You read correctly folks! For the legendary Kentucky Derby we will be having two Pint Nights, one on Thursday and Friday! We will be featuring the Lore Derby Brown Ale right out of Danville, Kentucky!
We have also tapped the Great Lakes Rye of the Tiger Rye IPA, as well as the Green Flash Hop Head Red IPA for you hop-heads out there! Lore pint glasses are also available!
Exclaim!
Monday, April 29, 2013
Friday, April 26, 2013
Weekly Beer Reviews - Cider Edition
That's right folks, we have had a cider takeover on the wall. 4 of our 5 new brews on the wall will be Ciders from 4 different companies. The odd man out appearing on our wall is Bell's Oberon, a truly delectable Summer beer that is sure to be perfect with Derby ahead. Due to time constraints, only the Ciders were available for review. So, here we go, the Weekly Beer Reviews Cider Edition!
Strongbow English Dry Cider
The first cider hails all the way from the U.K. The cider itself is almost clear it is so light, and the nose has only slight hints of red apples, mint, and watermelon. It is certainly meant to be a quaffable cider. The taste itself is crisp up front with flavors of Granny Smith apples. The finish is light with a bit of sourness that comes off with a grape flavor. Soft flavors of hay and melon were also prevalent. Perfect for a nice, hot day.
Mike and Tyler's Rating - 7.5/10
Angry Orchard Crisp Cider
This has been a favorite among the staff and customers alike. It has made numerous appearances to our wall and sells quite well. As such, it was a given that it would be here for Cider Night. The nose is sweet with lovely aromas of Granny Smith apples, cinnamon, nutmeg, caramel, and lighter hints of sage and melon. The taste is sweet up front, but quickly mellows out with flavors of yellow apples, melons, sage, and a slight hint of chicken broth. The finish has softer flavors of overripe apples and baked cinnamon apples. Quaffable while having tons of flavors, come see why this Cider has become a Best Seller.
Mike and Tyler's Rating - 8.5/10
Woodchuck Spring Cider
Woodchuck has been the dominant cider on the market for years...Until recently when several new Cider companies have hit the shelves with a splash. Woodchuck has shaken up a few of their ciders, and this is one that got a makeover for the better. The nose is intense with aromas of grape Kool-Aid powder, maple syrup, caramel, marshmellows, vanilla, and banana pudding. It is a very aromatic cider to say the least. The taste delivers with strong flavors of maple syrup and lighter flavors of caramel and brown sugar. The finish continues that strong maple syrup presence with a dash of whipped cream. While I feel this cider would be better for fall, there is no denying the quality in this one.
Mike and Tyler's Rating - 8.5/10
Ciderboys Magic Apple Strawberry Cider
We come to the newest cider to our shelves...Which has quickly become my favorite on the shelves. Ciderboys has a few ciders, and all of them deliver. It has made itself an instant hit, and so I look forward to bringing this to you all. The nose is all strawberry with aromas of strawberries, strawberry milk, strawberry syrup, and strawberry seed. The taste is tart with flavors of honeycrisp apples, fresh strawberries, and strawberry seed. The finish continues the tone of the strawberries with flavors of orange juice an parsley as well. This is easily my favorite cider that has ever been on the wall.
Mike and Tyler's Rating - 9.25/10
Strongbow English Dry Cider
The first cider hails all the way from the U.K. The cider itself is almost clear it is so light, and the nose has only slight hints of red apples, mint, and watermelon. It is certainly meant to be a quaffable cider. The taste itself is crisp up front with flavors of Granny Smith apples. The finish is light with a bit of sourness that comes off with a grape flavor. Soft flavors of hay and melon were also prevalent. Perfect for a nice, hot day.
Mike and Tyler's Rating - 7.5/10
Angry Orchard Crisp Cider
This has been a favorite among the staff and customers alike. It has made numerous appearances to our wall and sells quite well. As such, it was a given that it would be here for Cider Night. The nose is sweet with lovely aromas of Granny Smith apples, cinnamon, nutmeg, caramel, and lighter hints of sage and melon. The taste is sweet up front, but quickly mellows out with flavors of yellow apples, melons, sage, and a slight hint of chicken broth. The finish has softer flavors of overripe apples and baked cinnamon apples. Quaffable while having tons of flavors, come see why this Cider has become a Best Seller.
Mike and Tyler's Rating - 8.5/10
Woodchuck Spring Cider
Woodchuck has been the dominant cider on the market for years...Until recently when several new Cider companies have hit the shelves with a splash. Woodchuck has shaken up a few of their ciders, and this is one that got a makeover for the better. The nose is intense with aromas of grape Kool-Aid powder, maple syrup, caramel, marshmellows, vanilla, and banana pudding. It is a very aromatic cider to say the least. The taste delivers with strong flavors of maple syrup and lighter flavors of caramel and brown sugar. The finish continues that strong maple syrup presence with a dash of whipped cream. While I feel this cider would be better for fall, there is no denying the quality in this one.
Mike and Tyler's Rating - 8.5/10
Ciderboys Magic Apple Strawberry Cider
We come to the newest cider to our shelves...Which has quickly become my favorite on the shelves. Ciderboys has a few ciders, and all of them deliver. It has made itself an instant hit, and so I look forward to bringing this to you all. The nose is all strawberry with aromas of strawberries, strawberry milk, strawberry syrup, and strawberry seed. The taste is tart with flavors of honeycrisp apples, fresh strawberries, and strawberry seed. The finish continues the tone of the strawberries with flavors of orange juice an parsley as well. This is easily my favorite cider that has ever been on the wall.
Mike and Tyler's Rating - 9.25/10
Cider Night!!!
Hello everyone
Tonight's Pint Night will be a special one, as we will be featuring four different ciders. I know some of you are thinking you will be disappointed, but these ciders are actually quite delicious and different from one another:
Each one of these ciders is delectable -- a perfect treat for the new Spring. If you absolutely cannot bring yourself to enjoy a cider, than don't worry, there will be 16 beers on tap, including Bell's Oberon.
Its shaping up to be a tasty evening, with new glassware abounding, so make sure to drop in and have a glass tonight!
Tonight's Pint Night will be a special one, as we will be featuring four different ciders. I know some of you are thinking you will be disappointed, but these ciders are actually quite delicious and different from one another:
- Woodchuck Spring Cider
- Strongbow Dry Cider
- Angry Orchard Crisp Apple Cider
- Cider Boys Magic Apple Strawberry Cider
Each one of these ciders is delectable -- a perfect treat for the new Spring. If you absolutely cannot bring yourself to enjoy a cider, than don't worry, there will be 16 beers on tap, including Bell's Oberon.
Its shaping up to be a tasty evening, with new glassware abounding, so make sure to drop in and have a glass tonight!
Friday, April 19, 2013
Weekly Beer Reviews
Southern Tier 2x Steam
I must admit I was at a loss when I went into this beer. Tyler has never had a Steam beer, and I have only had one (Anchor Steam). Thus, it was very hard to rate this beer on where it should be in terms of a Steam. So we just winged it. The nose is interesting and has more in common with an Imperial IPA. Aroma's of citrus, grilled onions, grapefruit, pine, and shoe leather made for quite the intriguing nose. The taste went in a different direction. Strong flavors of earth and dirt hit my palate first, quickly followed by lemon, lemon pith, creamed corn, and a strong bitterness that lingered into the finish. The finish itself had strong flavors of oats and bran with lighter flavors of plantains. All in all, I found this beer to be stellar while Tyler was only mildly impressed.
Mike and Tyler's Rating - 8.25/10
Finch's Threadless IPA
The IPA assault on our wall has begun. Over the next few weeks you will notice a plethora of new and interesting IPA's gracing our wall. Finch's Threadless IPA is just the first. The nose on this IPA was floral with soft hints of citrus, raspberries, garlic, and fresh cut grass. Upon first taste, the bitterness hits like a wave. It doesn't destroy the lovely flavors of lemon pith and grapefruit though. The bitterness continues, becoming almost cloying. A strong flavor of grain and more lemon hits on the finish. While I usually don't tend to like bitter bombs, this one balanced it just right.
Mike and Tyler's Rating - 8/10
Arcadia Ales IPA
Another IPA hits the wall, this one an English Style. I thoroughly enjoyed Arcadia's Double IPA, so I went into this hoping for another home run. The nose was the first to disappoint, with aroma's of grapevine, tomato's, lemon, and fresh linen. Not exactly what I expect from an IPA, even an Enlglish Style. The keg had a little age on it, so there is no surprise that the nose decreased a little. The taste had very little bitterness to it with flavors of cherries, lemon zest, and mineral water. The finish was quick with flavor of orange juice and parsley. The taste itself disappeared so quickly that it made the beer underwhelming, even though the flavor itself was good. Definitely worth a try, folks.
Mike and Tyler's Rating - 7.75/10
Heavy Seas Below Decks Bourbon Barrel Aged Barleywine
Now that is a mouthful of a name for a beer. It certainly promises a rich and full beer being both barrel-aged and a Barleywine. The nose certainly delivers a full aroma that has tons of aroma's in it. We detected hints of oak, creamed corn, bourbon, caramel, vanilla, cream, pound cake, burnt brown sugar, and a hint of salt water. It certainly made for a pleasant entry into this beer. The taste was sweet and rich with flavors of cocoa, bourbon, oats, oak, and vanilla. That sweetness mellowed out in the finish and left you with a slight bitterness. Strong flavors of oak, cream, and coffee grounds was present with a slight bit of heat from the alcohol. Overall, this was intense but probably could have used age to mellow out the strong alcoholic and bourbon presence.
Mike and Tyler's Rating - 8.5/10
Schlafly Black IPA
This is a true treat. Schlafly's Black IPA is finally available on draft (and only draft) and it truly is stellar. The nose is diverse with strong aroma's of burnt charcoal, grilled onions and peppers, bright grapefruit, and fresh cut grass. The dark malts and the hops blend seamlessly into a wonderful aroma. The flavor is no different. Grapefruit hits you first with strong flavors of earth, oranges, lemon juices, and fresh cut grass. The finish has wonderful flavors of charcoal, burnt toast, and coffee. Lighter flavors of honeysuckle, hay, and clover round out the finish on this beer. Come and get it while supplies last!
Mike and Tyler's Rating - 9.5/10
I must admit I was at a loss when I went into this beer. Tyler has never had a Steam beer, and I have only had one (Anchor Steam). Thus, it was very hard to rate this beer on where it should be in terms of a Steam. So we just winged it. The nose is interesting and has more in common with an Imperial IPA. Aroma's of citrus, grilled onions, grapefruit, pine, and shoe leather made for quite the intriguing nose. The taste went in a different direction. Strong flavors of earth and dirt hit my palate first, quickly followed by lemon, lemon pith, creamed corn, and a strong bitterness that lingered into the finish. The finish itself had strong flavors of oats and bran with lighter flavors of plantains. All in all, I found this beer to be stellar while Tyler was only mildly impressed.
Mike and Tyler's Rating - 8.25/10
Finch's Threadless IPA
The IPA assault on our wall has begun. Over the next few weeks you will notice a plethora of new and interesting IPA's gracing our wall. Finch's Threadless IPA is just the first. The nose on this IPA was floral with soft hints of citrus, raspberries, garlic, and fresh cut grass. Upon first taste, the bitterness hits like a wave. It doesn't destroy the lovely flavors of lemon pith and grapefruit though. The bitterness continues, becoming almost cloying. A strong flavor of grain and more lemon hits on the finish. While I usually don't tend to like bitter bombs, this one balanced it just right.
Mike and Tyler's Rating - 8/10
Arcadia Ales IPA
Another IPA hits the wall, this one an English Style. I thoroughly enjoyed Arcadia's Double IPA, so I went into this hoping for another home run. The nose was the first to disappoint, with aroma's of grapevine, tomato's, lemon, and fresh linen. Not exactly what I expect from an IPA, even an Enlglish Style. The keg had a little age on it, so there is no surprise that the nose decreased a little. The taste had very little bitterness to it with flavors of cherries, lemon zest, and mineral water. The finish was quick with flavor of orange juice and parsley. The taste itself disappeared so quickly that it made the beer underwhelming, even though the flavor itself was good. Definitely worth a try, folks.
Mike and Tyler's Rating - 7.75/10
Heavy Seas Below Decks Bourbon Barrel Aged Barleywine
Now that is a mouthful of a name for a beer. It certainly promises a rich and full beer being both barrel-aged and a Barleywine. The nose certainly delivers a full aroma that has tons of aroma's in it. We detected hints of oak, creamed corn, bourbon, caramel, vanilla, cream, pound cake, burnt brown sugar, and a hint of salt water. It certainly made for a pleasant entry into this beer. The taste was sweet and rich with flavors of cocoa, bourbon, oats, oak, and vanilla. That sweetness mellowed out in the finish and left you with a slight bitterness. Strong flavors of oak, cream, and coffee grounds was present with a slight bit of heat from the alcohol. Overall, this was intense but probably could have used age to mellow out the strong alcoholic and bourbon presence.
Mike and Tyler's Rating - 8.5/10
Schlafly Black IPA
This is a true treat. Schlafly's Black IPA is finally available on draft (and only draft) and it truly is stellar. The nose is diverse with strong aroma's of burnt charcoal, grilled onions and peppers, bright grapefruit, and fresh cut grass. The dark malts and the hops blend seamlessly into a wonderful aroma. The flavor is no different. Grapefruit hits you first with strong flavors of earth, oranges, lemon juices, and fresh cut grass. The finish has wonderful flavors of charcoal, burnt toast, and coffee. Lighter flavors of honeysuckle, hay, and clover round out the finish on this beer. Come and get it while supplies last!
Mike and Tyler's Rating - 9.5/10
Schlafly Pint Night
Greetings Internet Surfers,
Tonight's Pint Night will feature a brew from Schlafly, the Schlafly Black IPA. If you are a fan of black IPAs, then you will not want to miss this beer, as it is the finest black IPA I myself have ever had. We will also have several other new beers on tap, including Arcadia Ales IPA & Southern Tier 2X Steam Ale.
We will also have Schlafly chalices for sale as well, though there are a very limited number, so those of you who come early will be rewarded.
Woooooo! Beer!
Tonight's Pint Night will feature a brew from Schlafly, the Schlafly Black IPA. If you are a fan of black IPAs, then you will not want to miss this beer, as it is the finest black IPA I myself have ever had. We will also have several other new beers on tap, including Arcadia Ales IPA & Southern Tier 2X Steam Ale.
We will also have Schlafly chalices for sale as well, though there are a very limited number, so those of you who come early will be rewarded.
Woooooo! Beer!
Wednesday, April 17, 2013
New Beer Releases
We have a couple new beers that have arrived in our store. All three of these exciting single and double IPA's are sure to delight your tastebuds and provide a nice entry as more Spring IPA's pour in. So check out these three while supplies last:
- Left Hand Twin Sisters Double IPA 22oz. Bottles - Just $8.99
- Heavy Seas Big DIPA 22oz. Bottles - Just $8.99
- Great Lakes Rye of the Tiger 6 Packs - Just $8.79
Friday, April 12, 2013
Weekly Beer Reviews
Greetings folks! We have a truly special week for you that includes 4 Ommegang beers that have never graced our walls and an Imperial IPA that was one of my favorites and has been on a 2 1/2 year hiatus. So read on and come out and enjoy a few pints to celebrate 2 years of basketball dominance in the State of Kentucky.
Ommegang Iron Throne
We start with the main beer for our Pint Night. Ommegang collaborated with HBO to release a series of beers based off of the hit book and television series A Game of Thrones. This Blonde Ale kicks off that series of beers just as the new season gets under way. The nose is intriguing with aroma's of lemon peel, clove, salt, baked bread, and fermented cherry musk. The taste is tart and floral with soft flavors of lemon and ash. The finish is incredibly smooth and refreshing with more of those lemon notes and flavors of toasted biscuits. The perfect beer for this warm weekend ahead.
Mike and Tyler's Rating - 7.75/10
Ommegang Hennepin
The second in our lineup of Ommegang beers is a Golden Ale. The nose is pungent for a Belgian-style, with lovely aroma's of melon, grapefruit juice, banana's, kiwi, and garlic. It definitely made for a very intriguing nose. The taste is not nearly as exciting as the nose leads you to believe. Clove, clove, clove, and more clove assault your tastebuds right from the first sip. It overpowers most other flavors, leaving just a hint of mint on the front. The finish tones down on the clove, and makes for a delightful exit fro this beer with flavors of bright lemon, minerals, and a slight bitter twang.
Mike and Tyler's Rating - 7/10
Ommegang Gnomegang
I have a fondness for Belgian Strong Pale Ale's, so I was definitely looking forward to this entry. Right off the nose, Tyler and I could both tell that this was a much different version from what we are used to. The nose has hints of honeydew, taco seasoning, gunpowder, and aged red meat. It certainly caught our attention for this beer that we tasted right in the middle. The taste was more of what you would expect with flavors of coriander, steak, salt, and perfume. The finish was quick and to the point with hints of clove and lemon pith. Definitely worth a try if just to smell one of the most intriguing noses to a beer on our wall.
Mike and Tyler's Rating - 8/10
Ommegang Three Philosophers
This Belgian-style Quad has always been spoken highly of and so I looked forward to this one. The nose was powerful with strong hints of ginger and cinnamon and more subtle aromas of candied plums, bananas, honey nut clusters, ash, and petrol. The strong aroma's gave so many different hints and made for a beautiful nose. The taste had a little skunk up front more reminiscent of onions and garlic. That quickly faded and left flavors of raisins, brown sugar, and alcohol. The finish took a 180 degree turn and offered flavors of oregano, sourdough, salt, and wheat. More quaffable than most Quads due to the lack of sweetness, this was certainly an outstanding beer.
Mike and Tyler's Rating - 8.5/10
Avery Maharaja Imperial IPA
Finally we arrive at the Maharaja. Not available at all 2 years ago and only available in bottles last year, it makes its long anticipated return on our wall. So, without further ado, let us move on. The nose is beautiful with strong aroma's of pine, almost like being in a pine forest. That is followed with scents of lemon zest, juniper berries, and grapefruit. The taste is bitter up front with mouthwatering flavors of lemons, black pepper, pine sap, and basil. The finish has more lemons and pine with a dash of nutmeg. The beer is a little boozie, but with 10.4% ABV would you expect anything less?
Mike and Tyler's Rating - 9/10
Ommegang Iron Throne
We start with the main beer for our Pint Night. Ommegang collaborated with HBO to release a series of beers based off of the hit book and television series A Game of Thrones. This Blonde Ale kicks off that series of beers just as the new season gets under way. The nose is intriguing with aroma's of lemon peel, clove, salt, baked bread, and fermented cherry musk. The taste is tart and floral with soft flavors of lemon and ash. The finish is incredibly smooth and refreshing with more of those lemon notes and flavors of toasted biscuits. The perfect beer for this warm weekend ahead.
Mike and Tyler's Rating - 7.75/10
Ommegang Hennepin
The second in our lineup of Ommegang beers is a Golden Ale. The nose is pungent for a Belgian-style, with lovely aroma's of melon, grapefruit juice, banana's, kiwi, and garlic. It definitely made for a very intriguing nose. The taste is not nearly as exciting as the nose leads you to believe. Clove, clove, clove, and more clove assault your tastebuds right from the first sip. It overpowers most other flavors, leaving just a hint of mint on the front. The finish tones down on the clove, and makes for a delightful exit fro this beer with flavors of bright lemon, minerals, and a slight bitter twang.
Mike and Tyler's Rating - 7/10
Ommegang Gnomegang
I have a fondness for Belgian Strong Pale Ale's, so I was definitely looking forward to this entry. Right off the nose, Tyler and I could both tell that this was a much different version from what we are used to. The nose has hints of honeydew, taco seasoning, gunpowder, and aged red meat. It certainly caught our attention for this beer that we tasted right in the middle. The taste was more of what you would expect with flavors of coriander, steak, salt, and perfume. The finish was quick and to the point with hints of clove and lemon pith. Definitely worth a try if just to smell one of the most intriguing noses to a beer on our wall.
Mike and Tyler's Rating - 8/10
Ommegang Three Philosophers
This Belgian-style Quad has always been spoken highly of and so I looked forward to this one. The nose was powerful with strong hints of ginger and cinnamon and more subtle aromas of candied plums, bananas, honey nut clusters, ash, and petrol. The strong aroma's gave so many different hints and made for a beautiful nose. The taste had a little skunk up front more reminiscent of onions and garlic. That quickly faded and left flavors of raisins, brown sugar, and alcohol. The finish took a 180 degree turn and offered flavors of oregano, sourdough, salt, and wheat. More quaffable than most Quads due to the lack of sweetness, this was certainly an outstanding beer.
Mike and Tyler's Rating - 8.5/10
Avery Maharaja Imperial IPA
Finally we arrive at the Maharaja. Not available at all 2 years ago and only available in bottles last year, it makes its long anticipated return on our wall. So, without further ado, let us move on. The nose is beautiful with strong aroma's of pine, almost like being in a pine forest. That is followed with scents of lemon zest, juniper berries, and grapefruit. The taste is bitter up front with mouthwatering flavors of lemons, black pepper, pine sap, and basil. The finish has more lemons and pine with a dash of nutmeg. The beer is a little boozie, but with 10.4% ABV would you expect anything less?
Mike and Tyler's Rating - 9/10
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