Badger Hill Hop Hill Pale Ale

Badger Hill Hop Hill Pale Ale. 5.3 % ABV. 40 IBU. Badger Hill Brewing Company, Shakopee, MN.

I've reviewed this beer before, from a growler, before it had this name. Now, let's try it from a can.

Lightly hazed, bright golden hue, stable slab of ivory head rests atop.

In the nose: Bold citrusy hop notes in charge of this one. Fresh and lively.

In the mouth: Hop bitterness crashes the palate from the get-go. Bursts of citrus-y, grassy hop goodness assault the senses. Crisp, brisk, refreshing. Light to medium body. Just enough malt for balance. Both easy-drinking and intensely satisfying. This is exactly how I want my pale ales to be.

Something about this feels different. Was it as brash and bitter three years ago, when it first came out? It might actually have been, and I didn't give it enough praise thereafter. I'm going to quit that kind of behavior from now on.


Hop Hill tastes like courage. It tastes like a satisfying click on a Cat-5 cable or a perfectly hit golf ball. It has the aroma of hope, rebellion and stability. It’s clear, like vision or like glacial ice. On a more serious note- Hop Hill is the perfect pale ale. Notes of grapefruit, crisp bitterness, easy drinking with just enough body and bitterness to create a satisfying finish and flavor.

Fulton Cacao War & Peace

Fulton Cacao War & Peace. 9.5 % ABV. 81 IBU. Fulton Beer, Minneapolis, MN.

Perfectly black. Complete opacity. Slim brown ring on top.

In the nose: All the coffee, all the time. Espresso bomb, with cocoa coming right behind. Gritty, earthy, sweet, rich, and deep. Loving it.

In the mouth: Plump. Thick. Viscous. Decadent. There's an imperial stout under all this chocolate, and it tastes delicious. Whoa. Quite a lot of bitterness to match the massive malt. All those flavors from the aroma appear on the palate, along with a myriad more. Intense sensations in every sip. So very rich, and so very powerful, yet delightfully smooth.

Fulton War and Peace is a Russian Imperial Stout conditioned with whole bean PEACE COFFEE in the fermentation tank. It's an epic work of beer, but unlike the novel, this beer is brief and fleeting, appearing just once a year in Winter. Historic quantities of chocolate malt and roast barley clash over a field of dark roast Peace Coffee beans. Like Tolstoy's masterpiece, it may take some time to finish and require some thought along the way. But by the end, we think you'll find yourself better for the effort. Better yet? This version (exclusively found in our Mixed Coffee 4pack) we've added Cacao Nibs for a rich, chocolate taste.

Big Wood Cabin Daze NE IPA

Big Wood Cabin Daze NE IPA. 5.1 % ABV. 43 IBU. Big Wood Brewing, White Bear Lake, MN.

And here we have a sample with no label. I'm told that it will look quite nice with a label. I was even shown a graphic displaying this upcoming label. For now, we just have the blank, silver one to see. Trust me, this is the beer I'm telling you that it is. Now, let's drink it.

Very lightly hazed, nearly clear, bright golden color, milky white head, last long. Looks good.

In the nose: Sweet, creamy, tropical fruit notes popping up. Promising.

In the mouth: Crisp, clean, with sweet malt and just enough bitter hops. Stays and leaves the palate in a quickness. Slick and supple. It's a juicy one, too, and quite tasty. Flavorful, drinkable, just right. Not the NE IPA that some might be looking for, but it is a refreshing form of an IPA that, yeah, you can while away those lost hours at the cabin. Or the porch. Patio. Kiddie pool. Stoop. Whatever you got.

Cloudy with a chance of delicious! A golden, hazy, Citra-hopped IPA with tropical flavors and a refreshing finish. Brewed to be an all-day drinker.

Insight Picnic by the Wicked Thicket Dry-hopped Witbier

Insight Picnic by the Wicked Thicket Dry-hopped Witbier. 5.3 % ABV. Insight Brewing, Minneapolis, MN.

Cloudy, golden-toned, bright ivory head.

In the nose: Citrus notes. Nice and hoppy, Coriander and orange zest lurk just below. Sweetness and spice.

In the mouth: Enters the palate smoothly and sweetly, with a side order of gentle hop bitterness. Soft and mellow. Yeast and wheat flavors intermingle with fruit and spice. Citrusy hop flavors stay on top of the scene, mingling nicely with the witbier taste. Damned delicious. Best of both worlds in this one.

A delicious balance of orange peel and lemon-zest blend well with the richness from the wheat. The malt and wheat backbone provides a velvet mouthfeel while layers of Citra hops deliver orange blossom and lemon on the nose while the yeast hints at pepper and coriander. Crisp and refreshing with citrus finish.

Wild Mind Oolong Kvass

Wild Mind Oolong Kvass. 2.6 % ABV. No IBU. Wild Mind Artisan Ales, Minneapolis, MN.

Clear, pale golden color, no head to speak of.

In the nose: Tart from the start. A little funky. Slightly spicy.

In the mouth: Crisp and highly carbonated. Lean and clean. I'm picking up the tea and the honey. Quite delicate, with a refreshing tartness to it. It's an adequate ale and drinking is quite possible.

I'll admit that I bought this because it was at a low, low price. (Two bucks!) Lacks the things I look for in a beer, like ABV, IBU, malt body, that sort of stuff. But, I don't begrudge it's existence.

Our second kvass was brewed with 60 loaves of 46th Street Levain from Patisserie 46, a South Minneapolis Bakery. We also added some pilsner malt to round out the body, honey, and oolong tea. The kvass was fermented using a sourdough starter from Patisserie 46, resulting in slow, steady fermentation that yielded a lightly tart, crisp kvass. The beer was then bottle- and keg-conditioned with champagne yeast to enhance the beer's light, lively character. 

Odell Mountain Standard IPA

Odell Mountain Standard IPA. 6.5 % ABV. 40 IBU. Odell Brewing, Fort Collins, CO.

A new year-long IPA offering from Odell, an attempt to create some new style, a mash-up of West Coast and New England style IPAs?

All hazed-up, as all IPAs must be now, with a hefty offering of ivory foam, cast in a dullish yellow tone.

In the nose: Citrus and pine, with a touch of tropical sweetness. Pineapple, mango, passionfruit. Nice.

In the mouth: Hops hit the palate, make a splash, then shake it off. Crisp and refreshing. Medium-bodied. Just enough juice and bitterness to keep me happy. In fact, it's got plenty of it, and that makes me more than happy. Ends on a tidy, dry note. Leaves me wanting more.


This is Mountain Standard, a tribute to our backyard and the Rocky Mountain lifestyle. Hand-selected, modern American hop varieties build layers of complex hop flavors with juicy, tropical notes and bold, vibrant aromas. Join us as we help define the Mountain-Style IPA.
At 6.5%, this Mountain Style IPA is brewed with modern, American hop varieties which bring tropical hop aromas of pineapple, orange, and mango. To accentuate juicy hop aromas without using adjuncts or fruit, Mountain Standard IPA is triple dry-hopped. The result is an extremely drinkable IPA bursting with bright hop flavors, low bitterness, and a slight haze.

Inbound Barrel Aged Russian Imperial Stout (RIS)

Inbound BrewCo.Barrel Aged Russian Imperial Stout (RIS). 11.4 % ABV. 77 IBU. Inbound BrewCo, Minneapolis, MN. Bottle 125/500.

I thought that "RIS" was an abbreviation. Inbound is using it as the name for their Russian Imperial Stout. The staff at the taproom is calling it "Ris". (Not everyone, actually. Just this one guy.)
It reminds me of the time I heard a friend pronounce "D.I.P.A." as if it were a word, rather than abbreviation. "Dippa." We don't say "Ippa", or "Eye-pa", we say "I.P.A." And we shouldn't say ""Rizz." I'd rather they didn't. Oh, well. I can't fix everything just by complaining. There are breweries out there calling their Russian Imperial Stouts "Russian Stouts." A little reminder: Russian Imperials did not come from Russia.

I've had this before, at the taproom, and on tap at Acadia. Made sure to get another keg of it this year. And now, for my first bottle.

Solid blackness, under a rich brown head of foam. Ultimately impenetrable.

In the nose: Whiskey, first. Bourbon barrel. Molasses, brown sugar, anise. Smoke, tobacco, cocoa. Deep stuff. Arresting and arousing.

In the mouth: Slightly sweet, strong, and bursting with flavors. All those from the nose come on board the palate. Dark fruit mixed with chocolate, and a touch of coffee. Bourbon Barrel covers it all. It's sweet, bitter, hoppy, rich, luxurious and uncommonly smooth, all at once. Alcohol content comes roaring out. It is a most excellent nightcap.

A lot of rich malt goodness coating the palate, and lasting long through the finish. So many layers of deliciousness. I'm liking this lots. Paid $17 for the bottle at the taproom. I'll be back for more.

Our Russian Imperial Stout aged in Buffalo Trace bourbon barrels for five months. The result is a rich, smokey, chocolatey, and fruity-estery Barrel Aged RIS.

Belching Beaver Me So Honey Blonde Ale

Belching Beaver Me So Honey Blonde Ale. 5.5 % ABV. 19 IBU. Belching Beaver Brewery, Oceanside, CA.

Clear, golden-toned, slim white head.

In the nose: Sweetness at the fore, honey notes, mild malt, minimum hops.

In the mouth: Again, sweet from the start, but not quite "too." Just well-balanced enough. Light-bodied, clean, and quaffable. Moderate hop bitterness. There's flavor here, and not a small amount.

I'm not one for blonde ales or honey blonde ales, but this one is alright. Go ahead and drink it. I won't stop you.

Our smooth drinking Honey Blonde Ale is one of our best-sellers and for good reason, we brew with the finest quality honey available. Floral aromas leap from the glass while subtle, sweet, honey flavor linger on the finish, making this a beer for all occasions. This golden brew is an easy drinking favorite enjoyed by our whole Dam crew.

More beavers puns? You're killing me, guys!

Fulton Fika Coffee Stout

Fulton Fika Coffee Stout. Milk Stout with Maple Syrup. Alc. 8.6 % by Vol. 45 IBU. Fulton Beer, Minneapolis, MN.

Full-on blackness, with a deep brown, but swiftly gone, head.

In the nose: earthy, gritty, nutty coffee. Just a touch of cherry-ish sweetness. Malt-forward, for sure.

In the mouth: Roasty, toasty, smooth and slightly sweet. Creamy. Flush with nutty, fruity coffee flavors. Medium-bodied, nearly full, and exquisitely drinkable. I'm not really getting the maple syrup, though it's there, at work, I'm sure. No matter, it's delicious.


 
For this stout, we used a high ratio of oats (23%) in the mash to create a smooth and full mouthfeel. We added pure maple syrup from Sawtooth Mountain to the kettle for flavor as well as some lactose to ensure a smooth and slightly sweet finish. We used just enough Herkules hops to balance out the intense malt character and finished it with 1#/BBL of Fika Dark Roast Coffee cold steeped in the fermenter. The result is a very complex stout with notes of chocolate, coffee, and maple that has a luxurious mouthfeel and a slightly sweet finish.

Town Hall Vine's Eye 2019

Town Hall Vine's Eye 2019. American Honey Ale (Eye Of The Storm) aged in red wine barrels. 9.7% ABV. Minneapolis Town Hall Brewery, Minneapolis, MN.

This beer has been made since last year, and it's my first time reviewing it. Growlers were sold out before I could get them last year, as is often the case with Barrel Aged Week offerings. There was one in 2017 called Eye Wine Red, and I'm not sure what, if anything sets them apart. Perhaps it was because that year there was Eye Wine Red, as well as White. And the base beer, Eye of the Storm? I can find no evidence that I've ever taken notes on it. This seems terribly, terribly wrong. I just don't understand it.

Wait. Looking at my review of Eye Wine Red, it looks like I shared my notes on Eye of the Storm from 2007. So, I either I didn't search correctly, or once again, a review got lost on BeerAdvocate. Sigh....

Anyway, here we go, into the growler:

Clear, bold gold coloration, slim whitish head.

In the nose: Sharp, sweet, strong. Honey meets wine this time. Brash expressions.

In the mouth: More sweet, more sharp, more big and boozy. Complexities abound in this. Red wine tannins bump against buzzing honey sweetness, a tasty tug of war. Mead-like, wine-ish, and boom, boom, boom, boom.  The remainder of the glass unfinished at the table went with my to the nightstand, as companion into my surrender to slumber.

Beaver Island Tangerine American Wheat Ale

Beaver Island Tangerine American Wheat Ale. "Dam. Fine. Beer." Ha! Beaver puns. Beaver Island Brewing, St. Cloud, MN. 4.5 % ABV. 22 IBU.

Lightly hazed, bright golden hue, slim white head.

In the nose: Big citrus. Light and smooth.

In the mouth: Plenty of tangerine on the palate. Well balanced. Easy drinking. Lean and clean. Light bodied. Refreshing. Good beer and you can drink it.

A crisp and refreshing American Wheat with a spike of Tangerine. Perfect for those warm weather days. It’s like sunshine in a glass! Cheers!

Guinness Blonde Lager

Guinness Blonde Lager. 5 % ALc./Vol. Brewed and canned by the Guinness Brewing Company, Latrobe, PA.

Clear, golden toned, slim white head.

In the nose: Thin, slight, corn-y, vegetal, grainy. Eh.

In the mouth: Lightness. Water. Barest wisp of malt. Nothing else. Oh, wait, here it comes. Second sip, getting more citrus from hops. And a little more than a bare wisp of malt. Not bad, after all. Tasting like a classic blonde lager, and you can drink it.

Brewed with North American ingredients, including Pacific Northwest hops, as well as our classic Guinness yeast, Guinness Blonde is a crisp, golden beer. It has a noticeable but gentle hop aroma of citrus and tropical fruits, clean cracker-bread malt flavor and a pleasantly bitter refreshing finish. Brewed at the Guinness Open Gate Brewery & Barrel House in Baltimore, Maryland.

Eastlake Arcturan Mega-Saison

Eastlake Arcturan Mega-Saison. 8.4 % ABV. 34 IBU. Eastlake Craft Brewery, Midtown Global Market, Minneapolis, MN. Brewed with pink grapefruit and ginger.

I wrote about the 2017 bottled version of this beer, which has been brewed since 2015 (I remember it's newness when I worked there), back in July of last year. I'm not 100% certain if this is the 2019 version or the 2018. I want it to be fresh, of course, but I wouldn't be too unhappy if this were an aged version. Though the thought of it sitting on a shelf for a year is rather sad.

Clouded, bright gold, slim ivory head.

In the nose: Sweet, fruit, funk, spice. Big citrus. Belgian yeast character. Tons of flavors.

In the mouth: Ginger strikes first, with grapefruit not far behind. Smooth, turning sharp. No pussywillow, this. Full-flavored, medium-bodied, long finish. Lives long on the palate. A perpetual delight. Alcohol comes on the horizon. Boom, boom, boom, boom, to quote John Lee Hooker. But it lasts just long enough. Not too fatal, in the end.

I'm as fond of this beer as I was when it was first produced, and I'm they glad that they continue to make it.

The star we call Arcturus is known as the harbinger of spring, for the time in which it appears in the night sky. Arcturus is also home to many types of mega-fauna, known by the phrase "One's soul moves at the pace of an Arcturan Megacamel." So, if you can't find Arcturan Mega-Gin, you might as well go with Arcturan Mega-saison." 

Much of the above is taken from a work of fiction by Douglas Adams called "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy", which I enjoyed as a teenager, and still do. There were two live-action versions, a TV series for the BBC in the 80's, and a major motion picture in 2005. Even though Adams was active in both, I'm partial to the first. The film is too American-ized, in my opinion. Took so much Englishness away. Talented as he is, Sam Rockwell doesn't compare to Mark Wing-Davey as Zaphod Beeblebrox. Who's just this guy, you know. And if I went on, I would have not very nice things to say about Martin Freeman and Zooey Deschanel and Mos Def or whatever he calls himself these days, or etcetera, etc.

If you are new to the Guide, and you have a few hours to spare, go here:

12welve Eyes Winter Warmer

12welve Eyes Winter Warmer. 7.1 % ABV. 12welve Eyes Brewing, Lowertown, St. Paul, MN.

Clear, dark crimson coloring, leaning toward bronze, with a slim whitish head.

In the nose: Mostly malt, with a touch of spice. Cinnamon? Nutmeg? Slight dose of grassy/citrusy hops. Orange zest?

In the mouth: Malt and spice hit the palate together. Hot and toasty. Medium-bodied, easy drinking. Spice and fruit notes continue. Dominate. Delight. It's a bit thinner in body than I'd like, but it's tasty stuff, so I don't really care. Clove is coming through. Overall, it's got the flavor of a mulled ale. Raisins and orange mix with cinnamon and clove. Getting honey, too. Love it.

Getting my last tastes of winter flavors, as we welcome spring, at long last. Oh, it's gonna be great. Been a rough winter. Gonna real love this spring.

Wild Mind Leia Hazy IPA

Wild Mind Leia Hazy IPA. 6.5% ABV. 25 IBU. Wild Mind Artisan Ales, Minneapolis, MN.

Another Hazy IPA. What do I have to say about another hazy IPA?

Thick, thick, thick. Cloudy as she gets. Hefty chalk white head. Dull yellow color. Not especially attractive. Or, maybe...in the light, it looks a little nicer.

In the nose: Sweet. Hoppy. Yeasty. Chalky. Some citrus. Trifling tropical.

In the mouth: Thick and yeasty on the palate. Dry and chalky. A little bit of juicy, but not much. Sure, berry, but only a hint, if at all. Just a touch. I'm not getting much of this tropical and plenty of the grass. (I've peeked a bit at the brewery notes before writing my own, something I never do.)

I keep drinking hazy IPAs and pooh-pooh-ing them. And then I try another and reach the same conclusion. Hey, I've got consistency going for me. But the brewers don't stop brewing them and everyone but me doesn't stop liking and drinking them. Again, it's not my ideal IPA, but it ain't bad. And you can drink it. (Is that a new version of my motto?)

I can't help but like a beer named for Princess Leia Organa of Alderaan, and that's why I include the video below in honor of Carrie Fisher.

Part of a trio of hazy IPAs featuring Ella hops, an Australian variety that provides bright aromas of fresh cut grass and tropical fruit flavors. Leia was brewed with 2-row barley, malted wheat, flaked oats, and pairs Ella with Mosaic hops,which provide her beer with a hint of berry.

Corona Premier

Corona Premier. Brewed and bottled by Cerveceria Modelo Mexico. 4.1 % ABV. 7 IBU.

I was told that this is lighter than Corona Light. Well, that sealed the deal. Give me a bottle, please!

(Perhaps I'm taking a facetious tone. I might need to remind some of my goal to try all types and styles, brands and trends. I don't want to pay for every one of them, so if a sample comes my way, it will find a spot here in the Nib.)

Clear, pale golden hue, not a head to speak of.

In the nose: Sad, sick, disappointing. Vegetal. Mineral. Dull and dead. Nobody's wafting the aroma about, though.

In the mouth: Wet. Light. Containing no flavor at all. Slightly alcoholic water and nothing but. No joy, no thrill, nothing. Slight cereal/malt, maybe. Grainy, gritty, but ...blah. "Higher expectations"? What the Hell are they talking about? Is this some Bizarro world, where nothing is something? Gimme a break!

Blah!

Blech!

Blourgh!!!


Lower carbs. Lower calories. Higher expectations.

Fair State Strata Single Hop DDH Hazy IPA

Fair State Brewing Cooperative Strata Single Hop DDH Hazy IPA. 6.2 % ABV. 25 IBU. Fair State Brewing Cooperative, Mpls./St. Paul, MN.

All hazed up. Dull orange. Full ivory head. Looks good for the style.

In the nose: We've got citrus notes, hop presence, all clouded up with yeast.

In the mouth: Cloudy, cloudy, yeasty, yeasty. Citrus and pine, and murk and dry, dry, dry. Not enough hop bitterness for this old school IPA lover and not enough. ...sigh. I'm not enjoying the things that make this beer succeed as what it's trying to be. I don't get what that is.

I can drink it, though. It is a good beer. I just don't get it.

Trying harder: It is juicy. And that's nice. Slightly sweet, tropical-y toned, and just a touch of the bitter. Ending dry.

Everyone's excited by these, but not me. What's wrong with me?

Finnegans Running With Axes Fresh Hop Ale

Finnegans Running With Axes Fresh Hop Pale Ale. 5.5 % ABV. Finnegans Brewing Company, Minneapolis, MN.

I'm doing this one a little bit late. But it's not my fault. I didn't know this beer was even out until recently. Found a six-pack on sale. Like, real cheap. Down to the last can, as is my habit, and it's time to take notes.

Hazed & golden, large & lovely ivory head, leaving lace.

In the nose: All the hops, all the big, fruity flavors and tons of bitterness, buoyed by blasts of malt. It's a biggie. Fierce and fuzzy. Even thought this is being consumed six months later than it should be, there's a lot of action going on.

In the mouth: Pow, pow, pow! Bigness everywhere. Huge hop bitterness, fruit, citrus, otherwise. And mucho malt. Boom, boom, boom. Bam, bam, bam, bam. Tasty. Tangy. Vivid. Pow, pow, powerful. So full of everything, yet delightfully drinkable.
This hasn't seemed to have lost anything.  And I'll look out for it fresh the next time it's brewed.

A fresh hop Pale Ale brewed exclusively with Minnesota grown fresh hops by Mighty Axe Hop company. We are using over 150LBS of hops per batch of Centennial and Cascade hops picked just days before brewing the beer.  It’s a classic pale ale with earthy, pine, and citrus undertones. Once you go lumberjack you’ll never go lumberback.

Unmapped Primetime Porter

Unmapped Primetime Porter. 7% ABV. 31 IBU. Unmapped Brewing, Minnetonka, MN.

Utter blackness, thoroughly opaque, with a rich tan head above, leaving lace.

In the nose: Sweet, creamy, malty. Cocoa and molasses. Rather nice.

In the mouth: Smooth, malty, big-time chocolate-y. Medium-bodied. Exquisitely drinkable. Dry in the finish. A touch of roasty malt. Sweetness stays on top, perfectly balanced. Tasty stuff.

Another winner from Unmapped. Keep 'em coming.

You might not know it, but we spent more time on planning Primetime Porter than any other beer we've ever brewed...that's because Math is hard! We channeled our collective inner (and outer) nerd and made sure that every. single. input. of this beer was a prime number. From the 61 minute boil to the 31 IBU calculation to the actual day of the month it was brewed (the 19th), this beer is chock full of prime numbers and prime flavors! Medium-bodied with chocolate and mild roasted malt notes, math has never been more fun (and delicious)!

Vander Mill Blue Gold Apple Blueberry Cider

Vander Mill Blue Gold Apple Blueberry Cider. 6.9 % ABV. Vander Mill Cider, Spring Lake, MI.

Clear, bright crimson coloring, nothing on top.

In the nose: Bold and fruity, blueberry comes creeping in. Sweet, lovely, a twist of tart.

In the mouth: Tart kicks it off, big time pucker. Sweetness rises back up. Blueberry is all over here. Sweet and tart do a tight little tango, til dry ends it out. Light bodied, easy drinker. Tasty stuff. Well balanced flavors. I recommend it.

Apple Blueberry Cider. When creating products from Michigan fruits it seems natural to include Michigan blueberries. They add a nice fruity flavor to the cider. Like our other hard ciders, this one is not too sweet or overpowering.

Junkyard Biocumulus Sour IPA with lactose

Junkyard Biocumulus Sour IPA with lactose. 6.4 % ABV. Junkyard Brewing, Moorhead, MN.

Clear, bright golden hue, large and lace-leaving head atop. Looking lovely.

In the nose: Tart, floral, fruity. Citrus and pine.

In the mouth: Big sour from the start, with with a judicious dose of fruity. Nice brace of hoppiness, completely covered by the sour. Medium bodied, and fairly smooth and tasty.

Why the lactose, though? I can't even taste it. Not sure what it's there for. Are the brewers just going through the ropes, tossing in the lactose out of habit? Am I not supposed to taste it? Is it in there to stave off the hop bitterness I crave in an IPA? These questions and more plague my mind. If anyone wants to school me on this, go right ahead.

Sour IPA, eh? Well, I like this one. Refreshing and delicious. Can't argue with the results.

Town Hall Czar Jack 2019

Town Hall Czar Jack 2019. 9.2 % ABV. Minneapolis Town Hall Brewery, Minneapolis, MN.

The last time I wrote about Town Hall's barrel-aged imperial stout Czar Jack was way back in 2013. I managed to get a full-sized growler of it, snapped it's photo, shared (most of it) with a friend, and posted my initial review from 2004. Which was written based on a sampling at the pub. So, I've never posted notes on the beer taken at home, from a growler.

If my research is correct,  I've also never managed to get a growler to take home since six years ago. How is that possible? It's just that popular. Always sells out before I can get one. This year seems to be an exception. I was surprised and delighted by my luck. And now, several weeks after sitting in the fridge, I'm going to crack it open and write new notes. Why don't I save it even longer? Because I'm just not into aging growlers. Cans, bottles, maybe even crowlers (but not likely), yes. Growlers, no. Not to say it can't, or even shouldn't, be done. But I'm just not going to do it.

So, here we have it, my second time writing about this beer, Czar Jack. Old Jack Frost Imperial Stout aged in Jack Daniels barrels. (Or something similar.)

Eternal darkness, utter blackness, beneath a rich brown-tinged ring of foam, slowly drifting away.

In the nose: Oak barrel char, dark chocolate, anise, smoke, espresso. Charcoal, tobacco, soot. I'm digging it.

In the mouth: All that and more, loaded on the palate. Thick, rich, powerful. Sweet, dark, bitter, beautiful. Big time bourbon, even bigger stout. Wave on wave of dark deliciousness. Full bodied, if you couldn't guess, and absolutely worth ever sip between cup and lip. I love every time that a beer this complex and luxurious is present on my tongue. It is wonderful.

This is really one of the best of the best. We are lucky to have it among us, every once in a while.

Russian Imperial Stout (Ol' Jack Frost) aged in American whiskey barrels.

Wild Mind Han Hazy IPA

Wild Mind Han Hazy IPA. 6.5 % ABV. 25 IBU. Wild Mind Artisan Ales, Minneapolis, MN.

One of three beers in a series of interconnected hazy IPAs, all named after the three main human heroes of the Star Wars saga. Original Trilogy, anyway. I'll be doing them in alphabetical order: Han, Leia, Luke. Because, why not.

Ever-so thick and hazy, dull orange tones, thick slab of ivory head. Looks the part.

In the nose: Soft and citrusy. Some sweet, tropical notes pop up to join the orange and the lemon. Nice.

In the mouth: Soft, sweet, smooth, juicy. Easy on the hop bitterness. Big on the fruit notes. Medium-bodied, and easy-drinking. Plays it nice and sweet until it ends on a dry note. Tasty stuff. Just a touch yeasty/chalky.

I continue to remain outside of the camp of NE IPA lovers, but this is a good one, and I drink it with pleasure.

Part of a trio of hazy IPAs featuring Ella hops, an Australian variety that provides bright aromas of fresh cut grass and tropical fruit flavors. Han was brewed with 2-row barley, malted wheat, flaked oats, and pairs Ella with Simcoe hops, which provide this scoundrel of a beer with an extra burst of fruit flavor.

Harp Lager

Harp Lager. 4.5 % ABV. 21 IBU. Imported from Ireland. Guinness Brewing, St. James Gate, Dublin. Est. 1960. (The beer, I presume, not the brewery.)

It's that time of year again, when the sales reps try to push their Irish-brewed and Irish-themed beers in time for one of the dumbest celebrations in America. "Everyone's Irish, let's get drunk!" Bah.

And so I end up with samples of Irish beers that I would never put on tap where I work, because they just don't fit our theme or the general scope of what we do. If people want to celebrate, there will be locally brewed craft beers with an Irish angle.

And I have these, and I always promise that I'll review any bottle, can, growler or crowler that fits it's way into my fridge. Lo, and behold, I've never reviewed any of these. And here's the first one:

Clear, pale yellow color, sizable ivory head.

In the nose: soft, slight, minority malty. Brief touch of corn, cereal. Typically lager-y.

In the mouth: Modicum of hop bitterness, more malt, very light and inoffensive. A little bit crisp. Mostly clean. Drinkable, forgettable. If it's "just beer" that you're drinking, go right ahead.

I'd drink this without a fuss if I had no other choice, but otherwise....eh...







The best selling premium irish import lager in the world today. This rich, golden pilsner style lager, with a smooth, refreshing hoppy taste, is brewed the irish way, using only the finest barley and pure spring water from the Cooley Mountains of Dundalk, Ireland

Sisyphus Scoopshot Apricot

Sisyphus Scoopshot Apricot. IPA with vanilla and apricots. 7% ABV. 60 IBU. Canned: 3/10. Sisyphus Brewing, Minneapolis, MN.

Lightly hazed, bright golden/orange-ish coloring, sizable and lasting ivory head.

In the nose: Sweet apricot notes first. Nothing but sweet and mellow.

In the mouth: Cool, smooth, well-balanced fruit, mixed with lovely vanilla. Barest hint of bitterness. Light/medium bodied. Apricot flavor is on the light side, too. You can taste it, all mixed up with the vanilla, but it isn't terribly strong.
Do you need much apricot, though. Subtlety can be a strong suit.

The second iteration of the Scoopshot, after the pineapple, the milkshake IPA without the milk, which debuted last April. I like it fine, and I can drink it, but I'd rather have the IPA that's underneath all that vanilla and fruit. That's just me. I like beer that tastes like beer. Good thing they make some of that, too.

OUR TAKE ON THE MILKSHAKE IPA EXCEPT WE SKIPPED THE LACTOSE (YOU ARE WELCOME, OUR LACTOSE INTOLERANT FRIENDS.) BUT THIS THING STILL TASTES LIKE IT HAS A SCOOP OF ICE CREAM IN IT, WITH A HEALTHY DOSE OF APRICOT AND VANILLA, TO COMPLEMENT THE FRUITY HOPS AND YEAST.  LOOK FOR THIS ONE TO BE A NEW REGULAR OCCURRENCE ON OUR MENU! 

Fulton Coffee Doppelbock German Style Doppelbock

Fulton Coffee Doppelbock German Style Doppelbock. 7.75 % ABV. 28 IBU. Fulton Beer, Minneapolis, MN.

Opaque. Reddish brown, large cream-toned head.

In the nose: Subtle coffee flavors, slowly growing. Slowly, but surely, unfolding. Earthy, nutty, roasty.

In the mouth: Rich, warm, and quite tasty. Malt flavors come to the fore, caramel and toffee and cocoa. Coffee keep rushing back. Lightly fruit, plummy, then earthy, medium-bodied, delightfully drinkable...if you're into coffee doppelbocks. And I am. Very good, this one. Very, very good.

From the coffee beer 4-pack sampler. Three more to go.



Fulton has teamed up with four Minnesota coffee roasters to create our first Coffee Beer.

Wait, what's War & Peace, then? Are you saying Imperial Stouts aren't beers?

Oliphant Sound of the Fart Side Citra Pale Ale

Oliphant Sound of the Fart Side. Pale Ale. 5 % ABV. Oliphant Brewing, Somerset, WI.

Man, I'm not into these "fart" puns, you guys. You can do better, I know it. The anthropomorphic assholes? Sheeesh.

Anyway, on with the beer.

Clouded, pale amber hue, thick white head, soon to settle.

In the nose:Fresh, full-on citrus notes going on. Nothin' but, and it's all that you need.

In the mouth: Light bodied, crisp, clean and refreshing. Nice bitter bite up front, then falling off. Citrus fruit flavor from the hops dances on the palate, keep the tongue happy. Straight up deliciousness. Just a good old pale ale with Citra hops, just the way I like it. Yum, a dum, dum.
I'm gonna drink this crowler down, and that will be that.

I am providing two videos below. One is of one of my favorite musicians performing a song he composed for an animated "Far Side" TV special and has since turned it into a beloved ballad. That is Bill Frisell. And "Egg Radio." (Look at Bill's guitar. Is this the one that Gary Larson made for him?, as the story goes.)
The other tells the tale of the "Far Side"'s time on television. Forgive the narrator for saying Bill's last name wrong, or even Larson's first (did he really call him "Larry"? once?) Isn't there anything better out there? No? Really? Come on.

Single hop Citra Pale Ale

Inbound BrewCo Petal Pounder Hibiscus Saison

Inbound BrewCo Petal Pounder Hibiscus Saison. 5.5 % ABV. 20 IBU. Inbound BrewCo, Minneapolis, MN.

Fairly hazy, bright crimson coloring, slim white head adorning the top.

In the nose: Floral, funky, lightly tart, plenty of fruit.

In the mouth: tart hits first. Hibiscus reigns supreme, with fresh fruity associations coming in second. Light bodied, lower alcohol, drinks like a dream. Delightful. I could pass the time away with a few of these.


A fresh and floral saison brewed with a pounder's worth of real hibiscus petals. It's as tart as a cranberry and as pink as a summer sunrise. Built for a season of pedals and petals.

Birch's Lowertown Oud Bruin

Birch's Lowertown Oud Bruin. 5.5 % ABV. Birch's Lowertown, St. Paul, MN.

2016 says the cap. This brewery was not in operation at that time. Was it started at Birch's on the Lake, and finished, or at the very least, sold at the St. Paul brewery/taproom? Will we ever know?

Murky/hazy, deep Burgundy color, slim off-whitish head.

In the nose: Tart and fruity. Deep and oaky. Inviting, lively, funky.

In the mouth: sourness grips the palate from the start. Major puckeration. Fresh fruit. Figs, dates, raisins, sour cherries. More wood character. Deep and sour and delicious. Medium bodied, and definitely drinkable and refreshing. Tasty stuff.

This is not a perfect Oud Bruin, but it's pretty danged close. And there ain't enough of these even being attempted around these parts. Good job, guys.

And thanks to Ed for bringing it to me. I don't get out to St. Paul often enough, so it's great to have a friend helping me to keep on top of what they're brewing out there.

I've been to the downtown St. Paul location before, last fall, in the company of Ed. It was too late to take home a growler. It's high time I crossed the river again and tried out more of their wares.

Barrel soured traditional Flanders brown ale aged in used red wine barrels with tart cherries for over 2.5 years.

Surly One Man Mosh Pit Hazy IPA

Surly One Man Mosh Pit Hazy IPA. 7.2 % ABV. IBU: low. Surly Brewing Company, Mpls/BC, MN.

Haze is the craze, and now Surly's gotten into the game. Now in the canned form, anyway. They've been piloting NEIPA variations since last summer at the Beer Hall and this final version, pieced together from the favorite parts of previous iterations, "thrashes into our entire distribution footprint this week. The Docs are laced up, the flannel is tied around our waist, and we're ready to rage against whatever machine you put in front of us." Okay, whatever.

All hazed up and cloudy, murky golden toned, slim white head perched above.

In the nose: Dank hops. Expressions of citrus and tropical fruit, with a trace of pine. Sweet stuff, floral, funky. I'm hooked, so far.

In the mouth: Juicy hop flavors flood the palate, hops and yeast character apparent. Bright, sweet, and soft in mouthfeel, malt and hop delivery. Medium bodied, and easy drinking. Tangy. Tasty.

I'm still not on board the Haze Craze. I'll drink them, but every time I do, I wish it were a regular IPA. I don't see the appeal, or more precisely, why one would prefer this style to the non-hazy IPA. Give me the bitter, please, not this stuff. People like it, though, so I'll remain the lone dissenting voice, fading far off into the distance.


Maybe I've said this before, but I will say it once more: I feel that the people who favor hazy/NE IPA, or milkshake IPAs, for that matter, are those that never liked real IPAs in the first place, and were drinking them because they thought they had no other choice. Well, by gum, some of us liked it that way!

I like it enough that this is can #6 for me. I bought a 4-pack before Surly sent me a couple. And they all went down well. Here's the last one, the one I take notes on, and I have to say that Surly got it all pegged. It's soft on the palate and in bitterness, it's fruity and inoffensive. But, dang, it's missing that bite I want. Again, I have to say, they should call it something else. They just don't feel like IPAs to me.

I guess I'll have to stay among the ranks of the curmudgeonly. Earlier this year, Surly announced the end of Bender and Cynic, two of their first beers. There was some public outcry among their fans, a group to which I belong, but in reality, how many of them really bought those beers all that much? I bought both sporadically, but not significantly. If the brewery's not making money on them, what are they supposed to do? Some bemoaned the loss of these beers from their portfolio and wondered what would replace them, more IPAs? Yes, exactly. This beer and Sleek IPA are now year-rounds. If only folks were reaching for brown ales and saisons a little more often.

I've got a theory that these altered versions of IPAs are warping some palates and keeping drinkers from finding the styles they should be liking, and those styles will go away, fewer and fewer being brewed. We'll have all the hazy IPAs and no one will get to try Scotch Ales, Witbiers, Ambers and the like. It'll be sad days, for sure.

BREWED FOR: THE ACE OF SPADES, LACING UP YOUR DOCS, AND STARTING YOUR OWN SCENE

An absurd dose of Amarillo, Citra, and Mosaic dry-hopping hoists this IPA above the fray. Juicy and hazy, it’s the perfect soundtrack to the music in your head. Running in a circle and shoving yourself optional.

NEW ENGLAND IPA
COLOR
Hazy Gold

HOPS
Amarillo
Citra
Mosaic
MALT
Golden Promise
Carafoam
Unmalted Wheat
Flaked Oats
OG
16° Plato
YEAST
Burlington Ale
IBU
Low
ABV
7.2%

SURLY MN USA

Hop & Barrel Hudson Haze Hazy India Pale Ale

Hop & Barrel Hudson Haze Hazy India Pale Ale. 6.4 % ABV. 28 IBU. Hop & Barrel Brewing, Hudson, WI.

Clouded & hazed, dull orange appearance, large ivory head of foam on top.

In the nose: Highly hopped, bouncing with citrus and pine. Nice.

In the mouth: Hop bitterness smacks the palate from the start, tongue's getting spanked by bright, citrusy. Getting the yeasty flavor in there, too. Medium body, a touch of the juicy before turning good and dry.

Hey, this can't be a Hazy IPA, because I actually like it.

Haze Brah. Columbus, Galaxy, Vic Secret, Simcoe.
A beer made from the heart of Hudson, Wisconsin, for the palettes {sic} of trendsetters everywhere. Here's to you who know what's best for the rest of us. Centuries for trying to make the clearest beer possible and all of the sudden YOU people want to drink orange juice beer. Well...here you go. Drink up, Trendy McTrendFace.

I am so proud of them for putting that on their label.

Town Hall Strawberry Stave

Town Hall Strawberry Stave. 8.3 % ABV. Strong dark wheat ale aged in bourbon barrels with strawberries. (What was the base beer? I seemed to have forgotten, and can't find the info at hand. Which bourbon barrel, too?)

Minneapolis Town Hall Brewery, Minneapolis, MN.

Clear, bright crimson color. Ample offering of creamy toned foam, slims down with a quickness.

In the nose: Rosy, fruity. Strawberry meets bourbon. An intriguing combination, to be sure. So far, so good.

In the mouth: Whiskey whams the palate first, the deep vanilla tones, the char, oak, etcetera, and then comes the strawberry, rushing in. Full bodied, malty, and lip-smacking delicious. This seems so unlikely, but they pulled it off.

I tried this one on it's first release last year, for a quick one, and liked it, but didn't love. Had one during Barrel Week back about three weeks ago, a small serving in a sampler flight, and was pleased, but unmoved. Why is it giving me a bigger thrill from the growler?

Am I enjoying it more because it's in isolation, rather than being part of a larger sampling? That it's away from the the noise and chaos of the pub? Because I'm able to contemplate it's complexities in quietude?

Whatever the reason, this one is hitting the spot. Second of the four barrel-aged growlers I brought back from Town Hall.

Unmapped Mind the Map English Ale

Unmapped Mind the Map English Ale. 5.3 % ABV. 21 IBU. Unmapped Brewing, Minnetonka, MN.

Clear, coppery colored, slim slab of off white foam above.

In the nose: Mostly malty, lightly spicy, low hops. A touch on the sweet side, with lingering fruit notes.

In the mouth: Light notes of cherry and apple greet the palate first, with a wave of malty flavors in tow. Medium bodied, well balanced, easy drinking. Toasty caramel malt tastes take over. Smooth stuff, certifiably quaffable. A downright tasty pub ale, with plenty of malty flavors to keep the tongue happy.

This delightfully malty English Ale will take you on a journey across the pond to the land of pastoral scenes, pubs, and the London Underground of course! At 5.3%, this beer is quaffable but never short on flavor. Please Mind the Map and enjoy!

Oliphant Anutart Raspberry

Oliphant Anutart Raspberry. 5 % Alc./Vol.
Tart Wheat Ale brewed with raspberries. Oliphant Brewing, Somerset, WI.

All hazed up, cloudy as can be, a bright crimson, turning pink, with a slim pinkish white head.

In the nose: Tart, wheat-y, and raspberry-vicious. Plump fruit.

In the mouth: Bracing sour from the start. Fresh, fruit, and tart. Light bodied, refreshing. Delightful. Stays fruity and tart, ending on a dry note.

Like most tart wheat ales (aka fruited Berliner Weisses), it's not too terribly complex. But it does what it does, and delivers what you want.

Barrel Theory Cryptocurrency Double IPA w/ Citra and Strata

This is not a new beer. (Though there is a new version available now.)

I bought it at my last visit to the brewery in November. Drank it and took notes in December. And then I forgot about it.

No, that's not true. I thought about it every day. Just as it's always true when I tell Mom that I meant to call her every day. I just put it off. But, why?

Was I doing it again? Saving a beer review for when I write the brewery/taproom review, which takes much more time, so I put that off? Even though I promised not to do that anymore?

So, I'll post this review, and then I'll tackle the brewery & taproom. Or do I need to go back one more time? Why, I've been there four or five times already, that's plenty. But, I am overdue for another visit. And there's the new DDH version of this very beer that everyone's raving about. Got to give that a try. There's an angle for my brewery report.

And then, the thought occurs to me that there are people who visit Barrel Theory each and every day, who probably never once give any concern to how they will write about that visit in their beer blog. Huh.
I wonder what that's like?

Barrel Theory Cryptocurrency Double IPA w/ Citra and Strata. 8 % ABV. Barrel Theory Brewing, St. Paul, MN.


Hazy (naturally), dull golden color, beautiful ivory head. Looks the part of the hazy  double IPA.

In the nose: Citrus/tropical notes. A little floral. Quite pretty. Instantly likable.

In the mouth: Nice drop of hops on the palate. Good amount of yeast in the mouthfeel. Smooth and tasty. Calm, cool mouthfeel. Good drinking double IPA, but could use more bitterness to really be in my wheelhouse. Big, bold citrus attack. I'm liking this.

Clockwerks Dark Helmet Coffee Schwarz

Clockwerks Dark Helmet Coffee Schwarz. Coffee Schwarzbier.  4.1 % ABV. 13 IBU.
Clockwerks Brewing, Minneapolis, MN.

Dark brown, nearly black, with a nice, toasted tan ring on top.

In the nose: Mostly malty, with a fine layer of coffee notes rising above. Cocoa lurks below.

In the mouth: Coffee hits the palate first, then the mostly malty clambers on board. Caramel and chocolate  on the side. Medium to light-ish bodied. Minor bitterness. Smooth and easy-drinking. I like a good schwarzbier, even coffee-infused ones, and this is one of them. A tasty treat.

A light bodied dark beer with boutique-roasted beans from the eastern slopes of the Aberdares mountain range in Kenya. Caramel and chocolate undertones.

Badger Hill Badger Snack Peanut Butter Milk Stout

Badger Hill Badger Snack Peanut Butter Milk Stout. 6.3 % ABV. 13 IBU. Badger Hill Brewing, Shakopee, MN.

Full ebony color, absolutely impenetrable, under a rich, thick cocoa, tan head. Looking good.

In the nose: Peanut butter notes explode. Other flavors seem fairly muted in it's wake. No complaints here, though. If PB's what you want, PB's what you get.

In the mouth: Full bodied, smooth, and just sweet enough, never too. Well balanced. Beautiful texture. Abundant peanut butter flavor, but again, never too much. Chocolate and dark malt flavors lie just below, with a small dose of espresso dipping on the palate. Stays on the semi-sweet side, ends on a dry note. Swift finish, not cloying in the least.

I like this peanut butter stout, and chances are you will, too. This one is available in a mixed pack, if I'm not mistaken. Go out there and get it.

It's a well-known fact that badgers love peanut butter... so we're sure you'll go nuts for this Badger Hill beer, too!

And yes - pun VERY intended.

A blend of roasted malts, flaked oats, flaked barley and milk sugar make for creamy chocolaty base to this peanut butter powered snack. A treat for badgers and beer drinkers alike.

AVAILABLE: Draft and 6-Packs

Mikkeller SD Mikkel Jackson NE IPA

Mikkeller SD Mikkel Jackson NE IPA. 7 % ABV. Mikkeller SD, San Diego, CA.

I was curious how many other brewers have done a beer in tribute to the late, great beer writer Michael Jackson, who passed on in 2007. If this isn't the first, it certainly has the funniest label. So, I searched on Untappd, and found that most of the beers that reference that name were alluding the more famous man(-child)(-molester), the self-described King of Pop. Perhaps breweries are unlikely to name a beer for the Englishman who pioneered beer writing back in the 70's because the masses would be confused and assume it was a nod to the gloved one. Every now and then the M.J. from Yorkshire's name will be evoked and someone, somewhere inevitably will say "wait, Michael Jackson wrote about beer? THAT  Michael Jackson?" Of course not! It's got to be as common a name as John Smith. Or James Brown.

I love Jackson's tomes, and there are at least five in my beer library. Unfortunately, they're not all likely to stay in print, as they have become dated, as breweries and styles come and go. They are a wealth of information, though, carefully and passionately researched, with deftly assembled sentences. His words flowed well and he never stooped to make jokes or cracks that didn't hold true to the content. I slammed one recent book shut when the author claimed that North Coast's Brother Thelonious was "as smooth as Monk's jazz." The beer may be smooth, but Monk's music was not. Or the scribe who wrote a brief bit about the kolsch style and could not resist making an awful comment concerning the consumption of after-shave. (Get it? Kolsch are from Cologne! Ha!) Put that one back on the shelf. The list goes on.

So, let's drink to one of the all-time greats. Maybe the G.O.A.T?

Highly hazed, golden toned, bright white head above.

In the nose: Soft and hoppy. Fuzzy. Citrus and tropical flavors pop out. Orange, lemon, and pineapple aplenty.

In the mouth: Jumps on the palate buzzing with hoppy delights, but steers clear of outright bitterness. Juicy stuff. Bright and lively. Medium bodied, and expertly drinkable. Gives the NE IPA drinker just what they want.

It's a good NE IPA, and you can drink it. Well, you can. I'm going to find a non-hazy IPA. Just for kicks. Got to be different.

Fulton Brut 300 India Pale Ale

Fulton Brut 300 India Pale Ale. 7 % ABV. 35 IBU. Fulton Beer, Minneapolis, MN.

Another Brut IPA? A Brut-ized 300? Well, let's see what that's all about.

Clear, bright golden color, large white, pillowy head. Looking great.

In the nose: Hoppy stuff. Citrus and pine aplenty. And dry. Oh, so, dry.

In the mouth: Starts out wet and juicy, with a long line of bitterness on the palate. Medium bodied and quite tasty. Ends on a nice, dry note, leaves one yearning for one more taste. Perfect much a flat-out perfect IPA.

I'm wondering if this is really in the "Brut IPA" style, after all. It can't be, I like it too much.

Fair State The Duke of Bakesfordshire Pecan Pie Stout

Fair State The Duke of Bakesfordshire. Pecan-pie inspired pastry stout brewed with pecans, maple and vanilla. 12.0 % ABV. Fair State Brewing, Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN.

Solid blackness, impenetrable appearance, cocoa-tinged head of foam, starts big and slims down.

In the nose: Malt forward, to say the least. Chocolate rings in first. I'm getting a touch of the maple, and maybe vanilla, but that's about it.

In the mouth: Massive malt, rich, bittersweet, intense, going from sweet to dry. A lot of flavors going on, but I'm not really picking up on the pecan. The alcohol, though, that's shining through, for sure. The pecan pie thing they're going for, it's just not happening. But it is a damned strong stout, nicely toasty, and very satisfying. Even if the pecans and vanilla, maple, etc., aren't coning through.

I hate being disappointed by a favorite brewery, but, well, it does happen. And it happened here.

By the way, who came up with "pastry stout", and how/why did it become popular? Dumb name.

Town Hall Double Eight DIPA

Town Hall Double Eight DIPA. 8 % ABV. Minneapolis Town Hall Brewery, Minneapolis, MN.

Clear, amber/bronze coloring, ample slab of ivory front atop.

In the nose: Bright, juicy, dank. Citrus notes, stone fruit, a flash of the tropical. Gorgeous. Utterly lovely. Ni-i-ice.

In the mouth: Big, bold, brash. Intense malt meets abrasive hop bitterness. I'm liking it thus far. Big hop bitterness, bold hop flavors, tons of citrus and tropical notes butt up against a full field of malt. And the booze comes ringing in. Big, booming, bitter, beautiful. POW!

Guess what, I like this one.



Smooth and juicy tropical fruit hop character, balanced clean bitterness and bready-honey malt background. A warming tropical double IPA for the last leg of winter.

Oliphant Hungee for Goomungee

Oliphant Hungee for Goomungee. Rum Barrel aged Imperial Brown Ale, with maple syrup. 10 % ABV. Oliphant Brewing, Somerset, WI.

Beautiful brown color,  a bit murky, cocoa-tinged layer of foam.

In the nose: Sweet. Bourbon. Malty. Vanilla. Booze. Molasses. Maple. A whole lot going on around here.

In the mouth: Ah! I must have been very good to deserve this. Sweet, rich, succulent. Full bodied, full flavored. Brown ale meets bourbon, tasty meets delicious. This one has all the malty, molasses-y, maple-ish flavors I desire. Dee-frickin'-tasty, is what this is. But what is Goomungee? And why are we hungy for it? Dumb question.

there, now do you see?

rum barrel aged imperial brown sugar brown brown w/ maple syrup. 10% abv

Wild Mind Galgo Fruited Sour Ale

Wild Mind Galgo Fruited Sour Ale. 5.2 % ABV. 5 IBU. Wild Mind Artisan Ales, Minneapolis, MN.

Clear, bright golden, slim white head.

In the nose: Big sour from the start, followed by various fruits. Arresting, lively, funkay.

In the mouth: Intense sour pounces upon the palate. Super pucker! Tropical fruit flavors follow, Passionfruit, pink guava and mango in this folder-aged wild ale. Light bodied, and refreshing. Fruity. Oaky. Sour. Yum. Beautiful interplay between sour and sweet.

This is a nice one, to say the least. I'd love this as a regular, recurring beer. I'd like to be able to count on having this one on hand at any regular interval.

Brewed in collaboration with Galgos del Sol, a Spanish hound rescue sanctuary, this fruited sour was blended to celebrate Spanish sighthounds, and proceeds from each bottle will go to help save abandoned Spanish sighthounds through rescue, rehabilitation, rehoming, and education. Brewed with almost 1,000 total pounds of passionfruit, pink guava, and mango, this blended barrel aged and foeder-aged wild ale is vibrantly fruity and funky with a tart finish.

Dave's BrewFarm I Like Your Six

Dave's BrewFarm I Like Your Six. 5.1 % ABV. Bottled on February 15, 2019. Dave's BrewFarm, Wilson, WI. Style: your guess = mine.

Clear, dark red coloring, reddish-brown? nearly Burgundy? with an ample cream-toned head, swiftly drifting down.

In the nose: Sweet-ish, sugar-like, malty. Minor hops. Rye malt pops up. Molasses?

In the mouth: Starts sweet-like and malty-ish, but end on a very dry note. Fruity hop notes at play with spicy rye malt flavors. It's a beautiful congress. Medium bodied, easy drinking. Pumpernickel overtakes the taste in this one, a very rye bread-y affair, all in all, and I can't help liking it. Again, if I'd have to stick it into any style, I'd be forced to call it an APA, or maybe a rye pale ale, or something of a such. And I'm digging it big time.

I was lucky, this last visit to the BrewFarm, that not only were there several new BrewFarm beers that I hadn't tasted yet, but two new ones available in growlers form, that I can add to the Nib. And now they are done. I hope it is not another six months until I return to the farm. More goodness awaits!

A base of Pils, with a hefty dose of Rye and Extra Special malts, Norther Brewer and Azacca hops, fermented with a Belgian yeast strain. Very sixy!

Surly Tiramisu Funeral Bar Dessert Stout

Surly Tiramisu Funeral Bar Dessert Stout brewed with Coffee, Vanilla Bean, cocoa, lactose & molasses. 10.2 % Alc./Vol. 1 pint. Brewed and canned by Surly Brewing Company, Brooklyn Center, MN-the original brewery, where it all started.

Straight up blackness, solid, lasting cream-tinged head. Utterly impenetrable.

In the nose: Soft and creamy. Incoming cocoa and espresso. And here comes more of the sweet stuff: molasses and vanilla are touching down. Nice stuff, so far.

In the mouth: It's all coming together, the cocoa and molasses leading the charge, coffee just behind, quickly caught up and left in the dust by vanilla and lactose. It's tasty stuff. Medium bodied, easy drinking despite the high ABV. Delicious and decadent. Alcohol comes shining through. Time for teddy-bye.


I've heard all kinds of criticism about this beer. That it's "too sweet" is one, but I think it's just sweet enough. If you didn't want a sweet strong stout, you should have left this on the shelf. Yeah, it's sweet, but it's supposed to be, and I'm liking it. It's got what it takes. I wouldn't have more than one in a row, but that's not the point of these beers, is it? One a night, after dinner, just before bed.

BREWED FOR THE AFTERLIFE. OR AFTER DINNER. WHATEVER WORKS FOR YOU.

Plying the grief-stricken with church basement sweets is a Midwestern constant. Our newest sweet stout brings this tradition into the light, using waves of vanilla, cocoa, and molasses to soothe the saddened soul.

DESSERT STOUT
COLOR
Dark Brown

HOPS
Warrior
Cascade
MALT
Two Row
Red Wheat
DRC Malt
Chit Malt
Chocolate Malt
Coffee Malt
Golden Naked Oats
Flaked Oats
Honey Malt
OG
YEAST
English Ale
IBU
Low
ABV
10.2%

SURLY MN USA