Gulden Draak Ale

Last night, as we were closing down the bar, one of my customers declared that she hopes that I have the "best night ever!" Best ever? There's not much time left to make that happen. Unless? Unless I get lucky on the way home? Unless I find that someone broke into my apartment and left me a giant stack of cash? Unless? I think I'll just drink some Belgian beers I have in my fridge, some old favorites such as....

Gulden Draak. Brouwerij Van Steenberge. Belgian Strong Dark Ale. 10.5 % ABV. 31 IBU.

I'm disappointed in myself that in the 10 years of this blog, that it's taken me so long to enter this one into the Nib.

And here is the time when I look back on my old notes of over sixteen years ago, and decide that they are....satisfactory. And so, I will drink a 750 ml bottle of Gulden Draak, an old, old favorite, and share what I wrote in February of 2003:

A deep, dark, burgundy brown color, and a thick, full, rocky, tannish head.

Aroma sizzles over with all things good, a sensory overload of hop sensation: fruity notes, earthy notes, hints of leather and lavender, grapes, wines, figs, raisins. One of my all-time favorite aromatic brews.

A full pallet-load of hops on the palate (sorry, couldn't resist trying that one out just once!) A flood of brilliant bitterness on first sip, that just keeps giving and giving and giving. Solid malt here, too, holding everything together. Fierce and fiery, like the breath of the beast that graces the label and gives this ale it's name. Hot, substantial, and impressive, the dragon is formidable!

One drawback is the "drinkability" issue. My first time with the Dragon, I shared a750ml with a friend, and still woke up the next AM, moaning and groaning, able only to utter: "Guuuulden Drak...guuuuuulden draaaaak....."
Had a 11.2oz.er for the purpose of this review, and I felt it terribly the next day. How to rate the ease with which one drinks the Dragon, when the Dragon always slays you? "Yes, I'll have another"...some other day....

From the label: "Festive living ale, triple by style, brown-ruby color, balances a natural malt sweetness, the glow of the alcohol, with a hoppy gentle touch. Creamy head and full body. A real treasure! Refermented in the bottle. Read more about the brewery and the 900 year history of the Golden Dragon at www.globalbeer.com."

Also, this: Gulden Draak has been breathing fire at the Van Steenberge brewery since 1986. This characterful, fiery beer was originally commissioned by the Cruyl brewery in Assenede. At the time, it was a festive beer brewed just once a year for the Assenede fanfare.

Gulden Draak originated when Jozef Van Steenberge received one of his Italian customers back in 1986. The Italian visitor could feel the fire and insisted on buying the beer. At first, Jozef refused because he felt that the beer was too strong, but then he agreed on the condition that an order of 100 hectolitres was placed. At the time, it was a large amount that guaranteed an entire week of production. A beer with character also deserves a bottle with character, a unique white bottle, they decided together.


The name ‘Gulden Draak’ refers to the gilded dragon statue at the top of the Ghent Belfry. Legend has it that the dragon graced the bow of the ship used by Norwegian Sigurd Magnusson on his crusade in 1111. The statue still stands guard on top of the Ghent Belfry today as a symbol for the city's freedom and power. 

La Dona Azacca Double IPA

La Dona Azacca Double IPA.
7.8 % ABV. 88 IBU.
La Dona Cerveceria, Minneapolis, MN.

Clear, dark amber/bronze hue, beautiful, rocky head of cream-toned foam.

In the nose: Soft, resinous, dank. Dripping with hoppy goodness.

In the mouth: Spark of hop bitterness kicks it off, then lush malt flavors rush to catch up. I'm getting some citrus & pine, grapefruit notes and tropical tones, and a bunch of juicy. Lingering bitterness. Medium bodied, fairly easy on the palate. Actually, it's quite tasty. All Azacca, bursting with fresh & powerful hoppiness.

With 100% Azacca hops, this hefty IPA is bursting with tropical flavors of mango, pineapple, grapefruit.

Modist Demons on the Weekend DDH IPA

Last Sunday, I stepped into the taproom at Modist, a long overdue visit. I hadn't been there since last December, for absolutely no reason. None whatsoever. (Best explanation: keeping up with the breweries of South Minneapolis keeps me busy enough, and sometimes I don't want to go downtown, or elsewhere.) And it ate me up inside, knowing that they keep putting out so many interesting beers that are worthy of review here in the Nib. It was a dizzying array on display, with a "triiiple dry-hopped triiiple IPA", a double-dry-hopped double IPA, a "Blue Hawaii cocktail" IPA, and a 12 % ABV Barrel-aged Old Fashioned Ale, in collaboration with a local cocktail bar. I purchased a glass of the last one, despite the fact that it was $12 for 4 ounces, being one of the most expensive beers I've ever bought. Well, I tried it, and it was good. But, that's the last time I'll do that.

Also, a wood-aged dark mild ale that I didn't try because there were too many double, triiiple IPAs and other weird beer, plus a West Coast Pale Ale that I've reviewed recently. And this beer. I did not buy a crowler of the Blue Hawaiian beer, because, well, you know. I tried my friend's, and that was good enough. Also, the doubled-upped version of False Pattern and Dreamyard, which I wished I'd visited the stores when they were released, but, poof, they're gone. But back to this one. I did buy a crowler, and these are the notes.

Modist Demons on the Weekend DDH DIPA. With Mango, Tangerine, Honey & Milk Sugar. (Does this make it a "milkshake"? There's no vanilla, nor any mention of haze.)
7.2 % ABV. Modist Brewing, Minneapolis, MN. Collaboration with 18th St. Brewery, Hammond, IN.

Despite the non-announcement of the haze, it's a cloudy one, because what would you do with a clear DDH IPA? I'd be befuddled, that's for sure. Cast in a soft orange hue, under thin ivory head.

In the nose: High citrus, big blooming grapefruit, mango, tangerine. Bold and brassy.

In the mouth: Slight burst of bitterness at the beginning calms down in a quickness. Plays it soft on the palate, then in comes the sweet. Honey and lactose. Not too sweet, but just enough. But barely. Medium bodied, easily consumed.

It's not bad, some surely love it. But once more I get the feeling of brewers, as well as consumers, thinking that they've solved the problem of the IPA, improving what doesn't need improving. Call it something else, please, for the not-bitter, sweet and smooth IPA is no India Pale Ale any longer.

A demonic DDH IPA we leisurely crafted w/ our friends at 18th Street Brewery. It's overloaded w/ mango, tangerine, honey, & milk sugar, then generously hopped with Strata & Citra Cryo.

Sisyphus Cake Beer 2019

Sisyphus Brewing opened up in August of 2014. A year later, they celebrated their first anniversary with an imperial stout brewed with 24 chocolate birthday cakes, their first Cake Beer. It's now an annual tradition. Why not review it again, 3 years later?

Sisyphus Cake Beer 2019. 9.5 % ABV. 51 IBU. Sisyphus Brewing, Minneapolis, MN.

Solid blackness. Slim brown head.

In the nose: Chocolate. Molasses. Fudge. Intense sweetness. Oh, yeah, this is gonna be a cake beer.

In the mouth: Rich. Dark. Massive malt. Sweet. Cake-y. Not a trace of hops to be found, and I'm not missing it. Gets a little thinner toward the end, but the deliciousness never leaves. Quite a tasty treat!
It's a gimmick, surely, but you can't debate the delicious.

Cheers to 5 years, Sisyphus!

Our yearly brew to help us celebrate our anniversary! Brewed with 24 chocolate birthday cakes, vanilla, cinnamon and ancho chilies.

Town Hall Central Pale Ale

Town Hall Central Pale Ale. 5.2 % ABV.
Minneapolis Town Hall Brewery, Minneapolis, MN.

Clear, amber/copper-toned, slim white head.

In the nose: Bright citrus blends with earthy/fruity malt. Slightly sweet. Nice.

In the mouth: Instant delicious. Juicy malt keeps up with the hop attack. Tons of citrus, with a pinch of pine. Light bodied. Easy drinker. Tasty pale ale.

Sometimes a beer is just that. Good ol' pale ale and you can drink it.

Smooth Malt Foundation supporting heavy hop additions of Citra and Centennial.

Venn Brewing Sticky Icky IPA

Venn Brewing Batch #194: Sticky Icky IPA.
6.3 % ABV. 60 IBU.
Venn Brewing, Minneapolis, MN.

So, there I was at Venn and I'm choosing the crowlers I'll take home, scouring the list to make my decision. Emma informs me that they still have Sticky Icky in a crowler, a beer no longer on tap. Okay, I'll take it, though the name sounded familiar. Back in May of last year I had a Sticky Icky, but that was when it was a double IPA. This is that same basic beer, but brewed down to a single IPA.

Clear, amber-hued, slim white head.

In the nose: Bold & bouncy hops. Big time citrus and pine. And more.

In the mouth. Assertive, again. Quite a commotion upon the palate. Juicy malt. Lean bodied. Dankness supreme. Tasty.
This is my kind of IPA. The crowler was emptied in no time. Keep 'em comin'.

Dank, resin, sticky. A single version of Batch #50 Sticky Icky Double IPA, brewed by request for our friends Nate & Ginny's wedding reception. 

Malts: Domestic Pale

Hops: Warrior, Columbus, Idaho 7, Eureka (United States)

Yeast: American Ale

And: a little extra awesome. Congrats Nate & Ginny! 

Funkwerks White

Funkwerks White. Belgian-style wheat beer with spices.
4.8 % ABV. Funkwerks Brewery, Fort Collins, CO.

Clouded, pale golden color, thin slice of ivory foam rests on top.

In the nose: Ah, lovely! Light spice, slight citrus. Delightful.

In the mouth: Zesty, delicious, refreshing. Light bodied, fully flavored. Tastes exactly as a witbier should, just enough flavor, not too little, not too much. I'll take this anytime.




Rooted in Belgian tradition, this refreshing wheat ale, or witbier, is our interpretation of a classic style. Its hazy pale color and creamy white head result from the ample amounts of wheat used in the recipe. The addition of raw oats contributes to a smooth mouthfeel while the Belgian yeast imparts a complex yet dry finish. Notes of orange zest and lemon with hints of spice.

Pairs well with secret handshakes.

Blake's Hard Cider Rainbow Seeker Pineapple Sage

Blake's Hard Cider Rainbow Seeker Pineapple Sage.
5.5% ABV. Blake's Hard Cider, Armada, MI.

Clear, pale yellowish-green (?) appearance, no head.

In the nose: Spice first. There's the sage. Then, along comes the fruit. Pineapple. Anything else? No, that covers it.

In the mouth: Here inside, it's a blend of the above, almost seamless. The fruit and the spice are as one. I never would have thought to put them together, but it happened. It's light, refreshing, absolutely drinkable. Delightful treat.

Let this pineapple paradise in a can take you on a tropical ride. With hints of sage, this balanced semi-sweet hard cider is impactful in more ways than just quenching your thirst. At Blake's Hard Cider, we seek equality, love, inclusion, and communal support. We are proud to partner with the Human Rights Campaign to support the LGBTQ community.

Modist Albert II Pale Ale

Modist Albert II Pale Ale.
5 % ABV. Modist Brewing, Minneapolis, MN.

Clear, bright golden, ample offering of ivory froth.

In the nose: Nicely hoppy. Citrus and berries. Slightly sweet, altogether pleasant.

In the mouth: Soft and supple approach on the palate. Mild hop bitterness, easy entry, easier going down. Bits of berries meets the citrus smack. Cracker-y malt character. Medium/lightish bodied. Ever so quenchable.

Not a bad little pale ale, here. This crowler was gone in no time.

This crisp creature is slightly dry with complexities that include a biscuity, malty body and notes of strawberry candy, lemon-lime, and grapefruit pith. 

Dave's BrewFarm Bravo Single Hop Lager

Dave's BrewFarm Bravo Single Hop Lager.
6.4 % ABV. Bottled on July, 12, 2019. (Purchased 07/14/19)

Once again to the BrewFarm on a Sunday, and once again the patrons on Saturday bought up most of the growlers. My only choice was one that wasn't on tap Sunday afternoon, but it wasn't a bad choice at all.

Clear, bright crimson coloring, slim white head.

In the nose: Lightly hoppy, fruity. Slightly sweet, highly likable.

In the mouth: A brief blast of bitterness. Nicely spicy. Good hoppy buzz, then it's all smooth. Caramel malt flavors take over and deliver. Smooth and lovely.

I forgot to bring back the menu. But, wait, there's a description wrapped around the growler, let's see if I can get it cut free...not really. So, what do we know? "Pils, Cara Red, and...mel 20 malts, and hopped with 3 additions ...Bravo hops. Fermented with a lager yeast..." Hey, that's close enough.

It's a lager through the yeast used, but the malts and hop employed give this one a character that goes beyond the typical lager. Another tasty one from Farmer Dave.

Oliphant Sadtana Golden Ale

Oliphant Sadtana Golden Ale.
5 % alc./vol.
Oliphant Brewing, Somerset, WI.

It's been a little over two months since my last Oliphant visit, and that means it's high time for another. There's more free cans and crowlers for me to pick up, due to my Smug Club membership, and I needed to get up the new Oliphant Brewing #1 comic book before it sold out. (Print run of only 25! I was fortunate enough to see Jeremy there, and have him sign my copy.). We were headed out to Dave's Brewfarm, too, to catch up with a whole pack of friends, and Angie came along this time, for it had been over a year since her last time at Oliphant.

There was exactly one beer on tap that I hadn't had before, and it was this one. So, I did what I do and took home a growler. And now is the time when I drink it and take notes.

The chalkboard this visit. Jeremy hasn't had time to do
any Big Jilm illustrations, but those are some mighty
nice lizard eyes. (Mariguanas.)

Crystal clear, bright golden color, ample ivory head.

In the nose: Clean, malty, some slight cereal notes.

In the mouth: Light hoppiness at the front. Clean, smooth, light-bodied. Tasty malt body, continues through the drink. Excellent balance, and quite refreshing. Easy going, as is the style. Nothing fancy, nothing fussy, just a decent beer and you can drink it.

Golden Ale isn't a style I turn to often. I regretted choosing a pint of this at the taproom, rather than a smaller pour because after a little bit of it I get it, and I yearn for something heartier. That's just me, though. This may totally be your jam. Or your jelly. Whichever metaphor you like.

As for me, once I finish this growler, I'm heading for the nearest can of Samurai Karate Guy, because my palate needs some hops, pop!

As usual, the "description" on their website tells you nothing except what inspired the name, but I'll share it anyway:

sometimes guitar is sad. sometimes guitar is happy.                                 
sometimes i play my guitar. and sometime i write crappy.

golden eel. 6% abv

Town Hall Juice Ghost New England IPA

Town Hall Juice Ghost New England IPA. 6.2 % ABV.
Minneapolis Town Hall Brewery, Minneapolis, MN.

Look out, everyone, Town Hall's gone hazy! And juicy! Yep, they've gone and done it. But, have they done it well?

Hazy as they get, with a thick orange coloring, and a proud ivory head above.

In the nose: Grapefruit and guava, passionfruit and pine. Very fine.

In the mouth: Juicy stuff from the start, bursting with hop expression, lingering bitterness. Medium bodied, long-lasting flavor. Sufficiently fuzzy. This one is set apart from the average NE IPA. It's sweet(-ish) and smooth, but there's plenty of hop character to keep the palate happy.

I liked this one so much I forgot that it was a hazy, juicy, NE IPA. It's just a damned good beer and you can surely drink it.

Juicy New England style IPA packed with tropical fruit hop character.

BlackStack Thunder Lizard Double Dry Hopped IPA

BlackStack Thunder Lizard Double Dry Hopped IPA.
7.2 % ABV, BlackStack Brewing, St. Paul, MN.

All hazed up, bright golden/orange hue, thick ivory head.

In the nose: The tell-tale aroma of the DDH DIPA NE-style. These guys nail it every time. Soft. Light bitterness. Some citrus and tropical tones. Very mellow. Nice hop attack, very likable.

In the mouth: Soft and smooth. Almost creamy. Hops persist throughout. A touch of astringency, long lasting bitterness, played mostly muted. Tasty stuff. Actually, really tasty. Maybe even delicious.

It's a gobsmacked hop attack, and I am digging it. Not a paleontology pun. Or, maybe it is.


Thunder Lizard is a resounding expression of gratitude. A reverberating token of appreciation. The Science Museum of Minnesota asked us at Blackstack to make a beer to honor the outpouring of support from thunder lizard fans. We used Zeus hops from Minnesota's own Mighty Axe hops and Azacca in the whirlpool. Dry-hopped with Falconer's Flight and Australian Vic Secret, or, as we call it, the thunder from down under. All the better to thank you with.

Junkyard Cha Cha Real Smooth New England Style Double IPA

Junkyard Cha Cha Real Smooth New England Style Double IPA.
8.3 % ABV. Packaged on 6/17/19. Two Hops, Two Hops.
Junkyard Brewing, Moorhead, MN.

It's all hazy, like, like they got to be these days. Clouded as all-heck. Deep orange/gold. Vast ivory head, leaving lace.

In the nose: Lemon and lime, orange and pineapple. Beautiful.

In the mouth: Big citrus, nice and bitter. Intense, aggressive hop attack, while remaining soft, smooth and some of that all-important "pillowy." But not all that stuff, which makes me like it. Juicy, then dry. Delicious.

56 Brewing Super 'Ssippi Squeeze Double IPA

Here's how it looks in 2020.

56 Brewing Super 'ssippi Double IPA.
8.5 % ABV. 45 IBU.
56 Brewing, Minneapolis, MN.

All hazed out, the way all the IPAs have to be these days. Bright golden hue, slim white head.

In the nose: Aggressive aromatics. Citrus and pine, with traces of tropical.

how it looked in 2019.

In the mouth: Quick and easy answer is, it's got the goods. All the hops at play, the big citrus, the fruit explosion, and plenty of judicious hop bitterness. Lemon/lime, orange, tangerine, and a touch of pineapple/passionfruit/guava. But just a touch. Lightish bodied. Able malt. Juicy. Tasty. Ends nice and dry. And then, the booze kicks in.

I'm digging this one.

Your main squeeze with twice the Sip - A juicy double dry-hopped double IPA super charged with Citra & Mosaic hops.

Unmapped Sour Eclipse Pineapple/Tangerine

Unmapped Sour Eclipse Pineapple/Tangerine.
4.7 % ABV. 7 IBU.
Unmapped Brewing, Minnetonka, MN.

Wholly hazy, pale orange color, slim white head.

In the nose: Funky & fruity, deep citrus.

In the mouth: Sweetness at sour at the start, refreshing and juicy. Light bodied, delicious and sour. Pineapple and tangerine flavors are popping. This is quite nice.

I was a little worried about this sample, because I inexplicably waited a couple of weeks (or was it three) before open it up for note-taking, but nothing seems to have fallen off or lessened at all.

This is one of those beers that you have to go to the brewery in Minnetonka for, or one of those bars that have it on tap. I don't know which ones they are now, but I know which one will in the future.

Bald Man Brewing Psycho-delic Haze NE IPA

Bald Man Brewing Psycho-delic Haze NE IPA.
7.4 % ABV. Bald Man Brewing, Eagan, MN.

Bald Man is the Eagan-based brewery whose gimmick is their infatuation with Classic Rock. I paid their location a visit in November of 2016, and there I had a Misty Mountain Hops IPA (Led Zeppelin), Dark Side of the Moon Porter (Pink Floyd), Young American Pale Ale (David Bowie), and Heart of Glass Blondie Ale (you can guess that one yourself). All of their fermenting tanks were named after rock heroes: Page, Hendrix, DeYoung. The only other beer of theirs here in the Nib is a double IPA named for a Queen song, Killer Queen.

So, when it comes to making a hazy IPA, as everyone must, the classic Hendrix tune "Purple Haze" would be a natural association, right? Except it's been taken, by Abita Brewing. So, they did their best to keep it purple and hazy, giving the label a "psycho-delic" look.

How's the beer, though?

Lightly hazy, bright golden hued, capable cap of ivory foam on top.

In the nose: Soft and fruity. Pleasant, if unremarkable.

In the mouth: Modist hop buzz on the palate, sufficient "pillowy" mouthfeel, if that's what you need. But the combination of the parts is a bit of a muddle. Nothing shines in this one. Something in the malt flavor clings too hard to the palate, tasting almost like chocolate or caramel. Not quite what you want.

I finished the contents of the can, but I wasn't really enjoying this one. Just wasn't working for me. I didn't get hardly any of what they mention below. Maybe Belma and Citra just don't go together? Or is it something in the malts?

"Massively dry-hopped with a blend of Belma and Citra hops, this juicy and hazy IPA packs aromas of citrus and melon and tropical fruits."

Vander Mill Rose' Cider

Vander Mill Rose' Cider. 6.5 % ABV.
Vander Mill Cidery, Spring Lake, MI.

And now for the teensiest, its-bitsy-est, cutest little can of anything ever. Eight ounces.
I resent the can copy:  "Rose' Cider is the first in our apple bud series. These petite cans are designed to be the perfect amount to quench your thirst." You don't know me, or my thirst!

Clear, bright crimson, no head.

In the nose: sweet, bright, fruity...Rose'!

In the mouth: Tart at first, then come the berries. The grapes, the fruits, what have you. Bright, tart, fruity, a little sweet, then dry on the way out. Not bad, not bad. Easy drinker. Good cider and yeah, you can drink it.

Originally named Loving Cup, this cider is infused with pink peppercorns and hibiscus for a slightly sweet, yet bright flavor. 

2 Towns Made Marion Blackberry Hard Cider

2 Towns Made Marion Blackberry Hard Cider. Made with Marion Blackberries.
6 % Alc./Vol. 2 Towns Ciderhouse, Corvallis, OR.

Clear, crimson, carbonated.

In the nose: Lightly tart, high fruit, touch of sweet. Ever so berry.

In the mouth: Tangy. Sweet'n' tart. Juicy and refreshing. Tasty stuff. I'm still not a cider guy, but there ain't nothing wrong with this. Except that it's not a beer. Ah, well. For now, it's working. A change of pace isn't bad.

Ripe and juicy, Made Marion unites Northwest apples with whole locally grown Marionberries. The crown jewel of all blackberry varieties, Marionberries are a true testament to the bounty of Oregon.

Made Marion unites two ingredients that were destined to be together—whole, Oregon-grown Marionberries and fresh-pressed Northwest apples. The Marion blackberry was originally bred for Marion County, Oregon farmers, right here in our backyard. Tangy and full of ripe, rich berry notes, the Marionberry quickly became the standard to which all blackberries would forever be compared, and elevates this cider to illustrious heights.

You know, this reminds me of something. Years ago, (and maybe still to this day) the local ice cream shop Sebastian Joe's had a flavor called Marion Berry, DC Nut, which was easily understand to be a reference to the crack-smoking mayor of the District of Columbia. It took a while until I understood "Marion berry" to be the actual name of the fruit.

Fulton Hard Seltzers: Berry, Lemon Lime, Grapefruit and Blood Orange

Fulton Hard Seltzers.

Fulton has Hard Seltzers. Four of them. And I'm drinking them. They're all 5% ABV and they're alcoholic carbonated water with fruit flavors added. And that's a thing that people do today.

The first I'm trying is Lemon Lime. It tastes like lemon and  lime. It's carbonated and alcoholic. Like water + booze + fruit flavor. End of story.

And look here, it's a Berry! It's Berry...and...straw....rasp....black...all the berries. It's the berries!

Next: Grapefruit. It's grapefruit. But not much. Some. But, eh, who cares. There's a hint of flavor, but maybe a hint is enough, in this case. hell, I don't know. People will swallow any of this shit, apparently. It's....not great.

On to Number 4: Best of the bunch, apparently. Blood Orange. Everything is better with blood orange in it. And this has plenty. Mmm, bloody and orangey and so much more! Well, not much more. But Blood Orange makes everything alright. Right?

What's my assessment in the end? Huh. I dunno. I can't tell a good hard seltzer from a bad one. Can there be a bad one? What makes a good one good? What level of cicerone do you have to be to know this stuff? I'm stumped.

All I know is that they are not intended for yours, truly, that is a fact. I like beer. It makes me a jolly good fellow. These just get me drunk. They don't necessarily make me happy.

New Planet Blonde Ale Gluten Free

New Planet Blonde Ale Gluten Free.
5 % ABV. 15 IBU.
New Planet Brewing,  Boulder, CO.

Clear, bright golden, slim white head.

In the nose: Light, sweet, malty. Minimal hops. Touch of corn?

In the mouth: Light. Refreshing. Brisk. Absolutely drinkable. Unfussy. And absolutely un-gluten-y. I can't taste a single danged gluten! And that ain't bad.

That's all I had to say on this one. Go drink it, if you have to.

Light and refreshing, our Blonde Ale – Formerly known as Tread Lightly Ale – offers bright notes of honey and a subtle floral aroma with a crisp clean finish.

Blacklist Peach Hazy New England Style IPA

Blacklist Peach Hazy New England Style IPA.
6.3 % ABV. 28 IBU.
Blacklist Brewing, Duluth, MN.

All cloudy-like, bright orange hue, slim white head.

In the nose: Mmm, peachy! Quite peachy. Not getting much out of hops, though.

In the mouth: Big on the peach, and getting a bit more from hops. Nice and fuzzy. Hop bitterness lingers on the palate, all in a smooth style. Lush malt. Tasty stuff. I don't mind peach in my IPA, and I like it here a lot.

We at Blacklist would like to jump on this crazy, hazy train and see where the tracks lead. So hold on tight and look forward to enjoying each and every release; there is no telling how long this train will stay at you local watering hole.

Destihl Hawaii Five Ale

Destihl Hawaii Five Ale.
6.4 % ABV. 13 IBU.
Destihl Brewing, Normal, IL.

Clear, bright golden, ample ring of ivory foam atop.

In the nose: Hmmm. Coconut? Pineapple? Mango? I'm sniffing this without reading the label (and having forgotten what I'd read earlier). Minor hops, not much else.

In the mouth: Sweetness, fruit, tropics. Again, hop bitterness is low, malt is lush, smooth ranks high.

I'll peek at the can. "Blonde Ale with pineapple, coconut, mango, peach & guava. Fruity, juicy, tropical." Well, I got most of them right.

Light bodied, lower alcohol, and a ton of fun. Tasty as heck. It's not the sort of beer I'd normally go for, but I'm liking it.

Our fruity and juicy blonde ale will quickly transport your palate with a taste of paradise. Tropical flavors of pineapple, coconut, mango, peach and guava are balanced by smooth maltiness. One sip and you'll be singing the song of the islands. Aloha! 

Earth Rider North Tower Stout

Earth Rider North Tower Stout.
6 % ABV. 28 IBU.
Earth Rider Brewing, Superior, WI.

Utterly opaque, solid darkness, slim brown head.

In the nose: Roast, toast, sweet malt turns dry. Cocoa and coffee. Sweet and bitter at once.

In the mouth: Mostly malty, touch of sweetness, bit of bitter, roast takes over until it all goes dry. Dark, rich, smooth, chocolatey. Note perfect stout.

Once again, it's the final can of a six-pack. I enjoyed the first five free of note-taking, and procrastinated for the last one. It's a good one, and I'll be back for more.

Here’s to the working harbor. Malty accents of chocolate, coffee, and dark fruit are balanced with a restrained hop presence in this stouthearted ale. Hold fast

Samuel Smith's Organic Perry Cider

Samuel Smith's Organic Perry Sparkling Pear Cider.
5 % ABV. Samuel Smith's Brewery, Yorkshire, England.

Clear, light golden hue, no head.

In the nose: Popping with pear. Bright, sweet, delightful.

In the nose: Brisk, crisp, and pear-y-licious. Light-bodied, smooth, and delicious. Nice. Not really much else to say about it. (I freely admit that I am not at all a cider expert, and still lack technical expertise required.)
Highly likable, in every way.

Dry, sparkling pear cider with glowing pale straw colour,smooth body, crisp but rich flavor and the gentle aroma of a summer pear orchard. Serving suggestions: Blue cheese or gorgonzola; arugula or Waldorf salad; sweet potatoes; pancetta or prosciutto; pear tart. Very nice with dishes featuring ginger. Best served at about 44°F (7°C)

Central Waters Crew Drive Brut Pils

Central Waters Crew Drive Brut Pils.
5.5 % ABV. 25 IBU.
Central Waters Brewing Company, Amherst, WI.

Clear, bright golden, slim white head.

In the nose: Lightly hoppy, slightly floral, right in tune for a pilsner.

In the mouth: Nicely hopped, just a touch of bitter, laying long on the palate. Light-bodied, easy drinker. Lingering hop bitterness, the way I like it, ending very dry. Quite nice. I'd have another.

What the heck is a "Crew Drive"? We are glad you asked! It is a standing tradition for brewery employees to clear the benches and crowd a market to represent their brewery for a day. It's a team effort that ends over a beer or four and a toast to victories won! Dry, effervescent, and dangerously drinkable, this beer is brewed for celebration. Join our crew for a cold one!

Venn Chronicopia DIPA

Venn Chronicopia DIPA.
8.2 % ABV. 75 IBU.
Venn Brewing, Minneapolis, MN.

Clear, bright golden hue, slim white head.

In the nose: Powerfully "dank", no denying. Big citrus and pine. Vibrant, intensely likable.

In the mouth: Pow! Delivers a punch to the palate. Blast of bitterness, increasingly potent hoppiness, an all-around assault on the senses. Just the way I like it. A bit of tropical fruit, some pineapple and passionfruit butt into the proceedings, making for a merry melange. (Okay, shoot me, I love to alliterate.)

Medium bodied, long, bitter finish. This one isn't such an easy drinker, but it's an enjoyable experience, for sure.



Some may call it "hot", but it suits me just fine for a nightcap.

There stands the glass. It's my last one today.


A West Coast style Double IPA featuring Eureka, Mosaic, and Columbus hops.

Malts: Domestic Pale, Red Wheat.
Hops: Warrior, Eureka, Mosaic, Columbus.
Yeast: American Ale.
Other: Dextrose.

Town Hall Golden Grounds

Town Hall Golden Grounds. American Pale Ale, with Coffee.
5.2 % ABV. Minneapolis Town Hall Brewery, Minneapolis, MN.

Clear, bright crimson color, slim white head.

In the nose: sweet and slightly fruity, lightly bitter, and bursting with coffee flavors. Nice.

In the mouth: It's an interesting collision. We don't normally get coffee infusions in pale ales. It was originally the domain of porters and stouts, though in recent years it's been done to lighter beers, like lagers and golden ales. When they do it to IPAs, I'm really skeptical. How does a hoppy beer work with coffee?

It's a bit of a clash, but I like it. Hops are here, and they're mingling with the coffee flavors effectively. They're sharing space next to one another and getting along fine. Medium bodied and highly drinkable. A little bit of bitter meets a touch of sweet, fruity, herbal & nutty. And it's going down fine.

I wouldn't normally choose this over a regular pale ale or IPA, but it's nice to visit once in a while.

Toasty, smooth honey pale ale with custom blended cold-press from Peace Coffee. Rich nougat and coffee character.

Surly Grapefruit Supreme Tart Ale

Surly Grapefruit Supreme Tart Ale with Grapefruit Added.
4.5 % ABV. Surly Brewing Company, Brooklyn Center & Minneapolis, MN.

Hazy. Pale yellow color. Slim white head.

In the nose: Grapefruit. Tart. That's about it.

In the mouth: Starting tart and getting juicy in a quickness. Stays slightly sour on the palate before finishing dry. Minor hop bitterness. High on the refreshment factor. Not bad, not bad at all. I'd have another, sure, why not.

Braced by bright grapefruit flavor and gentle tartness, this beer reigns supreme. Finishing crisp and citrusy, it sets a new standard for crushable.

Blanche de Namur Witbier

Blanche de Namur Witbier. Brasserie du Bocq.
4.5 % ABV. 11 IBU. Purnode, Namur, Belgium.
"The World's Best Wheat Beer", says the label.

Clouded, golden, slim white head.

In the nose: citrus and spice. Orange and coriander. Usual suspects.

In the mouth. Wheat and smooth. Light bodied, easy-drinking. Big citrus flavor, minor hops, tasty wheat malt basis. Delicious stuff. A rewarding and refreshing glass of ale.

This is my first beer from this brewery. I'd love to get my hands on more.

"Cloudy, smooth and mellow, the Blanche de Namur is a very high-quality wheatbeer. From the first sip, you will feel all its roundness and its delicacy that make it an outstanding wheatbeer. 

I've been assured that the Namur of this
beer has nothing whatsoever to do
with this Namor.

Its qualities and the brewery’s know-how earned it the honour of being named the best wheatbeer in the world (2009)."

Description

Appearance : Blond, cloudy and milky colour (colloidal turbidity when cold): the cloudiness is created when the beer is cold but can disappear when the beer warms up or is kept in the cold for too long a time.
Aroma : Fine fruity, revealing the spices used: coriander and bitter orange.
Taste : Mellow beer, thirst-quenching but smooth, slightly acid flavour, powdery consistency on the tongue, not bitter.
Remark : Best when drunk between 2° and 4°C.
Packaging : 25 cl, 33cl, 75 cl, 1.5 l, keg

Serving suggestions
Game, red meats, highly-seasoned white meat

Wild Mind Windom Paradise IPA

Wild Mind Windom Paradise IPA.
6.3 % ABV. 35 IBU.
Wild Mind Artisan Ales, Minneapolis, MN.

Hazed to the gills, thick as thieves, with a bright golden hue, and an ample offering of ivory froth atop.

In the nose: soft and citric, tropical tones, too.

In the mouth: Creamy-smooth, slightly sweet, light on the bitter. Medium-bodied, easy drinking. So very easy, so very drinking. Ever-so smooth. Very good, but ...eh. The NE IPA style still doesn't deliver what I want. Blah.

Citra, Mosaic, and Eukanot hops were added to the whirlpool and then again at dry-hopping to provide this hazy IPA with a dank nose and tropical fruit notes ranging from guava to soft peach. This full-bodied NEIPA combines the lightly sweet with a touch of hop bitterness to pair with the malt bill of 2-row, malted white wheat, and flaked white wheat from Maltwerks.

Bent Paddle Trampled American Golden Ale

Bent Paddle Trampled American Golden Ale.
4.6 % ABV. 20 IBU.
Bent Paddle Brewing Company, Duluth, MN.

There are two kinds of collaboration beers, it seems. When two breweries collaborate with one another you might get something new and interesting, innovative and inventive. If it's a collaboration between a brewery and a band, or a venue/organization, the result will most likely be bit on the mild side. Something you can drink at the concert without being troubled by too many flavors. A going-down easy in the park kind of beer. Case in point, this cream ale made in collaboration with the Duluth bluegrass band Trampled by Turtles:

Clear, bright golden hue, slim ivory head. Looking good.

In the nose: Vacant. Vacuous. Not much going on. Let's wait a minute....la de da, la de doo....doo de dum....okay, now: sweet, malty, grainy? How's that?

In the mouth: Lightish malty mouthfeel, little toast on the palate, little bits of light grain. Smooth, easy-drinking, taste enough. Good beer and you can drink it. I don't not like this, that's for sure. It's exactly what it should be. And there ain't nothing wrong with that.

Another rule of collaborations with bands: your beer description has to be liberally peppered with puns and references to their songs. Case in point:

Calling all Wild Animals & Winners. This Hometown Collaboration takes us Right Back Where We Started and is a spotlight on the creativity that emanates from our beloved city on the hill. Nothing pairs better with listening to music than a beer in your hand - especially a beer that harmonizes in tune with the band. Trampled American Golden Ale plays forth with a soft malt flavor and a resonant hop tone, creating a balanced volume of flavor. This beer might have you Drinkin' In the Mornin', but don’t worry, you won’t have to Wait So Long to enjoy another one!