ipa

New Beer Blog Goose Island Ten Hills Pale Ale

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In this new beer release blog, we are going to get into one of the first new beers from Goose Island Brewery from Chicago.  I am talking about their first beer, which is their Ten Hills Pale Ale, in the series called “Limited Release.”  If you read my earlier beer blog posts on this craft brewery, you know the history of Goose Island Brewery.  If you have not, please, read those beer blog posts to get to know this craft brewery.  Let us get into the beer.

This new brew from Goose Island has a clean copper color with a white head.  The smell has some piney to earthy notes.  The taste has some earthy notes with a dry hop finish.  It is pretty drinkable beer.

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

Ten Hills traces its story to Elk Mountain Farms in Idaho, famous for growing hops of exceptional quality  and character. With hops from the “first ten hills” grown for Goose Island at Elk Mountain, we crafted a pale ale that delivers both a herbal and citrus hop character. We hope you’ll find the intriguing balance of flavors in this beer to be truly unparalleled.

Recipe Information:

Style: Pale Ale Alcohol by Volume: 6.2 International Bitterness Units: 48 Color: Copper Hops: Perle, Cascade, US Saaz Malt: 2-Row, Caramel 20, Caramel 40, Munich

Availability:

Seasonal (December – March) Bottles: 4/6pks 2/12pks Draft: 1/2bbl 1/6bbl

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.gooseisland.com

Twitter:  @GooseIsland

In the end, just what, I said in review of their Coffee Stout from the Bourbon County Stout line.  I love the direction that Goose Island is going with Bret Porter as their Brewmaster.   I love the hops and I am glad they are only available for Goose Island use only.  It makes this brew a little bit more special.  It has a nice balance between the hops and malty backbone.   I am really not a fan of the aftertaste but overall, this is a great beer.  I just cannot wait for the next release.  I highly recommend this brewery.  Go get some!  Drink it!  Enjoy it!  Metal it!  \m/

Cheers!

Bill DJ Weiser

Email:  djweiser13@comcast.net

Twitter:  @djweiser

New Beer Blog Arbor Brewing Company Mr. Delicious Double IPA

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In this beer blog, we are going to sample out another beer from Arbor Brewing Company.  It is their Mr. Delicious Double IPA.  If you read my earlier beer blog post, you know the history of this brewery.  If you have not, please, read the post to get to know this craft brewery.  Let us get into beer.

It has cloudy dark copper to a light amber color with a small white bubble head.  The aroma is fated and hard to pick up.  It is like a citrus notes for the smell.  The taste is a light carbonation with grapefruit notes with a grapefruit aftertaste.  It is a sipping beer.

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

This beer leads off with a stiff round-house punch of citrusy hops, follows up with a quick kick of bready malts and warming alcohol, and finishes with a powerful and lingering bite of complex layered hops.

This popular brew was inspired by ABC founder, head brewer and spiritual leader Matt Greff whose cartoon enhanced image graces the label.

  • ABV9%
  • IBU90
  • OG1.088

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website: www.arborbrewing.com

Twitter:  @ArborBrew and @ArborBrewYpsi

Closing, as many of you readers know, I am a huge fan of this brewery.  I am glad to be back to Michigan to enjoy their beers and Frankenmuth on regular basis.  I love checking out some of the new craft breweries that are popping out around the state, however, I have always go back to my favorite breweries to check out their new beer that hit the market.  It leads to this brew from Arbor Brewing.  I love the hops and nice balance from the malt.  They did a great job on this beer.  I did not think they were able to make an imperial IPA.  They made one and a really good one here.  I could live without name and packaging on this beer.  I recommend you trying this beer.  Go get some!  Drink it!  Enjoy it!  Metal it!  \m/

Cheers!

Bill DJ Weiser

Email:  djweiser13@comcast.net

Twitter:  @djweiser

New Beer Blog Dogfish Head And Sierra Nevada Life And Limb Rhizing Bines India Pale Ale

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In this beer blog, we are going to sample a brew that had two craft brewery, who are Dogfish Head and Sierra Nevada, teamed up to brew this beer.  It is Life And Limb Rhizing Bines IPA.  I want to say thanks to my friend Jay for the share.  If you read my beer blog posts so far, you know history of both of these breweries.  If you have not read those posts, please, read them to get up to speed on both of these breweries.  Let us get into the beer.

This India Pale Ale has a cloudy amber color with a white constant head.  The aroma has a citrus notes.  The taste has slight caramel to citrus notes with a dry bitter citrus aftertaste.  It is a pretty drinkable beer from Dogfish Head and Sierra Nevada Brewery.

Here is a descriation from the beer bottle:

Rhizing Bines is a collaborative IPA using the best of both coasts:  Carolina-grown red fife wheat and Dogfish Head’s continual-hopping from the East and Sierra Nevada’s estate-grown caramel malt and Torpado dry-hopping from the West.

Here is a descripation from Dogfish Head’s website (www.dogfish.com):

Rhizing Bines

ABV: 8
IBU: 70
Availability: Limited
Original Release Date: 02/2013

Deepening our bond with Sierra Nevada Brewing Co., forged with the 2009   collaboration Life & Limb, we’ve brewed an East-meets-West Imperial IPA called Rhizing Bines.“We had a lot of fun brewing the original dark and roasty Life &   Limb in Chico with the Grossmans and Sierra Nevada’s extended family,”   says Dogfish Head President and Founder Sam Calagione. “We are very   proud of the way that beer turned out. Now it’s our turn to repay that   hospitality and brew a very hop-centric IPA in Milton with our pals from   Chico, incorporating innovative ingredients and techniques from both   breweries.”On the hot side, Rhizing Bines went through Dogfish’s signature   continual-hopping process with floral and citrusy Bravo hops. On the   cold side, it was dry-hopped with an experimental varietal so new it   doesn’t yet have a name, just a number: Hop 644. A component of Sierra   Nevada’s aroma-boosting Torpedo system made a pit-stop in  Delaware  for dry-hopping duty before it headed to Sierra’s new North  Carolina  brewery. To celebrate Sierra Nevada planting East Coast roots, Dogfish Head tracked down a Carolina heirloom wheat grown and milled at Anson Mills. The soft red winter wheat contributes subtle sweet and nutty notes to this hop-forward ale.“It gives my wife and myself great comfort to know that although  we’re  leaving our home and friends on the West Coast, we’re joining our  craft  brewing friends on the East Coast,” says Sierra Nevada General  Manager  Brian Grossman. “Here’s to great beer!”The label for Rhizing Bines depicts the pairings behind this beer:  two  hop varietals, two yeast strains (Chico and Doggie), two unique  hopping  processes and two family-owned breweries. These bonds start at  the root –  or rhizome – and stretch throughout the mature bines.“Sam and his family and the entire Dogfish crew have been friends of   ours for a long time,” says Sierra Nevada Founder Ken Grossman. “When  we  started talking about doing another collaboration we jumped at the   chance, especially since this version will be the hoppy counterpoint to   the last brews. We couldn’t say no! We’re looking forward to joining   forces again.”

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.dogfish.com and www.sierranevada.com

Twitter:  @dogfishbeer and @SierraNevada

In closing, when two or three craft breweries get together to brew a beer, it makes me a little nervous to purchase these beers.  This is the big reason why.  One, I feel at times that I do not get my money worth from the liquid in the bottle.  Two, I feel that way about many of 750ml bottles from Dogfish Head.  I hate to say it.  They are great beers I just feel they are overpriced.  I have to say my attitude changed with this brew.  This is a great beer and well balance India Pale Ale.  I enjoyed drinking this beer.  I 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 Buckledown Brewery Belt And Suspenders American IPA

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In this beer blog, we are going to review a craft brewery, which is Buckle down Brewery, that just opened in the southern part of Chicagoland market.  The beer is their Belt And Suspenders American IPA.  Buckledown Brewery opened in December of 2013.  Ike Orcutt and Sean Mahoney, who are owners, opened the brewery in Lyons, IL.  They brewery four different beer styles and in extremely small batches.  There is not much history on this young brewery but I am glad to see them open now to make some history.  Let us get into the brew.

It has a clear copper color with a constant white head.  The smell is earthy to floral like to this American IPA.  The taste is an orange with hints of citrus notes.  The aftertaste is orange.  It is pretty drinkable beer.

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

Belt & Suspenders

American IPA

Loads of Crystal and Sterling hops lead the way in producing huge citrus and pine aromatics.  Hoppiness is supported with a clean, slightly biscuity malt backbone.

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.buckledownbrewing.com

Twitter:  @BuckleDownBeer

In closing, this is a great place to have a beer.  I love the fact they do not service food at their brewery.  You are there to have and try their beers.  Their beers are a work of art and they put some thought behind each of these brews.    There is a nice malty backbone and it is well designed.  They are not piling hops to hide the faults like most craft breweries in the City of Chicago or around the country.  I love the hops that they are using in this brew.  It kicks off some citrus notes.  It is drinkable and it is really good.  You might be able to find this brew around the city but I would make a trip to the south side of Chicago to enjoy beer with Sean, Ike, and their staff. I highly recommend this beer and this brewery.  Go get some!  Drink it!  Enjoy it!  Metal it!  \m/

Cheers!

Bill DJ Weiser

Email:  djweiser13@comcast.net

Twitter:  @djweiser

New Beer Blog Griffin Claw Brewing Grind Line Pale Ale

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Starting a new tab, we are going to get into the second brew from Griffin Claw Brewing.  It is their Grind Line Pale Ale.  If you read blog post from yesterday, you learn that I could not find too much information on this brewery.  If you know anything, please, let me know anything about this brewery so I could share with the world.  Let us get into the beer.

It has a clear copper color with a white head on this pale ale.  The smell is slight earthy notes.  The taste has an extremely light earth notes to creamy caramel notes. It is pretty drinkable.

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

Our gold-medal-winning Grind Line Pale Ale gets its name from equal parts Detroit Hockey and Detroit Automaking. Everything about this Ale works together to form the whole – just the right amount of malt and hops. A good place to start if you’re having trouble deciding.

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.griffinclawbrewingcompany.com

Twitter:  @Griffinclaw

Closing, I have to say this brew was so much better than their IPA.  I realize they are two different styles.  I could drink this brew.  It is pretty drinkable and there is a nice hop balance here with the malty backbone.  I will not say this was the best pale ale that I have ever had.  It is not the worse.  There are pretty good pale ales out on the market.  I was pretty happy to try it.  I will try it again just like their IPA to get a true sense of how I feel about this beer.  I right now feel this is average to below average brew.  I recommend you trying this brew.  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 Griffin Claw Brewing Norm’s Raggedy Ass India Pale Ale

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In this beer blog, we are going to sample out two brews for the first time here on this blog.  I am talking about Griffin Claw Brewing.  This review will be their  Norm’s Raggedy Ass India Pale Ale and the other review will be their Grind Line Pale Ale that will be released tomorrow.  There is not much history on this brewery.  Their website does not say much, however, I believe they started this year.  Let us get into the beer.

It has a slight cloudy golden color with a constant white head on this India Pale Ale.  The smell has malty to bad citrus notes.  The taste has a piney to bad wet citrus notes.  There is a bad hop taste to aftertaste.  It is like a bad import beer taste.  It is not really drinkable.

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

No corners are cut to brew our World Beer Cup champion Norm’s Raggedy Ass IPA. The key is in the giant, wonderful combination of piney, citrusy, and fruity hops with a surprisingly low malt profile.   In other words, this is a powerhouse beer but it won’t make you drowsy. You’ll probably just want to order another pint

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.griffinclawbrewingcompany.com

Twitter:  @Griffinclaw

In the end, I was pretty excited to see this on shelves of my local liquor store.  Since getting back from Chicago, my goal is to try any Michigan craft beer  that I can get in my hand.  I have to say that I have had some good ones and some bad ones.  I heard somethings about Griffin Claw Brewing and I was happy to see their beers in cans.  I love beer in cans because it protects it from its two enemies, who are air and sunlight.  I love how this beer looked.  I did not like the aroma and the taste.  I just believe this beer is not balanced enough or the hops are just a bad mix.  It is not a good beer.  I do not know if I just brought a bad beer and I will try it again.  As of right now, I am pretty disappointed. I did retry this beer at Sports Locker in Livonia on draft. I know now I had a bad can or batch. It is better. I still do not like the hops that they are using in the beer. I recommend you trying this brew.  I am not a huge fan but it is better than the first can I had. This does not mean you will not like it.  Please, let me know what your thoughts are on 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 Atwater Brewery Grand Circus IPA

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In this beer blog, we are going to get into Grand Circus IPA from Atwater Brewery.  Atwater Brewery was founded in 1997 by the Detroit River.  City of Detroit has a rich history like most major cities in the United States in brewing.  There brew house was imported in from Germany.  They brew several different beer styles.  Let us get into the beer.

It has a clear dark golden with constant small bubbles and a constant white head on this IPA.  The smell is earthy with some piney notes.  The taste of this medium body is earthy and piney notes with a dry hop aftertaste.  It is pretty drinkable beer.

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

Here is their website and twitter addesses:

Website:  www.atwaterbeer.com

Twitter:  @atwaterbeer

Closing, Atwater Brewery is a few breweries located right in the City of Detroit.  I give them a ton of credit for where they are located in the city.  I have to say this about this brew and brewery.  They did a semi good job to bad job on this brew.  I am a huge hop head and I was pretty disappointed on this IPA.  I just feel there is not enough malty backbone.  I am not a fan of the hops they are using in it. I love their packaging and their Java Vanilla Porter.  I have to say just because I do not like this brew.  It does not mean you will not like this beer.  I am going to stop by their brewpub here soon since moving back to Michigan.  Please, go try this beer and let me know what you think of it.  Go get some!  Drink it!  Enjoy it!  Metal it!  \m/

Cheers!

Bill DJ Weiser

Email:  djweiser13@comcast.net

Twitter:  @djweiser

New Beer Blog North Peak Brewing Diabolical India Pale Ale

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New beer tab, we are going to sample out another beer from North Peak Brewing.  It is their everyday Diabolical India Pale Ale.  If you read my earlier beer blog on their Imperial IPA, you know the history of this northwest of Michigan craft brewery.  If you have not, please, read the beer blog post to know the history and information on this Michigan Brewery.  Let us get into the beer.

It has a cloudy copper color with little white bubble head on this India Pale Ale.  The smell is citrus and malty notes.  The taste is mild carbonation citrus notes for this English style India Pale Ale.  The aftertaste is a little weird and I can figure it out what it is.  It is pretty drinkable beer.

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

The devil made us do it.  From the ABV and IBU figures to the fiendish use of Cascade, Perle, and Willamette hops.  lucifer was whispering in our ears the entire time.  Citrus and pine scents great you and are followed by the sharp bitterness expected of an IPA.  The beer’s true wickedness is revealed in the smooth Pale, Crystal 30 and wheat malts that surreptitiously broaden the beer’s appeal to more than just hopheads.

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.northpeak.net

Twitter:  @northpeakbeer

Closing, I have to say this is one of the worse IPA’s that I have ever had in my life.  It is towards the bottom of my listed.  I do not like the hops and malts that they use in this brew.  I pay good money for a fresh beer.  I had this beer three times.  I had it twice in the bottle and once on draft.  It all tasted the same.  I thought maybe I received a bad beer.  This beer is not the worse in the IPA world.  I could name a few that will be under it.  I love the hops they are using but I just believe they used them wrong or combination of hops is wrong.  It could be the yeast or maybe I received three bad batches.  I really doubt that idea. I will say this many times just because I did not like this beer. It does not mean you will not like it. We have different likes and dislikes and I would run with it. I courage you to go try it.   Please, let me know what you think.  Sorry North Peak Brewing! I am being honest here in this review. Go get some!  Drink it!  Enjoy it!  Metal it!  \m/

Cheers!

Bill DJ Weiser

Email:  djweiser13@comcast.net

Twitter:  @djweiser

New Beer Blog Sixpoint Brewery Global Warmer

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In this beer blog, we are going to sample another brew from Sixpoint Brewery.  It is their new winter seasonal, which is Global Warmer.  If you read my earlier beer blog posts, you know the history of this brewery.  If you have not, please, read my earlier beer blog post to get to know this great New York City brewery.  Let us get into the beer.

It has a cloudy amber color with foamy white head on this winter ale.  The smell is notes of citrus and malty.  The taste is a citrus to malty notes with a dry bitter hoppy aftertaste.  It is kind of drinkable beer.

Here is a description from the beer can:

Some say the world will end in fire, some say in ice. From what I’ve tasted of desire I hold with those who flavor fire. A Winter Warmer to warm your Globe, or a Global Warmer to warm your Winter? There’s no denying the Beer Climate is changing.

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

Global Warmer

Some say the world will end in fire, Some say in ice. From what I’ve tasted of desire I hold with those who favor fire.A Winter Warmer to warm your Globe, or a Global Warmer to warm your Winter? There’s no denying the Beer Climate is changing.

Here is their website and twitter addesses:

Website:  www.sixpoint.com

Twitter:  @sixpoint

In the end, as many of you readers know I am a huge fan of this brewery.  I believe they are one of the best breweries out of New York City.  I never had Bronx Brewery and they are on my list to try in the future.  I love Blue Point out of Long Island.  Sixpoint tries to push the limits of beer brewing that is what I love about this brewery.  I am not a fan of red ales but I have to say this brew is pretty good.  I love the hop character that lives in this beer.  The other red ale that I like is from Bridgeport Brewery and it is called Kingpin Red Ale.  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 Round Barn Brewery Wood Oaked India Pale Ale

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Starting a new tab, we are going to sample out a first on this blog.  It is a brewery that is also a winery.  I am talking about Round Barn Brewery from the west part of Michigan.  It is their Wood Oaked India Pale Ale.  There is not much history on this brewery on their website and other sources.  I know they brew several different beer styles.  Let us get into the beer.

It has a cloudy golden color with a white head on this IPA.  The smell has wooden, earthly, and notes of citrus. The taste has notes of citrus and wooden with a slight vanilla and oak aftertaste.  It is a pretty drinkable beer.

Here is a description from the beer bottle:

From the first taste of this IPA you will pick up the fresh oak character and cascade hop bitterness that gives this beer a balanced finish. Pairs well with Asian or Mexican dishes, grilled meats and of course, IPA’s classic mate, Indian curry.

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

Wood Oaked IPA

From the first taste of this IPA you will pick up the fresh oak character and Cascade hop bitterness that gives this beer a balanced finish. Pairs well with Asian or Mexican dishes, grilled meats and of course, IPA’s classic mate, Indian curry. (ABV 6.75%)

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.roundbarnwinery.com

Twitter:  @RoundBarnWinery

Closing out my tab, I have to say I was pretty interested when I saw this brew on the shelf.  I was wondering how it would turn out.  I have to say I was pretty impressed.  It is pretty good but not good at the same time.  It was a pretty average beer.  I will give them credit on doing some original.  I am happy to see them not do the normal old India Pale Ale.  I do not mind those either.  I recommend you trying this brew because it is unique.  Go get some!  Drink it!  Enjoy it!  Metal it!  \m/

Cheers!

Bill DJ Weiser

Email:  djweiser13@comcast.net

Twitter:  @djweiser