pale ale

New Beer Blog Goose Island Brewing Upstream IPA

In this beer blog, we are going to get into a beer from the brewpub from Goose Island Brewing. The beer is their Upstream IPA. This beer is not in package. It is beer they brew at their brewpub for their bar. If you read my past blogs, you know the history of Chicago craft brewery. If you have not read them, please, read those beer blogs to get to know this brewer. Let us get into the beer.

It has a clear golden color with constant white head on this India Pale Ale. The smell is citrus in the beer. The taste has carbonated citrus notes with a dry hoppy finish. It is a pretty drinkable beer.

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website: www.gooseisland.com

Twitter: @GooseIsland and @GooseClybourn

In the end, I had a chances to go down to the Goose Island Brewpub for one of my going away parties. I had a few brews and this was one of them. I had a chances to try the Alt and a one of their wheat ales. I cannot think of the names of those beers. I am a huge fan of India Pale Ales. It was a no brainier to pick this beer. I love the hops but not a fan of the malty backbone. I just felt the hops were attacking it a little too much for my liking. It is a drinkable beer and that is what won me over on this brew. If this beer is still on draft, I recommend you trying 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 Upland Brewing Harvest Pale Ale

In this beer blog, we are going to get into a seasonal ale from Upland Brewery. It is their Harvest Pale Ale. If you read my earlier beer blog on their Dragonfly IPA, you know the history of this up and coming from Indiana. If you have not, please, read that beer blog post about their flagship ale. Let us get into the beer.

It has a clear copper color with a semi white head on this Fall Seasonal. The smell is piney to slight citrus notes. The taste of this hoppy pale ale has a slight malty notes with a piney to slight citrus notes. The aftertaste is a heavy bitterness from the hops. It is pretty drinkable beer.

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

An American Pale Ale by design, but an even more vibrant rendition by loading up our hopback with freshly harvested Citra hops. Expect huge wafts of tropical fruit notes, balanced by a moderate bitterness and light tasted malt character. A showcase for one of our four favorite ingredients and a delight for all the hopheads.

ABV: 5.5 | IBUs: 62 | SG: 14 | SRM: 13

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website: www.uplandbeer.com

Twitter: @uplandbrewco

Closing, this seasonal ale gives the craft beer drinker something else. Normally for the fall, the craft beer drinker will have to reach for the countless list of Oktoberfest, Pumpkin ales, or start looking at porters and/or stout. Upland Brewery and a few more craft breweries are looking at this as opportunity to give their drinkers something a little different. This brew is something different. It is a west coast pale ale. It is hopped up and it is very good. They did a nice job on this brew. It is well balance from the malty backbone to the hops. I will have to say they were not shy on making the hops shine through this beer. I wish this beer was available all year-long but it would loss that special shine that it has right now. I recommend you hunting this beer down. Go get some! Drink it! Enjoy it! Metal it! \m/

Cheers!

Bill DJ Weiser

Email: djweiser13@comcast.net

Twitter: @djweiser

New Beer Blog Revolution Brewing and Firestone Walker Brewing Dos Osos India Pale Ale

In this beer blog, we are going to get into a brew where two craft breweries teamed up to brew. I am talking about Dos Osos India Pale Ale from Revolution Brewing and Firestone Walker Brewing. This is a special and limited edition brew. If you read my beer blog posts on both of these breweries, you know the history of both of them. If you have not, please, read those beer blog posts to get to know both of these breweries. Let us get into the beer.

It has a clear deep golden color with a constant white head on this India Pale Ale. The smell is a heavy grapefruit with a slight orange. The taste is about the same with some carbonation notes. The aftertaste is a sweet grapefruit notes. This is an extremely drinkable beer.

Here is a description from Revolution Brewing’s Website (www.revbrew.com):

Dos Osos

Dos Osos, or “two bears,” IPA is a collaboration brew with our great friend Dustin Kral who is the lead brewer at Firestone Walker Brewing Co. in Paso Robles, CA. Named after both the bear on the California State flag and the Chicago bears this IPA is described as a Central Coast IPA, named for California’s Central Coast. As with most West Coast IPAs, our version in not bogged down with lots of specialty malts and is dry, crisp and clean which is a trademark of the hoppy ales from both Revolution and Firestone. 2-row, Munich, and a touch of cara-pils lend a subtle malt base to which the layers of hop character are built upon. An array of hops including Warrior, Chinook, Centennial, Cascade and Citra infuse this ale with aromas and flavors of fresh flowers, citrus and passion fruit. The finished product is a clean refreshing IPA with a crisp bitterness and wonderful hop bouquet.

India Pale Ale

ABV 6.6%IBU 75

Profile: Dos Osos, or “two bears,” IPA is a collaboration brew with Firestone Walker Brewing Company.

Color: Deep Gold

Availability: 1/6bbl, 1/2 bbl, 22 oz.

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website: www.revbrew.com and www.firestonebeer.com

Tiwtter; @revolutionsbrew, @RevBrewChicago, and @firestonewalker

Closing, this beer has been on my radar since it came out. I keep on picking it up at the liquor store and pulling it back down on the shelf. I knew I was leaving the Chicago area to move back to Michigan. I wanted to make sure I had at least one before I leave. I have to say I am not disappointed one bit. Both craft breweries did a great job working together to make a really good brew. It is well-balanced from the malty backbone to the hops. If you can find a bottle, I highly recommend you trying this brew. Go get some! Drink it! Enjoy it! Metal it! \m/

Cheers!

Bill DJ Wieser

Email: djweiser13@comcast.net

Twitter; @djweiser

New Beer Blog Robinsons Brewery Trooper Ale

Run to the hills, we are going to get into the brew from Iron Maiden and Robinsons Brewery and it is their Trooper Ale. This is recipe came from Bruce Dickenson, who is the lead singer. Robinsons Brewery was founded and started in 1838 by William Robinson in England. They brew several different beer styles. Here is a youtube video with Bruce talking about this beer.

It has a clear copper color with a semi white head on this Metal Beer. The smell is a slight caramel to some hop notes. The taste has some caramel with hop notes along with a slight water notes. The aftertaste has a dry hop and malt finish that falls flat at the end. It it is pretty drinkable beer.

Here is a description from the beer bottle:

Onward, onward Ride the 600…

The change of the light brigade, which inspired the Iron Maiden song The Trooper, took place at the Battle Of Balaclava (1854) during the Crimean War when 600 British cavalry courageously charged the masses Russian artillery. This gallant but foolhardy assault resulted in a massive loss of life and came about due to a misunderstanding of an order given by the commanding officer, Lord Raglan

Trooper is a premium British beer inspired by Iron Maiden and handcrafted are Robinsons brewery. Being a real ale enthusiast, vocalist Bruce Dickinson has developed a beer which has true depth of character. Malt flavours and citric notes from an unique blend of Bobec, Goldings, and Cascade hops dominate this deep golden ale.

Here is a description from Robinson Brewery’s website (www.robinsonsbrewery.com):

Premium British Beer – Inspired by Iron Maiden, handcrafted by Robinsons. ABV 4.7%

TROOPER takes its name from the Iron Maiden song which is inspired by the famous Charge of the Light Brigade. Being a real ale enthusiast, vocalist Bruce Dickinson has developed a beer which has true depth of character.

TROOPER is a Premium British Beer inspired by Iron Maiden and handcrafted at Robinsons brewery. Malt flavours and citric notes from a unique blend of Bobec, Goldings and Cascade hops dominate this deep golden ale with a subtle hint of lemon.

Premium British Beer – Created by award-winning heavy metal rock legends Iron Maiden, brewed by Robinsons. ABV 4.7%

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website: www.robinsonsbrewery.com and www.ironmaidenbeer.com

Twitter: @ironmaidenbeer

Fear of the dark, I am huge metal head and fan of Iron Maiden. When I heard the band was coming out with a beer, I thought it was a money grab. Of course, they will make money on it either way. When I heard they are taking this beer serious, I started to take this brew serious. I had a hard time finding a bottle to try it here in the states. I had a friend from one of my beer stores get a few cases. It is 16.9oz bottle for $7.99. I am not saying this is a bad beer because it is not a bad one. I just feel this beer is over priced. Of course, I understand it is an import beer that is one reason why it is a little bit more. I recommend you trying this brew if you are a fan of the band, metal head, and/or craft beer drinker. Overall, it is a well made beer and I enjoyed 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 Pipeworks Brewing Ninja Vs. Unicorn Double IPA

We are going to get into the third beer that will be review on this beer blog from Pipeworks Brewing. The beer is their Ninja Vs. Unicorn Double India Pale Ale. If you read my beer blog post two days ago, 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.

It had a cloudy copper color with a constant white head on the beer. The smell is piney to earthy notes. The taste of this medium to full body beer is light carbonation piney notes to it. It is pretty drinkable Double India Pale Ale.

Here is a description from the beer bottle:

Ninja Vs. Unicorn celebrates the epic battle two of the biggest hop-heads of lore. Brewed with over five pounds of hops per barrel, this unfiltered double IPA is sure to please the most discerning hop lover. Whether you’re rooting for the mythical horned horse or the deadly assassin of the east, we hope you’ll enjoy Ninja Vs. Unicorn.

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website: www.pipeworksbrewing.net

Twitter: @PipeworksBrewin

Ending, this is a great beer. I love the hops they use in this beer. It is pretty well-balanced for being a double India Pale Ale. There is a nice malty backbone but I kind feel it should be stronger. I can live with it. I have to say for a beer that is in 22oz bottle. It is well worth the price. I have always felt beers in 22oz bottles are not worth the price. To me, this one lives up to the price. I recommend you trying 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 Fuller’s London Pride

In this beer blog, we are going to get into the flagship from Fuller’s Brewery and the beer is London Pride Pale Ale. If you read my beer blog post on their ESB, you know the history of this brewery. If you have not read that beer blog post, please, read that post to get to know this brewery. Let us get into beer.

It has a clear copper color with a constant white head. There is no smell to this beer. The taste is a malty caramel with a light carbonation with a tropical fruit aftertaste. It is drinkable and refreshing beer.

Here is a description from the beer bottle:

Fuller’s London Pride is an award-winning English classic premium beer, rich and smooth, with a good malty base and well-developed hop notes in the finish.

The Griffin Brewery in Chiswichk, London, has been brewing fine beers since 1654.

The Fuller, Smith & Turner partnership, dating back to 1845, brews an excellent range of award-winning beers, many of which are available in the USA, including London Pride premium beer and the world’s original ESB. I hope you will enjoy trying all our fine beers.

Here is description from their website (www.fullers.co.uk):

London Pride

Fuller’s London Pride is the UK’s leading premium ale.

An intrinsic part of London, London Pride has been brewed by the banks of the Thames from the very first brew.

Known and loved for its smooth, distinctive malty base and rich balance of hops flavours, London Pride is London and the UK’s favourite premium ale.

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website: www.fullers.co.uk

Twitter; @London_Pride

Ending, this is a great beer but I am not a huge fan of the malty base pale ales. This is how all English Pale Ales. There is nothing wrong that brewing styles. Europe set the standard for the classic beer styles. I love the hops that they use in this brew but I just feel this beer would be better if it did not have a huge malty backbone. This is what the brewery and the brewmaster at the time was going for in the recipe. So for what it is, it is well made beer. 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 Blue Point Hoptical Illusion India Pale Ale

In this beer blog, we are going to get into one of my favorite India Pale Ales. I am talking about Blue Point Brewing and the beer is their Hoptical Illusion India Pale Ale. If you read my earlier beer blog posts on this brewery, you know the history of this brewery. If you have not read those beer posts, please, read them to know everything about this brewery. Let us get into the beer.

It has a dark golden color without a head on the beer. The smell is weird malt to the beer. There is really no hop smell. The taste of this full body IPA is earthy to piney with a slight dry hop finish. It is pretty drinkable beer.

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

We won’t go as far as saying you’ll see things after partaking in a few, but one or two will leave you craving more. Ancient Egyptians stuffed their pillows with fresh hops, believing the hop’s aroma brought on intense, vivid dreams. Today, our classic, American-style India Pale Ale (IPA) features a rare hop grown exclusively on a small farm in Oregon. One taste and you’ll understand why we bought the entire crop. Our Hoptical Illusion IPA is brewed with a generous amount of this select hop that’s added five different ways for maximum hop flavor. The delicious, resiny, citrus-burst that you taste is the “Essence of the Hop” which is balanced by a malty backbone yielding an intense, golden ale. Hoptical Illusion tantalizes beer lovers’ taste-buds, while its colorful, psychedelic packaging is candy for the eyes.

1.064 OG and 66 IBU’s 6.8% ABV

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website: www.bluepointbrewing.com

Twitter: @bluepointbrewer

Ending, I miss getting this beer in the Chicago market. However, I was visiting friends and family in Michigan, I was able to pick up some beer and this one of them. I love this India Pale Ale while I was there. I always call this beer the “Hippie Package” or “Hippie IPA.” I love the hops that they are using in this beer. I highly recommend you trying this great beer from the Long Island, New York brewery. Go get some! Drink it! Enjoy it! Metal it! \m/

Cheers!

Bill DJ Weiser

Email: djweiser13@comcast.net

Twitter: @djweiser

New Beer Blog Blue Point Brewing Blueberry Ale

In this beer blog, we are going to get into another beer from Blue Point Brewing. It is their Blueberry Ale. If you read my earlier beer blog posts on their beers, you know the history of this Long Island, New York brewery. If you have not, please, read those beer blog posts to get to know this brewery. Let us get into beer.

It has a clear golden color without a head. The smell is heavy blueberry. The taste of this light body beer is heavy blueberry notes. It is extremely drinkable beer.

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

Who knew that throwing some blueberries into a batch of beer one day would have worked out so well? While there’s no Oompa-Loompas involved in its production; there’s definitely something special that makes Blueberry Ale one of our top-sellers. First brewed in 1998, this delicious golden ale quickly became a year-round favorite. Our fresh Blueberry Ale offers an unusual twist on brewing that turns out to be a wonderful blend of fresh blueberries matched with a distinctive, thirst quenching ale. We carefully add 732 pounds of fresh, plump and juicy, handpicked, USA Northern Highbush Blueberries to every batch. Even before your first sip of Blueberry Ale, a strong, refreshing sweet fruit aroma emanates from the bottle, kicking your taste-buds into overdrive.

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website: www.bluepointbrewing.com

Twitter: @bluepointbrewer

Closing, I do get into my fair share of fruit beers. I love pretty much everything I have had from Blue Point Brewing. I had this beer for the first time in Cooperstown, New York. I have to say I was pretty impressed. I picked up this bottle on my way back to Chicago from Detroit. I wanted to re-try this brew just to make sure I still like it. This beer is pretty balanced from the golden ale and the blueberries. It is sweet but not overly sweet. I recommend you trying 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 Three Floyds Arctic Panzer Wolf Imperial India Pale Ale

In this beer blog, we are going to get into another beer from Three Floyds and the brew is Arctic Panzer Wolf Imperial India Pale Ale. If you read my read my earlier beer blog, you know the history of this brewery. If you have not, please, read the history of this brewery. Let us get into the beer.

It has a clear dark copper to light amber color without a head on the beer. The smell is a fruity notes like mango. The taste is a huge and heavy mango notes with a dry fruit hop aftertaste. It is kind of drinkable beer. For an experience beer drinker, it is drinkable beer.

Here is a description from the beer bottle:

A dry and stupendous hopped medium bodied Imperial India Pale Ale brewed with Canadian 2-row malt, dextrose sugar and lots of American hops. Arctic Panzer Wolf has superior aroma’s of marmalade, white wine, pine and apricot all mixed with an intense American hop bitterness. Cheers!

Here is a description from their website (www.3floyds.com):

9.5% ABV 100 IBUs

A massive IPA that will leave your palate its hapless victim. Scorched earth is our brewery policy.

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website: www.3floyds.com

Twitter: @3floyds

In closing, I will be first to say I am not a huge fan of this brewery because I believe their beers are overrated and over priced. I have to say I have been pretty impressed by this brew. I love the hops and the balanced from the malts. I love the aroma and the nice hops taste is really good. This brewery took their time to find the right hops for this brew. This is a well made beer and nice balance. I recommend you trying this beer. I would love to hear your thoughts on this brew and the brewery. Go get some! Drink it! Enjoy it! Metal it! \m/

Cheers!

Bill DJ Weiser

Email: djweiser13@comcast.net

Twitter: @djweiser

New Beer Blog Paw Paw Brewing K.U.A. Extra Pale Ale

In this beer blog, we are going to get into the first brew from Paw Paw Brewing on this blog. I had a chance to try their beer at the Michigan Brewer’s Guild Summerfest. I stopped by their booth and talked to them along with sampling their beers. I was back in Michigan this last weekend to see Tesla and Uncle Ted. I did stop by their brewpub but they were closed. I might make a trip back in to check out this brewery. Paw Paw Brewing is located in Paw Paw, Michigan by Ben Fleckestein and Ryan Sylvester in 2010. They had their grand opening in 2011. They brew several different beer styles and package them in bottles. I am looking forward to stopping in and trying everything straight from source. Let us get into the beer.

It has a hazel copper color with a constant white head. There is no smell to this extra pale ale. The taste is smooth caramel with a citrus hop finish. It is drinkable.

Here is a description from the beer bottle:

This American pale ale carries tropical citrus notes and announces itself first with a golden color and wonderful aroma. Inspired by cyclists nationwide that ride the urban streets, this brew is sure to refresh.

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website: www.pawpawbrewing.com

Twitter: @pawpawbrewery and @2pawsbeer

In the end, this is an awesome beer. I have to say the newer craft breweries raising up in Michigan put the newer ones in Chicago to shame. Michigan is growing into a pretty important state for craft beer. They are a long ways off from Oregon and Washington. They are gaining ground pretty quickly. I love the hops that they use on this beer and yet there is a nice balance from the malt. This a well-built beer and you can tell that this brewery put some thought behind this beer. I will be looking forward to try rest of their beers. I recommend you driving to Michigan to get this beer in your hands. Go get some! Drink it! Enjoy it! Metal it! \m/

Cheers!

Bill DJ Weiser

Email: djweiser13@comcast.net

Twitter: @djweiser

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