pumpkin ale

New Beer Blog Flying Dog The Gourd Standard Pumpkin IPA

In this fall beer blog, we are going to get into another beer from Flying Dog Brewery.  It is their new fall seasonal, which is The Gourd Standard Pumpkin 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 Flying Dog Brewery.  Let us get into this pumpkin IPA.

It has a amber like color with a white constant head. The smell has a cinnamon to nutmeg notes. The taste has a heavy cinnamon notes without any hop bitterest. The aftertaste has a cinnamon and nutmeg finish. It is pretty drinkable.

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

ALCOHOL BY VOLUME: 6.7%
AVAILABILITY: Fall seasonal
HOP BITTERNESS: 60 IBU
SPECIALTY MALTS: Rye, Biscuit, Cara Brown, Oats
HOPS: Hallertau Hersbrucker

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.flyingdogbrewery.com

Twitter:@flyingdog

Closing, I am getting really burn out on pumpkin beers.  It is not as excited as it was before.  I really did not like beer at all and normally I like just about everything that this brewery puts out on the market.  I was very disappointed.  It might have been something that I ate or drink before.  I will not know until next season.  I recommend you to try this beer once.  Please, let me know that you think.  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 Magic Hat Wilhelm Scream (2015)

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In this fall beer blog, we are going to revisit a fall beer, which is Wilhelm Scream, from Magic Hat Brewery.  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 Magic Hat Brewery.  Let us get into this pumpkin ale.

It has a slight cloudy amber color with a white constant head. The smell has a fresh pumpkin pie notes. The taste has a nice balance cinnamon notes with a heavy slightly dry nutmeg aftertaste. It is not overly sweet like most pumpkin ales. It is really balance. It is pretty drinkable beer

Here is a description from their website (www.magichat.net):

Wilhelm Scream

The Call for Fall

The distant drums of change are thumping, signaling the coming of chilling frosts, falling leaves and ghoulish screams. In a patch ripe with orange glow, Wilhelm Scream awakens and unleashes his season-stirring call for fall. His revelers listen for his echo across the ripened dancing days and prepare their seasonal celebration of harvest and ale.

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website;  www.magichat.net

Twitter:  @magichat

Ending, I am a fan of Magic Hat and I do not care if they are not independent anymore.  It should not matter anyways.  If they make good beer, you should be drinking it.  I get the whole local thing.  Let us face it.  It does not mean that they make good beer.  I know there are some really good craft breweries in the State of Michigan.  I do not need to list them because you know who I am talking about.  This beer smells like a pumpkin pie and it is not in your face like most pumpkin ales on the market.  There is a nice balance.  I love this beer and I cannot make up my mind between Smuttynose Pumpkin Ale and 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 Beer Stores In Southeast Michigan Part 2

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

Wine palace

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

Marcus Market

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

Forrest

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

Holiday Market Royal Oak

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

Closing, I know there are so many other stores and I know that I keep forgetting some of them.  Please, let me know about them and I will check them out.  I will do a write-up on them.  I hope you learn something from reading this post.  Let me know about your thoughts.  Go get some!  Drink it!  Enjoy it!  Metal it! \m/

Cheers!

Bill DJ Weiser

Email: djweiser16@gmail.com

Twitter:  @djweiser

Instagram:  @djweiser13

New Beer Blog Buffalo Bill’s Brewery American’s Original Pumpkin Ale (2014)

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In this fall beer blog, we are going to get into the Oringal Pumpkin Ale from Buffalo Bill’s Brewery.  Buffalo Bill’s is one of the oldest brewpub in the United States.  It opened in 1983.  It was opened right after the laws changed.  Bill Owens, who is the founder and owner, wanted to serve homemade food with some great beers.  In 1994, Bill Owens sold the brewery to Geoff Harries.  Geoff worked with Bill in 1987 as the orinigal brewmaster.  Geoff grew the brewerey into 40 states in the United States.  This is information was pulled from their website (www.buffalobillsbrewery.com).  Let us get into this pumpkin ale.

It has a slightly cloudy amber color with a white head at first.  The smell has a light to slight cinnamon notes.  The taste of this medium body beer has a cinnamon notes with a crisp cinnamon finish.  It is pretty drinkable beer.

Here is a descriation from their website (www.buffalobillsbrewery.com):

Pumpkin Ale

Pumpkin pie in a bottle

America’s Original Pumpkin Ale was first brewed in 1985. Made with real pumpkin, it has a golden amber color, and the sweet aroma of pumpkin pie. This brew is perfect for Fall, Halloween and Thanksgiving. Pumpkin Ale is available from August – November

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.buffalobillsbrewery.com

Twitter:  No Twitter address

In closing, here is the pumpkin beer that started this mass trend right now.  Every fall, we have a flood of Oktoberfest and Pumpkin beers hit the market.  It is alwasy nice to go back and try the beer that started that trend.  I had this about four or five years ago and loved it.  I wanted to retry it.  I still love this beer.  I have to say it is better than most pumpkin ales on the market now.  There are some really bad pumpkin ales on the market.  It is so disappointed us beer drinkers have not send that message that these beers are not good.  I mean we vote with our wallet or money.  It is a nice message not to buy them.  This one is good and you need to try or retry 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 Harpoon Brewery UFO Pumpkin Ale (2014)

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In this fall beer blog, we are going to get into another Harpoon Brewery beer.  It is their UFO Pumpkin Ale.  If you read my earlier beer bog 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 pumpkin ale.

It has a cloudy amber color with a white constant head. The aroma has a heavy cinnamon to nutmeg notes.  The taste has a nice creamy cinnamon to nutmeg notes with a cinnamon banana clove aftertaste.  It is pretty drinkable beer.

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

It’s a simple story; we brew this beer because we like pumpkin (pumpkin pie, really) and thought an unfiltered pumpkin ale would be great, especially during the New England fall. Turns out it is.

Description

Imagine a pumpkin vine wound its way in a field of barley, and a brewer harvested it all to make a beer. Add Northwestern hops and a blend of spices, and you’ve got UFO Pumpkin. The malt combination provides a smooth body and slightly sweet flavor, which balances perfectly with the earthy notes derived from the pure pumpkin. And like all of our UFO beers, UFO Pumpkin is UnFiltered.

Tasting Notes

  • Appearance: Amber and orange with a slight haze
  • Aroma: Malty with hints of pumpkin and spice
  • Mouth feel: Slightly sweet and smooth
  • Taste: A solid malt backbone highlighting German Vienna and Munich malts with a nice dose of pumpkin and spice, reminiscent of pumpkin pie
  • Finish: Easy drinking with a lingering pumpkin aftertaste on the back of the tongue

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.harpoonbrewery.com

Twitter:  @harpoon_brewery

In the end, I was looking to try this beer for many seasons when they made it to the Chicago market.  It is average beer.  There is better pumpkin ales on the market.  I will say this beer is so much better than Blue Moon Pumpkin and Brooklyn Pumpkin Ale.  I did enjoy this beer but I just feel it could be a lot better.  I will try it again next season.  I recommend it at least 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 Shipyard Brewing Pumpkinhead Ale (2014)

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In this fall beer blog, we are going to get into another pumpkin beer, which is Pumpkinhead Ale, from Shipyard Brewery.  If you read my earlier beer blog posts on their beers, you know the history of this northeast craft brewery.  If you have not, please, read them to get to know this craft brewery.  Let us get into this pumpkin beer.

It has a clear golden color with a semi white head on this pumpkin beer.  The smell has a cinnamon to nutmeg notes.  The taste has a heavy cinnamon notes but turns to water notes with a cinnamon to slight pumpkin finish.  It is pretty drinkable beer.

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.shipyard.com

Twitter:  @shipyardbrewing

Closing, I loved their Smashed Pumpkin Ale.  I wanted to try the normal seasonal in their everyday six pack line of the fall from this brewery.  I have been pretty curious on this craft brewery.  I do not know this brewery because most of their packaging does not help sell their beers.  It is pretty boring but most cases that means the beer is really good.  I have to say in this case with this Pumpkinhead Ale it is pretty average.  I was pretty disappointed and I have to say this is the weakest fall and pumpkin beer this season.  I will be searching out for their other beers.  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 Griffin Claw Screamin’ Pumpkin Ale (2014)

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In this fall seasonal beer blog, we are going to get into another beer from Griffin Claw Brewery.  I do not know why I keep coming back to this brewery.  I know why for this beer because this is an old Michigan Brewery Company recipe.  If you read my earlier beer blog posts on their beers, you know the history of this young craft brewery.  If you have not, please, read them to get to know this Michigan craft brewery.  Let us get into this pumpkin ale.

It has a light amber to dark color with a semi white head.  The aroma has a heavy cinnamon and nutmeg notes.  The taste has really no notes but slight sweet malt. The aftertaste is a heavy cinnamon and nutmeg notes. It is so not drinkable beer.

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

Our Screamin’ Pumkin Ale is like a slice of warm pie. Cinnamon, clove, sweet pumpkin, a little molasses. A couple sips in you’ll mistake the malty aftertaste for a crispy crust. The perfect beer to celebrate Halloween. Or Thanksgiving. Or Christmas, if there’s any left. From the time we brew it in July get it while it’s good.

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.griffinclawbrewingcompany.com

Twitter:  @Griffinclaw

Closing, I was a pretty big fan of the Michigan Brewery Company Screaming Pumpkin Ale.  I use to make trips back from Chicago to bring some back.  Later years I stop because of being busy and then they went out of business.  I was pretty excited to hear that a craft brewery brought the rights to the recipe.  I do not know what they did with this recipe but it is not the same beer as I remember it.  It has been a long time since I had it.  Maybe my taste has changed over the years.  I might have to retry it but I am hoping I do not get a bad batch.  Who knows, maybe this first one was a bad batch.  It was not really 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 Alaskan Pumpkin Porter (2014)

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In this fall beer blog, we are going to sample a brewery new to Michigan.  It is Alaskan Pumpkin Porter.   If you read my earlier beer blog posts on their beers, you know the history of this Northwest craft brewery.  If you have not, please, read them to get to know this craft brewery.  Let us get into this pumpkin porter.

It has a jet black color with a nice tan head on this porter.  The aroma has hints of cinnamon and nutmeg notes.  The taste has a light chocolate to cinnamon and nutmeg with a smokey malty aftertaste.  It is drinkable beer for a porter.

Here is a desecration from their website (www.alaskanbeer.com):

Style:

A native plant of North America, pumpkins were first used in beer in colonial America as a substitute for hard-to-find malt, and none other than the father of our country George Washington had a highly touted recipe. This imperial porter pumpkin beer combines the robust, full-bodied style of a porter with a, frankly, crazy amount of pumpkin.

Taste Style:

With over 11 pounds of pumpkin added to every barrel of this imperial porter, this beer has a smooth, velvety rich texture. Brown sugar, holiday spices and a scoche of Alaskan’s famous alder-smoked malt are added to create an aroma and flavor reminiscent of grandma’s Thanksgiving pumpkin pie.

History:

This is the first bottling of our Alaskan Pumpkin Porter, after a highly sought-after holiday Rough Draft release in Alaska. This Alaskan Brewing take on a colonial American tradition is perfect for autumn and Thanksgiving, as here in Alaska we see the nights get longer and colder and can find comfort in the richness of this brew.

Ingredients:

Alaskan Pumpkin Porter is made from our glacier-fed water and a blend of Magnum and Goldings hops, 6 different malts including Alaskan alder-smoked malt, brown sugar, and a spice blend including cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves. Plus, of course, Red Hubbard variety pumpkin.

Story Behind The Label:

Alaska is home to some of the world’s largest cultivated vegetables, squashes, gourds and pumpkins. The long daylight hours in the summer promote fast growth, and also prompt fierce competition amongst the farmers of the Matanuska-Susitna Valley, who converge on the Alaska State Fair with their gigantic prize produce in the quest to be crowned State Fair champion. It is a common sight at the fairgrounds in Palmer to see a pickup truck barely able to contain the huge pumpkins they haul to the competition, which can weigh in at more than 1,200 pounds.

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.alaskanbeer.com

Twitter:  @alaskanbeer

Closing, Yay!  This is my first Pumpkin Porter of the season.  I am glad it is coming from one of my favorite breweries out west.  There is a nice balance between from the porter and pumpkin.  To me, I found this beer taste like a chocolate cover pumpkin with some cinnamon and nutmeg notes.  It is a sipping beer but perfect for the fall and winter seasonal.  I can see many beer drinkers drink this beer after fall is over.  This is a great and well designed 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 Shipyard Brewing Smashed Pumpkin Ale (2014)

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In this beer blog, we are going to get into Smashed Pumpkin Ale from Shipyard Brewing.  Shipyard Brewing started out as Federal Jack’s Restaurant and Brew Pub at Kennebunk, Maine in 1992.  The brewery kept on growing and open a brewery called Shipyard Brewing at Portland, Maine.  They partner with Sea Dog Brewing Company and Casco Bay Brewing Company and they became the fourth largest brewery in New England.  They are fourteenth largest brewery in the United States.  They opened a brewery in Winter Park, Florida.  Let us get into this beer.

It has a cloudy copper color with a white constant head.  The aroma has pumpkin to slight cinnamon to nutmeg notes.  The taste has a sweet cinnamon to nutmeg with a nice creamy caramel notes.  The aftertaste has dry cinnamon aftertaste.  It is not drinkable.

Here is a description from the beer bottle:

Smashed Pumpkin is a big-bodied beer with a light coppery orange color and pleasing aroma of pumpkin and nutmeg.  The OG and final Alc./Vol. provide the structure and body.  Pale Ale, Wheat and Light Munich Malts combine with the natural tannin in pumpkin and the delicate spiciness of Willamette and Hallertau Hops to balance the sweetness of the fruit.  To fully enjoy all the flavors, this ale is best drunk at 55 degrees Fahrenheit.  Smashed Pumpkin pairs well with sharp cheese, nuts, lamb, hearty stews and desserts like flan or pumpkin pie.  Chefs find this an excellent beer to cook with in dishes such as braised short ribs.  Try adding a little Shipyard Blue Fin Stout to Smashed Pumpkin for a fall warmer.

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

A big bodied beer with a light coppery orange color and pleasing aroma of pumpkin and nutmeg. Pale Ale, Wheat and Light Munich malts combine with the natural tannin in pumpkin and the delicate spiciness of Willamette and Hallertau Hops to balance the sweetness of the fruit. To fully experience all the flavors, this beer is best enjoyed at 55 degrees Fahrenheit.

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.shipyard.com

Twitter:   @shipyardbrewing

Closing, I have been eyeing this beer for the last few fall seasons.  I just finally picked up a bottle.  I figure that I will make it my third pumpkin beer of the season.  It has a nice color and aroma.  I love the taste and the aroma notes.  It has a nice bite for being a big fall seasonal but nice and kind of drinkable beer.  There is a nice balance from the cinnamon and nutmeg notes but I love the nice creamy caramel notes from the malt.  I will be picking up a few more of these beers with some Well’s Banana Bread beer.  This is a great beer and I highly recommend it.  Go get some!  Drink i!  Enjoy it!  Metal it!  \m/

Cheers!

Bill DJ Weiser

Email:  djweiser13@comcast.net

Twitter:  @djweiser

Instagram:  @djweiser13

New Beer Blog Magic Hat Wilhelm Scream Pumpkin Ale (2014)

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In this beer blog, we are going to get into the new fall seasonal from Magic Hat Brewery.  The new fall seasonal is a Wilhelm Scream Pumpkin 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 East Coast craft brewery.  Let us get into this fall beer.

It has a clear dark copper to almost a light amber color with a constant white head.  The aroma is really faded.  I kind of picked up some notes of nutmeg and cinnamon.  The taste has a sweet malty notes with hints of cinnamon and nutmeg.  There is some hints of creamy caramel that blends into the aftertaste. The aftertaste has a nutmeg finish.  It is extremely drinkable beer.

Here is a description from the beer bottle:

The ancient ritual of brewing a distinctly rich and flavorful beer is a performance to behold.  Our mysterious melange of time-honored ingredients harmonize with chaotic chemistry, humble patience, and blind faith to create this unique beer to share in the rousing company of kindred spirits.  Cheers!

Here is a description from their website (www.magichat.net):

The distant drums of change are thumping, signaling the coming of chilling frosts, falling leaves and ghoulish screams. In a patch ripe with orange glow, Wilhelm Scream awakens and unleashes his season-stirring call for fall. His revelers listen for his echo across the ripened dancing days and prepare their seasonal celebration of harvest and ale.

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.magichat.net

Twitter:  @magichat

In the end, I am so happy to start seeing fall seasonals hitting the market.  I love this time of the year and winter for the beer that comes out.  I hate the two seasons for many reasons.  Of course, my guys that have the weird going on in their brewery are up to giving the craft beer drinker some unique.  This is a new seasonal from Magic Hat.  There are so many pumpkin ales on the market.  Why should anyone try this beer?  This is why.  One, it is a new beer and seasonal in the market.  This might be the beer that might be better than your favorite pumpkin beer.  Two, you know Magic Hat makes good beer and they like to put a twist on their beers in a good way.  What I like about this beer, it is well balance beer from the pumpkin, nutmeg, and cinnamon.  Other pumpkin beers on the market have too much nutmeg or cinnamon.  This is a great beer and I will have a few more pints before winter comes.  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