east coast craft beers

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 Oskar Blues Brewery Pinner Throwback IPA

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In this beer blog, we are going to sample the newer beer from Oskar Blues Brewery.  It is Pinner Throwback IPA.  If you read my earlier beer blog posts on their beers, you know their history of this craft brewery.  If you have not, please, read them to get to know this brewery.  Let us get into this Session IPA.

It has a clear golden color without a head. The smell has a light citrus notes. The taste of this light body IPA has a light citrus to some pineapple notes with a dry hop bitter notes for the aftertaste. It is pretty drinkable beer.

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.oskarblues.com

Twitter:  @oskarblues

Closing, I have always been a pretty big fan of this craft brewery.  I just feel their beers are little overpriced for the Midwest area of the United States.  I love this beer. I love the tropical fruit and pineapple notes. This is a great beer. I love the hops that they picked in this beer.  I hope they do a full body IPA with the same hops.  This is a great lawn work beer along with their Dale’s Pale Ale.  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 Magic Hat Electric Peel Grapefruit IPA

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In this beer blog, we are going to get into a new brew from Magic Hat Brewery.  It is their Electric Peel Grapefruit IPA.  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 Magic Hat Craft Brewery.  Let us get into this IPA.

It has a clear golden color with a semi constant white head. The aroma has a citrus to grapefruit notes but it is really faded. The taste of this light body IPA has a nice sweet citrus notes to light grapefruit hoppy notes that is light on the tongue. It is not overly bitter. The aftertaste has a nice juicy citrus finish. This is a very and extremely drinkable IPA.

Here is a description from the beer bottle:

The ancient ritual of brewing a distinctly rich and flavorful beer is a performance to behold.  Our mysterious melange of time-honored ingredients harmonize with chaotic chemistry, humble patience, and blind faith to create this unique beer to share in the rousing company of kindred spirits.  Cheers!

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.magichat.net

Twitter:  @magichat

Closing, This is a huge trend in the craft beer world.  I am talking about the heavy Grapefruit IPA’s.  Since living in Michigan, there is a Michigan craft brewery, who is Perrin Brewery, that made one if the first Grapefruit IPA.  I say and describe it as a Shandy IPA.  It is a really good beer.  This one is a different animal in a good way of course.  One, there a is a bigger punch in the alcohol stand period.  Perrin Grapefruit IPA is about 4.3% to 4.5%.  Electric Peer Grapefruit IPA has a 6%.  Perrin has a heavy grapefruit notes.  Magic Hat gives the Grapefruit lovers the love but not in your face. It gives people on the fence enough to make them happy.  Magic Hat Electric Peel will be in draft and package.  Unlike Perrin Grapefruit IPA, it is draft only.  There is many craft beer drinkers in Michigan and around the country that want it in package too.  Let us talk more about Electric Peel then comparing it to Perrin’s brew.  It has a light body and drinkable beer. It is perfect for any season. There is some nice hop and bitter notes that do not take over the brew.  This will be my lawn work beer in summer. This is a great beer. This beer is not released yet but I would start looking for it.  Thanks for the share, Magic Hat 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 Smuttynose Brewing Finestkind IPA

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In this beer blog, we are going to sample one of my favorite IPA’s in the United States.  I am talking about Smuttynose Brewing Finestkind IPA.  If you read my earlier beer blog posts on their beers, you know the history of this Northeast craft brewery.  If you have not, please, read them to get to know this Snuttynose Brewing.  Let us get into this IPA.

It has a clear golden color with a constant white color head. The aroma has a heavy citrus notes. The taste has a heavy citrus notes with a dry aftertaste. It is a pretty drinkable beer.

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.smuttynose.com

Twitter:  @smuttynosebeer

In closing, Just what I said in my last blog about their brown ale, I am so happy that they finally made it to the Michigan market.  This brew was one of my go to IPA’s when I lived in the Chicago market.  This is one of my favorite IPA’s. I was so happy to see them make it to the Michigan market. When I left the Chicago market, I was sad to leave many of my favorite brews and breweries. Why I like this beer?  It is pretty simple.  It is not overall bitter and hoppy but it has enough for this hopheads.  I could drinking this beer in any season.  I hope cans make it to this market soon.  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 Victory Brewery Vine To Victory Harvest Ale

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In this beer blog, we are going to get into one of my favorite breweries in Penyslivania.  It is Victory Brewery and it is Harvest Ale.  This is a pretty big trend in the craft beer world.  I am talking about wet hopped or harvest ales.  It could either a Pale or India Pale Ale.  If you read my earlier beer blog posts on their beers, you know the history of this east coast craft brewery.  If you have not, please, read them to get to know Victory Brewery.  Let us get into this pale ale.

It has a clear copper color without a head on the beer. The aroma has an earthly, piney to floral notes. The taste has a nice carbonation and malty notes along with juiciest earthy to piney notes. The aftertaste has a hop finish that is pretty wet. It is drinkable.

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

Harvest Ale

Wet-Hopped Pale Ale

Highly aromatic and sensual, this novel pale ale delivers a fresh hop flavor like no other brew. Its secret? Fresh hops piled into our boiling kettle just hours after their harvest. With many more of their essential oils intact, these “wet” hops add glorious notes of juicy, fruit to a lightly sweet and balanced brew. Best enjoyed fresh!

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.victorybeer.com

Twitter:  @victorybeer

Ending, This is a great beer.  There is not too many ales that I can say are juicy.  The only other beer comes to mind is New Belgium Slow Ride IPA.  I like it. It is pretty different.  What makes this beer a little different is the aftertaste, it has a kind of wet hop bitter finish.  It is a nice drinkable beer.  This is a beer to enjoy watching sports but you will need to pace yourself.  The aroma and taste profile gives off some nice notes.  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 Victory Hop Ranch Imperial India Pale Ale

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In this beer blog, we are going to get into another limited release and high-end brew, which is Hop Ranch Imperial India Pale Ale, from Victory 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 craft brewery.  Let us get into the Imperial IPA.

It has a slightly cloudy golden color with a white constant head. There is no aroma. The taste has a heavy dry hop bitter with a sweet citrus notes. The aftertaste has a light tropical notes finish. It is pretty drinkable for imperial IPA. It is really a sipping beer.

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

Hop Ranch

Imperial India Pale Ale

To our hop ranchers, who coax and cultivate our enticing and flavorful hops, we raise this glass. Selecting the finest varieties in their natural, whole flower form, we craft our Hop Ranch Imperial India Pale Ale, as a celebration of their successes. Pungent, floral and intense, this represents America’s best in every relaxing sip.

Composition

Malt: Pilsner

Hops: Mosaic and Azacca

ABV: 9.0%

Flavor

This powerful brew features full, juicy hop character, while expressing notes of mango, pineapple and the pleasantly sharp, biting edges of tart citrus fruit.

Food Pairings

Hot wings, curry and bold cheeses

Availability

Winter seasonal available in 12oz. bottles and on draft.

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.victorybeer.com

Twitter:  @victorybeer

Closing, this beer was kind of hard to find.  I am pretty happy to find this brew.  I will say that this beer was not disappointing at all.  It lived up for the beer hunt.  I love this beer.  They did a great job.  There is a nice balance but it has a nice punch to help aid towards food pairing.  It would go perfectly with hot wings for example but the hops and bitterness will bring out the heat out more.  This is a great beer to enjoy by itself.  I highly recommend this beer.  Go get some because it is a winter seasonal.  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 Magic Hat Single Chair Golden Ale (2015)

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In this beer blog, we are going to get into the new spring seasonal from Magic Hat Brewery.  It is called Single Chair Golden Ale.  Magic Hat is switching it up and pushing the craft beer drinkers.  If you read my earlier beer blog posts on their beers, you know about this east coast craft brewery.   If you have not, please, read them to get to know about this craft brewery.  Let us get into this golden ale.

It has a clear golden color without a head on this ale. The aroma has a sweet malty and slight floral notes. The taste of this light body ale has a refreshing light sweet malty with a dry crisp aftertaste. It is a pretty drinkable beer.

Here is a description from the beer bottle:

The ancient ritual of brewing a distinctly rich and flavorful beer is a performance to behold. Our mysterious mèlange of time-honored ingredients harmonize with chaotic chemistry, humble patience, and blind faith to share in the rousing company of kindred spirits.  Cheers!

Here is a description from their website (www.magichat.net):

Single Chair

Celebrating the Independent Spirit of Mad River

Single Chair Ale takes its name from a truly unique piece of American history: the Single Chair lift at Mad River, one of only two in the country. We share a similar vision with this mountain: To be part of a community, and to be as dedicated to the enjoyment of brewing as Mad River is to the sport of skiing. As winter’s cover melts to reveal spring’s hidden life, take a ride to the top on the Single Chair and celebrate your independent spirit.

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.magichat.net

Twitter:  @magichat

Closing, I am not a huge golden ale fan but this is a great product. I can see huge part of the craft beer world enjoying this brew.  It is not for me.  They put some thought in this brew.  They kept it simple and to the point.  It is extremely drinkable beer.  This is a perfect beer to going skiing with or just start spring cleaning in and outside the house.  I believe this could have been a good summer seasonal. There is some nice flavors but keeping it true to the classic beer style.  I love the story behind the name of the beer.  The last ski resort that has a single chair on the mountain side in their state.  I highly highly recommend this beer.  I believe this beer will have people retry Magic Hat’s beers.  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 Boston Beer Company Samuel Adams Rebel Rider Session IPA

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In this beer blog, we are  going to get into a new brew from Samuel Adams.  It is part of their Rebel IPA series.  It is their Rebel Rider Session IPA.  If you read my earlier beer blog posts on their beers from Boston Beer Company, you know the history of this east coast craft brewery.  If you have not read them, please, read them to get to know this craft beer legend.  Let us get into this session IPA.

It has a clear golden color without a head on this session IPA. The aroma has a slight floral notes. The taste has a  citrus to slight grapefruit notes that makes this a light and refreshing brew. The aftertaste has a dry bitter finish. It is drinkable of course.

Here is a description from the beer bottle and their website (www.samueladams.com):

Bursting with bright citrus, grapefruit, and classic piney west coast hop character. This beer has a soft lingering bitterness and a lighter body overall our session IPA is brewed for easygoing days, so relax and enjoy!

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.samueladams.com

Twitter:  @samueladamsbeer

In the end, I do not know why they are doing line extension on this beer.  Their normal Rebel IPA is not really good.  They have a really good IPA in their Latitude 42 IPA.  I do not know why I picked up a bottle of their Double Rebel and Rider IPA.  This is the new trend in beer world to make session IPA’s.  Founders All Day IPA was the first to start this new beer style.  It is not really a new beer style because they are really pale ales.  This is a marketing thing.  I believe this is about the worse session IPA that I ever had.  It is not very good. I just feel this beer is missing the punch like other session IPA.  I just feel the other session IPA’s have that punch of the hops.  I was not really impressed with this brew.  I guess television ad budget helps push the most average brews in the world just like Miller Lite, Coors Light, etc.  This is what Samuel Adams has become. Don’t go get some!  Drink it!  Enjoy it!  Metal it!  \m/

Cheers!

Bill DJ Weiser

Email:  djweiser16@gmail.com

Twitter:  @djweiser

Instagram:  @djweiser13

New Sports Thought Thursday Blog Super Bowl XLIX

In this Sports Thought Thursday blog, we are going to get into this year’s Super Bowl that is being played at Arizona.  Today is the Pro Bowl.  Who cares!!!  This year’s playoff games has had one theme throughout.  Refs have screwed many teams in the league.  I am talking about flag that was picked up in the Lions vs Cowboys game.  The process of the caught in the Cowboys vs Packers.  Finally, deflate footballs in the Colts vs Patriots.  I will get into that in a sports thought Thursday blog after the Super Bowl.  Let us break this down.

If you read my blog before the playoff games, you know that I picked Seattle vs Denver in a rematch.  This is why you never change anything because I did have New England vs Seattle in the Super Bowl.  I had that just before I posted it.  Oh well!  I believe the whole Deflategate will put some pressure on the Pats.  I do not care if they have the best coach to get them focus on the game.  This does pulls a lot of pressure off the Seahawks.  Everyone is talking about New England and Deflategate.  The ruling from the league will not be until after the Super Bowl, which I believe is some bull shit.  Let us get into what is at stake for each team.

New England Patriots

Winning this game is very important for both teams.  New England can shut everyone up on Deflategate and spygate.  Plus, this might be last go around with Brady and Bill.  I believe the punishment is going to be harsh on New England.  I am not going to get into that until after the Super Bowl.  This game could make Brady 3 – 3 or 4 – 2 at the Super Bowl.

Seattle Seahawks

This is pretty simple.  The best defense of all time is Legion of Boom, if they win this Super Bowl.  They took care of Manning in last year’s Super Bowl.  They have a chance to take care of another quarterback that was one of the best of his era.  This could be their last runs to the Super Bowl.  I am not saying last but COULD be their last run to the Super Bowl.  There are rumors of Lynch being released or retiring.  Plus, they have to pay Russell Wilson.  They were able to pay everyone else on team because they had a cheap contract with Wilson.  Now, Seahawks will be like all the teams in NFL.

In closing, I can see a close game on the biggest stage and biggest American holiday.  I can not see this game being a blow out game.  This will come down to the running game because I believe the defense will keep the passing games in check.  I also seeing this game coming down to the kickers and punters.  Special teams will have a huge impact on both sides of the field on this game.  In the end, the Seahawks will win this game and become the first team to go back to back Super Bowl Champs since New England.  This will push us into a pretty excited offseason with Deflategate and future of Bill, Tom, and Payton.  I am looking forward to the offseason and I cannot wait to sit down next Sunday to watch this game.  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 Brooklyn Brewery Blast Ale

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In this beer blog, we are going to sample a brew that I have been searching for the last few years.  I even tried to trade with a friend on the east coast.  He could not find it last year.  I believe he did not want to share.  I am talking about Brooklyn Blast Ale, which is Double IPA.  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 Brooklyn Brewery.  Let us get into this Double IPA.

It has a slightly cloudy copper color with a white head on this double IPA. The smell has a citrus notes that shines strong in this brew. The taste has a strong malty backbone that let the citrus notes shine bright in this ale.  The aftertaste has a dry hop finish. It is a nice sipping beer.

Here is a description from the beer bottle:

We brew our beer in New York, about halfway between the hop fields of the Pacific Northwest and the hop fields of Kent, England.  So in The rambuncious IPA we call BLAST! we use earthly English hops to build the foundation and bright citrusy American hops to bring the noise.  British and German malts brace up a beer that’s beautifully hoppy, strangely quaffable and oddly compelling.  You won’t even know what hit you.

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

We brew our beer in New York, about halfway between the hop fields of the Pacific Northwest and the hop fields of Kent, England. So we use earthy English hops to build the foundation and bright citrusy American hops to bring the noise in the rambunctious IPA we call BLAST! British Maris Otter and German Pilsner malts lends solidity, balance and bready flavors to brace up a beer that’s beautifully hoppy, strangely quaffable and oddly compelling. Minerally hop bitterness is followed by a shock wave of flavor and aroma. You won’t even know what hit you.

Style: Double IPA
Malts: Scottish Floor-malted Maris Otter, German Pilsner Malt
Hops: Willamette, Magnum, Cascade, Fuggle, Aurora, Zythos, Bravo, Simcoe, Sorachi Ace, Amarillo, Experiment 6300
Alcohol by Volume: 8.4%
IBUs: 53
Original Gravity: 18.8° Plato
Calories: 251 (per 12oz)
Food Pairings: Very spicy Thai dishes, fiery Indian vindaloos, Mexican dishes featuring habañero chilies, Jamaican jerk chicken, and robust cheddars.
Availability: Year-round
Format: 15.5 gal kegs; 5.2 gal kegs; 24/12oz bottles

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.brooklynbrewery.com

Twitter:  @brooklynbrewery

Closing,  I am not a huge fan of Brooklyn Brewery but I respect them from where they were and what they have done so far.  They brew more of the traditional beer styles.  It is fine.  I love their Pilsner and Brown ale in their everyday line up.  I was pretty happy to see Blast! as an everyday beer.  It is a smart move with the growth of IPA’s.  I love it. There is a nice balance and does not drink like a double IPA.  This is what makes beer pretty special.  This is one of their best beers asides their chocolate stout.  I highly recommend.  Go get some!  Drink it!  Enjoy it!  Metal it!  \m/

Cheers!

Bill DJ Weiser

Email:  djweiser16@gmail.com

Twitter:  @djweiser

Instagram:  @djweiser13