west coast

New Beer Blog Deschutes Pinedrops IPA

In this beer blog,we are going to get into a new brew from Deschutes Brewery. It is their Pinedrops 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 this craft brewery. Let us get into this IPA.

It has a clear golden color with a white constant head. The smell has a piney to earthly notes. The taste has a piney notes with a smooth dry aftertaste. It is pretty drinkable beer.

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

Available Year-Round. This lively IPA delivers a crisp and light malt body with ample citrus and pine notes from Chinook and Equinox hops. Inspired by the aromas and silence we experience when exploring the scenic pine forests just up the road from our brewhouse.

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website: www.deschutesbrewery.com

Twitter: @deschutesbeer

Closing, I was happy to hear that Deschutes was coming to the State of Michigan. I do not know how they are doing in this state. This state is a little different from other states about the drink the local beer. I get it but there are some really good craft breweries outside of this state. I believe this market is slowly turning. I could be totally wrong on that thought. I love this beer. This is better IPA than most Michigan IPA’s. I highly recommend this beer. Go get some! Drink it! Enjoy it! Metal it! \m/

Cheers!

Bill DJ Weiser

Email: djweiser16@gmail.com

Twitter: @djweiser

Instagram: @djweiser13

New Beer Blog Deschutes Armory XPA

In this beer blog, we are going to get into another brew from Deschutes. It is their Armory XPA and you can only get this beer from their sampler pack. 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 this brewery located in the northwest part of the United States. Let us get into this pale ale.

It has a clear copper color with a white constant head. The smell has a nice floral like notes. The taste has a nice floral and tropical notes. The aftertaste has a tropical fruit like finish. It is extremely drinkable beer.

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website: www.deschutesbrewery.com

Twitter: @DeschutesBeer

Closing, I was happy to see this brewery finally make it to the Chicago market. I had to move back home so I loss the chance to really enjoyed their beers. Every time, I travel to the west coast. I always try to bring some beer back home. I happy that they followed me to Michigan. Since i have not had their beers for a while, I brought a sampler pack and this beer was part of it. I like it. It seems a little bit more bitter than Goose Island IPA. This is a great pale ale. It is not as bitter as Sierra Nevada Pale Ale. I recommend this beer. Go get some! Drink it! Enjoy it! Metal it! \m/

Cheers!

Bill DJ Weiser

Email: djweiser15@gamail.com

Twitter: @djweiser

Instagram: @djweiser13

New Beer Blog Knee Deep Brewing Breaking Bud

In this beer blog, we are going to get into Knee Deep Brewing. This is the first time that this brewery and their beer is being feature on this blog. The beer is their Breaking Bud IPA. Jeremy Warren founded Knee Deep Brewing in 2010. They are known for their IPA’s. There is not much history on this brewery. They just added Michigan to their distribution map. Let us get into this IPA.

It has a clear golden color with a white constant head. The aroma has a heavy earthly to floral like notes. The taste has an earthly to grass like notes with a pine cone aftertaste. It is pretty drinkable beer.

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

Old school meets new school in this fresh approach to the classic IPA. At 50 IBU’s and 6.7% ABV, Breaking Bud features the restrained bitterness and alcohol of a classic IPA with newer tropical fruit hop flavors and aromas of Mosaic. Also in the hop mix are Simcoe and CTZ, creating layers of mango, passion fruit, pine and dank. A malt bill with a pinch of crystal malt and a hefty dose of flaked wheat keeps the beer crisp while adding flavor complexity.

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website: www.kneedeepbrewing.com

Twitter: @kneedeepbrewing

Closing my tab, I just happen to walk into one of liquor stores by my house. I was pretty stun to see these brews from Knee Deep Brewing. I never heard of them and of course, I pulled out my phone right away and did a little research from this craft brewery. I have to say I am not disappointed. I just wished that it came in as six pack bottles or cans. I am not a huge fan of 22oz bottles. I will say most markets are like this now. If it is a limited run beer, I am fine with it being in 22oz bottles. I like it. It is nice to get a different version of an English style IPA. I will pick up this beer once in a while. It is just the 22oz that throws me off. Once it is open. You have to drink it all. I recommend this beer. Go get some! Drink it! Enjoy it! Metal it! \m/

Cheers!

Bill DJ Weiser

Email: djweiser16@gmail.com

Twitter: @djweiser

Instagram: @djweiser13

New Beer Blog Sierra Nevada Brauhaus Riegele Oktoberfest

In this fall beer blog, we are going to get into the new fall seasonal from Sierra Nevada Brewery. It is their Oktoberfest. It is brewed with Brauhaus Riegele. If you read my earlier beer blog posts on Sierra Nevada Brewery, you know the history of this west coast craft brewery. If you have not, please, read them to get to know Sierra Nevada. Brauhaus Riegele was founded in 1386. It is one of the oldest brewery in Germany. Let us get into this fall beer.

It has a clear golden color with a white constant head on this fall beer. The aroma has a light malty notes. It is hard to pick up. The taste has a malty notes that finish slightly sweet for the aftertaste. It is pretty drinkable.

Here is a description from beer bottle:

We partnered with one of Germany’s oldest breweries – Brauhaus Riegele – to create a true festival beer unlike any other brewed in the USA. Using traditional techniques and ingredients, we’re bringing the style back to its authentic roots with a deep golden color, delicate hop note and rich malt complexity.

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

Oktoberfest

A German-American collaboration on the classic festival beer.

“How Sierra Nevada Made the World’s Best Oktoberfest” —

We’re on a mission to explore the roots of Germany’s festival beers. Each year, we’ll partner with one of a handful of incredible German brewers to create a traditional take on the most famous beer style in history. This year we’re working hand in hand with Brauhaus Riegele of Augsburg. Together we created an authentic Oktoberfest beer, true to the roots of the festival, that’s deep golden in color and rich with complex malt flavor from the use of traditional German Steffi barley.

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website: www.sierranevada.com

Twitter; @SierraNevada

In the end, I was pretty excited to see Sierra Nevada making Okotberfest. I thought it was one from the Fall Sampler from last years. This is a brand new brew beer for this fall. The one from last year was their brewpub only Oktoberfest. I will be honest. I was not a really a huge fan of this years at first. I believe it was because I was hoping to get the one that I had from last year. I have to say it really grew on me. I have been picking it up and sharing it with friends. I have to say that my friends are loving it. I love it. I am having a hard time finding it now because stores are selling out and fast. I highly recommend this one if you can find it. Go get some! Drink it! Enjoy it! Metal it! \m/

Cheers!

Bill DJ Weiser

Email: djweiser16@gamil.com

Twitter: @djweiser

Instagram: @djweiser13

New Beer Blog Stone Thunderstruck IPA

In this special beer blog, we are going to get into another brew from Stone Brewery. It is their 19th Anniversary IPA. It is their Thunderstruck 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 California craft brewery. Let us get into this IPA.

It has a clear golden color with a white constant head. The smell has a floral to slight citrus notes. The taste of this medium body has a citrus notes with hints of hop bitter. The aftertaste has a hop bitter finish. It is pretty drinkable beer.

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

Our 19th anniversary beer brings the boom, delivering it to the palate in a voluminous, hop-driven thunderclap backed by the power of our brewing passion and intensity. This double IPA owes its considerable oomph to a quartet of Australian hops—Topaz and Galaxy, plus newcomers Ella and Vic Secret. We also had Fairview malt shipped in from Australia just for this brew. The beer’s striking tropical fruit, citrus and peach hop flavors and slightly resinous and aromatically dank earthiness are sure to electrify your senses.

We have many special beers planned for release to celebrate our 20 years of brewing, so let this serve as the first course to what will be an undoubtedly epic feast for craft beer enthusiasts, with particular thanks to those who’ve been with us for the long haul and helped us attain such longevity. Consider this the first of many Thank-Yous…for years to come!

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website: www.stonebrewing.com

Twitter: @stonebrewingco

Ending, I always pick up their new IPA’s. I am a huge fan of this craft brewery. i love the fact that they are always trying something different and new in beer. I love taste profile and nice balance in this beer. This craft brewery knows how to make IPA’s. I trust this craft brewery more than any other craft brewery. This is a nice IPA and I am glad I checked it out. I highly recommend this beer. I like it but is taste like a normal IPA. There is nothing wrong with that. Go get some! Drink it! Enjoy it! Metal it! \m/

Cheers!

Bill DJ Weiser

Email: djweiser16@gmail.com

Twitter: @djweiser

Instagram: @djweiser13

New Beer Blog Coronado Brewing Idiot IPA

In this beer blog, we are going to get into a special release every year from Coronado Brewing Company. It is their Idiot IPA Imperial India Pale 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 them to get to know Coronado Brewing. Let us get into Imperial India Pale Ale.

It has a cloudy golden color without a head on this Imperial IPA. The aroma has a heavy citrus notes. The taste has a heavy citrus notes. The aftertaste has a heavy citrus to hop bitter finish. It is a sipping beer.

Here is a description from the beer bottle:

It doesn’t take a genius to know quality West Coast IPA’s require a stupid amount of hops. A generous blend of Nugget hops and the four C’s – Cascade, Centennial, Chinook, and Columbus – brings forth a myriad of tropical fruit flavors and a brawny, persistent bitterness that makes for a highly intelligent brew.

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website: www.coronadobrewingcompany.com

Twitter: @coronadobrewing

Closing, Anyone can make imperial IPA. The question is you need to ask. Is this one a good one? Idiots can throw a ton a hops into a brew kettle to hide a ton of mistakes in their beer. This Double IPA is one of the bad ones. The malty backbone is pretty weak and it is not strong enough to cut through the hop bitterest. This beer to me taste like hop water beer. It takes a genius and smart brewmaster to make a good Imperial IPA. I think you need to take some lessons from your neighbor down the street. They are always finding away to change and do something different with their Double and Imperial IPA. I do not really recommend this beer. Drink it! Enjoy it! Metal it! \m/

Cheers!

Bill DJ Weiser

Email: djweiser16@gmail.com

Twitter: @djweiser

Instagram: @djweiser13

New Beer Blog Beer Stores In Southeast Michigan Part 2

In this beer blog, we are going to talk more about the liquor stores in my area and market. This is a follow-up from a blog that I wrote about year ago. I just find some of these stores do things that are good or bad and craft or import beer drinkers should know. I see some stores that are under charging and there are others that are over charging. Let us get into each of the stores.

Wine palace

If you live in the Livonia or Westland area, you know about this liquor store. They have a great liquor and wine selection. I have been told that they have some gems over there too. We are here to talk about the beer selection. They have a great craft beer and import selection. Just like everywhere else, you do need to watch code dates. If they know you are one of their regulars, you will get some of the one off or limited releases. They have a great Import selection and a nice beer cave. Their prices are one of the best in town. Their prices go pretty well against the Meijer down the street. Overall, this is a place to check out.

Marcus Market

This place is located in the Wayne State area. They have an average to below average beer selection. The huge problem with this store is they are not on top of their stuff. What I mean, they do not know what most of their beer and product cost in their store. Their prices are pretty high or way too low. For example, which I have many, Blake’s 6 pack cans for $19.99, which should be around $9.99 and 10.99 like other stores. Bell’s Planet Series Uranus single bottle (12oz) for $4.99. While other stores are charges $2.99. There is some cider and beer that are under cost. There is a cider from Blakes that other stores charge $24.99. They were charging $9.99. They do not have too many rare beers or ciders, however, they have a great Mead selection just watch the prices. Their little restaurant in the back of the store is a most try. Asides that, stay away from this store.

Forrest

This is another place not far from Wayne State either. Their prices are pretty good. They are little high but not by much. They have a pretty good beer selection for craft beers and ciders. This is a great store when you want some cheap beer with a good craft beer. They get a ton of rare and limited craft beers and ciders. You will need to ask guys behind the counter. They have a nice staff and they are willing to help their customers. I highly recommend this store. If you are in the Wayne State area, come here and not Marcus Market.

Holiday Market Royal Oak

I have been here a few times. I have not been here in a while. I just know if I cannot find a beer in my area. I can take a trip to the east side of the City of Detroit to get it. They have an awesome craft beer and cider selection. I know many of friends said if you are a regular. You will get some of the one off and limited releases. If you live on the east side, I highly recommend this place.

Closing, I know there are so many other stores and I know that I keep forgetting some of them. Please, let me know about them and I will check them out. I will do a write-up on them. I hope you learn something from reading this post. Let me know about your thoughts. Go get some! Drink it! Enjoy it! Metal it! \m/

Cheers!

Bill DJ Weiser

Email: djweiser16@gmail.com

Twitter: @djweiser

Instagram: @djweiser13

New Beer Blog Kona Brewery Castaway India Pale Ale

Kona Brewing Castaway India Pale Ale is the brewery and beer that is being featured in this beer blog. If you read my earlier beer blog posts on their beers, you know the history of this Hawaii craft brewery. If you have not, please, read them to get to know this Kona Brewery. Let us get into this IPA.

It has a golden color with small constant bubbles. There is a semi on constant white head. The aroma has a heavy citrus notes with a slight grapefruit notes. The taste has a nice citrus notes that is not bitter at all. It is pretty smooth on tongue. There is a nice grapefruit aftertaste. It is pretty drinkable beer.

Here is a description from the beer bottle:

Since 1994, Kona Brewing Co. has been committed to making handcrafted ales and lagers of uncompromised quality. We invite you to visit our brewery and pubs whenever you visit Hawaii. Mahalo!

Set Sail For Adventure!

Hawaiians crossing the channel between Oahu and Molokai faces perilous journey. Our Castaway IPA is inspired by these brave island explorers. A smooth yet spirited brew, it’s as refreshing as the wind in your face when you set sail for adventure.

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

Kona Brewing Company | Castaway IPA

Set Sail for Adventure

Take a sip of this copper-colored India Pale Ale and you’ll taste bold, citrusy hops with a touch of tropical mango and passion fruit, balanced by the rich caramel malts. Castaway IPA has a clean, crisp finish that’s as refreshing as the wind in your face when you set sale for adventure.

NEW TO THE MAINLAND IN 2014 – Check out our beer finder tab to see where you can grab some.

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website: www.konabrewingco.com

Twitter: @konabrewingco

In the end, it just seems all the time that I have to make trades to get beers from the west coast. I was happy to see this brewery finally made an IPA. I love this beer and I wish it was in Michigan. It has finally made it to the Michigan market. It has a nice grapefruit and citrus notes. This beer has a nice color in the beer glass. There is some nice smooth but has a nice bitter notes to make a hophead happy. I highly recommend this beer. Go get some! Drink it! Enjoy it! Metal it! \m/

Cheers!

Bill DJ Weiser

Email: djweiser16@gmail.com

Twitter: @djweiser

Instagram: @djweiser13

New Beer Blog Sierra Nevada Brewery Hop Hunter IPA

In this beer blog, we are going to get into a new beer and new technique to brew an IPA from Sierra Nevada Brewery. It is called Hop Hunter IPA. If you read 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 Sierra Nevada Brewery. Let us get into this IPA.

It has a clear golden color with small not constant bubbles. There is a nice white constant head. The aroma has an earthly to hop oil notes. The hop bitterest will burn the craft beer drinker’s nose. The taste has an earthly to evergreen notes. The aftertaste has a hop bitter finish. It is pretty drinkable beer.

Here is a description from this beer bottle:

Steam distilled hop oil, gathered right in the hop fields, gives a mighty boost to the floral and citrus notes of traditional whole-cone hops for intense, unmatched hop aromatics.

Hop Hunter IPA is the first beer to feature oil from wet hops steam distilled directly in the field, minutes after harvest. We use this pure, powerful hop essence in concert with whole-cone hops in our brew kettle and in our Hop Torpedo to create the ultimate IPA experience.

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website: www.sierranevada.com

Twitter: @sierranevada

Closing, when I heard what Sierra Nevada Brewery was doing for their new IPA, I said WHAT?!?!?!? I have to say I was pretty stun between the taste profile and aroma. You can smell the hop oil and I believe this will start a new trend in the craft beer world. I love this beer. This beer is one of my favorite IPA’s in the beer market. This is a great IPA but it is still not a Goose Island IPA. I have that beer as my #1 IPA. I have to say this beer is not that far off. Sierra Nevada is my #1 brewery to get my IPA fixed. I highly recommend this brew. I have been talking to everyone about this beer. Go get some! Drink it! Enjoy it! Metal it! \m/

Cheers!

Bill DJ Weiser

Email: djweiser16@gmail.com

Twitter: @djweiser

Instagram: @djweiser13

New Beer Blog New Belgium Portage Porter

In this spring seasonal beer blog, we are going to sample the new spring seasonal, which is Portage Porter, from New Belgium Brewery. This craft brewery is always changing it up on all their seasonals. They normally switch seasonal brews every two years but they have been switching them sooner if they are not selling. 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 them to get to know New Belgium Brewery. Let us get into this porter.

It has a jet black color with a constant tan head on this porter. The aroma has a chocolate to coffee notes. The taste of this American porter has a nice creamy chocolate to toffee notes. The aftertaste has a dry chocolate to coffee finish. It is kind of drinkable beer.

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

A great porter just feels right in your hand. And carrying a glass of Portage Porter is no different. An opaque, brown pour, this beer presents with coffee and chocolate aromas, with hints of toast and smoked almonds. The taste follows suit, adding an upfront sweetness and a slight, roasty bitterness to back it up. Creamy and wonderful, this porter sips a medium body and finishes dry and delightful. Portage Porter carts itself towards perfection. Just tip your glass and keep smiling. Available January 2015.

Here is their website and Twitter addresses:

Website: www.newbelgium.com

Twitter: @newbelgium

Ending, I did not see a normal American porter coming from New Belgium Brewery. On top of that, it is a spring seasonal. Now, my head is starting to spin. This spring seasonal as a porter makes some sense. This is why. It was released about the half way point of the first quarter. I am talking late January and early February. I know here it is still winter. This is one reason this beer makes some sense. It is a light body porter and this is a second reason. It is not like most porters that are pretty heavy. I like it but it is not the best porter that I have had in my lifetime. I give credit for trying to do something new. I can see some craft beer drinkers loving this beer. I recommend it. Go get some! Drink it! Enjoy it! Metal it! \m/

Cheers!

Bill DJ Weiser

Email: djweiser16@gmail.com

Twitter: @djweiser

Instagram: @djweiser13

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Oktoberfest

A German-American collaboration on the classic festival beer.

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Set Sail for Adventure

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