samuel adams

New Beer Blog Staropramen Dark


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While in Prague, I had a chance to get out to Prague, Czech Republic.  The brewery that I went out to check out was Staropramen and the beer is their Dark Lager.  The brewery started back in 1869.  Staroprmen came from two breweries, who are Ostravar Brewery and Branik brewery in 1898.  Staropramen Brewery is the second largest brewery in the Czech Republic.  Let us get into the beer.

It has a brown to dark brown color with a white constant head.  It has a malty to the beer. The taste is a sweet malty with a dry malty for the aftertaste. It is a drinkable beer.

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.staropramen.com

Twitter:  @Staropramen

Closing, I am not a huge lager fan but I enjoy myself a dark lager.  I really enjoyed this dark lager from Staropramen.  I love how the most roasted malts that they used in this beer.  It is also a session beer.  This is a great beer and I wished it was available in the states.  I had a great time drinking some great lagers in Prague.  Go get some!  Drink it!  Enjoy it!  Metal it!  \m/

Cheers!

Bill DJ Weiser

Email:  djweiser13@comcast.net

Twitter:  @djweiser

New Beer Blog Odell Brewing Levity Amber Ale


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In this beer blog, we are going to get into another beer from Odell Brewing and the beer is called Levity Amber Ale.  If you read my earlier beer blog on their beers, you know the history of this brewery.  If you have not, please, read those beer blog post to get up to speed on this great Colorado brewery.  Let us get into the beer.

It has an amber color without a head on the beer. The smell is a sweet malty caramel to it. The taste is sweet malty without an aftertaste. It is a pretty drinkable beer.

Here is a description from the beer bottle:

Levity is our lighter take on an amber ale — a real crowd pleaser.  Munich and honey malts give it full-bodied flavor, bright copper color, and a relaxed taste profile.  We let the finishing hops shine, for a beer that’s crisp instead of bitter.  Levity was named by our brewers partly for its light color — and partly for the way it just refuses to take itself too seriously.  We could all use a little levity once in a while.

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

Levity Amber Ale

Levity is our lighter take on the amber ale. Munich and honey malts give it a full-bodied flavor and a happy-go-lucky personality. Then we let the finishing hops shine, for a beer that’s crisp instead of bitter. Levity was named by our brewers partly for its light color – and partly for the way it just refuses to take itself too seriously. Hey, we could all use a little levity once in a while.

5.1%Alc. by Vol.     24IBUs

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.odellbrewing.com

Twitter:  @odellbrewing

In the end, this is not one of my favorite beer styles but I wanted to try this beer at least once in my lifetime.  This is a really good and well made beer.  If you are an Amber Ale or Lager fan, this is the beer for you.  The one thing that I love about this beer is how drinkable this beer is and pack of flavor.  I recommend you trying this beer so go out and hunt it down.  Go get some!  Drink it!  Enjoy it!  Metal it! \m/

Cheers!

Bill DJ Weiser

Email:  djweiser13@comcast.net

Twitter:  @djweiser

New Beer Blog Tri-City Brewing Charity Island India Pale Ale


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In this beer blog, we are going to get into a brewery I have been eye balling every time I go back to visit in Michigan.  Tri-City Brewing Company is the brewery being featured in this beer post and the beer is called Charity Island India Pale Ale.  This Bay City brewery opened its doors in 2007 by Kevin Peil and a few friends.  There is not too much information on this young brewery.  Let us get into beer.

It has cloudy copper color with a constant white head on the brew. The carbonation is heavy so be careful pouring the beer in the glass. The smell is fade citrus to this India Pale Ale. The taste has a carbonated citrus without an aftertaste. It is drinkable beer.

Here is a description from the beer bottle:

Charity Island IPA has a bold and assertive hoppy characteristic.  Brewed with 100% malted barley, the five hop additions give an aroma with a rich citrus, floral, and resinous bouquet.  The crisp flavor is in perfect harmony with the malt backbone with a refreshing, clean, and dry finish.

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

Charity Island IPA

Charity Island IPA has the bold and assertive hop characteristics of an American IPA. Brewed with 100% malted barley, the five hop additions give an aroma with a rich citrus, floral, and resinous bouquet. The crisp hoppy flavor is in perfect harmony with the malt backbone with a refreshing, clean, and dry finish.

6% abv and 72 IBU

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.tricitybrewing.com

Twitter:  No Twitter address

In closing, I enjoyed drinking this beer.  I love the citrus and it has enough of a malty backbone and balance.  There is a nice crisp and dry finish that I picked up when I was drinking this beer.  This is a great beer.  I will be enjoying some pints when I go back to Michigan.  If you live in the Michigan area, I recommend you trying this beer out.  Go get some!  Drink it!  Enjoy it!  Metal it!  \m/

Cheers!

Bill DJ Weiser

Email:  djweiser13@comcast.net

Twitter:  @djweiser

New Beer Blog Heavy Seas Peg Leg Imperial Stout


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In another beer blog, we are going to sample out another beer from Heavy Seas, which is Peg Leg Imperial Stout.  If you have read my beer blogs in the past, you know the history of this brewery.  If you have not, please, read those beer blogs to get up to speed on this brewery.  Let us get into the brew.

This beer has a jet black color without a head on it. The smell is a milk chocolate. The taste is a slight roasted to burn milk chocolate with a dry smokey aftertaste. It is a nice sipping with a nice cigar.

Here is a description from the beer bottle:

Our Peg Leg Imperial Stout is done in the English style-focused on malt rather than hops.  Devilishly dark yet surprisingly smooth.  Luxurious with notes of coffee and dark chocolate.  8% Alc./Vol.

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

Peg Leg

Year Round

This full-bodied imperial stout pours an opaque mahogany color with a tan head. Its smell is dominated by notes of roasted coffee beans, with a slight hint of chocolate, but Simcoe and Fuggles hops add complexity to the aroma. The roasted barley is detectable in the taste, and this complements the bitterness from the Warrior hops—balancing out the sweetness from the load of malts used in brewing Peg Leg. A creamy mouthfeel makes this a smooth, utterly drinkable beer.

BEER DETAILS
  • Style: Imperial Stout
  • ABV: 8%
  • IBUs:
  • Availability: Year-round
  • Hops: Warrior, Simcoe & UK Fuggles (dry hop)
  • Malts: 2-Row, Munich, Roasted Barley, Chocolate, Black Malt

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.hsbeer.com

Twitter:  @heavyseasbeer

In closing, just like everything that I have had from this brewery I have enjoyed it.  This is a great Imperial Stout.  It is heavy in a good way with some nice Chocolate and Coffee notes.  There is a ton going on in this full body beer.  This brewery does a great job on their beers and has some great packaging.  I cannot wait for this brewery to make their way to Chicago in their Pirate Shop.  I highly recommend 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 21st Amendment Brewing Sneak Attack


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In this beer blog, 21st Amendment Brewing Sneak Attack is the feature beer in this post.  I have blogged about this brewery a few times in the past.  If you have not read those beer post, you know the history of this brewery.   If you have not, please, read those beer post to get an idea of this great brewery.  Let us get into the beer.

The color of the beer is yellow without head on it l. The smell is a lemon peppermint to the beer. The taste is a heavy lemon with a hop finish. It is pretty drinkable.

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

You might not expect a Saison in winter. But the enemy didn’t expect Washington to cross the icy Delaware, either. Expectations be damned, we say. We’re sneaking up on winter with a boatload of bravado and this Belgian-style farmhouse ale. Dry hopped with whole organic cardamom pods, our Saison has an assertive spiciness. In your face, winter.

Sneak Attack is our late winter seasonal beer available from January through March in six-pack cans and on draft. The perfect antidote to the big beers of winter, Sneak Attack is crisp, dry and palate cleansing. It pairs perfectly with the rich and warming foods of winter: Bouillabaise, sausages, smoked meats and full flavored cheeses.

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.21st-amendment.com

Twitter:  @21stamendment

At the end, I pretty much love everything that I have had from this brewery.  I have to say this beer kind of rubbed me the wrong way.  I am a fan of this beer style, which is Saison.  I am a little stun that I did not like this beer.  I do not know if it is between the pepper or the lemon that is kicking through out the beer experience.  I was a little disappointed, however, with that all said this does not mean you will not like this beer.  I recommend you trying it because I would like to hear your thoughts on 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 Odell Brewing Myrcenary Double India Pale Ale


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In this beer blog, we are going to get into a brewery that I have been wanting to get into for a long time.  The brewery and the beer is Odell Brewing Myrcenary Double India Pale Ale.  Odell was founded in 1989 by Doug, Wynne and Corkie Odell in the Fort Collins, Colorado.  This brewery was started in personal kitchen like most craft breweries.  This one started in Seattle, Washington in a kitchen by Doug.  Until all the brothers moved to Fort Collins to start-up this great brewery.  Let us get into the beer.

This ale is a clear golden color with a white constant head on the beer. The smell is a heavy grapefruit to it. The taste is has a grapefruit with a touch of lemon. The aftertaste is a dry sweet citrus to the beer. It is a sipping beer.

Here is a description from the beer bottle:

Named for Myrcene, a component of essential oils in the hop flower, Myrenary Double IPA is our tribute to those who revere the illustrious hop, and their unyielding exploit to craft hop forward beers.  Brewed with a blend of hops containing the highest levels of Myrcene, this double IPA prevails with a tropical fruit-like flavor, a pungent floral aroma, and a clean getaway.

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

Myrcenary

Named for Myrcene, a component of essential oils in the hop flower, Myrcenary Double IPA is our tribute to those who revere the illustrious hop, and their unyielding exploit to craft hop forward beers. Brewed with a blend of hops containing the highest levels of Myrcene, this double IPA prevails with a tropical fruit-like flavor, a pungent floral aroma, and a clean getaway.

Available Year Round
9.3%ABV 70IBU’s

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.odellbrewing.com

Twitter:  @OdellBrewing

Closing, this was a pretty unique beer I have had in a long time.  I did not know how to react to the tropical notes I was picking up during the tasting experience.  However, this beer is pretty good, I wish this was in the Chicago market.  It is a great beer to enjoy by sipping and there is not too many double IPA that are sipping beers.  I will order this on the net again or buy it in the store.  Go get some!  Drink it!  Enjoy it!  Metal it!  \m/

Cheers!

Bill DJ Weiser

Email:  djweiser13@comcast.net

Twitter:  @djweiser

New Beer Blog Sierra Nevada Ruthless Rye IPA


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In this beer blog, we are going to get into another beer from Sierra Nevada and the beer is called Ruthless Rye IPA.  If you read my earlier beer blog posts from this brewery, you know the rich history of this brewery.  I am willing to bet you have read about this brewery before this post.  If you have not read that beer blog post, please, read that beer post.  Let us get into the beer.

This seasonal IPA has a hazel copper color with a constant white head on the beer. The smell is a sweet earthly to it. The taste is a sweet malty spicy with a touch of peppery with a dry spicy aftertaste for this full body beer. It is a pretty drinkable beer.

Here is a description from the beer bottle:

2013 Ruthless Rye IPA is brewed with this rustic grain for refined flavors combining the peppery spice of rye and the bright citrusy flavors of whole-cone hops to create a complex ale for the tumultuous to Spring.

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

Ruthless® Rye

Rustic grains, refined flavor, ruthless character.

Rugged and resilient, rye has been a staple grain for ages and its spicy black pepper-like flavor has been prized by distillers and brewers for centuries. Rye thrives in the harshest conditions and comes to life in Ruthless, a spicy and rugged IPA with fruity, citrus and herbal hop notes balanced with the dry spiciness of the rye, making the beer aggressive yet comforting to bolster against whatever the winter winds may bring.

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.sierranevada.com

Twitter:  @SierraNevada

In the end, this is one of my favorite beers from Sierra Nevada Brewery.  It has a ton of flavor in this full body India Pale Ale with the spices.  It is pretty drinkable with everything that is going on in this beer.  There is a nice balance from the malt and the hops which is a good sign of a very well-built beer.  There are breweries that will over hop their beers to hide the faults in their beers.  Sierra Nevada is not doing that in this beer.  This is an excite beer and I highly recommend you trying this beer.  Let me know what you think of it.  Go get some!  Drink it!  Enjoy it!  Metal it! \m/

Cheers!

Bill DJ Weiser

Email:  djweiser13@comcast.net

Twitter:  @djweiser

New Beer Blog Samuel Adams Double Agent IPL


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In this 300th beer blog, we are going to sample another beer from Samuel Adams Double Agent IPL.  If you read my earlier beer blogs on their beers, you know the history of this brewery.  Since Samuel Adams is pretty well-known, you might already know the history of this brewery.  If you have not or do not know Boston Beer Company, you might want to go back and read that beer blog post.  Let us get into the beer.

This unique lager has a clear copper color with a constant white head on it. The smell is a citrus to grapefruit to the beer. The taste is a dry citrus with crisp finish for the aftertaste. It is kind of drinkable beer.

Here is a description from the beer bottle:

Brewing innovation is about asking “What if?”  What if we gave an IPA a new identity and used some of our favorite West Coast hops, with their grapefruit, piney, and tropical fruit character, in a lager?  The result is this boldly hoppy and flavorful brew with the crisp smoothness of a lager.

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

Full of the bold grapefruit & piney character of an American IPA, this brew also reveals its smooth lager side creating a balanced, flavorful brew.

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.samueladams.com

Twitter:  @samueladamsbeer

In closing,  I have to be extremely honest.  I do not know what craft breweries or just flat-out breweries are thinking about doing a Lager as a IPA.  This is the dumbness beer style known to man out there.  I am not a Lager fan and I love my Ales.  I know for fact that most Ales and Lagers hyper beer styles are not just that good.  Please, give me one because I really do not like them.  This one is just bad beer and I would like to hear your thoughts.  Go get some!  Drink it!  Enjoy it!  Metal it!  \m/

Cheers!

Bill DJ Weiser

Email:  djweiser13@comcast.net

Twitter:  @djweiser

New Beer Blog Brooklyn East India Pale Ale


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In this beer blog, we are going to sample out another beer from Brooklyn Brewery and the beer is their East India Pale Ale.  If you read my earlier beer blog on their beers, you know the history of this brewery.  If you have not, please, read the first part of that beer blog.  Let us get into the beer.

This English India Pale Ale has a clear copper color with a white constant head on the beer. The smell is a heavy grapefruit to it. The taste of this full body beer is a carbonation grapefruit with a wet grapefruit hop to it. It is drinkable beer for what it is but to me, it is one and maybe two beers. I have to move on to the next beers.

Here is a description from the beer bottle:

East India Pale Ale is our version of the sturdy ale made by the british brewer George Hodgson in the 1820’s to survive the voyage from London around the Cape of Good Hope to Calcutta.  East India Pale Ale is brewed from English malt and hops and will taste best before the freshness date indicated.

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

Brooklyn East India Pale Ale is inspired by the original East India Pale Ales brewed in England in the early 1800’s for the troops in India. Everyday English ales were spoiling during shipment from London, around Africa’s Cape of Good Hope, to Calcutta. Using extra malt and hops, British brewer George Hodgson developed an ale with the bitterness and strength to endure the long sea voyage, giving rise to a great beer style. Our East India Pale Ale is a deep golden beer brewed from British malt and a blend of hops featuring the choice East Kent Golding variety. It is traditionally dry-hopped for a bright aroma of hops, lemongrass, pine and citrus fruit, and has a robust bitterness, a warming malt palate and a clean hoppy finish. We think Hodgson would be rather pleased.

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.brooklynbrewery.com

Twitter:  @brooklynbrewery

Ending, this is not my favorite India Pale Ale.  I have to say with all the over the top hopped up India Pale Ales.  This beer gives the hop head another aspect of this great beer style.  Brooklyn Brewery hit a home run with the traditional beer style going back to England.  They honor that great man on their beer bottles in their description.  I will flip this beer in and out of my line up.  This is a pretty good English IPA style.  This is a great beer to start with if you are trying to like India Pale Ale.  I recommend you trying it.  Go get some!  Drink it!  Enjoy it!  Metal it!  \m/

Cheers!

Bill DJ Weiser

Email:  djweiser13@comcast.net

Twitter:  @djweiser

New Beer Blog Fort Collins Double Chocolate Stout


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In this beer blog, we are going to get into the Fort Collins Brewery and the beer is called Double Chocolate Stout.  Here is the history or information of this brewery from their website (www.fortcollinsbrewery.com):

The Fort Collins Brewery is a microbrewery located in Fort Collins, Colorado. We have been open for 7 years and provide 7 full-time brews and a whole slew of  limited release offerings.

There is not too much information about this brewery asides their website.  It looks like a newer brewery from the information that I did find on the internet.  Let us get into the beer.

This stout has a dark black color with a semi tan color head. The smell is a chocolate to coffee to the beer. The taste of a full body is a chocolate and roasted coffee with a dry chocolate aftertaste. It is drinkable beer but the beer cannot have more than three in one sitting.

Here is a description from the beer bottle:

The most decadent creation ever to be crafted in FCB’s brewhouse.  A bold chocolate nose introduces deep roasty flavors rich with coffee undertones.  Impeccably balanced and completely indulgent.

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

Double Chocolate Stout

The most decadent creation ever to be crafted in FCB’s brewhouse. Deep roasty flavors, rich chocolate nose,coffee undertones and impeccable balance are the result of imperializing an already flawless brew.

Availability

October – April.

Packages

12oz bottles, 1/2 bbls, 1/6 bbls

Stats

Alcohol by Volume (ABV): 8.1% Hop Bitterness (IBU): 48 Color (SRM): 62

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.fortcollinsbrewery.com

Twitter:  @FortCollinsBrew

In the end, this was a pretty enjoyable beer.  It is a beer you can relax and sip it on a spring, summer, fall, or winter night with a nice cigar.  This beer is not over the top and in your face but it will get you if you are not paying attention.   This beer is pretty smooth of chocolate but you will notice some coffee in the taste and smell.  This beer is not my favorite chocolate stout but I enjoy this beer.  For all the chocolate stouts, this beer is up on the list.  I recommend this beer.  Go get some!  Drink it!  Enjoy it!  Metal it!  \m/

Cheers!

Bill DJ Weiser

Email:  djweiser13@comcast.net

Twitter:  @djweiser