Beer Review: Alaskan Pumpkin Porter

So much beer, so little time. And guns. And all this freedom, that the world is learning and unlearning at the same time. It's pretty much the opposite of writers block for me; to have so many topics and interests that I don't want to exclude any particular one so in the end I exclude them all.

But after I received a package from a dear friend in Alaska, I could no longer put off reviewing at least some of the items I received. There was another beer included that I'll be reviewing soon, but for tonight we'll stay focused on the Alaskan Pumpkin Porter, which may no longer be available as it's a seasonally run beer.

Before I taste I should confess that I'm getting over a seasonal affliction of some sort, so anyone who reads this should be aware that I MAY not be able to fully articulate the flavor profile. But who knows, maybe I will.

Appearance: Black. Even for a porter it's particularly dark, with only a faint orangish hue around the edges of the glass. Head is small thought firm, about 1 finger in height, and a pleasing off-white color. I know for myself it's typical to expect pumpkin flavored things to be orange in color but that's not the case here, nor should it be. Head retention is low, save for a nice foamy ring around the edge of the glass.

Nose: Immediately after pouring the smell of brown sugar and pumpkin spice filled my nostrils, almost like a scented candle. Upon closer inspection there is a distinct presence of hops, though they seem to be the more citrus based ones. The blend of pumpkin and hops is a pleasant one on the nose and even before I taste I can tell this is one of the beers best qualities. Malt presence seems subdued and the lack of roast here is somewhat, though not completely, unusual for a porter. Alcohol is not present here in the nose.

Probably should have taken this BEFORE drinking some.

Taste: Semi-sweet notes with just a hint of nutmeg in the after taste. Despite lacking in the nose the malt flavors are upfront and certainly noticeable in this beer, balancing out the hops nicely. As I drink on the hops come forward more, though not so much as to overpower the other flavors. Unlike some pumpkins beers I've had in the past, the brewers up in Alaska get it right and make the flavor simply an addition to a good beer, rather than trying to overpower ones taste buds with pumpkin spice. Again, alcohol isn't noticeable, and at 7.0% that's slightly surprising

Mouth Feel: A standard porter body, moderate in the mouth but heavy in the stomach. The carbonation is minor but just enough to make the flavors come alive long after the beer itself is swallowed. As I dive deeper into my glass the alcohol does become more noticeable here, though it's not to the point of being intolerable. Absolutely one of the smoothest beers I've tried yet and though my sips are measured, they are all equally enthralling.

Drinkability: Low to medium. For most people (I know of at least one exception) porters in general are not highly drinkable beers. Their rich flavor, heavy bodies, and smoky or roasted nature is often too much for many people to drink a lot of and enjoy. Combined with the rather high 7.0% ABV and this is relegated to at most a 6 pack in one session, and more likely stopping at 3 beers.

Overall a fantastic gift and one that makes me eager to try more Alaskan beer. Additionally my friend sent me some smoked salmon jerky, which pairs very well with this beer for a lovely desert or evening snack. I'd highly recommend this beer not only for those who enjoy pumpkin flavorings but to those who are looking to start drinking darker beers, as this is a great starter and very balanced in every aspect.

Beer Review: Yuengling Porter

I've had this on the docket for almost a year now. But between work and laziness I haven't gotten around to writing...well anything. But it's time to change that (as if I haven't said that more than a few times). For those on the West Coast or outside America entirely, the Yuengling Brewery is a bit different than most of the others that I've talked about before. For starters they're the oldest brewery in operation here in America. For another, they are, by and large, a macro brewer with fairly limited offerings and a large market that spans much of the country. But what they do offer is often a cut above anything offered by other macro breweries, and indicative of the old world quality that I'm so fond of.


Appearance: Very dark though some light does pass through it, leaving a faint oily hue of brown and deep red. Head is off white with nice, small tightly packed bubbles that sadly dissipate quickly, leaving only a few traces of lacing and a nice ring around the glass itself.

Courtesy of Whoisbrew.com

Nose: For a porter the hops are rather prevalent in the nose, along with the typical smells of roasted malt and toffee. Not noticeable alcohol here, as is typical for porters.

Taste: Some mild citrus hoppiness that is accompanied by a light sweetness from the roasted malt. A hint of toffee, as indicated by the nose and just a touch of brewers chocolate. The flavors all balance each other well and while the malt sweetness is dominate, it's not overpowering leaving a subtle blend on the tongue and roof of the mouth. Alcohol isn't found here either.

Mouth Feel: Moderate body with low carbonation. The bitterness of the hops is mild and washes away quickly, though the malt flavor tends to linger along with a smooth, almost milky, feeling along the roof of the mouth. It's almost as if someone made chocolate milk with heavy whipping cream. No noticeable alcohol here either.

Drinkablity: For a porter it's pretty high. I could easily see myself going through a 12 pack or more in a long evening, though the beer is just as suitable for a glass or two if one isn't into heavy drinking. The low alcohol, mild subtleness of flavor, and smooth mouth feel all make for a wonderful drinking experience.

Overall a fine beer for nearly any occasion and one I would highly recommend as a starter for those who want to try dark beer. If only I didn't have to drive to another state to get it.

Beer Review: Dogfish Head Noble Rot

Bought this a couple months ago and just now getting around to trying it out. Yet another of the Dogfish Head 750ml bottles, I'm not going to lie I bought this just to fill out my collection of bottles. But DFH has some outstanding beers and so I'm hoping this continues in that tradition. Supposedly this is brewed similarly to a Saison type Belgian ale with grapes and grape must added into the brewing process. So let's get started.

Appearance: Bright golden yellow and very transparent. Head is about 1/2 inch high with nice densely packed white foam. Carbonation is very high and head retention is high. Appears almost like a golden champagne or soda instead of a beer and is very pleasing to the eye.

Nose: Grape is noticeable, along with citric hops. No alcohol to note in the nose, which at 9% is somewhat impressive. No noticeable malts or other aromas though.

Taste: Similar to a white wine, the grapes are at the forefront of the taste, though they're not overpowering. No malt flavor but the hops are very mild and not overtly bitter so the malt profile does balance it out very well. Slight taste of alcohol at the front but quickly dissipates.

Mouth Feel: Rather light bodied. Somewhat drier than other beers I've had recently but certainly not terrible. The carbonation doesn't stand out here however, and the beer leave a small but lasting impression after each sip, coating the tongue and and throat as it goes down. Again, feels more like a white wine than a beer.

Drinkability: Low. The 750 bottle would be best split between myself and someone else, or corked and saved again for later. The 14oz I poured is about all I can handle in a single sitting. The combination of the alcohol and wine like taste is too much for high volume drinking. But if you like white wines (I do not), you may be able to polish off the bottle yourself.

Overall this isn't a bad beer, but I'm not personally a fan. DFH is always trying to create new brews and experiences, so I won't fault them if I don't enjoy as much as some of their other offerings. This beer would pair well with any Italian or seafood dish, or maybe as a night cap to a mild fall evening. Just be sure to keep an eye on your drinking, as the fact that the beer is 9% ABV isn't readily discernible from the taste.

If you have any suggestions for my next tasting, be sure to email me at wmballew87@gmail.com and let me know.

Beer Review: Shorts Soft Parade

Ah, it's good to be back. I honestly miss tasting beers. But with my current schedule, I've had precious little time to do so.

Anyways, Soft Parade has been on my docket for quite some time now. I first got a taste of this unique brew back in 2012 at a beer tasting (that I never wrote about). I fell in love with it at the time and couldn't wait to do a more in depth and detailed review. Today I can finally cross it off the list.

Shorts is a Michigan brewing company of whom I have little knowledge or experience with, but they have a good number of offerings that I've been meaning to try, and if Short Parade is any indication they may be one of the best brewers in the nation.  Poured into my 16oz Goose Island Pilsner glass.

Appearance: Brownish red with a slight cloudiness. Head is non-existent, save for some very light lacing around the edges. No hints of yeast or unfiltered particles either. Gives the appearance more of a sparkling wine than a beer.

Nose: Immediately hit by the aroma of cherries and raspberries, along with other light fruity touches. Hop character is minimal and citrus in nature, so as to balance out the fruits and malt. No noticeable alcohol here.

Taste: Mild tartness of blue berries mixed with mild citrus like hops and strawberry notes. Malt isn't overpowering, but does lightly dull the fruity nature of the beer. Only a light hint of sweetness remains for a moment after swallowing. Despite the brewery noting the use of rye, I've been unable to detect any. No noticeable alcohol here either.

Mouth Feel: Light bodied and somewhat bubbly. Again, somewhat akin to a wine, though nowhere near as dry. The carbonation is just enough to open the taste buds to the unique flavors of brew. Goes down smoothly without any hint of an alcoholic burn and finishes nicely.

Drinkability: High. Disturbingly high in fact, considering it's 7.5% ABV, yet the alcohol is completely undetectable. Combine with the very low IBUs (15) and the unique and very appealing taste, and I could see getting drunk off this in short order. A perfect drink with brunch or on a nice summers day, and should pair well with most foods, though I might avoid dark meats with it, or heavier dessert items.

Overall this is a fantastic offering from a great Michigan brewer, and I would highly recommend it to anyone, but especially people new to beer or the craft beer scene as its high drinkability and amazing flavors are conducive to a enjoyable time for all. It is certainly a must try for any beer drinker though.

Beer Review: Detroit Brewing Co. Bohemian

Alright, sorry about the delay. Writing comes and goes in spurts for me. Anyways here is one of the beers I've been meaning to review. With the approach of spring (somewhere anyways), pilsners are gonna become more popular. So here's a local one I thought would be good to try.

Courtesy of BeerAdvocate

Appearance: Amber colors with a creamy white head, about 1/2 fingers in hieght. It quickly dissipates but does leave a nice ring around the edge of the glass. This is about as perfect as a beer can look, if it would retain the head longer. Of course that may be my fault, but we'll see.

Nose: Nice fruity hops, no noticeable alcohol, and just a hint of malt sweetness.

Taste: A very well balanced flavor. The hops are present but not especially bitter, more fruity. The malt isn't especially sweet either, but just pronounced enough to balance out the hops. Alcohol isn't detectable here, thought a slight bitterness is found in the after taste, which is honestly enjoyable.

Mouth Feel: Light bodied and smooth, it's just carbonated enough to tickle the tongue slightly, but not the throat. Goes down and stays down very easy, and again, no detectable alcohol found here either. Very crisp and refreshing through the entire sip.

Drinkablity: High. It's a light bodied pilsner with standard ABV. The low IBUs (35 in this case) also make it a very easy drinking beer that would be GREAT on a warmer day, or as a general session beer.

Overall, I'd highly suggest picking this up, and it would easily surpass most macro-brewed beers. I can't wait for spring/summer so I can truly enjoy this beer the way it was meant to be. With a lot more of them, good friends around, and some barbeque.

Beer Review: Atwater D-Light Kolsch

Before I begin this review I want to make special mention to all my SE Michigan reader about the store I bought this beer in. It's called Champane, located on 13 Mile road between Ryan and Van Dyke. First time customer there today but I cannot say enough good about them. Staff was knowledgeable and helpful, the selection was amazing (ESPECIALLY if you like wine), and the prices were more than fair. I hope that everyone has the chance to check them out at least.

Ok, now to the actual beer itself. As my regular readers should know I've grown quite fond of the Atwater Brewery. And I've always wanted to try a actual Kolsch style beer, as they're rather rare on this side of the world. So when I saw this available, I knew I had to pick it up. Kolsch's in general are what American Macro lagers try to be. Let's see how this one holds up.

Poured into a 16oz pint glass.

Appearance: Nice golden straw color. Head is cream colored and very light, dissipating rather quickly except around the rim of the glass. Beer itself is pretty transparent and appears to be rather carbonated.

Nose: When I popped the cap, I immediately noticed the sweet smell of malts. A great sign of things to come. No noticeable alcohol, and hops is just enough to balance the malt. The key to Kolschs is subtlety, so everything is right but nothing REALLY stands out.

Taste: Interesting at first. Certainly stronger in flavor than the macro lagers it looks like. Hops and malt balance out well. Something else is present, but I just can't quite place it. Don't get me wrong, the taste is excellent, I just can't quite explain what it is. Clearly I need to taste more beers. In fact, upon several tastes, I think that flavor IS the malt, and it's just a different malt than I typically taste. Whatever it is, it's a great change.

Mouth Feel: Light bodied, naturally. Rather well carbonated as well, but not like a macro lager. Body is smooth, but not overtly so. Honestly the mouth feel is subdued. Nothing overtly present, but anyone who has drank a beer will immediately recognize it as such.

Drinkability: Very high. The body itself is almost as light as a macro lager, and the flavor isn't too far off from that as well. This, combined with its low price, means that I could (and this summer almost certainly WILL) drink a case or so of it in the day.

Honestly the only bad part about this tasting and selection is the time of year. This is a summer/fall beer. The gloomy winter and fact that I'm drinking this alone is the only thing that mars the tasting. And that's the fault of me, the taster, not the beer. Anyone who has access to this should immediately switch to it in lieu of the macro lagers they almost certainly drink now. The difference is slight and subtle, but just enough to make the difference between a mediocre beer and a great beer. I'm looking forward to drinking this again.

If you have any suggestions for future tastings, or beer questions in general, feel free to contact me at wmballew87@gmail.com

Beer Review: Courage Russian Imperial Stout

Ok, I'm writing this in advance of my executive conclusion, and we still have the Judiciary and other stuff to fix, but in the mean time I wanted to do another beer review. It's winter time and as such there are a lot of RIS's out there, and I, being a fan of them, decided to pick one up. Despite the name courage, its from the Youngs Brewery in England. I don't have much experience with Youngs, but if the price is any indication (and I certainly hope it is at $8 a bottle), it'll be good. Only one way to find out though, so let's get down to it.

Appearance: Black, as typical, with light unable to penetrate. Head is about half a finger high and a mixture of tight brown bubbles with a ring of larger, more loosely packed bubbles near the edge. Head dissipates slowly, leaving a nice lacy ring around the edge.

Nose: Roasted malts, a slight hint of toffee, chocolate, and coffee. Alcohol noticeable, which it should be at 10%. Possibly a hint of hops as well, though it's very faint and hard to tell.

Taste: Chocolate is front and center. Some other sweet flavors, such as the coffee and toffee compliment the chocolate as well. Despite being prominent in the nose, the roast of the malt is far more subdued in the taste. Alcohol is also near unnoticeable in the taste. Just enough hops to balance the taste. All the flavor notes are all wonderfully blended and yet very subtle at the same time.

Mouth Feel:  Rather light bodied for a RIS, though still by no means light. Carbonation is sufficient to keep the mouth feeling alive with each sip. Honestly I'm surprised the alcohol isn't more noticeable, as again, it's 10% ABV. Still, I'm not complaining that it's subtle here as well as in the taste.

Drinkability: For an RIS it's high, but as a beer in general I'd have to say it's a medium drinker. I could probably do a 6 pack in a night, but it wouldn't be easy, so maybe it's on the low side still. Even still, it's a very easy drinking beer and I'm sure if I'm careful it could mess me up something fierce.

Overall it's a great beer and well worth the price I paid. It pairs well with any dessert and in the right setting some of the red meats such as ribs or steak (yes I know ribs technically aren't red meat). I wish there was more to extrapolate on, but honestly there isn't. Great flavor, sadly high price, and a very well made beer. Pick it up if you don't mind the price.

Beer Review: Dogfish Head Sah'Tea

Ok, I know I'm supposed to be working on the Manifesto for a Better America, but this is a Christmas update and this is probably my absolute favorite beer of all time, so deal with it.

Sahtis are a traditional brew of Finland, a nation that knows a thing or two about alcohol. I've read varying accounts that date them as far back as the 700s AD or as recent as the 16th century. Either way, they're an old style of beer. And because of that they don't resemble what most people thing of beers. This is pretty common of DFH big bottled beers, but especially so with Sah'Tea. Sahtis are like lambics that use wild yeasts and open fermentation, and like gin in the use of juniper as a filtration device. Like I said, not a normal beer by any strech. Outside of Finland they're VERY rare, this being the only one I've tried (though there is a Sam Adams that I'm currently looking for). It's been almost 4 years since I had Sah'Tea, let's see if I still enjoy it.

Appearance: Orange in color, and rather murky orange at that. Head starts off at about 1 finger in height and hold steady, then drops suddenly to nice lacing. Bubbles are tightly packed and very white and creamy. A small ring of bubbles is left around the edge of the glass. Some yeast is noticeable in the brew.

Nose: As soon as I popped the cap off a warm orange, citrus smell wafted up to my nose. Upon closer inspection there are a wide variety of aromas. Citrus, honey, tea, cinnamon, cloves, and a little bit of alcohol. Even on the nose there is a buttery spiciness that I haven't ever encountered before. No trace of hops in the nose, but Sahtis aren't known for a hoppy character.

Photo by beercookpairjoy.com

Taste: Ok....where to begin? First is a sweetness, with a slight peppery spice that coats the whole mouth and throat as it goes down. After a moment it settles in your stomach, and this is replaced by a mild bitterness. Perhaps, this is the hopes. The taste is both citrus and butter, but while this sounds terrible, it's very delicious. The juniper piney taste is there, and noticeable, but not overpowering like some gins. Honestly this is one of the first craft beers I've ever tried, and trying it now makes me think that my pallet is still too novice to appreciate all the flavors. It's unqiue, and not a little bit weird, but it's damned good all the same. Also there is just a slight hint of alcohol here, which at 9% ABV, is impressive

Mouth Feel: I've never had Heavy Water before, but to that's the best way to describe the weight of the beer in my mouth as I drink it. Even a small sip is filling, and while smooth and silky, it feels almost as heavy as mercury. The alcohol burn doesn't hit until it's in your stomach, like premium vodka or moonshine. The lack of carbonation is made up for by the zest of the citrus and juniper in the beer, making ones mouth feel alive and excited with every sip.

Drinkability: Low. Don't get me wrong, this is a magnificant beer, but it's high alcohol, incredibly unusual flavors, and sheer weight mean that 1 glass is about all I can handle. Which means that the 750mml bottle is best split between friends/couples, or used during a more upscale party. It's such an unusual flavor that I would hesitate to say what would be a good food pairing. Off the top of my head, any fish or seafood seems good, and some of your sharper (read: INCREDIBLY SHARP) cheeses.

Overall this beer is probably the reason I started enjoying craft beers and exotic beverages in the first place. It's a weird brew, no question, and it may not appeal to those of more conservative tastes, but honestly I think everyone should at least take a sip or two in their life times. Who knows, you might just love it as much as I do.

Beer Review: Sam Adams Thirteenth Hour

I know this is breaking from the multi-part update on how to save and reform the republic, but revolution is thirsty work. And it's been a while since I did any good reviewing. So here is a beer from the Sam Adams Barrel Room collection. Picked it up at my local watering hole.

Now this is supposed to be a dark Belgian stout, a style I'm unfamiliar with to be honest. I know the Belgians know a thing or two about beer, but I'm.....very particular about Belgian beers. So we'll see if this will make me try more of them or not. Poured into a nonic pint glass.

Image courtesy of Beercraving.com

A: Black, or at least near black, with a dark brown hue near the bottom. Head is only about 1/8 high but a nice creamy color. The head is very tight and firm, and dissipates slowly, leaving a ring around the glass and some nice lacing. This is a very, very dark beer that light will almost doesn't penetrate.

N: Chocolate with a slightly roastiness to malt profile. Alcohol is noticeable but not overtly so. A slight spiciness, almost a cinnamon like aroma, is also detected. No trace of hops in the nose, which for a dark stout like this is the norm. On to taste...

T: Despite not being present in the nose there is a nice hoppy citrus in the front of the sip. Not overpowering mind you, but noticeable, probably accented by the 9% alcohol. Malt roastiness is noticeable, but again not over powering, with a hint of brewers chocolate on the back of the sip. This beer has a lot of flavor notes so multiple tastes are required. However, they are all nicely balanced together and the beer, while certainly unique, is pretty mild in terms of taste. In short though, it is delicious.

M: Light bodied, which is surprising for being such a dark stout. Zesty in the front with a mild chocolate bitter twinge in the back. Alcohol is just noticeable enough to give a mild warmth as it goes down. Honestly this beer has a nice warmth to it and is silky smooth to boot.The light body betrays how this beer feels in the stomach though, as it isn't something you would enjoy (or probably even be able to) chugging down. It's a sipping beer for sure.

D: Moderate. It comes in a 25.4oz bottle, which is probably the most I'd enjoy drinking in any night. It's great in this cold weather, especially after dinner. It would go great with anything chocolate or really any dessert at all. Ultimately I would suggest picking up a couple bottles for the holidays.

Overall this is another great offering from Sam Adams. It's not a strong beer in any way (except maybe in alcohol) but the flavor is certainly unique and enjoyable. And with any luck it's a great representation of Belgian stouts, because I plan on trying quite a few more.

Beer Review: Dogfish Head Namaste

Well, here is the review I promised. To commemorate GBF breaking 300 views, I chose to review anotehr big bottle (750ml) from Dogfish Head. And apparently it's a good choice. The name Namaste, according to Dogfish Head, means a celebration of ones on spirit and self. Good way to celebrate GBF in my mind. So without further ado, let's begin.

Poured into a 14oz stout glass.

Courtesy of Blogaboutbeer

A: Head. LOTS. OF. HEAD. Very creamy tightly knit white bubbles. Be careful pouring actually, the head is massive. Color is slightly opaque and orangish yellow, like a molten gold almost. Head retention is also very high. The pouring actually takes a good amount of time to fill the 14oz glass I have prepared because the head is so prominent. Carbonation is incredibly high as well, I can tell by constant stream of bubbles flowing from the bottom of the glass.Lacing is high as well.

N: Typical mild hops with a slight hint of lemon and maybe some wheat sweetness in the background. No noticeable alcohol in the nose, which makes sense at 5%. Nose is pretty tame and uninspiring to be honest.

T: While the nose isn't terrible complex or inspiring, the taste is another matter. Sweetness upfront with a hint of lemon bitterness, followed by some citrus zest, and then closing with a mild hops bitterness. It's honestly like a flavor roller coaster. The coriander doesn't make much of an appearance, and while I normally like it in beer, I think it harms the flavor of this one. While by no means bad, this isn't what I was expecting. It does follow the typical style poitns of Belgian Whites though, which were never my favorite type of beer to begin with.

M: For as carbonated as the beer is, mouth feel doesn't represent that. It feels flatter than it is. The body is moderate, heavier than a typical lager. Alcohol isn't noticeable, and the only real zest comes from the lemongrass. The intense head does give a soothing effect towards the end of each sip, which is unique in my experience tasting.

D: Moderate. Body and flavor are the biggest limiting factors here, and the 750ml bottle is probably all you'd want to do in a sitting. Would pair well with some pasta dishes, or duck. I'd avoid it with red meat though.

Overall this isn't what I was expecting, especially with the last big bottle from Dogfish Head that I tried. That being said it's not a bad beer. Not my style personally but if you enjoy Belgian Whites this is certainly worth taking a look at. I might pick it up again if I'm having a beer tasting party or want to introduce some friends to it, as it is certainly unique in how the flavor and mouth feel present themselves.

Beer Review: Bells Oberon Ale

Now unlike most beers I review, I've had Oberon before. Many many times in fact. So I'll start off by saying it's a great beer, and probably Bells most famous offering (the Two Hearted Ale is probably their 2nd). It's pretty much what American beer should be, and everyone I've introduced it to agrees that it's pretty damn good. But the reason I'm finally reviewing it is that I actually had a bottle left over from a recent camping trip. Anyways, I hope you all enjoy.

Appearance: Creamy orange in color, with a strong opacity to it. Head is thick and creamy white, with tight knit bubbles about 1 fingers width high. Head retention is excellent and so far it has only dissipated slightly, with heavy lacing around the edges of the glass. Towards the bottom of the glass the coolor changes to a more yellowish due to the unfiltered yeast and malt. A great sign.

Nose: The nose is slightly creamy and with a heavy wheat presence. Hops are mild but noticeable, and seek to balance out the malt presence. Though malt is stronger in the nose, it's not over powering in anyway like would be the case with a stout. Alcohol isn't present in the nose, and at 5.8% it really shouldn't be.

Taste: Slight bitterness of the hops up front followed by a mellowing of the malt character in back. I typically used to the reverse with hops in back and malt upfront, but this is a welcome change of pace, and something I haven't noticed until this tasting. No unusual flavors here, just good use of wheat and hops. Again, no alcohol in the taste.

Mouth Feel: Moderate body, very silky and creamy. Though unfiltered, the body is smooth and goes down easy. No burn from alcohol, and just enough body to make you sip the beer more slowly than a light beer. Still, it's light enough that you can enjoy it in large quantities.

Drinkability: High. Very, very high. I drank these in a rather large quantity over my little trip and even though it was one of the heavier beer I've drink during my time away, it went down smooth and easy and combined well with anything I happened to be eating at the time.

Overall this is probably one of the best beers I've ever had. This is a beer that gets everything right. It doesn't have any showy flavors or intense alcohol or IBU profile. It's just damned good. It's not expensive (a 12 pack is $15), it's not rare (at least in MI), it goes great with most any food (though it's paired best with a burger and bratwurst), and if I wanted to drink a lot of it, I can. And before I forget, it's also available in mini-kegs.

Beer Review: Atwater Dirty Blonde Ale

Courtesy of  RateBeer

Yup, yet another of my insomnia inspired beer reviews. Thankfully my AC is fixed, so I may actually get some sleep tonight. But before I do, I wanted to try the Dirty Blonde. Another of the Michigan specialties, it's part of my mixed sixer. Says on the bottle that it's brewed with coriander and orange peel. Me being a fan of orange things, especially in beer, figured it was too good to pass up.

Poured into a 16oz pint glass.

Appearance: Light orangish, almost like a dawn color. No head though. Maybe my fridge is on the fritz or something? Anyways it is fairly carbonated but just not holding any sort of head or lacing or anything that I normally expect from a beer. Though, like the Sergeant from last night, there is some sediment floating about, so I'm not worried yet.

Nose: Hops up front, with some fruity esters. A hint of orange towards the end of the nose. Malt character isn't too noticeable, but it's there. No alcohol here.

Taste: Kind of fruity. Orange up front, with a slight citrus tang from the hops and coriander in the back. Enough malt to balance it out, but not enough to have a distinct character of its own. If I let the sip sit in my mouth, it starts to get sweeter, almost like a orange juice. No alcohol noticeable here.

Mouth Feel: Bubbly, but not to the extent of some beers. Body is light, but not as light as most lagers. It's also silky on the way down, with a good transition from front to back. Hops doesn't present any dryness that you might see in higher IBU/ABV beers. The beer is nice and thirst quenching though.

Drinkability: I'd have to say medium to slightly high. The light body and good texture/flavor would make me want to drink a good bit of it, but I can tell that its ale character would show up after about 4, and I don't think I'd be able to go much further after that, even if I'm very thristy.

Overall, I like the beer. As i mentioned in the beginning, I love orange flavors and coriander, especially in beer. It's a good representation of the Blonde Ale style, and though not the best iteration of it, it's certainly not a slouch in any department. Would go well with Key Lime pie, or some fish. Also goes fine on a warm (not hot) summer day. Wouldn't drink it as thirst quencher, because the body isn't light enough. At the price, I have to say it's a good deal all things considered. I'm really glad that I've been trying more Atwater products lately, because they're certainly a good brewery.

Beer Review: Sergeants American Ale

Courtesy of BeerAdvocate

3am and I'm tasting beer. Of course it may have something to do with my broken A/C and it being 90 degrees outside. But none the less, I promised more reviews, and I intend to deliver. I admit I'm a tad weary of this beer. The name is more than a tad similar to Old Sergeant brand liquor, which for anyone who has tasted, I wouldn't recommend in any setting. But the beer is from the Michigan Brewers Guild, and the cap isn't a twist off, so let's dive in.

Poured into a 12oz pint glass.

Appearance: Yellowish in color, between golden and straw. No head to speak of, and no lacing. Seems well carbonated but it doesn't last long enough to form a head. Slightly translucent. Looks like I can see yeast particles floating around, so that's a plus in my book.

Nose: Malty background, with possibly some adjunct. Hops is present but not notable, so it's just their for balance. No alcohol in the nose. Sweetness more applicable word I can think of.

Taste: Eh, not bad on the taste. Malt and hops balance out nicely and leave a good wet finish with just a HINT of sweetness on the front of the tongue. Alcohol not noticeable here. I'm searching for more words to describe it, but honestly it tastes like beer. Good beer, but still beer.

Mouth Feel: Light in body and very smooth finish, the carbonation lingers on the tongue though, long after the sip/gulp is finished. Gotta say it's quenching to the palate though. And like the last two categories, alcohol isn't noticeable here either.

Ddrinkability: High. As high as any American lager. I know they claim it as an ale, but it isn't. It's a pale lager. A good one, but not a great one. I can't complain though, it goes down good and I could see drinking a case over the weekend, if I were so inclined.

Overall a good beer. It's not special in any way. It's better than the Bud, Miller, Coors standard fare, but not on the level of....say Bells Oberon. Of course it's not as expensive as Oberon either, so what could one realistically expect? If you have the chance to pick up a six pack, do so. It's good to get away from the standard mediocrity of adjunct beers once in a while. I'll probably pick this up again, especially for the upcoming fireworks season.

Beer Review: Dark Horse Brewing Too Cream Stout

Day #2 of my mixed sixer begins at 2am. While most proles are busy either sleeping or drinking down piss water, I am awake and here to provide you loyal followers with a new MI brew. Dark horse is a small brewery in Marshall MI....and that's all I know.

Poured into a 8oz stein glass

Appearance: Black. Almost motor oil like, with just enough of a brownish hue to it. Head is about 1/4 finger in height and dissipates quickly, but leaves a nice cocoa colored ring around the glass. Bubbles are very small and tight and nice chocolate in color. Light does not seem to penetrate at all.

Nose: Light roasted malt with a sweet chocolate presence as well. No noticeable alcohol and hops seems sparing to say the least. No fruity esters that sometimes come with the heavier malt profiles.

Taste: Caramel and chocolate, with a slight coffee hint towards the end. Just enough hops to balance out the high malt sweetness. No alcohol in the taste and the only after taste is a light roasted chocolate.

Mouth Feel: Heavy body, but with a very smooth, almost silk like finish. Goes down easy, even in big gulps. Roastiness leaves a light dryness in between sips, ensuring you'll go back for another. No alcohol noticeable here either.

Drinkability: Well, unsurprisingly the drinkability isn't high. A black, heavy bodied, stout rarely is. I'd say this is at best a 2 bottle drinker. Not a bad thing by any stretch. It's a great beer for dessert.

Overall, it's a real good entry level stout. Low alcohol and good taste make it easily comparable to some of the higher tier, better known stouts. I'm glad I had this after dinner, because it's a great dessert by itself. Or one could be a tad gluttonous and enjoy it with some cheese cake or a chocolate brownie.

Beer Review: Harpoon Celtic Ale

God I love summer. While I traditionally feel the best varieties of beer don't appear until fall, summer seems to have the widest variety and the best atmosphere to drink them in. In fact, I'd dare to say that other than bikinis, beer is the only thing I prefer about summer over the other seasons.

On my way home from work I decided to shop around a bit, see if there were any hidden treasures in my area. Found a pawn shop that actually is reasonable with guns, which is no small feat at any time, but especially in this election cycle. But more importantly, I found a liquor store that allows you to mix your own 6 pack. And the selection is fucking awesome. So $25 later, I have a mixed 6er. Expect reviews fairly frequently.

Tonight we're kicking the weekend off with a MA beer. Harpoon makes a decent lager, nothing especially special about it, but it's a good standard fair. So with that in mind I figured I'd try their Irish Red. Let's see if it can pass muster.

Poured into a 12oz pilsner glass

Appearance: Dark copper colored and pretty transparent head starts out a nice off white at 3 fingers and dissipates to about 1 finger in height. Good mix of small and large bubbles and carbonation is certainly not lacking. Leaves slight fingers around the glass, but nothing too serious.

Nose: Even with my head cold I could smell the hops upon opening the bottle. Not over powering mind you, but that good crisp aroma that wafts off a fresh beer. The kind of smell that makes your mouth water because you automatically know it'll be worth the $2.00 you paid for the bottle. Upon closer inspection the malt character isn't lacking either. It has a good balance with no noticeable alcohol, and just a hint of sweetness. Honestly, and it might just be me, but this is one of the best smelling beers I've ever had. Can't place my finger on why though.

Taste: Hmmmm. Light flavor. The nose made me think it was going to be more full bodied on the taste buds. Not complaining by any means, the hops and malt balance nicely and there is no noticeable alcohol here either. Slight roasted character towards the back that lingers for a moment, but beyond that unremarkable.

Mouth Feel: Light. Very light. In fact I'd go so far to say that it feels light on the mouth than actual light beers. Carbonation isn't as apparent but still makes its presence known on the swallow. Not surprisingly, there is no burn or any note of alcohol here either. So far I'd say it's pretty true to the style and the brewery.

Drinkability: High. The light body, moderate flavor, and low alcohol make this a good beer for summer. I could probably drink a case of this over the night if I were so inclined. Would pair well with most barbeque, or possibly fried fish (with chips of course[fries]).

Overall this is a moderate style beer. I'm used to bigger and bolder beers so I was a little underwhelmed with this tasting. That's not a slight at the beer though. It's certainly good and for the price and style, it's exactly what it should be. Honestly I'd like to see more offerings like this from brewers. Bigger is nice at times, but most days I just want something that tastes good and quenches my thirst. Harpoon Celtic Ale is certainly that.

Beer Review: Purple Gang Pilsner

I know my fans have been waiting on edge for another beer review. Between work and school though, I've barely had time to drink at all, let alone find a new beer to try. But today felt special, so I went out of my way to try something. And that something is another MI local, fresh from the Atwater Brewery. Pilsners are ideal summer beers, and today is just warm enough to justify it. So let's begin...

Appearance: Straw colored, with a very rich white creamy head. Bubbles are very tight and settle at 1/2 finger in height. Dissipation is low, and color eventually turns a tad more golden as the beer settles. Slight opacity. Man as I write this I'm waiting for the head to go down. Lacing is heavy.

Nose: Typical hops with a good malt back. Nose is prominent but not overtly strong. No noticeable alcohol. So far seems like a great pilsner representation, with balance being the key word here.

Taste: Very light in flavor, but enough malt sweetness upfront to differentiate itself from the more common macros. Hops just enough to leave a small bitterness at the end. No alcohol here either.

Mouth Feel: Light bodied, moderately carbonated. Hops is just enough at the end to make me want more. FEELS (not tastes) almost like water going down.

Drinkability: HIGH. Really, fucking, high. Seriously, I could drink the 6er I bought by days end.

Overall, I can't honestly understand why people drink stuff like Bud Light instead of this. Light bodied with good balanced taste and low alcohol? This is probably gonna be my summer staple. I'd pair it well with most food, especially steak or a burger fresh off the grill.

Beer Review: My Antonia

Had to pick up some supplies for camping and saw this at the store. It's a new offering from DFH and since I lose almost all their products, I decided to pick it up. $10 for a 750ml bottle isn't too bad. It's also the first pilsner type beer from DFH so naturally, I had to try it. Poured into my Boston Lager glass

Appearance: Golden in color with slight orangish hue. LOTS oh head, almost 3.5 fingers worth. Head retention is good with very heavy lacing. Head itself is thick and creamy, with a slight off white color.

Nose: when I first opened the bottle the aroma of Hops hit my nose. Bottle says it's continually hopped and DFH loves heavy hopping so it's not much of a surprise. Hops more citrusy than spicy, no alcohol on the nose, which is a little odd for a 7.5 pilsner,

Taste: Hops. Not over powering but more pronounced than the malt. Also hops are spicier than the nose would indicate. Other than the hop presence it's very well balanced.

Mouth Feel: Light bodied, very light in fact. Carbonation is a bit on the high side, but nothing like a macro lager. Hops flavor lingers on the tip of my tongue long after each sip.

Drinkability: Hop heads will love this beer. It's certainly refreshing in this heat, and I could easily see this whole bottle going in short order. Probably the most easy drinking hoppy beer I've had.

Overall I'm not a fan of hoppy beer much. Nothing wrong with it, just not my style. For those of you who do like hoppy beer I cannot recommend this enough. It's very well done and perfect for the summer.

Beer Review: Bells Kalamazoo Stout

Picked it up today on the way home from work. Let us see how it does.


Appearance: DARK. Near black and allows no light to pass through it. Head is about 1/2" of light brown bubble that recedes evenly about 1 minute after pouring, leaving a thin lace around the edge of the glass

Nose: My sinuses are flaring up at the moment so this won't be the best time to sample the nose. But to hell with it. No overt alcohol or hops, predictable malts, though not as much roastiness as expected.

Taste: Coffee, very slight caramel, malt with a more noticeable roast to them. Hops is just enough to balance the sweetness and near no bitterness to the taste.

Mouth Feel: Almost no carbonation, just enough to keep the beer from feeling flat. For something this dark the body is lighter than I expected. No noticeable alcohol feel and at 6% ABV, I shouldn't expect any.

Drinkability: With a body this light I could probably put 3 of these away in one sitting, but not over a meal.

Overall this is a good representation of an American stout. It isn't extreme or unusual, but it's not supposed to be.

Beer Review: Sanders Chocolate Stout

Rarely do I play regional favorites or try to imbue a deeper message into my beer reviews. It's my opinion that good beer is meant to be enjoyed by every person. But this is a special case. Sanders Chocolate Stout is a special run done by the Detroit Brewing Company. Sanders is a legendary symbol here in Detroit, famous for their quality ice cream. As such, this beer is a testament to how great Detroit truly is.


Poured into my 12oz Nonic Lager glass.

Appearance: Deep dark brown, almost black. Semi translucent though so some light does shine through, giving a hue almost like Coca Cola. Head has a tan tint to it and starts at two fingers high, though dissipates quickly to a more moderate 1/2 finger. Good lacing and the head is fairly thick to boot.

Nose: Mild brewers chocolate notes along with subtle caramel roast in the back. No noticeable alcohol in the nose. Hop presence isn't noted but the lack of over powering malt would at this point indicate the beer is well balanced.

Taste: Smooth chocolate up front with just enough hops to give it a little spice on the back. Slight touch of alcohol on the way down, but not in any way over powering. The caramel and roast notes that are found in the nose aren't as prevalent though sadly, but they still balance the beer out nicely.

Mouth Feel: Carbonation is low for as much head this beer had and as well as it retained it. The body is surprisingly light for something so dark, but still heavy enough to feel like a stout should. As with taste alcohol is present on the tail end of the sip, but only slightly. The zesty hops at a small kick as well towards the final moments so it can be a surprise to some

Drinkability: While the body is light enough to be classified as a heavy lager, the flavor notes and alcohol regulate this to a dessert or after dinner drink, at most 4 in a night.

Overall this is a solid beer, great for the winter time and for small celebrations, especially with a good cheesecake. Sadly, for those not located in the Detroit area, I doubt you'd be able to obtain it. Such is life in proleville.

Beer Review: Dogfish Head Hellhound

I was at my local beer store, checking to see the new spring selections, when I noticed a new Dogfish Head offering. Being a fan of their other "big bottle beers" (Sha'tea, Theobroma, Fort, Etc.), I decided to check it out.

Said to commemorate the 100th birthday of bluesman Robert Johnson. The base of 10 is advertised a lot here. 10.0% ABV, 100 IBUs, 100% Centennial hops, and so on. As an added tribute to Johnsons mentor, Blind Lemon Jefferson, the beer is brewed with dried lemons.

I'm not a fan of beers over 65 IBUs typically, but I am a fan of lemons, and since it's all centennial hops, it should be more zesty than bitter. Only one way to find out though.

Poured into a 8oz Pilsner glass.

Appearance: Light copper color with just a hint of opacity, head rises to about 1 finger width in height but settles down to a half finger width. Head is creamy with a light orange tint and very small tight knit bubbles. Head retention is very good, with a lot of lacing, leaving a nice thick ring around the walls of the glass.

Nose: When I first poured the I could immediately notice the lemon and hoppy zest. Upon closer inspection the alcohol is also noticeable in the nose. There is no noticeable amount of malt in the aroma, so it's likely the hops is overpowering in every aspect. On letting the beer settle for a moment the nose is less forceful, more mature I suppose, but still very lemony and hoppy.

Taste: Over the lips and past the gums I suppose. Wow, for as much as the hops over power the nose, they're surprisingly subdued in the taste. For 100 IBUs it's not all that bitter and actually pretty evenly balanced, given the stats. Lemon on the tip of the tongue that gently subsides towards the throat, and it's only after you swallow that the satisfying burn of alcohol is noticed. Malt is just enough to supplement the hops and tone it down a bit.

Mouth Feel: For a IPA, it's surprisingly light bodied. Pretty high in carbonation, it's a lot like a nice champagne. The zest of the lemons and hops, combined with the high alcohol content makes your mouth feel very alive and full of motion. Swallows easy and doesn't make the stomach feel full like most other high ABV beers.

Drinkability: If it wasn't for the alcohol content, this would be highly drinkable. The feeling it gives my mouth is very satisfying and it's light body means I can enjoy it at more than just a sipping level. At 750ml a bottle, I think it's just the right size to drink. Enough to enjoy, but not enough to overindulge in.

Overall this was a surprisingly good beer. I've stated before that I'm not a hop head and don't typically go for big IBUs, but this is an exception. Hopefully it's around longer so I can pick up another bottle or two in the future. It's the perfect drink on a nice summer day, and I have a sneaking suspicion that it'd go great with some southern BBQ.