west coast brewery

New Beer Blog Gigantic Brewing The Royale Beer

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In this beer blog, we are going to sample another beer from Gigantic Brewing.  It is one of their everyday beer and it is called The Royale Beer, which is their Belgian Pale Ale.  If you have not read the earlier beer blog posts, please, read those beer blogs to get to know this great brewery.  If you have read those beer post, you know history and of this beer.  Let us get into beer.

It has a clear golden color with a constant white head. The smell has a grapefruit to the it. The taste has a heavy grapefruit without an aftertaste. It is drinkable beer.

Here is a description from the beer bottle:

The Royale

A beer fit for sophisticates and flaneurs, The Royale is a golden concoction of fruity and citrusy flavors meant for whiling away one’s time in Brasseries, cafes and pubs, or anywhere friends can found.

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.giganticbrewing.com

Twitter:  @giganticbrewing

In closing, I am a huge fan of this brewery and Belgian Pale Ales.  This beer has everything you expect from a Belgian style ale.  It has a pretty big hop forward to it.  It has a full body but yet easy drinkablity that will have the beer drinker coming back for more of it.  I am not a huge fan of it and I believe this is not the best beer that Gigantic brews.  However, it is not the bad, I just prefer their India Pale Ales.  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 Kona Brewing Wailua

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In this beer blog, we are going to get into the summer seasonal from Kona Brewing.  I am so happy this brewery has made it to Chicago market and I am looking forward a summer of drinking some of their great brews.  The brew that will be featured in this beer post is their Wailua Ale.  If you read my earlier beer blog on their beers, you know the history of this brewery.  If you have not read those beer post, please, read that beer post.  Let us get into the beer.

This wheat ale has a clear yellow color without a head on it. There is no smell in this beer. The taste of this light body is a tropical with a sweet passion fruit aftertaste. It is extremely drinkable beer.

Here is description from the beer bottle:

Paradise Found

Wailua is Hawaiian for two fresh water streams mingling.  This was just the inspiration we needed for our Aloha Series Wailua Ale brewed with tropical passion fruit.  A refreshing, citrusy, sun-colored ale with the cool taste of Hawaii.

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

Paradise Found

Swimming in a fresh water pool at the base of a cascading waterfall is what we all imagine we would find in paradise. On Maui, follow the old Hana Highway and you will find such a place – Wailua Falls. This plunging cascade of clear water is the inspiration for our Aloha Series seasonal release Wailua Ale. This golden, sun colored ale has a bright, citrus flavor that comes from the tropical passion fruit we brew into each batch. Sit back, relax and enjoy paradise anytime.

Available Spring/Summer

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.konabrewingco.com

Twitter:  @KonaBrewingCo

In closing, this beer is in their new bottle with the islands on it.  It is shaped like a long board.  This is not my favorite beer and it is way too light body to me.  There is nothing wrong with that.  It is a well made beer and Kona did a great job brewing this beer.  I know for a fact they will be selling a ton around the country.  I did not get too much in the smell but you can taste the passion fruit in it.  There is another great west coast brewery called Bridgeport that came out with a beer called Summer Squeeze with the passion fruit in it.  Both of these beers are great.  I believe Kona has shown us the lifestyle and beauty of the Hawaii.  I recommend this beer and I would love 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 Redhook Wise Cracker Wit

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In this beer blog, we are going to sample out the Redhook’s summer ale.  The brew is called Wise Cracker Wit.  If you read my earlier beer blog, you know the history of this brewery.  If you have not, please, read that beer blog post to get know one of the America’s Craft breweries.  Let us get into the brew.

This Wit has a cloudy yellow color without a head on it. The smell is a citrus, lemon, and coriander along with yeast and wheaty to the beer. The taste has a lemon with species. It is very refreshing and drinkable.

Here is a description from the beer bottle:

Wheat beer brewed with Ginger, but still digs Mary Ann.

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

Redhook’s twist on the Belgian style is the addition of fresh ginger, which adds a refreshing snappiness to this lighter-bodied wheat beer.  Redhook Wit is perfect for warm summer months of outdoor BBQ-ing, sitting by the pool, or just taking a break by hanging inside enjoying the AC and watching old re-runs of Gilligan’s Island.

Style………………….Belgian Wit

Abv…………………….5.3%

IBUs…………………..8.0

IBUOriginal Gravity..11.85 degrees plato

Brewed Since………2011

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.redhook.com

Twitter:  @redhook_brewery

In closing, I will be the first to say that I am not a fan of wheat ales.  This Wit is a great beer but I will not add it to my line up of beers.  I will drink it if that is about the only craft beer at a bar or liquor stores.  I will say if you are a fan of wheat ales, this is a beer for you.  I can see the beer bring more American lager drinkers into the craft beer side.  It is drinkable and has flavor.  Go get some!  Drink it!  Enjoy it!  Metal it!  \m/

Cheers!

Bill DJ Weiser

Email:  djweiser13@comcast.net

Twitter:  @djweiser

New Beer Blog Redhook Audible Ale

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In this beer blog, we are going to get into another beer from the Redhook Brewery.  The beer is collaboration with the Dan Patrick Show.  If you do not know, Dan Patrick is a huge fan of Redhook brews.  He would always talk about their beers on his show which is live.  Redhook decided to do a brew with Dan Patrick.  If you read my earlier beer blogs on their beers, you know the history of this brewery and how much this craft beer drinker enjoy their beers too.  If you have not, please, read that beer blog to find out the rich history of this brewery.  Let us get into the beer.

It has a clear darker golden color with a semi white head on the beer. The smell is malty to a slightly citrus to it. The taste is light carbonated malty citrus with a dry hop finish. It is extremely drink beer.

Here is a description from the beer bottle:

Fill your passion bucket with the ultimate crushable ale.

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

Redhook has teamed up with Dan Patrick to brew the ultimate craft beer for watching sports: plenty of flavor and aroma, and crushable enough to make you want another — without making you sloppy by halftime. So, whether you’re watching the Dan Patrick Show in your mancave, or tailgating in a parking lot, it’s time to fill your passion bucket with crushable craft. Listen to your thirst. It’s Audible.

Style………………….Pale Ale

Abv…………………….4.7%

IBUs…………………..22 IBU

Original Gravity..degrees plato

Brewed Since………2013

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.redhook.com

Twitter:  @redhook_brewery

In closing, Redhook Brewing has stepped up again and made a great beer.  Redhook makes some great drinkable beers and this Audible Ale is no different.  It has some a ton of flavor and enough hop character in the beer.  I just kind wish this beer was available in six-pack but I will complain that have to buy a twelve pack.  Since  posting on twitter that I had this beer, I have had several people asking me where to get it.  I would keep on requesting it and ask for the beer.  I would find out who your local Anheuser Busch wholesale is and get hold of them.  They could tell you what stores are selling the beer.  This is a great beer and 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 Mendocino Brewing Blue Heron Pale Ale

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In this beer blog, we are going to sample out Mendocino Brewing Blue Heron Pale Ale.  Mendocino Brewing was founded in 1983 under the name Hopland Brewery in Hopland, California.  They moved their brewery to Ukiah, California but left their brewpub in Hopland where their original brewery was located.  Let us get into the beer.

It has a clear golden color with a semi white head. The smell has a citrus to the beer. The taste is a citrus with a malty with a dull hop aftertaste. It is pretty drinkable beer.

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

Blue Heron Pale Ale is a delightful, medium bodied smooth ale, with a distinctive crisp mouth-feel and a fresh hoppy finish. It is brewed using premium two-row Pale malted barley, generous amounts of both Cluster bittering hops and Cascade finishing hops and our own special proprietary yeast strain.

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.mendobrew.com

Twitter:  @MendoBrew

In closing, this is a great beer.  I enjoyed this and I was pretty stun by it.  I had this beer a long time ago and I could not remember it.  It is drinkable and has a ton going on in it.  This brewmaster put some thought behind it.  I am not a fan of the packaging but it is what it is.  The history of the brewery explains why they have packaging they have.  There is nothing wrong with it.  I recommend you 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 Budweiser Vs. Budweiser Budvar

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In this beer blog, we are going to have a debate on 100-year-old argument.  There has been lawsuits and I believe they are still tied up in the courts.  Most general beer drinkers know about this debate and I know pretty much all craft beer drinkers know about it too.  The question how true is it that one of the Buschs stole Budweiser and brought the beer to the states.  I might not be able to answer this over 100 year question but I will put my thought on this debate.  Let us get into it.

Budweiser

History

I bet you already know the history of this beer.  Well just in case you do not here is a fast history lesson.  Budweiser was first brewed in 1876.  The company was known as Anheuser-Busch.  Adolphus Busch left Germany in 1850’s.  He prefered light lagers while everyone else, who is the general public at the time, wanted dark lagers or ales.  Adolphus Busch traveled throughout Europe learning the latest brewing techniques.

It has a clear golden color without a head on the beer.  The smell is malty or I like to say fresh air. The taste is a sweet carbonated to slight hop notes  with a dry crisp finish. It is a drinkable beer.

Budweiser Budvar

History

This brew was brewed back in 1785.  The brewery started exporting beer to the states in 1871.  Anheuser-Busch trademaked the name Budweiser two years after it was first brewed in 1878.  Czech Budweiser was sold to Budvar in 1895.  In 1938, it was settled that Anheuser-Busch could use the name Budweiser in the United States.  Of course, in 2007, Anheuser-Busch and Budvar agreed that AB would market and sell Budvar and Czechvar  in the United States and other countries.  Both sides said this does not affected their lawsuit to one another.  If you see Czechvar, it is Budweiser Budvar.

It has a clear golden color without a head. It is slight darker than the American Budweiser. The smell is a fresh apple smell like grannysmith apples. The taste is a sweet carbonated to slight hop notes with a dry  crisp finish. It is a drinkable beer.

In closing, so what is the debate on these two beers?  They do not look like.  Budvar is a little dark in color.  The smell is not the same either.  However, the taste is about the same, is the beechwood aging and the rice in American Budweiser any different?  They are a little different but the taste is about the same.  So the really debate is was the name stolen by Anheuser-Busch?  There is still a lawsuit in the courts.  We will never get the true and I believe this will never be settled.  They are big brands in their countries.  So just kick back and have a cold ones!  I just hope one day we could see both of these beers on the shelf with the same name on them.  Go get some!  Drink it!  Enjoy it!  Metal it! \m/

Cheers!

Bill DJ Weiser

Email:  djweiser13@comcast.net

Twitter:  @djweiser

New Music Monday Blog Hard Rock And Metal Bands and Beers

In this Music Monday blog, we are going to take a look at something that is going rapid just like the Craft Beer industry.  I want to say this right off the start of this blog.  There is nothing wrong with these bands making or teaming up with a beer brewery to make beers.  They have that right to do that in their career and they earn this opportunity. I just feel in the past most are not that good.  I am going to highlight some of the beers you might see on your local liquor beer stores along with the growing craft beers too.  Let us get into this!

Motorhead Beer

This beer is a normal lager.  I have never had this beer but it could be a normal American Lager or it could be an import lager.

Here is a description from their website (www.brandsforfans.se):

Motörhead Bastards Lager Beer

For all beer drinkers and hell raisers, fans of loud and fast rock and roll, no matter if you have no class or if you are a damage case, this mean machine lager is fuel for any head banging opportunity. They are using Swedish brewery called Krönleins.  This beer is not available in the United States yet but if you live in Europe this is where you can buy it.  Order Motorhead Lager
Motörhead Bastards Lager Product code: 1234-03 (In Sweden)
Origin: Sweden Type of beer:
Lager Volume: 330 ml
Alcohol: 4,7%
Contains: Barley malt and hops

This Bastard has a malty and fruity taste with great character of malt and a hint of citrus. A quality beer that can be appreciated by rock’n’roll fans of all ages. Enjoy anytime when the craving for a beer hits you, but especially well with burgers, grilled meat or fish, pizza and friends.

Iron Maiden Trooper Ale

This one was just released  and at least Iron Maiden are true to the beer styles that are in their area and country.  I am kind interested in this beer.  I love my ales and hoppy ones to that point.  Please, watch the video below.  I love what Bruce said during the video.  This beer sounds like English Ale Beer Style.  Iron Maiden is taking this beer pretty seriously and I love how they have an idea on the beer.  I believe this is unique ale and I cannot wait to try it.  It is not available in the United States but if you are in Europe this is where you can order.  Order Iron Maiden Trooper Ale In Europe

Here is a video with Bruce Dickenson (Iron Maiden Singer) from their website (www.ironmaiden.com):

AC/DC German Lager

I heard about this a while ago and I just let it go through me.  I am not a huge lager fan but I will try a beer at least once.  AC/DC is a legendary hard rock band and they are using their name to push a beer.  Just like Iron Maiden they are looking to put this beer around the world for their fans to enjoy.  Right now, this beer is not available but the closest to me is Canada.  You can order it online but not in the United States.  Order AC/DC Lager In Europe

Here is a description from their website (www.acdc-beer.com):

True Taste for Rock`n Roll.

 If you wanna rock hard, you need the right beer.  AC/DC, the infamous Hardrock Legends from down under, have been delivering true rock for the last 40 years. Now they give their name for true, pint-sized Australian taste as well.
“AC/DC Premium Lager Beer ” is 568mL of true German Premium Lager with mouthwatering 5.0% alc.  This lager fires up your tongue like TNT, comes with a great beer-loving taste and is brewed in accordance with the Rock`n Roll manifesto of 1973 and the German purity law of 1516.

Jackyl – Jesse James America’s Outlaw Beer

Jesse James has been ahead of the curve than the rest of his metal peers.  This beer is American Wheat Ale.  The more I am digging into this subject.  I am seeing a ton of lagers so it is nice to Trooper and America’s Outlaw Beer are ales.  This beer is only available in a few states.

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

AMERICA’S OUTLAW BEER is a true American original.

Our beer is an unfiltered wheat beer. American wheat beer is a style invented by specialty brewers in the United States in the 1980’s. It may even stretch the definition of “style,” for nowhere is the creativity and diversity of America’s craft brewers better displayed than in wheat beers.   Our beer is crisp and refreshing with an extremely soft finish.

AMERICA’S OUTLAW BEER is brewed with 40% malted wheat. The remaining grain bill is a wonderful blend of Pale, Caramel, and Munich malts designed to provide more body and mouth feel. Our Nottingham yeast delivers the soft finish that consumers will enjoy time and time again. Wilamette, Fuggles, and Cascade hops balance this refreshing beer perfectly.

This beer is delicious by itself or garnished with fruit.

AMERICA’S OUTLAW BEER is 5.5% abv.

In closing, there are a lot more beers teaming up with bands.  The ones that I am talking about are limited edition beers.  What I mean by that, they are beers that are made and release.  They will never made again in good chances.  I am talking about a beer that Clutch with New Belgian.  It was a 22oz bottles and it was a limited run.  I believe 3 Floyds have done several beers with bands.  I will say this.  This thought will never end.  Breweries and bands will team up to make money off each fan base.  I am excited to try these beers but I know some are good and others will be bad.  I cannot give you a thought because I never had some of these.  Please, let me know your thoughts if you have any of these.  Go get some!  Drink it!  Enjoy it!  Metal it!  \m/

Cheers!

Bill DJ Weiser

Email:  djweiser13@comcast.net

Twitter:  @djweiser

New Beer Blog Gigantic Whole In The Head Imperial IPA

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In this beer blog, we are going to get into another beer from Gigantic.  The beer is called Whole In The Head Imperial IPA.  If you read my last beer blog on their IPA, you know the history.  If you have not read the last post, please, read the post on their IPA.  Let us get into the beer.

It has a clear cooper with a constant white head. The smell has a citrus to the beer. The taste has a sweet citrus with a dry aftertaste. This is a sipping beer.

Here is a description from the beer bottle:

Whole In The Head Imperial IPA

A freakin’ hop bomb.  Bright, multilayered citrus hop aromas and flavors blow up your face, with just the right amount of hop bitterness to back it all up.

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.giganticbrewing.com

Twitter:  @GiganticBrewing

Closing, just like their normal IPA, this Imperial IPA is something else.  It is well made and balance.  It has a big hop flavor but a great malty backbone.  There is no faults in this beer like most India Pale Ales in the market.  These two brewmasters know what they are doing and they are good job at it.  It only comes in 22oz bottles but it is well worth the price for this great beer.  Once this beer is sold out they will never make anymore of this beer. I cannot wait to see what else this brewery has up their hat.  I highly recommend this beer and 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 Gigantic IPA

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In this beer blog, we are going to get into a brewery from Portland, Oregon that I had a chance to visit their brewpub.  I was upset because my phone dead and I had no chances to write any blogs on their beers.  I was pretty excited to learn that they made their way to the Chicago market.  Gigantic opened their doors in 2012 to the public.  They are known for this beer in this post and making a twist on the classic beer styles.  The founders are Van Havig and Ben Love.  The ball started moving in 2010 for this brewery.  It looks like I was around when they first started up.  I do remember trying their beer called “The City Never Sleeps.”  Let us get into this great beer.

It has a slight hazel copper color with a constant white head on the beer. The smell has a citrus to it but I pick up hints of piney to earthly notes. The taste has a creamy with a light carbonation citrus with a dry hop aftertaste. It is to me a drinkable beer.

Here is a description from the beer bottle:

Gigantic IPA

True to its name.  Cascade, centennial, crystal and simcoe create a citrusy hop confluence that continuously embiggens with each drink.  The embodiment of our brewing philosophy to “never give an inch”.

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.giganticbrewing.com

Twitter:  @GiganticBrewing

Closing, I get nervous with 22oz bottle beers.  I sometimes feel I do not get my money worth out of the beer.  I did not feel this way towards this beer because I have had their beers.  I wonder if there are more people like me out there.  This is a great beer and it is well balance between the hops to the malt backbone.  Gigantic did a great job making this beer and I love the art on the packaging.  This young brewery is on the right direction and I am looking forward what they will release next.  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 Speakeasy Payback Porter

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In this beer blog, we are going to get into another beer from Speakeasy out of San Francisco.  If you read my earlier beer blog post with all their six-pack beers, you know the history of this brewery.  If you have not, please, read that beer blog to get to know this great brewery from California.  Let us get into the beer.

It is a jet black color with a tan color head. The smell has a heavy chocolate to the beer. The taste is between chocolate to toffee with a coco aftertaste. For a dark beer and a dark beer drinker, it is a pretty beer drinkable.

Here is a description from the beer bottle:

American hops provide a smooth distraction for Payback Porter’s robustness, which is concealed within the shadows of imported dark malts.

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.goodbeer.com

Twitter:  @SpeakeasyBeer

In closing, this brewery has not disappointed me at all.  Speakeasy makes some good beers and lived up to the hype that is being said throughout the country.  Their Payback Porter brings up the back-end of their beer line up and lives up as a great beer.  This beer has a ton going on and craft beer drinker will be picking this up throughout the year.  I am slowly getting around to try all their beers.  Just like the rest of their line up, I recommend this one and the rest of their beers.  Let me know your thoughts.  Go get some!  Drink it!  Enjoy it!  Metal it!  \m/

Cheers!

Bill DJ Weiser

Email:  djweiser13@comcast.net

Twitter:  @djweiser