Wild Mind Warpship Saison (part eight of Minneapolis Breweries 2020)

And so, on a Wednesday afternoon in late July, I did venture forth and see the taproom, or tasting room, as they call it, at Wild Mind Artisan Ales for the first time since February. I chose the occasion of a glass giveaway, and I arrived several hours too late. They only had 40 to give away, but I underestimated the desire for such things. At the reservations table, a new normal must for every brewery these days, I was informed that they had reservation for 40 right at opening at 4 pm.

Getting a free glass is the last thing I need. My glassware collection is overwhelming and unwieldy. However, I do not have an appropriate Wild Mind glass, currently, and wish that I had one. (I used to have a nice one, but it went the way of all things, alas.)I do have one, of sorts, but it is not appropriate. You can see it below.
I will not use it for a blog post pic again. On the other hand, the ones they were giving out were in the can-shape style, which is also not appropriate for proper presentation, and do not feature their logo anywhere. Cool designs, though. But, I don't need them.

(Further note about that glass. It is from their anniversary party from last year. Wild Mind is just one of many local breweries that has not been able to do anniversary parties, expressed their regret and moved on with their lives. There are other companies that can't reign in their enthusiasm and call on crowds to convene, despite the danger. What the hell is wrong with them? Just a little sacfrice, hold back your passion for partying, for the good of everyone...or, just fuck it, right? Because nothing's more important than appeasing your ego? Arrrghh! Rant over.)

I did not have a reservation, I told the attendant. Because I did not feel that I needed one. Making a reservation for a bar or taproom goes against my very core beliefs. Most of the spaces on the patio were accounted for, due to the rush of folks who came out for their glasses. "You really should have made a reservation," he scolded me, before offering the farthest away spot indoors. Several tables were left open in the middle of the floor, reserved for someone who never arrived during the duration of my stay (about an hour and a half). Only one person sat there, a guy who arrived solo and just wanted a beer and some crowlers to go. I think he avoided the man at the reservation stand. Went around him while he was distracted. I should have tried that.

So, you read the large list on the wall, wait in a line, order from one bartender, and pick your drink up from the other one on the far side of the bar. I know that sounds like it makes sense, but I don't get why it's necessary. Is it to keep the two bartenders far apart from each other?
Get the customers to move apart?
What is the difference between that and just bringing it back closer to where you ordered it?

In these trying, uncertain, ...what are the other clichés?...times that we are navigating (we are always "navigating", you notice that?), places like Wild Mind are doing their best to keep us all safe and distanced and trying to flatten that curve. Meanwhile, other bars that did not do a lick of due diligence have caused the Mayor of Minneapolis to ban all bars at bars, starting this Saturday, 8/1. You can get something at your reserved table, but you can't sit at a bar and be served by a bartender.

Wild Mind had already socked away their stools, but this new emergency decree had operators thinking that they couldn't serve a beer to a customer from the bar at all. I've only been to one other taproom since then, and they were serving customers from the bar to then take away to their table, but chairs were put away. It felt so weird not sitting at the bar. The last time I was there I sat at the bar, with chairs spaced apart.

Meanwhile, are the ones who had unmasked bartenders and unchecked crowds doing anything to help us get back on track and bring down transmission? I should do an informal check around my neighborhood, and see how much social distancing is going on, how much they check reservations, etc. Get on board, fellas, and help us kick this thing. The other day I saw one bar not doing a thing to follow the rules (it seemed, from through the window) and across the street another bar following the letter of the law.

Back to the beers, I chose for my first one the very one whose review you'll see below, the saison called Warpship. I liked it better from the crowler than I did in the plastic cup. For beer two, I picked the Acai and Blue Agave version of the Fruited IPA line they're calling Punk Tacos. I've had the Black Currant version before, and will soon open and review a crowler of the Blueberry rendition. This one was sweet and funky, and not an IPA. I had one more. Three is plenty, when I have a 5-mile ride to get back home, and I chose a big one, a delicious, 13 % Barleywine called The Great Decay. Didn't taste right in the plastic cup, but still was pretty damned tasty. (Do the guidelines dictate plastic? It's seems a matter of personal interpretation. The current count in my experience is 7 glass to 4 plastic. Will probably chance as I check more out.) Anywho, if I ever see that one again in crowler or bottle form, I'll have more to say about it.

Wild Mind Warpship Saison.
5.5 % ABV. 
Wild Mind Artisan Ales, 
Minneapolis, MN. 

Lightly hazy, bright golden hue, slim white head.

In the nose: Fruit blast at first, citrus and stone. Lemon and apricot, peach and tangerine. Lightly spiced. Lively. Lovely.

In the mouth: Again, the fruit factor splashes upon the palate, right there with Belgian yeast. Starts out fruity, slightly sweet, just a touch bitter and spicy, turning dry in the end. Medium bodied, clean, easy drinking, refreshing. Authentic flavors of Belgian saison continue on the palate. Citrus and stone fruit taste go on and on, with a trickle of spice right behind.

One of the better locally produced saisons I've tasted in quite a while. Yum, as is often said, a dum dum.

Open-fermented Saison made with our house yeast culture. Deep notes of apricot and peach.

Broken Clock Black is Beautiful Imperial Stout

Broken Clock Black is Beautiful Imperial Stout.
10 % ABV. 71 IBU.
Broken Clock Brewing Cooperative, Minneapolis, MN.

This malt beverage was produced by Broken Clock Cooperative, Minneapolis, MN. Brewed to support justice and equality for people of color.

Concentrated blackness in the color, complete opacity, rich brown head above. Looking very good.

In the nose: Coffee hits first, rich and earthy, deep and dirty. Alarmingly large roast. Some cocoa below.

In the mouth: Coffee, again, is king. So much is dwarfs all else. Big malt is below, and chocolate notes, too, but there's not dispute about what flavor remains in charge. Bright, bold, brash, and beautiful....so much malty, coffee goodness just popping on the palate.

Yes, Black is Beautiful. Everyone knows that it is. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise. "But, no! All colors are beautiful!" Well, teal is terrific, and pink is pretty, and vermillion is very nice, but now is the time to say it loud and proud, as if it's never been time, it's always been time, and for fuck's sake, will always be time to remind everyone of the fact.

This beer, though, is also beautiful. It's everything you want to be!

Also, Black Lives Matter, as if you didn't know.

We started with an amazing base recipe developed by our friends at Weathered Souls Brewing Company and added Mocha Java cold brew from Gus Dean Coffee. It’s Big, Bold, Roasty, and full of flavor. Notes of dark chocolate and coffee are prevalent, with hints of berry.

Falling Knife Freischütz Northern German Pilsner

Falling Knife Freischütz Northern German Pilsner.
5.3 % ABV. 30 IBU.
Falling Knife Brewing, Minneapolis, MN.

The first cans from Falling Knife came out, one of which I'd already tried in the crowler (Verbal Tip), so I went with the pilsner. Each can in the four-pack has a different illustration that can be removed and used as a sticker. Isn't that cool.
Some people are positively freaking out about it. And me, running out of places to stick stickers. After all the crowlers, (also stickers), that I went through recently, I just don't need more stickers.

And yet, it feels wrong to throw them out.

Clear, bright golden, big white head, slowly succumbing.

In the nose: Slightly malty/grainy, lightly floral, some small sweetness.

In the mouth: Brief bitterness hits the tongue on first arrival, then it all goes down smooth. Light-bodied, lean and clean. Quite refreshing. Crisp, classic, with a lingering bitter hop finish. Me, I like it. I'll have another one, sure.

It's a untraditional German pilsner, and that's fine by me. I can enjoy a hoppy one. But not this German professor customer of mine. He saw a tap handle with the words "hoppy pilsner" and laughed. "Hoppy and pilsner? They don't go together!" Well, we always have Hell for him.

Surly Sabrotooth Tiger IPA

Surly Sabrotooth Tiger IPA. 6.7 % ABV.
Surly Brewing, Minneapolis, MN.
"Hoppy. Ferocious. Fruity."

Mostly clear, bright golden, slim white head.

In the nose: bold citrus, lemon and orange, grapefruit, tangerine. Vibrant and fruity.

In the mouth: Bright, fruity, and juicy. Moderate bitterness. Medium bodied, light malt, tasty all the way. Long bitter finish, lasts and lasts on the palate. Lemon remains the forward flavor, with flashes or grapefruit and orange. Altogether, very satisfying.

I finished this 6-pack with utter abandon. Yeah, I'll have another.

This tiger prowls. Born of ferocious hop character from Sabro, Citra, and experimental hops for savage, fruit-forward flavors, Sabrotooth Tiger preys on lesser IPAs with a formidable bite. 

Venn Westodox IPA

Venn Westodox IPA. Northodox IPA
brewed in the West Coast style.
6.5 % ABV. 50 IBU.
Venn Brewing Company, Minneapolis, MN.

Clear, bright golden color, slim white head.

In the nose: Plenty of citrus notes in here, with a touch of tropical, too. Judiciously hopped. Slightly sweet.

In the mouth: First taste is smooth and fruity, and then comes the bitter. Clean, crisp, light-bodied, and easy-drinking, for the hopheads among us. Bitterness clings to the palate, just like we want. This is my kind of beer. Nice and smooth and bitter.

Again, I have to say: Make more beers like this!

Our house IPA, Northodox, brewed in the American West Coast style with additional bittering hops & American Ale yeast, then clarified.

Malts: Domestic Pale, White Wheat, Flaked Oats

Hops: Warrior, Citra, Mosaic, Simcoe (United States)

Yeast: American Ale 

Inbound Key Lime Gose

Inbound Key Lime Gose.
5 % ABV. 20 IBU.
Inbound BrewCo, Minneapolis, MN.

Lightly hazed, pale golden hue, slim white head.

In the nose: Tart, salt, lime. Nice.

In the mouth: Again, tart and salt comes first, with lime flavor next. Grips the palate with the sour, then all is light and refreshing. Medium bodied, easy drinking, for the sour heads among us.

This isn't my style, but it's good for what it is.




Our tart Gose Sour Ale brewed with loads of refreshing, tropical Key limes. Enjoy each sip to find a note of graham cracker crust. All the joy of a margarita with none of the tequila-infused regrets.

Lakes & Legends Night Cap Belgian Dark

Lakes & Legends Night Cap Belgian Dark.
6.8 % ABV. Lakes & Legends Brewing, Minneapolis, MN.

Crowler obtained 7/10. Filled 7/3. Consumed 7/26.

Clear, bright crimson coloring, long-lasting, beige-toned head. Looks good.

In the nose: Sweetness and spice, but well-balanced. Belgian yeast speaks up, fruity and funky. A little citrus, a touch of berries. Nice.

In the mouth: Starts out sweet and fruity, with underlying spice. Ends dry. Very interesting. Malt comes forward. Rich, almost chewy. Bright, and tasty. Long lasting flavors, moderate hops, mostly malty. Fairly smooth and easy-drinking. Full flavorful.

I wasn't crazy about this when I had it at the taproom a few weeks ago, in a plastic cup. There was too much banana, which doesn't belong in this style. Was I imagining things, somehow? Well, there's none here. It's not exactly what I'm looking for in a Belgian dark ale, but it's pretty close.

You know what? Halfway in, it's showing more, some caramel malt, a bit of Belgian Special B...it's really unfolding. I'm liking it more.

Dark, malty, with a boost of perceived sweetness from the addition of vanilla and cinnamon from the fermentor. A solid choice for any time of day. 

Big Axe Agropelter Mosaic Pale Ale

Big Axe Agropelter Mosaic Pale Ale.
6.2 % ABV. 49 IBU.
Big Axe Brewing, Nisswa, MN.

Clear, bright golden hue, slim white head.

In the nose: Bold citrusy aromatics: big lemon and lime. brash grapefruit.

In the mouth: There it is, on the palate. Brief bitterness leads right to juicy. Medium bodied, long bitter finish. Smooth as it gets, easy drinking, mellow. Lean malts, moderate hops. Citrus fruit and bits o' berries, popping on the palate. You can pass the time away with a few of these.

Nice pale ale. Glad I've still got a few left.


Light-bodied and delicious single-hop pale ale. With a light malt backbone consisting of pilsner and 2-row malts, the hops really take center stage in this beer. It’s packed full of flavor and aroma, containing hints of grapefruit and tropical fruit.

Thanks for all that information, but I still need to know what an "agropelter" is. Someone who throws things angrily?

Andechser Weissbier Dunkel

Andechser Weissbier Dunkel.
5 % ABV. 15 IBU.
Klosterbrauerei Andechs, Bayern, Germany'


I can't believe how long it's taken me to find this beer. Am I not looking hard enough? Is no one carrying it? Finally found it at South Lyndale Liquors. For how long have the beers of this Klosterbrauweri been imported and distributed around here? I know some have been around, since I've ordered some for Acadia, (and that coaster in the pic was pilfered at The Black Forest last fall)but I've never seen the bottles. Guess I have to get out more often.

Clear, caramel-brown coloring, slim cocoa-toned head.

In the nose: Rich, caramel malt tones, clove, banana, spice. Little bit of cocoa and toffee, too. Divine.

In the mouth: Brief splash of bitterness kicks it off, with malt flavors taking over. Bavarian yeast character drives the cloves, cocoa and banana on the palate. Medium-bodied, smooth and deliciously drinkable. Slight cola flavor spikes, to mix with the spice. Sweet and scrumptious. Yum a dum dum.

I love a good dunkel weisse, and this is one.

This dark Weissbier retains its aromatic character thanks to the select choice of Hallertau aroma hops and highest quality Bavarian wheat and dark barley malts.

Its characteristic, distinctive maroon colour is a feast for the eyes. Then there’s the opalescence and fine structure of the yeast turbidity. The perfect complement is provided by the very creamy, fine pored head. This dark Weissbier from the Holy Mountain will delight connoisseurs with a harmonious interplay of fruity odours, above all ripe bananas and pineapple, with undertones of caramel and cocoa.

Andechser Weissbier Dunkel teases the tongue with a delicate tanginess carried by a round, soft body. A light caramel sweetness harmonises well with the fine hoppy bitterness. It concludes on a soft and refreshing note (original extract: 12.5%, abv: 5.0%).

Pineapple, eh? I would not have thought pineapple.

Pipeworks Pineapple Guppy Pale Ale with Pineapple

Pipeworks Pineapple Guppy Pale Ale with Pineapple.
4.6 % ABV. Pipeworks Brewing, Chicago, IL.

Lightly hazed, dull golden color, slim to none white head.

In the nose: Sweet, pulpy pineapple flavor looms over anything that comes from hops. Delightful stuff.

In the mouth: Juicy and fruity leads the way, hop bitterness just below. Clean, crisp and very drinkable. Citrus flavors climb on board the palate, sweet, but bitter, hanging long in the back of the throat. Fruity and juicy turns to dry, with lemon and grapefruit sticking it out with pineapple. Lightish bodied. Nice stuff.

Very refreshing. Good pineapple pale ale and you can drink it.

Inbound Hazy Pale Ale

Inbound Hazy Pale Ale.
5% ABV, 40 IBU.
Inbound BrewCo, Minneapolis, MN.

Moderately hazy, dull golden hue, slim white head.

In the nose: Citrus notes abound. Slightly sweet, plenty of fruit.

In the mouth: Blast of bitterness, splash of citrus. It's wet and it's dry, smooth, fruity and juicy. Hops are at it, keeping the palate nice and bitter, ending on the dry note. Easy drinker session-er.

Mmmm, tasty. Good (hazy) pale ale, and you can drink it.

A crispy, sessionable pale ale meets the satisfying aromatic haze of Citra, Idaho #7, and Mosaic hops. 

Venn Old School IPA (part seven of Minneapolis Breweries 2020)

I flipped the script. Went for the familiar favorites instead of chipping away at the list of the ones I've left behind. I haven't been to Venn since, I think, January. There are 20 more breweries ahead of them, but, damnit, I like these guys, and I miss them. So, I biked the 4 miles through south Minneapolis to see what's going on at Venn.

Solarising. Coffee Chocolate
Golden Ale. I'll be back for
more. Soon.

I walked up to the host station (a new thing), said I wanted a seat at the bar, please. I was told, "we are not seating at the bar, currently, but there's a table over there for you" and was given a numbered can, the purpose of which was never revealed to me. I walked up to the bar and stood behind the person currently being waited on, and was told to get in the real line. Oops. There were people at the far end of the bar, but maybe they were employees, or VIPs?

American Strong Ale. 12% ABV.
Whoa.

All of the bar stools were employed as barriers to the bar, and many tables had other tables upended on top of them. Whole sections were cordoned off, because that's what we have to do.

When can we move away from 50% capacity? Asking for a friend. A few thousand of them. Millions, really. This responsible response to COVID-19 business? Amirite? Wear your masks, people. Keep on social distancing. Come on!

I had three beers during this session all of which were new to me. None of which I took notes on. I don't do that much. But I did take three crowlers home, two of which were new to me. Notes on one of them follow....now:

Venn Old School IPA. 6.6 % ABV. 60 IBU.
Venn Brewing, Minneapolis, MN.

Clear (at last!), bright golden color, brilliant white head, leaving sooner than I'd like. Looking good.

In the nose: Bursting with pine and citrus. Sticky stuff. So far, so good.

In the mouth: Pow! There it is, again, all the good things that an IPA should be, juicy, hoppy, bitter, refreshing. Big bitter bite up front softly fades, with flavors of grapefruit, orange, tangerine, and pine. Dank, indeed. Medium-bodied, long bitter finish.

This is the stuff, guys. "Limited Release"? Phoeey! Make it All The Time! Duh!

Party like it's 1999! Venn's take on a classic American IPA featuring old-school hops.

Malts: Domestic Pale, Red Wheat, Caramel 10

Hops: Warrior, Amarillo, Cascade, Chinook (United States)

Yeast: American Ale

Cute, but American IPAs didn't quite taste like this in 1999. Maybe ...2004? I sure would've gone for one in 1999, though. This is IPA done right.

Indeed Pistachio Cream Ale

Indeed Pistachio Cream Ale.
5.5 % ABV. 15 IBU.
Indeed Brewing Company, Minneapolis, MN.

This is not my kind of beer. I don't really drink cream ales. And, pistachio? Well, I do enjoy them, and I've really gotten into that new Ben & Jerry's flavor. But does that flavor belong in a beer? Huh, does it? Well, I bought it, so let's find out...

Clear, bright golden color, slimmest ivory head.

In the nose: Nutty and sweet, from the start. It's definitely as advertised. There it is, in a beer.

In the mouth: You know, it's tasty! Nutty and sweet, but well-balanced. Light bodied, easy drinking, refreshing...and pistachio! Creamy, smooth and very flavorful. I like it!
(If in small doses.)

This is a beer that I scoffed at when I first heard of it, but it works. It's not the sort of thing I drink, so I'll be socking the rest of the cans away for tasting parties, and such.

Lakes & Legends Fuzzy Feelin' Peach Sour

Lakes & Legends Fuzzy Feelin' Peach Sour.
Peach kettle sour. 6.5 % ABV.
Lakes & Legends Brewing, Minneapolis, MN.

Hazy, orange, slim white head.

In the nose: Tart, fruity, sweet. Likable, so far.

In the mouth: Big tart from the start. Then the peach comes in. Tasty stuff. Medium bodied, thirst quenching', refreshing. A delight. A pip. A peach. Sweet and sour. And I can dig it.

Good peach kettle sour and you can drink it.

Falling Knife. Atlantean Belgian Strong Golden Ale (part six of Minneapolis Breweries 2020)

On the 30th of June, while quietly observing my birthday with a couple of friends, I suggested to Ed that we go to Falling Knife Brewing in NE Minneapolis. He hadn't been there, either, so off we went. I made a call to find out if it was necessary to make reservations for a couple of seats at the bar, and I was assured that we did not need to.

Falling Knife gets it's name from a concept that I'd never heard of, that "The falling knife has no handle" meaning that if one wished to catch it in mid-flight, it is very difficult to grab it by the handle and one risks cuts or missing digits. The prudent among us would allow the knife to fall to the ground  and pick it up later. So, they're saying that they are taking risks, damn the cost. I think. Dismembered thumbs are all over their branding and iconography.

They opened up in late 2019, and I never made it out there, but certainly heard the accolades from friends. Their location is the old NorthGate space, 783 Harding St. NE #100, which I'd been to at least a couple of times. I'd always thought that if any can make it at that spot, they must have a product that can succeed outside their taproom, or have the goods inside to drive people in. Something, alas, that NorthGate did not.

What I was hearing about their beers suggested to me that they were working out a beer program that would make them the Barrel Theory of Minneapolis. Hazy IPAs, pastry stouts, fruited sours, and little else. Everything that gets the beer geeks going. Or maybe more?

Because they are so far from the bus lines, I skipped them during the winter months. Didn't want to walk from the bus during the cold times. And when the weather got better, well, that's when we couldn't go nowhere, and no one could open. Breweries needed to find new ways to sell their stuff, and Falling Knife started selling their crowlers at liquor stores. That's how I managed to get the four beers that have since appeared here in the Nib. It was way past time to see the taproom and try them there.

One commonality in all the taprooms I've
seen recently: no coasters. I think to
myself, why not just use them one time?
Well, I'm not paying for them, am I?

So, we pulled up and found a couple stools at the bar, there were only about six, all spaced out. One of the owners that I know, Dan Herman, was manning the bar, mask and gloves on. Hand sanitizer was never far away. There were people on the patio, and a handful of tables inside, one in the back and two near the exist, a larger group socializing between two tables of four. Only one other patron was seated at the bar. I closed my eyes to imagine what it was like in regular times, the noise, the crowds, the excitement and jubilation.

Ed, meanwhile, reminisced about old times in that space, wished aloud that it was decorated like in the previous incarnation, with football scarves hanging from the ceiling, and British-themed memorabilia all over. Why would they have that, I asked of Ed, when that does not fit the current theme of the new place? It's pretty damned hard keeping a British ale-only theme going when that's not going be the thing to get butts in the seats, not in that neighborhood, anyway. I kid, there, for it's not really a neighborhood, and not really walking distance from one.

Shaky Hands

As for the current decor, low-key is the style. Where there are paintings hung, they are minimal in design. Where once was a crazy cacophony of crap by the left of the bar now stands an array of t-shirts. Beyond the main room, an inoperative jukebox, for we can't communally touch things anymore, and the same goes for the trio of pinball machines in the back. Ah, what noise they might make now!

One additional note on their COVID-19 response. On their table tent detailing rules, it is strongly stated that masks are to be worn at all times, except when eating or drinking. "That means even between sips and bites" they say. I have not seen anyone else even suggest such a thing, and I can't imagine anyone complying.

Elan Vital

On with the beer! For my first pick, I went with a big one, a Belgian Strong Golden Ale called Atlantean. I don't usually go with big ones right off the bat, but something moved me. I brought a crowler and the notes are below. Second up, a small pour of Shaky Hands, an Imperial Stout with espresso and vanilla beans. Yum a dum, dum. There was one I wish I could have brought home with me. Another time, perhaps. Finally, a pint of Elan Vital, a smooth hazy pale ale brewed with Cashmere and Ekuanot hops that hit all the right buttons. Citrusy and refreshing.

Well, I'm sold. My only problem is the pricing. $7 and $8 pints aren't for me. But I let that slide for the quality. They're making good beer out here, I just might not be going out of my way for it.

Okay, now with the final crowler from my purchase that evening.

Atlantean Belgian Strong Golden Ale.
9.99% ABV.
Falling Knife Brewing, Minneapolis, MN.

Clear, bold golden hue, slim white head.

In the nose: Soft, sweet, bubblegummy. A little floral, a little fruity. Some citrus, a lot of stone. Nice.

In the mouth: Sweetness, fruit and Belgian funkiness take over the palate from the start. It's a light-ish body, but not one to take for granted. Alcohol hangs high in this, and the Belgian yeast/malt sweetness doesn't go down a notch.

I enjoyed this, though it doesn't quite achieve any resemblance to an authentic Belgian ale. Reminds me of Harriet's much-missed Divine Oculust, not a bad comparison. I'd definitely have another, if offered one.

Belgian Golden Strong with peppery and fruity esters

Hardywood Gingerbread Stout

Get ready, folks, here comes the first beer in the Bitter Nib from the state of Virginia...

Hardywood Gingerbread Stout . Imperial Milk Stout with fresh local ginger and honey.
9.2 % ABV.  55 IBU.
Hardwood Park Craft Brewery, Richmond, VA.

Thorough blackness, outright opacity, rich, roasted brown head. Looking mighty fine.

In the nose: Sweetness and spice, mixed with dark malts.  Ginger is way ahead. It's definitely a ginger snap cookie beer. Honey's on point, too. Nice.

In the mouth: Spice and honey are right on top of this one, other flavors far below. Holds it's command for a very long time. Rich and full bodied, fully flavored, with alcohol not hidden in the least. Buzzes with heat and spice. Doesn't calm down for quite a while.

Needless to say, I enjoyed this big, bad boy. Thanks, Julie!

Brewed with baby ginger from Casselmonte Farm and wildflower honey from Bearer Farms, Hardywood Gingerbread Stout captures the terroir of central Virginia in a rich, creamy libation with a velvety mouthfeel and an intriguing evolution of flavors from milk chocolate and vanilla to honeycomb and cinnamon to a snap of ginger in the finish.
Deep, dark chocolate in color with a mahogany tint and a frothy, caramel colored head, Hardywood Gingerbread Stout offers aromatics of holiday spice originating from the ginger, and balanced with a generous dose of whole Madagascar bourbon vanilla beans and Vietnamese cinnamon. Milk sugar (lactose) contributes to the full body of this stout and tames its roasty character, while oats lend a silky quality. Enjoy fresh, or cellar for a special occasion. We hope Hardywood Gingerbread Stout contributes to your merriment this season.

BlackStack Leopard Print DDH DIPA

BlackStack Leopard Print DDH DIPA.
8.4 % ABV, BlackStack Brewing, St. Paul, MN.

Thoroughly hazed-up, luminous golden hue, small white head that lasts on top.

In the nose: Bright, citrusy aroma, lemon and grapefruit galore.

In the mouth: Juicy stuff, lemon and lime with a twist of grapefruit. Plenty hoppy, too, but just enough bitterness to make it all worthwhile. Medium bodied, long hoppy finish. Good old hazy, good ol' DDH, good ol' DIPA, it's got 'em all wrapped up.


Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around every once in a while, you could miss it. This is a humble homage to the one of the greatest cinematic accomplishments of the past century. Strata, Mosaic Cryo & El Dorado in Ferrari decommissioning proportions. Take the day off, you deserve it.

So, leopard print in honor of Ferris Bueller, huh? Do they know he's not wearing a leopard print vest, it only looks that way if you're not paying attention?

Lakes and Legends BloodCat Belgian IPA (part five of Minneapolis Breweries 2020)

Stanchions are getting greater use at taprooms these
days. We stand apart from one another and we
keep our masks on. 

In my attempt to revisit the breweries of Minneapolis, I have compiled a list and arranged them in order of when I'd been there last. Fourth from the top is Lakes and Legends, which I haven't been to since November of 2017. Two and a half years! How did that happen? It's not that I don't like them, it's just that I kind of forget about them. If I'm in that area, I'm usually inclined to go to Sisyphus, or else I'm on way to downtown, or beyond. And there was, actually, a period where I wasn't especially sold on this brewery. Long about time to try them out again.

So, I went down to 1368 LaSalle Avenue, blocks from the lovely Loring Park,  saw the outside seating on the sidewalk was busy, parked my bike, turned to the door, and glanced the long, wordy sign about their COVID-19 plan. Reservations were necessary, no walk-ins. I walked up and asked the masked bartender, "can I take any table I like? " "Sure", came his reply.

And there we go. So, I occupied a couple of hours, tasting a few new-to-me brews in plastic cups, without taking notes. Two of the beers I took home in crowlers (which is something new since last I visited), and you'll see one of them below. The other was a pale ale called Wee Tiger, and it hit all the notes, but I'd love to try it in glass some day.

Half the taprooms think they have to
pour in plastic, half of them don't.
I've never seen it set down anywhere,
but I'm not going to argue. It's
a good move these days, just
don't argue.

The three beers I tried were actually a mixed bag. The one I was less of a fan of, I actually purchased a crowler of anyway, so you'll see that soon. (I take the good with the so-so.) The others were just fine, nothing too fancy. And one of those I liked better in the growler, and that review is below. Maybe it's a matter of the plastic? (Current count, after seeing eight breweries since the slow re-open: 4 glass/4 plastic).

Barncat IPA is a beer I'd never had before, and, actually, still haven't. It was among the beers available  in kegs, but the rep from the distributor never gave me a sample. He gave me a can of 5-weight, and that's a nice cream ale, and it sold well on tap. But, I just wasn't in the mood to try their IPA without sample first and didn't feel like paying for a 6-pack at the store. Maybe go in to the taproom and taste it there? says the little man on my shoulder. Nope not doing that. And I don't know why. They're making perfectly okay beer. I should peek in on them more often, and see how things go.

So, my first review of Lakes & Legends in over 2 1/2 years is the blood orange version of this IPA.
Notes ahoy!

Lakes and Legends BloodCat Belgian IPA. (Blood Orange Barn Cat.)
6.5% ABV, Lakes & Legends Brewing, Minneapolis, MN.

Clear, bright golden color, large, brilliant white head. Looking very nice.

In the nose: Funky and fruity. Belgian yeast meets large dose of citrus.

In the mouth: Juicy at first, then comes the bitter, followed by the twist of Belgian funky yeast. I like Belgian IPAs, it's a trend that regrettably never quite caught on, and I miss them. In this instance, I feel like the deployment of the blood orange fruit is not as forward as I'd like. The blood orange IPAs I've enjoyed have been more heavy-handed in their use of the fruit.

Wait, though. Here it is, and matched by a high quotient of hop bitterness. Orange flavors are growing and growing. Malt is potent, too, and it's all a well-balanced affair. I'm really enjoying it now, actually. My kind of blood orange Belgian IPA.

Surly Neon Dragons DDH Hazy DIPA

Surly Neon Dragons DDH Hazy DIPA. "Hazy. Juicy. Glowing."
9.6% ABV. Surly Brewing, Minneapolis/Brooklyn Center, MN.

I broke the barrier for this one. It's a $19.99 4-pack, because you all are buying them, so why can't they all be $4.98 cans. If they're DDH enough, and hazy enough. Let's see if it's worth the coin.

Hazy. (But not the full-on hardcore orange-juicy haze that the haze hounds crave. They've never made one of those, and I for one don't care if they ever do.) Bold golden tones, slim white head.

In the nose: Fruit notes are bumping here, citrus and tropical aplenty. Grapefruit and pineapple bump and grind. Quite nice.

In the mouth: Juicy, bitter, and powerful. Pungent malt plays a part. Alcohol shows up early. Bitterness buzzes out quick, and lets the juice shine in. Mix of the citric, the tropical and the stone. Apricot gets in on with grapefruit and tangerine. Delicious. I can see the appeal here.

But not $4.98 a can delicious. And there was no "glowing."

A flicker. A buzz. Suddenly, this hazy double IPA crackles to life with an electric jolt. Double dry-hopped with Huell Melon, Amarillo, Mosaic, and Centennial hops, this juicy, fruit-forward DIPA glimmers with citrus and stone fruit flavors. 

La Doña Enmolada Stout

La Doña Enmolada Stout. 7% ABV. 31 IBU.
La Doña Cerveceria, Minneapolis, MN.

Blackness supreme. Tight roasted brown head atop. Absolute opacity.

In the nose: Espresso, cocoa, cinnamon. Dark malts on top, with peppers coming in later. Very promising.

In the mouth: Dark malts dominate, deep and earthy. Peppery heat comes on, after the dark malt, coffee and cocoa. Medium bodied. Easily consumed, past the peppers. Another excellent La Dona cerveza. I will be back for more.

Mole stout with cacao and Serrano peppers.

Waldmann Bourbon Barrel Aged Imperial Berliner

Waldmann Bourbon Barrel Aged Imperial Berliner.
9.2 % ABV.
Waldmann Brewery, St. Paul, MN.

What? Huh? Okay...Never heard of a beer like this before. Until their regular customer, ol pal Ed, told me about it. And that they weren't crowlering, so I'd better get down there and try it out. But then, he gave me a crowler, what an ol pal, that Ed.

Clear, dark amber hue, slight, then no head.

In the nose: bursting with bourbon, caramel, vanilla, cherry...on fire!

In the mouth: Big sweetness, swallowed up by sour, covered up in bourbon. Never heard of a beer like this before, never had one. Wow. Body is on the thin side, but that's the nature of the beast. Sweet bourbon effects match the tartness of the Berliner Weisse, and it's powerfully strong, to boot.

Terrifically complex, rich and, in fact, delicious. I'm going to let the notes cease now and relax and luxuriate with the remainder.

It's a tasty treat that can't be beat.

A bourbon barrel aged imperial Berliner-style Weise. Floor malted Pilsner and Wheat malts are mashed, then kettle soured for several days, before a German ale yeast completes the fermentation process. 

The Brewing Projekt Things Of That Nature: Could Care Less Double IPA

When I saw that the Brewing Projekt had a series of Double IPAs named after common grammatical/spelling errors, my interest was naturally peaked. I was peaked because I saw the price tag. $22.49 for a 4-pack!? There was no way I would of paid that much! Unless, it's dry-hopped with Citra, Houtere and Simcoe! Now, we're talking!

Okay, cracking open a $5+ can of beer, keeping my fingers crossed...

The Brewing Projekt Could Care Less (Things of That Nature Series)
Double NE IPA with Citra, Simcoe and Moutere. 8 % ABV.
The Brewing Projekt, Eau Claire, WI.

Man, is it hazy! Bright golden-is, large white head...it's the paragon of hazies, here, folks.  So hazy!

In the nose: Soft and lovely. A big spread of citrus. Trickles of pine, perhaps. Ultimately pleasant.

In the mouth: Short spank of bitterness on the palate, then just a little juicy, turning dry at the end. Soft and "pillowy" on the mouthfeel. Light bodied, and easily dranked. Citrusy, slightly piney flavors persist throughout. Alcohol slowly creeps in, until...there it is...right on time.

This is tasty. Delicious, even. I approve. But, not $5.62 a can approve. I'm going back to IPAs that aren't crazy expensive.

The Brewing Projekt’s mission is to create damn good beer. Not beer that EVERYONE will like; rather beer that many will love. Boring just isn’t our style. If that’s what you want… Go somewhere else.

Stacked Deck Sally Forth Saison

Stacked Deck Sally Forth Saison.
6.5% ABV. 14 IBU.
Stacked Deck Brewing, St. Paul, MN.

This is the second canned Stacked Deck can offering I've tried so far, and it's another quality illustration, but I can't catch the reference. If anyone can figure out who this ghoul on the label is, don't be shy about telling me.

Clear, bright golden/amber hue, slim to no head at all.

In the nose: Belgian yeast, sweetness, some fruit/spice. Hits all the right notes for a Belgian ale.

In the mouth: Light bodied, easy-drinker. Belgian yeast & malt at play, mild hops, moderate malt. Some citrus fruit, a bit of stone, apricot, etc.
Tasty, but a bit too on the sweet side. Could use from a little more attenuation. But that's a minor quibble. Aside from that, it's a passable summertime pleaser.

Spring couldn't come soon enough so we brewed this light, slightly fruity Saison. Bring on the warmth!

Three Floyds War Mullet Double India Pale Ale

Three Floyds War Mullet Double India Pale Ale.
8.1 % ABV. 80 IBU.
Three Floyds Brewing, Munster, IN.

Mostly clear, dark amber/near golden color, slim white head.

In the nose: Big, citrus hop explosion in the nose, lovely stuff.

In the mouth: Powerful hop attack on the palate. Wonderfully bitter, and just a little juicy. Alcohol peeks out early, shows it's claws with each new juicy, dank sip. Clean, but sharp and bitter. Big malt, too, ripping with flavor.

Good double IPA, and I can dig it. Not about to knock over Dreadnaught, but an able replacement.

This double IPA will make you want to grow a mullet (if you don’t already have one) and go to war (if your’re not already)

Destihl Drivin' That Haze Hazy IPA

Destihl Drivin' That Haze Hazy IPA. From the Deadhead IPA Series.
Brewed with Cashmere, Amarillo, & Simcoe hops.
7 % ABV. 55 IBU.
Destihl Brewery, Normal, IL.

All hazed up, cast in gold, slight white head on top.

In the nose: Citrus explosion, with a sidecar of tropical sweetness.

In the mouth: Blast from citrus, once again, with just a dab of hop bitterness. Little bit of sweet, little bit of juicy, before turning dry in the end. Yeasty/chalky, as we get from the hazy's. Light bodied, easy drinking.

Not bad, not a bad little hazy IPA, and you can drink it.


Our DeadHead IPA series melds the alluring vibe of our favorite music with unbounded tasks on the hoppy beers we love to drink, unleashing a whole new groove. Our Drivin' That Haze IPA features Pilsen malt, flaked oats & Vienna malt with a chord of Cashmere, Amarillo & Simcoe hops, for a smooth malt melody with notes of tropical and citrus fruits.

Untitled Art. Rocket Popsicle Sour (Ale)

Untitled Art. Rocket Popsicle Sour (Ale).
Version 2. Berliner Style Weisse Ale with lemon grass, cherry juice, and blueberry juice.
brewed and canned by Untitled Art, Waunakee, WI.
5 % ABV.

On the one hand, I've been trying to stretch out and try some of these hot, new breweries that everyone raves about, despite the prices that scare me off, and that they often make those "non-beer" styles that are so hip and hot and that I hate.

On the other hand, as mentioned above, I really hate $18 4-packs, and I totally despise these non-beer fruity sour styles.

On another hand, that really was just two sides of the same hand. Or the same side of one hand?

I'm confused.

Confused about why I bought this. I'm taking this time to review it with can #2 and then I don't know what I'll do with cans 3 or 4. Mix them with Gatorade, maybe?

Crystal clear, Windex blue, no head at all.

In the nose: Sweet, fruity, artificial. Not a trace of tartness. Darned if it doesn't smell like a popsicle, though. Once more, the infantilization of beer. Making alcoholic the things we enjoyed as children.

In the mouth: Uh-oh, here we go. Fruity. Flimsy. No tartness, no sourness. It looks like the "rocket popsicle" ("bomb pop" to many) and tastes like one, but is only slightly sour. On second sip, that's being generous. I don't know how they had the chutzpah to release this thing.

This thing is so devoid of life, of authenticity, so far from any kind of beer that anyone knows of, it leaves me utterly hollow. There is nothing here, but the gimmick itself, to look blue and taste like a popsicle. I'm not sure who wants that, but I'll trade them those last two cans. For anything.
Any flavor that it starts out with disappears with a quickness.
Looks like mouthwash, taste has none of it's charm.

This is completely bullshit.

Blech.

I'm considering drain-pouring this.
The more I drink, the sadder I get.

Addendum: I didn't drain-pour, I added orange juice to the remainder, turning it a lovely teal / torquoise color. My soul restored by this hybrid. It tasted like something, at long last.

Addendum the Second: In a corner of the great swamp of the Internet called Untappd, I am once again the grumpy curmudgeon. I gave this one 2/5, but the average rating is 4/5. I am strictly in the minority. Here are some pulls from the peanut gallery:
"Tastes like it's name. Yummy. Is this really beer?" --Don B.
"Very sweet, but absolutely true to what they're trying to achieve"--Jamie S.
Question, if they call it "sour", but it's "very sweet", how is it true to what they're trying to achieve?
"Everything I was hoping for and more, bomb pop in beer form 100!"--Nicole R.
Finally one I agree with: "Tastes too much like Kool-aid and not enough like beer to me"--Ryan.
I like you Ryan, we should have a beer together some time.
Further on, Christopher T, reveals the following: "Super weird, but also super mellow. Makes sense flavor wise now that I know it’s actually a seltzer base."
If this is so, why does the label say Berliner Weisse Ale? That makes it more fucked up.
Daniel S. is confused: "Technically a Berliner I guess? Tastes more like a white claw. I don’t hate it tho"...I do hate it, tho, I'm not ashamed to admit that.

Sisyphus Jim Beam Me Up Barrel-aged RIS (and part four of Minneapolis Breweries 2020)

On June 27, after La Dona, Jason and I stepped into Sisyphus as the third stop on this sunny Saturday afternoon. It was a quiet one. Andy was behind the bar and Sam, the owner, was enjoying time away from that station. It's been a one-man show throughout all of this, and he keeps pushing that rock, every damned day (except Monday, I learned when I forgot to check the hours). He gets a little help from friends, though. And every one of them is masked-up, gloves on, hand sanitizer at the ready (and available for customers, who are asked to please keep masks on when ordering or when away from their tables. Just about everyone complies.

Unfortunately, there's not much space available for outside seating, and they were thrilled to finally open up the inside. Some tables are removed, some chairs and those things we can't communally touch any more, like water stations and the game collection, are stashed away. On this particular visit, I had a Cucumber Pils, which went down with great ease, and then one of the bourbon barrel stouts in question, poured into plastic. I've noticed it's about half and half when it comes to who's using plastic and who's using glass. The very vague rules and regulations are being interpreted differently, and I can't blame anyone about their particular take. Maybe the ones who are too strict on the "reservations required" business. That's not a factor at Sisyphus, and I'm fine with that.

Comedy shows have returned, with required spacing, but the Open Mic, one of their best event nights of the week, is still postponed.

I asked Sam to break his plastic only rule, just
this once, so I could take this pic.

So, on that Saturday, Jason and I did air-clinks with our beers, he took leave and biked the three hours back to his home, and I finished my stay with an IPA called The First Beer We Named, which I reviewed almost five years ago. I made it back again last Wednesday, and Sam was thrilled at the attendance. Actually, people in here! And all socially distanced, respectful, and courteous. Not as busy as it used to be, in the before times, but getting better.

And I'll pair this report with a review of a crowler took home back on June 12. Nearly a month in the fridge ain't bad, right? It's actually appeared here, before, but this is my take on it from a crowler.



Sisyphus Jim Beam Me Up Barrel-aged RIS.
11.5 % ABV. 80 IBU.
Sisyphus Brewing, Minneapolis, MN.

Absolute blackness, slim head, complete opacity.

In the nose: spills out solid bourbon notes, hanging over a morass of cocoa, coffee, vanilla, cherries, and an abundance of more malty flavors.

In the mouth: Rich and delicious. Bourbon-barrely all the way. Powerful. Thick, but never too viscous. Full-bodied, long lasting dark malt flavors. It's got all the goods.

We're giving this beer all she's got captain! Better "Jim Beam Me Up" Our latest barrel aged beer release! This imperial stout was aged in a Jim Beam barrel, and the robust aroma lets you know before you even taste it. 

Tons of vanilla and roast notes, that follow you as you take your first sip. The taste finishes with a nice rich cracker/bread note that rounds out the beer. Come in from the Minnesota cold and warm up with one of these!

Falling Knife L-Bombs DDH Hazy DIPA

Falling Knife L-Bombs DDH Hazy DIPA. With Denali, Mosaic and Sabro Hops.
8% ABV. Falling Knife Brewing, Minneapolis, MN.

Clouded (of course), bright golden, large and long-lasting ivory head on top. Looking good.

In the nose: It's a kaleidoscope of aromatics, each hop in the profile expressing something special. Starts off a citrus bomb, then along come berries, the lens shifts again and pineapple pops in. Glorious.

In the mouth: Crisp and lively. Juicy, and bitter, fruity and dank. Just a little bit sweet and creamy.
Alcohol reveals itself rather early in this. I don't mind that, it's fine if you know you're in for it.
Ends on a snappy dry not, until next you left glass to lip.

I know I rag on the hazy stuff a lot, but when they're good, they're good.


DDH Hazy DIPA dripping with tropical flavors from Denali, Citra cryo, Mosaic and Sabro hops

La Dona Cuauhtli Imperial Stout

La Dona Cuauhtli Imperial Stout.
9.5 % ABV. 58 IBU.
La Dona Cerveceria, Minneapolis, MN.
Packaged on 2/03/2020. (Purchased 5/26.20)

I do not know how to say the name of this beer, but that doesn't stop me from drinking it.

Solid blackness, complete opacity, rich, roasted tan head. Looking good.

In the nose: Fruity notes hit first, before the arrival of cocoa and coffee. Sweet fruity feel stays strong over all. Very promising, very interesting.

In the mouth: Dense. Thick. Rich, Viscous, Delicious. Massive malt, chewy chocolate, with the mezcal barrel hold forth over all. Incredibly complex. Universes collide in the consumption of this one. Wow upon wow. It's a great blend between the traditional Russian Imperial Stout flavors, and the mix with the mezcal.

Top notch. Good Imperial Stout and you can drink it.

Imperial Stout featuring rich roasted chocolate malts was aged in our Mezcal barrels

Town Hall Hop Cruise Pale Ale

Town Hall Hop Cruise Pale Ale. 5.6 % ABV.
Minneapolis Town Hall Brewery, Minneapolis, MN.

Clear, bright crimson/amber-ish coloring, large white head, leaving lacing. Lovely.

In the nose: Splash of fruit, spark of spice, all kinds of hoppy. Dankness. Delightful.

In the mouth: Bitterness smacks the palate, but gently. Citrus note, plus berries, apple. Juicy, then dry. Medium bodied, malty, and quite refreshing.
Good pale ale and you can drink it.

BlackStack Is West Coast IPA Okay?

BlackStack Is West Coast IPA Okay?
7.3% ABV.
BlackStack Brewing, St. Paul, MN.

Well, yeah, it is. That answers your question, right? Better be a good one.

Thoroughly clouded, not clear in the slightest, bold yellow, slim white head.

In the nose: Big citrus, huge lemon, a little lime and grapefruit.

In the mouth: Juicy, citrusy, and utterly devoid of bitterness. Let's try again. Well...slight bitterness, medium bodied, fairly easy drinking, but this tastes in no way like a West Coast IPA. Barely makes it as any kind of IPA. There's no bitter hit on the palate at all.

Let's see what the description says: Sorry Hun, we ran out of foggy brews to release this week. Is West Coast IPA Okay? It’s clear & a lil’ bitter, just like what they drank in covered wagons on the frontier. Simcoe, Mosaic & Strata done up crispier than a side of diner-style H-Browns.


Huh. It's not clear and not even slightly bitter. The logo suggest Pepsi-Cola, and yeah, I get it, but how did they forget how to make a West Coast IPA? They just did one, called Concerned Citizen, released not too long ago, and it was perfect. Now, they put this in cans as ...I don't know, some kind of a joke?

Falling Knife Frequency Waves Hazy IPA

I bought this on 6.30. Wrote these notes on 7/7 (I think). Held on to it for awhile, because I wasn't sure about posting about a bad beer. This happens once in a while. This is the only way that I've tried this beer, from this growler bought at the brewery, that in no way reflects how the beer is supposed to be. Who knows how this happened.

Falling Knife Frequency Waves Hazy IPA (part four of Minneapolis Breweries 2020).
6.7 % ABV.

Brewed with pilsner malt, spelt and wheat.

Thoroughly hazed, with an undeniably strange hue, a dull peach? Fuzzy amber? Smokey gold? I'm at a loss. Slim white head atop. (Looking at other peoples' entries on Untappd, I'm not seeing a similar color. Strange.)

In the nose: Small sweetness, slight fruit. some hops. Huh.

In the mouth: Starts off juicy, hoppy, smooth. Moderate dose of bitterness drops on the palate. Medium-bodied, easy-drinking. There's something weird and a little smokey in the flavor and texture.  Little bit of spice. Is it from the spelt? Not sure.

Bitterness grows, before fading, and citrusy hop flavors emerge.

I feel like I've got a different beer from others, somehow. Not sure why that is. Very bizarre. This is my least favorite Falling Knife so far, but I'm sure it's just a bump in the road, and my next one will be fine.

NE IPA with featuring Spelt grain and a generous dose of El Dorado, Simcoe and Taiheke hops

Lupulin West Coast Bias Double IPA

Lupulin West Coast Bias Double IPA.
8.5 % ABV. 80 IBU.
Lupulin Brewing, Big Lake, MN.

Clear, bright golden/orange coloring,
small white head.

In the nose: Bold, assertive, hoppy. Dank. Reeking with citrus and pine. Sticky icky. Just how I like it.

In the mouth: Pow! Most boisterous when slamming the palate. Massive payload of hops hitting the tongue. Big bitterness. Juicy. Boozy. Medium bodied. Tons of hop bitterness, and it's about damned time.

Wildly off-balance...just how I like it. Sometimes, you don't want balance. Sometimes, you want big. And this one delivers.

West Coast Style Double IPA.
You forget a thousand things a day, pal... but this piney hop blast ain't one of 'em. They said Lupulin is all about that haze, bro. They be trippin'. This old school banger screams drop-tops, 20 inch rims, sunsets, and hip hop so loud, the neighbors will hear you rollin' up for miles.

Three Floyds $600 Lizard Shoes 16x Champion IPA

Three Floyds $600 Lizard Shoes 16x Champion IPA.
6.9 % ABV. 74 IBU.
Three Floyds Brewing, Munster, IN.

Clear, bold amber color, firm and fluffy ivory top.

In the nose: a panoply of fruits in this aroma, not all giving off their truth at once. Berry, apple, citrus far behind. Interesting.

In the mouth: Juicy and bitter. Big hops, and, again, an unnamable cornucopia. Once more, I'm getting some citrus, plus berries, stone fruit, apple, all coated with copious amounts of bitterness. Nice and malty, too, Medium bodied, with a long hoppy/bitter finish, and easily consumed.

This is a good IPA, and I can drink it.

Thanks again, to Cory J., for getting this for me. Another taproom-only (when the taproom is closed) beer that seems to be based on some wrestling lore I am utterly unaware of:
It's all about Stylin' and Profilin'. We're talking about the Rolex wearin', kiss stealin', wheelin' dealin', limousine ridin', jet flyin' son of a gun. "You've got to make the assault on life itself! WOOOOO!"

Surly Warp Zone Pilsner

Surly Warp Zone Pilsner. 5 % ABV.
Surly Brewing, Minneapolis/Broooklyn Center, MN.

Clear, bright golden hue, slim white head.

In the nose: Crisp, floral, light hops, slight spice. Right on the money.

In the mouth: Clean, light, with a zippy, hoppy buzz on the palate. Slight citrusy flavor, but ultimately dry. An excellent example of utter censurability, with just enough pop to keep it interesting. Quite likable.

I went looking for further info and got a lot of stuff about video games.
At the bottom was this:
5.0% ABV
Spalt Select hops
Low bitterness
Easy-drinking with a light gold body and a pop of floral hop aroma
This can run is limited!

If you want to slog through the other stuff, see the link above.

Now, it occurs to me that this is all from the original 16-oz. can release from last year, which I skipped because pilsners are low on my rankings. Maybe they should be higher, because all the DDH Hazy DIPAs that I don't actually like are too expensive. Anyway, I got these 12 ouncers in the current sampler pack.