midwest craft beers

New Beer Blog Great Lakes Brewing Sharp Shooter

image

In this summer beer blog, we are going to get into another brew from Great Lakes Brewery.  It is the first seasonal with their new packaging.  It is a new beer in their books.  It is Sharpshooter Session Wheat IPA.  If you read my earlier beer blog posts on their beers, you know the history of this Midwest craft brewery.  If you have not, please, read them to get to know this craft brewery.  Let us get into this beer.

It has a cloudy golden color with a white constant head. The smell has a nice welcoming orange notes. The taste has a citrus to orange notes. The aftertaste has an orange like finish that is not over bearing. It is pretty drinkable beer.

Here is a description from the beer bottle:

Inspired by Ohio’s “little sure shot” Annie Oakley, our Session Wheat IPA is peppered with rounds of whole Orange peel and fully loaded with Jarrylo hops.

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.greatlakesbrewing.com

Twitter:  @GLBC_Cleveland

In the end, I saw this coming down the pipeline.  I thought Great Lakes Brewery was way behind the beer trends.  I have to say they came up with something different than the rest of White IPA’s.  I like it.  It is not my go to as far as Summer seasonals.  I have to say it is up with all the straight wheat ales and fruit beers that hit the market during the summer.  With that all said, I was wrong.  Great Lakes Brewery is seeing something that I did not see. I highly recommend this beer.  Go get some!  Drink it!  Enjoy it!  Metal it!  \m/

Cheers!

Bill DJ Weiser

Email: djweiser16@gamil.com

Twitter:  @djweiser

Instagram:  @djweiser13

New Beer Blog Great Lakes Brewing Lake Erie Monster Imperial IPA

image

In this beer blog, we are going to sample another brew from Great Lakes Brewery.  It is their Lake Erie Monster Imperial IPA.  If you read my earlier beer blog posts, you know the history of this Ohio base craft brewery.  If you have not, please, read them to get to know this Midwest craft brewery.  Let us get into this Imperial IPA.

It has a clear golden color with a white constant head. The smell has a tropical to almost mango like notes. The taste has a some nice sweet citrus to tropical fruit notes like a mango. The aftertaste has a lasting dry bitter finish. It is a sipping beer.

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.greatlakesbrewing.com

Twitter:@GLBC_Cleveland

Ending, I look forward every year for this beer to be released.  I was pretty stun to see that I never blogged about this brew. This brew has a well built malty backbone to give off a nice balance for Imperial IPA. The malty backbone let the hops shine nicely throughout the drinking experience. I love this beer. I love the mango and tropical like notes.  This is a great beer and I wish it was one of their everyday brews.  I highly recommend this brew.  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 Great Lakes Brewery Eliot Ness Amber Lager

image

Great Lakes Brewery Elliot Ness Amber Lager is the feature brewery and beer in this beer blog.  If you read my earlier beer blog posts on their beers, you know the history of this Midwest Craft Brewery.  If you have not, please, read them to get to know this Ohio base craft brewery.  Let us get into this Amber Lager.

This Amber Lager has a clean Amber color with a white constant head. The aroma has a sweet malty to hints of caramel and candy notes. The taste of this medium body has a sweet malty to caramel notes with a smooth crisp aftertaste. It is extremely drinkable beer.

Here is a description from the beer bottle:

In memory of Eliot Ness and his paddy wagon of guilty criminals, we have the “Fatty Wagon”  (minus the criminals).  Our eco-friendly Fatty Wagon and beer delivery truck both run or straight vegetable oil (SVO), which results in lower toxic emissions and a 25% savings over the cost of regular diesel fuel.

named after the one-time Cleveland Safety Director who frequented the original bar that is now the Great Lakes Brewpub, our deep amber lager has a faint hop nose and a slightly sweet finish.

In keeping with the Bavarian Purity Law of 1516, this beer is traditionally brewed from all natural ingredients: barley, hops, yeast, and water.  No chemicals or preservatives are used.

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

Eliot Ness® Amber Lager | Great Lakes Brewing Company//

Admittedly, it’s a bit of a paradox to name our Amber Lager for history’s most famous agent of prohibition. But it’s a smooth, malty (and dare we say, arresting?) paradox.

Flavor:  Almost untouchably smooth–armed with lightly toasted malts and noble hops.

Packaging:

  • 6-pack
  • Draft

Glassware:

  • Mug
ABV:  6.1%
IBU:  27
Pairs With
Smoked meats, hearty breads, and a classy fedora

Beer Availability:

  • Year-Round Beer
World Beer Championships:  12-Time Award Winner Since 1995 (Gold, Silver)

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.greatlakesbrewing.com

Twitter:

Closing, I am a little slow but I am starting to realize that Great Lakes Brewery makes some great beers.  I love their porter, pale ale, and their golden lager.  I will be adding this brew to that list.  There is a nice balance in this amber lager.  This beer has a nice smooth creamy aftertaste.  I love the caramel notes and the overall balance in this beer.  This is a great Amber Lager. I love it.  I will be adding this beer in the later summer and fall days.  This beer and banana bread beer will a nice break in the fall from all the pumpkin and Octoberfest brews.  I highly recommend this beer.  Plus, this beer is so much better than Samuel Adams Boston Lager and Brooklyn Lager.  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 Perrin 98 Problems IPA

image

In this beer blog, we are going to sample 98 Problems IPA from Perrin Brewery.  This is the first time that this craft brewery is being featured on this blog.  Here is a little history on this brewery.  Perrin Brewery was founded in 2012 just outside of Comstock, Michigan.  Their goal is to make drinkable and session-able beers.  They were sold to Osckar Blues in 2015.  They will be releasing six-pack 12oz cans by the end of the year.  Let us get into this IPA.

It has a clear copper color with a white constant head.  The smell has an earthly to floral notes. There is more floral notes. The taste of this medium body has a smooth earthy to slight piney notes. The aftertaste has a smooth but bitter finish. It is pretty drinkable beer.

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.perrinbrewing.com

Twitter:  @PerrinBrewing

In the end, this is a pretty young craft brewery in Michigan.  They are starting to make some noise around the state and country.  I know many people outside of the State of Michigan that want their beers.  They are the guys that started the whole Grapefruit IPA trend.  I love this beer. I might be drinking this more when it is in package than Goose Island IPA.  There is a nice balance in this India Pale Ale.  Untappd says it is an American IPA.  I believe it is like Goose Island IPA.  They are both English style India Pale Ales.  They use Michigan grown hops but they are all original from Europe.  I highly recommend this beer.  Go get some!  Drink it!  Metal it!  Enjoy it!  \m/

Cheers!

Bill DJ Weiser

Email:  djweiser16@gmail.com

Twitter:  @djweiser

Instagram:  @djweiser13

New Beer Blog Beer Stores In Southeast Michigan Part 2

In this beer blog, we are going to talk more about the liquor stores in my area and market.  This is a follow-up from a blog that I wrote about year ago.   I just find some of these stores do things that are good or bad and craft or import beer drinkers should know.  I see some stores that are under charging and there are others that are over charging.  Let us get into each of the stores.

Wine palace

If you live in the Livonia or Westland area, you know about this liquor store.  They have a great liquor and wine selection.  I have been told that they have some gems over there too.  We are here to talk about the beer selection.  They have a great craft beer and import selection.  Just like everywhere else, you do need to watch code dates.  If they know you are one of their regulars, you will get some of the one off or limited releases.  They have a great Import selection and a nice beer cave.  Their prices are one of the best in town.  Their prices go pretty well against the Meijer down the street.  Overall, this is a place to check out.

Marcus Market

This place is located in the Wayne State area.  They have an average to below average beer selection. The huge problem with this store is they are not on top of their stuff.  What I mean, they do not know what most of their beer and product cost in their store.  Their prices are pretty high or way too low.  For example, which I have many, Blake’s 6 pack cans for $19.99, which should be around $9.99 and 10.99 like other stores.  Bell’s Planet Series Uranus single bottle (12oz) for $4.99.  While other stores are charges $2.99.  There is some cider and beer that are under cost.  There is a cider from Blakes that other stores charge $24.99.  They were charging $9.99.  They do not have too many rare beers or ciders, however, they have a great Mead selection just watch the prices.  Their little restaurant in the back of the store is a most try.  Asides  that, stay away from this store.

Forrest

This is another place not far from Wayne State either.  Their prices are pretty good.  They are little high but not by much.  They have a pretty good beer selection for craft beers and ciders.  This is a great store when you want some cheap beer with a good craft beer.  They get a ton of rare and limited craft beers and ciders. You will need to ask guys behind the counter. They have a nice staff and they are willing to help their customers.  I highly recommend this store.  If you are in the Wayne State area, come here and not Marcus Market.

Holiday Market Royal Oak

I have been here a few times.  I have not been here in a while.  I just know if I cannot find a beer in my area.  I can take a trip to the east side of the City of Detroit to get it.  They have an awesome craft beer and cider selection. I know many of friends said if you are a regular. You will get some of the one off and limited releases.  If you live on the east side, I highly recommend this place.

Closing, I know there are so many other stores and I know that I keep forgetting some of them.  Please, let me know about them and I will check them out.  I will do a write-up on them.  I hope you learn something from reading this post.  Let me know about your thoughts.  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 Bell’s Brewery Uranus The Magician Black Double India Pale Ale

image

In this beer blog, we are going to get into another beer from Bell’s Brewery Planet Series.  it is Uranus The Magician Black Double India Pale Ale.  If you read my earlier beer blog posts on their beers, you know the history of this Midwest craft brewery.  If you have not, please, read them to get to know this Michigan craft brewery.  Let us get into this Black IPA.

It has a jet black color with a constant tan color head on this Black IPA. The aroma has a chocolate to citrus notes. The taste of this medium body has a creamy chocolate with a touch of citrus notes. The aftertaste has a bitter with hints of chocolate and coffee notes. It is  sipping beer.

Here is a description from the beer bottle:

This is one of a seven part series inspired by Gustav Holst’s musical composition, “The Planets.”  Strap in and embark on a flavor tour of our solar system – in the order of Holst’s piece, Mars to Neptune.

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

Bell’s Brewery, Inc. :: Uranus – The Magician

TASTING NOTES: The sixth release in our Planets Series, Uranus, is a Black Double IPA. It is also our first large release of this style of beer. The hop profile is enormous and complex with help from Citra, Galaxy, Polaris and other hard to find hops. The use of de-bittered or de-husked black malt lends color without the overly astringent or roasty flavors normally associated with stouts and porters. Don’t let the illusion of The Magician deceive you. Dank, tropical, stone fruit, citrus, floral and pine hop characteristics with a touch of light chocolate are all revealed

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.bellsbeer.com)

Twitter:  @bellsbrewery

Closing, Bell’s Brewery did a great job on this beer along with Mars Double IPA.  I hope they revisit both of these beers. There is a nice balance and one of better Double Black IPA as a limited release.  I love this beer.  This is beyond far best one asides Mars.  This series of beers has been pretty hit and miss.  There is one more beer to come out from this series.  I am looking forward to that stout.  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 Petoskey Brewing Mind’s Eye PA India Pale Ale

image

We are going to sample Petoskey Brewing for the first time on this beer blog.  We are to get into their Mind’s Eye PA India Pale Ale. Petoskey Brewing was founded 1898.  They stopped making beer in 1915.  Since 1915 to 2012, it was used as retail space and warehouse.  In 2012, Patrick Dowd and Lou Gostinger became new owners of the “Old Brewery.”  They redid the brewery and began flowing beer from the “Old Brewery.”  This might be an old building but this is a young and upcoming craft brewery from Michigan.  Let us get into this IPA.

It has a clear copper color with a white constant head. The carbonation is a lot in this beer. The beer drinker will need to be careful with it. The aroma has a nice citrus and slight caramel notes. The taste has a nice sweet caramel, malty, and citrus notes. The aftertaste has a dry bitter and slight caramel finish. It is pretty drinkable beer.

Here is description from the beer can:

Burnt copper color and giant hop aroma come to the forefront in this traditional American IPA.  Rich caramel malt and red wheat balance the dry, wheat balance the dry, bitter finish of this full-flavor craft brew.

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

Mind’s Eye P.A (I.P.A.)

Burnt copper color and giant hop aroma come to the forefront in this traditional American IPA. Rich caramel malt and red wheat balance the dry bitter finish of this full-flavor craft brew.
6.7% ABV, 74 IBU

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.petoskeybrewing.com

Twitter:  @petoskeybrewing

Closing, I am due to travel this great state to check out all the brewpubs and craft breweries.  I will say this brewery is on the list.  I have to give a huge shoot out to my friend Bill for bring me a few cans back of this brew.  Let us talk about this beer.  First thing that I like, it is in cans and I know most people around do not like their beers in cans.  Bottles are nice but they do not do a good job of protecting the beer from sun light and oxygen.  The beer itself has a color tone that invites beer drinker to drink it.  This is pretty good IPA. It is not one of my favorite brew but I will drink it again.  I will drink it again to help a Michigan craft brewery that has some promise.  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 Goose Island The Muddy Imperial Stout

image

In this beer blog, we are going to sample a beer that is a tribute to Muddy Waters.  Goose Island The Muddy is the beer and craft brewery that is being featured in this blog.  If you read my earlier beer blog posts on their beers, you know the history of this Midwest craft brewery.  If you have not, please, read them to get to know Goose Island Brewery.  Let us get into this stout.

It has a jet black color with a tan color head that disappears over time. The aroma has a sweet chocolate with some licorice notes. The taste has a sweet strong chocolate and slight alcohol notes with a licorice notes aftertaste. This is a sipping beer.

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

THE MUDDY | Goose Island Beer Company

Brewer’s Notes

Brewed with molasses, brewer’s licorice, and Belgian dark rock candy sugar, The Muddy is an imperial stout with amplified sweetness for a taste as distinctive as the Chicago blues that inspired its creation.

Recipe Information

  • Style: Imperial Stout
  • Alcohol by Volume: 9.0%
  • International Bitterness Units: 32
  • Color: Onyx Black
  • Hops: Nugget, Mt. Hood, EKG
  • Malts: 2-Row, C-40, C-120, Dark Chocolate, Midnight Wheat

Availability

National Seasonal Release (September )

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.gooseisland.com

Twitter:  @gooseisland

Closing, this is one stout that I was pretty nervous to try it.  I did not know how the licorice would go well in this stout.  I love Midnight Wheat malt so I had try it.  I have to say this beer has a nice balance.  Imperial Stout is not as strong and bitter like most on the market.  It is pretty smooth and kind of drinkable.  Licorice has went over pretty well.  They did a great job on this beer.  Brett has put some thought behind this beer and was successful.  I loves this beer and I believe it will age well.  I believe you can age this beer up to a year.  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 Dark Horse Brewing Double Crooked Tree India Pale Ale

image

In this beer blog, we are going to get into a special release from Dark Horse Brewery.  It is their Double Crooked Tree IPA. 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 Dark Horse.  Let us get into this Double IPA.

It has a cloudy copper color with a constant white head on this double IPA. The aroma has a heavy citrus notes. The taste has a heavy citrus notes with extremely heavy bitter finish for the aftertaste. This is a nice sipping brew.

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

DOUBLE CROOKED TREE IPA

Have you read the description for the regular Crooked Tree yet? Well this beer is almost the same just double the flavor and alcohol. We actually took the Crooked Tree recipe and doubled all of the ingredients except the water, just the way a DOUBLE should be made. Big hops balanced with tons of malt give this beer a huge body. Although this beer is as cool as “The Fonz” when first purchased, it gets really mellow and smooth with some age. After a year or two stored in a cool dark place you’ll notice the heavy caramel and malt flavors are trying to sneak past the hops. This beer is hugely delicious so it will need your undivided attention (the chores can wait….trust us).

ABV:
12%

Availability:
February (Limited)

Package:
1/2 Barrels / 1/6 Barrels / 4-Pack of Good ol’ Bottles

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.darkhorsebrewery.com

Twitter:  @darkhorsebrewco

Ending, I have always been a fan of IPA’s and Double or Imperial IPA.  It was a no brainer to pick up a bottle of Dark Horse Brewery Double Crooked Tree IPA.  This is a pretty heavy beer and they did it right.  You will not be doing anything else the rest of the day after drinking this beer.  I love it. I will try to get more but since it is pretty limited, it will be hard to find more bottles.  I highly recommend this beer.  They did a great job on this brew.  Go get some!  Drink it!  Enjoy it!  Metal it!  \m/

Cheers!

Bill DJ Weiser

Email:  djweiser16@gmail.com

Twitter:  @djweiser

Instagram:  @djweiser13

New Sports Thought Thursday Blog Super Bowl XLIX

In this Sports Thought Thursday blog, we are going to get into this year’s Super Bowl that is being played at Arizona.  Today is the Pro Bowl.  Who cares!!!  This year’s playoff games has had one theme throughout.  Refs have screwed many teams in the league.  I am talking about flag that was picked up in the Lions vs Cowboys game.  The process of the caught in the Cowboys vs Packers.  Finally, deflate footballs in the Colts vs Patriots.  I will get into that in a sports thought Thursday blog after the Super Bowl.  Let us break this down.

If you read my blog before the playoff games, you know that I picked Seattle vs Denver in a rematch.  This is why you never change anything because I did have New England vs Seattle in the Super Bowl.  I had that just before I posted it.  Oh well!  I believe the whole Deflategate will put some pressure on the Pats.  I do not care if they have the best coach to get them focus on the game.  This does pulls a lot of pressure off the Seahawks.  Everyone is talking about New England and Deflategate.  The ruling from the league will not be until after the Super Bowl, which I believe is some bull shit.  Let us get into what is at stake for each team.

New England Patriots

Winning this game is very important for both teams.  New England can shut everyone up on Deflategate and spygate.  Plus, this might be last go around with Brady and Bill.  I believe the punishment is going to be harsh on New England.  I am not going to get into that until after the Super Bowl.  This game could make Brady 3 – 3 or 4 – 2 at the Super Bowl.

Seattle Seahawks

This is pretty simple.  The best defense of all time is Legion of Boom, if they win this Super Bowl.  They took care of Manning in last year’s Super Bowl.  They have a chance to take care of another quarterback that was one of the best of his era.  This could be their last runs to the Super Bowl.  I am not saying last but COULD be their last run to the Super Bowl.  There are rumors of Lynch being released or retiring.  Plus, they have to pay Russell Wilson.  They were able to pay everyone else on team because they had a cheap contract with Wilson.  Now, Seahawks will be like all the teams in NFL.

In closing, I can see a close game on the biggest stage and biggest American holiday.  I can not see this game being a blow out game.  This will come down to the running game because I believe the defense will keep the passing games in check.  I also seeing this game coming down to the kickers and punters.  Special teams will have a huge impact on both sides of the field on this game.  In the end, the Seahawks will win this game and become the first team to go back to back Super Bowl Champs since New England.  This will push us into a pretty excited offseason with Deflategate and future of Bill, Tom, and Payton.  I am looking forward to the offseason and I cannot wait to sit down next Sunday to watch this game.  Go get some!  Drink it!  Enjoy it!  Metal it!  \m/

Cheers!

Bill DJ Weiser

Email:  djweiser16@gmail.com

Twitter:  @djweiser

Instagram:  @djweiser13