samuel adams

New Beer Blog Cheboygan Brewery High Grade Export Beer

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In this beer blog, we are going to get into the third beer from Cheboygan Brewery.  It is their High Grade Export Beer Lager.  If you read my earlier beer blog posts, you know the history of this German base Michigan craft brewery.  If you have not, please, read them to get to know this Michigan craft brewery.  Let us get into this Imperial Pilsner.

It has a cloudy golden color with a white constant head on this Imperial Pilsner.  The smell has a ton of farm to hay notes.  The taste has a light carbonation notes with a malty to earthy hop notes.  It is not bitter like IPA or pale ale.  The aftertaste has a farm to hay dry finish that will keep you coming back for more of it.  It is pretty drinkable beer.

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

Premium double-hopped pilsner that takes its name from one of the beers created by Cheboygan brewmasters more than 100 years ago. Now available in the Tap Room.

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.cheboyganbrewingcompany.com

Twitter:  @CheboyganBrew

Closing, this is a really great beer and I wish I could get it in the lower part of Michigan.  I love their ongoing theme throughout all of their beers.  It has some earthy, farm-house, and hay notes.  Some people do not welcome that but it is what makes it special about their beers and this brewery.  There is some nice hop notes and a strong malty notes.  It is a pretty drinkable beer with evil side to it.  You need to watch yourself around her.  It has a bite of alcohol waiting to hit you.  If you are around their brewpub, stop and try this beer and take a six-pack home with you.  This hophead needs to get up there and try their IPA one of these days.  I recommend this pilsner.  Go get some!  Drink it!  Enjoy it!  Metal it!  \m/

Cheers!

Bill DJ Weiser

Email:  djweiser13@comcast.net

Twitter:  @djweiser

Instagram:  @djweiser13

New Beer Blog What Is Good Beer?

In this special beer blog, we are going to take in-depth look at beer. What is good or bad? How do we come up with this conclusion? Many of you know, I have been drinking beer for a while. I started like everyone from the Bud Lights and moved up to all the craft beers. Most craft breweries around the country know of me or know me. I started as a Metal DJ on STFU.Fm. The station shut down but before that I started to feature craft beer on the air while playing music. After the station, I started document the beers that I had in my life time. This blog was for me to go back and see if my thoughts grown. Plus, I have always wanted to be a writer. I know I am not the best on spelling and grammar, however, I believe I have improved because of this blog. I just want to say thank you for coming by reading, and putting up with my errors. This blog also made me a better beer drinker. I have learned more about each beer style. I am finding out I like all styles and it is including wheat beers. I am still writing music and sports review. I wanted to give you a little more about myself. When I thought about writing this “What Is Good Beer?” I will not point out breweries. I am not calling out anyone. Let us see if we can answer this question.

What Is Good Beer?

I know several craft beer drinkers will jump to the answer.  It is the little guys, who are Craft Breweries.  Is that because they do not make a golden lager or the companies that make it?  Craft Breweries make different beer styles asides the American Style Lager.  They will make Pale Ales to Porter to Stouts and sometimes even a German Style Lager.  Is Good Beer is more selection or “Flavor”?  “Flavor” has been toss out there.  A little style of the American Golden Lager.  German immigrants wanted to have their beers here in the States. This is where American Golden Lager came from.  Is it a ton of Ads to make the beer better?  Mass produced?  There is a brewery in the big Midwest brewery that puts their beer through hard test make sure their quality is the highest. It is make sure that their beers are up to their standards and constant. Is that a bad thing?

There are other things wrong with the mass-produced beer companies.  It is the fact they put other things into their beers.  However, it adds to their cost, they make less on their beers.  Mass produced beer market is getting smaller everyday.  They put these items into their beers to get it as close to their old country style. More and more people are drinking craft beers.  The question is their beer better or good.  Yes, it has a ton more flavor and that is the first thing anyone says.  I agree with that.  I see in every state, please, drink local.  There is nothing wrong with that.  The problem that I have is most of the newer beer companies out there are making some bad beer.  I do not mean bad in the beer will hurt you.  I mean it is just not good beer.

What about the craft breweries?

Some of the smaller breweries do not put their beers through as many tests like the bigger breweries. This leads to inconstant batches of beer. This is not a good thing when you like that beer. When you try the beer for the first time and do not like it, the quality might be the issue. Beer drinkers might be turn off and never try it again. Is this a good beer? I get it that most breweries do not have the capital to do all tests. I am not saying this is a case for all these small craft breweries.  Some little craft breweries do not even have labs to test anything.

Closing, I love craft beer and I will keep on searching for better version of my favorite beer styles.  The local guys are making beer but I am open-minded to say there are some bad or not so good beer coming from those craft breweries.  I enjoy some of the mass-produced beers but I will not go out of my way to buy them nor drink them.  Many people will not like this statement I am going to put out there.  If the beer you are drinking is good to you, it is a good beer.  We all have thoughts on beers and they are all correct.  This goes for all mass-produced beer.  If there is a bad beer on the market, the beer drinkers vote with their wallet and they will let beer companies know that it is not good.  It will disappear off the market.  Please, share your thoughts with me.  Go get some!  Drink it!  Enjoy it!  Metal it!  \m/

Cheers!

Bill DJ Weiser

Email:  djweiser13@comcast.net

Twitter:  @djweiser

Instagram:  @djweiser13

New Beer Blog Dragonmead Brewery Crown Jewel IPA

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In this beer blog, we are going to sample Crown Jewel IPA from Dragonmead Brewery.  This is the first appearance for this brewery and beer.  We will do a belief history of this Michigan craft brewery and then get into this beer.  Dragonmead Brewery opened in 1997 in Warren, Michigan.  It was founded by Earl Scherbarth, Larry Channel, and Bill Wrobel.  They brew several different beer styles.  Their packaging and brewpub has a Medieval era theme.  Let us get into this beer.

This Michigan craft India Pale Ale has a dark amber to dark copper color.  If you glance at it, it looks almost looks like a brown color. The smell has earthy tones and notes with hints of toffee to malt notes. The taste profile of this medium body has earthy notes to toffee and slight caramel with dry hop bitter finish for the aftertaste. It is kind of drinkable beer.

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.dragonmead.com

Twitter:  @Dragonmead

In closing,  This is not American IPA. It is an English style IPA. There is a huge malty backbone that is overpowering the hops. They picked some nice hops.  It is a bad version of IPA and I am not liking the metallic notes.  I just find it pretty funny that this beer is not on their website.  Is it still being made?  Or did this beer found itself in grave?  These are some pretty important questions.  This is beer is in a four pack and it is overpriced.  I believe this craft brewery needs to look at their beer a little bit more.  I believe they need to take a hard look at their recipes.  They have a shot of making some good beers. I just feel they are at a cross roads. With all new craft breweries and beers in the market, this craft brewery needs to take some notes. I do not recommend this beer but it is worth trying at least once.  Don’t go get some!  Drink it!  Enjoy it!  Metal it!  \m/

Cheers!

Bill DJ Weiser

Email:  djweiser13@comcast.net

Twitter: @djweiser

Instagram:  @djweiser13

New Beer Blog Woodchuck Summer Cider

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In this summer cider blog, we are going to sample Woodchuck Summer Cider.  If you read my earlier blog posts on Woodchuck’s ciders, you know the history of this Cider Legend.  If you have not, please, read them to get to know Woodchuck.  Let us get into this Hard Cider.

It has a clear yellow to light golden color without a head on this cider.  The aroma has hint of blueberry and apple notes. The taste has blueberry notes with some apple notes.  The aftertaste has blueberry finish that hangs around for a bit.  It is extremely drinkable cider.

Here is a description from the bottle:

Summer Cider is a the perfect refreshment on a warm, summer’s day.  Exhibiting a slight tartness, this cider begins with a full robust flavor followed by a rich taste reminiscent of New England blueberries.  All crafted in Woodchuck tradition… Indepented to the core.

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

The sounds of the lapping lake-shores, the mountain views, and memories of fresh picked blueberries, now in a convenient six-pack. Exhibiting a slight tartness, this cider begins with a full, robust flavor followed by a rich summertime taste.

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.woodchuck.com

Twitter:  @woodchuckcider

In the end, as many of you know, I have been slowly getting into ciders.  The huge growth of ciders is making me open my eyes to these beverages.  Ciders are growing faster than Craft Beers. I love the blueberry notes, which is not strong, with the apple hard cider in it.  The tartness is what makes this cider along with the blueberries.  It is extremely easy to drink while being refreshing.  I highly recommend this cider.  Go get some!  Drink it!  Enjoy it!  Metal it!  \m/

Cheers!

Bill DJ Weiser

Email:  djweiser13@comcast.net

Twitter:  @djweiser

Instagram:  @djweiser13

New Beer Blog Cheboygan Brewery Lemongrass Wheat

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In this beer blog, we are going to sample another brew from a Michigan craft brewery.  It is Cheboygan brewery.  It is their Lemongrass Wheat.  I want to thank my friend Mike for bring this beer and two others beer from this craft brewery.  Hentschel brothers open Cheboygan Brewery in 1872.  The lumber industry was growing and the brewery growing at the same time.  As the lumber industry slowed down and moved out of Michigan.  The brewery closed in 1911.  After about 100 years later, this brewery reopen their doors with newer beers and one throw back brew which will be reviewed down the road.  Let us get into this Lemongrass Wheat.

It has a clear dark golden color without a head on this wheat ale.  The smell has hints of hay and slight lemon notes.  The taste has earthly with a smooth lemon notes.  The aftertaste has a lemon finish.  It is extremely drinkable beer.

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

Pale malts are mixed with whole kernel and flaked wheat. This combined with a low rate hopping schedule create a light bodied beer with little bitterness. Fresh lemon zest and fresh lemon grass provide an invigorating finish. Mix with sunshine, and enjoy. 5.0% ABV

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.cheboyganbrewingcompany.com

Twitter:  @CheboyganBrew

Closing, the history of this craft brewery is pretty interesting.  This craft brewery is really the oldest craft brewery in the State of Michigan.  I believe Frankenmuth brewery has it because they did not close.  Anyways, I was pretty shocked that I enjoyed this beer as much as I did.  I am not a wheat beer fan.  I love Hefeweizens.  This beer has a nice light to medium body with some nice lemon notes.  This is a great beer for the spring and summer.  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

Instagram:  @djweiser13

New Beer Blog Greenbush It’s My Porter And I’ll Rye If I Want To

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While at Ashley’s Westland, we are going to sample another beer from Greenbush Brewery.  It is their It’s My Porter And I’ll Rye If I Want To.  If you read my earlier beer blog posts, you know the history of Greenbush Brewery.  If you have not read them, please, read them to get to know this Michigan Craft Brewery.  Let us get into this Rye Porter.

It has a jet black color without a head on this barrel age beer.  The aroma has a heavy alcohol to bourdon notes.  The taste has spicy with a heavy boozy notes with a heavy alcohol aftertaste.  It is a sipping.

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.greenbushbrewing.com

Twitter:  @greenbush_brew

Closing, I really enjoyed this beer but towards the end of this 12oz pour. I was forcing myself to finish it.  The boozy notes in the beer just over takes everything.  Please, do not take this the wrong way.  I really did like this beer but I cannot get through another 12oz pour. I could share a 12oz bottle. There is some notes rye spice that blends nicely but fate with the bourdon notes.  I can see people that will love this beer and others will not like and/or hate it.  If you see this beer on draft, try it.  I recommend it.  Go get some!  Drink it!  Enjoy it!  Metal it!  \m/

Cheers!

Bill DJ Weiser

Email:  djweiser13@comcast.net

Twitter:  @djweser

Instagram:  @djweiser13

New Beer Blog Widmer Brothers Hefe The Original American Hefeweizen

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In this beer blog, we are going to get into a classic beer.  This brew helped moved me into the craft beer scene along with Red Hook Brewery.  It is Widmer Brothers Hefe.  It is one of their first brews and it is the most popular American Hefeweizen.  If you read my earlier beer blog posts, you know the history of this Northwest Craft Brewery.  If you have not, please, read them to get to know Widmer Brothers.  Let us get into this German Style Hefeweizen.

This beer has a cloudy straw to golden color with a white head.  In the light, it has almost bright yellow to almost like dark white yellow color.  The aroma has yeasty to wheat notes with citrus notes.  It is almost like lemon.  The taste has wheat to citrus notes with a lemon notes to aftertaste.  It is pretty refreshing and easy drinking for any season.

Here is a description from the beer bottle:

This naturally cloudy brew starts with the highest quality malted wheat. Its bold, clean flavor and pronounced citrus and floral aromas are what define American Hefeweizen. Prost! To the original.

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

Meet the beer that started it all. Our naturally cloudy flagship brew starts with the highest quality wheat. It’s bold, clean flavor and pronounced citrus and floral aromas are what define American-style Hefeweizen. So pour yourself a cool, cloudy glass, finish with a lemon and enjoy the original.

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.widmerbrothers.com

Twitter:  @widmer_brothers

Closing, this is a classic craft beer and I will always find myself enjoying one Hefe during the spring and summer.  This is one of the best craft Hefeweizen on the market.  I have always recommend this beer if they are looking for something different from their normal craft beer drinking or a guy looking to switch from the mass-produced beers.  This is a great light to medium body beer with a nice refreshing taste notes.  If you are looking for a change-up or a nice summer like beer to enjoy in any season, this is your beer.  I highly recommend you trying this beer at least a few times.  Go get some!  Drink it!  Enjoy it!  Metal it!  \m/

Cheers!

Bill DJ Weiser

Email:  djweiser13@comcat.net

Twitter:  @djweiser

Instagram:  @djweiser13

New Beer Blog Big Sky Summer Honey Ale

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While at Ashley’s Westland, we are going to sample Summer Honey Ale from Big Sky Brewery.  Big Sky Brewery was founded in Missoula, Montana in 1995.  It is the largest craft brewery in Montana.  Moosehead Brewery sued the brewery in 2000 over the use of Moose Drool.  Big Sky and Moosehead Brewery agreed that Big Sky will not sell Moose Drool to most of the eastern states in the United States.  They brew several different beers and they sell most of their beers to the west coast and their home state.  Let us get into their Summer Seasonal.

It has a clear copper to a slight dark golden color with constant white head.  The smell has slight honey notes.  The taste has a honey and earthy notes with a light carbonation notes.  The aftertaste is a dry sweet honey finish.  It is pretty drinkable beer.

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

Heres the scoop about Summer Honey. It’s a full flavored, refreshing summer seasonal. This well-balanced brew has a unique blend of spices, which complement the european hops. The Honey lightens up the Body and helps to blend taste with aroma without making the beer too sweet.

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.bigskybrew.com

Twitter:  @bigskybrewing

Closing, this was pretty bad.  I find it hard for any brewery to brew their beers with honey.  Most craft breweries are good when it is secondary item in the beer.  When it is the primary item, the beer comes out pretty bad.  I will say this beer was pretty drinkable and they hit their goal of not being too sweet.  I wish they would have used American hops.  I would believe it would have made it a better beer.  I could be wrong.  I had a few of their beers and I love their Moose Drool.  I am not liking this beer.  If you never had it, I would at least try it once.  I do not recommend you buying a six-pack just a bottle.  Run away from some!  Drink it!  Enjoy it!  Metal it!  \m/

Cheers!

Bill DJ Weiser

Email:  djweiser13@comcast.net

Twitter:  @djweiser

Instagram:  @djweiser13

New Beer Blog Magic Hat Hocus Pocus

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In this beer blog, we are going to get into another beer, which is Hocus Pocus, from Magic Hat Brewery.  If you read my earlier beer blog posts, you know the history of Magic Hat Brewery.  If you have not, please, read those beer blog posts to get to know this craft brewery.  Let us get into Summer Wheat Ale.

It has a light to normal copper color with a semi white constant head.  The aroma has a citrus notes but it is pretty fated.  The taste has a light carbonation to smooth lemon notes.  The aftertaste has a hoppy dry finish.  It is a nice refreshing drinkable brew.

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 unique beers to share in the rousing company of kindred spirits.  Cheers!

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

A light, crisp ale with a malty sweetness and delightfully tart finish.

A toast to weeds, rays and summer haze. Hocus Pocus is a light, crisp ale for mowing lawns, hitting lazy fly balls and communing with nature. It is offered up as a summer sacrifice to cloudless days. Its malty sweetness finishes tart and crisp and is best appreciated with a wedge of orange.

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.magichat.net

Twitter:  @magichat

In the end, this is a nice summer drinkable but yet refreshing beer.  It is a nice relaxing beer to put down while doing the summer things like lawn work or pick me up baseball game.  It has some nice wheat ale notes but yet light in body to keep you drinking it through out the day.  There is some nice sweet malty notes but a nice fruit to tart finish.  It is drinkable.  I am not a huge fan of wheat ales but it is still pretty average brew.  I recommend it if you like mass-produced or wheat beers.  Go get some!  Drink it!  Enjoy it!  Metal it!  \m/

Cheers!

Bill DJ Weiser

Email:  djweiser13@comcast.net

Twitter:  @djweiser

Instagram:  @djweiser13

New Beer Blog Greenbush Pete’s Red Hot

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While at Ashley’s Westland, we are going to sample Pete’s Red Hot from Greenbush Brewery.  Yes, it is a winter warmer.  It is rare to see a nice winter ale in the middle of the summer.  If you read my earlier beer blog posts on their beers, you know the history of this western Michigan craft brewery.  If you have not, please, read them to get to know Greenbush Brewery.  Let us get into this winter warmer.

This winter warmer has a dark amber to redish brown color with a constant slightly off white to a light tan color head.  It has a slight smell of malt to other spices notes.  The taste has a light carbonation malty notes with other spices like nutmeg to cinnamon.  The aftertaste has a dry bitter hop finish.  It is a nice sipping beer for winter that can be kind of drinkable beer.

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.greenbushbrewing.com

Twitter:  @greenbush_brew

In closing, I did not realize what I order until it came to me.  I was not expecting to see a winter seasonal on tap at Ashley’s.  This is brew is one of their anniversity beers that some craft breweries did for them last year.  I guess they had a keg left over.  I am not complaining.  This is a great beer and I wish they would package this beer.  This beer has a ton of flavor with a full body.  If you have not had this beer, I recommend you getting up to Ashley’s to try it.  It will be gone here soon.  Go get some!  Drink it!  Enjoy it!  Metal it!  \m/

Cheers!

Bill DJ Weiser

Email:  djweiser13@comcast.net

Twitter:  @djweiser

Instagram:  @djweiser13