in Europe this is where you can buy it.  Order Motorhead Lager
Motörhead Bastards Lager Product code: 1234-03 (In Sweden)
Origin: Sweden Type of beer:
Lager Volume: 330 ml
Alcohol: 4,7%
Contains: Barley malt and hops

This Bastard has a malty and fruity taste with great character of malt and a hint of citrus. A quality beer that can be appreciated by rock’n’roll fans of all ages. Enjoy anytime when the craving for a beer hits you, but especially well with burgers, grilled meat or fish, pizza and friends.

Iron Maiden Trooper Ale

This one was just released  and at least Iron Maiden are true to the beer styles that are in their area and country.  I am kind interested in this beer.  I love my ales and hoppy ones to that point.  Please, watch the video below.  I love what Bruce said during the video.  This beer sounds like English Ale Beer Style.  Iron Maiden is taking this beer pretty seriously and I love how they have an idea on the beer.  I believe this is unique ale and I cannot wait to try it.  It is not available in the United States but if you are in Europe this is where you can order.  Order Iron Maiden Trooper Ale In Europe

Here is a video with Bruce Dickenson (Iron Maiden Singer) from their website (www.ironmaiden.com):

AC/DC German Lager

I heard about this a while ago and I just let it go through me.  I am not a huge lager fan but I will try a beer at least once.  AC/DC is a legendary hard rock band and they are using their name to push a beer.  Just like Iron Maiden they are looking to put this beer around the world for their fans to enjoy.  Right now, this beer is not available but the closest to me is Canada.  You can order it online but not in the United States.  Order AC/DC Lager In Europe

Here is a description from their website (www.acdc-beer.com):

True Taste for Rock`n Roll.

 If you wanna rock hard, you need the right beer.  AC/DC, the infamous Hardrock Legends from down under, have been delivering true rock for the last 40 years. Now they give their name for true, pint-sized Australian taste as well.
“AC/DC Premium Lager Beer ” is 568mL of true German Premium Lager with mouthwatering 5.0% alc.  This lager fires up your tongue like TNT, comes with a great beer-loving taste and is brewed in accordance with the Rock`n Roll manifesto of 1973 and the German purity law of 1516.

Jackyl – Jesse James America’s Outlaw Beer

Jesse James has been ahead of the curve than the rest of his metal peers.  This beer is American Wheat Ale.  The more I am digging into this subject.  I am seeing a ton of lagers so it is nice to Trooper and America’s Outlaw Beer are ales.  This beer is only available in a few states.

Here is a descriation from their website (www.jessejamesbeer.com):

AMERICA’S OUTLAW BEER is a true American original.

Our beer is an unfiltered wheat beer. American wheat beer is a style invented by specialty brewers in the United States in the 1980’s. It may even stretch the definition of “style,” for nowhere is the creativity and diversity of America’s craft brewers better displayed than in wheat beers.   Our beer is crisp and refreshing with an extremely soft finish.

AMERICA’S OUTLAW BEER is brewed with 40% malted wheat. The remaining grain bill is a wonderful blend of Pale, Caramel, and Munich malts designed to provide more body and mouth feel. Our Nottingham yeast delivers the soft finish that consumers will enjoy time and time again. Wilamette, Fuggles, and Cascade hops balance this refreshing beer perfectly.

This beer is delicious by itself or garnished with fruit.

AMERICA’S OUTLAW BEER is 5.5% abv.

In closing, there are a lot more beers teaming up with bands.  The ones that I am talking about are limited edition beers.  What I mean by that, they are beers that are made and release.  They will never made again in good chances.  I am talking about a beer that Clutch with New Belgian.  It was a 22oz bottles and it was a limited run.  I believe 3 Floyds have done several beers with bands.  I will say this.  This thought will never end.  Breweries and bands will team up to make money off each fan base.  I am excited to try these beers but I know some are good and others will be bad.  I cannot give you a thought because I never had some of these.  Please, let me know your thoughts if you have any of these.  Go get some!  Drink it!  Enjoy it!  Metal it!  \m/

Cheers!

Bill DJ Weiser

Email:  djweiser13@comcast.net

Twitter:  @djweiser

New Beer Blog Gigantic Whole In The Head Imperial IPA

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In this beer blog, we are going to get into another beer from Gigantic.  The beer is called Whole In The Head Imperial IPA.  If you read my last beer blog on their IPA, you know the history.  If you have not read the last post, please, read the post on their IPA.  Let us get into the beer.

It has a clear cooper with a constant white head. The smell has a citrus to the beer. The taste has a sweet citrus with a dry aftertaste. This is a sipping beer.

Here is a description from the beer bottle:

Whole In The Head Imperial IPA

A freakin’ hop bomb.  Bright, multilayered citrus hop aromas and flavors blow up your face, with just the right amount of hop bitterness to back it all up.

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.giganticbrewing.com

Twitter:  @GiganticBrewing

Closing, just like their normal IPA, this Imperial IPA is something else.  It is well made and balance.  It has a big hop flavor but a great malty backbone.  There is no faults in this beer like most India Pale Ales in the market.  These two brewmasters know what they are doing and they are good job at it.  It only comes in 22oz bottles but it is well worth the price for this great beer.  Once this beer is sold out they will never make anymore of this beer. I cannot wait to see what else this brewery has up their hat.  I highly recommend this beer and let me know what you think of it.  Go get some!  Drink it!  Enjoy it!  Metal it!  \m/

Cheers!

Bill DJ Weiser

Email:  djweiser13@comcast.net

Twitter:  @djweiser

New Beer Blog Gigantic IPA

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In this beer blog, we are going to get into a brewery from Portland, Oregon that I had a chance to visit their brewpub.  I was upset because my phone dead and I had no chances to write any blogs on their beers.  I was pretty excited to learn that they made their way to the Chicago market.  Gigantic opened their doors in 2012 to the public.  They are known for this beer in this post and making a twist on the classic beer styles.  The founders are Van Havig and Ben Love.  The ball started moving in 2010 for this brewery.  It looks like I was around when they first started up.  I do remember trying their beer called “The City Never Sleeps.”  Let us get into this great beer.

It has a slight hazel copper color with a constant white head on the beer. The smell has a citrus to it but I pick up hints of piney to earthly notes. The taste has a creamy with a light carbonation citrus with a dry hop aftertaste. It is to me a drinkable beer.

Here is a description from the beer bottle:

Gigantic IPA

True to its name.  Cascade, centennial, crystal and simcoe create a citrusy hop confluence that continuously embiggens with each drink.  The embodiment of our brewing philosophy to “never give an inch”.

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.giganticbrewing.com

Twitter:  @GiganticBrewing

Closing, I get nervous with 22oz bottle beers.  I sometimes feel I do not get my money worth out of the beer.  I did not feel this way towards this beer because I have had their beers.  I wonder if there are more people like me out there.  This is a great beer and it is well balance between the hops to the malt backbone.  Gigantic did a great job making this beer and I love the art on the packaging.  This young brewery is on the right direction and I am looking forward what they will release next.  I highly recommend this beer.  Go get some!  Drink it!  Enjoy it!  Metal it!  \m/

Cheers!

Bill DJ Weiser

Email:  djweiser13@comcast.net

Twitter:  @djweiser

New Beer Blog Speakeasy Payback Porter

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In this beer blog, we are going to get into another beer from Speakeasy out of San Francisco.  If you read my earlier beer blog post with all their six-pack beers, you know the history of this brewery.  If you have not, please, read that beer blog to get to know this great brewery from California.  Let us get into the beer.

It is a jet black color with a tan color head. The smell has a heavy chocolate to the beer. The taste is between chocolate to toffee with a coco aftertaste. For a dark beer and a dark beer drinker, it is a pretty beer drinkable.

Here is a description from the beer bottle:

American hops provide a smooth distraction for Payback Porter’s robustness, which is concealed within the shadows of imported dark malts.

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.goodbeer.com

Twitter:  @SpeakeasyBeer

In closing, this brewery has not disappointed me at all.  Speakeasy makes some good beers and lived up to the hype that is being said throughout the country.  Their Payback Porter brings up the back-end of their beer line up and lives up as a great beer.  This beer has a ton going on and craft beer drinker will be picking this up throughout the year.  I am slowly getting around to try all their beers.  Just like the rest of their line up, I recommend this one and the rest of their beers.  Let me know your thoughts.  Go get some!  Drink it!  Enjoy it!  Metal it!  \m/

Cheers!

Bill DJ Weiser

Email:  djweiser13@comcast.net

Twitter:  @djweiser

New Beer Blog Full Sail LTD Recipe Number #6

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In this beer blog, we are going to talk about a brewery that I have not had too many beers.  I was excited to see this in my beer box in my order from www.letspour.com.  Full Sail Brewery was founded in 1987 in Hood River, Oregon.  Their first beer was package in 1988 which was Full Sail Golden Ale.  Full Sail is an employee-owned business.  Full Sail is also the second largest brewery in Oregon and ninth largest craft brewery in the United States.  Let us get into the beer.

It has a jet black color without a head on the beer. The smell has a slight chocolate. The taste is a chocolate notes with a dry coco aftertaste. It is kind of drinkable.

Here is a description from the beer bottle:

There’s no coffee or chocolate in this Limited Edition Lager but your mouth will insist otherwise.  Recipe Number: 06

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

LTD 06 Black Bock – There’s no coffee or chocolate in this limited edition lager but your mouth might insist otherwise. Brewed for the Holidays, this  black bock is lush and full-bodied with hints of roast, coffee, & chocolate in the aroma followed by flavors of caramel & figs with a  long creamy smooth finish. Brewed as a Czech style Cerné  Speciální with 2 row Pale, Munich, Caramel, & Chocolate Malts &  hopped with Santiam and Perle hops.

ABV 7.0% IBU 34
AVAILABLE OCTOBER TO DECEMBER

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.fullsailbrewing.com

Twitter:  @fullsailbrewing

Closing, I had some of their beers and I will say this beer did not disappoint me.  I was not expecting what was in the bottle.  I really enjoy it.  It is a perfect winter beer and it held up during the travel across the country.  This lager is not over powered by the chocolate notes.  There is a nice balance in this beer.  I enjoyed drinking this beer and I will have to order some of their other beers or have friends pick them up for me.  I recommend this beer and I would start looking for it around October because it is a seasonal brew.  Go get some!  Drink it!  Enjoy it!  Metal it!  \m/

Cheers!

Bill DJ Weiser

Email:  djweiser13@comcast.net

Twitter:  @djweiser

New Beer Blog McAuslan Brewing St Ambrose Oatmeal Stout

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In this beer blog, we are going to try one of my favorite beer styles, which is Oatmeal Stout.  The brewery and the beer is McAuslan Brewing St. Ambrose Oatmeal Stout.   McAuslan Brewing opened their doors in 1989.  After 2002 Moosehead sold their shareholder stock, the brewery expanded into a new brewery.  They still brew Moosehead beer for the Quebec market.  Their beers are slowly making their way around the United States.  Let us get into this great brew.

It has a her black color without a head on the beer. The smell is chocolate to fresh s’mores.  The taste has a chocolate and coffee with a dry coco aftertaste. It is not that drinkable beer.

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

At the World  Beer Championship in 1994, St-Ambroise Oatmeal Stout received the second  highest rating of the over 200 beers in the competition and it won one  of only nine platinum medals awarded. Brewed from 40 percent dark malts and roasted barley, this intensely  black ale carries strong hints of espresso and chocolate. Oatmeal  contributes body and a long-lasting mocha-colored head to this  well-hopped beer.

5% alc/vol Available in Bottles and Draft

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.mcauslan.com

Twitter:  @bierestambroise

In closing, I did not realize this was an import craft beer.  I am not judging it by any means.  I really enjoyed this beer and I know Canada makes some good beers.  Canada is an extremely under rated country for brewing beers.  This is a heavy beer and I love when a brewery does that to their porters and stouts.  Sometimes breweries make their porters and stouts weak and light in body for that beer style.  There is nothing wrong with that I sometimes love those beers.  However, I sometimes want one heavy beer and move on with my day, this beer fits it.  I will be adding it to my line up beers.  It will be rotated in and out of my frig.  I was pretty impressed by this beer.  I recommend this beer.  Go get some!  Drink it!  Enjoy it!  Metal it!  \m/

Cheers!

Bill DJ Weiser

Email:  djweiser13@comcast.net

Twitter:  @djweiser

New Beer Blog MamaKash Ales Get My Money And Don’t Give Me No Problems Milk Stout

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In this special beer blog, we are going to get into one of my friend’s homebrews.  The growth of craft breweries around the country and the world.  There is no shortage of craft beer drinkers to try to brew their own beers.  If they are good at it, they will look to maybe open their own brewery in the future.  Let us get into this beer.

This stout has a black color with a semi tan color. The smell is like a black coffee in the morning. The taste is a slight piney black coffee with a dry hoppy finish. It is drinkable.

In closing, this was a pretty interested beer.   I really enjoyed drinking this beer.  I picked up some coffee but yet smooth like a milk stout.  There is also hints of hops.  The hops makes this beer a little unique and different.  As many of you know, I am a huge hophead.  I love the touch of the hops in this beer.  I do not believe there is a milk stout with a hop front on the market.  I believe he could make some money on this beer.  Drink it!  Enjoy it!  Metal it!  \m/

Cheers!

Bill DJ Weiser

Email:  djweiser13@comcast.net

Twitter:  @djweiser