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New Beer Blog Bell’s Venus The Bringer Of Peace

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In this special beer blog, we are going to sample the second beer in the planet series from Bell’s Brewery.  It is Venus The Bringer Of Peace.  The first one was Mars which was double IPA.  I did not get a chance to write-up a review on it and all bottles were sold out.  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 Bell’s Brewery.  Let us get into this ale.

It has a slight cloudy golden to honey tone to the color without a head.  The smell has a nice sweet honey apricot notes. The taste has a sweet honey apricot. The apricot is pretty heavy but the vanilla notes take over the aftertaste. It is a 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):

The Bringer of Peace

STYLE: Blonde Ale Brewed With Honey, Apricot, Cardamom, and Vanilla

RELEASE DATE: October 2014

ABV: 7.5%

COLOR: Light blondish orange, very slight haze

GLASSWARE: Snifter

TASTING NOTES: The second release in our Planets Series starts with spicy, fruity and light citrus notes along with herbal notes from cardamom in the aroma. Apricots contribute a very distinct tart character and sweetness from the vanilla rounds out the finish. More than 60 pounds of hand sliced vanilla beans were used to ferment this strong fruit and spice beer

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.bellsbeer.com

Twitter:  @bellsbrewery

Closing, yay, another gimmick to sell beer.  I will have to say at least this series of beers have a story behind.  I know there is a few other Michigan craft brewery would use a gimmick to sell beer.  I was pretty impressed with the first two beers from this series.  I like it. It is totally different. I have more faith in Bell’s after this one.  I am not a Bell’s fan but this one made me turn my head a little more to their direction.  There is some nice notes from Apricots and honey.  It is not too heavy.  I love the vanilla aftertaste notes.  I just wish it was not limited but it is what it is.  If you can find a bottle, 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 Mountain Town Brewing Train Wrack Amber Ale

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In this beer blog, we are going to get into a brewery for the first time on this blog which is Mountain Town Brewing.  It is their Train Wrack Amber Ale.  Here is a little history from their website (www.mountaintownbrew.com):

In 1996 Mountain Town Station Brewing Co. & Steakhouse opened its doors as a premier restaurant, wine cellar and micro brewery; and has grown ever since in its menu concept, wine inventory and beer recipes. In 2007, a separate company was formed called Mountain Town Brewing Company. This new brewery operation is strictly manufacturing and packaging using the same recipes that have been successfully developed for years at the brewpub. In 2008, shipments of beers such as the Gamblers Golden Ale, Railyard Raspberry Wheat and Cow Catcher Red Ale were flying out of the brewery and into restaurants and bars across Michigan. Look for these and many more beers at your favorite bar and restaurant. If they don’t have our beers request that they be put on tap!

As you can see they brew several different beer styles from cans and bottles.  We are going to get into the beer.

It has a cloudy amber color with a nice white head.  There is really no smell.  It is pretty fade.  The taste has a malty notes with a hint of honey aftertaste.  The honey makes the aftertaste smooth and a crisp finish.  It is an extremely drinkable beer.

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

Trainwreck Amber Ale
An American Amber Ale brewed with maple syrup and honey to give it a full body and smooth sweetness

Approach with caution. This one will sneak up on you! Brewed to keep us warm in the winter months, but easily enjoyable any time of the year. Syrup and honey give this beer an irresistible sweetness that makes it impossible to have just one. No matter what you pair this one with make sure you get plenty to eat or you might find out how this beer got its name.
ABV – 8.2%

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.mountaintownbrew.com

Twitter:  No Twitter Address

Closing, this beer is pretty interesting brew.  I was taken a little back when tasting this beer.  I did enjoy it.  I did not know how the honey would work with this amber ale.  I had honey in beers and amber lagers.  I was pretty interested to see how some of the malty to some fruity notes would react with the honey sweetness.  This is average beer and it is nothing special.  I recommend you trying this beer just because how unique it is.  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 Lucky Girl Brewery Haunted Pumpkin Ale (2014)

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In this fall beer blog, we are going to sample a Lucky Girl Brewery and it is Haunted Pumpkin Ale.  This is the first both this beer and brewery is being featured on this blog.  This is the first time these beers are making it out of their brewpub and the southeastern Michigan.  I was pretty interested in this brewery.  Here is a story behind this craft brewery from their website (www.luckygirlbeer.com):

The iconic “pinup” girl was first created for our WWII soldiers as a gesture of good luck for our young men, giving them a little piece of home and comfort on the battlefield.

In the post-war era, she became a symbol of American prosperity as the United States experienced economic growth like never before seen. It was a time when we were all proud to be Americans, and motivated to make this country great.

Today, Lucky Girl Brewing Company represents that same feeling of unity, nostalgia, and the heart of Americana. Enjoy a Classy & Sassy Lucky Girl beer as we toast to our heritage and to our American pride!

I do not see anything saying who the owner and when they opened.  I just found this on their website for their back story on their name and their labeling on their packaging.  If you know something, please, let me know so I can add it to this review.  Let us get into pumpkin ale.

This pumpkin ale has a cloudy bronze color without a head.  The aroma has a heavy cinnamon to a light nutmeg with a touch of pumpkin in background.  The taste has a light carbonated sweet malty notes.  It is pretty faded between all the tasting notes.  It is pretty drinkable.

Here is a description from the beer bottle:

It’s that time of the year. Ghosts and Goblins, and fall’s favorite treat – HAUNTED PUMPKIN ALE. This tasty brew of fresh pumpkin, 2 row malts, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg is frighteningly good to the last drop.

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.luckygirlbeer.com

Twitter:  @luckygirlbeer

Closing, I love the packaging and it does stick out from all the rest of the pumpkin beers on the market.  I would say the only package that beats it out is the New Belgium Pumpkick Ale.  As far as the liquid and appearance.  I love the look and the aroma from the beer.  I was getting pretty excited on trying this beer.  I was pretty disappointed with the tasting notes.  There is no pumpkin notes with slight cinnamon and nutmeg notes.  It is pretty weak.  It is pretty dinkable.  If you can get a bottle, I would try it at least.  Here is a example of a beer from Michigan that is not really good.  This beer is from Michigan and it does not make it good.  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 Tri-City Brewing Giant Slayer Russian Imperial Stout

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In this beer blog, we are going to sample Giant Slayer Russian Imperial Stout from Tri-City Brewing.  If you read my earlier post on their IPA, you know the history of this craft brewery.  If you have not, please, read them to get to know this craft brewery.  Let us get into this Imperial Stout.

It has a jet black color without a head on this stout. The aroma has burned chocolate to coffee notes. The taste has  a burned chocolate but creamy coffee aftertaste.  It is a sipping beer.

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

It takes courage to face a giant and we know you face the regularly every day. Because you don’t run away from these giants, Tri-City Brewing makes this Russian Imperial Stout in your honor.

  • Bursting with an abundance of character
  • Huge roasted, chocolate and coffee flavors
  • Although well hopped, it is still very balanced
  • Rich full bodied drinking experience with dark hints of old world style

9.0% ABV and 66 IBUs

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.tricitybrewing.com

Twitter:  No Address

Closing, this is a great brew.  I really enjoyed drinking this beer.  This is one of the best Imperial Stouts that is made in Michigan for the price.  It is a beer that I know you can age for at least a year. I love this beer.  It is a beer you can let it cool down or just start to enjoy it at room temperate.  I just wish I can find their beers in the southeast part of the state.  Their beers are hard to find. I might have to make a trip to their brewpub one day.  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 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 Blog Lagunitas Sucks Brown Shugga’ Substitute Ale

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In this beer blog, we are going to get into a special release from Lagunitas Brewery.  It is their Sucks Brown Shugga’ Substitute Ale.  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 craft brewery.  Let us get into this beer in quart bottle.

It has a clear bright golden copper color with a white constant head.  The smell has a heavy citrus notes with a slight caramel notes.  It is really fated.  The taste has citrus to a slight creamy caramel notes.  The aftertaste has crisp dry bitter finish that is pretty smooth.  It is pretty drinkable beer.

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

Originally brewed in 2011 as a Brown Shugga’ substitute, due to construction-induced capacity issues. But we liked it so much it had to make a return trip.

AVAILABLE: LATE NOVEMBER thru JANUARY
ABV: 7.85%
Sold as: 6-Packs & Kegs (plus 32oz Quarts in select markets)
Net contents: Ounces and ounces of Malt, Hops, Yeast and water.

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.lagunitas.com

Twitter:  @lagunitasbeer

Closing,  I have always loved Lagunitas Sucks.  I am always sad that this beer is only a seasonal.  This Sucks is their Brown Shagga edition.  Plus, I love that it comes out in 32oz or quart bottle.  I am saving my bottle.  When I visited the brewery in Chicago this last summer, they were selling these bottles and I wanted to take it home.  The problem was that I flew out of Chicago.  I love all nice caramel to citrus notes.  They picked a nice selection of hops and build a well design malty backbone.  I love this beer and I will have a few more bottles in the neat future.  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 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