midwest craft beers

New Beer Blog Mt. Pleasant Brewing Iron Horse IPA

In this beer blog, we are going to get into a beer from Mt. Pleasant Brewing and the beer is called Iron Horse India Pale Ale. There is not a ton of information of when this brewery started but they are from Mt. Pleasant, Michigan. The State of Michigan has been seeing a huge growth of up and coming craft breweries. Let us get into the beer.

This India Pale Ale has a hazel copper color with a heavy constant white head. The smell of this full body has a heavy grapefruit to it. The taste is a heavy grapefruit to the beer has a grapefruit aftertaste. It is drinkable beer.

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

Iron Horse I.P.A. An American pale ale with full hops flavor and aroma Don’t be shy, try it. Like any good I.P.A. this one has plenty of hop presence but not so much that it is not approachable by our hop-weary friends. Instead of biggering and biggering like so many I.P.A.s these days we are keepin’ it real with a beer that will make you want to drink more than just one. Don’t worry though, hops heads, this beer still has enough bite to cut through any spicy dish you might want to pair it with. Try one, or five, with buffalo wings or a spicy blackened chicken dish. Iron Horse can also go quite well with shrimp, crab, or other light fish, so we have heard from a few of our loyal patrons. So, belly up and try Iron Horse if you have ever wondered what a good I.P.A is like. We promise you won’t be disappointed. ABV – 6.6%

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website: www.mtpleasantbrew.com

Twitter: There is no twitter address.

In closing, I thought this beer was a little different to me. It has a heavy grapefruit to this full body India Pale Ale. If you love grapefruit, this will be a beer you need to try it. I have some mix feelings towards this beer. I would not say I do not like it but I would not say it is not one of my favorites. I would like to try this beer on draft to get a better feel towards this beer. I will have to say this beer is worth a shot of trying this India Pale Ale. Go get some! Drink it! Enjoy it! Metal it! \m/

Cheers!

Bill DJ Weiser

Email: djweiser13@comcast.net

Twitter: @djweiser

New Beer Blog Wynkoop Brewing Rail Yard Ale

In this beer blog, we are going to get into another beer that I brought from www.letspour.com. The brewery and brew are Wynkoop Brewing Rail Yard Ale. If you read my earlier beer blog on their B3K Black Lager, you know the history of this Denver, Colorado brewery. If you have not, please, read the first part of that beer blog. Let us get into beer.

It has a clear copper color without a head on the beer. The smell has a caramel to malty to it. It is hard to explain. It has a creamy caramel start the taste. Later part of the taste is a citrus with a wet citrus aftertaste that fade with a hop finish. It drinkable beer.

Here is a description from the beer can:

This unique amber ale is built with the malts and hops of an Octoberfest lager, then fermented with an English ale yeast. Hearty and refreshing, it features caramel flavors, a hint of fruit and a kiss of hops on its finish. All Aboard!

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

Our flagship brew is a smooth, amber beer that combines the malty goodness of an Octoberfest lager with the slight fruitiness of an ale. Hearty but refreshing.

ABV 5.2%

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website: www.wynkoop.com

Twitter: @wynkoop

Closing, I have to say so far. I have really enjoyed drinking their beers and once again, they have great packaging. Rail Yard Ale is their flagship beer and it holds its own. It is not like most flagship beers that are just really disappointing to the experience craft beer drinkers. I am not saying that about all flagship beers. There are some flag ship beers that are the worse beer in some craft breweries’ selection. In most cases, it is the first beer that the brewery or owner created. It is extremely rare to have a beer in the later part of the craft brewery career that a beer will replace the first beer they ever brewed. This is a drinkable and has a ton of flavor. This beer gives you both an ale and lager. 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 Wasatch Brewery Polygamy Porter

In the last night in Utah, we are going to check out a beer that was recommended to me by my sister. The brewery and beer is called Wasatch Brewery Polygamy Porter. Wasatch Brewery was founded in 1986. It was the first brewery to open in Park City, Utah since Prohibition ended. There is not too much information to be founded about this brewery. Let us get into the beer.

This stout has a black color with a creamy constant white head on it. The smell is between smokey chocolate to coffee. The taste is smokey roasted coffee to chocolate with a dry finish. It is drinkable beer for being a porter.

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

This dark, medium bodied ale offers the drink-ability of a much lighter beer. The inviting chocolate and malty flavors fade into a slightly dry, silky smooth finish. Why have just one? 4.0% alcohol by volume.

• 2006 Silver Medal Winner, Brown Porter, North American Brewers’ Association

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website: www.wasatchbeers.com

Twitter: @wasatchbeers

Closing, this is a great beer and I wish it was in my market but I understand why it is not. I just found weird to drink some porters, IPAs, and stouts that are only 4%. This is a great porter that has the same creamy taste like a Guinness. It was smooth, smokey, and chocolate notes. This beer is perfect and does not need to be more than 4%. I highly recommend this beer. Go get some if you are in the Utah area! Drink it! Enjoy it! Metal it! \m/

Cheers!

Bill DJ Weiser

Email: djweiser13@comcast.net

Twitter: @djweiser

New Beer Blog Moab Brewery Johnny’s American India Pale Ale

While in Utah, we are going to get into a brewery located in Utah. The brewery and the beer is called Moab Brewery Johnny’s American India Pale Ale. There is really no history or information on this brewery. They are a young and upcoming brewery. Let us get into the beer.

It has a light clear copper color with a constant white head on the beer. There is a heavy grapefruit to a touch of citrus smell to this American ale. The taste is a sweet carbonation little grapefruit to citrus with a dry finish for the aftertaste. It is a pretty drinkable beer.

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

An American style IPA, golden in color with light malt hues and strong hop characteristics. It’s vibrant citrus aromas and bitterness are created by four bold American hops. Our dry hopping gives this beer that distinctive and aggressive hop finish.

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website: www.themoabbrewery.com

Twitter: @moabbrewery

In closing, this beer is missing something. I just feel it might be the ABV % in the beer because of the Utah laws. I believe it is that and the hops that are used in this India Pale Ale are not the best. The brewery cannot control the laws but they can control the hops that they use in their beers. I also feel there is not enough maltly backbone to off set the hops. I am not saying it is extremely over hopped because it is not. This is my thought about the beer. This is not a very good beer. I could have had a better India Pale Ale. I am glad I had a chance to try this beer. If you are in Utah, please, try this beer and let me know what your thoughts are on this beer. Drink it! Enjoy it! Metal it! \m/

Cheers!

Bill DJ Weiser

Email: djweiser13@comcast.net

Twitter; @djweiser

New Beer Blog Uinta King’s Peak Porter

While in Utah, I was able to spend some time at Uinta Brewing to sample out this beer, which is their King’s Peak Porter. If you read my earlier beer blogs on their beers, you know the history of this brewery. If you have not, please, read the first part of that beer blog. Let us get into the beer.

This beer has a jet black color with a big white head on it. The smell is between chocolate to coffee to it. The taste is chocolate and coffee with a nice coffee finish but fade to it. It is a pretty drinkable beer.

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

Description

Roasted chocolate malts influence this full-flavored ale. This sessionable porter is black in color and well-balanced.

Tasting Notes

Delicate hop character balances a mild bitterness. Hints of expresso and dark chocolate mixed with fruit. Mildly sweet. King’s Peak pairs well with classic hearty, cold-weather dishes such as chili, stew, and roasts. Also pairs well with hearty dishes, and cheeses such as gruyere, emmenthaler, and swiss. Have a sweet tooth? Try King’s Peak with chocolate and maple flavored desserts.

Story

Named after the highest point in the State of Utah at 13,528 feet, Kings Peak is located in the Uinta Mountains

Here is website and twitter addresses:

Website: www.uintabrewing.com

Twitter: @uintabrewing

Closing, Uinta Brewing was fun and I was glad to tour the brewery. I was able to sample some beers that I cannot get in the Chicago market. I was also able to talk with the owner Steve. I had a really great time and I want to thank Steve and everyone at Uinta Brewery for showing us around the great state of Utah and their brewery. As far as this brew, it is a pretty rich chocolate and coffee. This is pretty drinkable beer or I just want it to be a drinkable beer for being a porter. 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 Big Horn Ram Belgian Paradise Tap Party

In this special beer tapping party post, we are going to get into another beer from the Ram Brewery. The beer is called Belgian Paradise. If you read my earlier beer blogs, you know the history of this brewery. If you have not, please, read the first part of that beer blog. Let us get into the beer.

This has hazel light amber color with a white head on the beer. This saison does not really have a smell but there is a slight melty to earthly farmhouse to it. The taste is leaning on the earthly side of the beer world. The beer has an amber saison Belgian taste. It is pretty drinkable beer.

Here is a descriation from the brewery:

Brewed in the style of a Saison, this beer is also known as a Belgian Farmhouse Ale. With this styel there may be quite a variety of flavor characters intermingled within this beer. A refreshing, medium to strong, fruity and spicy ale with a distincitve orange color, dry finish and a quenching acidity. To play off the natural spiciness of the yeast and the citrus character in the hops, we added some grains of paradise that will add hints of earthiness and spice 6.4% alcohol by volume.

Bacon Bonanza

Our signature bacon and beef blended patty, on Kaiser bun with mayo, sauteed crimini mushrooms, sliced Swiss cheese and house made maple onion ketchup on the side. Served with Fries.

Turkey Num Num

A grilled, seasoned turkey patty on a wheat bun with garlic mayo, smashed avocado, iceberg lettuce, sliced cucumber, and daikon redish sprouts. Served with Fries.

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website: www.theram.com

Twitter: @theram

In closing, I really enjoy this beer. it is drinkable and refreshing. This beer reminds me so much of Milwaukee Brewing Booyah, which is also a Saison. I really enjoyed the amber but fresh hoppy farmhouse taste to it. This is a great beer just like Milwaukee Brewing Booyah. I recommend trying this beer and sample it along with Booyah. Please, let me know your thoughts on both beers. Go get some! Drink it! Enjoy it! Metal it! \m/

Cheers!

Bill DJ Weiser

Email: djweiser13@comcast.net

Twitter: @djweiser

New Beer Blog Big Horn Ram Nefarious Russian Imperial Stout Tap Party

In this special beer blog, we are at a another tapping party at Ram Brewery. The beer is their Nefarious Russian Imperial Stout. If you read my earlier beer blogs, you know the history of this brewery. If you have not, please, read the first part of that beer blog. Let us get into the beer.

This stout has a jet black color with a tan color head on it. The smell is of chocolate to it. The taste is a creamy chocolate to a little coffee notes. The aftertaste is a dry coco. It is a sipping beer.

Here is a description from the brewery:

Nefarious Nelson is a full-bodied, extremely malty ale with some hop bitterness. The very dark color and complex unique flavorsare a result of caramel, chocolate, and coffee malts and a substantial amount of roasted barley. This very robust, rich, smooth beer is about 7.0% ABV.

Ram’s Grand Reuben #504: Corned beef piled high, havaril, sauerkraut, horseradish cream and thousand island on rye.

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website: www.theram.com

Twitter: @theram

Closing, I had a chance to drink a great beer, eat good meal, and play some beer bingo. It was a great time like the norm at a Ram Tap Party. This stout is a hoppier stout than the North Coast Stout. This is a pretty good beer. I really enjoyed drinking it. I just wished it was tapped at the Wheeling location. If you are in the area, go and try this beer while checking out this brewpub. Go get some! Drink it! Enjoy it! Metal it! \m/

Cheers!

Bill DJ Weiser

Email: djweiser13@comcast.net

Twitter: @djweiser

New Beer Blog Moerlein Barbarossa Double Dark Lager

In this beer blog, we are going to get into a brewery that I enjoyed a few years go in Cincinnati, Ohio. The brewery is from Ohio and it is called Moerlein and the beer is their Barbarossa Double Dark Lager. The brewery was started in 1853 in a German neighborhood in Cincinnati, Ohio. In 2004, this brewery was brought by Greg Hardman to carry on the rich history of this brewery. It is brewery that is rich in German traditional brewery styles. There is some ales they do but it is mostly lagers. Let us get into this great Black Lager.

This dark lager has a clear dark brown to amber color without a head on it. The smell has a slight chocolate. The taste is a sweet carbonation chocolate with a dry aftertaste.

Here is a description from the beer bottle:

You’re made a discovery a Double Dark Lager honoring Frederick I. Emperor of Germany, known as Babarossa. Folklore says he never died…. instead he sits enchanted in a cavern until the ravens cease to fly, signaling for his triumphant return. Moerlein Barbarossa is slow-aged with a deep reddish-brown color and a malt aroma derived from Munich dark malt. The balanced finish invites a toast to the return of a legend.

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website: http://www.christianmoerlein.com

Twitter: @moerleinbeers

In closing, this is a pretty enjoyable beer. I was pretty stun by its drinkablity beer. I love the roasted malts and the smooth and dry aftertaste in this beer. This is a great beer and I wish I could find more of the beer in the Chicago area. When I do find it in Chicago, it is normally out of code. I have always enjoyed imported and craft dark lagers and it is kind of making me like the normal drinkable golden or yellow lagers. I am not talking about the American Lager. I am talking about the German classic Lagers. 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 Tallgrass Brewing Buffalo Sweat Oatmeal Cream Stout

In this beer blog, we are going to get into another beer from Tallgrass Brewing. The beer is called Buffalo Sweat Oatmeal Cream Stout. If you have not read my earlier beer blogs from this brewery, please, read the first part of that beer post. If you have read it, you are up to speed on this brewery. Let us get into the beer.

This Oatmeal Stout has a jet black color with a tan color head on it. The smell is a heavy milk chocolate. The taste is a creamy chocolate with a dry burn aftertaste. It is a nice sipping beer to almost session beer.

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

BUFFALO SWEAT (ABV 5.0%, 20 IBU)

We love this beer here at the brewery, and think you will have one of those “I’ve never-tasted-a-beer-like-that” kind of moments when you try it!

What we really like about this beer is the smoothness that brewing with cream sugar brings to the palate. This smoothness balances out the copious quantities of roasted barley used in the brewing process to create a rich, complex, and delicious beer. If you have not been a stout drinker in the past, give this beer a try. It might just change your mind about how dark beers should taste. It tastes so rich, but is surprisingly easy to drink!

Can’t find the sweat? Don’t sweat it. Just ask for Buffalo Sweat at your local liquor store or your favorite tavern.

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website: www.tallgrassbeer.com

Twitter: @tallgrassbeer

Closing out, Tallgrass did a great job with the packaging all their beers. It has a nice pop off the shelf in the liquor stores. This is a great stout and I believe it is one of the best ones I had a in a long time. It is the best stout I have ever had in a can. This beer lives up to the name. It is creamy and smooth with the complex taste from the chocolate of the roasted malts. I really enjoy drinking this beer and it is drinkable. You can not taste the ABV % in the beer. You can drink this beer in the coldest winter and the hottest summer. Tallgrass Brewing Welcome to Chicago! Go get some! Drink it! Enjoy it! Metal it! \m/

Cheers!

Bill DJ Weiser

Email: djweiser13@comcast.net

Twitter; @djweiser

New Beer Blog New Glarus Brewing Two Women

In this beer blog, we are going to sample another beer from New Glarus Brewing Company. The beer called Two Women Lager. If you read my earlier beer blog on their beers, you know the history of this brewery. If you have not, please, read that beer blog post to get know this brewery. Let us get into the beer.

This lager has a beautiful copper color without a head on it. There is a lager malt smell to the beer. The taste is a carbonation malty with lager finish to light hoppy aftertaste. This is a pretty drinkable beer.

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

Four thousand years before Christ, Sumerian women created the divine drink of beer. Viking women brewed in Norse society. European Ale Wives were so successful as cottage brewers they were taxed. Artisanal women lost their domination of the daily ritual of brewing during the Industrial Revolution. Today’s brewing trade is controlled by men.

The collaboration of two Craft companies both led by women, New Glarus Brewing and Weyermann Malting, is unique. You hold the result “Two Women” a Classic Country Lager brewed with Weyermann’s floor malted Bohemian malt and Hallertau Mittelfrueh hops. A tempting and graceful classic lager found…Only in Wisconsin!

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website: www.newglarusbrewing.com

Twitter: @newglarusbeer

Ending, I am not a huge fan of craft lagers. This is a pretty balance and drinkable beer. I was pretty impressed and I am glad I had a chance to try this beer. This is a pretty good craft lager. I will have it once and move on to the next beer. If you are a lager fan or craft lager fan, this is a beer you will need to try. Go get some! Drink it! Enjoy it! Metal it! \m/

Cheers!

Bill DJ Weiser

Email: djweiser13@comcast.net

Twitter: @djweiser

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Tasting Notes

Story

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BUFFALO SWEAT (ABV 5.0%, 20 IBU)

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