dogfish head

New Beer Blog Revolution Brewing and Firestone Walker Brewing Dos Osos India Pale Ale

image

In this beer blog, we are going to get into a brew where two craft breweries teamed up to brew.  I am talking about Dos Osos India Pale Ale from Revolution Brewing and Firestone Walker Brewing.  This is a special and limited edition brew.  If you read my beer blog posts on both of these breweries, you know the history of both of them.  If you have not, please, read those beer blog posts to get to know both of these breweries.  Let us get into the beer.

It has a clear deep golden color with a constant white head on this India Pale Ale.  The smell is a heavy grapefruit with a slight orange.  The taste is about the same with some carbonation notes.  The aftertaste is a sweet grapefruit notes.  This is an extremely drinkable beer.

image

Here is a description from Revolution Brewing’s Website (www.revbrew.com):

Dos Osos

Dos Osos, or “two bears,” IPA is a collaboration brew with our great friend Dustin Kral who is the lead brewer at Firestone Walker Brewing Co. in Paso Robles, CA. Named after both the bear on the California State flag and the Chicago bears this IPA is described as a Central Coast IPA, named for California’s Central Coast. As with most West Coast IPAs, our version in not bogged down with lots of specialty malts and is dry, crisp and clean which is a trademark of the hoppy ales from both Revolution and Firestone. 2-row, Munich, and a touch of cara-pils lend a subtle malt base to which the layers of hop character are built upon. An array of hops including Warrior, Chinook, Centennial, Cascade and Citra infuse this ale with aromas and flavors of fresh flowers, citrus and passion fruit. The finished product is a clean refreshing IPA with a crisp bitterness and wonderful hop bouquet.

India Pale Ale

ABV  6.6%IBU  75

Profile: Dos Osos, or “two bears,” IPA is a collaboration brew with Firestone Walker Brewing Company.

Color: Deep Gold

Availability: 1/6bbl, 1/2 bbl, 22 oz.

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.revbrew.com and www.firestonebeer.com

Tiwtter;  @revolutionsbrew, @RevBrewChicago, and @firestonewalker

Closing, this beer has been on my radar since it came out.  I keep on picking it up at the liquor store and pulling it back down on the shelf.  I knew I was leaving the Chicago area to move back to Michigan.  I wanted to make sure I had at least one before I leave.  I have to say I am not disappointed one bit.  Both craft breweries did a great job working together to make a really good brew.  It is well-balanced from the malty backbone to the hops.  If you can find a bottle, I highly recommend you trying this brew.  Go get some!  Drink it!  Enjoy it!  Metal it!  \m/

Cheers!

Bill DJ Wieser

Email:  djweiser13@comcast.net

Twitter;  @djweiser

New Beer Blog 21st Amendment Brewery Hop Crisis Imperial IPA

image

In this beer blog, we are going to get into another brew from 21st Amendment Brewery.  It is their limited release brew, which is called Hop Crisis Imperial IPA.  If you read my earlier beer blog posts, you know the history of this brewery.  If you have not read those beer blog posts, please, read those beer blog posts to get to know this brewery.  Let us get into the beer.

It has a cloudy straw to golden color with a constant white head on the beer.  The smell is a heavy tropical fruit to this IPA.  The taste of this light body beer is a sweet tropical fruits like mango to pineapple.  The aftertaste echoes the taste notes.  It is pretty drinkable beer.

Here is a descriation from their website (www.21st-amendment.com):

Shaun and Nico have to break out of Alcatraz. And fast. The Hop Syndicate is hoarding hops, depriving the people of their right to hoppy, aromatic beer. Join Shaun and Nico on their adventure to Free the Hops! First, they plan a daring escape through the sewer pipe, then they surf monster waves on ironing boards, and finally they attempt a high speed cable car getaway.

Hop Crisis. Crisis? What Crisis? A few years ago, when hop prices shot through the roof and the worldwide hop market went into a tailspin, at our pub in San Francisco we decided there was only one thing for us to do. We made the biggest, hoppiest IPA we could imagine and aged it on oak for good measure. This Imperial IPA breaks all the rules with more malt, more hops and more aroma.

  • Alcohol Content 9.7% by volume
  • Color Gold
  • Bitterness Units (IBUS) 94
  • Bittering Hops Columbus, Centennial, Cascade
  • Yeast Top Fermenting Ale Yeast
  • Malts Pale Malt, Munich, Dextrose
  • Special Ingredients Aged on Oak

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.21st-amendment.com

Twitter:  @21stAmendment

End of the hops, this beer is something else in a very good way.  This is Imperial India Pale Ale and it does not drink like one.  It is light to medium in body for the type of beer style.  I love the hops that they used in this brew.  It has a well made malty backbone to balance with hops that are being used in it.  The hops kick off a nice tropical fruit notes.  If you are in the west coast, I highly recommend you stopping into their brewpub in San Fran.  They service some great food and you can purchase some of their beer to go from the brewery.  I highly recommend this brew too.  Go get some!  Drink it!  Enjoy it!  Metal it!  \m/

Cheers!

Bill DJ Weiser

Email:  djweiser13@comcast.net

Twitter:  @djweiser

New Beer Blog Robinsons Brewery Trooper Ale

image

Run to the hills, we are going to get into the brew from Iron Maiden and Robinsons Brewery and it is their Trooper Ale.  This is recipe came from Bruce Dickenson, who is the lead singer.  Robinsons Brewery was founded and started in 1838 by William Robinson in England.  They brew several different beer styles.  Here is a youtube video with Bruce talking about this beer.

It has a clear copper color with a semi white head on this Metal Beer.  The smell is a slight caramel to some hop notes.  The taste has some caramel with hop notes along with a slight water notes.  The aftertaste has a dry hop and malt finish that falls flat at the end.  It it is pretty drinkable beer.

Here is a description from the beer bottle:

Onward, onward Ride the 600…

The change of the light brigade, which inspired the Iron Maiden song The Trooper, took place at the Battle Of Balaclava (1854) during the Crimean War when 600 British cavalry courageously charged the masses Russian artillery.  This gallant but foolhardy assault resulted in a massive loss of life and came about due to a misunderstanding of an order given by the commanding officer, Lord Raglan

Trooper is a premium British beer inspired by Iron Maiden and handcrafted are Robinsons brewery.  Being a real ale enthusiast, vocalist Bruce Dickinson has developed a beer which has true depth of character.  Malt flavours and citric notes from an unique blend of Bobec, Goldings, and Cascade hops dominate this deep golden ale.

Here is a description from Robinson Brewery’s website (www.robinsonsbrewery.com):

Premium British Beer – Inspired by Iron Maiden, handcrafted by Robinsons. ABV 4.7%

TROOPER takes its name from the Iron Maiden song which is inspired by the famous Charge of the Light Brigade. Being a real ale enthusiast, vocalist Bruce Dickinson has developed a beer which has true depth of character.

TROOPER is a Premium British Beer inspired by Iron Maiden and handcrafted at Robinsons brewery. Malt flavours and citric notes from a unique blend of Bobec, Goldings and Cascade hops dominate this deep golden ale with a subtle hint of lemon.

Premium British Beer – Created by award-winning heavy metal rock legends Iron Maiden, brewed by Robinsons. ABV 4.7%

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.robinsonsbrewery.com and www.ironmaidenbeer.com

Twitter:  @ironmaidenbeer

Fear of the dark, I am huge metal head and fan of Iron Maiden.  When I heard the band was coming out with a beer, I thought it was a money grab.  Of course, they will make money on it either way.  When I heard they are taking this beer serious, I started to take this brew serious.  I had a hard time finding a bottle to try it here in the states.  I had a friend from one of my beer stores get a few cases.  It is 16.9oz bottle for $7.99.  I am not saying this is a bad beer because it is not a bad one.  I just feel this beer is over priced.  Of course, I understand it is an import beer that is one reason why it is a little bit more.  I recommend you trying this brew if you are a fan of the band, metal head, and/or craft beer drinker.  Overall, it is a well made beer and I enjoyed this brew. Go get some!  Drink it!  Enjoy it!  Metal it!  \m/

Cheers!

Bill DJ Weiser

Email:  djweiser13@comcast.net

Twitter:  @djweiser

New Beer Blog Redhook Brewing Out Of Your Ground Pumpkin Porter

image

In this beer blog, we are going to get into a two-year old fall seasonal from Redhook Brewery.  It is their Out Of Your Ground Pumpkin Porter.  If you read my earlier beer blog posts on their brews, you know the history of this brewery.  If you have not, please, read those beer blog posts to get to know this brewery.  Let us get into beer.

It has a black and brown color without a head on this fall seasonal.  The smell is chocolate cover pumpkin.  The taste of this light to medium body beer is chocolate cover pumpkin with a fade smokey pumpkin aftertaste.  It is pretty drinkable beer.

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

Out of Your Gourd Pumpkin Porter is dark chestnut-brown in color and is made with pureed pumpkin. Cinnamon, nutmeg and ginger are added to the whirlpool and maple syrup is added during fermentation. This full-bodied, rich roasty porter makes you want to eat turkey and watch football, or build a bonfire.

Here is their website and twitter addresses:Website:  www.redhook.com

Twitter:  @redhook_brewery

Ending, I am a huge fan of Redhook as many of you know by reading on this blog.  This is not one of my favorite beer from this brewery or fall seasonal.  This brew is still a really good brew.  It has a nice balance from the pumpkin and porter.  It has taste of chocolate cover pumpkins.  This is a great sessional fall beer.  This is a beer you can drink during fall cook out or bonfire without having something too heavy.  This is a great brew and Redhook brewery did a great job on this brew.  I recommend you trying this brew.  Go get some!  Drink it!  Enjoy it!  Metal it!  \m/

Cheers!

Bill DJ Weiser

Email:  djweiser13@comcast.net

Twitter:  @djweiser

New Beer Blog Epic Armageddon IPA

image

In this beer blog, we are going to get into a brewery I have been wanting to try in a very long time.  I am talking about Epic Brewery from New Zealand.  The beer is their Armageddon India Pale Ale.  Epic Brewing was started in 2006 by the founder, who is Luke Nicholas.  In 2007,  Steam Brewing Company sold all the Epic Brewing and the brands to Luke Nicholas.  The brewery started to sell their beers to Australia in 2009.  The United States and Sweden in 2010 and Belgium and Italy in 2011.  They brew several different beer styles.  Let us get into the beer.

It has a clear copper color with pure white head on this India Pale Ale.  The smell is grapefruit.  The taste of this medium body beer is a carbonated grapefruit notes with a slight dry hop aftertaste.  It is pretty drinkable beer.

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

Armageddon I.P.A

The answer to everything.

In the beginning, there was nothing. Then an impish brewer piled a ludicrous amount of hops into a batch of beer. This zymurgical big bang is Epic Armageddon, an apocalyptic assault on your preconceptions and taste buds. It may be too huge for this fragile planet so enjoy this beer like it was the last one on Earth.

Malt

  • English pale ale
  • Caramalt

Hops

  • US Cascade
  • US Centenniel
  • US Columbus
  • US Simcoe

Flavours & aromas

  • Hops! hops! hops!
  • Citrus
  • Grapefruit

Awards

  • Best in Class – BrewNZ 2011
  • Best in Class – BrewNZ 2009
  • Gold Medal – BrewNZ 2011
  • Gold Medal – BrewNZ 2009
  • Bronze Medal – BrewNZ 2010

Here is a their website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.epicbeer.com

Twitter:  @EpicBeer

Closing, I am not disappointed with this beer after a long wait of wanting to try it.  I will be hunting down the rest of their brews.  This brewmaster did a great job on this brew.  He and his company put some thought behind this brew.  The beer is nice balance with some great hop notes and character.  It is pretty drinkable for the beer style.  I will be looking for more of this beer in Detroit beer market.  Thanks Luke for giving the United States craft beer drinker a good import IPA.  Go get some!  Drink it!  Enjoy it!  \m/

Cheers!

Bill DJ Weiser

Email:  djweiser13@comcast.net

Twitter:  @djweiser

New Beer Blog O’Fallen Pumpkin Beer

image

In this beer blog, we are going to get into the first brew from O’Fallen Brewery from Missouri.  It is their Fall Seasonal, which is Pumpkin Beer.  O’Fallen Brewery was founded in 2000 by Fran and Tony Caradonna.  The brewery was sold to Jim Gorczyca in 2011.  Fran Caradonna is still part of the company to this day.  They brew several different beer styles.  Let us get into the beer.

It has a light amber color without a head on the beer. The smell is a heavy cinnamon, nutmeg, and pumpkin to this fall seasonal. The taste of this light to medium beer is heavy pumpkin with hints of cinnamon and nutmeg notes. It is pretty drinkable beer.

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

Like pumpkin pie in a bottle…we add 136 pounds of real pumpkin to the three-barley mash and then season the finished beer with cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves. Available September 1.

Style: Herb and Spice Beer Alcohol: 5.6% ABV Bitterness: 11 IBUs Color: 8.7 SRM Grain: Pale, White Wheat, Caramel 90L Hops: Cluster

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.ofallonbrewery.com

Twitter:  @OFallonBrewery

In closing, I have had a few of their beer over the years.  I have to say they are average to slightly above average.  I love my fall beers but over the years I have been disappointed.  This Pumpkin Beer I have been wanting to try it.  I had a chance this season to get a bottle from my local liquor store.  It is a really good brew and I believe they did a great job brewing it.  The problem like many beers coming out-of-state I believe it is overpriced.  I am not saying it is bad because it is overpriced.  I just would pick up one six-pack in the season but that is a maybe it.  There is so many newer seasonals and breweries hitting the market everyday.  It makes it harder and harder for the breweries that have been in the market for years to have their brews sell well. I recommend you trying this beer and try rest of their brews.  Go get some!  Drink it!  Enjoy it!  Metal it!  \m/

Cheers!

Bill DJ Weiser

Email:  djweiser13@comcast.net

Twitter:  @djweiser

New Belgium Pumpkick Fall Seasonal

image

In this beer blog, we are going to get into the new Fall Seasonal from New Belgium Brewery.  It is their Pumpkick Ale.  If you read my earlier beer blog on their Imperial IPA, you will know the history of this brewery.  If you have not, please, read that beer blog post to get to know this Colorado brewery.  Let us get into the beer.

It has a light copper color with a constant white head on this fall seasonal beer.  The smell is heavy pumpkin with slight cranberry notes.  The taste of this light to medium body is a cranberry and pumpkin notes with a pumpkin aftertaste.  It is pretty drinkable beer.

Here is a description from the beer bottle:

What’s that bite of tartness doing in a pumpkin beer? Adding the unexpected kick of cranberry juice to brighten this traditionally spiced seasonal ale. Pumpkick is brewed with plenty of pumpkin juice cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice, but it’s the cranberries and touch of lemongrass that send your taste buds sailing.

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

What’s that bite of tartness doing in a pumpkin beer? Adding the unexpected kick of cranberry juice to brighten this traditionally spiced seasonal ale. PUMPKICK is brewed with plenty of pumpkin juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice, but it’s the cranberries and touch of lemongrass that send your taste buds sailing.

Birthdate: July, 2013

ABV: 6.0%
Hops: Target
Malts: Pale, Munich, Caramel
Fruits/Spice: Pumpkin juice, Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Allspice, Cranberries, Lemongrass

Here is a video on their website (www.newbelgium.com) about food pairing:

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website;  www.newbelgium.com

Twitter:  @newbelgium

Closing, I am not a really huge fan of this brewery, however, the last few new brews that they have release.  They are winning me over pretty quick.  I love their Rampant Imperial IPA and Shift Pale Lager.  This beer that is being feature is really good gives me hope more for this brewery and all fall seasonals.  This pumpkin beer is pretty well balance with the complex favors in it.  There is a ton going on in this brew.  It is not over the top from the pumpkin and cranberry.  I highly recommend this brew.  Go get some!  Drink it!  Enjoy it!  Metal it!  \m/

Cheers!

Bill DJ Weiser

Email:  djweiser13@comcast.net

Twitter:  @djweiser

New Beer Blog Pipeworks Brewing Ninja Vs. Unicorn Double IPA

image

We are going to get into the third beer that will be review on this beer blog from Pipeworks Brewing.  The beer is their Ninja Vs. Unicorn Double India Pale Ale.  If you read my beer blog post two days ago, you know the history of this brewery.  If you have not, please, read that beer blog post to get know this brewery.  Let us get into the beer.

It had a cloudy copper color with a constant white head on the beer.  The smell is piney to earthy notes.  The taste of this medium to full body beer is light carbonation piney notes to it.  It is pretty drinkable Double India Pale Ale.

Here is a description from the beer bottle:

Ninja Vs. Unicorn celebrates the epic battle two of the biggest hop-heads of lore.  Brewed with over five pounds of hops per barrel, this unfiltered double IPA is sure to please the most discerning hop lover.  Whether you’re rooting for the mythical horned horse or the deadly assassin of the east, we hope you’ll enjoy Ninja Vs. Unicorn.

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.pipeworksbrewing.net

Twitter:  @PipeworksBrewin

Ending, this is a great beer.  I love the hops they use in this beer.  It is pretty well-balanced for being a double India Pale Ale.  There is a nice malty backbone but I kind feel it should be stronger.  I can live with it.  I have to say for a beer that is in 22oz bottle.  It is well worth the price.  I have always felt beers in 22oz bottles are not worth the price.  To me, this one lives up to the price.  I recommend you trying this brew.  Go get some!  Drink it!  Enjoy it!  Metal it!  \m/

Cheers!

Bill DJ Weiser

Email:  djweiser13@comcast.net

Twitter:  @djweiser

New Beer Blog Pipeworks Brewing Chai Dog Imperial Milk Stout

image

In this beer blog, we are going to get into a second brew reviewed on this blog by Pipeworks Brewing.  The brew I am talking about is their Chai Dog.  If you read my earlier beer blog, you are up to speed on the history of this young and upcoming brewery.  If you have not, please, read the blog post from yesterday to get up to speed.  Let us get into the brewery.

It has a jet black color with a semi tan head on the beer.  The smell is a heavy chai spices.  The taste is extremely creamy with heavy chai spices.  The aftertaste has a heavy chai spices that last for a long time.  It is not drinkable unless you are a chai tea coffee drinker.

Here is a description from the beer bottle:

Chai Dog is our Eastern answer to the coffee-centric caffeine concoctions popular here in  the West.  This silky smooth milk stout is brewed with cacao nibs, green cardamom, vanilla bean, star anise, black peppercorn and cinnamon.  This delicious blend of spices creates a balance and complexity will transport you from your local watering hole to an authentic, old tea house in the heart of Mumbai.

Stop

Read Before Opening

This beer is Unfiltered.  Sedimentation may occur.  For best flavor, allow bottle to chill for two hours before serving allowing for the natural yeast to settle out.  Pour slowly into your favorite glass, being careful to leave sediment behind.

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.pipeworksbrewing.net

Twitter:  @PipeworksBrewin

In closing, I am not a fan of this brew and it was hard to put it down.  I passed it to a friend because I could not finish it.  I have said this several times on my blog posts just because I do not like it.  It does not mean you will not like it.  I write my thoughts on this blog with truth to me.  I will have to say this about this brew.  I believe you have to be a fan of Chai Tea.  I can see some people who do not like Chai Tea liking this beer.  Please, let me know what you think of 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 Brooklyn Oktoberfest

image

In this beer blog, we are going to get into another seasonal from Brooklyn and it is their Oktoberfest.  if you read my earlier beer blog posts about this brewery, you know the history of this brewery.  If you have not read those beer blog posts, please, read those beer blog posts about this brewery.  Let us get into beer.

It has a clear dark copper to amber color with a white head on this fall lager.  The smell is a slight malty to hints of caramel.  The taste is a sweet heavy caramel notes with a dry caramel aftertaste.  This beer style leans has a drinkable beer.

Here is a description from the beer bottle:

Please enjoy Brooklyn Oktoberfest, a rich, malty version of the lager brewed for the fall festival which originated in Germany with the betrothal of the Crown Prince of Bavaria in 1810.  Brooklyn Oktoberfest is in the märzen style an amber lager brewed in March and stored cold through the summer for sale in autumn.

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.brooklynbrewery.com

Twitter:  @brooklynbrewery

Closing, I will be the first to say that I am not a real big fan of this brewery.  There is not too many brews that they make that I enjoy.  This brew gives me hope from this brewery.  I had it in the past and I thought it was average.  I know this brewery does not really change their recipe each year.  I do not know what it is but this year’s version is pretty good.  There is a nice balance on this brew.  It is not too overly malty like most Oktoberfest brews.  Go get some!  Drink it!  Enjoy it!  Metal it!  \m/

Cheers!

Bill  DJ Weiser

Email:  djweiser13@comcast.net

Twitter:  @djweiser