Abita Spring IPA
This is the first year of this seasonal IPA from the State of Louisiana. It certainly gives other sessionable IPA's a run for their money. The nose is quite floral with soft hints of pollen, honeysuckle, fresh lemons, and melon. The floral notes persist into the flavor and create a smooth and crisp flavor. Hints of honeysuckle, melon, and goats milk make for an interesting menagerie of flavors. The finish is slightly bitter with flavors of lavender, orange zest, creamed honey, and a pleasant metallic flavor. With the weather warming up, this beer is perfect for enjoying the fresh air.
Mike and Tyler's Rating - 8.5/10
Abita Andygator
The first Heller Bock to grace our walls, this New Orleans favorite is certainly fitting for Spring and Summer. The nose is enticing with aroma's of salted corned beef, onion powder, parsley, and maraschino cherries. The flavor is creamy and thick while still remaining easy drinking. Flavors of white sugar, clove, and coriander make for a light entry into this brew. The finish is more exciting as the hop presence ramps up. The bitterness shines through with flavors of melon and toasted buns. If easy drinking with a strong ABV is up your alley than look no further.
Mike and Tyler's Rating - 6.75/10
Abita Vanilla Doubledog
The 25th Anniversary of Abita was celebrated by brewing this American Strong Ale that drinks more like a Vanilla Porter with the ABV more fitting for that American Strong label. The nose is very pungent with aroma's of hot chocolate, raspberries, doughtnuts, vanilla, and caramel. The flavor is incredibly tart up front with flavors of grapes, which throws you off at first. It immediately turns to rich flavors of chocolate, vanilla bean icecream, and caramel. The finish is sweeter with smooth flavors of vanilla wafers and banana splits. Definitely a dessert beer with tons of flavors that keep you guessing until that last drop.
Mike and Tyler's Rating - 9/10
Friday, March 29, 2013
Thursday, March 28, 2013
Abita Pint Night
Spring is here, and what better way to celebrate than with an appropriately-themed beer? Tomorrow's Pint Night will be featuring Abita, and will have a plethora of brews from the brewery:
We also have the Founder's All Day IPA on tap, which is bright, refreshing, and sessionable -- perfect for Spring! We will also have three different Abita glasses available, one of which is certainly the most awesome pint glass we've ever had.
Basketball? What basketball? Get in here and pay homage to Abita!
- Abita Amber Ale
- Abita Andygator Heller Bock
- Abita Spring India Pale Ale
- Abita Vanilla Doubledog American Strong Ale
We also have the Founder's All Day IPA on tap, which is bright, refreshing, and sessionable -- perfect for Spring! We will also have three different Abita glasses available, one of which is certainly the most awesome pint glass we've ever had.
Basketball? What basketball? Get in here and pay homage to Abita!
Thursday, March 21, 2013
Local Pint Night Spectacular
Greetings everyone!
With all the exciting local basketball happenings this month, what better way to celebrate than by supporting Kentucky's own breweries? That is just what we are doing with this Pint Night, as we will be featuring:
West Sixth is a new brewery out of Lexington; we have had their beers on tap before, and they werequite enjoyable AWESOOOOOME. The Falls City Black IPA has also been seen previously on this wall and was a great hit, and has been a popular request since then.
We will have very nice West Sixth pint glasses available to go along with these great beers. So if you love our dear state as well as delicious beer, then you would be positively remiss to miss such an event. Come in to our Local Pint Night Spectacular! Taste! Enjoy! Live!
With all the exciting local basketball happenings this month, what better way to celebrate than by supporting Kentucky's own breweries? That is just what we are doing with this Pint Night, as we will be featuring:
- West Sixth India Pale Ale
- West Sixth Amber Ale
- Falls City Black IPA
West Sixth is a new brewery out of Lexington; we have had their beers on tap before, and they were
We will have very nice West Sixth pint glasses available to go along with these great beers. So if you love our dear state as well as delicious beer, then you would be positively remiss to miss such an event. Come in to our Local Pint Night Spectacular! Taste! Enjoy! Live!
Friday, March 15, 2013
Weekly Beer Reviews
Today's reviews will feature our Tremendous Threesome of Tripel's. A few guest tasters jumped in to give a unique view on these complex beers. On to the reviews!
Chimay Tripel
The first of our Tripel's is probably the one everyone enjoyed the most. It is certainly more easily accessible than the others. The nose is floral is with subtle hints of grapes, coriander, strawberries, wintergreen, and lavender. It certainly ramped up the excitement among the group. The taste was lighter up front with soft flavors of apples, plums, grapes, parsley, and mint. The finish had more in common with a Pale Ale as the bitterness ramps up and produces a sublime flavors of mandarins. I think even hop lovers can appreciate the notes in the finish.
Mike, Tyler, John, and Taylor's Rating - 8.75/10
St. Bernardus Tripel
This Tripel happens to be the only one out of the group that I haven't had before. The same was true for everyone else who jumped in on this tasting (except Jacob). As such, no expectations were set. It is certainly a bit less friendly than the Chimay Tripel. The nose is pungent and full of aroma's of clove, oranges, soap, floral notes, lemon, and mineral water. The flavor has papaya burst onto your tongue first with softer flavors of lemon zest and tangerines being detected. The flavor was almost ashy. The finish was quick and subtle with flavors of clove, tangelo, and herbal notes.
Mike, Tyler, John, Taylor, and Jacob's Rating - 8.5/10
Kasteel Tripel
This Tripel was already aged a year when I got it, and I merely added another on top of it. However, it seems to have ramped up the sweetness and the complexity that will only satisfy the most ardent Belgian beer connoisseur. The nose is intense with strong aroma's of lemon. Softer hints of white wine, raisins, apricots, and jolly ranchers made for an intriguing nose. The taste is sweet and rich right off the bat. Strong flavors of honeycomb, raisins, and apricots made for a complex opening. The finish was sweet, though less so. Soft flavors of apples, honey, and marshmellow fluff were present. An amazingly complex beer.
Mike's Rating - 9.25/10; Tyler, John, Jacob, and Taylor's Rating - 7.25/10
Chimay Tripel
The first of our Tripel's is probably the one everyone enjoyed the most. It is certainly more easily accessible than the others. The nose is floral is with subtle hints of grapes, coriander, strawberries, wintergreen, and lavender. It certainly ramped up the excitement among the group. The taste was lighter up front with soft flavors of apples, plums, grapes, parsley, and mint. The finish had more in common with a Pale Ale as the bitterness ramps up and produces a sublime flavors of mandarins. I think even hop lovers can appreciate the notes in the finish.
Mike, Tyler, John, and Taylor's Rating - 8.75/10
St. Bernardus Tripel
This Tripel happens to be the only one out of the group that I haven't had before. The same was true for everyone else who jumped in on this tasting (except Jacob). As such, no expectations were set. It is certainly a bit less friendly than the Chimay Tripel. The nose is pungent and full of aroma's of clove, oranges, soap, floral notes, lemon, and mineral water. The flavor has papaya burst onto your tongue first with softer flavors of lemon zest and tangerines being detected. The flavor was almost ashy. The finish was quick and subtle with flavors of clove, tangelo, and herbal notes.
Mike, Tyler, John, Taylor, and Jacob's Rating - 8.5/10
Kasteel Tripel
This Tripel was already aged a year when I got it, and I merely added another on top of it. However, it seems to have ramped up the sweetness and the complexity that will only satisfy the most ardent Belgian beer connoisseur. The nose is intense with strong aroma's of lemon. Softer hints of white wine, raisins, apricots, and jolly ranchers made for an intriguing nose. The taste is sweet and rich right off the bat. Strong flavors of honeycomb, raisins, and apricots made for a complex opening. The finish was sweet, though less so. Soft flavors of apples, honey, and marshmellow fluff were present. An amazingly complex beer.
Mike's Rating - 9.25/10; Tyler, John, Jacob, and Taylor's Rating - 7.25/10
St. Patrick's Day Special
Hello folks! Later on Friday a treat for St. Patrick's day will be going on tap. Great Lakes Conway's Irish Ale, a deceptively smooth and flavorful ale, will be going on tap with a special price for the weekend. Normally $10.99 a growler, it will be $8.99 for Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Come get this amazing seasonal that is absolutely perfect for these pleasantly cool Spring Days.
Wednesday, March 13, 2013
The Triple Tripel Pint Night
Greetings Readers!
This Pint Night will be quite fascinating indeed, as we will have three different Tripels on tap, all important from Belgium:
Sadly there is a deficit of fancy goblets or chalices, which are most appropriate for drinking beers of this caliber; customers in the know will make sure to bring their own to show off.
With all of these excellent imported craft beers on tap this Friday, who would think of missing out? Come in for our Triple Tripel Pint Night Special!
This Pint Night will be quite fascinating indeed, as we will have three different Tripels on tap, all important from Belgium:
- Chimay Tripel
- St. Bernardus Tripel
- Kasteel Tripel
Sadly there is a deficit of fancy goblets or chalices, which are most appropriate for drinking beers of this caliber; customers in the know will make sure to bring their own to show off.
With all of these excellent imported craft beers on tap this Friday, who would think of missing out? Come in for our Triple Tripel Pint Night Special!
Friday, March 8, 2013
Weekly Beer Reviews
Well, another Pint Night is on its way and we tapped one heck of a lineup. Spring is on its way, and so the hoppy Pale Ale's, IPA's, and Double IPA's are on their way. If you are a hop fan, this is about to be your favorite time of the year for the growler wall as it transforms into an Hop Wonderland. Here are the first three to start this rush.
Founders All Day IPA
This new offering from Founders is a sessionable IPA, the kind you can greedily consume for an entire day without the side effects that an intense Imperial IPA would bring. The nose is pungent with strong aroma's of chive, onion, grapefruit, citrus, and toasted sesame seeds. The aroma heads the way for a hop flavor that is surprisingly light for an IPA. Lemon-lime juice and wheat flour hit the tastebuds first. The finish was a little bit more robust with a quick bitter twang and flavors of orange peel and onions. Not my first choice, but definitely worth first glance when you are at the wall next.
Mike and Tyler's Rating - 7.75/10
Rogue Yellow Snow IPA
This elusive beer hasn't been on our wall for almost 2 years, despite my trying each year. The age on the keg made me a little apprehensive...and I was subsequently proven wrong. The nose is lighter than you would expect with soft hints of pine, cornbread, grapes, and tangerines. The taste is bitter throughout with strong flavors of fresh pine, bright lemon, and soap. The finish is more of the same with soft flavors of white grapes and rosemary thrown in. This was a pleasant surprise and proved to be a perfectly delectable IPA.
Mike and Tyler's Rating - 8.75/10
Three Floyds Zombie Dust
Yes, it has arrived again folks! The Holy Grail of Pale Ale's is finally back on our wall again. Before you all get too excited, growlers will not be offered. However, feel free to come in and enjoy a generously poured cup. The nose on the Dust was just as perfect as I remember. Floral hints of Lavender jumped out on the nose with strong hints of honey, lemon, black cherries, and apples also present. The first tastes were more subdued than I remember with a strong bitterness that hid lovely flavors of perfume, pine, and grapefruit. The finish was slightly buttery with hints of honey and lemon zest. Not the best Keg of the Dust, but certainly worth a pour.
Mike and Tyler's Rating - 8.25/10
Founders All Day IPA
This new offering from Founders is a sessionable IPA, the kind you can greedily consume for an entire day without the side effects that an intense Imperial IPA would bring. The nose is pungent with strong aroma's of chive, onion, grapefruit, citrus, and toasted sesame seeds. The aroma heads the way for a hop flavor that is surprisingly light for an IPA. Lemon-lime juice and wheat flour hit the tastebuds first. The finish was a little bit more robust with a quick bitter twang and flavors of orange peel and onions. Not my first choice, but definitely worth first glance when you are at the wall next.
Mike and Tyler's Rating - 7.75/10
Rogue Yellow Snow IPA
This elusive beer hasn't been on our wall for almost 2 years, despite my trying each year. The age on the keg made me a little apprehensive...and I was subsequently proven wrong. The nose is lighter than you would expect with soft hints of pine, cornbread, grapes, and tangerines. The taste is bitter throughout with strong flavors of fresh pine, bright lemon, and soap. The finish is more of the same with soft flavors of white grapes and rosemary thrown in. This was a pleasant surprise and proved to be a perfectly delectable IPA.
Mike and Tyler's Rating - 8.75/10
Three Floyds Zombie Dust
Yes, it has arrived again folks! The Holy Grail of Pale Ale's is finally back on our wall again. Before you all get too excited, growlers will not be offered. However, feel free to come in and enjoy a generously poured cup. The nose on the Dust was just as perfect as I remember. Floral hints of Lavender jumped out on the nose with strong hints of honey, lemon, black cherries, and apples also present. The first tastes were more subdued than I remember with a strong bitterness that hid lovely flavors of perfume, pine, and grapefruit. The finish was slightly buttery with hints of honey and lemon zest. Not the best Keg of the Dust, but certainly worth a pour.
Mike and Tyler's Rating - 8.25/10
Saturday, March 2, 2013
Friday, March 1, 2013
Weekly Beer Reviews
Greetings folks! Things have been busy on the wall, and so these reviews are getting to you a little late. We had a few Guest Tasters for the last three, while Tyler and I took care of two ourselves. Let's move on to those reviews!
Dogfish Head 60 Minute IPA
This frequent resident to our growler wall is one of the featured beers for tonight. The nose is very subdued with light hints of apple sauce, banana cream, fresh pine, and a slight hint of lemon. The taste also seems to be lighter for an IPA. Bitter with soft flavors of lemon and onion appear on the front, making for a pleasant flavor. The bitterness continues into the finish with a hint of grass coming off. Stronger flavors of earth and cream soon take over and make for an interesting finish. Not a bad IPA, but certainly not our favorite.
Mike and Tyler's Rating - 6.75/10
Dogfish Head 90 Minute Imperial IPA
Just like the 60 Minute, this beer is a frequent resident and one of our featured beers...though rarely have they been up together. The nose has lost some of its pungency due to a little age on the keg, though it isn't awful. Hints of burnt wood, wintergreen, lemon zest, and what Tyler could only describe as "ear puddy" gave for an unorthodox aroma. The flavor is slightly sweet up front with hints of roasted coffee and toffee. The hops became more prevalent on the finish with light flavors of wintergreen, lemon zest, and earth. One of my favorite Imperial IPA's when it is fresh, even with the age it is a formidable beer.
Mike and Tyler's Rating - 8.25/10
Great Lakes Alchemy Hour Double IPA
We will take a break from the Dogfish Head's and toss out this new Spring Seasonal from Great Lakes that is replacing The Doppelrock. Many of you might remember their Imperial IPA called Lake Erie Monster. That IPA is stellar, and this one continues that trend of great Double IPA's from Great Lakes. The nose is powerful with tons of aroma's to pick up. We noted hints of peaches, green onions, pine, citrus zest, mango, black pepper, and "The Grand Canyon". Tyler will have to tell you what that one smells like. The flavor isn't as potent as the aroma, though it is still wonderful. Onions, cherries, lemon, and pine make for a wonderful menagerie of flavors. The finish mellows out and gives softer flavors of apricots and earth. Every IPA lover owes it to themselves to taste this wonderful concoction.
Mike, Tyler, Taylor, Jacob, and John's Rating - 9/10
Dogfish Head Palo Santo Oak-Aged Brown Ale
It is rare that we encounter this...A popular beer from a popular brewery that I haven't had. I know, I am as shocked as everyone else. Needless to say, I was excited to try this well-regarded Brown Ale. The nose was incredibly diverse with aroma's of grapefruit, bubblegum, smoked meat, dark chocolate, cherries, and poplar wood. This interesting mix of smells blended really well with each other. The taste is thick and rich with strong flavors of black licorice and cherries. The finish added a bitter twang with strong flavors of coffee grounds, vanilla beans, and smoke. This beer is certainly worth a try, though watch it...It is 12% Alcohol.
Mike, Tyler, Taylor, Jacob, and John's Rating - 8.75/10
Dogfish Head 75 Minute Blended IPA
This beer isn't actually on tap, so don't look for the tap. Instead, it is a blend of the 60 Minute and 90 Minute IPA's. Last time, this beer wowed everyone. This time, I don't think a single person outside of Taylor finished theirs. The nose had strong, strong aroma's of summer sausage and dental fluoride. Softer hints of white bread, lemon zest, and Icelandic spring water were also detected. The flavor was practically non-existant with light flavors of bright lemon pith, astringent mint, and earth. The finish confirmed what I smelled with flavors of summer sausage and muddled mint. Overall, this blend was incredibly disappointing.
Mike, Tyler, Taylor, Jacob, and John's Rating - 5.25/10
Dogfish Head 60 Minute IPA
This frequent resident to our growler wall is one of the featured beers for tonight. The nose is very subdued with light hints of apple sauce, banana cream, fresh pine, and a slight hint of lemon. The taste also seems to be lighter for an IPA. Bitter with soft flavors of lemon and onion appear on the front, making for a pleasant flavor. The bitterness continues into the finish with a hint of grass coming off. Stronger flavors of earth and cream soon take over and make for an interesting finish. Not a bad IPA, but certainly not our favorite.
Mike and Tyler's Rating - 6.75/10
Dogfish Head 90 Minute Imperial IPA
Just like the 60 Minute, this beer is a frequent resident and one of our featured beers...though rarely have they been up together. The nose has lost some of its pungency due to a little age on the keg, though it isn't awful. Hints of burnt wood, wintergreen, lemon zest, and what Tyler could only describe as "ear puddy" gave for an unorthodox aroma. The flavor is slightly sweet up front with hints of roasted coffee and toffee. The hops became more prevalent on the finish with light flavors of wintergreen, lemon zest, and earth. One of my favorite Imperial IPA's when it is fresh, even with the age it is a formidable beer.
Mike and Tyler's Rating - 8.25/10
Great Lakes Alchemy Hour Double IPA
We will take a break from the Dogfish Head's and toss out this new Spring Seasonal from Great Lakes that is replacing The Doppelrock. Many of you might remember their Imperial IPA called Lake Erie Monster. That IPA is stellar, and this one continues that trend of great Double IPA's from Great Lakes. The nose is powerful with tons of aroma's to pick up. We noted hints of peaches, green onions, pine, citrus zest, mango, black pepper, and "The Grand Canyon". Tyler will have to tell you what that one smells like. The flavor isn't as potent as the aroma, though it is still wonderful. Onions, cherries, lemon, and pine make for a wonderful menagerie of flavors. The finish mellows out and gives softer flavors of apricots and earth. Every IPA lover owes it to themselves to taste this wonderful concoction.
Mike, Tyler, Taylor, Jacob, and John's Rating - 9/10
Dogfish Head Palo Santo Oak-Aged Brown Ale
It is rare that we encounter this...A popular beer from a popular brewery that I haven't had. I know, I am as shocked as everyone else. Needless to say, I was excited to try this well-regarded Brown Ale. The nose was incredibly diverse with aroma's of grapefruit, bubblegum, smoked meat, dark chocolate, cherries, and poplar wood. This interesting mix of smells blended really well with each other. The taste is thick and rich with strong flavors of black licorice and cherries. The finish added a bitter twang with strong flavors of coffee grounds, vanilla beans, and smoke. This beer is certainly worth a try, though watch it...It is 12% Alcohol.
Mike, Tyler, Taylor, Jacob, and John's Rating - 8.75/10
Dogfish Head 75 Minute Blended IPA
This beer isn't actually on tap, so don't look for the tap. Instead, it is a blend of the 60 Minute and 90 Minute IPA's. Last time, this beer wowed everyone. This time, I don't think a single person outside of Taylor finished theirs. The nose had strong, strong aroma's of summer sausage and dental fluoride. Softer hints of white bread, lemon zest, and Icelandic spring water were also detected. The flavor was practically non-existant with light flavors of bright lemon pith, astringent mint, and earth. The finish confirmed what I smelled with flavors of summer sausage and muddled mint. Overall, this blend was incredibly disappointing.
Mike, Tyler, Taylor, Jacob, and John's Rating - 5.25/10
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