winter seasonal

New Beer Blog Pigon Hill Brewing OCP Oatmeal Cream Pie

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In this beer blog, we are going to sample a new beer and brewery, which is Pigon Hill Brewing.  It is their OCP Oatmeal Cream Pie.  There is not much of history on the web about this craft brewery.  I know they are from Muskegon, Michigan.  They are a newer craft brewery.  Let us get into stout.

It has a clear brown color with tan color head. The aroma has a slight oatmeal cookie notes. The taste has a sweet nutty malty notes with an oatmeal cookie aftertaste. It is pretty drinkable.

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

Pigeon Hill Brewing Taplist

O.C.P. / Oatmeal Crème Pie is the result of a challenge made by Joel Kamp’s wife: “I want a beer that tastes like an oatmeal crème pie.” Through the use of oats, marshmallow fluff, and other highly secret ingredients, O.C.P. was born. Tasting notes: Seriously, it tastes just like an oatmeal crème pie. “You down with O.C.P.

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.pigeonhillbrew.com

Twitter:  @PigeonHillBrew

Closing, I have wanting to try this beer the first time I saw it on the shelf.  This is just about the only beer that I have saw from this brewery in the market.  As far as the beer, I see what they are trying to do with this beer.  I believe they did a great job on it.  It is a great beer just wish there was more in tasting part. There is nice tasting notes but I just wish there was more.  It is all in the aftertaste.  I believe like all craft breweries.  They are looking to improve this beer just like all their beers.  I am pretty excited to try it in the fall or winter season.  I recommend this beer when it is out again.  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 Flying Dog Brewery Mint Julip Ale

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In this beer blog, we are going to sample a new beer from Flying Dog Brewery.  It is their Mint Julip Ale.  If you read my earlier beer blog posts on their beers, you know the history of this East Coast craft brewery.  If you have not, please, read them to get to know this craft brewery.  Let us get into this new ale.

It has a clear golden color with a white constant color head at first. The head disappears over time. The aroma has a light mint notes. The taste has a light refreshing minty notes. The aftertaste has a heavy mint note. It reminds mental cigarettes in a good way. It is a sipping beer.

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.flyingdogbrewery.com

Twitter:  @flyingdog

Closing, I always pick up new beers that this craft brewery puts on the market.  I saw that they put out a few newer beers so you will see a few posts on this blog next day or so.  I love mints so I really enjoyed the aroma from this brew.  There is a nice balance in this beer.  It is nice refreshing beer for the spring and summer days.  I am not a fan of the heavy mint aftertaste.  It is OK. It is different and I will give them credit for that.  I recommend this beer to try it at least once.  Go get some!  Drink it!  Enjoy it!  Metal it!

Cheers!

Bill DJ Weiser

Email:  djweiser16@gmail.com

Twitter:  @djweiser

Instagram:  @djweiser13

New Beer Blog Brooklyn Brewery Insulated Dark Lager

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In this beer blog, we are going to get into another beer from Brooklyn Brewery.  It is their new winter seasonal.  It is their Insulated Dark Lager.  If you read my earlier beer blog posts on their beers, you know the history of this east coast craft brewery.  If you have not, please, read them to get to know this New York City base craft brewery.  Let us get into this dark lager.

It has a black color with a light tan constant color head. The smell has a chocolate notes. The taste has a smooth slight chocolate notes. The aftertaste is a nice crisp dry finish. It is a drinkable beer.

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

Brooklyn Insulated Dark Lager is your protection against biting wind and soggy weather. German Munich, roasted Carafa, and Pilsner malts create a nimble, racy body, while a helping of American black barley adds just a hint of roast coffee. A light dry hopping of American and German hops pitter-patters across the nose and dives into the dry, warming finish. Try it with dark breads, hearty meats, and sturdy cheddars. If you still feel the chill, just add another layer and enjoy your insulation.

Style: Dark Lager
Malts: German Munich, Carafa, Pilsner, American black barley
Hops: Perle, Hallertauer Mittelfrueh, Amarillo, Centennial
Yeast: Our House Lager Yeast
Alcohol by Volume: 5.6%
Original Gravity: 13.5° Plato
Food Pairings: Dark breads, hearty meats, game, wild fowl, barbecue, and sturdy cheddars.
Availability: November- March

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.brooklynbrewery.com

Twitter:  @brooklynbrewery

Closing, I was pretty disappointed when I thought they stop making their Winter Ale.  I saw this and thought that I would try it out.  I respected everything that Brooklyn Brewery has done in their career.  I do not know what they were thinking releasing this out to the market.  This has to be one of their worse beers that they make.  There is too much of water notes. I loved their scotch ale, which was called Winter Ale.  I am going to hunt down their Winter Ale.  It is so much better.  Please, Brooklyn stop making this beer.  This is my thought pattern.  I know there will be people out there that will love this beer.  You can do better.  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 Blue Point Winter Ale

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In this winter beer blog, we are going to get into another brew from Blue Point.  It is their winter seasonal, which is their Winter Ale.  If you read my earlier beer blog posts on their beers, you know the history of this East Coast craft brewery.  If you have not, please, read them to get to know this New York base craft brewery.  Let us get into this winter ale.

It has a dark amber color with a white head on this winter ale. The smell has a heavy malty note. The taste has a malty to alcohol notes. This beer warms you up in the winter. The aftertaste has a malty to alcohol finish. It is a sipping to almost drinkable beer.

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

Our Winter Ale is a hearty, robust amber ale. We use pale, Vienna, crystal and chocolate malts to create a balanced character of malt and hops with just the right amount of spice to warm you up during the colder months.

ABV: 7.7% IBU: 25 OG: 1.070 Availability: Late Fall-Winter

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.bluepointbrewing.com

Twitter:  @bluepointbrewer

Ending, I was happy to see Winter Ale finally made it back in my life. They are back in Michigan.  I am a huge fan of this beer.  I remember when they hit the Chicago market and I enjoyed drinking this beer.  It was one of my go to winter ale.  There is a nice balance but it is more of a sipping beer.  I just feel like this beer is a lot better than what I remember.  I have always love this beer. I just wished it had more love in this state.  This craft brewery is trying to gain some ground back in this state.  I am glad they are back and are trying to gain a base for themselves.  I highly recommend this beer.  Go get some!  Drink it!  Enjoy it!  Metal it!  \m/

Cheers!

Bill DJ Weiser

Email:  djweiser16@gmail.com

Twitter:  @djweser

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 Abita Brewery Bourbon Street Imperial Stout

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In this beer blog, we are going to get into another brew from Abita Brewery.  It is a special and limited release from Abita Brewery and it is their Bourbon Street Imperial Stout.  This liquid is aged in Bourbon Barrels.  If you read my earlier beer blog posts on their beers, you know the history of this southern craft brewery.  If you have not, please, read them to get to know Abita Brewery.  Let us get into this Imperial Stout.

It has a jet black color with a tan constant head. The aroma has a sweet chocolate to bourbon notes. The taste has a sweet chocolate to nice earthy bourbon notes with a nice burn alcohol finish. It is a nice sipping beer.

Here is a description from the beer bottle:

Four centuries New Orleans’ famed Bourbon Street has inspired good times and fine libations like our Abita Bourbon Street Imperial Stout.  This hand-crafted artisanal brew is aged for months in wooden barrels used to make small batch bourbon whiskey.  During barrel aging, the brew absorbs the flavors of the barrels which intensifies the taste and aroma of roasted malt, warm vanilla and smooth bourbon.

This Imperial Stout is a dark-colored ale brewed with pale, caramel, chocolate and roasted malts.  Oats are added for a full, sweet taste.  After fermentation the ale is cold aged for six weeks to ensure a smooth flavor before bourbon barrel aging begins.

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

Imperial Stout

Bourbon Street Stout is an Imperial Stout that is aged in small batch bourbon barrels. Our Imperial Stout is brewed with a combination of pale, caramel, chocolate and roasted malts. Oats are also added to give the beer a fuller and sweeter taste. The roasted malts give the beer its dark color as well as its intense flavor and aroma. After fermentation the beer is cold aged for 6 weeks. This is necessary for all of the flavors of the malt and hops to balance and produce a very smooth flavor.

After the cold aging the beer is transferred into the bourbon barrels. It is then aged for another 8 weeks to absorb all of the flavors from the barrels. The result is a stout that brings out the roasted flavors from the malt and the warming toasted, vanilla, and bourbon flavors.

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.abita.com

Twitter:  @theabitabeer

In the end, I did not know they made this beer and I am not stun one bit.  I was pretty happy to see it made it to my market.  I love my porter and stouts.  You put it in a barrel or bourdon barrel and now you are talking.  The first brewery to take this on was Goose Island Brewery.  I am happy to see other craft breweries doing this process.  To me, this will show which beers are good or bad or which beers that the craft beer drinkers like it.  This beer has a nice balance from the imperial stout and bourbon notes.  It is not in your face like the Goose Island Bourdon Country Stout.  It is still a sipping stout but it is a little bit more drinkable than Bourdon Country.  I love the story behind the name.  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 Victory Hop Ranch Imperial India Pale Ale

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In this beer blog, we are going to get into another limited release and high-end brew, which is Hop Ranch Imperial India Pale Ale, from Victory Brewery  If you read my earlier beer blog posts on their beers, you know the history of this east coast craft brewery.  If you have not, please, read them to get to know this craft brewery.  Let us get into the Imperial IPA.

It has a slightly cloudy golden color with a white constant head. There is no aroma. The taste has a heavy dry hop bitter with a sweet citrus notes. The aftertaste has a light tropical notes finish. It is pretty drinkable for imperial IPA. It is really a sipping beer.

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

Hop Ranch

Imperial India Pale Ale

To our hop ranchers, who coax and cultivate our enticing and flavorful hops, we raise this glass. Selecting the finest varieties in their natural, whole flower form, we craft our Hop Ranch Imperial India Pale Ale, as a celebration of their successes. Pungent, floral and intense, this represents America’s best in every relaxing sip.

Composition

Malt: Pilsner

Hops: Mosaic and Azacca

ABV: 9.0%

Flavor

This powerful brew features full, juicy hop character, while expressing notes of mango, pineapple and the pleasantly sharp, biting edges of tart citrus fruit.

Food Pairings

Hot wings, curry and bold cheeses

Availability

Winter seasonal available in 12oz. bottles and on draft.

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.victorybeer.com

Twitter:  @victorybeer

Closing, this beer was kind of hard to find.  I am pretty happy to find this brew.  I will say that this beer was not disappointing at all.  It lived up for the beer hunt.  I love this beer.  They did a great job.  There is a nice balance but it has a nice punch to help aid towards food pairing.  It would go perfectly with hot wings for example but the hops and bitterness will bring out the heat out more.  This is a great beer to enjoy by itself.  I highly recommend this beer.  Go get some because it is a winter seasonal.  Go get some!  Drink it!  Enjoy it!  Metal it!  \m/

Cheers!

Bill DJ Weiser

Email:  djweiser16@gmail.com

Twitter:  @djweiser

Instagram:  @djweiser13

New Sports Thought Thursday Blog Super Bowl XLIX

In this Sports Thought Thursday blog, we are going to get into this year’s Super Bowl that is being played at Arizona.  Today is the Pro Bowl.  Who cares!!!  This year’s playoff games has had one theme throughout.  Refs have screwed many teams in the league.  I am talking about flag that was picked up in the Lions vs Cowboys game.  The process of the caught in the Cowboys vs Packers.  Finally, deflate footballs in the Colts vs Patriots.  I will get into that in a sports thought Thursday blog after the Super Bowl.  Let us break this down.

If you read my blog before the playoff games, you know that I picked Seattle vs Denver in a rematch.  This is why you never change anything because I did have New England vs Seattle in the Super Bowl.  I had that just before I posted it.  Oh well!  I believe the whole Deflategate will put some pressure on the Pats.  I do not care if they have the best coach to get them focus on the game.  This does pulls a lot of pressure off the Seahawks.  Everyone is talking about New England and Deflategate.  The ruling from the league will not be until after the Super Bowl, which I believe is some bull shit.  Let us get into what is at stake for each team.

New England Patriots

Winning this game is very important for both teams.  New England can shut everyone up on Deflategate and spygate.  Plus, this might be last go around with Brady and Bill.  I believe the punishment is going to be harsh on New England.  I am not going to get into that until after the Super Bowl.  This game could make Brady 3 – 3 or 4 – 2 at the Super Bowl.

Seattle Seahawks

This is pretty simple.  The best defense of all time is Legion of Boom, if they win this Super Bowl.  They took care of Manning in last year’s Super Bowl.  They have a chance to take care of another quarterback that was one of the best of his era.  This could be their last runs to the Super Bowl.  I am not saying last but COULD be their last run to the Super Bowl.  There are rumors of Lynch being released or retiring.  Plus, they have to pay Russell Wilson.  They were able to pay everyone else on team because they had a cheap contract with Wilson.  Now, Seahawks will be like all the teams in NFL.

In closing, I can see a close game on the biggest stage and biggest American holiday.  I can not see this game being a blow out game.  This will come down to the running game because I believe the defense will keep the passing games in check.  I also seeing this game coming down to the kickers and punters.  Special teams will have a huge impact on both sides of the field on this game.  In the end, the Seahawks will win this game and become the first team to go back to back Super Bowl Champs since New England.  This will push us into a pretty excited offseason with Deflategate and future of Bill, Tom, and Payton.  I am looking forward to the offseason and I cannot wait to sit down next Sunday to watch this game.  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 Brau Brothers Brewery Alternative Imperial Alt

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In this beer blog, we are going to sample Alternative Imperial Alt from Brau Brothers Brewery for the first time on this blog.  There is not much history on this brewery.  I do know they are from Marshall, Minnesota.  They seem like a younger craft brewery.  Let us get into this Alt.

It has a nice cloudy dark brown color with a nice constant tan color head. The aroma has a sweet malty, candy, and alcohol notes. The taste has a sweet malty to alcohol notes with sweet alcohol aftertaste. It is a sipping beer.

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.braubeer.com

Twitter:  @braubeer

Closing, I went into my local craft beer store and saw this on the shelf.  I was pretty curious.  I love Alts but imperial alt.  Oh my god!  I had to pick up a bottle.  This beer is a great brew for some of these winter days here in Michigan.  I love the alcohol notes.  There is some nice sweet malty notes.  I went back to the store and I did not see it.  I did not see it on their website.  I believe this is an in and out brew.  They did a great job on this beer.  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 Dragon’s Milk Reserve With Raspberry

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In this special beer blog, we are going to sample a special release from successful Dragon Milk Bourbon Barrel Stout Series from New Holland Brewery.  This time around they added raspberries to their milk stout.  If you have read my earlier beer blog posts on their beers, you know the history of this midwest craft brewery.  If you have not, please, read them to get to know this Michigan craft brewery.  Let us get into this milk stout.

It has a jet black color with a constant tan head on this special stout edition. The aroma has a heavy raspberry to slight chocolate notes. It smells like chocolate covered raspberries. The taste has a heavy raspberry with hints of chocolate and slight burn alcohol notes. There is a slight vanilla, oak, and bourbon notes. The aftertaste has a raspberry and burn alcohol notes.  It is a nice sipping beer.

Here is their description from the beer bottle:

This beer is from our collection of special variations that live in our Dragon’s Milk cellar.  Local raspberries were added to the barrels in the final stages of conditioning.  Raspberries lend depth, brightness and unique fruit character that harmonizes beautifully with Dragon’s Milk’s dark, roasty tones of malt, bourbon, and oak.

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.newhollandbrew.com

Twitter:  @newhollandbrew

In the end, I am not really a huge fan of their Dragon’s Milk Stout.  I was pretty interested in how the raspberries would go with the bourdon barrel milk stout.  The color is your normal jet black color for a milk stout.  I am pretty much a fan of raspberries so I love aroma from this brew.  The taste is like a chocolate cover raspberries with some bourbon notes.  This is a great product and they did a great job on it.  I have to say this is one of my favorite brews from New Holland.  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