winter seasonal

New Beer Blog Cisco Brewers Island Reserve Russian Imperial Stout

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In the beginning, we are going to get into a brew, which is Reserve Russian Imperial Stout, from Cisco Brewers Island.  It was founded by Randy and Wendy Hudson in 1992 Nantucket, Massachusetts.  They are part of a winery.  There is not much history on the web about this brewery.  They brew several different beers in many forms.  Let us get into the beer.

It has a jet black color with a semi tan to light brown color head. The smell is chocolate to coffee notes.  The taste is smooth slight creamy chocolate and coffee notes.  It is a nice sipping beer.

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.ciscobrewers.com

Twitter:  @CiscoBrewers

In the end, I do not know this craft brewery that well.  I just know the few things I had from them.  I was not really a big fan of it.  I am not say it was bad.  I believe their everyday beers were in the middle of the road but I have not had them all.  I am a huge fan of stouts so I saw this one.  I thought I would give this brewery one more chance.  This Island Reserve Russian Imperial Stout has some creamy chocolate and coffee notes.  It is a sipping beer with a nice cigar.  I was pretty impressed with this brew.  This beer has to be their best brew at this brewery.  Of course, I have not try everything from this brewery. Go get some!  Drink it!  Enjoy it!  Metal it!  \m/

Cheers!

Bill DJ Weiser

Email:  djweiser13@comcast.net

Twitter:  @djweiser

New Beer Blog Tallgrass Brewing Vanilla Bean Buffalo Sweat Stout

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In this beer blog, we are going to get into another beer seasonal from Tallgrass Brewing.  It is their Vanilla Bean Buffalo Sweat Stout.  If you read my earlier beer blog posts on their beers, you know the history of this brewery.  If you have not, please, read those beer blog posts to get to know this brewery.  Let us get into the beer.

It has a black color with a light tan head on this vanilla stout.  The smell is heavy vanilla with some chocolate notes.  The taste is smooth and creamy vanilla to slight chocolate notes.  The aftertaste is a hint of vanilla notes.  It is a pretty drinkable beer.

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

Style: Oatmeal Cream Stout Brewed with Vanilla Beans ABV 5.0% IBU 20 Full Brew Birthday: November 2012 Interesting Fact: There are free-roaming buffalo just ten miles from our brewery.

To create Vanilla Bean Buffalo Sweat we start with our best-selling beer, Buffalo Sweat. We carefully infuse this award- winning oatmeal cream stout with whole Ugandan vanilla beans. This enhances the beer’s natural dark-roasted flavors of espresso, chocolate, and creamy sweetness. “Liquid chocolate chip espresso cookies” is how one fan described its unique flavor.

The perfect treat on a winter’s day.

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.tallgrassbeer.com

Twitter:  @TallgrassBeer

In closing, I was getting worried when I moved out of Chicago that I would not have a chance to get my hands on this brew.  I was happy to make it in town to move more things back to Michigan to get my hands on this beer.  I was pretty excited.  This brewery cannot make a bad beer.  They are like Tesla and Iron Maiden.  Both of those bands never put out a bad record and Tallgrass Brewery has not put out a bad beer.  The vanilla bean cuts through the chocolate and creamy stout.  The chocolate notes are still there but vanilla shines through this beer like some kind of prime time movie star.  If you are a fan of stout and/or vanilla bean, you will need to find a can of this great liquid.  Go get some!  Drink it!  Enjoy it!  Metal it!  \m/

Cheers!

Bill DJ Weiser

Email:  djweiser13@comcast.net

Twitter:  @djweiser

New Beer Blog Tallgrass Brewery Zombie Monkie Robust Porter

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In the beginning, Tallgrass Brewery wanted to do something special for the most popular adult holiday.  Halloween has grown in young adults or adults in their 30’s is out of sight, however, the holiday drops to kids tricking and treating.  Tallgrass came out with Zombie Monkie Robust Porter.   The can on this brew was supposed to have a hand grab so you can run away from the zombies.  I guess the cost was a little too much for the price they had to charge to their beer drinkers.  I love the packaging either way.  If you read my earlier beer blog posts on their beers, you know the history of this brewery.  If you have not, please, read those beer blog posts to get to know this great craft brewery.  Let us get into the beer.

It has a black color with a tan color head on this porter.  The smell is a heavy chocolate notes.  The taste is chocolate and coffee notes with a dry cocoa notes.  This rich robust porter is pretty drinkable beer.

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

Style: Post-Apocalyptic Porter ABV: 6.2% IBU: 35 Full Brew Birthday: September 2013

A robust porter inspired by approximately true events… 

Zombie Monkie is a dark, rich porter, carefully brewed for the post-apocalyptic world to come. Crafted with lots of roasty dark chocolate and specialty malts, then inoculated with enough hops to add a floral/citrus character in the finish. It’s hardy, complex, and interesting, because you might be drinking it for a long time. Zombie Monkie…

Grab A Can. Make A Plan. Take A Stand.

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.tallgrassbeer.com

Twitter:  @TallgrassBeer

In the end, I have to say this beer was worth the trip back to Chicago to pick up this brew.  I really enjoyed this brew.  I just wished I would have picked up more than one four pack.  When I am back in town in a few weeks, I will be picking up more this beer.  This is a well balance beer.  I love the chocolate and coffee notes in this porter.  If you are in the far western part of the midwest, I would hunt this beer down.  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 Magic Hat Heart Of Darkness Stout

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In this beer blog, we are going to get into another brew from Magic Hat.  It is their Heart of Darkness Stout.  If you read my earlier beer blog post on this brewery, you know the history of Magic Hat.  If you have not, please, read those beer blog posts to get to know Magic Hat Brewery.  Let us get into the beer.

It has a jet black color with a semi tan to off white color head on this stout.  The smell has a slight coffee to chocolate notes.  The taste of this stout is chocolate to coffee notes.  There is a coffee or toffee aftertaste.  It is pretty drinkable beer.

Here is a description from the beer bottle:

The ancient ritual of brewing a distincity rich and flavorful beer is a performance to behold.  Our mysterious melange of time-honored ingredients harmonize with chaotic chemistry, humble patience, and blind faith to create this unique beer to share in the rousing company of kindred spirits.  Cheers!

Here is a description from their website (www.magichat.net):

Filled with the howling of black dogs that haunt the long-forgotten shadows of the human soul. This dense liquid-silk summoned hope from hibernation and balanced winter’s endless white snows with a rich swirl of creamy black rapture.

An inky-black stout with a smooth, round palate and a dream-like undercurrent of bittersweet chocolate.

Stats

  • MaltsPale, Crystal, Roasted Barley, Chocolate, Munich
  • HopsApollo, Goldings
  • YeastEnglish Ale
  • ABV5.7%
  • IBUs30
  • SRM80
  • Original Gravity15° Plato

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.magichat.net

Twitter:  @magichat

Closing, I was not a huge fan of this brewery when I first saw it hit the market in Chicago.  I believe they hit that market about six or seven years ago.  I have from that time started to like Magic Hat a little bit more and more as the years edge to 2013.  I still have not retry their flagship #9.  I will be retrying that beer in the near future.  I saw this beer and I had to pick it up and try it.  I really like their packaging but it sometimes does not really say what the beer is in the bottle.  This one does.  I love the balance from the chocolate and coffee notes.  I really enjoyed drinking this brew.  I will be picking up more before it leaves for the season.  If you are a stout fan, you will need to find a bottle of Heart of Darkness.  I recommend this brew.  Go get some!  Drink it!  Enjoy it!  Metal it!  \m/

Cheers!

Bill DJ Weiser

Email:  djweiser13@comcast.net

Twitter:  @djweiser

New Beer Blog Wolverine Winter Lager

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Starting new beer tab, we are going to sample out the first brew from Wolverine Brewery.  It is their Winter Lager.  Wolverine Brewery was started by a few Michigan borne home brewers.  They brew beers in the lager styles.  They rarely do any ales.  There is not much history on this brewery.  I cannot find when they opened their doors.  I believe it was 2010.  Let us get into the beer.

This lager has a clear amber color with a white head that disappears over time.  The smell is heavy malty to caramel notes.  The taste is a light carbonated caramel notes with a crisp caramel finish.  It is pretty drinkable for a winter beer.

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

Wolverine Winter Lager
6.5% abv / 18 IBU – Available November through February
This cold-weather seasonal was designed to make your winter warmer rather than to match a particular style. We start with hearty Maris Otter malt from the UK. Then we add Special Roast barley from Wisconsin, before heading back across the pond for some dark German Munich malt and German Wheat malt for some added character. We top that off with a blend of dark, rich, caramel malts and the result is an extremely smooth and silky lager beer with a hint of alcohol in the flavor and a clean finish…the perfect beer for drinking by the fire.

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.wolverinebeer.com

Twitter:  @wolverinebeer

Closing out current beer tab, I am going to make it down to their taproom.  I do not care if they do not sell food.  I lived in Chicago for a good eight years before moving back to Michigan about a few month ago.  I have to say most of the new brewpubs do not service food.  I do not see an issue of not having food.  You want the people of focus on your beer.  If it is good they will come back to your brewpub.  I am a fan of lagers when they are done right.  There are not too many good craft lagers on the market and I believe Wolverine Brewing has something here.  If this winter lager tells me something, they know how to make craft lagers.  I love the malts they used in this brew.  It kicks off a nice caramel notes.  I highly recommend this brew and I am looking forward to trying their other brews.  Go get some!  Drink it!  Enjoy it!  Metal it!  \m/

Cheers!

Bill DJ Weiser

Email:  djweiser13@comcast.net

Twitter:  @djweiser

New Beer Blog Detroit Brewing Sanders Chocolate Stout

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Starting a new tab, Detroit Brewing is the featured brewery with their Sanders Chocolate Stout on this beer blog.  Detroit Brewing Company opened their doors in 2003.  It is seconds away from the two ball parks in downtown Detroit.  They brew several different beer styles.  Let us get into the beer.

It has a jet black color without a head on this Chocolate Stout.  The smell is a sweet chocolate alcohol notes.  The taste is a sweet chocolate alcohol notes with a dry coco finish.  It is pretty drinkable beer.

Here is a description from the beer bottle:

In the fall of 2009, Detroit Brewing Company began tinkering with their Pub Classic Smooth Cream Stout.  A chance meeting, over a few beers, with the folks from chance meeting, over a few beers, with the folks from Sanders brought the final sweet ingredient.  Our brewer found the best way to combine Stout and Sanders chocolate to create the dark, satisfying aroma and flavor of a fine Stout Ale with the restrained richness and elegance of the hand selected cocoa used by Sanders Fine Chocolatiers in Detroit since 1875.

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.detroitbeerco.com

Twitter:  @DetroitBrewing

In closing, I saw Sanders on this brew.  I was thinking about the chocolate company.  I was right when I was reading the label.  I had to pick up at least one bottle.  I have been wanting to try some their beers from this brewery.  I drive pass their brewpub a few times a week.  I will have to stop in for lunch or dinner here soon.  This beer has a nice balance and it is not over the top on the alcohol and the chocolate notes.  It is a pretty nice smooth chocolate notes.  I will be stopping by their brewery and looking for more of this brew.  This is one of my favorite beer styles.  I recommend this brewery and brew.  Go get some!  Drink it!  Love it!  Metal it!  \m/

Cheers!

Bill DJ Weiser

Email:  djweiser13@comcast.net

Twitter:  @djweiser

New Beer Blog Frankenmuth Brewery Christmas Town Ale

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In this winter beer blog, we are going to sample the new brew, which is Christmas Town Ale, from Frankenmuth Brewery.  If you have read my earlier beer blog posts, you know the history of the oldest brewery in State of Michigan.  If you have not, please, read those beer blog posts to get to know this great Michigan craft brewery.  Let us get into the beer.

It has a cloudy amber to a reddish color with a tan color head on this winter seasonal.  The smell is a sweet malty notes.  The taste is a slight carbonated sweet malty notes with a sweet malty aftertaste.  It is a warm drinkable beer for the winter season.

Here is a description from the beer bottle:

Toasted sweet dark malts and American hops perfectly combine with holiday flavors to create a taste and aroma that is unmistakably Christmas in every sip.

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

Christmas Town Ale-For many, our little town of Frankenmuth is known as Christmas Town. So, it’s no wonder we created an ale to celebrate the Merry Season. Enjoy toasted sweet dark malts and American hops which combine with holiday flavors to create a taste and aroma that is unmistakably Christmas. ABV 6% IBU 27

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.frankenmuthbrewery.com

Twitter:  @fb1862

Closing, there is nothing more to say about this brewery.  Frankenmuth Brewery makes some great beers and they did not disappoint any craft beer drinkers in Michigan and around the country with this brew.  Christmas Town Ale is new to the market and it is pretty good for the holiday.  They put some thought behind this beer.  I mean you can drink it with any kind of dish and that is including dessert.  I enjoyed the sweet malty taste and this beer is at the top of my winter seasonals.  This brew gives l hope to all winter seasonals.  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

New Beer Blog Dark Horse Brewing 4 Elf Winter Warmer Ale

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In this winter beer blog, we are going to sample out a winter brew from Dark Horse Brewing.  I am talking about their 4 Elf Winter Warmer Ale.  If you have read my review on one of their brewpub beers, you know the history of this western Michigan Craft brewery.  If you have not, please, read beer blog posts to get to know this brewery.  Let us get into the beer.

It has a dark brown to black color with a head on this winter ale.  The smell has a heavy cinnamon notes.  The taste is a malty, cinnamon, and nutmeg notes.  The aftertaste is a warm cinnamon notes.  It is pretty drinkable beer.

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

A spiced Winter Warmer brewed with nutmeg, clove, allspice and other holidayflavors.

ABV: 9.0%

Availability:  Released to ALL markets in September

Package: Cases / 4 pack of Good ol’ Bottles

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.darkhorsebrewery.com

Twitter:  @DarkHorseBrewCo

In the end of the winter season, Dark Horse Brewing was the only Michigan brewery that I had a chance to get in the Chicago market that I could get.  I love their beers.  I have to say Dark Horse Brewing has out did themselves with this brew.  I love the warmth of the species that this beer kicks off.  It is pretty balance and does not drink like 9% brew.  I picked up hints of cinnamon and they do not list it on their site.  I highly recommend this awesome winter seasonal.  Go get some!  Drink it! Enjoy it!  Metal it!  \m/

Cheers!

Bill DJ Weiser

Email:  djweiser13@comcast.net

Twitter:  @djweiser

New Beer Blog New Belgium Accumulation White India Pale Ale

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Starting a new tab, we are going to get into the new winter seasonal from New Belgium Brewing.  I am talking about Accumulation White India Pale Ale.  If you read my earlier beer blog post on their Pumpkick Ale, you know the history of this green and employee owned craft brewery.  If you have not, please, read that beer blog post to get to know this brewery.  Let us get into the beer.

It has a clear to slight cloudy strew like color with a white head on it.  The smell is a citrus notes.  The taste is slightly wheat that makes this beer smooth to creamy with citrus notes.  It is pretty drinkable beer.

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

This winter, IBUs start accumulating like snow in Colorado with our new Accumulation White IPA. Brewing a white IPA was not only a way to salute the white beauty falling from the sky, but a direct revolt to the longstanding tradition of brewing dark beers for winter. At least that’s what our rebellious brewer Grady Hull likes to claim as he shovels in plenty of new hop varietals and a bit of wheat for a smooth mouthfeel. Stack up a few cases of Accumulation White IPA to keep your long nights glowing blizzard white.

Birthdate: October, 2013

Body: Medium-light body.

ABV: 6.2%
IBU: 70
Calories: 170
Hops: Target, Centennial, dry hopped with Mosaic and Amarillo
Malts: Pale, Wheat
Yeast: Ale Yeast for bright, fruity notes
Aroma: Strong hop aroma that displays all of our hop varieties: tropical fruits, bright citrus, spicy/herbal from the heavy dry hopping. This beer is a hoppy wonderland!
Mouthfeel: Resinous and slightly cloying from all those hop oils but finishes as clean and crisp as all of our seasonal family does and should.
Flavor: Big and bitter, just what this IPA ordered. Sweetness just barely dents its IBU armor. Nevertheless the addition of wheat really smooths out the rough bitter edge.
Visual: Cloudy haze, pale golden. Billows of white foam and gorgeous foam.

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.newbelgium.com

Twitter:  @newbelgium

Closing out my tab, I have made it known that I really dislike wheat ales and mix wheat and IPA.  I was like what the hell.  I tried several white IPAs.  I have to say they were really bad.  I was really down on this new beer style.  New Belgium came out with their new winter seasonal called Accumulation White India Pale Ale.  I was a little nervous about this brew.  I have to say I have a new thought pattern towards White India Pale Ale.  There is a nice balance from the hops and wheat ale itself.  It is creamy smooth and the wheat brings out the hops character.  I can see this brew bring new beer drinkers into the craft beer world and IPA beer style.  Even your normal hophead will like this brew.  This is different beer style for the winter time.  This beer should and will pop out to craft beer drinkers.  I will hunt this beer down and 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

New Beer Blog Revolution Brewing Fistmas

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In this beer blog, we are going to get into one of many winter seasonal.  I am talking about Revolution Brewing Fistmas.  I had a chance to try it when I was visiting in Chicago over a few weekends ago.  If you read my earlier beer blog posts on Revolution Brewing’s beers, you know the history of this brewery.  If you have not read those posts, please, read them to get to know this brewery.  Let us get into the beer.

It has a dark copper color with a constant white head.  The smell is a heavy citrus.  The taste is a slight carbonated ginger with citrus.  The aftertaste is a hint of ginger.  It is not really drinkable.

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

Red ale brewed for the holiday season with specialty malts to achieve a beautiful deep red hue and the aromas of fresh-baked bread, caramel, and stone fruits. Steeped with ginger root and orange peel.

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.revbrew.com

Twitter:  @RevBrewChicago

Ending, in the last few years, I have not been overall impressed with many winter seasonals.  I am hoping this year is the turning point for winter seasonals.  I have to say this brew is a pretty good start.  It might not be drinkable but it is pretty enjoyable for the time it is in your glass.  I love the smelling notes to the tasting.  There is a ton going on in this brew and it is a good thing for a winter and/or Christmas ale.  If you are in the Chicago area, I recommend you trying this brew.  If not, I would find a way to get some of this beer.  Go get some!  Drink it!  Enjoy it!  Metal it!  \m/

Cheers!

Bill DJ Weiser

Email:  djweiser13@comcast.net

Twitter:  @djweiser