session beer

New Beer Blog Abita Restoration Pale Ale

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In this beer blog, we are going to sample out Abita Brewing and it is their Restoration Pale Ale.  If you read my beer blog from yesterday on their Christmas Ale, you know the history of this brewery.  If you have not read that beer blog posts, please, read it to get to know this southern Craft Brewery.  Let us get into this Pale Ale.

It has a clear copper color with a nice white constant head.  The smell is there but hard for me to pick up.  I believe piney notes. The taste has a slight citrus notes with a nice dry hop finish.  It is pretty drinkable beer.

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

Restoration Pale Ale®

Restoration Pale Ale® is brewed with pale, caramel and carapils malts. It is liberally hopped and dry hopped with Cascade hops. This golden ale has a rich body, mild bitterness, and a snappy citrus hop flavor and aroma. With your help Restoration raised over $550,000 for hurricane relief.

This beer can be paired with many different dishes according to your taste. The citrus flavor and aroma make it an excellent choice with most fish, especially ones that are prepared to match the flavor of the beer. American, Muenster, Havarti and Monterey Jack cheeses pair well with Restoration.

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.abita.com

Twitter:  @TheAbitaBeer

Closing, I could not finger out what this beer smells like. This beer is pretty drinkable and I would hope so because of the type of beer style.  I love the back story of this brew.  It has raised a ton of money for hurricane relief for the city that the brewery is located.  I just feel this brew was rushed to meet deadlines.  There is nothing wrong with that because it was going for a good cause.  This is not one of the worse pale ales that I have ever had but it is still not a good one.  Most craft beer is brewed for the city or reign that it comes from.  I bet looking at half million dollars this brew raised.  It does really well in the south.  I bet you are thinking that I can not believe he does not like this brew.  I do not like it and that is my thought pattern.  This does not mean you will not like it.  Everyone has different taste for different things.  There is a reason why there is a ton of beer on the market.  Please, try it and share your thoughts with me.  I would love to hear them.  Go get some!  Drink it!  Enjoy it!  Metal it!  \m/

Cheers!

Bill DJ Weiser

Email:  djweiser13@comcast.net

Twitter:  @djweiser

New Beer Blog Abita Christmas Ale

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In this winter beer blog, we are going to sample several beers from Abita Brewery.  The first one is their Christmas Ale.  Abita Brewery was founded in 1986.  It is located at  Abita Springs, Louisiana.  They brew several different beer styles from Lagers and Ales.  They are best known for their Purple Haze, which will be reviewed on this blog in a later date.  Let us get into this Christmas Ale.

It has a clear dark amber color with big bubble and white head.  The aroma has ginger to cinnamon notes.  The taste has ginger, cinnamon, and slight caramel notes.  The aftertaste has ginger finish.  It is pretty drinkable beer.

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

Christmas Ale

Abita Christmas Ale (November – December) rounds out our calendar. Each year at the Abita Brewery we craft a special dark ale for the holiday season. The recipe changes each year so that Abita Christmas Ale is always the perfect gift. Its spicy character is excellent with traditional holiday foods such as gingerbread or spiced nuts. Try some blue cheese or a creamy Camembert with a Christmas Ale.

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.abita.com

Twitter:  @TheAbitaBeer

Closing, I do not get into too many Christmas beers.  This brew has a nice aroma of ginger and cinnamon notes.  I love the tasting experience of all the spices.  This is a pretty good beer for a winter season.  Here is my only problem I have with most or all Christmas Beers.  They are way to spiced up.  There is nothing wrong with that because most people are looking for that in their beer in winter season.  This brew is not over the top like most Christmas beers.  It is just right for me.  I enjoyed this Christmas Ale.  I recommend this beer.  Go get some!  Drink it!  Enjoy it!  \m/

Cheers!

Bill DJ Weiser

Email:  djweiser13@comcast.net

Twitter:  @djweiser

New Beer Blog Ghost River Golden Ale

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While in Memphis for a Layover, we are going to try a beer from Ghost River.  It is their Golden Ale.  This is the first time on this blog that this brew and craft brewery.  I cannot find any history on this craft brewery from Memphis.  They have two all year-long brews and four seasonals.  Let us get into this Golden Ale.

It has a slight cloudy golden color with small bubbles going up from the bottom of the glass.  The head is a white and constant head.  I am not picking up any aroma.  The taste is a nice refreshing to lightly carbonated.  It has nice lemon to citrus notes.  The aftertaste has a light carbonated to citrus finish.  It is pretty drinkable.

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

Golden Ale
Munich and caramel malts and German variety hops,
mellow and refreshing

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.ghostriverbrewing.com

Twitter:  @ghostriverbrew

Leaving Memphis, I was pretty excited to get to Memphis.  I wanted to see what craft beers they had on draft at the airport.  I have to be honest I was not impressed.  There is very few bars in the airport or where I was at in the airport.  I saw this one and ordered it.  I was pretty excited because I usually like Golden Ales.  I will say it is pretty drinkable and refreshing beer.  It has a nice head and color to the beer.  However, I was not too impressed with it, I just feel the money you invest in this beer.  You are not getting your money worth.  I just found this beer not that good.  I can see people liking this beer and you might be one of them.  I am glad I tried it but I will not buy it again.  If I was you, I would pass on this one.  Let me know what you think and please, try their other beers.  Maybe it is just this brew.  Drink it!  Enjoy it!  Metal it!  \m/

Cheers!

Bill DJ Weiser

Email:  djweiser13@comcast.net

Twitter:  @djweiser

New Beer Blog New Belgium RyePA

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While in Fort Collins, Co, we are going to sample another brew, which is RyePA, from New Belgium Brewery.  I was pretty excited to get out there. I had a great time at the brewery.  If you read my earlier beer blog posts on their beers, you know the history of this Top Five Craft Brewery in the States.  If you have not, please, read those beer blog posts to get to know New Belgium Brewery.  Let us get into this Rye IPA.

It has a clear copper color with a nice constant white head.  The aroma has piney, earthy, and spicy notes.  The taste has a medium carbonation with malty and piney notes.  The aftertaste has a dry hoppy finish.  It is pretty drinkable beer.

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

Artisan maltster River Bend Malt House of Asheville, North Carolina, kiln a perfect rye. And when you pair gobs of their spicy rye with heaps of spicy hops you get a great Hop Kitchen Beer. This unique, and collaborative, Rye IPA boasts a bold blend of Simcoe, Galaxy, Cascade, and Mosaic hops to bring a thunderous 75 IBU. Have a sip and feel the bang.

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.newbelgium.com

Twitter:  @newbelgium

Closing out my day at New Belgium, I had a great time at the brewery and I hope to return their again soon.  I had a chance to go through a whole brewery tour and try several beers.  I trird to get take notes on as many beers as I could.  When I sipped this beer, I knew I had to write a review on this RyePA.  I love the sweet and bitter from this beer.  It is in that order on the tasting experience.  There is a nice malty backbone that holds up to a nice selection of hops used in this beer.  Rye IPA’s are quickly becoming a pretty popular beer style in the IPA world.  I will have to say this is the best Rye IPA that I have ever had.  I love Sierra Nevada Ruthless Rye IPA.  New Belgium has topped it and took it to the next level.  I wish I could get this in Michigan but I guess I will have to find someone to trade with to get a few bottles.  Go get some!  Drink it!  Enjoy it!  Metal it!  \m/

Cheers!

Bill DJ Weiser

Email:  djweiser13@comcast.net

Twitter:  @djweiser

New Beer Blog Stone Brewery Oaked Arrogant Bastard Ale

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In the beginning, Stone Brewery took their Arrogant Bastard Ale to the next level.  We are talking and will sample their Oaked Arrogant Bastard Ale.  If you read my earlier beer blog posts on their beers, you know the history of this West Coast Craft Brewery.  If you have not, please, read those postd to get to know Stone Brewery.  Let us get into the beer.

It has a dark red to amber color with a nice white color head.  The aroma has a strong alcohol notes with hints of earthy and oak notes.  The taste has a warm alcohol notes with slight vanilla to oak notes.  The aftertaste has a dry malty alcohol.  It is a nice sipping beer.

Here is a description from the beer bottle:

Arrogant Bastard Ale:  This is an aggressive ale.  You probably won’t like it.  It is quite doubtful that you have the taste or sophistication to be able to appreciate an ale of this quality and depth.  We would suggest that you stick to safer and more familiar territory — maybe something with a multi-million dollar ad campaign aimed at convincing you it’s made in a little brewery, or one that implies that their tasteless fizzy yellow beer will give you more sex appeal.  Perhaps you think multimillion dollar ad campaigns make a beer taste better.  Perhaps you’re mouthing your words as you read this.

The Arrogance Grows:  Too many strive towards complacency as a goal.  They stop their urge and desire for discovery somewhere between youth and adulthood.  And when they find their complacency threatened, they do everything to recover the warm, fuzzy feeling of that last complacency as quickly as possible.  Throughout every culture, every country, and every way of thought you will find it.  We grow up thinking that the ability to become complacent is the equivalence of success in life.  True Arrogant Bastards know that this could not be further from the truth.  The real beauty, richness and depth in life can only can only be found if the journey through life itself is looked upon as a constant chance to learn, live and find life’s passion.  Passion threatens the complacent and fills them with fear.  Fear of the new, the deep and the different.  We, on the other hand, seek it out.  Endlessly, joyously…and aggressively.  To this end we bring the “Oaked Arrogant Bastard Ale.”  Another reward for those seeking new sources of passion, and another point of dissension for those who are not.

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

This is an aggressive beer. You probably won’t like it. It is quite doubtful that you have the taste or sophistication to be able to appreciate an ale of this quality and depth. We would suggest that you stick to safer and more familiar territory — maybe something with a multi-million dollar ad campaign aimed at convincing you it’s made in a little brewery, or one that implies that their tasteless fizzy yellow beer will give you more sex appeal. Perhaps you think multi-million dollar ad campaigns make a beer taste better. Perhaps you’re mouthing your words as you read this.
Too many strive towards complacency as a goal. We grow up thinking that the ability to become complacent is the equivalence of success in life. True Arrogant Bastards know that this could not be further from the truth. The real beauty, richness and depth in life can only be found if the journey through life itself is looked upon as a constant chance to learn, live and find life’s passion. Passion threatens the complacent, and fills them with fear. Fear of the new, the deep and the different. We, on the other hand, seek it out. Endlessly, joyously…and aggressively. To this end we bring you the “OAKED Arrogant Bastard Ale.” Another reward for those seeking new sources of passion, and another point of dissension for those who are not.

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.stonebrew.com

Twitter:  @StoneBrewingCo

In closing, I love their Arrogant Bastard Ale.  I love their glassware for it.  I kind wish I could get more of them.  I guess I will have to go on their website and order some more.  I have been eyeing this beer for a while.  I was pretty excited to see them finally do a sampler pack.  I was getting ready to pick up a bottle when I moved back to Michigan.  You can buy single bottles unlike Chicago market.  I am glad I went for the sampler pack.  It is worth the price.  This is a perfect beer along with their Arrogant Bastard Ale for the Michigan Winters.  I can see myself drinking some during the hot summers.  Either way, this is a great brew and I recommend you trying it.  Please, let me know what you think.  Go drink some!  Drink it!  Enjoy it!  Metal it!  \m/

Cheers!

Bill DJ Weiser

Email:  djweiser13@comcast.net

Twitter:  @djweiser

New Beer Blog Sixpoint Brewery Hi-Res Ale

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In this beer blog, we are going to get into another and a new brew from Sixpoint Brewery.  It is their Hi-Res Ale.  If you read my earlier beer blog post, you know the history of this Brooklyn Craft Brewery.  If you have not, please, read those beer blog posts to get to know Sixpoint Brewery.  Let us get into the beer.

It has a slight cloudy golden color with a nice white constant head.  The aroma has citrus to slight grapefruit notes.  The taste is a medium to full body with some grapefruit to tropical fruit notes.  It is extremely drinkable Double IPA.  The aftertaste has a nice mango or grapefruit notes.  It is hard to pick up.

Here is a video from their website (www.sixpoint.com) and YouTube (www.youtube.com):

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.sixpoint.com

Twitter:  @sixpoint

In the end of the night, I will have to say this beer put me down for the night. It is extremely drinkable and does not taste like a Double or Imperial India Pale Ale.  Sixpoint has out did themselves again on this beer.  I never thought I would find another Imperial IPA better than their Resin.  I love the aroma and taste notes of the tropical fruits or grapefruit.  If I still lived in Chicago, this would be my go to beer on a regular basis along with Resin.  I have turn on mass-produced lager drinkers to this beer.  I know how that sounds but they love it.  If you are in the market where Sixpoint sells their beers, you need to run to the store RIGHT NOW and get yourself a four pack.  You will thank me later.  Share your Sixpoint love with others!  Go get some!  Drink it!  Enjoy it!  Metal it!  \m/

Cheers!

Bill DJ Weiser

Email:  djweiser13@comcast.net

Twitter:  @djweiser

New Beer Blog Arbor Brewing Michael Faricy’s Stout

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In this beer blog, we are going to drink another beer from Arbor Brewing.  I am talking about their Michael Faricy’s Stout.  If you read my earlier beer blog posts on their beers, you know the history of Arbor Brewing Company.  If you have not read them, please, read those posts to get to know this great craft brewery from Ann Arbor, Michigan.  Let us get into this beer.

It has a jet black color with a nice constant tan color head.  The aroma is both chocolate and coffee notes.  The taste has a burned to smokey malty to slight chocolate notes with a smooth dry cocoa notes.  The aftertaste is smokey notes that fades away.  It is pretty drinkable beer.

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

Description

This crowd-pleaser has a dark coffee-like appearance with a creamy head and smoky, roasted grain aromas. It is rich and creamy on the palate with chalky, burnt flavors balanced by lush dark chocolates and never turns too dry through the smoky finish. Full-flavored yet highly drinkable—rich and creamy without being thick or heavy.

New Beer Blog Blue Point Imperial Red Ale

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In this beer blog, we are going to sample another beer from Blue Point Brewery.  It is their Imperial Red Ale that they brew for Ashley’s Ann Arbor and Westland for their 30th Anniversary.  Ashley’s Bar is a nice craft bar with 48 taps and over 100 bottles.  They had several craft breweries around the country brewing a special beer for their celebration.  If you read my earlier beer blog posts on their beers, you know the history of Blue Point Brewery.  If you have not, please, read those beer blog posts to get to know this East Coast Craft Brewery.  Let us get into this beer.

It has a clear red or amber color with a nice white constant head.  The aroma has hoppy malty like a sweet hoppy candy notes.  The taste is a sweet malty notes with a lightly carbonated notes.  Aftertaste has malty dry finish.  It does not last long.  It is pretty drinkable beer.

Here is a description from the beer bottle:

With half a dozen different malts, including Abbey, Carafa, Munich, and Victory – plus Citra, Mt. Rainier, and Styrian Bobek hops, there’s bound to be something for everyone in this big, red ale that we’ve handcrafted especially for Ashley’s. Cheers! Mark and Pete

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.bluepointbrewing.com

Twitter:  @BluePointBrewer

In closing, how can I go wrong with this brew.  I have my favorite craft beer bar and one of my favorite craft breweries.  I am not a huge fan of Red Ales.  I was pretty impressed with this beer.  I have to say this beer aged pretty well.  This red ale has a big hop bite with a nice drinkable malty backbone finish.  I love the aroma to the taste and the color.  There is everything going on in this brew.  I hope you have a chance to try this brew.  I recommend this brew.  I hope to find this beer in draft again and soon.  Go get some!  Drink it!  Enjoy it!  Metal it!  \m/

Cheers!

Bill DJ Weiser

Email:  djweiser13@comcast.net

Twitter:  @djweiser

New Beer Blog Old Dominion Brewing Double D Double IPA

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In this beer blog, we are going to sample Double D Double IPA from Old Dominion Brewing.  If you read my earlier beer blog post on their Morning Glory Espresso Stout, you know the history of this East Coast Craft Brewery.  If you have not, please, read that beer blog post to get to know Old Dominion Brewing.  Let us get into the brew.

This Double IPA has a clear slightly dark copper color with a nice  white head on it.  The aroma has tropical fruit notes.  The taste has mango to citrus notes with a dry hop aftertaste.  It is a sipping beer.

Here is a description from the beer bottle:

Her parents named her Deanie Davis.  Uncle Same assigned her call letters: Double D.  This daring Imperial IPA detonates at 50 IBU’s and 9% ALC. by Vol.

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

Double D Double IPA

Double D is a full-bodied Imperial India Pale Ale, flaunting sultry guava, mango, and tropical fruit aromas as a result of dry hopping with Citra, Zythos and Crystal hops. Brewed with light toasted malt and Bravo bittering hops, this double delights with smooth warming alcohols and a torrid finish.

  • 9.0% alc/vol
  • 90 IBUS
  • Best IPA Atlantic City Beer Festival
  • Pale, Munich and Chocolate Malts
  • Zythos, Crystal, Citra and Bravo Hops
  • Available In 12oz bottles, draft and in the Pinup Pack

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.fordhamanddominion.com

Twitter:  @DominionBrewing

In the end, I have enjoyed most of their beers.  I know being a reader and someone who knows me away from the words of this blog.  I am pretty big fan of this brewery.  I love how this Double IPA drinks.  It has all the hop character that I love.  I love how the hops kick off tropical fruit notes.  I just think it is pretty funny how I am not a fan of tropical fruits.  LOL!  I love them in my beer. This beer is not a drinkable beer but it is a nice sipping beer for a hot summer day or night.  This is a great beer with nice packaging.  I love the play on words for the name of this beer.  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 Flying Dog In Heat Wheat

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While at Ashley’s Westland, I had a chance to sample another brew from Flying Dog.  It is their In Heat Wheat.  It is a German Style Hefeweizen, which is quickly becoming one of my favorite beer styles.  If you read my earlier beer blog post on their Doggy Style Pale Ale, you know the history of this East Coast Craft Brewery.  If you have not, please, read to get to know Flying Dog Brewery.  Let us get into the beer.

It has a cloudy golden color with out a head.  It had a white head at first but disappeared pretty quickly.  The aroma has notes of wheat, yeast, and banana.  The drinking experience is light in body with light carbonated wheaty notes.  The aftertaste is a nice banana notes finish that leaves the palate fast.  It is pretty drinkable.

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.flyingdogales.com

Twitter:  @FlyingDog

In the end, I am not a huge wheat beer fan but Hefeweizen has won me over.  I love my porter, stouts, and India Pale Ales.  For the longest, I have kept myself in the area of brews.  Since I am writing and blogging now, I have been exploring more beer styles for reviews asides my favorite beer styles.  The first thing I love about In Heat Wheat.  It is a refreshing and a nice drinkable beer.  I love the aroma and tasting experience.  It has a nice banana notes. I highly recommend this brew.  Go get some!  Drink it!  Enjoy it!  Metal it!  \m/

Cheers!

Bill DJ Weiser

Email:  djweiser13@comcast.net

Twitter:  @djweiser