ipa

New Beer Blog Lagunitas Nighttime (Cask Ale)

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While at the Michigan Cask Ale Fest, we are going to sample Nighttime Ale from Lagunitas.  This is the first this beer made it to Michigan.  It is in a Cask Barrel.  This is the true form and best way to drink beers.  If you read my earlier beer blog posts on this west coast and midwest craft brewery, you know the history of this brewery.  If you have not, please, read them to get to know this Lagunitas Brewery.  Let us get into this beer.

It has a nice dark brown color with a nice white creamy head.   The aroma has slight chocolate to earthy notes.  The taste has a chocolate, earthy, and alcohol notes with nice alcohol burn bite for the aftertaste.  It is a sipping beer.

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.lagunitas.com

Twitter:  @lagunitasbeer

In the end, I had a great time at Ashley’s Westland for their Cask Ale Fest.  I was pretty excited to see this beer and had a chance to talk to the brewery rep.  I was spoiled living in Chicago for many years.  There beers were everywhere.  Here in Michigan, I have a hard time finding their beers in the bars.  I have no problem finding their beers in liquor stores. I have a go to store. I love my black IPA’s and I had to jump on this beer.  I did not know how long this beer would last during the event.  I had this beer in package before but this time it was in a cask barrel.  I have to say the color is a little lighter and better.  I really enjoyed this beer and I will be looking for it in bottle here soon.  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

Instagram:  @djweiser13

New Beer Blog Sweetwater Brewery IPA

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In this beer blog, we are going to sample IPA from Sweetwater Brewery.  I am a huge fan of this southern craft brewery.  I am happy and honor to review four of their beers on my blog finally.  It took me a long time to get a few bottles in my hands.  Sweetwater was founded in 1997 by Freddy Bensch and Kevin McNerny in Atlanta, Georgia.  They brew several different beer styles and I am pretty impressed thar they have only two retired beers.  Let us get into this IPA.

It has a cloudy copper color with a nice constant white head on this India Pale Ale.  The aroma has floral to piney notes.  The taste has a light carbonation with hints of piney and earthy notes.  The aftertaste has a piney to earthy notes that do not last long.  It is a drinkable beer.

Here is a description from the beer bottle:

This Mammoth IPA is dry hopped to the gills, delivering a kick-you-in-the-teeth hop chop.  This beer is unfiltered and, as always with Sweetwater’s brews, unpasteurized to leave all the natural flavors intact.

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

This mammouth India Pale Ale is loaded with intense hop character and subjected to an extensive dry-hopping process. Our IPA is unfiltered, leaving all the natural flavors intact.

The Beer You’ve Been Training For.

Specs – 6.3% ABV, 16oz can singles, 6-packs, 12-packs (12oz cans and bottles), 15.5 Gallon 1/2Bbl kegs (US Sankey), 5 gallon torpedo kegs

Grains – 2-Row, Munich, Wheat, 70/80
Hops – Chinook, Cascade, Columbus finished with Simcoe, US Golding

Awards – Best IPA in the Country – Judges Choice AJC March 09

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.sweetwaterbrew.com

Twitter:  @sweetwaterbrew

Closing, I had this beer in my beer months that was years back when I first moved to Chicago.  I have been searching and trying to trade to get some Sweetwater Brewery.  This brewery makes some great beers and I wish they would make it more north.  I do not know how well they will do but I know I will be buying them.  I love the aroma and taste profile.  This beer has a strong and well build malty backbone that cuts through the hops.  I highly recommend this beer if you can find it.  Go get some!  Drink it!  Enjoy it!  Metal it!  \m/

Cheers!

Bill DJ Weiser

Email:  djweiser13@comcast.net

Twitter:  @djweiser

Instagram:  @djweiser13

New Beer Blog Southern Tier Farmer’s Tan IPA

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In this beer blog, we are going to sample Farmer’s Tan IPA from Southern Tier.  This is the frist time Southern Tier has appear on this blog.  Southern Tier was founded in Lakewood, New York in 2002.  The brewery was founded by Phineas DeMink and Allen Yahn.  They brew several different beer styles and has expanded their brewery a few times to keep up with demand.  This brewery continues to grow to this day.  Last year, they broke ground on a new brewhouse.  Let us get into this Session IPA.

It has a clear copper color with a white constant head on this session IPA.  The aroma has a floral to citrus notes.  The taste has a light carbonated citrus notes with a nice dry hop aftertaste.  It is an extremely drinkable to crushable beer.

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

When the sun hangs high overhead and the stars don’t glimmer until well into the evening, there’s nothing better than grabbing another beer. We specially crafted Farmer’s Tan to be the beer you enjoy on those long summer days. At 4.6% abv, it’s one of our lightest, with a smooth body and easy finish. We carefully limited the ingredients to two types of hops and two types of malts for a perfectly balanced, “sessional” India Pale Ale. We’ve got the beer covered. It’s up to you to keep the sunscreen on.

ABOUT THE NAME: Pardon any confusion on the recycled name as this version of Farmer’s Tan is indeed a brand new beer. Long-time Southern Tier fans may remember it as an Imperial Pale Lager, brewed as a summer seasonal (2010-2012). Farmer’s Tan 2014 is a wholly new beer and is different in every way, save for the name.

FOOD PAIRINGS: Particularly tasty when paired with hot dogs, burgers and grilled foods. Cheddar and derby cheeses, pizza and summer fare.

AVAILABILITY: Spring/summmer / 12oz (6pk and 24 bottle cases) / ½ keg, 1/6 keg

BOTTLE CONDITIONED: “For bottle conditioning, a small amount of sugar and yeast is added to the beer so that a small fermentation occurs in each bottle after packaging. This small fermentation does two important things: (1) it contributes carbonation to the beer and (2) it scavenges any residual oxygen that may have gotten into the beer during packaging. By further reducing the oxygen content of our packaged beer, the shelf stability of the beer is improved, making it taste fresher, longer. Bottle conditioning does result in a small amount of sediment in each bottle. This sediment is just brewer’s yeast and is completely harmless, tasteless, and odorless. If you’d rather not see it floating around in your glass, be sure to not agitate the bottle before serving, pour carefully, and leave a few milliliters in the bottom of the bottle at the end of the pour.”

ABOUT THE BEER
STYLE: Session India Pale Ale
BREWED SINCE: 2014
ABV: 4.6%
FERMENTATION: Ale yeast, two varieties of hops, two types of malts
COLOR: Pale Amber
EFFERVESCENCE: Generous
NOSE: Citrus, floral.
FLAVOR: Light hops, refreshing.
BITTERNESS: Medium-Low
BODY: Light, refreshing
SERVING TEMPERATURE: 40-45°F
GLASS: pint glass
 AVAILABILITY: Spring/summer / 12oz (6pk and 24 bottle cases) / 1/2 keg, 1/6 keg
CELLARING: 40-45°F

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.stbcbeer.com

Twitter:  @stbcbeer

In closing, I had several beers from this brewery.  I have to say I love their IPA’s but the rest of their beers.  I really do not know how I feel about them.  I know their Pumpking that I could do without in my world.  I know many people enjoy that beer and there is nothing wrong with it.  I was at my local craft beer bar and I saw this on draft.  I did not  have to look at the rest of the beer menu.  As many of you know, session IPA’s are growing at a rapid rate.  It seems like there is a new one hitting the market everyday.  The new ones are better than the last one.  This one topped Sierra Nevada Nooner IPA or tied in my world.  I really enjoyed this beer and love the hop notes.  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

Instagram:  @djweiser13

New Beer Blog New Holland Brewery Imperial Hatter India Pale Ale

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In this beer blog, we are going to sample Imperial Hatter India Pale from New Holland Brewery.  If you read my earlier beer blog posts on their Winter Seasonal, which is Cabin Fever, you know the history of this Michigan craft brewery.  If you have not, please read it to get to know this Western Michigan craft brewery.  Let us get into this Imperial IPA.

It has a cloudy dark copper with a constant white head.  The aroma has a heavy grapefruit notes.  The taste has a heavy grapefruit notes with a dry malty and hop bitter aftertaste.  It is a nice sipping beer.

Here is a description from the beer bottle:

An assertively dry-hopped nose is followed by a bitter symphony of flavor.  Bold hop character with lively grapefruit notes.

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

Description

Assertive dry-hopping provides an aromatic telltale nose, indicative of the robust, bitter symphony to follow. Bold hop character with lively grapefruit and citrus notes.

Beer Style Imperial IPA

Degrees Plato 20

Alcohol by Volume 9.40%

IBUs 76

Grains 2-row, munich, crystal, carapils

Hops Centennial, Cascade, Warrior

Yeast American Ale

First Brewed2007

Pairings Spicy heat, citrus and aged blue cheese

Here is their website and twitter addreses:

Website:  www.newhollandbrew.com

Twitter:  @newhollandbrew

This is my second New Holland brewery beer review on this blog.  I have had several of their beers.  They are good beers but I just feel there are better brews out there.  I am a huge hophead and I saw this brew when I was beer shopping.  I thought sure why not.   I love the hops they picked.  I was pretty excited about it.  I have to say I am pretty impressed.  It is better then rest of the beers I have had from them.  I will going to have to retry their beers again in the near future.  I love the hops and nice malty backbone.  The backbone is a little weak but strong enough to live with the bold hop selection.  I highly recommend this beer and I would love to hear your thoughts.  Go get some!  Drink it!  Enjoy it!  Metal it!  \m/

Cheers!

Bill DJ Weiser

Email:  djweiser13@comcast.net

Twitter:  @djweiser

Instagram:  @djweiser13

New Beer Blog Sierra Nevada Harvest Single Hop IPA

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In this beer blog, we are going to get into one of five special IPA’s from Sierra Nevada.  It is part of their Harvest Series that will be release through out the year. It is their Single Hop IPA.  It is using a special hop, which is Yakima hop #291.  If you read my earlier beer blog posts, you know the history of this craft brewery.  If you have not read my earlier beer blog posts, please, read them to get to know Sierra Nevada Brewery.  Let us get into this beer.

This India Pale Ale has a clear copper color with a nice creamy like white head on it.  The aroma has a nice welcoming floral notes.  The taste has a light carbonation and blueberry notes.  The aftertaste has nice a nice hop bitter kick but hints of black pepper.  It is kind of drinkable but more of a sipping India Pale Ale.

Here is a description from the beer bottle:

The first in our 2014 Harvest series, this single hop IPA showcases newly developed hop 291’s intense, bright floral aromas and complementary notes of blueberry and black pepper.

We’re devoted to whole-cone hops, and we’re always on  the hunt for rare and exciting hop flavors.  By working directly with breeders and growers, we have access to fields of the latest hops new to brew kettles.  The first in our five-bottle Harvest series is single hopped with newly developed 291 varietal and highlights its intense floral and berry-like aromas.  Drink this IPA fresh and watch for the next releases that-explore diverse hopping methods:  single hop, fresh hop, wet hop, and wild hop.

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

Available February 2014.
Whole-cone hops, the whole time—our philosophy since the beginning. We use hops in their purest form, and we’re fortunate to get first crack at some of the rare and exciting varietals new to brew kettles. This single-hop IPA showcases newly developed hop 291’s fruity, berry-like aromas, complex floral character and hints of pepper. This intriguing varietal kicks off our five-bottle Harvest series which features single hop, fresh hop, wet hop, and wild hop beers.

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.sierranevada.com

Twitter:  @SierraNevada

Ending, this was an awesome brew.  Sierra Nevada, once again, has out did themselves.  They put some thought and used the hop in the right way.  I love the unique hop aroma and taste profile this beer kicks off.  I was a little taking back on the notes from the aroma and taste.  The aftertaste of black pepper and aroma of berry like notes is unique and different.  I laugh at people saying this brewery is one trick pony.  This is a pretty balance beer with a ton flavor.  I really enjoying it and I highly highly recommend this beer.  Go get some!  Drink it!  Enjoy it!  Metal it!  \m/

Cheers!

Bill DJ Weiser

Email:  djweiser13@comcast.net

Twitter:  @djweiser

Instagram:  @djweiser13

New Beer Blog Sierra Nevada Nooner Session IPA

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In this beer blog, we are going to get into another beer, which is Nooner Session IPA, from Sierra Nevada Brewery.  It is another beer from their 4-Way IPA.  If you read my earlier beer blog posts, you know the history of this craft brewery.  If you have not read those posts, please, do so to get to know this West Coast craft brewery.  Let us get into this IPA.

It has a clear copper color with a white constant head on this session India Pale Ale.  The aroma has a light citrus notes.  The taste has a light carbonated and notes of slight grapefruit to citrus.  The aftertaste has dry hop bitter finish. It is extremely drinkable beer.

Here is a description from the beer bottle:

There’s no better way to start a lazy afternoon than with a group of friends and a few beers. Nooner IPA is a session beer that’s light in body yet big in hop flavor. By using intense, whole-cone American hops in our Hop Torpedo we pack this small beer with a hefty hop punch.

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

Nooner™ Session IPA

Kick back with big hop flavor.

There’s no better way to start a lazy afternoon than with a group of friends and a few beers. Nooner IPA is a session beer that’s light in body yet big in hop flavor. By using intense, whole-cone American hops in our Hop Torpedo we pack this small beer with a hefty hop punch. Traditionally, IPAs have been bigger, stronger beers, but this session beer offers the same hop assertiveness with an easy drinkability.

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.sierranevada.com

Twitter:  @SierraNevada

Closing, when I first had this beer, I thought it was the best session IPA that I ever had.  It is still a great brew and I love it.  I hope they will bottle and package it down into six pack bottles soon.  It is drinkable for an all day event or just a lazy weekend day.  I love the hops and the light malty backbone is just right. This is an awesome beer and I recommend this beer and the sampler pack.  Go get some!  Drink it!  Enjoy it!  Metal it!  \m/

Cheers!

Bill DJ Weiser

Email:  djweiser13@comcast.net

Twitter:  @djweiser

Instagram:  @djweiser13

New Beer Blog Sierra Nevada Snow Wit White IPA

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In this beer blog, we are going to get into another beer from Sierra Nevada.  It is from their 4-Way IPA sampler pack.  It is their Snow Wit White IPA.  If you read my earlier beer blog posts, you know the history of this west coast craft brewery.  If you have not read them, please, do so to get to know Sierra Nevada.  I bet you already know the history of this craft brewery.  Let us get into this white IPA.

It has a cloudy strew to light golden slight dark white color with a white constant head on this white IPA.  The aroma has notes of wheat, coriander and a slight grapefruit notes.  The taste has a hint of wheat and coriander with a nice grapefruit notes.  The aftertaste has a nice yeasty and slight bitter finish.  It is pretty drinkable brew.

Here is a description from the beer bottle:

You don’t need a magic to see the lure of this beer. It’s brewed with seven varieties of experimental dwarf hops. These hops are so called because of their uncommon growing method-shorter hegerows rather than trellis system-that yields a denser heap of cones with unique flavors that diverge from their full-grown botanical counterparts.

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

Snow Wit™ White IPA

A seven-hop lineup with a Belgian twist.

You don’t need a magic mirror to see the lure of this beer. It’s brewed with seven varieties of experimental dwarf hops. These hops are so called because of their uncommon growing method—shorter hedgerows rather than tall trellis systems—that yields a denser heap of cones with unique flavors that diverge from their full-grown botanical counterparts. Each year new and different varieties are grown in this method, creating untried and exciting shifts in hop character.

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.sierranevada.com

Twitter:  @SierraNevada

In closing, I have never been a huge fan of this beer style, however, of late, it is starting to grow on me.  I do not know if that is because there are better White IPA’s hitting the market or my palate is getting use to them.  I love how the Belgian White twists nicely with the IPA side.  The hops selection is perfect with the coriander and wheat notes.  I am pretty impressed and I have to say this one of the best White IPA that I have ever had.  I highly recommend this beer and this sampler pack.  Go get some!  Drink it!  Enjoy it!  Metal it!  \m/

Cheers!

Bill DJ Weiser

Email:  djweiser13@comcast.net

Twitter:  @djweiser

Instagram:  @djweiser13

New Beer Blog Magic Hat Dream Machine IPL

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In this beer blog, we are going to try a new beer, which is Dream Machine, from Magic Hat Brewery. If you read my earlier beer blog posts, you know the history of this Northeast Craft Brewery. If you have not read those posts, please, read them to get to know this craft brewery. Let us get into this beer.

It has a slight cloudy copper color with a creamy white head on this India Pale Lager.  The aroma has a heavy citrus notes.  The taste has a slight carbonated citrus notes with a nice crisp clean finish.  It is 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 melange of times 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 a description from their website (http://www.magichat.net):

THE STORY

Currents flow through lips, swim through limbs, lines of spine, and loop back ’round again, coming to rest in the comfort of your mind. Dream Machine whirrs, something stirs and the ether swirls with visions and dreams, reminding us that nothing in our minds must be what it seems.

THE BEER

Dream Machine, an India Pale Lager or IPL, is a melding of varied visions of an India Pale Ale and an Amber Lager. Once poured, its light copper color delights the eyes and a citrusy hop aroma flows through the nose. Upon first sip, a smooth hop bitterness reveals itself – fresh, bold and slightly spicy – before subtle hints of mild maltiness appear. A big hop bite and a crisp, clean lager finish combine for a beautifully balanced beer. Take Dream Machine for a spin and let your reverie begin.

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website: http://www.magichat.net

Twitter:  @magichat

Closing, I have to say the later versions of IPL’s are making the earlier ones look really bad.  I will be honest at first I was not a fan of IPL’s.  I thought it was a joke or a fake of a beer style.  More and more craft breweries are making their version of India Pale Lager.  I understand why.  IPA’s are growing at a rapid rate and craft breweries are expanding IPA styles in that world.  I am a pretty big fan of Wolverine IPL.  I have to say Magic Hat out did themselves on their brew.  They have best IPL that I had so far on the market.  I know there are few more IPL’s coming soon and I will be looking for them when they hit the market.  Dream Machine is my favorite one so far.  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

Instagram:  @djweiser13

New Beer Blog Goose Island Endless IPA

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In this beer blog, we are going to sample the next Limited Release beer, which is Endless IPA, from Goose Island Brewery.  If you read my earlier beeer blog posts on Goose Island’s beers, you know the history of this Midwest craft brewery.  If you have not, please, read those posts to get to know this craft brewery.  Let us get into this IPA.

It has a clear dark golden to a clear copper color with a white constant head on this session ale.  The aroma has a floral notes.  The taste has a light carbonated cirtus notes with a dry bitter finish that disappears quickly.  It is extremely drinkable beer.

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

Long days and warm nights awaken the city. The list of neighborhood festivals is endless. As is the great music that brings us together in parks and parking lots. We brewed our Session IPA to be easy drinking and endlessly refreshing, so you can enjoy every encore.Bright note of fresh oranges and other citrus fruit with a mild body that is crisp on the palate.

Recipe Information:

Style: IPA

Alcohol by Volume: 5.0%

International Bitterness Units: 35

Color: Wildflower Honey

Hops: Amarillo

Malts: 2-Row, Carapils, C-60

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.gooseisland.com

Twitter:  @GooseIsland

In the end, I am pretty excited with all the new beers that Goose Island is releasing this year.  I love the Ten Hills Pale Ale.  When I saw this one being release, I needed to run out and pick up a bottle.  Session IPA are a huge and growing beer style in the IPA world.  The first one that I know of is from the Midwest came from Founders Brewery.  It is their All Day IPA.  I have to say when I tried it.  I was not too impressed.  I figured Goose Island has never really let me down on their beers.  I have to say was not impressed.  This beer is pretty average.  It is a let down from Ten Hills Pale Ale.  I will retry it one more time.  I just feel I might have picked up a bad bottle.  Go get some!  Drink it!  Enjoy it!  Metal it!  \m/

Cheers!

Bill DJ Weiser

Twitter:  @djweiser

Email:  djweiser13@comcast.net

Instagram:  @djweiser13

New Beer Blog Atwater Beer Hop A Peel Ale

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In this beer blog, we are going to sample Hop A Peel Ale from Atwater Brewery.  If you read my earlier beer blog posts, you know the history of this Detroit Craft Brewery.  If you have not read those posts, please, read them to get to know this brewery along the Detroit River.  Let us get into this American IPA.

This American IPA has a cloudy amber color with a constant white head on this ale.  The aroma has a citrus to orange notes.  The tasting profile has a dry hoppy to bitter notes.  The aftertaste is very dry and bitter that hangs out too long for my liking.  It should be drinkable but to me it is sipping.

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

Atwater’s HopApeel is a frontal assault on the American IPA style that features not only the classic American Cascade and Chinook hops, but two of the new “Super Cascade” varieties in both the kettle and in the dry hop. Dried and ground orange peel is added to the whirlpool to deliver a citric bittering that sets HopApeel apart from the masses.

ABV: 7.5% IBU: 86

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.atwaterbeer.com

Twitter:  @atwaterbeer

In closing, I have try and retry most of their beers.  I have to say overall that I really disappointed.  I love their Java Vanilla Porter.  Their version of the classic beer style, which is India Pale Ale is pretty bad and disappointed.   I do not know why I thought this American IPA would be any different.  The malty backbone is very weak just like their Grand Circus IPA.  The taste has nothing to what the name of beer and the description from bottle and website. The aroma does but the taste is like their Grand Circus IPA.  It is water hop taste with alcohol.  It is not a good 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

Instagram:  @djweiser13