In this beer blog, we are going to get into another beer from Stone Brewery. It is their Sublimely Self-Righteous Ale. If you read my earlier beer blog post, you know the history of this brewery. If you have not, please, read those beer blog posts to get to know Stone Brewery. Let us get into the beer.
It has a jet black color with an off white color head. The aroma has a slight chocolate but a heavy citrus notes. The taste has a chocolate to citrus notes with a dry chocolate to hoppy bitter finish for the aftertaste. It is a sipping beer.
Here is a description from the beer bottle:
We’re brewers whose substantial mettle and idiomatic approach to brewing allows us to consistently creat works of art such as this justifiably self-righteous ale. Its bitterness hits our sweet spot. Its blackness lightens our hearts. Its liquid dichotomy pulls it all together in this sublimely sacrosanct ale. Thus the name we are compelled to give it – Stone Sublimely Self-Righteous Ale – serves as a remember of just how good we are, in both liquid and verbal form.
First brewed in 2007 as the Stone 11th Anniversary Ale, this ale was an instant hit. With us. Other folks with great taste loved it too, but we were focused on how much we liked it, and we felt it was truly sublime. That euphoria didn’t last long though, as it was soon replaced with the grim reality that when we sold out of it there wouldn’t be any more. For us. And that was simply unacceptable. So, we now bless ourselves, and you, the enlightened, with this ale full-time. Thusly, you may now revel in you own self-righteousness as you see it with this glorious example of ours. You are genuinely welcome, as it is our pleasure.
Here is a description from their website (www.stonebrew.com):
- Style: Black IPA
- Alc/Vol: 8.7%
- IBUs: 90
- Available in: 22oz, 12oz Bottles & draft
We’re brewers whose substantial mettle and idiomatic approach to brewing allows us to consistently create works of art such as this justifiably self-righteous black IPA. Its bitterness hits our sweet spot. Its blackness lightens our hearts. Its liquid dichotomy pulls it all together in this sublimely sacrosanct ale. Yes, we damn well know our stuff here at Stone, and it would be irresponsible of us not to acknowledge how remarkable this heavenly creation of ours is. Thus the name we are compelled to give it — Stone Sublimely Self-Righteous Black IPA — serves as a reminder of just how good we are, in both liquid and verbal form.We’re certainly not perfect. Too often, we allow our modesty to get the best of us as we’re simply not inclined towards senseless braggadocio. When you’re good, you’re good. And when you do something great, the least you can do is acknowledge it. Others benefit from knowing. In this case, we find that we are compelled to point out how amazing this ale is that we rightly call the Stone Sublimely Self-Righteous Ale.
First brewed in 2007 as the Stone 11th Anniversary Ale, this ale was an instant hit. With us. Other folks with great taste loved it too, but we were focused on how much we liked it, and we felt it was truly sublime. That euphoria didn’t last long though, as it was soon replaced with the grim reality that when we sold out of it there wouldn’t be any more. For us. And that was simply unacceptable. So, we are now blessing ourselves, and you the enlightened, with this ale. Thusly, you may now revel in your own self-righteousness as you see fit with this glorious example of ours. You are genuinely welcome, as it is our pleasure.
Here is their website and twitter addresses:
Website: www.stonebrew.com
Twitter: @stonebrewing
In closing, I enjoy myself a nice Black IPA. I have been searching for a better one that would top the last one. I am a huge fan of Porters, Stouts, and IPA’s. This is a great combination for the Hophead and Porter or Stout fans in the world and it is Black IPA. I love the hop character of the citrus with some nice chocolate notes. The hops are pretty strong on this Black IPA. I enjoyed this Black IPA. I hope you try this beer and let me know what you think. Stone Brewery did a great job on it. Go get some! Drink it! Enjoy it! Metal it! \m/
Cheers!
Bill DJ Weiser
Email: djweiser13@comcast.net
Twitter: @djweiser
New Beer Blog Buckle Down Brewery Stompbox Stout
When in Chicagoland area, I had to chance to stop by one of my new favorite craft breweries in the Midwest. I am talking about Buckle Down Brewery. When I was in town, they launched one of their newer beers, which is Stompbox Stout. If you read my earlier beer blog posts, you know the history of this new Midwest Craft brewery. If you have not, please, go back and read those blog posts to get to know this craft brewery. Let us get into the brew.
It has a jet black color with a nice lace tan head. The aroma of this stout has chocolate notes. The taste has a chocolate with roasted malt. The aftertaste has an alcohol finish that bites at the end. It is a sipping beer.
Here is their website and twitter addresses:
Website: www.buckledownbrewing.com
Twitter:
@BuckleDownBeerLeaving town, I will be back to this brewery in some shape or form. Buckle Down Brewery makes some great beers. I was glad I was in town for the launch of their Stout. I knew if their Porter was awesome. There is no way in Blue Hell they would find away to mess up their Stout. I was clearly right. This is a great Stout with a nice chocolate notes and a nice bite of alcohol at the aftertaste. If I still lived in Chicago, this brewery would be my source of beer. I will be back visiting them now and then. I highly recommend you trying this beer. They are worth the road trip into the south side of Chicago. Go get some! Drink it! Enjoy it! Metal it! \m/
Cheers!
Bill DJ Weiser
Email: djweiser13@comcast.net
Twitter: @djweiser
New Beer Blog Ram Brewery Dubbel Trouble
When in Chicagoland area, from my blog post from a few days ago, I stopped by one of my old hang outs. It is Ram Brewery. The beer that I had a chance to try is their Dubbel Trouble. If you read my earlier beer blog posts on this craft brewpub, you know the history of this west coast brewery. If you have not, please, read those earlier beer blog post to get to know this brewery. Let us get into the beer.
This Dubbel is a dark brown to black color without a head on this Belgian style ale. The smell has a sweet candy. The taste is a sweet candy licorice with a licorice aftertaste. It is a sipping beer.
Here is their website and twitter addresses:
Website: www.theram.com
Twitter: @theRAM
In closing, there are little craft brewpubs or craft breweries. They always find ways to mess up a good Belgian Style Dubbel. I have to say I was pretty impressed with Ram’s version of this Belgian classic. I love the color, aroma, and tasting experience. It is like a sweet candy throughout the drinking experience. It is a nice sipping beer. I am so glad I stopped in and say hi to everyone. I had to chance to sample out these two great brews. I highly recommend you trying this brew, if you are in the Wheeling, IL area. Go get some! Drink it! Enjoy it! Metal it! \m/
Cheers!
Bill DJ Weiser
Email: djweiser13@comcast.net
Twitter: @djweiser
New Beer Blog Ram Brewery Ice Breaker Oatmeal Stout
When in Chicagoland area, I was able to stop by one of my old watering holes. I am talking about the Ram Brewery. I was able to try their Ice Breaker Oatmeal Stout. If you read my earlier blog posts on this craft brewery, you know the history of it. If you have not, please, read those post to get to know this brewpub. Let us get into this Oatmeal Stout.
It has a jet black color with a nice creamy tan head. The smell is a chocolate and coffee notes for this stout. The taste has a chocolate and coffee at the middle of pallet to watery notes on back half. The aftertaste has chocolate that hangs around a bit. It is a sipping beer.
Here is their website and twitter addresses:
Website: www.theram.com
Twitter:
@theRAMIn closing, this would be a stout if I still lived down the street. I would be filling my growlers up on weekend with this stout. This is an awesome stout. This is one of the best brews that this little brewpub made. I also love their IPA’s. I know the brewmaster pretty well and I was happy to see the assistant moved over to the other location in the Chicagoland area. I know for a fact he will be brewing some awesome beers and improving the beers from the last brewmaster. The last brewmaster was good but not good enough. If you are in the area, I recommend you getting by the Wheeling location to try to brew. Go get some! Drink it! Enjoy it! Metal it! \m/
Cheers!
Bill DJ Weiser
Email: djweiser13@comcast.net
Twitter: @djweiser
New Beer Blog Surly Brewing Furious Beer
In this beer blog, we are going to get into the second brew from Surly Brewery. It is their flagship beer, which is called Furious Beer. If you read my earlier beer blog post on their Over Rated! IPA, you know the history of this craft brewery that made it back to the Chicago Market in 2013. If you have not, please, read the post to get to know this Midwest craft brewery. Let us get into the beer.
It is cloudy light amber color with a white head that disappears over time. The smell is a heavy grapefruit notes. There is a slight carbonation grapefruit notes in the tasting experience. The aftertaste is a grapefruit notes. It is pretty drinkable beer.
Here is a description from the beer can:
A tempest on the tongue or a moment of pure hop bliss? Brewed with a dazzling blend of American hops and Scottish malt, this crimson-hued ale delivers waves of citrus, pine and caramel-toffee for those who favor, flavor, Furious has the hop-fire your taste buds have been screaming for.
Here is ta description from their website (www.surlybrewing.com):
Furious
A tempest on the tongue, or a moment of pure hop bliss? Brewed with a dazzling blend of American hops and Scottish malt, this crimson-hued ale delivers waves of citrus, pine and caramel-toffee. For those who favor flavor, Furious has the hop-fire your taste buds have been screaming for.
STYLE: American India Pale Ale
MALT: Pale Ale, Golden Promise, Aromatic, Medium Crystal, Roasted Barley
HOPS: Warrior, Ahtanum, Simcoe, Amarillo
YEAST: English Ale
OG: 15º Plato
ABV: 6.2% v/v
COLOR: 27 ºSRM
IBU: 99
AVAILABILITY: Cans and Kegs Year Round
Here is their website and twitter addresses:
Website: www.surlybrewing.com
Twitter:
@surlybrewingIn closing, this is a pretty good IPA. I was excited to try them when I was at Savor a few years ago. I did live blog on a few of their beers when I was there. I hope this brewery makes it to Michigan. I understand these beers are made in small batches and these breweries can buy what they can as far as supplies. I just feel they are a little over priced that is the only problem I have with their beers. I would rather be drinking Stone IPA. However, this is a great IPA and this brewery makes some awesome beers, I would pick it up now and then. I do not live in a market where I can get them. 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 Wolverine Brewery Dark Lager
In this beer blog, we are going to get into another Lager from Wolverine Brewery. It is their Dark Lager. If you read my earlier beer blog post on this brewery, you know the history of this brewery. If you have not read it, please, read that beer blog post to get to know this brewery. Let us get into the beer.
It had a clear dark brown color with a nice snow-white color head. The smell is burn to roasted malt. The taste has chocolate to slight coffee malty notes with a crisp chocolate like finish for the aftertaste. It is a pretty drinkable dark lager.
Here is a desecration from their website (www.wolverinebeer.com):
Wolverine Dark Lager 5% abv /19 IBU – Always on Tap
Are you afraid of the dark? Don’t be. This is Michigan’s smoothest dark beer, a dark beer even people who don’t think they like dark beer will love. Wolverine Dark will win you over with a mild maltiness balanced by a crisp feel on your tongue and a smooth finish.
Here is their website and twitter addresses:
Website: www.wolverinebeer.com
Twitter:
@wolverinebeerEnding, this craft brewery out of Ann Arbor, Michigan is quickly becoming my favorite craft Lager brewery. I am a fan of their IPL (India Pale Lager). I have always loved imported dark or black lagers. I was interested in getting my hands on this brew from Wolverine Brewery. I love the color and tone of this brew. I love the aroma it kicks out from the beer. This brew is pretty drinkable for being a dark beer. Most general or all beer drinkers think a dark beer means it is a heavy beer. This is urban legend in the beer world. It takes time to pass this on to the beer drinkers of the world. The point I am trying to get across is just because it is a dark lager that does not mean it will drink heavy or light. Most dark beer could drink easier than a golden color beer. It is smooth and drinkable. 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 Motor City Brewing Works India Pale Ale
Starting a new beer tab, we are going to sample another Michigan craft brewery that is on my list. All Michigan craft breweries are on my list. This one is straight out of Cass Corridor. I am talking about Motor City Brewing Works. This Detroit, Michigan craft brewery was founded in 1994. It is not far from the ballpark, football field, and Wayne State University. They brew package all their beers unfiltered and they make mostly ales. There are a few lagers. They also make sodas, ciders, and wines. Let us get into this India Pale Ale.
It has a hazel dark golden to light copper color with a nice constant white head on this India Pale Ale. The aroma is a slight mango to orange notes. The taste has a nice medium body for India Pale Ale. It has a light carbonated with notes citrus notes. It is pretty drinkable beer.
Here is a description from the beer bottle:
Our classic example of an India Style Micro-Brewed Pale Ale, brewed for 120 minutes to extract the fruity tartness from Warrior, Columbus and Simoce hops. Then dry-hopped with fresh leaf hops. 85 IBU.
The thin layre of sediment at the bottom of each bottle is the mark of our all natural brewing process. Unfiltered, Unpasteurized… Naturally!
Here is a description from their website (www.motorcitybeer.com):
Motor City India Pale Ale is a classic example of an India style micro brewed Pale Ale. Brewed for 120 minutes to extract the fruity tartness from Warrior, Columbus and Simcoe hops.
ABV: 6.9%
OG: 1.068
IBU: 85
Here is their website and twitter addresses:
Website: www.motorcitybeer.com
Twitter: no address
In closing, I have been eyeing this brewery when I was living in Chicago. When I moved back to Michigan, I have been trying to cross several breweries off my list. I have not try all their beers from Motor City Brewing Works. I am going to make it down to the brewpub to check out the rest of their brews. I figured I would start with their version of one of my favorite beer styles, which is India Pale Ale. It does have a nice malty backbone, however, I am not a fan of the hops they picked in this brew. It just rubs me the wrong way. I can see people liking this and just because I am really not a fan of this beer. It does not mean you will not like this brew. I will pass on this brew. I rather drink PBR or Bud. Go get some! Drink it! Enjoy it! Metal it! \m/
Cheers!
Bill DJ Weiser
Email: djweiser13@comcast.net
Twitter: @djweiser
New Beer Blog Bell’s Hopslam Ale
In this beer blog, we are going to sample out a limited release from Bell’s Brewery that they bring out once a year. It is their Hopslam ale. If you read my earlier beer blog, you know the history of this brewery. If you have not, please, read the blog post on their Winter Ale. Let us get into the beer.
It has a clear light copper color with a white constant head on this ale brewed with honey. The smell has hints of honey and a slight citrus notes. The taste has a sweet, smooth, and honey notes with earthly notes. The aftertaste is slight honey with hops dry finish. It is extremely drinkable beer and it is a big beer. Please, be careful!
Here is a description from the beer bottle:
A biting, bitter, tongue bruiser of an ale. With a name like Hopslam, what did you expect?
Here is a description from their website (www.bellsbeer.com):
Starting with six different hop varietals added to the brew kettle & culminating with a massive dry-hop addition of Simcoe hops, Bell’s Hopslam Ale possesses the most complex hopping schedule in the Bell’s repertoire. Selected specifically because of their aromatic qualities, these Pacific Northwest varieties contribute a pungent blend of grapefruit, stone fruit, and floral notes. A generous malt bill and a solid dollop of honey provide just enough body to keep the balance in check, resulting in a remarkably drinkable rendition of the Double India Pale Ale style.
Here is their website and twitter addresses:
Website: www.bellsbeer.com
Twitter:
@BellsBreweryClosing, I had this beer a few times a few years ago. This is a great Double India Pale Ale. I enjoyed drinking. I love how the honey cuts through the hops and honey builds the malty backbone ever stronger. This is an unique and different from the rest of Double India Pale Ale on the market. I had one other double IPA brewed from honey and it is 3 Sheep’s First Kiss. I wished I had a bottle to compare these two big beers. From what I can remember, First Kiss is better but I recommend this brew. I get why everyone rushes to the stores to pick up this brew when it comes out. It is released once a year. I believe this brew was available all year-long. It would not sell as much as it does now. Once a year is good for me. And you? Go get some! Drink it! Enjoy it! Metal it! \m/
Cheers!
Bill DJ Weiser
New Beer Blog Wolverine State Brewing Gulo Gulo I.P.L.
In another Lager blog, we are going to sample out another brew from Wolverine State Brewing. It is a new beer style in the India Pale Ale world. It is their Gulo Gulo IPL. This new India Pale Ale is India Pale Lager. If you read my earlier and first one, which was their Winter Lager, you know the history of this craft brewery across the street from The Big House in Ann Arbor, Michigan. If you have not, please, read that earlier beer blog post to get to know this Michigan craft brewery. Let us get into the beer.
It has a clear copper color with a white constant head on this India Style Pale Lager. The smell has some piney notes. The taste has a nice hops of piney notes with a crisp finish. The aftertaste has bitter hop finish, which I love. It is pretty drinkable beer.
Here is a description from their website (www.wolverinebeer.com):
6.7% abv / 65 IBU – Always on tap
This ground-breaking style combines the essential ingredients and hopping methods used to create a world-class I.P.A. Then using our expert lagering techniques and house lager yeast we created an instant favorite among the existing and steadily growing number of “hop-heads” and craft “lager-heads” in the beer world today. Gulo Gulo I.P.L. is hopped with Cascade, Chinook, Columbus, Warrior and Pilgrim hops. It is dry-hopped once in the fermenter and then a second time with whole-cone Cascade hops before packaging.Here is their website and twitter addresses:
Website: www.wolverinebeer.com
Twitter:
@wolverinebeerIn closing, I have to say I am pretty impressed about this Lager. I am not a huge fan of this beer style. To me, it is over hopped pilsner. I love the hops they are using in this Lager. I have to say this gives everything to your Lager drinker and Hophead. I really love the aftertaste. I have to say it is better than most India Pale Lager on the market. There is not much more to say about this brew. It is great brew and you better go try one. Go get some! Drink it! Enjoy it! Metal it! \m/
Cheers!
Bill DJ Weiser
Email: djweiser13@comcast.net
Twitter: @djweiser
New Beer Blog Beer Stores In Southeast Michigan And West Of Detroit Part 1
(www.509beerstore.com)
In this beer blog, we are going to talk about liquor stores in my area of Michigan. I just moved back in October so please, give me feed back if I missed a store. As you know, I am a huge beer fan and a craft beer fan. I will be the first to say I was spoiled in Chicagoland area with great beer stores. It was between Binny’s, Cardinal Stores, and some of the chain stores there. When I moved back, I knew Michigan craft beer market was huge on Michigan beers, which should be the case. There are so many beers, and breweries in every market around the country. I know Michigan is in that same situation. Where do I go to buy some great beers? I had no idea. I did Google search after Google search. I came up with a list. I even did something I hate doing walking in and out of stores. I do have a list and I am going to be up front and honest. Here we go!
Beer Baron (Livonia, MI)
Beer Baron is a little bit north of Wine Palace by 7 mile on Middlebelt. When I went, they were working on the store. The staff there was nice and let me walk around. He let me take my time and asked if I needed help. This was the opposite of Wine Palace. They have a great beer selection and some pretty good prices. I was pretty impressed. This is a beer store and it is pretty clear to that fact. The two things I did not like about this store. One, the store is in chaos. There is beer everywhere. Two, when I went, the staff did not know anything about beer. Their parking lot is a lot easier than Wine Palace. I recommend this beer store.
Wine & Barrel (Livonia, MI)
I did not want to drive up to Beer Baron and I am staying away from Wine Palace. I just went to Wine & Barrel that is right down the street from my place. There is some nice parking at the side of the building and they are not that busy like the last two stores. The first thing, I did not like is the guy does not take pop cans. You are a liquor store that sells rum and you do not sell pop. I guess not rum and coke for someone in the area. I am just saying. I was not happy by that. Now, I have to go two places to get my errands done for returns. Who will go there and buy their liquor just to go somewhere else to get their pop? I was not too impressed by their beer selection. I did not like the fact you could not buy single beers (12oz). They had beer store selected ones available. It was like it came from their breakage area. I thought their prices where too high like Wine Palace. I get it that these stores need to make some money. There is a level where it will keep people out of your store. This store has a huge area for beer brewing supplies. I thought that was really cool when I was walking through but after looking at that the beer selection. I started to have a different attitude towards the store. Their beer area is all over the place. I mean you have craft beer with imports beers and the other way around. This is so not profitable for the store. Their beer customers that are looking at crafts beers are not seeing all their crafts or import beer customers in one area. They have to walk around the store and I know I might have missed something. It can be the same for their mass-produced beer customers. I just feel they make more money off their beer supplies. There is nothing wrong at being just a brewing supply store. I will pass on this store.
Mid-Joy Liquor Store (Livonia, MI)
The first weekend I was back in Michigan. I wanted to go beer shopping so I thought I would go back to my old liquor store when I first lived in the area. They have a pretty nice selection. I was enjoying it until I started noticing that everything I was picking up was out of date. I was pretty disappointed pretty quickly. This store went hard into the craft beer without the consumers to support it. I never went back into this store. I might again but I think I just might stay away.
Keg & Wine Party Store (Redford, MI)
I found this store looking for a Cider from Woodchuck Hard Cider on their website. The parking lot could be better but that is not point of this review. The store inside is pretty nice and clean. Everyone is nice and helpful. They have a great selection on beers and spirits. I was pretty impressed. I will have to say it is better than Wine Palace. The only thing I do not like about this store. I can not buy single bottles and/or cans of beer (12oz). You have to buy the six or four pack. I will be back to this store and I recommend this store.
Holiday Market (Canton, MI)
Whenever I would come in town, this was the store I would go to in the beginning. They had whole warm shelf aisle in this grocery store for craft beer. I was amazed at the selection. I always picked up beers that I could not get in Chicago. I started to realize pretty quickly that they were not selling through most their beers. This store at that time had a ton of out of code beers. This is a great store but buyer beware.
Super Fines (Canton, MI)
This store is at the top of my list. They have just about everything in this liquor store. If they do not have it, they will get the beer or whatever you are looking for at that time. If it is sold in the state, they will get it. You can do mix six packs in every price range. You can buy single beers too. They have a pretty big spirit selection. This is a great beer store and I highly recommend it.
Closing, I know I have not covered everything liquor stores in the Southeast Michigan. I am looking at just craft liquor beer stores. I am not going to just the neighbor store. I went to ones that claim they are a craft beer store or I know they have a pretty big selection. I know there are more out there. I will keep searching. I loved Super Fines in Canton, Beer Barton in Livonia, and Key & Wine Party Store in Redford. I will never go back into Wine Barrel and Mid-Joy Liquor Store in Livonia. If there are any other stores, please, let me know. I would love to hear your thoughts on these stores. I will be writing a new review here shortly. Go get some! Drink it! Enjoy it! Metal it! \m/
Cheers!
Bill DJ Weiser
Email: djweiser13@comcast.net
Twitter: @djweiser
DJ Weiser 