"Citrusinensis" Pale Ale, Lagunitas Brewing Company

"Citrusinensis"  Pale Ale Brewed with natural blood orange juice.

What you say, a Lagunitas beer at Ballast Point prices?! It's true. The second in the "One Hitter" series (I wonder what they are referring to)?  of 2016 this popular beer returns for a cameo after a successful run in 2015. With fruit, spice and vegetable infused beers seemingly in vogue this year - watermelon, cactus, pineapple, mango, habanero, chai tea and the like - this one works well. Using the juice of squeezed sanguinello blood oranges to create a wheatier version of new Dogtown pale ale the result is a refreshingly hopped pale-ish ale with a huge citrus burst. The resulting elixir pours a hazy orange, bright and tangy with a crisp refreshing finish with no hint of the substantial 7.9% ABV apparent.

Very limited so pick it up now! "Citrusinensis Pale Ale" by Lagunitas (Petaluma, CA and Chicago, IL) $13.99, six pack bottles.

Summit 30th Anniversary "Us" and "Them"

All Summit all the time on today's beer cast as they celebrate an incredible milestone - their 30th anniversary (yikes)! in the brewing business. As someone old enough to remember visiting the rather humble (ok dingy) beginnings in a former auto parts garage on University Avenue in St Paul - don't let these boyish good looks fool you, I really am that fucking old - I  doubt even supremo Mark Stutrud could envisage how H-U-G-E Summit (of course named after the iconic Victorian boulevard in the Capitol city) would become from those humble beginnings in 1986. Incidentally a year that appears to have sucked in general - Challenger space shuttle disaster, Iran contra affair, Chernobyl nuclear disaster etc. I think Summit deserves a collective thanks (and Stutrud in particular for ignoring the rather frosty advice offered by the Brewer's Association - obviously not penned from Tony Robbins, when first starting) from a generation of Minnesotans now drinking good beer and saving this author from the perils of the green death, Pig's Eye and Carling Black Label, I mean nothing screams "crossover" beer like EPA!

"Us and Them" marks the 21st in the acclaimed unchained series and Brewer Gabe Smoley takes a rather unique and provocative approach with his turn at the plate - creating two unique threads from the de constructed mash of the cult classic Saga IPA. "Parti-Gyle" brewing - creating two beers from the same mash - dates from the early 19th Century, total product from a brew was known as a "gyle". A labor intensive process to be sure, especially hand sorting to create a mixed six pack!

First running , "Us" produces a hoppy and intense IPA powered by 90 IBU's of bitterness, dry hopped with Rakau hops from New Zealand that adds bold tropical and resinous pine notes to the beer. Listed at 7.2% ABV I have it on good authority that it's closer to 8.4%.

Second distinct thread "Them" from the same mash creates a subtle but complex session or small beer that has been dry hopped with American citra hops ( strongly associated with "Torpedo" from Sierra Nevada) It's listed as 4% ABV (4.5% in reality) with 55 IBU's. Surprising myself I am more partial to "Them" finding it bright and citrusy and interesting. "And who knows which is which and who is who". Both beers utilize an American yeast strain.

Also noteworthy is the 30th Anniversary Double IPA, with hints of tangerine,honey and pleasant distinct tropical slant for an enjoyable drinking experience. 8.5% ABV, tall boy 4 packs  a bargain at $9.99.

"Us and Them" Summit Unchained 21 available for a limited time at $9.99 a sixer.

Breakfast Stout, Founders Brewing (Grand Rapids, MI)

Breakfast Stout, Double Chocolate Coffee Oatmeal Stout
ABV : 8.3%
IBU's : 60

    The original label for Breakfast Stout for all states excluding MI.

With the change in the weather and the turning of the calendar comes the start of another season in the beer world - stout season. Founders double chocolate coffee oatmeal stout , a mouthfeel to say and a meal in itself, with the iconic much loved label that features a fat little brat I mean rosy faced cherub greedily spooning up his nourishment. Interestingly enough that label has fallen foul of the state alcohol regulators in Founders home state of Michigan who objected to the message it implied, as a result the baby is absent on the label in that state but the other 34 states Founders is distributed, including MN is spared.

The new PC label for MI - "left the crib for a bit, call me if you need me 616-522-2720".
The # reaches a tongue-in-cheek recording.

Breakfast stout, brewed with two types of coffee (Sumatra and Kona) is indeed the coffee lover's consummate beer. Pours an impenetrable black with a frothy mocha head that leads with notes of intense fresh roasted Java. Rich and decadent chocolate follows, more roasty than sweet (they use both bitter and imported varieties) and an abundance of flaked oats used in the brew lend a velvety luxurious mouthfeel. A warming 8.3% ABV, luscious notes of vanilla and espresso add a complexity that combines to create a world class stout. Experts seem to agree - Beer Advocate rates it a 99 (world class) while Rate Beer gives it a perfect 100 and even this old curmudgeon gave it a 4.5/5 on my Untappd account.
Beer it's not just for breakfast. Pairs well with crisp fall weather. A bargain at the price of a couple of cappuccino's $10.99/4pk.

"Herkulean Woods" Summit Brewing Company

 


"Herkulean Woods" Summit Brewing St Paul , MN

 Lager brewed with maple syrup and spruce tips

Hard to believe that this is already batch 16 in the unchained series that started back in 2009. In this innovative series Summit gives the brewer artistic license  to brew whatever style and with whatever ingredients they want (within reason I assume)! For his turn in the spotlight North Carolina native and Summit journeyman turned brewer Christian Dixon has created one of the more fascinating brews with his interpretation of an Imperial Californian Common * (scroll to the bottom for some serious beer geek-ology)! He adds a unique Midwestern twist with the addition of maple syrup (440 gallons total to be exact) sourced from Wild Country in Lutsen, MN and spruce tips farmed in Northern Iowa.

 Spruce tips may seem an unusual addition to the boil but they have been used in brewing for centuries long before the discovery of hops. Rich in vitamin C they were used by indigenous tribes in North America as a cure for scurvy during winter months when fresh fruit was not available - later European explorers discovered it and used it on sea voyages. Alaskan Brewing's popular Winter Ale and,closer to home, Olvalde's "Ode to a Russian Shipwright" are some examples of beer brewed with spruce tips.

 Herculean Woods derives it's name from the use of the Herkules hops from the Bavarian hop fields of Hallertau, a spicy floral hop that is more typically found in German style ales, along with the more traditional bittering hop Northern brewer that is standard in many steam beers. A California Common yeast strain that works well at higher temperatures complete this Herculean effort(!).
The beer pours a deep amber with a vigorous frothy head and a nose that suggests roasted caramel or sweet toffee and that follows though in the taste. Robust and hearty, the maple lends a burnt sugary complexity to the beer while the young spruce wields a piney citrusy spicy element - the lager finishes clean and tangy that invites having another, expertly concealing the substantial 8.2% ABV.
*California Common/Steam Beer is a uniquely American style lager born in California in the late 1800's before refrigeration was common. Shallow fermenters (cool ships) were used to cool down the beer. The result is a hybrid beer that is a lager that exhibits some ale characteristics - it's essentially a well hopped lager that is fermented at high temperatures. San Francisco's Anchor Brewing began making steam beer in 1894 and was the sole producer of the beer after prohibition closed it's competitors. The brewery trademarked the term "steam beer" resulting in other brewers adopting the name "California Common" to refer to this unique beer style.

"Herkulean Woods" is available in six packs for $8.99, get it while it's still available!

"Abrasive" Surly Brewing Company

Surly Abrasive Double IPA, Surly Brewing Company, Minneapolis MN

A sad week for Surly nation with the passing of Omar's Dad, Naseem "Nick" Ansari. His beaming smile and infectious pride always made for a memorable visit to the old brewery in Brooklyn Center. His obituary reads like a screenplay for the American Dream, RIP Nick!
Abrasive gets its name from the Abrasive Manufacturing business Omar's parents owned for 35 years before housing the building that became Surly brewing. First brewed in 2008 to commemorate the end of growler sales it was the first double IPA brewed for sale in Minnesota (something I did not know). Originally called 16 Grit, a type of abrasive grit.
Fast forward to 2015 and Surly's temple of imbibement sits resplendent in the Prospect Park area of SE Minneapolis, in the shadow of the Witch's Hat water tower and a stones throw from TCF Stadium and the U of M. I'm not easily impressed but $34 million has bought a magnificent destination brewery that should be envied nationwide. I've been to the beer hall several times since its opening in late December and my advice would be to go off peak, lunchtime weekdays and Sunday afternoon (Super Bowl Sunday would be an ideal time to visit since the beer hall does not have TV's) avoid the weekend if at all possible and take public transportation- the Green Line light rail stop at Prospect Park is a mere block away. An easy bike ride too, with ample bike racks available outside the brewery. If you do visit try a "Todd the Axeman" (an awesome West Cost IPA) and "Misanthrope" a tasty Wild ale. Looking forward to spring when the outdoor beer garden and upstairs restaurant are scheduled to open.

 You may have heard about the hysteria on beer forums regarding carbonation levels on some Abrasive cans - a welcome diversion to the Patriots from Deflategate I have heard (!) i.e. regarding the beer pouring flat and under carbonated.
My can date stamped 1/13/15 on the bottom exhibited no such shortcomings.
The beer pours an orangey Amber color with a moderate carbonization and a head that dissipates swiftly. Taste is tropical fruit, tangy grapefruit, tangerine, with a marmalade sweetness that hides any trace of bitterness. Resinous hops coat the tongue. Not as pungent or exhibiting the tongue splitting hop biting potency (cat pee)! as in previous years but considering this is the first canning run in the new brewery I would say this year's version is an unqualified success!
"Abrasive" Double IPA by Surly Brewing is available in 4 pack 16oz cans for $15.99. 9% ABV or as I like to call it a session beer. Cheers!

Sorachi Ace, Brooklyn Brewery

 Paul's Pick: Sorachi Ace, Brooklyn Brewery (Brooklyn, NY)

Really happy to see this released for the first time in 4 pack 12oz bottles and year round too! Genius move. Named after a quirky hop first developed by Sapporo in Japan in the late 70's (Sorachi Ace) and forgotten about until its revival in 2008 by a family farm in Washington State. It's a hop known for its clean taste and aroma dominated by lemongrass and lemon peel. Brooklyn's interpretation of the classic farmhouse style is unfiltered, with a clean Pilsner malt and a special Belgian yeast strain, dry hopped Sorachi ace hops take centre stage and lend a bright, snappy burst of lemon. Sunshine in a glass indeed!

Pours a straw yellow with a voluminous, healthy fluffy head with an immediate burst of lemon that assails the nose. Light,refreshing and spritzy, reminiscent of champagne with a dry finish and dominated by lemongrass, lemon peel with a touch of coriander and a hint of mint for good measure. It's a beer brewed the hard way and definitely worth fussing over!
"Sorachi Ace" Saison, Brooklyn Brewery (New York) 7.2% ABV. Available in 4 pack 12oz bottles for a ridiculously low price of $8.99.

Side note : I heartily recommend Steve Hindy's (co-founder of Brooklyn Brewery) book "The Craft Beer Revolution" it's fascinating and highly entertaining, documenting the history of the American craft beer movement from the very beginning and the pioneers who shaped it. 

Fulton Batch 300

 

 

 



Fulton Batch 300 IPA
Fulton Brewery, Minneapolis MN

Even a glass half empty pessimist such as myself would find it hard to argue that this upcoming week flirts with perfection. Weather the tourist board could not have better scripted (at time of writing), NFL pre-season debuts this weekend and my crappy soccer team (Marching on Together) embarks on what surely will be another underwhelming season. But as they say hope springs eternal or is it live in hope and die in despair? Always time for optimism before a ball has been kicked.
It's been a great week for hop heads with local breweries releasing some spectacular hop centric beers. Surly with the deservedly acclaimed Todd The Axeman (really I'd put this up there with some of the best rated IPA's nationally), I've had it a dozen times and will never get tired of drinking it. Then we have the deliciously dank 90 IBU monster Double Day Tripper (Day Tripper's big brother) from Indeed - technically a double pale ale but let's not split hairs. Stellar competition for sure but my nod goes to Fulton and their Batch 300 IPA.
Originally brewed to commemorate the 300th batch at the downtown location batch 300 is "pure hop candy and brewed in a small quantity each year". It starts with a foundation of Pilsner malt and then is heavily hopped with a single hop variety, mosaic. No ordinary hop, mosaic has been described as citra on steroids - the nose gives a hint of what to expect with an aroma of tropical fruit and berries. It's an IPA that's light and crisp like a lager but the taste is all juicy fruit - mango, lemon, herbal and citrusy, earthy pine. I defy you to not devour the whole six pack!
For completists : 7% ABV, 74 IBU's, SRM : 7 PLATO : 15.5
Fulton Batch 300 IPA is available in six packs for $9.99 (very limited)!

Only in Norn Iron!

 

 

"Maitrise" Imperial Farmhouse Ale, Fulton (Mpls, MN)

 Paul's Pick: "Maitrise" Imperial Farmhouse Ale, Fulton Brewery (Mpls, MN)

I have to say that Fulton have been knocking it out of the park, I mean garage, lately with one impressive offering after another. Such is the case with the latest offering in their "garage" series, "Maitrise" which they have labelled an Imperial Farmhouse Ale (IFA) -don't bother looking up the style in the BJCP handbook though - is masterful, even if it is a made up style! Maitrise translates from the French for expertise/mastery and its Fulton's interpretation of a new world farmhouse ale dedicated as a tribute to the creativity, ingenuity required for the brewing profession.

It's a quirky blend of American and German wheat and barley malts with a traditional French saison yeast strain and not so typical dose of New Zealand Nelson Sauvin hops, renowned for imparting white wine characteristics similar to Sauvignon Blanc. The results are fascinating - divine tropical fruitiness with hints of gooseberry, mango, and honey and a dry, tart, soft and slightly boozy finish. Fulton weren't joking by labelling this as an Imperial farmhouse ale with a majestic 9.5% ABV and a regal 80 IBU's this is not your typical saison consumed by the gallons by seasonal farmhands for lack of potable water in days of yore (though the idea appeals to me)! Kudos to Fulton also for taking advantage of the economies of scale of the brand new brewery and putting more limited releases in affordable 4 pack bottles rather than bombers (perceived perception of value is what I like to call it, LOL).

"Maitrise" Imperial Farmhouse Ale by Fulton Brewery available for $10.99/4pk bottles.
I gave it a 4/5 on my UNTAPPD account app, what did you rate it?

Brut Cidre de Bretagne (LeBrun)

Paul's Pick: Brut Cidre de Bretagne (LeBrun) Brittany, France.

Do not adjust your sets, I have not been abducted by aliens (though I'm open to the experience) but you are correct in noting that this is the first time in print I've recommended a cider. Cider reminds me of my lager lout youth when my palate was a little less sophisticated than today and I'd break up the monotony of tasteless euro lagers by drinking the odd cider - nothing good mind you, mass produced sugar bombs with ridiculous sounding macho names that threatened to send you into a diabetic coma. Incidentally the UK consumes the most cider per capita in the world today, thankfully they have also ceased the 18th century practice of adding lead salt (cheaper than sugar) as a sweetener in the cider. No idea how many thousands died before they realized that sometimes saving money is not such a killer idea!

Le Brun ciders have been produced by Ciders Bigoud (20 employees)! in Brittany, NW France (Plovan - about 500km from Paris) since 1955. Using *gasp* only hand picked hardy apples with wonderfully exotic names such as Kermerrien, Marie Menard, Peau de Chien. Sometimes everything sounds so much better in French! The apples are then collected and aged for 3 weeks in special wooden cases, a process that allows the fruit to slightly dehydrate and concentrate its aromas. Once mashed the resulting pulp and juice rest in a tank, helping balance the taste profile and eradicating any harshness. Pressed again the pure Apple juice then is stored in regulated fermentation tanks where the carbonic gas naturally dissolves in the cider. After a slight filtration the cider is bottled non-pasteurized in order to fully preserve the taste profile in 750ml champagne-like bottles, cork and caged as tradition dictates. The cider pours golden yellow with a moderate carbonization amid aromas of sweet ripe apples. Tart and funky with moderate acidity and a snappy dry finish this is a wonderful example of a farmhouse cider made the right way. A modest 5.5% ABV makes this a perfect picnic accompaniment and its a steal at just $8.99! I rated it a 4/5 on Untappd.

We also carry Le Brun Organic Cidre Demi-Sec at $10.99/750ml - I found it "cleaner" and more acidic than the Brut.

KIRSCH GOSE, VICTORY BREWING COMPANY

Kirsch Gose, Victory Brewing Company (Downington,PA)

It's been a fascinating trend of late as American craft brewers have taken an interest in somewhat obscure German beer styles, dusted them off and reinvented and reinvigorated them. I'm talking Cottbuser, Berliner Weisse, Radlers, Doppelsticke and of course Gose. Who said Reinheitsgebot was restrictive and boring? I think not!

 Interesting to see that American breweries have taken notice of the vast potential of the European beer market - craft beer exports rose by 43% last year to almost $75M. Stone Brewery is planning on opening a $25M facility in Berlin, Brooklyn has partnered with Carlsberg to open New Carnegie in Stockholm and famed gypsy brewer Mikkeler has collaborated with cult favorites Three Floyds to open a brewpub in Copenhagen. Strange times indeed!

 It's no surprise that a brewery (Victory) with a mission statement of "innovative beers melding European ingredients and technology with American creativity" should jump into the fray. Gose is an old world German brewing process originating in Leipzig and is similar to a Berliner Weisse - both styles feature a heavy wheat malt body and a tartness caused by the addition of lactic acid and lactobacillus. Gose differs from Berliner Weisse because it includes the addition of coriander as a spice and salt for good measure. It's a whimsical beer, Victory adds a playful touch by adding cherries post fermentation. The resulting beer pours a beautiful ruby rose, almost pink with a whiff of coriander. My tasting notes simply noted "salty tart" - what a great name for a brewery or bakery! Tart and acidic and salty with a refreshing clean finish and a low 4.7% ABV this is a sessionable beer that is perfect for the patio - but be warned it's addictive! It's not cheap but it's a treat you deserve. Trust me.

Kirsch Gose , Victory Brewing Company available in 4pk bottles for $9.99

Radler me this?

Radler me this?

 Stiegl Radler Grapefruit Naturtrub, Stieglbrauerei zu Salzburg


 With a heat index approaching 102 this Saturday I thought some refreshing day drinking beer recommendations would be in order. Although I hate the sweltering heat it has contributed to quite an impressive farmers tan even if I do say so myself (bringing sexy back)!
"Radler" (German for cyclist) is a drink that was invented in the roaring 20s when cycling became all the rage. Enterprising Franz Xaver Kugler constructed a bike trail thru the forest that led to his hostelry 12 miles from Munich. On a  Saturday in June 1922 13,000 thirsty cyclists descended upon Kugleralm (meaning Kugler's Alpine Meadow) demanding beer. Kugler didn't have enough beer but in a light bulb moment realized he had several thousand bottles of clear lemon soda in his cellar gathering dust - he mixed the soda with the remaining beer to a 50/50 ratio and called his concoction "radlermass" (mass = liter of beer). Essentially the Bavarian equivalent of the British shandy.
Visitors to the beautiful city of Salzburg, Austria know that it is not only known for Mozart balls, the Sound of Music and hoardes of Japanese tourists it is also home of the Stiegl Brauerei  who make the preiminent Radler in the world. Stiegl is Austria's largest and most successful private brewery, having been privately owned since 1492 (mind boggling). Stiegl's Radler is a mix of 40% Goldbrau (Helles Lager) and 60% grapefruit juice. Cloudy and straw colored it tastes more like fruit juice than beer, reminds me of San Pellegrino soda. Light, smooth, tangy and crisp low in calories and with an ABV of just 2% you can drink pitchers of this. Refreshing. What are you waiting for?
Side note - my favorite memory of Salzburg was a visit to the Augustiner brewery. Sitting in a huge communal beer hall at a picnic table supping on my man sized liter of beer in a ceramic mug I noticed that my mug had disintegrated leaving a bunch of debris in my half finished beer. It must have been quite a comical scene as I tried to explain to the German speaking monk what had transpired. He grabbed my drink and disappeared and returned with a replacement stein. Filled exactly to the same level as my original. Another example of ruthless German efficiency!
Stiegl grapefruit Radler is available in 4 pack 500ml cans for $8.99.

 Schofferhofer Grapefruit Binding-Brauerei (Frankfurt, Germany)

 Schofferhofer claims to be the first brewery in the world to combine a Hefeweizen beer with grapefruit juice. That gorgeous ruby hue it displays on pouring is the result of a natural food coloring called "cochineal extract" - if you are squeamish turn away - it's a red dye made from bugs that are primarily found on prickly pear cactus. Aztecs have been using it to dye fabrics for centuries. It takes about 70,000 insects to produce a pound of dye (thank you Wikipedia) and is harvested mainly in Peru and the Canary Islands. I'm guessing Schofferhofer is not vegan friendly? The drink is an equal mix of 50% unfiltered Hefeweizen and 50% carbonated grapefruit juice. Hazy, zesty and not as sweet as Stiegl with a bit more body and a slightly higher ABV of 3.2%. An invigorating thirst quencher it would be great to use in a cocktail.
Schofferhofer Grapefruit is available in 4 pack 500 ml cans for $7.49. Give it a try. Prost!

Evil Twin Brewing, "Molotov Lite" Double IPA

Danish native Jeppe Jarnit-Bjergso is the zany gypsy brewer/founder of the cult that is Evil Twin Brewing. Relocated to Brooklyn with his family since 2006 perhaps to escape the notoriety of his famous twin brother Mikkel (of Mikkeler fame) - sibling rivals with competing rock star egos, Molotov Lite is brewed at Two Roads Brewing in CT. Don't be fooled by the whimsical prose on the can, there's nothing Lite or remotely macro about this beer! This is a 8.5% ABV double IPA that packs a punch - pours a dull yellow with a tight white collar, the smell of citrus assails the nose as the taste reveals a biting burst of pungent, bracing, heartburn inducing grapefruity hops. Finally a Evil Twin brew with an affordable price tag at around $10.99 for a 4pk tall boy cans.

"Wild Devil Ale" Victory Brewing Company

"Wild Devil" Belgian IPA, Victory Brewing (Downington, PA)

"It's arguable that our menacingly delicious Hop Devil has always been wild. With bold German malts and whole flower American hops this IPA is anything but prim. But add a touch of brettanomyces, the unruly beast responsible for the sharp tang and deep funk found in many Belgian ales, and our wild devil emerges completely untamed. Floral, aromatic hops still leap from this amber ale, as a host of new fermentation flavor kicks up notes of citrus and pine. Pour yourself a glass today - if you dare!"
Malt : Imported two-row malts
Hops : Whole flower American hops
ABV : 6.7 %

"Wild Devil"  is essentially Victory's flagship IPA, "Hop Devil" that has finished fermenting and then doused with "Brett" , that mysterious wild yeast strain that is the scourge of wine makers but is prevalent in some of the wonderful Belgian sours. It is known for creating funky barnyard volatile and unpredictable flavors, evolved to devour more complex sugars than regular yeast. As a result it tends to dry out the beer and over time will lower the ABV.
"Wild Devil" as advertised pours a deep amber with a lively foam collar. A little tart, a hint of sherbet and a little funky with a bone dry finish that lends itself well. Overall a nice Belgian IPA - compare it to the American IPA version sans brett ("Hop Devil"), interestingly both beers clock in at 6.7% ABV. No surprises which version I preferred! For a local version of the style check out the Brett IPA at the impossible to spell Sisyphus Brewing (712 Ontario Avenue West, Minneapolis) - in the shadow of Dunwoody College and a stone's throw throw from the Walker.
"Wild Devil" is available at the uber-reasonable price of $8.99 for a 750ml cork-and-caged bottle.
Paul's UNTAPPD rating : *** 1/2 (out of 5)
Beer Advocate Rating : 86 (Very Good)
Rate Beer Score : 96 Overall 76 Style

Brrr, Widmer Brother's Brewing Company

Brrr....such a steal at a ridiculously low $2 a pint at www.thebdp.com HH in St. Paul!

I was just having a pint of this last weekend (okay, maybe it was several - sue me)! and it occured to me how criminally underated this beer is. It's a classic Winter Warmer born from the acclaimed "W" series in 2006 with a unique Northwest twist - lots of juicy cascade and citra hops that balance the sweet maltiness of the rich caramel and chocolate malts that also gives the beer it's beautiful mahogany hue. While not as hoppy as another of my favourite winter seasonals ("Celebration Ale" by Sierra Nevada) it still has a hefty 50 IBU's that should satisfy most hop heads and a warming 7.2% ABV that make it very drinkable. The holiday season always being a time for nostalgia this beer reminds me of the much lamented "Uptown Bar" (closed 3 years this past November - can you believe that?)! not just for the hangover breakfast but for the "Widmer Wednesdays" - cheap Widmer pints, keep the glass and lots of prizes. Seems like a long time ago now, maybe not quite "Four Score and Seven Years" (subtle reminder I need to get to "Lincoln") but late 90's for sure. If anyone needs an Uptown Bar pint glass with the Widmer logo, I'm your man, I have several hundred in my basement!

Old Man Winter, Lake Superior Brewing Company

Old Man Winter Warmer, Barley Wine Style Ale, Lake Superior Brewing Company (Duluth, MN)

12oz bottle poured into a Lake Superior pint glass that I didn't know I had (I know technically a snifter is the vessel of choice for a beer of this magnitude).
ABV : 10.3%



                        
  Old Man Winter Warmer (winter) – When it comes to spreading cheer, this Old Man doesn't mess around. Brewed in late spring and aged in our refrigerator until mid-Fall, this barley wine style ale brings a whopping ABV to the task. With mahogany color and flavors of dark fruits, along with oak infusion giving a slight vanilla background, this Old Man Winter Warmer does what its name promises for your nose and your thirst. O.G. 1.101. Available in 12oz. bottles and draft.

My take:

Pours - a dark mahogany, held up to the light reveals it's closer to a dark ruby red.

Smell -is of caramely sugar, booze, molasses, toffee.

Taste - Spices dominate, all-spice, chocolate, a little dark fruit for sure. I was expecting this to be "hot" consdering the high ABV but really it's pleasantly smooth and very drinkable.

Rating: B
Surprised me - Perhaps not overly complex as some other barleywines but I would definetly buy again (a six pack runs for about $12.99). Almost reminds me of 21st Ammendment's "Fireside Chat", albeit a little stronger.

More info:

Lake Superior Brewing Company
2711 W. Superior Street
Duluth, MN 55806
'PH: (218) 723-4000
Email: Info@LakeSuperiorBrewing.com
www.lakesuperiorbrewing.com

St Patrick's Day Pick : Leann Follain Extra Stout (O'Hara's, Carlow Brewing, Ireland)



Not even the sleepy Emerald Isle can escape the sweeping burgeoning beer-tsunami that is the craft beer movement. Over half of the 37 breweries (at last count) on the island have been set-up since 2009, and there has been a surge in public interest in independent craft beers, even as the recession closes many pubs, re-inforcing my suspicion that EVERYTHING in Ireland has improved since I was banished from it's shores (!) Long before the current boom, Seamus O'Hara and his brother Eamonn founded Carlow Brewing way back in 1996 as a family-owned brewery located in the heart of Ireland's malt-growing Barrow Valley region (based in Bagenalstown, Co. Carlow). Originally 75% of the beer they produced was consumed in the US and while America is still their biggest market, encouragingly 50% is now sold in there homeland of Ireland. From humble beginnings O'Hara's has grown to become Ireland's largest independent craft brewery, selling to 20 countries, producing over 2 million liters of beer annually and expanding it's workforce to a massive 15. "Leann Follain" (Gaelic for "wholesome stout" - and no, I don't speak the language but I am working on my English) is my favorite of the beers we carry by them. It's a full-bodied extra stout, roasty with flavors of dark chocolate, biscuity with a sweet hint of vanilla and mocha and a pleasant maltiness. Although in appearance it presents itself as a typical Irish stout with an opaque blackness and tan head it's definitely not typical in that it has a juicy finish as opposed to the dryness we are more used to for the style. The ABV is also a wee bit more substantial at 6%, and overall it's a luxurious and refreshing, satisfying stout that you will enjoy immensely especially given it's ridiculously low price of $6.99 for a 4pk of 11.2oz bottles! Also available - O'Hara's Irish Red, Stout (Irish Stout) and Pale Ale.

More information:

Carlow Brewing Company

Murine Bheag Business Park

Royal Oak Road, Bagnelstown

Co. Carlow, Ireland

'PH: 353 (0) 59-972-0509

www.carlowbrewing.com

Ratings : Beer Advocate : 89 (Very Good) Rate Beer : Overall 92, Style 90 UNTAPPD : 3.70/5

My Rating : B and 3.5 on UNTAPPD

The brewery also operates a pub called "Brewery Corner" in Kilkenny (20km from the brewery) that exclusively serves Irish craft beer with 13 beers currently on tap. 

 

Valentine's Day, 2014: Young's Double Chocolate Stout w/Lindemans Framboise

Paul's Pick: Young's Double Cream Stout combined with Lindemans Framboise
  

If you were to peruse my profile on christianmingles.com it would be enough to make even Fabio blush. Long walks on the beach at sunset, discussing the intricacies of the three tier system over a candlelit dinner, mulling the differences between a porter and a stout while Barry White's soothing tones plays in the background. That's me - an incurable romantic. So let's follow the trail of rose petals to the fridge and see what I exciting elixir awaits us this Valentines Day.

Chocolate and raspberries have long been paired together as a dessert in restaurants and it works great for beer too. I'm going to go for a classic for a sweet stout, Young's Double chocolate stout (Wells and Young's Brewing, Bedford, England) - luxurious and decadent and not too sweet, pour half into a pint watch in wonderment as the beer ebbs and flows and cascades like crashing waves on the shore (sorry, too many Harlequin romance novels) before it settles contentedly in the glass, the nitrogen widget smoothes and mellows any residual sweetness - cocoa and a lingering delectable bitter chocolate remains, resembling a luxurious chocolate milk. I recommend pouring it on your morning corn flakes.

Top with framboise from Lindemans (Vlezenbeek, Belgium). Traditional lambic (spontaneous fermenting beers) brewers since 1812, located SW of Brussels in the Senne Valley, Lindemans were the first lambic exporters to these shores in 1979. The acidity and sourness of the lambic blends perfectly with the addition of the raspberries, leaving a tart, fruity, slightly sour dessert beer that is only 2.5% ABV that I could drink gallons of! Married with the double chocolate stout the resulting concoction is a velvety seduction of chocolate and cocoa balanced nicely with the tartness of ripe fruit.

I chose Young's Double Chocolate Stout for nostalgic reasons (British candy is responsible for my dentist retiring a millionaire) but you can substitute almost any stout - for a bit more oomph try Brooklyn Chocolate Stout (10% ABV), Ommegang Chocolate Seduction, Boulevard Chocolate Ale, or Left Hand Milk Stout (nitro is creamier), anyway you get the idea. Any raspberry lambic works too but Lindemans is the most readily available, and the oldest. One pairing that doesn't work is Creme Brûlée (Southern Tier) with framboise - absolutely revolting, don't know what I was thinking, probably why I'm not a chef.

Thanks for listening, I'm pretty sure America's Most Eligible Bachelor is on the Telly, so I'm off.

Xoxoxo
Fabio (actually Flabio is more fitting, I drink a lot of beer)

Young's Double Chocolate Stout sells for $9.99/4-pack and Lindemans Framboise is $10.99/750ml.

"Ruthless Rye", Sierra Nevada (Chico,CA)

"Ruthless Rye", American IPA

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 I always get a little misty-eyed when the last of the “Celebration Ale” disappears from the store shelves. Every passing year it seems to happen faster, a good thing, as more disciples have discovered it’s hoppy goodness. But it’s not all doom-and-gloom, as Spring beckons Sierra Nevada brings us a new seasonal gift in the shape of “Ruthless Rye”. Mercifully it replaces the truly awful “Glissade Bock”, which has ingloriously been dropped from their line-up – a sensible decision.

                                                   12oz bottle poured into a Sierra Nevada pint glass

“Ruthless Rye” pours a nice amber with a crisp white collar that leaves an impressive lacing on the glass. The beer exhibits a crisp hoppy bite (they use Chinook, Citra and a new proprietary hop for aroma and Bravo for bittering) that is cut nicely with a malty rye. The rye lends a slightly spicy and tangy taste with a floral, dry finish (from the dry-hopping). This is a perfect everyday “fridge” beer – unremarkable, unpretentious but delicious tasting beer at a budget friendly price – the usual trademarks of a Sierra Nevada beer. $7.99 a sixer or $12.99 (I've seen this as low as $10.99 for a 12 pack). ABV is a manageable 6.6% with a respectable 55 IBU’s present.

My Rating : B/B+

If I was to use one word to describe this beer it would be "solid" - not earth shattering but it will tide me over until "Hoptimum" hits the shelves next month. Here's hoping its as good as last year (probably my favourite beer of 2012).

Others:

Beer Advocate Score is 88 (Good) while Rate Beer gives it 99 Overall, 97 for the Style


Useless Trivia Fact that nobody cares about : Chico, CA is also the birthplace of P*ckers QB Aaron Rodgers

"Wuthless Wye" - Elmer Fudd's favourite beer? Check this translator website, it's hilarious! I was going to translate this post into Fudd-speak but decided it was too much effort.

www.rinkworks.com/dialect/



                                  Photo Courtesy of Andrew May Studios


Vital Statistics:

ABV : 6.6%
Beginning Gravity : 15.2 degrees Plato
Ending Gravity: 3.1 degrees Plato
IBU : 55

Yeast - Ale
Bittering Hops - Bravo
Finishing Hops - Chinook, Citra and a new Proprietary variety
Malts - Two-Row Pale, Rye, Caramel and Chocolate

Brewery Description (from the website) :

Rustic grains, refined flavor, ruthless character.

Rugged and resilient, rye has been a staple grain for ages and its spicy black pepper-like flavor has been prized by distillers and brewers for centuries. Rye thrives in the harshest conditions and comes to life in Ruthless, a spicy and rugged IPA with fruity, citrus and herbal hop notes balanced with the dry spiciness of the rye, making the beer aggressive yet comforting to bolster against whatever the winter winds may bring.

Rye

Brewers looking for added flavor character and malt complexity occasionally use rye in addition to malted barley. Rye is a hearty and rustic cereal grain that has long been favored by the distilling industry. Brewers embrace it for its signature spicy, black pepper-like flavors and complex dryness.

Dry Hops

We work hard to get strong hop flavors into our beers and one of the ways we do that is through dry hopping. Dry hopping refers to the addition of whole-cone hops to the fermentation tanks. The addition of hops to cold beer allows the aromatic oils and resins to infuse the beer with flavor and aroma without adding any additional bitterness.




Sierra Nevada Brewing Company
1075 E. 20th Street
Chico, CA 95928
'PH: 530-893-3520
www.sierranevada.com
Twitter @SierraNevada
 

Rosee D'Hibiscus, Brasserie Dieu Du Ciel!

Rosee D'Hibiscus, Microbrasserie Dieu Du Ciel, St-Jerome, Quebec (CA)

11.5fl oz bottle poured into a Sierra Nevada "Ovila" Chalice

Gorgeous label! Reads "Ale Brewed With Spices and Hibiscus Flowers"

5.9% ABV Bottle Conditioned

Style : Herbed/Spiced/Vegetable Beer

"Rosee D'Hibiscus is a soft spoken Belgian-style wheat beer. It's rose colour comes from the hibiscus flowers added during the brewing process. The aromas and flavour of this tropical flower are very prominent in the beer, giving it a slight acidity and a very agreeable fragrance.

The Rosee D'Hibiscus was born in our Montreal brewpub in May 2006".

Bottle is date-notched and is Imported by (the infamous) Shelton Brothers, Belchertown, MA.

"Don Du Ciel" translates from the French to "A Godsend"  or "God of the Sky". Probably a good idea to verify that though, given my dodgy Grammar school French. In my defence I was a little distracted in class (ahem). Her name was Ms. Essler.


Despite my reputation as a miserable bastard (well-justifed, I assure you) some things still excite me. Like discovering a great new beer, against all expectations. This is one of those occasions. Drawn by the fantastic, mesmerizing artwork on the label this is the second Dieu Du Ciel beer I've ever tried ("Rigor Mortis" Abt and that was outstanding).

Pours a beuatiful ruby with a pinkish hue. Slightly cloudy (to be expected - it is un-filtered). Wonderfully aromatic - melon, lavender, floral. Delicate rose petals. Taste is unique - tart and tangy, sweet, tropical mango,berry and definitely pear. Very light body and mouthfeel, it's hard to believe this is a beer with a 5.5% ABV - it should be in the health foods section of your local Co-Op! Refreshing, agreeable and I agree with their sentiment that it would be the perfect thirst-quencher on a hot summer day (or any other).

My Rating : A-

Beer Advocate gives it a 86 (Very Good) while "The Bros" rate it as a 94 (Outstanding)

Rate Beer : 90 (Overall) and 96 (Style)

UNTAPPED : 3.60% average rating out of 5

I don't recall ever having hibiscus in a beer (I know it is popular addition in some teas) but this adds a unique flavor to this wheat beer that works remarkably well.







Brewery Info:

Diel Du Ciel Microbrewery                Hours: Mon-Thurs 11:30AM - 2PM
259 Rue De Villemure                                    Friday-Sat. 2PM - 3AM
St-Jerome, QC J7Z 5J4                                   Sunday 2PM - 1AM
'PH: (450) 436-3438
FAX: (450) 436-3455
www.dieuduciel.com

Montreal Brasserie:

Brasserie Dieu Du Ciel                    Hours: Daily 3PM - 3AM
29 Laurier Ouest                              Subway Directions : Take Orange Line to the Laurier Station,
Montreal, Quebec                            take Laurier St. Exit and walk towards the west, crossing both St.
'PH: (514) 490-9555                        Denis and St. Laurent Streets before reaching the pub.

Apple Ale, New Glarus

Apple Ale, New Glarus Brewing Company (New Glarus, WI)

12oz red-foiled bottle poured into a New Glarus goblet. $9.99 a 4 pack from Cassanova in Hudson (hard as it was to turn down the $50 for 3 x 24 flats of Coors Light they had on deal)! Yes, all the cars in the parking lot had MN plates - Sunday opening activists....
ABV : 4%
Part of the very limited "Thumbprint" Series, the inspiration behind it described below:

It is always flattering when less imaginative competitors copy our beers, packaging, and/or marketing. I usually accept this as a personal challenge to do something more. When our trademarked Solstice name was infringed on, I regrouped with Dancing Man. When lots of deconstructed 4 and 6 packs showed up I knew I was doing a good job. When another Midwestern brewer released a "Un*******" series. I thought I can do better.

Thumbprint beers are still brewed with the beer enthusiast in mind. Thumbprint beers are brewed in small batches that are intended to be available for one time only. However, popular demand has caused some styles to return. This is my own thumbprint, to let everyone know this is a real New Glarus handcrafted beer! Cheers.

—Deborah Carey (President, New Glarus Brewing Company)

Style : Fruit/Vegetable Beer. Description from Beer Advocate :

A generic form of flavored beer, some breweries actually use real fruit or veggies, though most use an extract, syrup or processed flavor to give the effect of a particular fruit or vegetable. Usually ales, but with not much ale character to them and commonly unbalanced. Malt flavor is typically hidden with a low hop bitterness to allow the fruit or vegetable to dominate.

While PONDER-ing my latest beer pick in the midst of a dismal Vikings loss to the P**kers, it occured to me the perfect penance would be to review a beer from a perennial Wisconsin favourite, New Glarus Brewing. I'm asked on a daily basis at the store if we carry New Glarus and of course the answer is no - it's proudly exclusive to Wisconsin. In 2011 it sold all 108,000 barrels it produces within Wisconsin borders. On a side note, I found it interesting while at the GABF in Denver in October the longest lines were not for Dogfish Head, Three Floyd's or even Surly but for New Glarus.

"Apple Ale sings with the fresh crisp taste of apples. Our brewmaster begins with a brown ale base employing Wisonsin farmed wheat and a blend of fresh picked apples. Our apple growing friends squeeze them especially for this brew. Expect this ale to pour a beautiful copper colour. The fresh bouquet of apple will rise to meet you even before the glass touches your lips. So be sure to sip slowly and enjoy the fruits of a Wisconsin harvest".

My take:

Pours a clear, dark yellow. Aroma of tart apples, taste is sharp and refreshing, Granny Smith. Crisp, quenching, light bodied - nothing artificial tasting about this beer. Apple juice, with a little more carbonization and a pleasant, if ever so slight, vanilla aftertaste.

Rating: A

I'm a fan of Furthermore's "Fallen Apple" New Glarus' Apple Ale is less creamy than that and reminds me more of a British cider than a beer, but perhaps not as dry. Whether it is really a cider or a beer is another matter but who cares, it is delicious!

Rate Beer Score : 98/100 Overall
Beer Advocate : 92 (Exceptional)




More info:

*Brewery founded in 1993 by Deborah and Dan Carey, making Deborah the first woman to operate a brewery in the US.
*Today is the 21st largest craft brewery and 32nd largest overall brewing company in the US.
* New Glarus Brewing is a big supporter of Universal Health Care (are you reading this Papa F***g John)?!
*The town of New Glarus has a population of 2,304 according to 2010 Census. It was named after the Canton of Glarus in Eastern Switzerland and was founded in 1845 by immigrants from Glarus, Switzerland.
*New Glarus is the best known Swiss settlement in the country.
www.swisstown.com


New Glarus Brewing Company      Hours : Mon-Sun 10am-4pm
2400 State Highway 69
New Glarus, WI 53574
'PH: 608-527-5850
www.newglarusbrewing.com Twitter: newglarusbeer

Driving time from Minneapolis is approx. 4 Hours 40 Minutes (281 miles). Madison is nearby, (27 miles, about a 45 minute drive).