west coast

New Beer Blog Coronado Brewery Islander IPA

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In this beer blog, we are going to sample Islander IPA from Coronada Brewery.  I had a chance to try this brew from a tap take over a few weeks ago. I was not impressed with this beer and rest of their brews.  I loved their Orange Wit but there was a few people who did not like and others that did.  Coronado Brewery was founded in 1996 by Ron and Rick Chapman.  They founded the brewery in Coronado City, which is their hometown.  The brewery brews several different beer styles.  However, like most West Coast craft brewery, they are known for their India Pale Ale.  Let us get into this flagship brew.

It has a clear golden color with a semi constant white head on this IPA. The aroma has a grapefruit to mango notes.  The taste has a heavy citrus notes like mango and grapefruit with a dry hop bitter finish.  It is kind of drinkable.  The aftertaste keeps you coming back for more of this West Coast IPA.

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

Description:

Named after Coronado Island, our original India Pale Ale is a liquid expression of hometown pride. Centennial, Chinook and Columbus hops combine to provide an explosive burst of piney bitterness and luscious notes of apricot, grapefruit and mango that are sure to evoke imagery of swaying palms and sun-kissed shores.

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.coronadobrewingcompany.com

Twitter:  @coronadobrewing

Closing, I do not know if it was dirty lines or a bad keg.  I have to say I was not a fan of this brew on draft at that tap take over.  It is possible that it could have been a bad keg.  I love this better in bottle and it was so much better than the keg.  There was a difference in this brew.  I love the hops that they picked for this beer.  It is kind of drinkable beer, however, the aftertaste is dry that will keep you coming back for more.  This is a great beer and 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

Instagram:  @djweiser13

New Beer Blog Epic Brewery Brainless IPA

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We are going to sample Brainless IPA that is the second brew from Epic Brewery on this blog.  If you read my earlier beer blog posts on their beers, you know the history of this craft brewery.  If you have not, please, read those posts to get to know Epic Brewery.  Let us get into this beer.

This Belgian Style India Pale Ale has a cloudy golden color with a nice constant white head.  It has a heavy carbonation with some big bubbles in the head.  The aroma has a spicy citrus notes.  The taste has a heavy carbonation notes with citrus to Belgian spicy notes.  The aftertaste is a heavy dry hop finish.  It is a sipping beer.

Here is a description from the beer bottles:

Our Brainless IPA pays tribute to the collaboration efforts of innovative brewers. The fruity Belgian yeast and powerful American hops relentless tease your pallet.

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

Our Brainless® IPA pays tribute to the collaborative efforts of innovative brewers. The fruity Belgian yeast and powerful American hops relentlessly tease your pallet.

Glassware: Pint, Snifter, Tulip
Food Pairings: Smoked or grilled meats, spicy foods, sharp cheeses, and very sweet desserts

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.epicbrewing.com

Twitter:  @EpicBrewing

Closing, I have been trying to get to know this Mountain area craft brewery.  Every time I see their beers on draft.  I have been getting at least a pint of it.  I have been mixing up some bottles when I go beer shopping.  I pick up this bottle because I have never had it.  I love my IPA’s and Belgian style IPA’s have been growing on me.  At one time, I really did not like this beer style in the world of IPA’s.  I love the notes that the Belgian yeast kicks off in the beer.  The strong malty backbone knocks the powerful American Hops down that they picked in this brew.  This is a great beer and I am glad I tried it.  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

Instagram:  @djweiser13

New Beer Blog Sweetwater Brewery 420 Extra Pale Ale

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In this beer blog, we are going to sample the flagship beer, which is 420 Extra Pale Ale from Sweetwater Brewery.  If you read my earlier beer blog posts, you know the history of this southern craft brewery.  If you have not, please, read it to get to know Sweetwater Brewery.  Let us get into this Extra Pale Ale.

It has a clear copper color with a constant white head on this extra pale ale.  The aroma has a malty to earthy notes.  The taste has malty to earthy hop notes with a dry hop finish for aftertaste.  It is extremely drinkable beer.

Here is a description from the beer bottle:

A tasty west coast style pale accentuated by a stimulating hop character.  First conceived in our bar cave on 4-20, this kind beer keeps the wheels on the bus going round and round.

Drink ’em if you got ’em!

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

SweetWater 420 Extra Pale Ale, our most popular brew, is a tasty West Coast Style Pale Ale with a stimulating hop character and a crisp finish. 1st brewed on April 20th 1997.

Specs – 5.4% alcohol, 16 oz can singles, 6-packs, 12-packs (12 oz bottles and cans), 15.5 Gallon kegs 1/2Bbl (US Sankey), 5 gallon 1/6th bbl torpedo kegs

Grains – Munich, 40L, 2-Row

Hops – Centennial, Cascade

Awards – 2002 Silver Medal- Great American Beer Festival, 1997 – 2005 Creative Loafing Readers Choice – Best local beer, 1998 World Beer Cup silver medal, Top 10 Local beers – Atlanta Journal Constitution

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.sweetwaterbrew.com

Twitter:  @sweetwaterbrew

Closing, I know this is one of the beers that I had in my beer of the month.  I really enjoyed this beer.  This brew has a nice backbone with some nice hop selection.  This beer might be West Coast Style Pale Ale but it drinks nicely.  This is a nice refreshing with a nice crisp aftertaste.  I love the malty backbone with some nice hop character.  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

Instagram:  @djweiser13

New Beer Blog Anderson Valley Spring Hornin’ Spring India Pale Ale

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In this beer blog, we are going to get into the second craft beer from Anderson Valley.  It is their Spring Hornin’ Spring India Pale Ale.  If you read my earlier beer blog post on their Wild Turkey Bourdon Stout, you know the history of this craft brewery.  If you have not, please, read it to get to know Anderson Valley Craft Brewery.  Let us get into this IPA.

It has a clear copper color with a white constant head on this IPA.  The aroma has hints of blueberry and honey with notes of citrus.  There is a little bit of floral notes.  The taste has a light carbonated citrus with a nice honey notes.  The aftertaste is not overly bitter but kind of refreshing.  This is a smooth drinkable beer.

Here is a description from the beer bottle:

Burnish gold hue with a persistent, rocky white head.  Floral, spicy aroma redolent of lilacs, white pepper and Bartlett pears with undertones of blueberry honey and roses.  A pleasant balance of crisp bitterness with a clean malt profile adorned spicy, herbal hop flavors lasting into a dry, refreshing finish.

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

With floral, spicy aromas reminiscent of lilacs, white pepper and Bartlett pears, our new Spring Hornin’ IPA embodies the season with a clean malt profile and herbal hop flavors lasting into a dry, refreshing finish.

FOOD PAIRINGS:
Fish and chips, roasted lamb, peppery Korean beef, oatmeal raisin cookies

CHEESE PAIRINGS:
Mild English Cheddar, Gouda

GLASSWARE:
Pint Glass

ALC/VOL:
6.8

BITTERNESS:
55 IBU

MALTS:
Pale Two-Row malted barley, Crystal (40L), Munich (20L)

HOPS:
Columbus, Golding, Nugget, Northern Brewer

AVAILABILITY:
Jan-Mar: Draft, 22oz bottle, 12oz bottle

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.avbc.com

Twitter:  @avbc

Ending, I really like this beer.  It is a simple statement.  I have been slowly getting into their beers because I am finding they are making some nice brews.  I loved their Stout that they used Wild Turkey Barrels.  I love the unique blueberry notes with hints of honey in this IPA.  I am glad these craft breweries are pushing the limits again.  It was getting to the point that everyone was putting out the same boring stuff with different hops.  Yes, hops do make a difference.  This is a great light Spring IPA.  I will be checking more of their beers out.  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

Instagram:  @djweiser13

New Beer Blog Lagunitas Nighttime (Cask Ale)

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While at the Michigan Cask Ale Fest, we are going to sample Nighttime Ale from Lagunitas.  This is the first this beer made it to Michigan.  It is in a Cask Barrel.  This is the true form and best way to drink beers.  If you read my earlier beer blog posts on this west coast and midwest craft brewery, you know the history of this brewery.  If you have not, please, read them to get to know this Lagunitas Brewery.  Let us get into this beer.

It has a nice dark brown color with a nice white creamy head.   The aroma has slight chocolate to earthy notes.  The taste has a chocolate, earthy, and alcohol notes with nice alcohol burn bite for the aftertaste.  It is a sipping beer.

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.lagunitas.com

Twitter:  @lagunitasbeer

In the end, I had a great time at Ashley’s Westland for their Cask Ale Fest.  I was pretty excited to see this beer and had a chance to talk to the brewery rep.  I was spoiled living in Chicago for many years.  There beers were everywhere.  Here in Michigan, I have a hard time finding their beers in the bars.  I have no problem finding their beers in liquor stores. I have a go to store. I love my black IPA’s and I had to jump on this beer.  I did not know how long this beer would last during the event.  I had this beer in package before but this time it was in a cask barrel.  I have to say the color is a little lighter and better.  I really enjoyed this beer and I will be looking for it in bottle here soon.  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

Instagram:  @djweiser13

New Beer Blog Stone Saison Ale

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In this beer blog, we are going to sample a new brew from Stone Brewery.  It is their Saison Ale and it is just in time for the warm weather around the country.  If you read my earlier beer blog posts, you know the history of this west coast brewery.  If you have not, please, read them to get to know this craft brewery.  Let us get into this new Saison Ale.

It has a bright clear golden color with a white constant head.  The aroma has a heavy lemon to citrus notes.  The taste of this refreshing Saison has a light carbonation with a lemon to citrus notes.  The aftertaste has a pepper finish.  It is a drinkable beer.

Here is a description from the beer bottle:

in spring 2011, Stone brought the farm, literally, taking over 19 acres of fertile Stouthern California soil where we now grow fruits, vegetables, herbs and more for our Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens restaurants.  A taste of our homespun farm to tableism is provided in this farmhouse ale stoked with lemon zest, plus lemon thyme and lavender straight from Stone Farms.  This spring to summer saison is citric and herbal on the infusion of fresh West Coast ingredients, this isn’t your everyday saison.  It’s our saison 100% Stone.  Celebrate the sunny season with an authentic taste of our farm and, with it, our commitment to quality.

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

First Release: April 2014

In spring 2011, Stone bought the farm, literally, taking over 19 acres of fertile Southern California soil where we now grow pristine fruits, vegetables, herbs and more for our Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens restaurants. A taste of our homespun farm-to-tableism is provided in this farmhouse ale stoked with lemon zest, plus lemon thyme and lavender straight from Stone Farms. This spring-to-summer saison is citric and herbal on the palate with a dry, peppery finish. Thanks to the infusion of fresh West Coast ingredients, this isn’t your everyday saison. It’s our saison—100% Stone. Celebrate the sunny season with an authentic taste of our farm and, with it, our commitment to quality.

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.stonebrew.com

Twitter:  @StoneBrewingCo

In closing, I cannot think of a bad or not a good beer released from Stone Brewery Company.  They are just like Sierra Nevada.  This is a different pace for this brewery that is known for their IPA’s.  I was pretty excited and happy to see this on the shelves at my local beer store.  This is a different version of the classic beer style.  I love the refreshing citrus notes with the awesome black pepper finish.  I believe that makes this beer special is the aftertaste.  I love the fact that they brew this for their farm that the Stone Brewery owns.  It is a good back story.  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

Instagram:  @djweiser13

New Beer Blog Sierra Nevada Harvest Single Hop IPA

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In this beer blog, we are going to get into one of five special IPA’s from Sierra Nevada.  It is part of their Harvest Series that will be release through out the year. It is their Single Hop IPA.  It is using a special hop, which is Yakima hop #291.  If you read my earlier beer blog posts, you know the history of this craft brewery.  If you have not read my earlier beer blog posts, please, read them to get to know Sierra Nevada Brewery.  Let us get into this beer.

This India Pale Ale has a clear copper color with a nice creamy like white head on it.  The aroma has a nice welcoming floral notes.  The taste has a light carbonation and blueberry notes.  The aftertaste has nice a nice hop bitter kick but hints of black pepper.  It is kind of drinkable but more of a sipping India Pale Ale.

Here is a description from the beer bottle:

The first in our 2014 Harvest series, this single hop IPA showcases newly developed hop 291’s intense, bright floral aromas and complementary notes of blueberry and black pepper.

We’re devoted to whole-cone hops, and we’re always on  the hunt for rare and exciting hop flavors.  By working directly with breeders and growers, we have access to fields of the latest hops new to brew kettles.  The first in our five-bottle Harvest series is single hopped with newly developed 291 varietal and highlights its intense floral and berry-like aromas.  Drink this IPA fresh and watch for the next releases that-explore diverse hopping methods:  single hop, fresh hop, wet hop, and wild hop.

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

Available February 2014.
Whole-cone hops, the whole time—our philosophy since the beginning. We use hops in their purest form, and we’re fortunate to get first crack at some of the rare and exciting varietals new to brew kettles. This single-hop IPA showcases newly developed hop 291’s fruity, berry-like aromas, complex floral character and hints of pepper. This intriguing varietal kicks off our five-bottle Harvest series which features single hop, fresh hop, wet hop, and wild hop beers.

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.sierranevada.com

Twitter:  @SierraNevada

Ending, this was an awesome brew.  Sierra Nevada, once again, has out did themselves.  They put some thought and used the hop in the right way.  I love the unique hop aroma and taste profile this beer kicks off.  I was a little taking back on the notes from the aroma and taste.  The aftertaste of black pepper and aroma of berry like notes is unique and different.  I laugh at people saying this brewery is one trick pony.  This is a pretty balance beer with a ton flavor.  I really enjoying it and I highly highly recommend 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 Sierra Nevada Nooner Session IPA

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In this beer blog, we are going to get into another beer, which is Nooner Session IPA, from Sierra Nevada Brewery.  It is another beer from their 4-Way IPA.  If you read my earlier beer blog posts, you know the history of this craft brewery.  If you have not read those posts, please, do so to get to know this West Coast craft brewery.  Let us get into this IPA.

It has a clear copper color with a white constant head on this session India Pale Ale.  The aroma has a light citrus notes.  The taste has a light carbonated and notes of slight grapefruit to citrus.  The aftertaste has dry hop bitter finish. It is extremely drinkable beer.

Here is a description from the beer bottle:

There’s no better way to start a lazy afternoon than with a group of friends and a few beers. Nooner IPA is a session beer that’s light in body yet big in hop flavor. By using intense, whole-cone American hops in our Hop Torpedo we pack this small beer with a hefty hop punch.

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

Nooner™ Session IPA

Kick back with big hop flavor.

There’s no better way to start a lazy afternoon than with a group of friends and a few beers. Nooner IPA is a session beer that’s light in body yet big in hop flavor. By using intense, whole-cone American hops in our Hop Torpedo we pack this small beer with a hefty hop punch. Traditionally, IPAs have been bigger, stronger beers, but this session beer offers the same hop assertiveness with an easy drinkability.

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.sierranevada.com

Twitter:  @SierraNevada

Closing, when I first had this beer, I thought it was the best session IPA that I ever had.  It is still a great brew and I love it.  I hope they will bottle and package it down into six pack bottles soon.  It is drinkable for an all day event or just a lazy weekend day.  I love the hops and the light malty backbone is just right. This is an awesome beer and I recommend this beer and the sampler pack.  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 Sierra Nevada Snow Wit White IPA

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In this beer blog, we are going to get into another beer from Sierra Nevada.  It is from their 4-Way IPA sampler pack.  It is their Snow Wit White IPA.  If you read my earlier beer blog posts, you know the history of this west coast craft brewery.  If you have not read them, please, do so to get to know Sierra Nevada.  I bet you already know the history of this craft brewery.  Let us get into this white IPA.

It has a cloudy strew to light golden slight dark white color with a white constant head on this white IPA.  The aroma has notes of wheat, coriander and a slight grapefruit notes.  The taste has a hint of wheat and coriander with a nice grapefruit notes.  The aftertaste has a nice yeasty and slight bitter finish.  It is pretty drinkable brew.

Here is a description from the beer bottle:

You don’t need a magic to see the lure of this beer. It’s brewed with seven varieties of experimental dwarf hops. These hops are so called because of their uncommon growing method-shorter hegerows rather than trellis system-that yields a denser heap of cones with unique flavors that diverge from their full-grown botanical counterparts.

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

Snow Wit™ White IPA

A seven-hop lineup with a Belgian twist.

You don’t need a magic mirror to see the lure of this beer. It’s brewed with seven varieties of experimental dwarf hops. These hops are so called because of their uncommon growing method—shorter hedgerows rather than tall trellis systems—that yields a denser heap of cones with unique flavors that diverge from their full-grown botanical counterparts. Each year new and different varieties are grown in this method, creating untried and exciting shifts in hop character.

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.sierranevada.com

Twitter:  @SierraNevada

In closing, I have never been a huge fan of this beer style, however, of late, it is starting to grow on me.  I do not know if that is because there are better White IPA’s hitting the market or my palate is getting use to them.  I love how the Belgian White twists nicely with the IPA side.  The hops selection is perfect with the coriander and wheat notes.  I am pretty impressed and I have to say this one of the best White IPA that I have ever had.  I highly recommend this beer and this sampler pack.  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 Sierra Nevada Blindfold Black IPA

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In this beer blog, we are going to get into the new Sampler pack from Sierra Nevada.  It is called 4-Way IPA. The sampler pack has Blindflold Black IPA, Snow Wit IPA, Torpedo IPA, and Nooner IPA.  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 them to get to know their beers that I review and know the history of this brewery.  Let us sample out this Black IPA.

It has a jet black color with a tan head on this black IPA.  The aroma has a chocolate to slight coffee with a citrus notes.  The taste has a creamy chocolate with a hint of citrus notes.  The aftertaste is a dry bitter finish.  It is a sipping beer.

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

Blindfold™Black IPA

Bright hops pierce through roasty darkness.

Blindfold blankets us in darkness yet maintains a surprisingly light body and bold, hoppy character. This black IPA emerged from our Beer Camp program and builds on Sierra Nevada’s legendary love of hops with roasted malts for depth and complexity. Like its namesake, Blindfold is a bit disorienting—the color of a stout and the intense, hop-forward flavors of a classic American IPA.

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.sierranevada.com

Twitter:  @SierraNevada

Closing, I believe this craft brewery does not get the credit they should today unlike they did back when they first started.  Their beers are very underrated.  I love their Pale Ale and I believe most just think of Sierra Nevada as one beer brewery.  This is so not true. They make an awesome stout and porter.  I have not even put the words about their IPA.  Their everyday IPA is one of my favorites and it is very underrated.  I knew I was in good hands when I saw this 4 way IPA Pack in the store.  I did not stop and thinking about it.  I just grab it and went home and try them.  The first one I tried was this Black IPA.  This beer style is hopheads wet dream.  I have had several Black IPA’s in my time.  I love how this one is creamy unlike the other ones I had.  It is not drinking and most are not drinkable.  It is a nice relaxing beer.  I love it and I recommend this brew and sampler pack.  Go get some!  Drink it!  Enjoy it!  Metal it!  \m/

Cheers!

Bill DJ Weiser

Email:  djweiser13@comcast.net

Twitter:  @djweiser

Instagram:  @djweiser13