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New Beer Blog Lagunitas The Hairy Eyeball Ale

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In this beer blog, we are going to get into The Hairy Eyeball Ale from Lagunitas Brewery.  If you read my earlier beer blog posts on their beers, you know the history of this West Coast Brewery.  If you have not read those posts, please, read those beer blog posts to get to know Lagunitas Brewery.  Let us get into this American Strong Ale.

This American Strong Ale has a dark amber color with a fluffy to a cream head.  The aroma has a strong malty to an alcohol notes.  The taste of this full body ale has a strong malty alcohol snap.  The aftertaste has a malty dry finish with alcohol burn down the throat.  This is a nice relaxing sipping beer.

Here is a desciriation from their website (www.lagunitas.com):

A roasty, toasty, malty, hangover-halting beer. Especially formulated for when you wake up feelin’ like you need to shave your eyeballs to see the new day.

AVAILABILITY: NOVEMBER 2013
ABV: 9.4% IBU: 56.66
Sold as: Bombers & Kegs
Net contents: Ounces and ounces of Malt, Hops, Yeast and water.

Closing, this beer has a ton going on in it. It has nice flavor yet a nice sipping beer anytime of the year. I love the back story on this brew. It has a nice alcohol bite and nice malty notes to keep you coming back for more. 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 Steen Brugge Triple Ale

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Starting a new beer blog, we are going to sample out another beer, which is Triple Ale, from Steen Brugge.  In 1084, this brewery was founded in West Flanders.  The secret of brewing this beer has been passed down to get brewmaster and is locked away from the public.  Palm Breweries are brewing Steen Brugge family of beers starting in 2003.  Asides that information, there is really not too much information on this brewery or their beers.  Let us get into this Triple Ale.

It has a slightly clear golden color with a white constant head on this triple ale.  The aroma has Belgian spices notes.  The taste has a slight citrus with a carbonated spicy notes.  The aftertaste has a dry and heavy spicy notes.  It is kind of drinkable beer.

Here is a description from their beer bottle:

The historic Steenbrugge Abbey was founded in 1084 by St. Arnold, the patron saint of brewers.  Distinguishing itself from other abbeys.  Steenbrugge continues the medieval tradition of using “grunt”, a herbal mixture that is one of the secrets to creating a divine drinking experience.  And to further uphold century’s of high quality, secondary fermentation is painstakingly applied to each bottle.

In closing, I was pretty interested in trying this beer.  There was a nice Belgium sampler pack in a beer store by me.  There is a lot of flavor and spicy notes.  I love the description from the bottle.  I am a little surprise they give out as much information on this brew.  The beer recipe is a secret like most beers on the market.  It is kind of drinkable.  I enjoyed drinking but I cannot see the price for a six-pack.  I bet that is why it is not on the shelf at most beer stores or high-end beer stores.  If you see it, I would try 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 Stone Brewery Stochasticity Project Grapefruit Slam IPA

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In this beer blog, we are going to get into a new project called Stochasticity Project from Stone Brewery.  It is their Grapefruit Slam IPA.  There will be a series of different beers released under this name.  If you read my earlier beer blog posts on their beers, you know the history of this craft brewery.  If you have not read those posts, please, do so to get to know this craft brewery.  Let us get into this big beer.

It has a clear copper color with a nice white head on this IPA.  The aroma has a heavy grapefruit and hints of citrus notes.  The taste of this medium body beer is a heavy grapefruit notes.  The aftertaste is a dry bitter hop finish that will keep you drinking more of this brew.  This India Pale Ale is a sipping beer.

Here is a descriation from the beer bottle:

Stochasticity

There is no happenstance or coincidence.  Dumb luck is a fallacy and randomness a commonly accepted mistruth.  Much of what seemingly falls into place and seems so natural is a result of Stochasticity, a concept embraced and exalted by this special and unpredicatable series of beers, where exotic notions, ingredients and ideas coalesce at an interesting and often unexpected endpoint.

Stochasticity Project Grapefruit Slam IPA

India pale ales harness the inherent flavor characteristics of hops to bring forward familiar flavors of pine, resin, spice and citrus.   In some cases, those botanincals are so potent, they exactly mirror specific edibles.  Such is the case with Centennials hops, which hail from the Great Northwest and come across on the palate like a mouthful of citrus fruit.  That sensation is amplified with this, the first beer introduced via the Stochasticity Project, a double IPA brewed with Centennial, Chinook and Magnum hops as well as an immense dosing of fresh grapefruit peel.  The result is over-the-top bittersweet grapefruit intensity that is a once refreshing and bracing in its citrusy bitterness.

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

Stochasticity™ Project

Grapefruit Slam IPA

STYLE: Double IPA ABV: 8.2% IBUs: 95
Description

India pale ales harness the inherent flavor characteristics of hops to bring forward familiar flavors of pine, resin, spice, and citrus. In some cases, those botanicals are so potent, they exactly mirror specific edibles. Such is the case with Centennial hops, which hail from the Great Northwest and come across on the palate like a mouthful of citrus fruit. That sensation is amplified with this, the first beer introduced via the Stochasticity Project–a double IPA brewed with Centennial, Chinook and Magnum hops as well as an immense dosing of fresh grapefruit peel. The result is over-the-top bittersweet grapefruit intensity that is at once refreshing and bracing in its citrusy bitterness.

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.stochasticity.com

Twitter:  @STCHPRJCT

Closing, this beer was something else and that is all in a very good way.  I love the heavy aroma and taste of grapefruit.  I just found it funny that I hate the taste and smell of real grapefruit.  This is a pretty big beer and the beer drinker should not take this brew lightly.  It is a sipping brew, however, it is very nice to drink in any part of the year.  I wish this beer was all year long and was put in 12oz bottles.  I am not a huge fan of 22oz bottles.  At least, it came with a good price.  Most 22oz bottles are overpriced and that is my thought.  I get it.  These beers cost a little more than most beers to make. I recommend you trying this beer. I will be looking for one more bottle befoe they disappear.  Plus, the next beer when it is released to the public.  Go get some!  Drink it!  Enjoy it!  Metal it!  \m/

Cheers!

Bill DJ Weiser

Email:  djweser13@comcast.net

Twitter:  @djweiser

Instagram:  @djweiser13

New Beer Blog New Belgium Trippel Ale

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In this beer blog, we are going to sample Trippel Ale from New Belgium Brewery.  If you read my earlier beer blog posts on their their Fall Seasonal, which is Pumpkick Ale, you know the history of this craft brewery.  If you have not, please, read the beer blog posts to get to know this 100% employee owned craft brewery.  Let us get into their Trippel Ale.

This Trippel Ale has a clear golden color with a nice white constant head.  The aroma has a heavy coriander and other spicy notes.  The taste has a Belgium spices and heavy coriander notes.  The coriander lives and hangs around a bit in the aftertaste.  This Trippel Ale is kind of drinkable but it is more of a sipping ale.

Here is a description from the beer bottle:

A Belgian yeast strain, a trace of coriander, and a blast of hops is the triple-threat this Belgian style ale struts out each time you reach for our bottles conditioned Trippel.

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

Our Trippel Belgian Style Ale (pronounced triple) opens with a bold blast of hops that slowly gives way to the fruity esters implied by our Belgian yeast strain. In the Belgian tradition of brewing singles, doubles and triples, Trippel is the strongest with the longest fermentation. Remarkably smooth and complex, our bottle-conditioned Trippel is spiced with a trace of coriander.

Here is ther website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.newbelgium.com

Twitter:  @newbelgium

Closing, New Belgium has made several Belgium beer styles ales.  This brew is not different than the rest of the beers in this beer style.  There is not many Trippel Ales brewed with coriandor.  I am not a fan of this brew because of the coriandor in it.   However, this is a good beer and New Belgium made a great beer here, I highly recomend 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 New Belgium And Red Rock Brewery Paardebloem Ale

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In this beer blog, we are going to sample a brew from New Belgium and Red Rock Brewery.  I am  talking about Paardebloem Ale from New Belgium’s Lips Of Faith Series.  If you read my earlier beer blog post on New Belgium’s brew, you know the history of this Mountain area craft brewery.  If you have not, please, read those posts on this Fort Collins brewery to get to know them.  Red Rock Brewery is located in Utah in the Salt Lake City.  It opened its doors in 1994.  Their goal is to make the highest quality product and great craft beer to their beer drinkers.  They are now packaging several different beer styles.  They are always looking to grow the different beer styles.  Let us get into the beer.

This ale has a cloudy golden color with a nice small bubble white head.   The aroma has a nice peach notes.  The taste has an up front sweet peaches note to a slight tartness notes with a nice oak and pepper aftertaste.  It is a nice refreshing sipping beer.

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

Using dandelion greens to bitter a Belgian-style ale blossomed from our brewers collaborating with Red Rock Brewing. These being our sixth interpretation together since 2008, expect a wonderfully complex ale fermented with wild Belgian yeast and blended with just a touch of wood-aged beer. Bitterness imparted from dandelion greens and grains of paradise will have you blowing wishes for sips.

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.newbelgium.com and www.redrockbrewing.com

Twitter:  @newbelgium and @redrockbrwing

Closing out, I normally get pretty nervous with beers that are in 22oz bottle.  I just feel sometimes I do not get my money worth.  I understand it cost the breweries a little bit more to make some of these special brews.  I am glad they do because they get pretty creative on this beers.  Paardebloem Ale is in that area of being creative.  I have to say I really enjoyed this beer and I feel it is well worth the money that I invested into it.  I am not a fan of Peach but I love the combination of the Peach and beer.  It is a nice refreshing but sipping beer.  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 Surly Brewing Over Rated! West Coast Style IPA

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In this beer blog, we are going to sample a brew from Surly Brewing.  If you are a long time reader of this blog, you know I posted a review on a live blog at Savor a few years ago in Washington D.C.  This beer is their Over Rated! West Coast Style IPA.  Surly Brewing was founded by Omar Ansari in 2005 at Brooklyn Center, Minneapolis.  They brew several different beer styles.  Let us get into this West Coast Style IPA.

It has a cloudy golden color with a white head that disappears over time. The smell is citrus with hints of orange. The taste is refreshing citrus notes with a dry hoppy aftertaste. It is pretty drinkable beer.

Here is a description from the beer can:

It’s been said; “It’s easier to brew an extremely hoppy beer than an extremely balanced beer.”  And you known us, we are always looking for the easy way out, so we jumped on the West Coast IPA Bandwagon and brewed this dry and hoppy ale.  “Surly’s a little gimmick beers,”  and maybe we ware OVERRATED, but at the end of the day, it’s just a beer.  If you like it, great, so do we.  If you only liked us when we wer small, then leave this one on the shelf.  Let one of the fanboys grab it.

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

Overrated

It’s been said: “It’s easier to brew an extremely hoppy  beer than an extremely balanced beer.” And you know us, we are always  looking for the easy way out, so we jumped on the West Coast IPA  Bandwagon and brewed this dry and hoppy ale. “Surly’s a little bit of a  one-trick pony, they just brew gimmick beers,” and maybe we are  OVERRATED, but at the end of the day, it’s just a beer. If you like it,  great, so do we. If you only liked us when we were small, then leave  this one on the shelf. Let one of the fanboys grab it.

STYLE: West Coast IPA
MALT: 2-Row, Belgian Crystal
HOPS: Columbus, Centennial, Cascade, El Dorado
YEAST: English Ale
OG: 15.5º Plato
ABV: 7.3%
COLOR: 4.5 º
SRM IBU: 69
AVAILABILITY: Cans, occasionally throughout the year

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.surlybrewing.com

Twitter:  @surlybrewing

In the end, I was pretty excited to see they landed in  the Chicagoland area.  When I was in town, I picked up a four back of this brew and their flagship beer.  I did not enjoy this IPA as much as I did their flagship, which is Furious IPA. I enjoyed this beer very much but the hops.  The hops make this brew pretty drinkable and light in body.  Unlike other west coast style IPA.  I believe that is what Surly Brewery was going for in making this beer.  This is a seasonal brew.  It is a good beer but I love their Furious IPA more.  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 Short’s Brew Controversial Ale (Hangin Frank)

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In this beer blog, we are going to sample out Controbersial Ale Aka Hangin’ Frank from Short’s Brewery.  If you read my earlier beer blog posts on Short’s Brewery, you know the history of this Northwest Michigan craft brewery.  If you have not read my earlier beer blog posts on their beers, please, read them to get to know this Michigan craft brewery.  Controversial Ale comes with a controvasial story behind it.  Frank was one of the brewmasters at Short’s Brewery and he was one that came up with the recipe for this American Style IPA. He hung himself and the brewery released the beer with the recipe he came up with.  They named it Hangin’ Frank.  It recieved a ton of press but not in a good way.  It was pulled from the shelves and renamed as this brew as you can see in the above photo.  Below is the original label of the beer. Let us get into this brew.

It has a light hazel dark copper to light amber color with a nice white head that disappears over time.  The smell has some citrus notes.  The taste has a light carbonated citrus notes with a dry hop to slight citrus aftertaste.  It is pretty drinkable IPA.

Here is a description from the beer bottle:

A state of prolonged public dispute or debate, usually concerning a matter of opinion. The word was coined from the Latin controversia, as a composite of controversus – “turned in an opposite direction,” from contra – “against” – and vertere – to turn, or versus (see verse), hence, “to turn against.”. Perennial areas of controversy include history, religion, philosophy, politics and beer labels.

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

ControversiALE, FKA Hangin’ Frank, is a tribute to Simcoe hops. Simcoe hops are extremely sought after and limited, so Short’s is excited to share this brew with Michigan craft beer lovers every spring. The earthy, citrus and pine-laced aroma is instantly delectable. A large amount of toasted grains and high alpha hops form a perfect union that creates the sensation of toasted sourdough covered with grapefruit hop marmalade. While this beer is hopped like IPA, it drinks like Pale Ale. The light, refreshing qualities of this beer make it perfect for springtime.

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Websie:  www.shortsbrewing.com

Twitter:  @ShortsBrewing

In closing, I love how this craft brewery honored one of their past late employees.  The story of ths beer is amazing and sad.  I hope Frank rest in peace.   I love how everyone is all about local and Michigan craft beer.  I heard it all about it when I lived in Chicago.  It is nice and a great idea to support your local business.  However, a line needs to be drawn, the product needs to be good.  I am not saying beer is bad because it is not.  It is a great brew.  I just feel it is not as good as everyone in the State of Michigan makes this beer out to be.  I just feel because it is made here that means good?  It is blind good to some.   I like this beer but it is not the best IPA that have ever had.  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 New Belgium RyePA

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While in Fort Collins, Co, we are going to sample another brew, which is RyePA, from New Belgium Brewery.  I was pretty excited to get out there. I had a great time at the brewery.  If you read my earlier beer blog posts on their beers, you know the history of this Top Five Craft Brewery in the States.  If you have not, please, read those beer blog posts to get to know New Belgium Brewery.  Let us get into this Rye IPA.

It has a clear copper color with a nice constant white head.  The aroma has piney, earthy, and spicy notes.  The taste has a medium carbonation with malty and piney notes.  The aftertaste has a dry hoppy finish.  It is pretty drinkable beer.

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

Artisan maltster River Bend Malt House of Asheville, North Carolina, kiln a perfect rye. And when you pair gobs of their spicy rye with heaps of spicy hops you get a great Hop Kitchen Beer. This unique, and collaborative, Rye IPA boasts a bold blend of Simcoe, Galaxy, Cascade, and Mosaic hops to bring a thunderous 75 IBU. Have a sip and feel the bang.

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.newbelgium.com

Twitter:  @newbelgium

Closing out my day at New Belgium, I had a great time at the brewery and I hope to return their again soon.  I had a chance to go through a whole brewery tour and try several beers.  I trird to get take notes on as many beers as I could.  When I sipped this beer, I knew I had to write a review on this RyePA.  I love the sweet and bitter from this beer.  It is in that order on the tasting experience.  There is a nice malty backbone that holds up to a nice selection of hops used in this beer.  Rye IPA’s are quickly becoming a pretty popular beer style in the IPA world.  I will have to say this is the best Rye IPA that I have ever had.  I love Sierra Nevada Ruthless Rye IPA.  New Belgium has topped it and took it to the next level.  I wish I could get this in Michigan but I guess I will have to find someone to trade with to get a few bottles.  Go get some!  Drink it!  Enjoy it!  Metal it!  \m/

Cheers!

Bill DJ Weiser

Email:  djweiser13@comcast.net

Twitter:  @djweiser

New Beer Blog New Belgium Wild (2) Dubbel

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While in Fort Collins, we are going to get into another brew from Fort Collins, Colorado, which is New Belgium Brewery.  The beer is their Wild (2) Dubbel.  If you read my earlier beer blog posts on this brewery, you know the history of New Belgium Brewery.  If you did not, please, read those beer blog posts to get to know the 100% employee owned craft brewery.  Let us get into the beer.

It has nice dark color with a nice white constant head.  The aroma has a sweet candy notes.  The taste has a sweet licorice notes with a nice licorice aftertaste.  It is a nice sipping beer.

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

Wild2 Dubbel ale, our mahogany-hued autumn ale spiced with schisandra, opens with the floral, earthy notes of fall itself. Schisandra berries, known as “five-flavor fruit,” possess all five flavors: salty, sweet, sour, spicy and bitter. This malt-forward dubbel ale is fermented with a Trappist yeast and finishes dry and slightly sour with a touch of bretta. Lasso a bottle!

ABV
8%
IBU
30
Yeast
Trappist Ale Yeast
Calories
235
Hops
Target, Goldinas, Liberty
Malts
Pale, Munich, Carmel 80, Special-B, Wheat, Chpcolate Wheat, Oats

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.newbelgium.com

Twitter:  @newbelgium

Closing out the first night, this was something else.  I enjoyed drinking this Belgium Style Dubbel.  There is a ton going on with this beer.  I know when I had this beer I had a few so if my tasting notes are off.  Please, let me know and I will correct.  I enjoyed the beer and wanted to share my thoughts on the beer.  Every time I sip this beer.  I pick up more and more as far as tasting notes and flavors.  I picked up candy notes like licorice.  However, their website site, talks about salty, sour, etc.  You can see that above.  The point is this is an awesome beer that New Belgium is brewing.  It highly recommend you trying this beer.  Please, let me know what you think.  Go get some!  Drink it!  Enjoy it!  Metal it!  \m/

Cheers!

Bill DJ Weiser

Email:  djweiser13@comcast.net

Twitter:  @djweiser

New Beer Blog Stone Brewery Oaked Arrogant Bastard Ale

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In the beginning, Stone Brewery took their Arrogant Bastard Ale to the next level.  We are talking and will sample their Oaked Arrogant Bastard Ale.  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 those postd to get to know Stone Brewery.  Let us get into the beer.

It has a dark red to amber color with a nice white color head.  The aroma has a strong alcohol notes with hints of earthy and oak notes.  The taste has a warm alcohol notes with slight vanilla to oak notes.  The aftertaste has a dry malty alcohol.  It is a nice sipping beer.

Here is a description from the beer bottle:

Arrogant Bastard Ale:  This is an aggressive ale.  You probably won’t like it.  It is quite doubtful that you have the taste or sophistication to be able to appreciate an ale of this quality and depth.  We would suggest that you stick to safer and more familiar territory — maybe something with a multi-million dollar ad campaign aimed at convincing you it’s made in a little brewery, or one that implies that their tasteless fizzy yellow beer will give you more sex appeal.  Perhaps you think multimillion dollar ad campaigns make a beer taste better.  Perhaps you’re mouthing your words as you read this.

The Arrogance Grows:  Too many strive towards complacency as a goal.  They stop their urge and desire for discovery somewhere between youth and adulthood.  And when they find their complacency threatened, they do everything to recover the warm, fuzzy feeling of that last complacency as quickly as possible.  Throughout every culture, every country, and every way of thought you will find it.  We grow up thinking that the ability to become complacent is the equivalence of success in life.  True Arrogant Bastards know that this could not be further from the truth.  The real beauty, richness and depth in life can only can only be found if the journey through life itself is looked upon as a constant chance to learn, live and find life’s passion.  Passion threatens the complacent and fills them with fear.  Fear of the new, the deep and the different.  We, on the other hand, seek it out.  Endlessly, joyously…and aggressively.  To this end we bring the “Oaked Arrogant Bastard Ale.”  Another reward for those seeking new sources of passion, and another point of dissension for those who are not.

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

This is an aggressive beer. You probably won’t like it. It is quite doubtful that you have the taste or sophistication to be able to appreciate an ale of this quality and depth. We would suggest that you stick to safer and more familiar territory — maybe something with a multi-million dollar ad campaign aimed at convincing you it’s made in a little brewery, or one that implies that their tasteless fizzy yellow beer will give you more sex appeal. Perhaps you think multi-million dollar ad campaigns make a beer taste better. Perhaps you’re mouthing your words as you read this.
Too many strive towards complacency as a goal. We grow up thinking that the ability to become complacent is the equivalence of success in life. True Arrogant Bastards know that this could not be further from the truth. The real beauty, richness and depth in life can only be found if the journey through life itself is looked upon as a constant chance to learn, live and find life’s passion. Passion threatens the complacent, and fills them with fear. Fear of the new, the deep and the different. We, on the other hand, seek it out. Endlessly, joyously…and aggressively. To this end we bring you the “OAKED Arrogant Bastard Ale.” Another reward for those seeking new sources of passion, and another point of dissension for those who are not.

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.stonebrew.com

Twitter:  @StoneBrewingCo

In closing, I love their Arrogant Bastard Ale.  I love their glassware for it.  I kind wish I could get more of them.  I guess I will have to go on their website and order some more.  I have been eyeing this beer for a while.  I was pretty excited to see them finally do a sampler pack.  I was getting ready to pick up a bottle when I moved back to Michigan.  You can buy single bottles unlike Chicago market.  I am glad I went for the sampler pack.  It is worth the price.  This is a perfect beer along with their Arrogant Bastard Ale for the Michigan Winters.  I can see myself drinking some during the hot summers.  Either way, this is a great brew and I recommend you trying it.  Please, let me know what you think.  Go drink some!  Drink it!  Enjoy it!  Metal it!  \m/

Cheers!

Bill DJ Weiser

Email:  djweiser13@comcast.net

Twitter:  @djweiser