michigan

New Beer Blog Short’s Brew Bonafide Legit American IPA

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In this beer blog, we are going to get into Bonafide Legit American IPA from Short’s Brewing.  This is a special brew because they used Summit hops from Michigan.  If you read my earlier beer blog posts on their beers, you know the history of this Northwestern Michigan craft brewery.  If you have not, please, read them to get ot know this brewery.  Let us get into this American IPA.

It has a cloudy golden color in the light with a white constant head. The aroma has an earthy to citrus notes.  The taste has a citrus notes with a dry bitter hop finish.  It is pretty drinkable beer.

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

A light bodied American Pale Ale brewed entirely with Northern Michigan grown Summit hops. An excellent sharp aroma of strong floral and fruity characteristics stings the senses with hop laced anticipation. A sticky hop filled mouthful of damp earthy pine with notable herbal accents coats the entire mouth, followed by a big resiny bitterness that lingers well into the finish, drying the palate and resonating boldly.
ABV 6%
IBU 85

6% ABV

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.shortsbrewing.com

Twitter:  @shortsbrewing

Closing, I love this beer. This is their real IPA.  This is so much better than their everyday beer.  I have to say there is something that is starting to bother me.  I love the fact that their website calls this a pale ale but the packaging says American IPA.  So which is it.  I starting to wonder if it was a print misprinted but if you look at the IBU’s, it is in the range of being an IPA.  I am calling this IPA not a pale ale.  In other words, this is a great beer and I am pretty impressed.  I highly recommend this beer.  Go get some!  Drink it!  Enjoy i!  Metal it!  \m/

Cheers!

Bill DJ Weiser

Email:  djweiser16@gmail.com

Twitter:  @djweiser

Instagram:  @djweiser13

New Beer Blog Founders Dark Penance Imperial Black IPA

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In this beer blog, we are going to get into Dark Penance Imperial Black IPA from Founders Brewery.  If you read my earlier beer blog posts on their beers, you know the history of this Michigan craft brewery.  If you have not, please, read them to get to Founders.  Let us get into this Black IPA.

It has a jet black color with a semi on tan color head.  The smell has a burn chocolate to coffee and citrus notes. The taste has a a creamy chocolate citrus notes with a dry hoppy to roasted chocolate aftertaste.  It is a sipping beer.

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

A heavy malt foundation includes Crystal malt for sweetness and just enough Midnight Wheat malt to push the color to black. The bitterness is huge, but balanced by malt sweetness and alcohol burn. The hop flavors and aromas range from citrus to floral to pine thanks to a delicious blend of hand-selected Chinook and Centennial hops.

  • ABV: 8.9%
  • IBUs: 100
  • Availability: Oct – Dec

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.foundersbrewing.com

Twitter:  @foundersbrewing

Closing, I enjoyed this beer very much.  I just wished it was everyday six-pack brew.  They did a great job on this brew.  I love the creamy chocolate citrus notes.  It is in your face but smooth unlike most black IPA.  It is like they used stout base to make this Black IPA.  Most craft breweries use a porter base to make their Black IPA.   There is a nice balance to this beer, however, it is still a sipping beer.  The aroma and color are spot on to the beer style.  This makes you want to try the beer and enjoy it.  I realize the cost but I wish they made more of this beer. I am not a fan of the price but I wanted to try it.  I am glad that I did.  This is their best beer that they make.  It is a shame that it is not everyday beer.  I highly recommend you go out on a beer hunt for it.  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 Right Brain Brewery Flying Squirrel Brown Ale (2014)

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In this fall beer blog, we are going to sample the fall seasonal, which is Flying Squirrel Brown Ale, from Right Brain Brewery.  If you read my earlier beer blog posts on their beers, you know the history of this Michigan craft brewery.  If you have not, please, read them to get to know Right Brain Brewery.  Let us get into this beer.

It has a dark brown color with an off white to tan color head on this American brown ale.  The aroma has a roasted malty to nutty notes with a slight caramel notes.  The taste has a smooth to creamy malty and nutty notes.  The aftertaste has a nutty crisp finish.  It is a pretty drinkable beer.

Here is a description from the beer bottle:

One quiet summer night, a lone beer lover was relaxing on his front porch with his favorite brew, when he noticed something darting through the trees above his head.

When he stepped into the darkness to investigate, a mysterious shape swooped down from above, narrowly missing his head (and scaring the crap out of him).  He knew immediately what it was.  Hence the legend of the flying squirrel was born.

Expect mild chocolate and hops aromas, deep colored body, and subtle roasty notes with a satisfying hoppy finish.

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

FLYING SQUIRREL
Style: Brown Ale
ABV: 5.7%
A Traditional American Brown Ale with chocolate and roasty notes leading towards a clean and mild hop finish.

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.rightbrainbrewery.com

Twitter:  @rightbrainbrew

In the end, I am a huge fan of this craft brewery.  I have always looking for their next seasonal to hit the shelves.  I was happy to see their brown ale came back to the market.  I love the story on this brew that I found on the beer bottle.  They put together a nice package but I wish it was available in four pack 16oz cans or six-pack bottles.  I am not going to complain because it is back for another great fall season.  I love the color tones on this beer.  I love the aroma but I did not pick up any chocolate notes that is noted on the bottle.  I will have to pick up another bottle just to check it out again.  I love the creamy tasting profile.  I really enjoyed this beer.  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 New Holland Brewing Black Hatter Ale Black IPA

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In this beer blog, we are going to sample another brew from New Holland Brewery.  It is their Black Hatter Ale Black IPA.  If you read my earlier beer blog posts on their beers, you know the history of this craft brewery.  If you have not, please, read them to get to know this Michigan craft brewery.  Let us get into this black ale.

It has a jet black color with a tan color head.  The aroma has a slight coffee to citrus notes.  The taste has a roasted malty with coffee notes. There is a nice citrus with burn to hoppy bitter finish. This is a sipping beer.

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

Description

IPA brewed with black malts which add dark, roasted flavors. Dry-hopped. Centennial finish.

Beer Style

Black IPA

Degrees Plato

14.2

Alcohol by Volume

5.07%

IBUs

67

Grains

2-row, Munich, Crystal, Black, Carapils

Hops

Nugget, Centennial, Cascade

Yeast

American Ale

First Brewed

2001

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.newhollandbrew.com

Twitter:  @newhollandbrew

Ending, I get pretty excited when any craft brewery releases new beer or a beer I never had.  It is fear of the unknown that brings out the excitement of brews.  I have been curious about this beer for a while.  I have had this beer on my beer list for a while.  I broke down and finally picked up a bottle.  I love the packaging and color to the beer.  It has some nice tasting notes but I just thought it was pretty average beer.  It is an OK but not worth the price that you are paying for it.  At least, try it once.  Go get some!  Drink it!  Enjoy it!  Metal it!   \m/

Cheers!

Bill DJ Weiser

Email:  djweiser16@gmail.com

Twitter:  @djweiser

Instagram:  @djweiser13

New Beer (Mead) Blog B. Nektar Meadery Evil Genius IPA Style Mead

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In this beer (mead) blog, we are going to get into a style that many people might not know about.  It is mead.  I am kind of new to mead scene but my studies, I know what a mead is. I just need to try them. I will get into the history of mead and then Meadery featured on this post.  I am talking about B. Nektar Meadery.  The mead being feature is Evil Geniues IPA Style Mead.  Mead is a honey and water with fruits, hops, grains, and other spices to add character.  It is a wine base product.  It is normally made as a base of a honey wine.  B. Nektar Meadery was founded in Ferndale, Michigan in 2006.  Brad and Kerri Dahlhofer founded this meadery.  They make several different mead styles.  They sell their products around the country but mainly the midwest to the east coast.  Let us get into this Mead.

It has a bright yellow to white color without a head on this Mead.  The aroma has a honey with a hint of earthy notes.  The taste has a sweet honey with earthy undertones.  The aftertaste has sweet honey with a slight bitter finish. It is pretty drinkable.

Here is a description from the mead bottle:

In an obsure industrial lair resides the man known only as the evil Dr. IPA.  Using his hadron collider hidden deep underground, he has conducted his most remarkable experiment to date.  The result is a perfect balance of honey and hops.  But there are side effects…  his lab rats can’t get enough of the stuff.  And soon, neither will you.  Introducing the Evil Genius.  The big bang is no longer a theory, it’s your reality.

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.bnektar.com

Twitter:  @bnekar

Closing, I had a few meads and they are all from B. Nektar.  I do not know many more meaderies in the market.  If there is, I will be trying them soon.  I find some of these meads pretty sweet to way too sweet.  This is one of them.  I do not get too much from the hops.  I love this mead at first.  The more and more I was drinking it.  I just found that it was way too sweet for me.  I just feel if it was 10oz pour I would be in better shape.  I can drink meads and some sweet ciders.  I just find that they become too sweet for me.  Keep in mind, I am a hophead, porter, and stout type of beer drinker.  I recommend this mead.  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 Short’s Autumn Ale (2014)

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In this fall beer blog, we are going to get into the fall seasonal from Short’s Brewery.  It is their Autumn Ale.  If you read my earlier beer blog posts on their beers, you know the history of this Michigan craft brewery.  If you have not, please, read them to get to know this craft brewery.  Let us fall beer.

It has a slightly cloudy amber to bronze color with a semi white head.  The aroma has a floral to nutty notes with some hazelnut.  The taste has a slight carbonation malty with earthy hop bitter aftertaste.  It is pretty drinkable beer.

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

Autumn Ale is a true-to-style London Extra Special Bitter (ESB). It has a medium body, amber color, and full flavor. This beer exhibits a wonderful balance of malty sweetness and floral hop bitterness. The result is an ideal bridge between malty and hoppy beer styles. Autumn Ale is a silver medal winner from the 2006 Great American Beer Festival.

6.5% ABV

45 IBU

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.shortsbrewing.com

Twitter:  @shortsbrewing

In the end,  I did not like this beer.  It just seems like it is missing something.  I love my ESB’s.  I love the old country-style of it.  This one is true to the classic beer style.  I do not know if maybe it threw me off because the flood of Oktoberfest and Pumpkin beers.  This was the first beer I had for the day.  So it was not like I was a few beers in and started to drink it.  If it was a normal price craft beer but not higher than the rest, this beer would be worth the price.  I recommend you trying it and this beer is better than most of the beers Short’s release in the market.  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 Cheboygan Brewing Oktoberfest (2014)

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In this fall beer blog, we are going to get into another Oktoberfest from Cheboygan Brewing.  If you read my earlier beer blog posts on their beers, you know the history of this craft brewery.  If you have not, please, read them to get to know this Michigan craft brewery.  Let us get into this Oktoberfest Beer.

It has a nice clear light amber to dark copper color with a semi white head.  The smell has a candy to sweet caramel notes.  The taste has a sweet candy to caramel notes with a dry malty notes for the aftertaste.  It is pretty drinkable beer.

Here is a desecration from their website (www.cheboyganbrewingcompany.com):

Gold Medal award winner at the 2012 Frankenmuth World Expo of Beer!

The beer, created by the brewery’s operation manager and brewmaster Tim Perry, who was inspired by the 1976 Späten Oktoberfest bier from Munich, Germany, is orange in hue with a pronounced malt presence. 6% ABV IBU 28.  Available in the Fall.  Available in six packs seasonally.

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.cheboyganbrewingcompany.com

Twitter:  @CheboyganBrew

In the end, I have been really impressed with all the fall seasonals asides the Erdinger, Griffin Claw, Atwater Brewery, and Weihenstephaner.  I have to say those were bad.  I believe that is four out of fourteen fall beers.  This brewery puts another good one on that list.  I am so happy to have a great streak of fall beers this season.  I love the candy to caramel notes from the malt. It is pretty sweet but yet has a nice malty dry finish.  It will have you coming back and drink more and more of this beer.  I highly recommend this beer.  You can find this one in the Michigan market.  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 Griffin Claw Screamin’ Pumpkin Ale (2014)

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In this fall seasonal beer blog, we are going to get into another beer from Griffin Claw Brewery.  I do not know why I keep coming back to this brewery.  I know why for this beer because this is an old Michigan Brewery Company recipe.  If you read my earlier beer blog posts on their beers, you know the history of this young craft brewery.  If you have not, please, read them to get to know this Michigan craft brewery.  Let us get into this pumpkin ale.

It has a light amber to dark color with a semi white head.  The aroma has a heavy cinnamon and nutmeg notes.  The taste has really no notes but slight sweet malt. The aftertaste is a heavy cinnamon and nutmeg notes. It is so not drinkable beer.

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

Our Screamin’ Pumkin Ale is like a slice of warm pie. Cinnamon, clove, sweet pumpkin, a little molasses. A couple sips in you’ll mistake the malty aftertaste for a crispy crust. The perfect beer to celebrate Halloween. Or Thanksgiving. Or Christmas, if there’s any left. From the time we brew it in July get it while it’s good.

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.griffinclawbrewingcompany.com

Twitter:  @Griffinclaw

Closing, I was a pretty big fan of the Michigan Brewery Company Screaming Pumpkin Ale.  I use to make trips back from Chicago to bring some back.  Later years I stop because of being busy and then they went out of business.  I was pretty excited to hear that a craft brewery brought the rights to the recipe.  I do not know what they did with this recipe but it is not the same beer as I remember it.  It has been a long time since I had it.  Maybe my taste has changed over the years.  I might have to retry it but I am hoping I do not get a bad batch.  Who knows, maybe this first one was a bad batch.  It was not really good. Go get some!  Drink it!  Enjoy it!  Metal it!  \m/

Cheers!

Bill DJ Weiser

Email:  djweiser16@gmail.com

Twitter:  @djweiser

Instagram:  @djweiser13

New Music Monday The Black Dahlia Murder Everblack

In this Mondy Music blog, we are going to get into the latest record from The Black Dahlia Murder from Michigan.  The record is Everblack which is their sixth studio record in their music career.  We are going to get into the history and then the music.  Here is the history.

History

The Black Dahlia Murder was formed in late part of 2000 in Waterford, Michigan.  It was named after unsolved murders.  They were signed to Metal Blade Records in 2003.  Ryan Williams joined the band to replace David Lock just in time to record their first record, which is “Unhallowed.”  The band toured and then released their second record, which was “Miasma,” in 2005.  After the tour for Miasma, Zach Gibson, who was the drummer, and Pierre Langlois, who was drummer, left the band.  Pierre was on drums after Gibson.  The band replace Zach Gibson with Shannon Lucas.  In 2007, the band released their third record, which was “Nocturmal.”  The band went on a World Tour with Cannibal Corpse to support their new record and celebrate 25 years of Metal Blade Records.  In 2008, they joined tour with several different metal bands for Summer Slaughter Tour.  After the tour, John K guitarist left the band and was replaced with Ryan Knight in 2009.  In the later part of 2009, the band released their fourth record, which was “Deflorate.”  They tour to support the record.  In 2010, they kept on touring while writing their next record.  In 2011, they released their fifth record, which was “Ritual.”  In 2012, the band gets another line up changes.  Max Lavelle replaces Ryan Williams on bass.  Shannon Lucas steps down as the drummer and was replaced by Alan Cassidy.  In 2013, the band released their new record called “Everblack.”  Let us get into the music.

Track List:

In Hell is Where She Waits For Me

Heavy and hard-hitting music at the beginning from the drums, bass, and guitars.  There is some talking but I can not make it out because it is not loud enough. The lead singer comes in screaming.  The guitar playing on the main part is solid.  The singing is the type you can barely understand what he is saying.  The lyrics that I have picked are pretty solid.  There is some nice back up singing too.  I love time changes towards the middle part of the song.  There is some nice double bass from the drums about that time.  This is a pretty solid song.  I love slower guitar solo at the beginning of it and then it picks up towards the middle and end of the solo.

Goat Of Departure

I love the guitar playing at the beginning.  The drumming is good but it starting to sound the same from song to song.  I love the lyrics they wrote for this song.  I really not a fan of the back up singing on this song.  I love the guitar solo towards the end of the song.

Into The Everblack

I love the guitar work and the drums fit perfectly even though it is the same beat. It changes a bit when the singer comes into the song. I hate the chopping guitar playing. I get it fits but it sounds very messing during the main part of the song. I love the keyboard part in this song. It gives a break to the same old in the song and the record. The guitar playing coming out of it. It is some pretty impressive playing. It leads into a short guitar solo.

Raped in hatred By Vines of Thorn

I love the guitar playing at the beginning and the slower drum beat. This song has a nice pace and I love it. It gives you a different feeling unlike the rest of the record. I love double bass but this is a bit overkill. I love the lyrics and the singing. The listeners can understand the singers a bit. I do not know how I feel about the lyrics but it is what it is. There is a pretty well written guitar solo towards the end of the song.

Phantom Limb Masturbation

The song starts with the vocals in your face. This song echos the songs at the beginning. The drumming slight different but about the same. I love the lyrics they placed on this song. I love the chorus music. There is a nice short guitar solo at the quarter point of this song. There is another guitar solo towards the middle part of the song that is a little longer than the last one. This one is a little well thought about it. I love the pace of the music and solo itself.

Control

Just like the last song, the vocals start it out but the music is right there after the start of the song. I cannot pick up the lyrics. There is some well written guitar riffs on this song. The drums are pretty complex and well written. He has been kicking some serious ass throughout this record. This song is short and to the point. There is a nice guitar solo towards the end of the song and I love how the guitar solo keeps on going to the end of the song.

Blood Mine

I love the guitar playing and bass too. The drums can let off on the double bass at least one song please. Asides that, I have been loving the drums towards the end of this record. I cannot understand the vocals so I cannot pick up the lyrics. I love the title of the song. I am not sure on the duo singers at least on this song. There is a guitar solo towards the end of the song but it is short and sweet to the point.

Every Rope A Noose

Oh my God, I love the drumming at the beginning. It has pretty awesome beat. I love the guitar playing. I love the singing but I cannot understand the singers. This song has a nice fast pace and it is perfect towards the end of the record. The double bass makes so much sense at this point of the song. There is a well placed guitar solo towards the end of the song. There is a nice piano playing at the end that comes into full focus to end the song.

Their Beloved Absentee

I love the singing from the group of singers at the beginning but they were so far in the background and volume is to low. This is a straight driving song. It has a nice pace. This is a classic extreme metal song.  I love the pace. I love the music on this track. I love the guitar solo towards the end and it is well placed.

Map Of Scars

There is some nice well-written music from the drums and guitars. The bass playing is pretty simple but it is perfect. I cannot understand the singer so I cannot judge lyrics. I guess I could look up the lyrics on the net.  This is a perfect song to finish a great record from this Michigan band.   Great song and nice ending to this record.

Original Line Up:

Trevor Strnad – Vocals

Brian Eschbach – Guitar

John Kempainen – Guitar

David Lock – Bass

Cory Grady – Drums

Current Line Up:

Brian Eschbach – Guitars

Alan Cassidy – Drums

Max Lavelle – Bass

Ryan Knight – Guitars

Trevor Strnad – Vocals

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.facebook.com/theblackdahliamurderofficial

Twitter:  @bdmmetal

Closing, overall, this is a great record and I really enjoyed this song.  I wish I could understand the singers a bit more but I understand because it is the singing style.  There is some nice music on this great. I kind of wish drums were a little bit different from song to sing but that is hardest job in this band.  I get what he is trying to do and it is pretty limited.  They place guitar solos in the right spots to break up the song. I love how some times the guitar solos keep going during main part of the song at the end. It gives a nice and different sound. Great Job! It is a nice touch for someone that does not like this singing type but love the music. It seems every song of this type of metal needs a guitar solo to break up song.  If they do not put the guitar solos in the songs, the songs will become white noise.  I love this band and I cannot wait to hear their next record.  I highly recommend this band and this record.  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 Atwater Brewery In The Park

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In this beer blog, we are going to talk about my visit at Atwater Brewery In The Park.  I did not take tasting notes but I will talk about the food and kind of what I had to drink.  I also will talk about my experience there.  If you have read my earlier beer blog posts about their beers, you know the history of this Detroit craft brewery.  If you have not, please, read them to get to know this craft brewery.  Let us get into this dining and drinking experience.

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Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.atwaterbeer.com

Twitter:  @atwaterbeer

Ending, I know there is other craft breweries using churches as their brewery.  I know there is one in Pennsylvania. I have never been there.  I would love to go.  I will be the first to say that I am not a fan of this brewery but I wanted to check out this new brewpub in the Grosse Pointe, Michigan.  I might not like the beer from the brewery but I like going to brewpubs.  Sometimes, it might be the traveling that might be have an effect on the beer.  The staff is super nice and helpful.  The inside and outside area is very welcoming to their guests.  They have two beer menus.  One is beers that are brewed there and the other list is brewed at their main brewpub.  I had two beers exclusive to the brewpub there.  I had their Poorboy, which was a smoked porter, and Black IPA.  I love these two beers and I was pretty impressive.  I believe the main brewmasters need to look at some of these beers being made at this  brewpub.  The other two were Detroit Pale Ale and Bloktoberfest.  I kind of like Bloktobeerfest.  It is true to the beer style but I felt it was a little light for the style.  Pale ale, I just felt it was a little weak on the hop and not strong malty backbone.  I had two more that were not on any of these photos.  I had GP IPA and Scherthing Cream Ale.  These beers are part of the exclusive to Grosse Pointe brewery.  The food came out.  It was a German theme food menu.  I love apps we order.  It was a basket of Pretzels.  They were awesome.  There were different sizes with cheese and honey mustard, which were homemade there.  There is a spicy mustard that was also made there.  The main course was Turkey Burger with fries.  I loved it.  It was cooked just right and I love the spices.   Overall, I had a great time and I will be back.  I would love to try all the exclusive beers brewed there.  I will be upfront and honest.   I am not a fan of their everyday beers.  There beers brewed there need to be packaged. Go get some!  Drink it!  Enjoy it!  Metal it!  \m/

Cheers!

Bill DJ Weiser

Email:  djweiser13@comcast.net

Twitter:  @djweiser

Instagram:  @djweiser13