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New Beer Blog New Belgium Brewery Ranger IPA

Starting a new beer tab, we are going to try and I mean retry New Belgium Brewery Ranger IPA. After years of their fans requesting, an India Pale Ale was finally made its debut in their line up. If you read my earlier beer blog posts on their beers, you know the history of this Mountain area craft brewery. If you have not, please, read those posts to get to know New Belgium Brewery. Let us get into this India Pale Ale.

This India Pale Ale has a clear copper color with a nice white constant head on it. The smell has hints of citrus and slight piney notes. The taste has a slight citrus carbonated notes with a dry piney hop finish for the aftertaste. It is a drinkable beer.

Here is a description from the beer bottle:

Tip your hat to our Beer Rangers in the field who inspired this will-balanced IPA packed with Simcoe, Cascade and Chinook hops. Count on citrus aromas and piney surroundings.

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

Ever met a New Belgium Beer Ranger? They are our beloved folks out in the field. Spanning all 29 of our states from the Pacific to the Atlantic, our Beer Rangers do their best to protect, to pour and to partake. And explore many a beer from many a brewery, they do.

Bring out the hops! This clear amber beauty bursts at the starting gate with an abundance of hops: Cascade (citrus), Chinook (floral/citrus), and Simcoe (fruity) lead off the beer, with Cascade added again for an intense dry hop flavor. Brewed with pale and dark caramel malts that harmonize the hop flavor from start to finish, Ranger is a sessionable splendor for all you hopinistas. Thank your Beer Ranger!

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website: www.newbelgium.com

Twitter: @newbelgium

Closing out my tab, I have to say it took me a ton of time to start liking this beer. I do not know why. I will say my first impression was not very good towards this craft IPA. However, after a ton of research, I have a new thought pattern towards this IPA. I have to say I like it now. It is in my top ten of craft India Pale Ales. I love the hop collection and the selection. The malty backbone was well designed. I wish I could find this beer in cans. I am pretty happy to see this beer in their first sampler 12 pack cans. 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 New Belgium Trippel Ale

In this beer blog, we are going to sample Trippel Ale from New Belgium Brewery. If you read my earlier beer blog posts on their their Fall Seasonal, which is Pumpkick Ale, you know the history of this craft brewery. If you have not, please, read the beer blog posts to get to know this 100% employee owned craft brewery. Let us get into their Trippel Ale.

This Trippel Ale has a clear golden color with a nice white constant head. The aroma has a heavy coriander and other spicy notes. The taste has a Belgium spices and heavy coriander notes. The coriander lives and hangs around a bit in the aftertaste. This Trippel Ale is kind of drinkable but it is more of a sipping ale.

Here is a description from the beer bottle:

A Belgian yeast strain, a trace of coriander, and a blast of hops is the triple-threat this Belgian style ale struts out each time you reach for our bottles conditioned Trippel.

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

Our Trippel Belgian Style Ale (pronounced triple) opens with a bold blast of hops that slowly gives way to the fruity esters implied by our Belgian yeast strain. In the Belgian tradition of brewing singles, doubles and triples, Trippel is the strongest with the longest fermentation. Remarkably smooth and complex, our bottle-conditioned Trippel is spiced with a trace of coriander.

Here is ther website and twitter addresses:

Website: www.newbelgium.com

Twitter: @newbelgium

Closing, New Belgium has made several Belgium beer styles ales. This brew is not different than the rest of the beers in this beer style. There is not many Trippel Ales brewed with coriandor. I am not a fan of this brew because of the coriandor in it. However, this is a good beer and New Belgium made a great beer here, I highly recomend 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 Abita Strawberry Harvest Lager

While at Ashley’s Westland, we are going to sample another beer from Abita Brewery and it is their Strawberry Harvest Lager. If you read my earlier beer blog posts on their Christmas Ale, you know the history of this southern craft brewery. If you did not read those beer blog posts, please, read them to get to know this craft brewery. Let us get into this summer season.

It has a clear golden color with nice small constant bubbles. This Lager has a nice white head on it. The aroma has a strong sweet strawberries notes. The taste profile has a strong sweet fresh strawberries notes. It is like fresh picked strawberries. The aftertaste is a nice strawberry finish that hangs around bit. This light body Lager is extremely drinkable.

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

Abita Strawberry Harvest is a lager brewed with pilsner and wheat malts and Vanguard hops. Real Louisiana strawberry juice is added after filtration resulting in a crisp lager with a sweet strawberry flavor, aroma and haze. It is wonderful with desserts or lighter fare such as salads and pastas. Fresh cheeses such as Burrata, chèvre, Crescenza, mozzarella or Teleme pair well with Strawberry Harvest.

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website: www.abita.com

Twitter: @TheAbitaBeer

In the end, I am not a huge Lager or fruit beers. I have to say I was pretty impressed with this beer. I liked it but it is pretty average beer. I will not go out of my way to find this beer. If I see it, I will order it. It also depends what is in the bar or restaurant. It is extremely drinkable and has a ton of flavor. I really enjoyed drinking this beer. Go and try it. Please let me know what you think of 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 Abita Amber Lager

In this beer blog, we are going to sample out another brew, which is Amber Lager, from Abita Brewery. If you read my earlier beer blog post on their Christmas Ale, you know the history of this southern craft brewery. If you have not read that post, please, read it to get to know Abita Brewery. Let us get into the beer.

It has a slight amber color with a constant white head on this Lager. The aroma has a nice sweet caramel notes. The taste of this light to medium body has a nice carbonated earthly to caramel notes with a nice crisp finish for the aftertaste. It is pretty drinkable beer.

Here is a descriation from the beer bottle:

Abita Amber is a Munich style lager brewed with pale and caramel malts and German Perle hops. It has a smooth, malty, caramel flavor and a rich amber color. One of our first and most popular brews. Amber pairs well with many foods.

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

Amber

Amber is a Munich style lager brewed with pale and caramel malts and German Perle hops. It has a smooth, malty, slightly caramel flavor and a rich amber color. Abita Amber was the first beer offered by the brewery and continues to be our leading seller. Amber is Abita’s most versatile beer for pairing with food. It has been voted “best beer” in numerous New Orleans reader polls and is used frequently in recipes of great Louisiana chefs.

Because of its smooth, malty flavor, try it with smoked sausages, Louisiana boudin, or even with caviar. It’s great with crawfish and Cajun food. You might also enjoy it paired with a spicy gumbo or tomato-based pasta sauce. It also goes well also with fried catfish dipped in a tart, lemony tartar sauce. Parmesan, Pecorino and Romano cheeses are good pairings with Abita Amber.

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website: www.abita.com

Twitter: @theabitabeer

In the end, I just find myself not drinking their beers as much as New Belgium and Sierra Nevada beers from their samplers. I brought those packs after I brought Abita Party Pack, which is their sampler. I am not saying I did not like their beers. I did but not as much as those other breweries beers. As many of you know, I am on the search for a good and great craft lager. This Amber Lager was on the list to retry it. I have to say it is pretty average. It is not any special. It has more flavor than the mass produced American Lagers. If you never had this beer, I would try it and draw your own thoughts on this Amber Lager. 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 Rochester Mills Beer Co. Lazy Daze Amber Lager

In this beer blog, we are going to sample Lazy Daze Amber Lager from Rochester Mills Beer Co. If you have been reading my beer blog posts, you know I have wrote about their beers in the past and you know the history of this east side Michigan craft brewery. If you have not read my earlier beer blog posts on their beers, please, read them to get to know this craft brewery. Let us get into this Michigan Craft Lager.

This Lager a clear amber color with a nice small white bubble head. There is a smell, however, I can not pick up what it is in the aroma. The taste has a light sweet carbonated notes with touch of caramel. The aftertaste has a sweet caramel notes that hangs around your mouth for a bit. It is pretty drinkable beer.

Here is a descration from their website (www.beercos.com):

Lazy Daze Amber Lager – 5.1% abv

Boasting a rich amber color and medium-bodied flavor from a combination of Munich malt for a subtle sweetness and German hops, you’ll find Lazy Daze Amber is another easy drinking, well-balanced local brew from Rochester Mills.

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website: www.beercos.com

Twitter: @Rochmillsbeerco

In the end, I am still looking for the best craft lager. I just feel the Michigan Craft Breweries are making the best Craft Lagers and Pilsners in the United States. I am not saying this is the best craft lager that I ever had in my lifetime. I have to say it is pretty damn close. It is in my top five beers. It is well balance and full of a ton of flavor. I love the caramel notes. This is a great drinkable lager. It is a beer that is perfect all year long. 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 New Belgium Mighty Arrow Pale Ale

In this retro beer blog, we are going to sample a beer, which is Mighty Arrow Pale Ale, from the past that came back in Folly Pack from New Belgium Brewery. If you read my earlier beer blog posts on their beers, you know the history of New Belgium Brewery. If you have not, please, read those beer blog posts to get to know this craft brewery. Let us get into the beer.

This pale ale has a clear golden color with a nice constant white head. The aroma is a nice citrus notes. The tasting experience has a light carbonated citrus notes with a dry hoppy citrus to dry bitter finish for the aftertaste. It is pretty drinkable beer.

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

Mighty Arrow Pale Ale provides lots of pleasurable sniffs from Amarillo and Cascade hops with a fetching honey malt base. This is our brewed tribute to Arrow, Kim’s Aussie/Border Collie mix who ran (literally) New Belgium for 12 years. When she wasn’t patrolling the brewery grounds, she was famous for her office visits: She never met a tummy rub she didn’t like. Atta girl, Arrow. Mighty Arrow makes its return as the revival beer in Folly Packs from January to April 2014.

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website: www.newbelgium.com

Twitter: @newbelgium

In closing, I was pretty sad when this beer was retired. I learned at the beginning of the year that this brew was returning to the market. I was a little upset that I had to buy a whole sampler 12 pack bottles to get the bottles. I wished they would release it as 6 pack again. I understand why they did not do that. I love this beer and I love the hops to the malty backbone. It is pretty drinkable and it is perfect for the spring and summer time. I wish they would put this in their everyday beer line up. This is a great brew and I would hurry to the store to get this beer before it disappears again. I highly recommend this 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 Abita Purple Haze

In this beer blog, we are going to sample Purple Haze from Abita. If you read my earlier beer blog post on their Christmas Ale, you know the history of Abita Brewery. If you have not read that post, please, read it to get to know this southern craft brewery. Let us get into this fruit beer.

It has a cloudy light amber to darker golden color with a white constant head on this fruit lager. The aroma has a heavy raspberry notes. The taste has a sweet raspberry notes with a hint of light carbonated notes. The aftertaste is nice and clean with touch of raspberry notes. It is a drinkable beer.

Here is a description from the beer bottle:

Purple Haze is a lager brewed with real raspberries added after filtration. It is brewed with pilsner and wheat malts and Vanguard hops. The berries add a fruity aroma, tartly sweet taste and a subtle purple color and haze…you even may see fruit pulp in the beer.

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

Purple Haze® is a lager brewed with real raspberries added after filtration. It is brewed with pilsner and wheat malts and Vanguard hops. The berries add a fruity aroma, tartly sweet taste and a subtle purple color and haze…you may see fruit pulp in the beer.

This beer is best served with salads or light fruit desserts, such as soufflés or chiffon cakes. Many people enjoy it with chocolate desserts. Purple Haze® pairs well with certain cheeses, such as ripened Brie or any dessert made with mascarpone. It’s also great paired with entrees prepared with fruit, especially citrus. Consider enjoying Purple Haze® alone at the end of your meal as dessert.

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website: www.abita.com

Twitter: @TheAbitaBeer

In closing, wheat and fruit beers are two beer styles that I normally do not go out of my way to hint down in the market. I have to say Purple Haze from Abita is not a bad beer. I love the rasphberry notes from the aroma and tasting profile. This is a nice brew for a hot summer day or a just a beer to enjoy during a snow day. There is a nice balances from the beer and the fruit notes. This is a beer you can have one after and other. Raspberries are not overpowering in the beer. It is a nice balance and the aftertaste is clean but with a touch of raspberry notes. I recommend this beer with dessert or it can be your dessert. It will go good with lighter dishes like salads. Go get some! Drink it! Enjoy it! Metal it! \m/

Cheers!

Bill DJ Weiser

Email: djweiser13@comcast.net

Twitter: @djweiser

New Beer Blog Abita Turbodog

In this beer blog, we are going to sample Turbodog Ale from Abita. If you read my beer blog posts on their beers a few days ago, you know the history of this southern craft brewery. If you have not, please, read those beer blog posts to get to know Abita Brewery. Let us get into this English Brown Ale.

It has a nice dark brown color with a nice white constant head on this English Style Brown Ale. The aroma has caramel, toffee, and slight chocolate notes. The taste of this light to medium body beer has a light carbonated chocolate notes with some toffee notes. The aftertaste has toffee notes. It is drinkable brew.

Here is a description from the beer bottle:

Turbodog is a dark brown ale brewed with pale, caramel and chocolate malts and Willamette hops. This combination gives Turbodog its rich body and color and a sweet chocolate, toffee-like flavor.

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

Turbodog® is a dark brown ale brewed with pale, caramel, and chocolate malts and Willamette hops. This combination gives Turbodog® its rich body and color and a sweet chocolate, toffee-like flavor. Turbodog® began as a specialty ale, but has gained a huge, loyal following and has become one of our flagship brews.

This ale pairs well with most meats and is great served with hamburgers or sausages. It is a good match with smoked fish and can even stand up to wild-game dishes. Turbodog® is also great for marinating and braising meats and cooking such things as cabbage and greens. Colby, Gloucester, Cheddar and blue cheeses go nicely with Turbodog®. It’s perfect with spicy Louisiana jambalaya or Spanish paella. Some even like it paired with chocolate!

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website: www.abita.com

Twitter: @TheAbitaBeer

In the end, I have enjoy my fair share of American and English Brown Ale. Turbodog is an English Style Brown Ale. This brew has a ton of flavor and I can see many brown ale fans enjoying this beer. This beer is in my Top 5. I love Turbodog, Goose Island Nut Brown Ale, and Brooklyn Brown Ale. It is a medium body but is pretty drinkable. I can see this beer go with just about any dish. I love to see how it would go with some chocolate ice cream with some hot fudge on top of it. I recommend this brew. Go get some! Drink it! Enjoy it! Metal it! \m/

Cheers!

Bill DJ Weiser

Email: djweiser13@comcast.net

Twitter: @djweiser

New Beer Blog Short’s Brew Controversial Ale (Hangin Frank)

In this beer blog, we are going to sample out Controbersial Ale Aka Hangin’ Frank from Short’s Brewery. If you read my earlier beer blog posts on Short’s Brewery, you know the history of this Northwest Michigan craft brewery. If you have not read my earlier beer blog posts on their beers, please, read them to get to know this Michigan craft brewery. Controversial Ale comes with a controvasial story behind it. Frank was one of the brewmasters at Short’s Brewery and he was one that came up with the recipe for this American Style IPA. He hung himself and the brewery released the beer with the recipe he came up with. They named it Hangin’ Frank. It recieved a ton of press but not in a good way. It was pulled from the shelves and renamed as this brew as you can see in the above photo. Below is the original label of the beer. Let us get into this brew.

It has a light hazel dark copper to light amber color with a nice white head that disappears over time. The smell has some citrus notes. The taste has a light carbonated citrus notes with a dry hop to slight citrus aftertaste. It is pretty drinkable IPA.

Here is a description from the beer bottle:

A state of prolonged public dispute or debate, usually concerning a matter of opinion. The word was coined from the Latin controversia, as a composite of controversus – “turned in an opposite direction,” from contra – “against” – and vertere – to turn, or versus (see verse), hence, “to turn against.”. Perennial areas of controversy include history, religion, philosophy, politics and beer labels.

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

ControversiALE, FKA Hangin’ Frank, is a tribute to Simcoe hops. Simcoe hops are extremely sought after and limited, so Short’s is excited to share this brew with Michigan craft beer lovers every spring. The earthy, citrus and pine-laced aroma is instantly delectable. A large amount of toasted grains and high alpha hops form a perfect union that creates the sensation of toasted sourdough covered with grapefruit hop marmalade. While this beer is hopped like IPA, it drinks like Pale Ale. The light, refreshing qualities of this beer make it perfect for springtime.

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Websie: www.shortsbrewing.com

Twitter: @ShortsBrewing

In closing, I love how this craft brewery honored one of their past late employees. The story of ths beer is amazing and sad. I hope Frank rest in peace. I love how everyone is all about local and Michigan craft beer. I heard it all about it when I lived in Chicago. It is nice and a great idea to support your local business. However, a line needs to be drawn, the product needs to be good. I am not saying beer is bad because it is not. It is a great brew. I just feel it is not as good as everyone in the State of Michigan makes this beer out to be. I just feel because it is made here that means good? It is blind good to some. I like this beer but it is not the best IPA that have ever had. 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 Abita Jockamo IPA

In this beer blog, we are going to sample out Jockamo IPA from Abita Brewing. If you read my earlier beer blog posts on this southern craft brewery, you know the history of this brewery. If you have not read those beer blog posts, please, read them to get to know Abita Brewery. Let us get into this India Pale Ale.

It has a clear dark copper color with white head that fades over time. The smell has some citrus to orange notes. The taste has a light carbonated orange notes with a nice malty notes that cut through the hops. The aftertaste is a dry hop finish. It is a pretty drinkable IPA.

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

Abita Jockamo IPA® is an American IPA brewed with pale, red, and caramel malts. This copper-colored ale is liberally hopped and dry hopped with Willamette and Columbus hops. The flavor is bold like the “Mardi Gras Indians” who march through New Orleans in suits of feathers and beads.

Jockamo has a flavor that entices and excites the palate. The intense hop character adds more spice to the meal and makes it a perfect choice to team up with many spicy dishes. Cheddar and strong farmer cheeses stand up well to Jockamo’s hoppy character. Jockamo goes well with wild game, grilled meats and Thai or Mexican cuisine.

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website: www.abita.com

Twitter: @TheAbitaBeer

In the end, I believe this is one of the best beers this brewery makes in their current line up. I enjoyed this beer and their Purple Haze Ale. There Turbo Dog and Strawberry Lager is not bad either. I have not had everything from this brewery so there might be more beers I need to add to those statements. I love aroma and taste profile that this beer offers to the craft beer drinkers. It has a well made malty backbone to cut through the hops. This is a well made brew that can go with pretty much any dish of food out there. Go get some! Drink it! Enjoy it! Metal it! \m/

Cheers!

Bill DJ Weiser

Email: djweiser13@comcast.net

Twitter: @djweiser

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