Thursday, August 30, 2012
Pint Night News
This week will be a bring your own Pint Glass night! We will have some oldies available for purchase, or you can bring your own. The featured beer of the week is Southern Tier Harvest. $3 will get your a fill, and our glasses that we have will be going for $3. Also, due to a very busy week, we will not have our usual beer reviews up. I apologize for the inconvenience.
Friday, August 24, 2012
Weekly Beer Reviews Pt. 2
Schlafly Pumpkin Ale
This is, hands down, the best Pumpkin Ale. The nose is everything you would expect, with a multitude of aroma's that included pumpkin pie, cinnamon, nutmeg, crust, whipped cream, and baked apples. The taste is straight up pumpkin pie, with baked apples and cinnamon that surely put you in the mindset of fall. The finish has malts that form a flavor similar to crust, with pumpkin seed and nutmeg complimenting the glorious finish. If Pumpkin Ales are your thing, then look no further.
Mike and Tyler's Rating - 9.25/10
St. Bernardus Abt 12
This huge Abbey Quad is a treat to have on tap, though it is almost too much. The nose is all yeast, with hints of sour grapes and alcohol. The first day all of these aroma's almost combined to form a scent of vomit, but they mellowed out after the first day. The taste is soft, with the yeast moving to the forefront with tastes of clove. I also detected flavors of raisins and mint. The clove gets stronger on the finish, then abruptly stops. The taste would put you in the mindset of a 5% beer, yet this one strikes at over 10%.
Mike and Tyler's Rating - 7.5/10
Leinenkugel's Big Eddy Imperial IPA
I know what you all are thinking. An Imperial IPA? From Leinenkugels? How good could it be? The answer...Fantastic. This is easily one of the best Imperial IPA's to grace our wall this year. One to compete with a fresh Dogfish Head 90 and Three Floyds Arctic Panzer Wolf. The nose has tons of fruit, with aroma's of mango, pineapple, grapefruit, and orange peel creating a unique bouquet. The taste is bitter, with floral hops and tons of grapefruit and mango showing off. The finish is quick, smooth, and remarkably refreshing. You won't find much better on our wall.
Mike and Tyler's Rating - 9.5/10
This is, hands down, the best Pumpkin Ale. The nose is everything you would expect, with a multitude of aroma's that included pumpkin pie, cinnamon, nutmeg, crust, whipped cream, and baked apples. The taste is straight up pumpkin pie, with baked apples and cinnamon that surely put you in the mindset of fall. The finish has malts that form a flavor similar to crust, with pumpkin seed and nutmeg complimenting the glorious finish. If Pumpkin Ales are your thing, then look no further.
Mike and Tyler's Rating - 9.25/10
St. Bernardus Abt 12
This huge Abbey Quad is a treat to have on tap, though it is almost too much. The nose is all yeast, with hints of sour grapes and alcohol. The first day all of these aroma's almost combined to form a scent of vomit, but they mellowed out after the first day. The taste is soft, with the yeast moving to the forefront with tastes of clove. I also detected flavors of raisins and mint. The clove gets stronger on the finish, then abruptly stops. The taste would put you in the mindset of a 5% beer, yet this one strikes at over 10%.
Mike and Tyler's Rating - 7.5/10
Leinenkugel's Big Eddy Imperial IPA
I know what you all are thinking. An Imperial IPA? From Leinenkugels? How good could it be? The answer...Fantastic. This is easily one of the best Imperial IPA's to grace our wall this year. One to compete with a fresh Dogfish Head 90 and Three Floyds Arctic Panzer Wolf. The nose has tons of fruit, with aroma's of mango, pineapple, grapefruit, and orange peel creating a unique bouquet. The taste is bitter, with floral hops and tons of grapefruit and mango showing off. The finish is quick, smooth, and remarkably refreshing. You won't find much better on our wall.
Mike and Tyler's Rating - 9.5/10
Pint Night News
This weeks special is Leinenkugel's Big Eddy Imperial IPA. The first Pint (with glass) will go for $5, with each additional fill being $3. Also, as a Pint Night Special, if you get a growler of Big Eddy tonight it will be $11.99 instead of $13.99! What a bargain! Glassware will be a surprise, but I guarantee we have never had this glassware before. Hope to see you all out there.
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
Weekly Beer Reviews Pt. 1
Samuel Adams Fat Jack Double Pumpkin Ale
That's right folks, the Pumpkin Ales are already pouring in! This one has a beautiful nose with aroma's of nutmeg, clove, cinnamon, pumpkin, and small hints of mint. The taste is not so spectacular. It is overly sweet up front, with flavors of clove, coriander, and brown sugar. That quickly becomes a strong flavor of mint and toast on the finish. The finish is entirely too quick, and the beer too sweet for the light amount of malt it has.
Mike, Tyler, and Cody's Rating - 7.5/10
Rogue Brutal IPA
I had this one last year and I wasn't very impressed with it. Let me tell you, Rogue worked out the kinks this year. The nose is amazing, with hints of pineapple, tangerine, and grapefruit. The taste is equally amazing. Flavors of peach and mango stick out, with just a slight bitterness that blends well with them. Those flavors linger throughout the entire brew, with the bitterness ramping up at the end. Refreshing and tasty, this is definitely an IPA I would recommend.
Mike, Tyler, and Cody's Rating - 9.5/10
New Albanian Hoptimus Imperial IPA
It has been a year and a half since I last had a keg of Hoptimus on tap. It will probably be another year and a half before I do it again. The nose is dominated by the yeast, with subtle hints of coriander and white grapes. The taste is reminiscent of bar soap, with tastes of yeast and citrus. The finish is all bitter, which proceeds to linger. This beer just...doesn't taste good. There isn't much else to say.
Mike, Tyler, and Cody's Rating - 5/10
Rogue Double Dead Guy Ale
Many people have had Rogue's Dead Guy Ale. This Imperial version doesn't have much in common with the other. The nose has wonderful scents of caramel and toffee. Tyler claimed that he smelled "dirty fish tanks". The flavor is different, with oranges assaulting your palate. That quickly transforms to maple and brown sugar on the finish. It is similar to a quality doppelbock, except that the alcohol is more apparent.
Mike, Tyler, and Cody's Rating - 7.5/10
That's right folks, the Pumpkin Ales are already pouring in! This one has a beautiful nose with aroma's of nutmeg, clove, cinnamon, pumpkin, and small hints of mint. The taste is not so spectacular. It is overly sweet up front, with flavors of clove, coriander, and brown sugar. That quickly becomes a strong flavor of mint and toast on the finish. The finish is entirely too quick, and the beer too sweet for the light amount of malt it has.
Mike, Tyler, and Cody's Rating - 7.5/10
Rogue Brutal IPA
I had this one last year and I wasn't very impressed with it. Let me tell you, Rogue worked out the kinks this year. The nose is amazing, with hints of pineapple, tangerine, and grapefruit. The taste is equally amazing. Flavors of peach and mango stick out, with just a slight bitterness that blends well with them. Those flavors linger throughout the entire brew, with the bitterness ramping up at the end. Refreshing and tasty, this is definitely an IPA I would recommend.
Mike, Tyler, and Cody's Rating - 9.5/10
New Albanian Hoptimus Imperial IPA
It has been a year and a half since I last had a keg of Hoptimus on tap. It will probably be another year and a half before I do it again. The nose is dominated by the yeast, with subtle hints of coriander and white grapes. The taste is reminiscent of bar soap, with tastes of yeast and citrus. The finish is all bitter, which proceeds to linger. This beer just...doesn't taste good. There isn't much else to say.
Mike, Tyler, and Cody's Rating - 5/10
Rogue Double Dead Guy Ale
Many people have had Rogue's Dead Guy Ale. This Imperial version doesn't have much in common with the other. The nose has wonderful scents of caramel and toffee. Tyler claimed that he smelled "dirty fish tanks". The flavor is different, with oranges assaulting your palate. That quickly transforms to maple and brown sugar on the finish. It is similar to a quality doppelbock, except that the alcohol is more apparent.
Mike, Tyler, and Cody's Rating - 7.5/10
Thursday, August 16, 2012
Weekly Beer Reviews
This week we tasted with some guest tasters. My boss, Justin Miller, popped in to taste them with me. Cody, one of our morning stockers who has recently become part of the night crew also joined for his first tasting. Here is what we have for you:
New Albanian Black and Bluegrass
This Saison Ale that is made with blue agave and black pepper is certainly interesting. The nose has hints of floral perfumes and coriander. Though many agreed that it smells like bubble bath. I don't get agave nectar or black pepper on the flavor, though that bubble bath seemed to shine through with subtle soapy flavors. Floral hops floated to the front before finishing quickly. There wasn't much to this beer, and I found it could have been more interesting with the ingredients it had in it.
Mike, Justin, and Cody's Rating - 5.5/10
Green Flash Retro Extra Pale Ale
This new offering from Green Flash is only available on tap. The nose is light, with only subtle hints of floral hops. The first taste is smooth, with a light taste of bitterness. Floral hops are present, but hard to pick out. The finish has the bitterness fading, and a creamy taste being shown off. This is certainly a crisp, refreshing pale ale that is perfect for the last weeks of Summer.
Mike, Justin, and Cody's Rating - 7.5/10
Three Floyds Robert the Bruce Scottish Ale
Cody bowed out of the tasting for this one. That is partially due to the fact that he only likes hoppy beers. This is one of Three Floyds most popular beers, though it hasn't graced our wall in about 2 years. The nose has hints of oatmeal, bran, and light chocolate. The taste is exceptionally malty, with tasty floral hops shining through as wlel. It finishes smoothly, with only a touch of bitterness. A strong taste of milk chocolate filled the finish. For those of you who love Doppelbocks and other similar styles, this beer is for you.
Mike and Justin's Rating - 8/10
Leinenkugel's Big Eddy Imperial IPA
I know what you all are thinking. An Imperial IPA? From Leinenkugels? How good could it be? The answer...Fantastic. This is easily one of the best Imperial IPA's to grace our wall this year. One to compete with a fresh Dogfish Head 90 and Three Floyds Arctic Panzer Wolf. The nose has tons of fruit, with aroma's of mango, pineapple, grapefruit, and orange peel creating a unique bouquet. The taste is bitter, with floral hops and tons of grapefruit and mango showing off. The finish is quick, smooth, and remarkably refreshing. You won't find much better on our wall.
Mike, Justin, and Cody's Rating - 9.75/10
New Albanian Black and Bluegrass
This Saison Ale that is made with blue agave and black pepper is certainly interesting. The nose has hints of floral perfumes and coriander. Though many agreed that it smells like bubble bath. I don't get agave nectar or black pepper on the flavor, though that bubble bath seemed to shine through with subtle soapy flavors. Floral hops floated to the front before finishing quickly. There wasn't much to this beer, and I found it could have been more interesting with the ingredients it had in it.
Mike, Justin, and Cody's Rating - 5.5/10
Green Flash Retro Extra Pale Ale
This new offering from Green Flash is only available on tap. The nose is light, with only subtle hints of floral hops. The first taste is smooth, with a light taste of bitterness. Floral hops are present, but hard to pick out. The finish has the bitterness fading, and a creamy taste being shown off. This is certainly a crisp, refreshing pale ale that is perfect for the last weeks of Summer.
Mike, Justin, and Cody's Rating - 7.5/10
Three Floyds Robert the Bruce Scottish Ale
Cody bowed out of the tasting for this one. That is partially due to the fact that he only likes hoppy beers. This is one of Three Floyds most popular beers, though it hasn't graced our wall in about 2 years. The nose has hints of oatmeal, bran, and light chocolate. The taste is exceptionally malty, with tasty floral hops shining through as wlel. It finishes smoothly, with only a touch of bitterness. A strong taste of milk chocolate filled the finish. For those of you who love Doppelbocks and other similar styles, this beer is for you.
Mike and Justin's Rating - 8/10
Leinenkugel's Big Eddy Imperial IPA
I know what you all are thinking. An Imperial IPA? From Leinenkugels? How good could it be? The answer...Fantastic. This is easily one of the best Imperial IPA's to grace our wall this year. One to compete with a fresh Dogfish Head 90 and Three Floyds Arctic Panzer Wolf. The nose has tons of fruit, with aroma's of mango, pineapple, grapefruit, and orange peel creating a unique bouquet. The taste is bitter, with floral hops and tons of grapefruit and mango showing off. The finish is quick, smooth, and remarkably refreshing. You won't find much better on our wall.
Mike, Justin, and Cody's Rating - 9.75/10
Pint Night News
Pint Night is a bit of a surprise. Everything is flying in last minute, so you will just have to show up and see what wonderful beers we have to offer.
Weekend Tasting
Wine Tasting
Friday, August 17th, 4 - 7 PM
Surprise Wine Tasting!
Come and see what the staff has picked out.
Wine Tasting
Saturday, August 18th, 3 - 6 PM
Le Cluzet Blanc (2009)
Cortenova Pinot Grigio (2010)
Morada Sangria (NV)
Le Cluzet Rouge (2009)
The Royal Shiraz/Cabernet Sauvignon (2009)
News Update
Sorry for the lack of information this week folks. I worked a couple of mornings and getting the information on morning shift has been difficult. However, I should have all the news for tastings and beer today. So check back later this afternoon into late Thursday night. Thanks for your patience.
Friday, August 10, 2012
Weekly Beer Reviews
Wells Banana Bread Beer
This English beer has had a devoted following in our store, and so we welcomed this one on tap to see what all of the fuss was about. The nose was diverse, and certainly lives up to its name. Bananas, raisins, bread, brown sugar, and a hint of cola made for a wonderfully enticing aroma. The taste certainly lived up to the name of the beer as well, with flavors of banana pudding, vanilla wafers, and whipped cream. It finished with a slight bitterness. Despite all the descriptions, this one isn't sweet.
Mike and Tyler's Rating - 8.5/10
Three Floyds Alpha King
This was a particularly fresh keg of Alpha King, and I just couldn't wait to get it on tap. The nose is enticing, with soapy hops blending with citrus and fresh hops. The taste is pleasantly bitter, with hints of honey and pine. That pine continues straight into the finish, with a woody quality that fit the bitterness. Honestly, it wa quite the enjoyable beer to consume. If you are a fan of Pale Ales, this is the way to go on the tap wall right now.
Mike and Tyler's Rating - 9.25/10
Left Hand Chainsaw Ale
This has always been my favorite Left Hand beer. This American Strong Ale has a nose of sweet grapes, raisins, caramel, and burnt sugar. The taste is bitter, with herbal and pine hops showing off wonderful flavors. You get a bit of tropical fruit right before the finish that is earthy with hints of charred oak. If you like hops and malt, this beer is very well-balanced.
Mike and Tyler's Rating - 8.5/10
This English beer has had a devoted following in our store, and so we welcomed this one on tap to see what all of the fuss was about. The nose was diverse, and certainly lives up to its name. Bananas, raisins, bread, brown sugar, and a hint of cola made for a wonderfully enticing aroma. The taste certainly lived up to the name of the beer as well, with flavors of banana pudding, vanilla wafers, and whipped cream. It finished with a slight bitterness. Despite all the descriptions, this one isn't sweet.
Mike and Tyler's Rating - 8.5/10
Three Floyds Alpha King
This was a particularly fresh keg of Alpha King, and I just couldn't wait to get it on tap. The nose is enticing, with soapy hops blending with citrus and fresh hops. The taste is pleasantly bitter, with hints of honey and pine. That pine continues straight into the finish, with a woody quality that fit the bitterness. Honestly, it wa quite the enjoyable beer to consume. If you are a fan of Pale Ales, this is the way to go on the tap wall right now.
Mike and Tyler's Rating - 9.25/10
Left Hand Chainsaw Ale
This has always been my favorite Left Hand beer. This American Strong Ale has a nose of sweet grapes, raisins, caramel, and burnt sugar. The taste is bitter, with herbal and pine hops showing off wonderful flavors. You get a bit of tropical fruit right before the finish that is earthy with hints of charred oak. If you like hops and malt, this beer is very well-balanced.
Mike and Tyler's Rating - 8.5/10
Thursday, August 9, 2012
Weekend Tasting
Wine Tasting
Friday, August 10th, 4 - 7 PM
Weinkeller Erbach Riesling (2011)
Vida Mar Chardonnay (2010)
Morada Sangria (NV)
Alain Jaume Cotes Du Rhone (2009)
Shotfire Shiraz (2009)
Wine Tasting
Saturday, August 11th, 3 - 6 PM
Le Cluzet Blanc (2009)
Cortenova Pinot Grigio (2010)
Morada Sangria (NV)
Le Cluzet Rouge (2009)
The Royal Shiraz/Cabernet Sauvignon (2009)
Sunday, August 5, 2012
Pint Night News
We already have some Pint Night News for you all. Friday's Pint Night will be Goose Island. Sofie and Honkers will be on tap for sure, and we will try and get a couple other goodies for you. We will have standard pint glasses for $3. Goose Island stemmed glasses will be $5 a pop. The beer itself will be $2 for the Honkers a fill, and $4 for the Sofie per fill. Hope to see you all out here!
Friday, August 3, 2012
Weekly Beer Tastings
Bells Oberon Summer Wheat Ale
This Summer beer has been a favorite of mine. With the season getting close to ending, I was skeptical as to how good this beer could actually be with a little age on it. It sure didn't disappoint. The nose is herbal, with light hints of toast and sweet corn. Certainly not as fragrant as it would have been a month ago. However, the taste is all there. Crisp with hints of grapefruit and a light bitterness. The finish was pleasantly malty, with hints of cornflakes. If you are still looking for Bells Oberon on tap, you won't be disappointed with this batch.
Mike and Tyler's Rating - 8/10
Thirsty Dog Old Leghumper Porter
It has been a while since we have had a straight up Porter on tap. This batch from Thirsty Dog sure doesn't live up to the beer that I remember. The nose has tantalizing aroma's of sweet caramel, toffee, and sour cream. The taste itself is much farther from that. Sour, with tons of smoke and light hints of milk chocolate. The finish is bitter, with tons more smoke and light hints of black coffee and cream. This beer isn't well-balanced, and was pretty one sided with all of the smoke.
Mike and Tyler's Rating - 6.75/10
Bells Best Brown Ale
A first to our growler wall. This Brown Ale is one of Bells Seasonals, and has a little age on it. Even with that, I found this to be a stellar Brown Ale. Tyler and I got hints of grapes and oatmeal on the nose. It certainly didn't wow us with its lackluster aroma. However, the taste was freshing, with hints of bitterness, herbal hops, and cream. The finish was smooth and malty, with light tastes of bran, milk chocolate, and cream. This easy drinking Brown Ale will surely tide those over waiting for the Fall Brown Ales that are on their way.
Mike and Tyler's Rating - 8/10
Dogfish Head 90 Minute Imperial IPA
I am sure some of you all remember the last keg of 90 Minute that we put on tap. It ended up with the first 10 Tyler and I have given a beer together. This one, with a couple of months of age on it, doesn't fare so well. The nose is still pleasant, with brown sugar, pine, lemon, and hints of alcohol assaulting the nose. The taste, however, has deteriorated. It is bitter up front, with citrus and a very sweet flavor coming through. The finish is quick, with light hints of pine, more of that overbearing sweetness, and hints of alcohol. With so many other Double and Imperial IPA's on tap, this one doesn't fare so well.
Mike and Tyler's Rating - 7.5/10
Stone Ruination Imperial IPA
This has always been a personal favorite of mine since I had it 2 years ago. The nose on this beer is beautiful, with hints of pine, papaya, and pineapple. The taste is lighter than I remember. Bitter up front, with flavors of pine and citrus mingling together. The bitterness continues into the finish, with a tropical punch taste to it. It is obvious that some of the hops may have disappeared, but this beer still stands up with the best of them.
Mike and Tyler's Rating - 8.25/10
Chimay Tripel
Our featured beer of the night. This is the first Chimay experience I have had. It sure lived up to the hype. The nose is reminiscent of a champage, with hints of pine, clove, and apples. The nose is rather pungent, actually. The taste is slightly perfumey, with floral notes and tastes of crisp grapes shining through. Slightly bitter at the beginning, which disappears quickly. The finish is slightly sour, with strong flavors of clove and cream. Everyone definitely owes themselves a glass of this.
Mike and Tyler's Rating - 9/10
This Summer beer has been a favorite of mine. With the season getting close to ending, I was skeptical as to how good this beer could actually be with a little age on it. It sure didn't disappoint. The nose is herbal, with light hints of toast and sweet corn. Certainly not as fragrant as it would have been a month ago. However, the taste is all there. Crisp with hints of grapefruit and a light bitterness. The finish was pleasantly malty, with hints of cornflakes. If you are still looking for Bells Oberon on tap, you won't be disappointed with this batch.
Mike and Tyler's Rating - 8/10
Thirsty Dog Old Leghumper Porter
It has been a while since we have had a straight up Porter on tap. This batch from Thirsty Dog sure doesn't live up to the beer that I remember. The nose has tantalizing aroma's of sweet caramel, toffee, and sour cream. The taste itself is much farther from that. Sour, with tons of smoke and light hints of milk chocolate. The finish is bitter, with tons more smoke and light hints of black coffee and cream. This beer isn't well-balanced, and was pretty one sided with all of the smoke.
Mike and Tyler's Rating - 6.75/10
Bells Best Brown Ale
A first to our growler wall. This Brown Ale is one of Bells Seasonals, and has a little age on it. Even with that, I found this to be a stellar Brown Ale. Tyler and I got hints of grapes and oatmeal on the nose. It certainly didn't wow us with its lackluster aroma. However, the taste was freshing, with hints of bitterness, herbal hops, and cream. The finish was smooth and malty, with light tastes of bran, milk chocolate, and cream. This easy drinking Brown Ale will surely tide those over waiting for the Fall Brown Ales that are on their way.
Mike and Tyler's Rating - 8/10
Dogfish Head 90 Minute Imperial IPA
I am sure some of you all remember the last keg of 90 Minute that we put on tap. It ended up with the first 10 Tyler and I have given a beer together. This one, with a couple of months of age on it, doesn't fare so well. The nose is still pleasant, with brown sugar, pine, lemon, and hints of alcohol assaulting the nose. The taste, however, has deteriorated. It is bitter up front, with citrus and a very sweet flavor coming through. The finish is quick, with light hints of pine, more of that overbearing sweetness, and hints of alcohol. With so many other Double and Imperial IPA's on tap, this one doesn't fare so well.
Mike and Tyler's Rating - 7.5/10
Stone Ruination Imperial IPA
This has always been a personal favorite of mine since I had it 2 years ago. The nose on this beer is beautiful, with hints of pine, papaya, and pineapple. The taste is lighter than I remember. Bitter up front, with flavors of pine and citrus mingling together. The bitterness continues into the finish, with a tropical punch taste to it. It is obvious that some of the hops may have disappeared, but this beer still stands up with the best of them.
Mike and Tyler's Rating - 8.25/10
Chimay Tripel
Our featured beer of the night. This is the first Chimay experience I have had. It sure lived up to the hype. The nose is reminiscent of a champage, with hints of pine, clove, and apples. The nose is rather pungent, actually. The taste is slightly perfumey, with floral notes and tastes of crisp grapes shining through. Slightly bitter at the beginning, which disappears quickly. The finish is slightly sour, with strong flavors of clove and cream. Everyone definitely owes themselves a glass of this.
Mike and Tyler's Rating - 9/10
Weekend Tasting
Wine Tasting
Friday, August 3rd, 4 - 7 PM
Urban Riesling (2011)
Santa Ema Select Sauvignon Blanc (2011)
Montebuena Rioja (2010)
Il Bastardo Sangiovese (2011)
Wine Tasting
Saturday, August 4th, 3 - 6 PM
Parrot Mountain Chardonnay (2010)
Le Cluzet Blanc (2009)
Le Cluzet Rouge (2009)
San Elias Merlot (2011)
Wednesday, August 1, 2012
Pint Night News
We have a double Pint Night this week folks. The featured beer is Chimay's Tripel, with Belgian Goblets for sale. A glass and a fill will set you back $12. The second featured beer of the week will be Bell's Oberon and Best Brown. This more affordable option will set you back $6 for a glass and a fill. Hope to see you all out there!
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