samuel adams

New Beer Blog Heavy Seas Black Cannon Black IPA

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In this beer blog, we are going to sample out one of my favorite beer style and my favorite craft brewery out of Maryland.  Heavy Seas Brewery and the beer is called Black Cannon Black IPA.  If you read my earlier beer blog on their flagship beer, which is called Loose Cannon, you know the history of this  brewery.  If you have not, please, read the first part of that beer blog post.  Let us get into the beer.

It has a black color with a semi tan color. The smell is a roasted chocolate with a hint of pine. The taste is a chocolate piney with a dry hoppy finish. It is a drinkable beer but really not drinkable. It is kind of in that in between worlds.

Here is a description from the beer bottle:

While the style is an oxymoron, this ale is a variation of our “Loose Cannon” IPA, with an obious dark note.  7.25% Alc./Vol.

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

Black Cannon

Seasonal Selections

Our brewers modeled this black IPA after Loose Cannon, with a slight change: it’s almost as if they burnt the brew. Deep-dark ruby, Black Cannon has a roasted character from Blackprinz and Roasted Barley malts, but a heaping portion of hops—in the kettle, hopback, and fermenter—impart flavor and aroma. Floral and pine notes show up in the nose. The mouthfeel is very smooth.

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.hsbeer.com

Twitter:  @heavyseasbeer

In closing, I love this beer style, which I said at the beginning of this beer post.  I am a huge hophead but yet I love my porters and stouts.  This is a dream of mine taking both beer styles and put them in one beer bottle or beer glass.  It is a smooth full body beer when drinking but yet get the pine notes during the drinking experience.  This beer at first I was not a fan but when I got to the bottom of the glass.  I was really enjoying this beer.  I recommend you trying this beer if you are a fan of Black India Pale Ale.  Go get some!  Drink it!  Enjoy it!  Metal it!  \m/

Cheers!

Bill DJ Weiser

Email:  djweiser13@comcast.net

Twitter:  @djweiser

New Beer Blog Mt. Pleasant Brewing Iron Horse IPA

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In  this beer blog, we are going to get into a beer from Mt. Pleasant Brewing and the beer is called Iron Horse India Pale Ale.  There is not a ton of information of when this brewery started but they are from Mt. Pleasant, Michigan.  The State of Michigan has been seeing a huge growth of up and coming craft breweries.  Let us get into the beer.

This India Pale Ale has a hazel copper color with a heavy constant white head. The smell of this full body has a heavy grapefruit to it. The taste is a heavy grapefruit to the beer has a grapefruit aftertaste. It is drinkable beer.

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

Iron Horse I.P.A. An American pale ale with full hops flavor and aroma Don’t be shy, try it.  Like any good I.P.A. this one has plenty of hop presence but not so much that it is not approachable by our hop-weary friends.  Instead of biggering and biggering like so many I.P.A.s these days we are keepin’ it real with a beer that will make you want to drink more than just one.  Don’t worry though, hops heads, this beer still has enough bite to cut through any spicy dish you might want to pair it with.  Try one, or five, with buffalo wings or a spicy blackened chicken dish. Iron Horse can also go quite well with shrimp, crab, or other light fish, so we have heard from a few of our loyal patrons.  So, belly up and try Iron Horse if you have ever wondered what a good I.P.A is like.  We promise you won’t be disappointed.  ABV – 6.6%

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.mtpleasantbrew.com

Twitter:  There is no twitter address.

In closing, I thought this beer was a little different to me.  It has a heavy grapefruit to this full body India Pale Ale.  If you love grapefruit, this will be a beer you need to try it.  I have some mix feelings towards this beer.  I would not say I do not like it but I would not say it is not one of my favorites.  I would like to try this beer on draft to get a better feel towards this beer.  I will have to say this beer is worth a shot of trying this India Pale Ale.  Go get some!  Drink it!  Enjoy it!  Metal it!  \m/

Cheers!

Bill DJ Weiser

Email:  djweiser13@comcast.net

Twitter:  @djweiser

New Beer Blog Wynkoop Brewing Rail Yard Ale

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In this beer blog, we are going to get into another beer that I brought from www.letspour.com.  The brewery and brew are Wynkoop Brewing Rail Yard Ale.  If you read my earlier beer blog on their B3K Black Lager, you know the history of this Denver, Colorado brewery.  If you have not, please, read the first part of that beer blog.  Let us get into beer.

It has a clear copper color without a head on the beer. The smell has a caramel to malty to it. It is hard to explain. It has a creamy caramel start the taste.  Later part of the taste is a citrus with a wet citrus aftertaste that fade with a hop finish. It drinkable beer.

Here is a description from the beer can:

This unique amber ale is built with the malts and hops of an Octoberfest lager, then fermented with an English ale yeast.  Hearty and refreshing, it features caramel flavors, a hint of fruit and a kiss of hops on its finish.  All Aboard!

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

Our flagship brew is a smooth, amber beer that combines the malty goodness of an Octoberfest lager with the slight fruitiness of an ale. Hearty but refreshing.

  • ABV 5.2%

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.wynkoop.com

Twitter:  @wynkoop

Closing, I have to say so far.  I have really enjoyed drinking their beers and once again, they have great packaging.  Rail Yard Ale is their flagship beer and it holds its own.  It is not like most flagship beers that are just really disappointing to the experience craft beer drinkers.   I am not saying that about all flagship beers. There are some flag ship beers that are the worse beer in some craft breweries’ selection.  In most cases, it is the first beer that the brewery or owner created.  It is extremely rare to have a beer in the later part of the craft brewery career that a beer will replace the first beer they ever brewed.  This is a drinkable and has a ton of flavor.  This beer gives you both an ale and lager.  I recommend this beer.  Go get some!  Drink it!  Enjoy it!  Metal it!  \m/

Cheers!

Bill DJ Weiser

Email:  djweiser13@comcast.net

Twitter:  @djweiser

New Beer Blog Wasatch Brewery Polygamy Porter

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In the last night in Utah, we are going to check out a beer that was recommended to me by my sister.  The brewery and beer is called Wasatch Brewery Polygamy Porter.  Wasatch Brewery was founded in 1986.  It was the first brewery to open in Park City, Utah since Prohibition ended.  There is not too much information to be founded about this brewery.  Let us get into the beer.

This stout has a black color with a creamy constant white head on it. The smell is between smokey chocolate to coffee. The taste is smokey roasted coffee to chocolate with a dry finish. It is drinkable beer for being a porter.

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

This dark, medium bodied ale offers the drink-ability of a much lighter  beer. The inviting chocolate and malty flavors fade into a slightly  dry, silky smooth finish. Why have just one? 4.0% alcohol by volume.

• 2006 Silver Medal Winner, Brown Porter, North American Brewers’ Association

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.wasatchbeers.com

Twitter:  @wasatchbeers

Closing, this is a great beer and I wish it was in my market but I understand why it is not.  I just found weird to drink some porters, IPAs, and stouts that are only 4%.  This is a great porter that has the same creamy taste like a Guinness.  It was smooth, smokey, and chocolate notes.  This beer is perfect and does not need to be more than 4%.  I highly recommend this beer.  Go get some if you are in the Utah area!  Drink it!  Enjoy it!  Metal it!  \m/

Cheers!

Bill DJ Weiser

Email:  djweiser13@comcast.net

Twitter:  @djweiser

New Beer Blog Moab Brewery Johnny’s American India Pale Ale

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While in Utah, we are going to get into a brewery located in Utah.  The brewery and the beer is called Moab Brewery Johnny’s American India Pale Ale.  There is really no history or information on this brewery.  They are a young and upcoming brewery.  Let us get into the beer.

It has a light clear copper color with a constant white head on the beer. There is a heavy grapefruit to a touch of citrus smell to this American ale. The taste is a sweet carbonation little grapefruit to citrus with a dry finish for the aftertaste. It is a pretty drinkable beer.

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

An American style IPA, golden in color with light malt hues and strong hop characteristics. It’s vibrant citrus aromas and bitterness are created by four bold American hops. Our dry hopping gives this beer that distinctive and aggressive hop finish.

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.themoabbrewery.com

Twitter:  @moabbrewery

In closing, this beer is missing something.  I just feel it might be the ABV % in the beer because of the Utah laws.   I believe it is that and the hops that are used in this India Pale Ale are not the best.  The brewery cannot control the laws but they can control the hops that they use in their beers.  I also feel there is not enough maltly backbone to off set the hops.  I am not saying it is extremely over hopped because it is not.  This is my thought about the beer.  This is not a very good beer.  I could have had a better India Pale Ale.  I am glad I had a chance to try this beer.  If you are in Utah, please, try this beer and let me know what your thoughts are on this beer.  Drink it!  Enjoy it!  Metal it!  \m/

Cheers!

Bill DJ Weiser

Email:  djweiser13@comcast.net

Twitter;  @djweiser

New Beer Blog Uinta King’s Peak Porter

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While in Utah, I was able to spend some time at Uinta Brewing to sample out this beer, which is their King’s Peak Porter.  If you read my earlier beer blogs 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 beer has a jet black color with a big white head on it. The smell is between chocolate to coffee to it. The taste is chocolate and coffee with a nice coffee finish but fade to it. It is a pretty drinkable beer.

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

Description

Roasted chocolate malts influence this full-flavored ale. This sessionable porter is black in color and well-balanced.

Tasting Notes

Delicate hop character balances a mild bitterness. Hints of expresso and dark chocolate mixed with fruit. Mildly sweet. King’s Peak pairs well with classic hearty, cold-weather dishes such as chili, stew, and roasts. Also pairs well with hearty dishes, and cheeses such as gruyere, emmenthaler, and swiss. Have a sweet tooth? Try King’s Peak with chocolate and maple flavored desserts.

Story

Named after the highest point in the State of Utah at 13,528 feet, Kings Peak is located in the Uinta Mountains

Here is website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.uintabrewing.com

Twitter:  @uintabrewing

Closing, Uinta Brewing was fun and I was glad to tour the brewery.  I was able to sample some beers that I cannot get in the Chicago market.  I was also able to talk with the owner Steve.  I had a really great time and I want to thank Steve and everyone at Uinta Brewery for showing us around the great state of Utah and their brewery.   As far as this brew, it is a pretty rich chocolate and coffee.  This is pretty drinkable beer or I just want it to be a drinkable beer for being a porter.  I highly recommend this beer.  Go get some!  Drink it!  Enjoy it!  Metal it!  \m/

Cheers!

Bill DJ Weiser

Email:  djweiser13@comcast.net

Twitter:  @djweiser

New Beer Blog Ninkasi Brewing Oatis Oatmeal Stout

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In this beer blog, we are going to get into another beer that was order from www.letspour.com.  The brewery and beer are Ninkasi Brewing Oatis Oatmeal Stout.  Ninkasi Brewing was founded in 2006 by Jamie Floyd and Nikos Ridge in Eugene, Oregon.  The brewery was named after Sumerian goddess of beer.  There is not too many information on this brewery because it is a young brewery.  Let us get into this beer.

This oatmeal stout has a black color without a head on the beer. The smell is a chocolate to the beer. The taste is a smooth and creamy chocolate to the beer. The aftertaste is a dry chocolate to it.

Here is a description from the beer bottle:

A rich complex Oatmeal Stout with just enough hops to balance the copious quantities of dark roasted malts, and the addition of oatmeal for a creamy smooth drinkablility.

The ancient Sumerians worshipped the beer they made, and praised the Goddess Ninkasi for the miracle of fermentation.  Beer is a staple of civilization.  Worship the Goddess.

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

Oatis Oatmeal Stout

Available in 12oz. 6-packs, 22oz. Bottles and On Draft, Year Round

  • Statistics
  • First Brewed: 2007
  • Starting Gravity: 1072
  • Bitterness: 50 IBUs
  • Alcohol %: 7.2
  • Malt: 2 Row Pale Malt, Chocolate Malt, Crystal Malt, Roasted Barley, Oats
  • Hops: Nugget

Description: A rich complex Oatmeal Stout with just enough hops to balance the copious quantities of dark roasted malts, and the addition of oatmeal for a creamy smooth drinkability.

Tasting Notes: Oatmeal Stout is characterised by a roasted front flavor, smooth rich oats, a touch chocolate flavor and dry finish. Oatis is bigger than the traditional style with more alcohol, body and a touch more bitterness to keep it balanced.

Food Pairings: Beef, Pork, Lamb, Stews, Chocolate, Berries, Brulees

Here is their website and twitter address:

Website:  www.ninkasibrewing.com

Twitter:  @ninkasibrewing

In the end, this was a nice drinkable oatmeal stout.  It is nice and creamy and smooth.  Ninkasi Brewing has a beer that you can drink anytime of the year, which is rare, to have an Oatmeal Stout.  However, I will drink any stout or porter in the hot summer, even if these beers are heavy and not drinkable.  I am not a fan of the packaging but the beer is pretty good.  I wish I could get this beer and their other beers in Chicago.  I will have to order it from www.letspour.com.  Go get some!  Drink it!  Enjoy it!  Metal it!  \m/

Cheers!

Bill DJ Weiser

Email:  djweiser13@comcast.net

Twitter:  @djweiser

New Beer Blog Wynkoop Brewing B3K Black Lager

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In this beer blog, we are going to sample out a new brewery that I brought from Letspour.com.  The brewery is called Wynkoop Brewing Company and their beer is their B3K Black Lager.  This brewery was founded 1988 by John Hickenlooper with partners Russell Schehrer, Mark Schiffler, and Jerry Williams.  This brewery is from the Denver, Colorado. In 2010, they started putting their beers in cans.  They brew several different beer styles.  Let us try this Black Lager.

This black lager is a black color with a semi white head on the beer. The smell is burn coffee. The taste is burn to roasted melts. It has a crisp finish but a little touch of the burn melts. It is pretty drinkable beer.

Here is a description from the beer can:

Our acclaimed German-style schwarzbier features roasted flavors, understated hops and a hint of smoke.  An uncanny, all-season version of dark beer, it’s spectacular and sessionable.

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

Our German-style schwarzbier features roasted flavors, understated hops and a hint of smoke. A 2008 GABF gold medal winner, it’s a thirst-quenching version of dark beer that’s scintillating and sessionable.

  • ABV 5.1%, 19 IBUs

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website: www.wynkoop.com

Twitter:  @wynkoop

Closing, this brewery has nice packaging for this great beer in the cans to support it.  It is true.  Good packaging will get the beer drinker to buy your product but the beer will have them coming back for more.  Wynkoop Brewing is a complete package.  This black lager is drinkable but still gives you that roasted flavors and smoke while a hint of hops.  There is not too many American hand-made craft beers like this beer style, which is schwarzbier.  I really enjoy schwarzbier but most of the German Import beers in the stores are normally out of code.  It is nice to see more and more craft beer breweries starting to make beer style.  I recommend you looking into www.letspour.com if you can not find it in your local liquor stores.  They have some hard to find beers from all around the country. Go get some!  Drink it!  Enjoy it!  Metal it!  \m/

Cheers!

Bill DJ Weiser

Email:  djweiser13@comcast.net

Twitter:  @djweiser

New Beer Blog Big Horn Ram Belgian Paradise Tap Party

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In this special beer tapping party post, we are going to get into another beer from the Ram Brewery.  The beer is called Belgian Paradise.  If you read my earlier beer blogs, 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 has hazel light amber color with a white head on the beer. This saison does not really have a smell but there is a slight melty to earthly farmhouse to it. The taste is leaning on the earthly side of the beer world. The beer has an amber saison Belgian taste. It is pretty drinkable beer.

Here is a descriation from the brewery:

Brewed in the style of a Saison, this beer is also known as a Belgian Farmhouse Ale.  With this styel there may be quite a variety of flavor characters intermingled within this beer.  A refreshing, medium to strong, fruity and spicy ale with a distincitve orange color, dry finish and a quenching acidity.  To play off the natural spiciness of the yeast and the citrus character in  the hops, we added some grains of paradise that will add hints of earthiness and spice 6.4% alcohol by volume.

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Bacon Bonanza

Our signature bacon and beef blended patty, on Kaiser bun with mayo, sauteed crimini mushrooms, sliced Swiss cheese and house made maple onion ketchup on the side.  Served with Fries.

Turkey Num Num

A grilled, seasoned turkey patty on a wheat bun with garlic mayo, smashed avocado, iceberg lettuce, sliced cucumber, and daikon redish sprouts.  Served with Fries.

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.theram.com

Twitter:  @theram

In closing, I really enjoy this beer.  it is drinkable and refreshing.  This beer reminds me so much of Milwaukee Brewing Booyah, which is also a Saison.  I really enjoyed the amber but fresh hoppy farmhouse taste to it.  This is a great beer just like Milwaukee Brewing Booyah.  I recommend trying this beer and sample it along with Booyah.  Please, let me know your thoughts on both beers.  Go get some! Drink it!  Enjoy it!  Metal it!  \m/

Cheers!

Bill DJ Weiser

Email:  djweiser13@comcast.net

Twitter:  @djweiser

New Beer Blog Big Horn Ram Nefarious Russian Imperial Stout Tap Party

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In this special beer blog, we are at a another tapping party at Ram Brewery.  The beer is their Nefarious Russian Imperial Stout.  If you read my earlier beer blogs, 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 stout has a jet black color with a tan color head on it. The smell is of chocolate to it.  The taste is a creamy chocolate to a little coffee notes. The aftertaste is a dry coco. It is a sipping beer.

Here is a description from the brewery:

Nefarious Nelson is a full-bodied, extremely malty ale with some hop bitterness.  The very dark color and complex unique flavorsare a result of caramel, chocolate, and coffee malts and a substantial amount of roasted barley.  This very robust, rich, smooth beer is about 7.0% ABV.

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Ram’s Grand Reuben #504:  Corned beef piled high, havaril, sauerkraut, horseradish cream and thousand island on rye.

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Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.theram.com

Twitter:  @theram

Closing, I had a chance to drink a great beer, eat good meal, and play some beer bingo.  It was a great time like the norm at a Ram Tap Party.  This stout is a hoppier stout than the North Coast Stout.  This is a pretty good beer.  I really enjoyed drinking it.  I just wished it was tapped at the Wheeling location.  If you are in the area, go and try this beer while checking out this brewpub.  Go get some!  Drink it!  Enjoy it!  Metal it!  \m/

Cheers!

Bill DJ Weiser

Email:  djweiser13@comcast.net

Twitter:  @djweiser