porter

New Beer Blog Great Lakes Brewery Alberta Clipper Porter

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In this beer blog, we are going to get into another brew from Great Lakes Brewery.  It is Alberta Clipper Porter.  I just realize that I have not blogged about their seasonals and special releases.  I am going to be blogging about their everyday beers here soon.  if you read my earlier beer blog posts on their beers, you know they 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 brew.

It has a jet black color with a constant tan or a light brown color head. The aroma has a heavy raspberries notes. The taste has a smooth chocolate to light raspberry notes with a nice chocolate aftertaste. It is pretty drinkable even though it is almost 8%.

Here is a description from the beer bottle:

Bid farewell to winter’s cruel tyranny with the creamy, bittersweet dark chocolate flavors and fresh raspberry tartness of Alberta Clipper Porter.  Named for the intense winter storms that sweep the Midwest and Great Lakes Regions, making us all a little tougher (and a lot colder), Alberta Clipper is the perfect treat to celebrate the return of wintry winds goodbye . . . at least for a little while.

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.greatlakesbrewing.com

Twitter:  @GLBC_cleveland

In the end, I love their special release and seasonal beers from Great Lakes Brewery.  If anyone in craft beer world to make a special porter, let it be Great Lakes Brewery.  The raspberry is not over powering in this beer.  It is heavy in the aroma.  There is a nice balance and it is really smooth brew.  I like it. I will get more.  I cannot wait to see the new labels next season.  This is the last seasonal and limited release to have their old labels.  You will start to see new labels from Great Lakes Brewery.  Of course, the liquid will stay the same. 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 Smuttynose Brewing Robust Porter

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In this beer blog, we are going to get into another brew from Smuttynose Brewery.  I am so glad they finally made it to the Michigan market.  I now can have one of my favorite IPA back in my beer line up.  If you have read my earlier beer blog posts on their beers, you know the history of this east coast craft brewery.  If you have not, please, read them to get to know Smuttynose Brewery.  Let us get into this nice English Porter.

It has a jet black color with tan creamy looking head on this English style head. The smell has a chocolate to coffee notes. It also has a slight burn to roasted malty notes. The taste has a roasted chocolate to slight coffee notes. The aftertaste has a dry chocolate to coffee finish. It is kind of drinkable beer.

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.smuttynose.com

Twitter: @smuttynosebeer

Closing, what I like about this beer, they did not do too much to it.  They stayed in the true beer style and there is nothing wrong with that.  This is an English style porter.  It has a pretty color and appearance.  I love the aroma notes this beer gives the beer drinker.  This is a great beer.  It is a nice and perfect brew in the coldest winter or fall days.  I love it. It is one of my favorite brews from this brewery.  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 Belgium Portage Porter

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In this spring seasonal beer blog, we are going to sample the new spring seasonal, which is Portage Porter, from New Belgium Brewery.  This craft brewery is always changing it up on all their seasonals.  They normally switch seasonal brews every two years but they have been switching them sooner if they are not selling.  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 New Belgium Brewery.  Let us get into this porter.

It has a jet black color with a constant tan head on this porter. The aroma has a chocolate to coffee notes. The taste of this American porter has a nice creamy chocolate to toffee notes. The aftertaste has a dry chocolate to coffee finish. It is kind of drinkable beer.

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

A great porter just feels right in your hand. And carrying a glass of Portage Porter is no different. An opaque, brown pour, this beer presents with coffee and chocolate aromas, with hints of toast and smoked almonds. The taste follows suit, adding an upfront sweetness and a slight, roasty bitterness to back it up. Creamy and wonderful, this porter sips a medium body and finishes dry and delightful. Portage Porter carts itself towards perfection. Just tip your glass and keep smiling. Available January 2015.

Here is their website and Twitter addresses:

Website:  www.newbelgium.com

Twitter:  @newbelgium

Ending, I did not see a normal American porter coming from New Belgium Brewery.  On top of that, it is a spring seasonal.  Now, my head is starting to spin.  This spring seasonal as a porter makes some sense.  This is why.  It was released about the half way point of the first quarter.  I am talking late January and early February.  I know here it is still winter.  This is one reason this beer makes some sense.  It is a light body porter and this is a second reason.  It is not like most porters that are pretty heavy.  I like it but it is not the best porter that I have had in my lifetime. I give credit for trying to do something new.  I can see some craft beer drinkers loving this beer.  I recommend 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 Abita Brewery Bourbon Street Imperial Stout

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In this beer blog, we are going to get into another brew from Abita Brewery.  It is a special and limited release from Abita Brewery and it is their Bourbon Street Imperial Stout.  This liquid is aged in Bourbon Barrels.  If you read my earlier beer blog posts on their beers, you know the history of this southern craft brewery.  If you have not, please, read them to get to know Abita Brewery.  Let us get into this Imperial Stout.

It has a jet black color with a tan constant head. The aroma has a sweet chocolate to bourbon notes. The taste has a sweet chocolate to nice earthy bourbon notes with a nice burn alcohol finish. It is a nice sipping beer.

Here is a description from the beer bottle:

Four centuries New Orleans’ famed Bourbon Street has inspired good times and fine libations like our Abita Bourbon Street Imperial Stout.  This hand-crafted artisanal brew is aged for months in wooden barrels used to make small batch bourbon whiskey.  During barrel aging, the brew absorbs the flavors of the barrels which intensifies the taste and aroma of roasted malt, warm vanilla and smooth bourbon.

This Imperial Stout is a dark-colored ale brewed with pale, caramel, chocolate and roasted malts.  Oats are added for a full, sweet taste.  After fermentation the ale is cold aged for six weeks to ensure a smooth flavor before bourbon barrel aging begins.

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

Imperial Stout

Bourbon Street Stout is an Imperial Stout that is aged in small batch bourbon barrels. Our Imperial Stout is brewed with a combination of pale, caramel, chocolate and roasted malts. Oats are also added to give the beer a fuller and sweeter taste. The roasted malts give the beer its dark color as well as its intense flavor and aroma. After fermentation the beer is cold aged for 6 weeks. This is necessary for all of the flavors of the malt and hops to balance and produce a very smooth flavor.

After the cold aging the beer is transferred into the bourbon barrels. It is then aged for another 8 weeks to absorb all of the flavors from the barrels. The result is a stout that brings out the roasted flavors from the malt and the warming toasted, vanilla, and bourbon flavors.

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.abita.com

Twitter:  @theabitabeer

In the end, I did not know they made this beer and I am not stun one bit.  I was pretty happy to see it made it to my market.  I love my porter and stouts.  You put it in a barrel or bourdon barrel and now you are talking.  The first brewery to take this on was Goose Island Brewery.  I am happy to see other craft breweries doing this process.  To me, this will show which beers are good or bad or which beers that the craft beer drinkers like it.  This beer has a nice balance from the imperial stout and bourbon notes.  It is not in your face like the Goose Island Bourdon Country Stout.  It is still a sipping stout but it is a little bit more drinkable than Bourdon Country.  I love the story behind the name.  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 Stone Smoked Porter With Vanilla Bean

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In this seasonal beer blog, we are going to get into Smoked Porter with Vanilla Bean from Stone Brewery.  If you read my earlier beer blog posts on their beers, you know the history of this west coast craft brewery.  If you have not, please, read them to get to know Stone Brewery.  Let us get into this vanilla bean porter.

It has a jet black color with a tan color head. The aroma has a heavy vanilla notes. The taste has a smooth chocolate with a slight smoke notes. There is a heavy vanilla notes with a nice vanilla aftertaste. It is pretty drinkable beer.

Here is a description from the beer bottle:

In 2006, almost exactly 10 years after we first released Stone Smoked Porter, Stone Small Batch Brewer Laura Ulrich came up with a brilliant idea: What if she added whole Madagascar vanilla beans to a small batch of the finished beer?  She did just that, and Stone Smoked Porter w/ Vanilla Bean was born.  It was an instant hit, as the resulting flavor combinations – rich vanilla melding with the malty, chocolaty, coffee like characteristics of the beer – were practically made for each other.  Originally available only as an occasional growler fill or on tap all too briefly in the restaurant, this exquisite creation was bottled for the first time in 2012.  To the many fans who have been clamoring for more, worry not:  Your voices have been heard.

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

Warm up your palate with this delicious vanilla-laced creation. Whole Madagascar vanilla beans impart a vanilla quality that melds perfectly with the malty, chocolaty, coffee-like characteristics of our venerable Stone Smoked Porter. Enjoy this exquisite brew on its own or paired with a variety of food.

Here is their website  and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.stonebrewing.com

Twitter:  @StoneBrewingCo

In the end, I saw this year and I wanted to try it.  I wanted to long and it sold out.  There was a case where I saw it go out of code in some of my craft beer stores.  When the season came back around, I had to check code dates.  I love the aroma of the vanilla bean in this porter.  I thought that the smoked porter would over take the vanilla or make it weak.  The vanilla shines throughout this brew.  I love the aftertaste.  They did a great job on this brew.  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 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

New Beer Blog Fish Tale Ales The Hobbit Smaug Stout

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In this beer blog, we are going to sample another brew from Fish Tale Ales.  It is their The Hobbit Smaug Stout.  This is the second one of three that I have had a chance to review on this blog.  If you read my earlier beer blog posts on their Tripel, you know the history of this Northwest craft brewery.  If you have not, please, read it to get to know this craft brewery.  Let us get into this Stout.

It has a jet black color with a tan color head on this imperial stout. The smell has a chocolate to coffee notes. The taste has a chocolate to coffee notes with slight chili pepper burn finish for the aftertaste. It is a sipping beer.

Here is a description from the beer bottle:

The Dragon Smaug

After escaping capture by the dangerous Woodland Elves, and Dwarves journey to Laketown, and finally to the Lonely Mountain itself, where they must face the greatest danger of all – a creature more terrifying than any before, which will test not only the depth of their courage, but the friendship and the wisdom of the journey itself – the Dragon Smaug

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.fishbrewing.com

Twitter:  @FishBrewing

Closing, I did not know there was three of these.  I picked up the tripel by mistake but I am glad I had it.  I did write-up a review on it a few days ago.  Please, go check it out if you are interested what I think of that brew.  I had to do a little hunting for this brew and I am so happy that I found it. What I like about this beer, the hot peppers did not over taking the brew.  There is a nice balance but the hot peppers do start to get hotter the more and more that you drink this brew.  It is an average brew.  This is the best of the three in the series.  I did not have the Pils.  I do not think that I will be trying that brew.  I 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 Ommegang Games Of Thrones Valar Morghulis Dubbel Ale

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In this beer blog, we are going to get into the next installment of the Games Of Thrones from Ommegang Brewery.  It is Valar Morghulis Dubbel Ale.  If you read my earlier beer blog posts on their beers, you know the history of this east coast craft brewery.  If you have not, please, read them to get to know this craft brewery.  Let us get into this Dubbel ale.

It has a cloudy amber color with a constant tan color head. The smell has a sweet malty to candy notes. The taste has a sweet malty to candy notes. The aftertaste has a sweet malty to slight alcohol finish. It is pretty drinkable beer.

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

Tasting Notes

Valar Morghulis possesses a deep chestnut brown color with a persistent and creamy tan head. Rich aromas of caramel, toffee, ripe fruits and burnt sugar, with a hint of cloves. The taste is delicately balanced with rich malty sweetness, caramel and just enough bitterness to balance out its malty backbone. A surprisingly dry finish is light on the tongue, which belies the initial aroma.

  • Malt: Our carefully crafted mixture of specialty malts.
  • Sugar: Dark Candi
  • Hops: Apollo, Hallertau Spalt
  • Spices: None
  • ABV: 8.0%
  • Available on draft and in 750ml bottles.

Pair with savory dishes, roasted lamb or beef, marinated roasts and grilled venison. Strong cheeses such as Stilton, Gorgonzola and smoked cheddar will match well against the malty body.

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.ommegang.com

Twitter:  @breweryommegang

In the end, I always get excited when these beers are released from Ommegang.  I love their beers but there are times when they put one out a beer that I just feel it is not worth the price.  The beer is good but not worth the price.  Overall, they make some killer beers.  This brew is really good and it will sell because of the Games Of Thrones.  It is kind like their Abbey. I just feel like it is missing something. It is a little different brew.  If you can find it, 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 Dragon’s Milk Reserve With Raspberry

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In this special beer blog, we are going to sample a special release from successful Dragon Milk Bourbon Barrel Stout Series from New Holland Brewery.  This time around they added raspberries to their milk stout.  If you have 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 milk stout.

It has a jet black color with a constant tan head on this special stout edition. The aroma has a heavy raspberry to slight chocolate notes. It smells like chocolate covered raspberries. The taste has a heavy raspberry with hints of chocolate and slight burn alcohol notes. There is a slight vanilla, oak, and bourbon notes. The aftertaste has a raspberry and burn alcohol notes.  It is a nice sipping beer.

Here is their description from the beer bottle:

This beer is from our collection of special variations that live in our Dragon’s Milk cellar.  Local raspberries were added to the barrels in the final stages of conditioning.  Raspberries lend depth, brightness and unique fruit character that harmonizes beautifully with Dragon’s Milk’s dark, roasty tones of malt, bourbon, and oak.

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.newhollandbrew.com

Twitter:  @newhollandbrew

In the end, I am not really a huge fan of their Dragon’s Milk Stout.  I was pretty interested in how the raspberries would go with the bourdon barrel milk stout.  The color is your normal jet black color for a milk stout.  I am pretty much a fan of raspberries so I love aroma from this brew.  The taste is like a chocolate cover raspberries with some bourbon notes.  This is a great product and they did a great job on it.  I have to say this is one of my favorite brews from New Holland.  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 21st Amendment Brewery Fireside Chat Winter Spiced Ale

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In this winter beer blog, we are going to get into another brew from 21st Amendment Brewery.  It is their Fireside Chat Winter Spiced Ale.  If you have read my earlier beer blog posts on their beers, you know the history of this west coast craft brewery.  If you have not, please, read them to get to know 21st Amendment Brewery.  Let us get into this winter ale.

It has a clear amber color with a tan constant head. The smell has a sweet malty to alcohol notes. The taste has a sweet malty, alcohol with other spices notes. The aftertaste has a nice warm alcohol finish. It is a nice sipping beer with cigar and fireplace.

Here is a description from their website (www.21st-amendment.com):

Like FDR’s Depression-era radio addresses, which were like a kick in the butt and a hug at the same time, our Fireside Chat is a subtle twist on the traditional seasonal brew. We begin with a rich, dark, English-style ale and then we improvise with spices until we know we have a beer worth sharing with the nation.

Fireside Chat is our early winter seasonal brew available from October through December in six-pack cans and on draft. Brewed like a classic, warming Strong Ale but with a subtle blend of hand-selected spices for just the right festive flair.

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.21st-amendment.com

Twitter:  @21stAmendment

Closing, I enjoyed a lot of beers from 21st Amendment Brewery.  I was pretty excited when I made a road trip down to Ohio for a family event.  I stopped by the local craft beer store and I was pretty excited to see their beers on shelf.  It was a no brainer to pick up a few six and four packs of their brews.  I saw this one and I was pretty excited because I never had it.  I have been wanting to try it for a while now.  I love the story behind this beer.  This beer holds up its end of the bargain.  I really enjoyed this brew.  I love the balance in this brew.  It does warm you up on coldest days in the winter.  I love how the Cocoa Nibs goes well with all the other spices notes.  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