Stone Enjoy By 01.01.2021

Stone Enjoy By 01.01.2021 Unfiltered IPA.

9.4 % ABV, 90 IBU. Stone Brewing, Escondido, CA. 

Lightly hazy, bright golden hue, slim ivory head. 

In the nose: pouring out citrus and tropical tones, arresting and lively. Shockingly pithy and poignant. 

In the mouth: Aggressively assertive bitterness blazes the palate, with the fire and the fury of the high alcohol ready at its command. Huge hoppiness. Bitterness delivers. Citrus and tropical notes offer a sweetness to match the bitter, with high firepower poised right behind it. Medium bodied, long, bitter finish. Great complexities in this, and an abundance of pleasure. 

Just about yum a dum, dum. Wait, hold on...yeah. Candied fruit, mixed with magical pixie dust, and big ol' booze. I'm digging it. Holding onto one last bottle for tomorrow night, to welcome in 2021, and hope it doesn't resemble 2020. 

For this version of Stone Enjoy By IPA we thought: “We don’t always have a filter, so why should our beer?” By skipping a step and letting this devastatingly fresh, golden-hued double IPA go un filtered, the beer takes on a hazy appearance and its peach and tropical fruit hop aroma are intensified. So though it may sound like it, this missed step was no misstep.

Like the other IPAs in this series, this version is brewed specifically NOT to last.

Venn Cinnamon Maple Latte Imperial Stout

Venn Cinnamon Maple Latte Imperial Stout.

12.5 % ABV. 50 IBU. Venn Brewing, Minneapolis, MN. 

In my cynical way, I can easily call out this beer, before drinking it, for being too many things. It's something that I enjoy doing. Cinnamon, and maple, plus "latte" in an imperial stout? What---??? And, for anyone else, in a different format, I might easily pass it by, and probably have. But, this is from Venn, and I trust them, and I like to try their new beers, so here we go. 

Utter darkness. Slim brown head. 

In the nose: big, fat maple screams out of the thing. Slight cinnamon. Some coffee. And this, without coming in for a deep sniff. On closer inspection, those are dominant, and other flavors are pushed down, some. 

In the mouth: Ridiculous. Doubly thick and rich. Huge coffee, chocolate, and overwhelming maple. Decadent. Luxurious. Breakfast stout extreme. Cinnamon's on the bottom, below cocoa and maple, and is there milk/cream in this to make it "latte"? Doesn't really deliver on the palate, the "latte" part, so far. 

And the cinnamon rises. Fairly smooth stuff. 

An Imperial Stout infused with actual cinnamon, maple, & coffee.

Malts: Maris Otter, Roasted Barley, Special B, Chocolate, Caramel 60, Caramel 40

Hops: Warrior

Yeast: American Ale

And: Cinnamon, Maple, Coffee, Dextrose

Broken Clock Fade to Black Black IPA

Broken Clock Fade to Black Black IPA.

7.6 % ABV. 85 IBU. Broken Clock Brewing Cooperative, Minneapolis, MN. 

Solid blackness, complete opacity, full, rich, creamy brown head. 

In the nose: Hoppy aromatics, floating over dark chocolatey malts. 

In the mouth: Bittersweet, malt-backward, with hops shining high up front. Chocolate and coffee meets pine and grass, with a slice of citrus. Medium bodied, smooth, tasty. Nicely hopped. Big time bitterness matched with sweet malt. I'm digging it. 

Whatever happened to you, Black IPA, aka Hoppy Porter? Will you ever return in earnest, or are the hazies really here to stay? I'm glad you pop up from time to time, and cheers to breweries like Broken Clock for returning you to us, if just once in a while. 

This black IPA is heavily hopped, but has a smooth malty backbone. It has notes of chocolate and caramel in the finish. The hops selected for this beer give it a lingering citrus and piney aroma and flavor.

Stone Buenaveza Salt & Lime Lager

Stone Buenaveza Salt & Lime Lager.

4.7 % ABV. 13 IBU. Stone Brewing, Escondido, CA. 

This is not the kind of beer I would seek out on my own. How did I acquire it? The beer manager at the retail store where I work decided that it had been moving very slowly, and knocked ten bucks off the price of a 12-pack. That did not inspire me to buy one, for I have too many beers right now, clogging up the fridge, even at fifty cents a bottle. No, my kind co-worker who did buy one, gave me one of his twelve. And though there are five other Stone beers in the fridge to review, I jumped this one to the front of the line just so I could thank him, or curse him, for it. 

Clear, bright yellow, slim to no head. 

In the nose: malt, cereal...not picking up on salt and lime, yet. 

In the mouth: Crisp-ish, clean and smooth, light, and, hey, here comes the ...no, not yet, not really. What's taking so long? I think it's there....okay, now I'm getting some salt, and there has to be some lime, right? Very little, if any. Fine with me, I wouldn't have cared for it, anyway. The salt and lime was originally added to Corona to make the skunky beer palatable. But Stone knows how to make good beer, so they don't need to throw a lime in to add flavor, ...or, do they? 

Now I'm tasting it, it's very minor, but just enough. It's not great, of course, it's not bad, it's a good lager and you can drink it. 

Brewer Ben Sheehan created this beer while working down at Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens – Liberty Station. Stone Buenaveza Salt & Lime Lager’s inspiration comes from Southern California, which is vibrantly influenced by our neighbors to the South. California's spoiling, warm weather encourages outdoor activity year round - and now the rest of the nation can join in. From surfing our coasts, to snowboarding and biking in the mountains, off-roading through deserted lands, or boating and fishing in our lakes, Stone Buenaveza Salt & Lime Lager is an excellent companion. It’s a thrillingly crisp, clean, refreshing Mexican-style lager that quenches thirsts, while gratifying taste buds via lime and sea salt.

Surly Dumpster Fire 2020 DDH Hazy DIPA

Surly Dumpster Fire 2020 DDH Hazy DIPA.

9.3 % ABV, Surly Brewing Company, Minneapolis/Brooklyn Center, MN. 

Some years past, there was a literal, actual dumpster fire at the Darkness Day event in Brooklyn Center. To commemorate this, a beer was brewed with chili peppers and smoked malt, a smoked IPA. This year of 2020 has been called the Dumpster Fire year, and naturally Surly revived the name, but not the recipe, because you can sell a hell of a lot more DDH Hazy DIPAs than you can smoked pepper IPAs. Just makes sense. Although I am disappointed. I wanted to see them have the guts to release that beer again. 

(Looking at Untappd, I've had it three times, once at the brewery three years ago, and before that, in 2013, once in October, probably at the Darkness Day event, and later in December, though I know not where. At a bar, the Brooklyn Center taproom? Enquiring minds want to know. But if I recall from those tastes, it was definite a beer I would only try once in a while, and not one that I'd buy a whole 4-pack of...maybe...)

Hazy, bright golden hue, slim white head. 

In the nose: well-hopped, with notes of citrus, pine, some tropical fruits. 

In the mouth: Juicy from the start, following by brief bitterness. Juicy turns to dry, and begs another sip. Just enough bitter on the palate to keep my tongue happy. Medium bodied, refreshing and easy drinking. (Despite the 9.3 % ABV, which hasn't been felt yet, "famous last words.") And here it comes...high booze is ringing in. 

The thing of this is, is that it's a tasty beer, but tastes just like all the other DDH DIPAs, and that's getting boring. 

Years ago we released a beer called Dumpster Fire. It was named for a literal dumpster fire in our parking lot. We never thought we'd need to brew a sequel.

We thought wrong.

As 2020's metaphorical dumpster fire rages out of control, we're making the best of this mess with a double dry-hopped hazy double IPA, brimming with juicy hop flavor. Cheers to you, 2020. Don't let the door hit you on the way out.

DUMPSTER FIRE 2020: Good | F*cking | Riddance

DDH HAZY DOUBLE IPA

COLOR: Hazy Gold

HOPS: Galaxy, Citra, Experimental HPA 016, Mosaic

MALT: Vienna, Pilsner, Unmalted Wheat, Flaked Oats, OG

YEAST:Hazy Ale

IBU:Moderate

ABV:9.3%

SURLY MN USA

Sixpoint Trail Haze Session IPA

Sixpoint Trail Haze Session IPA.

4% ABV, 10 IBU. Formulated and brewed by Sixpoint Brewing, Brooklyn, NYC, NY.

Ultra hazy, bright yellow, slim white head. 

In the nose: Bold citrusy hop notes. Lemon, grapefruit, orange. 

In the mouth: More of the same. Light bodied, light flavors. Easy-drinking, but lacks character. 99 calories, but at what cost? Citrus remains biggest flavor involved, lemon and lime. Bitterness is low, malt meager, happiness remains high, but overall, it's meh. Eh...yeah, not that great. Good beer that one can drink, but delivers few rewards. Not enough taste. It might work for some, on some level, but not working for me. There's just not enough beer here. 

Hazy “Adventure” IPA with Vic Secret and Enigma.

99 Calories. Don’t call it a light beer. Just 4% ABV and 99 calories, but dry-hopped and brewed like those haze bombs people wait in line for. But we know you... you’re not standing around waiting in line—you’re hiking up mountains and forging ahead to the next adventure. Blaze your trail with some haze that can actually keep up. 

Three Floyds Chevalier Bertrand de Guesclin

Three Floyds Chevalier Bertrand de Guesclin American Sour Ale Aged in Wine Barrels with

Blueberries. 8.9 % ABV. 3 IBU. Three Floyds Brewing, Munster, IN. 

Clouded, crimson colored, slim, scarlet head. 

In the nose: wild, wine forward, blueberries in the back. Slight sweetness, consumed by overpowered sour.

In the mouth: Intense puckering from the start. Immense wine barrel character. Blueberries pop in at the end. medium bodied, long, sour finish. Acidity meets sweet berry flavor and tart, tannin-y wine character. Tart, fruity, tasty. I quite like it. 

Higher alcohol doesn't reveal itself until,...whoop, there it is...

This American sour ale is aged in wine barrels and it is named after Bretton Knight and French military commander Bertrand du Guesclin. He was also known as the “Eagle of Brittany” or the “Black Dog” so he’s obviously the perfect historical character to name an American Sour ale after.

The Bruery So Happens It's Tuesday Imperial Stout Aged in Bourbon Barrels

The Bruery So Happens It's Tuesday Imperial Stout Aged in Bourbon Barrels.

15.3 % ABV, 22 IBU. The Bruery, Placentia, CA. 

Utterly and apparently black, in all ways, absolute opacity, slim brown head. 

In the nose: ridiculously rich, notes of caramel, cocoa, dark fruit, vanilla. Powerful whiskey notes, anise, smoke. Bourbon begins to conquer the senses. 

In the mouth: Sweetness reigns at first sip, and the mouthfeel is thick, rich, viscous. Massive malt, boisterous bourbon barrel effects, vanilla, cherries, molasses, more. And the booze is ringing in. Intense, vibrant, astonishingly flavorful. Fullest of bodies, richest of flavors, pounding down on the palate, and the high ABV is conquering the mind, as well. 

Whoa. Deep stuff, here. Deep, deep, ..whoa.

Our infamous Black Tuesday® stout is named in honor of the great stock market crash of 1929. So Happens It’s Tuesday is similarly dark and delicious, but in a more affable format, reminding us that there is always a bit of good to be found within the bad. Things happen, life goes on. This beer can be enjoyed in all of those moments and seasons

Modist Bite Size Peanut Butter Cup & Coffee Stout

Modist Bite Size Peanut Butter Cup & Coffee Stout.

7.2 %  ABV, Modist Brewing, Minneapolis, MN.

A few years back, Modist released the first beer in this series, a "pastry stout" with chocolate and vanilla. I reviewed it favorably here and tapped a keg at Acadia. They've continued the series with variations on the theme. The last one before this was with coconut and almond, and I got to try some, enjoying that sample as well, but never picking up cans to take home and review. Snoozed and losed. So, I made up for that miss by getting a four-pack of this one, just under the assumption that I would like it. Let's see. 

Dark brown color, mostly opaque, and a head that starts strong and soon dissipates, leaves behind a dirty ring. Tiny dots of ...something...float on the circus. It resembles a muddy glass of Swiss Miss Cocoa Mix, but dirtier, uglier. Very disappointing. 

In the nose: Coffee hits first, following by peanut butter and chocolate. Dark, chocolate malts hold down the fort. 

In the mouth: Peanut butter cup flavors are foremost now, coffee takes a back seat. I don't think they make for a harmonious blend of flavors, and I wonder who thought they would be a good combination. It's not the sort of idea that would logically enter into the average brain. I personally don't think they belong together. But, it's not bad. It's not great, either. 

As we continue to drink it down, the various oddments cling to the side of the glass, leaving a dirty, ugly, grimy trail. It's not a bad beer, it has it's moments, and is tasty to a point, but is hardly delicious, and not even slightly yum a dum dum. 

Yuck!

The largest sin is the look of the thing. How did they screw it up? How can Modist explain this blunder, or excuse it? It's not quite forgivable. 

Chocolate Stout brewed with Golden Promise, malted wheat, and roasted chocolate malts. Conditioned on Reese’s™ Peanut Butter Cups, Brazilian coffee and Ghana cocoa nibs.

Sierra Nevada Barrel-aged Narwhal Imperial Stout

Sierra Nevada Barrel-aged Narwhal Imperial Stout.

11.9% ABV. 50 IBU. Sierra Nevada Brewing, Chico, CA (& elsewhere).

Full ebony appearance,  complete opacity, slim brown ring commands the top. 

In the nose: Coffee and cocoa start it off, with more associations to follow. Dark malts, dark fruits, a touch of vanilla. A whiff of smoke. 

In the mouth: Thick. Rich. Big sweet, but met with balancing bitter. Viscous texture. Cocoa and coffee again lead the charge, with hints of cherries, vanilla, whiskey. Dark fruits, dates, cherries, fig, some smoke, tobacco, leather. Yum. Even, a dum dum. Full and rich and mellowing. High ABV kicks in right away and slows everything down. Whiskey gets larger on the palate, sweet and bitter continue their interplay, and the booze hangs high. Dark, deep, delicious. 

In earlier days, this would be bottled with a high price tag. I'm glad this was released as a 4-pack of 16 ounce cans for, what was it, $17? If this is the format to follow, I'm all for it. 

Barrel-Aged Narwhal is our deliciously dark Imperial Stout aged in Kentucky bourbon barrels. Barrel aging is a strange science; it mellows some characteristics of the original beer while intensifying others. Narwhal’s aggressive roastiness has calmed, but the rich, chocolate-like malt backbone is brought to the fore. Black as midnight, this intense stout is complex with notes of cocoa and espresso balanced with hints of vanilla and toasted coconut from the oak casks. Nearly as rare as it’s nautical namesake, try Barrel-Aged Narwhal while you can because like the creature itself, it will soon dive into the depths and leave nary a trace behind.

Junkyard Triple Double Triple IPA with Strata and Sabro Hops

Junkyard Triple Double Triple IPA with Strata and Sabro Hops.

9.7 % ABV. Junkyard Brewing, Moorhead, MN. 

Heavily clouded ("I will not repeat past complaints, I will not repeat past complaints"...), bright golden hue, large, looming. lace-leaving ivory head. 

In then nose: citrus, pine, tropical notes. Slightly sweet, fruity. 

In the mouth: Flavor is fruity, slightly tart, and undoubtedly delicious from the first sip. Getting mostly tropical tones, pineapple, papaya, passionfruit, more so than citrus. Juicy stuff, too. Low bitterness. Mild malt. Sweet takes turns with the bitter. Very unique flavors coming through. Berries abound. Almost creamy, this. Tasty stuff. Medium bodied, easy-ish drinking, he writes, as the alcohol rears it's head. And I enjoy it when it does.

Easily one of the more interesting and enjoyable beers I've had in quite awhile. 

Packed with a dynamic duo of Sabro and Strata hops, this brew boasts huge aromas of tangerine and super ripe tropical fruit. Flavors of pineapple, mango, and dank pine lead to a lasting, bitter finish. 

Broken Clock That Salty Quaker Sea Salt and Caramel Oatmeal Stout

Broken Clock That Salty Quaker Sea Salt and Caramel Oatmeal Stout.

6.8% ABV, 30 IBU. Broken Clock Brewing Cooperative, Minneapolis, MN. 

The label illustration riffs on the Morton's salt label, combined with Quaker Oats. Clever, I get it... except that  I can't get what's raining on him (caramels?) or what he's holding (some kind of salt shaker?)...

Thoroughly black, completely opaque, slim brownish head. 

In the nose: Dark malts, caramel, smooth and creamy. Picking up the salted caramel. 

In the mouth: Seas salt is foremost on the palate as we kick it off. And it hangs in there for a long spell. Caramel is just beneath it. We get some of the roast of an oatmeal stout, but the salt is dominant. Medium bodied, long, malty finish, easily consumable, but...this time, there's a but...it doesn't deliver the delights of an oatmeal stout, strays too far from caramel flavors, too taken over by the salt. I get what they were trying to do, but it doesn't work. 

Ah, well, win some, lose some. 

This Oatmeal stout has a generous amounts of flaked oats and caramel malt. Has chocolate, caramel, and burnt toffee flavor and aroma. Salt added to the boil adds an interesting twist to the finish.

Venn Cocoanut Porter

 Venn Cocoanut Porter.

7% ABV. 20 IBU. Venn Brewing, Minneapolis, MN. 

Thoroughly ebony, rich, roasted brown head above. 

In the nose: sweet, malty, and then the cocoanut pops up. Perfectly likable. 

In the mouth: Even sweeter, even cocoa-nuttier, holding court along with cocoa caramel malts. Touch of vanilla. Rich, robust body, full and vibrant. Lush and delicious. Cocoanut continues to dominate the flavor and it's just delightful. I would have definitely picked up a second crowler to take to Christmas dinner if this was a normal year, and not 2020. 

Porter with actual chocolate & actual coconut.

Malts: Domestic Pale, Munich, Flaked Oats, Caramel 20, Chocolate, Roasted Barley, Special B

Hops: Warrior (United States)

Yeast: American Ale

And: Chocolate, Coconut, Lactose (NOT vegan)

Why the lactose, though? Can we try to keep milk out of beer? 

Surly Double Vanilla Darkness 2020

Surly Double Vanilla Darkness 2020.

12 % ABV. Surly Brewing, Minneapolis/Brooklyn Center, MN. 

Variant #2 of three. Double Vanilla Darkness. Rye Barrel Russian Imperial Stout with Cacao and Vanilla Beans. Another can in a box. I'm liking this approach. I mean, it could be just a can. Is the box the new wax-dipping? 

Absolutely ebony, under a rich, roasted brown cap of foam. Complete opacity. 

In the nose: Sweet vanilla notes at first. Cocoa below. Beautiful. Slowly, the other flavors of Darkness unfold, the molasses, anise, dark fruits, tobacco, smoke.

In the mouth: Big and rich, but well tempered. Nicely balanced, not too sweet. Incredible deployment of flavors. Deep, vast, cavernous. Much mocha, devastating dark malts, mounds of chocolate and vanilla in balance and at play upon the palate. This is a truly treated Imperial Stout, and I must say that I admire Surly's reluctance to utilize the hip, trendy appellation of "pastry stout", and I deeply hope they never do. Or make a marshmallow variant. Thank you, Surly, thank you. 

Everything is working here, and at last, almost halfway in, the booze is starting to show. Everything is getting warmer, rounder, fuller, more intense, more epic. Am I getting any of the rye barrel character? Some. Not sure. What sets it apart from the addition of the vanilla and cacao nibs? I'm getting some whiskey barrel flavors, but not sure what sets rye apart from bourbon. (Oh, I know, but I never stop wondering. Once again, remember, that the Bitter Nib is that blog that does not flaunt it's expertise, but instead never stops pondering the big questions.)

As it is, it's damned delicious, this is. Even, as I've said before, yum a dum dum. 

Earthy, coffee, rich and sweet, cocoa, vanilla, ...and wow. As if Darkness couldn't be improved upon, here is that proof. 

Darkness already has inherent notes of baker’s chocolate and dark fruit–making it the perfect candidate for a double dose of aromatic vanilla. Double Vanilla Darkness features rich cacao flavor, sweet vanilla, and a honeyed character from aging in spirit barrels that were previous used to age rye whiskey.

Stacked Deck Bob Ross Masterpiece IPA

Stacked Deck Bob Ross Masterpiece IPA. 

7.2 % ABV. Stacked Deck Brewing, St. Paul, MN. 

Brent Schoonover's been knocking them out of the park with his illustrations for the Stacked Deck cans, and this one of PBS painting instructor Bob Ross is a beaut. No wonder it sold out so fast. Once again, I am on can four of the 4-pack, having guzzled the first three with a quickness. Now, it's note-taking time. 

All hazed-up, because that's how all IPAs arrive these days, large white head, bright yellow coloration. 

In the nose: blend of citrus and tropical notes, with sweetness stealing the stage. Pineapple and papaya loom over orange and grapefruit. 

In the mouth: Bright, sweet, fruity, with minor bitterness. Bit o' pine. On the juicy side. Quite tasty. Medium bodied, easy drinking, effortlessly enjoyed. 

Once again, I do wish I had something hoppier on my hands. When they leave out the juicy and the hazy on the label, I'm fooled into thinking it's the kind of IPA I like, the bitter, brittle kind, like they used to make in the good ol' days. I have to reduce my ire, mellow out some, and think of happy little trees. I guess...

Idaho 7 and Simcoe hops. 

Hofstettner Granitbock Ice

Hofstettner Granitbock Ice.

11.5 % ABV. Brauerei Hofstettner, Sankt Martin im Mühlkreis, Oberösterreich, Austria. 

This bottle is from 2011. It's about time someone drank it. 

Dark brown color, nearly opaque, brief brown head. 

In the nose: Caramel and raisins. Deep malty flavors. Dates and molasses. 

In the mouth. More richness abounds on the palate. Dark fruit and caramel flavors continue to traipse about the tongue. And before you know it, alcohol rings in, loud and clear. 

This is quite possibly the first eisbock here in ye olde Nib. Let's check and see. Nope, none on here. Going onto BeerAdvocate.com, they tell me that I've reviewed eight, way back when. They are rather hard to find. (It would be nice to try the Schneider Weiss Aventinus version again.) But, they can be a tasty treat, that's for sure, if a bit too much on the boozy side. This would feels like it lacks a bit in body, for a brew of such strong flavors. I feel that it has surpassed it's peak. 

Durch ein spezielles Tiefkühlverfahren wird der legendäre Granitbock zu einem mächtigen Eisbock ausgefroren. Die ohnehin schon kräftigen Aromen konzentrieren sich dadurch zu einem überwältigenden Spiel der Dunkelmalzaromen auf.

Clown Shoes Galacticake Double India Pale Ale

Clown Shoes Galacticake Double India Pale Ale.

9% ABV. Clown Shoes Beer, Boston, MA. 

Largely opaque, clouded, bold orange hued, with an ample, creamy froth atop. 

In the nose: Dank and resiny. Popping with hops. Rich and sticky-icky. We're in for the good stuff. 

In the mouth: Big, bright, bold. Screaming with hop bitterness, chockablock with it. Pummeling the palate, bombing the senses, aswim in deliciousness. Alcohol arrives quickly and starts it's assault. Just a little bit hot, but plump with tasty hop goodness. Yum and a dum, dum. 

Galactica grabbed Miracle Mike's dog, Bionic, and decided to join the battle against the Cupcake Spaceships. Why? Even we don't know... We do know that a happy accident led to the creation of this beer. A batch of Space Cake dry hopped with Galactica hops. 

There's a much larger telling of the tale on the label, but I'm not going to type it all out. Or maybe it's on their website? I'll go check. 

Ingredients: Galaxy and Mosaic Hops

Galactica has infiltrated the base of the Space Cake fleet. Havoc shall be wreaked, but will justice prevail? Featuring a base brew of Space Cake dry hopped per Galactica specs, Galacticake combines Clown Shoes’ signature Double IPAs to make for a bevy of tropical citrus aromas and flavor. A balanced body showcases notes of both pine and citrus.

Well, that's a slightly different retelling, but it's not the same thing as what's on the can. Sorry, folks, I'm going to stick to what I can cut and paste. 

DCR Trinity IPA

 DCR Trinity IPA. Drumconrath Brewing Company, Fargo, ND. 

"Made in North Dakota with an Irish Spirit." 

6.5 % ABV. 45 IBU. 16 oz. can. 

Here we have the first of three beers that I'll review from a new Fargo, North Dakota brewery operating out of the facility formerly occupied by Drekker. Is "Drumconrath" an Irish family name? They're going by DCR to avoid confusion over the unfamiliar name, I suppose, and they're going with an Irish theme.

(On the website, we learn that Drumconrath is the name of an Irish town. Read more here.)

Now, how's the beer? We'll start with the IPA.

Hazy, bright orange color, slim ivory head. 

In the nose: Citrus and pine, with a sweet twist of tropical. 

In the mouth: Briefly bitter up front, hoppy bite kicking it off. Bitterness takes a back seat, and it gets a little juicy now, ultimately ending dry. Medium bodied, easy drinking, quite a nice little IPA. Bitterness lays long on the palate, making this hoppy boy happy. Good IPA and you can drink it. 

Hazy IPA made with oats and copious amounts of Trident hops.

Drekker Smooth or Die Peanut Butter Milk Stout

Drekker Smooth or Die Peanut Butter Milk Stout.

6.5 % ABV. Drekker Brewing, Fargo, ND.

Let it go on the record that I like a good peanut butter milk stout. I don't get obsessed about them or anything, but I'll try one out from time to time. And now Drekker has one and it's not a Braaaaainss or a Slang or a smoothie sundae, a Chonk, or any of those things. No marshmallows, no fudge. Just a straight up pbms. Let's drink one. 

Solid blackness, complete opacity, vast brown head. Looking amazing. 

In the nose: Aromatics scream out peanuts and chocolate. Go in for a deeper sniff. Sweet, rich, dark, nutty, ...cocoa and peanut butter. Yes, go on...

In the mouth: smooth and creamy, sweet milk stout goodness, mixed with peanut butter and chocolate. Delightful and delicious. Full body. Moderate bitterness, major malt, extra yum a dum dum. Very well balanced. Never too anything and just enough of the right stuff. 

This is a damned tasty beer. I brought it home because we sold it as single cans, at only $3.49 each. I wouldn't have bought it as a $17 4-pack. Also, what's wrong with chunky? I say Chunky all the way! Smooth be damned! 

Malt: Pale 2 Row, Oats, Chocolate malt, black patent, carafoam, caramel malt, Munich

Hops: Magnum

Yeast: House all yeast.

Gimmicks: Peanut Butter, Cacao nibs, lactose. 

Time to draw a line in the sand. We need to put this out there and we hope this doesn’t mean we can’t be friends anymore, but it needs to be known. We only like creamy peanut butter. We think the only peanut butter on the planet should be creamy and that crunchy peanut butter is an abomination before the gods that should be stricken from the earth. There, we said it. We feel better, how about you?⠀

So to declare this love for the creamy overlord of peanuts in butter form we’re dropping a brand new Peanut Butter Milk Stout called Smooth Or Die. It’s packed with chocolatey, peanut buttery flavor and aroma and it’s rich and unapologetically smooth, so smooth, like the Gods intended.

At least they're upfront about the "gimmicks" business...

Oliphant Sunkiss'd Squishy Lemon Pie Sour Ale

Oliphant Sunkiss'd Squishy Lemon Pie Sour Ale.

5.5 % ABV. Oliphant Brewing, Somerset, WI. 

There has been a great proliferation of sour style ales made by craft breweries across the country. I can take them or leave them. And I am drinking one of them now because it is from Oliphant, and I try to drink everything they make. Some folks around here are the same way about Drekker and The Brewing Projekt, and that's fine for them, they can keep at that all they want, no problem here (and I'll sample some of that stuff, once in a while). I'm sticking with Oliphant. Just like how I bought all the Spider-Man comics when I was thirteen. I hope I don't end up dropping them, though, like I did with Spider-Man comics when I turned eighteen. Hold off on the marshmallow beers, is my best advice to them. 

Clear, bright golden hue, slim white head. 

In the nose: huge lemon here, and, yeah, like lemon meringue pie. Intense citrusy sensations. Shiny and bold.

In the mouth: Bracingly tart, puckering and flush with lemony flavors. Oooo! It's like lemon sherbet. Are lactose, sea salt, and vanilla also at play here? Naturally. (Sigh). Brisk and refreshing. Light bodied, easily drunk. Quite tasty. 

This will be a one and done for me. Although it successfully replicates the flavors promised, it's not what I feel like drinking from time to time. If you're a sour freak, though, go for it. 

Junkyard Basement Business Willett Bourbon 2020

Junkyard Basement Business Willett Bourbon 2020.

12.1 % ABV. Junkyard Brewing, Moorhead, MN. 

Burgundy hue, mainly opaque, slim beige head. 

In the nose: it's screaming out barley-wine: rich, malty, vinous, other-wordly, unheard-of, all wrapped up in leather, tobacco, molasses, vanilla, cherries. Whoa. So deep and complex. 

In the mouth: Deep, vast, mysterious. Sweet, boozy, delicious. Dark fruits, raisins, dates, caramel, toffee, with the barrel effects swallowing it up with the vanilla, oak, cherries. Full in body and in flavor, with the high ABV roaring in. Rich and luxurious. I'm drinking this to celebrate another day, and nothing more. Why the hell not. 

Oh, I forgot to add: Yum, a dum, dum. 

Bourbon barrel-aged aged barley-wines. Oh, how I love them. 

This beer has cozy aromas of caramel, vanilla, and fig, reminiscent of a bourbon sticky roll. Flavors of fig, dried cherries and burnt sugar lead to a balanced bourbon finish.

Collective Arts Ransack the Universe India Pale Ale

 Collective Arts Ransack the Universe India Pale Ale.

6.8% ABV. 85 IBU. Collective Arts Brewing, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. 

And now we're trying out another IPA from Collective Arts, so it must have been below that $16 4-pack mark that I'm trying to avoid in favor of more affordable, less trendy beers, that taste just as good, and where the brewers actually took the final step of filtering and clarifying. And once again, it has four different artists designing the label, and I saved my favorite for last. I think it's my favorite. Maybe I liked the buddha bowling mouse better. Or, whatever that was. Never mind. 

Hazy (I'd be shocked if it wasn't), bright orange coloring, long-lasting snowy white head.

In the nose: Big citrus. Orange and grapefruit, brittle and dry. A touch of pineapple and mango on the side. 

In the mouth: Juicy and bitter at once. Delightful deployment of hoppiness on the palate. Lip smackingly delicious. Medium bodied. Long, hoppy finish. Citrus and tropical flavors at play. This one really delivers. Falls into the category 

Galaxy hops from Myrtleford, Victoria in Australia and Mosaic hops from Yakima, Washington, USA, deliver aromas and flavours of tropical fruits, mango and citrus. Light malt body lets the hops shine through, and finishes crisp but not bitter. A hemispheric hop mashup.

Broken Clock Brewing Cooperative Sweater Weather Porter

Broken Clock Brewing Cooperative Sweater Weather Porter.

6.3 % ABV, 44 IBU. Broken Clock Brewing Cooperative, Minneapolis, MN. 

I'm not going to lie to you and tell you that I bought this crowler for the cute little duckies on the label, with their adorable little sweaters. No, I'm going to tell you the truth and tell you that I bought it in order to drink an honest-to-goodness porter, no coconut, no coffee, no nuts, no fruit, no marshmallows, no fudge. Let's see how it tastes. 

Dark brown, nearly opaque, slim, cocoa-toned head on top. 

In the nose: soft, bittersweet, caramel and cocoa, with a touch of espresso. 

In the mouth: Smooth stuff, so far. Caramel malt, cocoa, brown sugar, a touch of hops for balance. Roasty malts take over the flavor. Medium bodied, and expertly drinkable. Lingering bitterness on the palate rides just above the roast. Quite tasty. I wanted a solid, no-nonsense porter, and I got one. 

This American Brown Porter has dark chocolate and toffee flavors with a solid hop backbone.

Is it a "hop backbone"? Don't we say "malt backbone" for a reason? Huh. I've never heard "hop backbone". Well...huh. Okay. No, really. I think that's wrong. 

Sisyphus Bourbon Barrel Aged Stout Season w/toasted coconut

 Sisyphus Bourbon Barrel Aged Stout Season w/toasted coconut.

12 % ABV. 50 IBU. Sisyphus Brewing, Minneapolis, MN. 

Complete blackness, utter opacity, slim brown head. 

In the nose: rich and nutty. Coconutty. Bourbon barrel catches up. Just for a second, then toasted coconut comes back in command. Mounds bar aromatics, here. If you love coconut, this is your jam.

In the mouth: Coconut starts it off, but whiskey comes up from behind and takes over. It's a complex melange, and it's never too sweet. Just dark enough, malty enough, and maybe more than strong enough. I am strongly compelled to call this yum a dum dum. And I just might, you watch me. 

Yum, is what this is, a dum, dum. 

Waldmann Kölsch Light Lagered Ale

Waldmann Kölsch Light Lagered Ale.

6% ABV, 20 IBU. Waldmann Brewery, St. Paul, MN. 

Let's drink a kölsch, shall we, from a reputable local German style brewery, and not dwell on the fact that I have no kölsch glasses. I'll use the next best thing, a Willi Becher style, and hope that no one notices the difference, although, now that I said it, you will. It'll stick out like that ol' sore thumb, and I'll be so ashamed of myself for not owning a kölsch glass. Not even a Reissdorf? Come on! And somehow, I'll survive. 

Slightly hazed, bright golden hue, slim white head. 

In the nose: light, delicate, fruity, floral. Apples and pears. 

In the mouth: Crisp, clean, moderate, refreshing. Slight sweetness, minor bitterness. Smooth and mellow, easy-drinking. It's kölsch as kölsch should be. More apple and pear. (Word to the wise: if you can't find apple & pear in your kölsch, send it back!) Lovely, and a delight to drink down. Don't ever pass this one up. You hear me? 

A light bodied beer with a soft mouthfeel and a straw yellow color. This unique style is fermented using an ale yeast, and lagered to develop a clean, fruity, and delicately balanced dry finish. A thirst quenching beer equally as refreshing on a warm summer day as a crisp fall evening.

Founders KBS Espresso

 Founders KBS Espresso. 12 % ABV. 70 IBU. Founders Brewing, Grand Rapids, MI. 

Utter and complete blackness, thorough opacity, slim ring of brown foam above.

In the nose: deep coffee, rich, roasted, utter, earthy. Powerful. All covering up what might also be very interesting below.

In the mouth: it’s all about espresso,  rich, thick, ridiculous. More coffee than I’ve had in a beer in a long time. Cocoa and caramel lurks just below. Bourbon barrel aged effects are a side project. Quite tasty, this. 

Variant of KBS

KBS gets its coffee fix in the very first variant to come from our beloved bourbon barrel-aged stout. Yes, KBS may already be brewed with coffee, but it gets some extra oomph when it’s aged on espresso beans after being removed from barrels. The result is a fresh and snappy coffee twist on our classic barrel-aged beer. Who says you can’t start your day with a barrel-aged stout?

Bear Republic Further Through The Haze Double IPA

 Bear Republic Further Through The Haze Double IPA. 

8 % ABV, 40 IBU. Bear Republic Brewing, Rohnert Park, CA. 

Hazy (of course), bright golden hue, slim ivory head. 

In the nose: Citrus and sweetness. Slight tropical. Yeast fuzz.

In the mouth: Big tropical sweetness hits the palate, juicy notes of papaya and mango, melon and grapefruit, with a slice of citrus, and just enough bitterness. Nice balance between the hazy style and a double IPA. Medium bodied, long bitter, fruity finish, and the higher ABV starts to come on, but softly, sweetly. 

Quite a tasty one. Go out and get some. 

A Double IPA with ripe and juicy citrus & tropical aromas, creamy mouth feel, and a velvety soft bitterness that will leave you wanting more. Dry hopped with epic amounts of Vic Secret, Amarillo, Azacca, Simcoe, and more.

Take the next step, Further into the Haze. 

Surly Mole Darkness Russian Imperial Stout

 Surly Mole Darkness Russian Imperial Stout.

12 % ABV. Surly Brewing Company, Brooklyn Center/Minneapolis, MN. 

And now we have the first appearance of Darkness variants here in the Bitter Nib. They were first released in bottles at the Darkness Day event in 2018, when it was moved to Wisconsin. I didn't go. That year, or the next. I was only able to try them at festivals. Ah, remember them? 

This year, this horrible, no-good year, there  is no Darkness Day, and the variants are going to liquor stores for the first time and not in bottles, but in this new can in a box format, which I am becoming fonder and fonder of...although I miss wax-dipped bombers. And this year, I work at a liquor store, so I didn't have to chase any trucks, or get up too early, no, I just had to show up at work in the (Ugh!) morning, and put some aside. And now, I will drink one. 

Mole Darkness. Bourbon Barrel-aged Russian Imperial Stout with vanilla beans, cinnamon, chiles, and chocolate. 12 % ABV. Brewed and canned by Surly Brewing Company, Minneapolis and Brooklyn Center, MN. 

Complete and utter you-know-what, with a slim, short-lived brown head. 

In the nose: Cocoa first, soft and sweet, and then comes the heat, growing in intensity. Cinnamon, chocolate and peppers, chocolate taking the lead. 

In the mouth: Sweet at first, rich and luxurious, with the pepper heat, and the cinnamon spice coming on quickly. Vanilla, cherries, molasses, and more lurk just below. It's the imperial stout wrapped in bourbon and smothered in chocolate, spices, and pepper heat, but it starts mellow and cool and I like it like that. Sweet keeps time with heat. 

It's thick, yet supple, rich, yet smooth, and abounding in flavors. So, I like it. Yum. A dum. Dum.

(Although, the vanilla beans made no impression whatsoever. Wait, one more sip. Nope. Or, maybe, a little? No, nope...Okay, a smudge, caught up in the recipe...)

Mole Darkness is inspired by the impossibly complex and satisfying sauces native to south-central Mexico. Mole comes in almost infinite varieties, and our take features bittersweet chocolate, cinnamon, and a mild heat from the use of guajillo chilies. Time well spent in bourbon barrels tempers the spice, adding a rounded, vanilla-esque sweetness.

Can artwork by Barbara Guttman.

Three Floyds People Power High Tea

Three Floyds People Power High Tea. Sparkling Ale with Rare Tea Cellar's Darjeeling Black Tea.

Brewed for the People to Benefit the ACLU. 

5% ABV. 19.2 fl. oz. can. Three Floyds Brewing, Munster, IN. 

Now, here we have a kind of beer that I wouldn't normally be interested in. Not that into tea beers, but it's Three Floyds and I have to try everything they make. There's nothing they could make that I wouldn't plunk down the money to taste. Not yet, anyway. 

And I'm digging the label, for many reasons. First of all, there's the collection of Three Floyds label characters assembled, as they've done in the past. Zombie Dust, Gumballhead the Cat, Alpha King, Behemoth Barleywine, Deesko!, Necron 99, Rabbid Rabbit, Arctic Panzer Wolf, Alpha Kong, Robert the Bruce, and a bunch I can't recognize, all hanging out and getting hassled by some pigs. It's also drawn in a style very reminiscent of 1960's underground cartoonist Skip Williamson. Remember him, creator of Snappy Sammy Smoot?

Then, I see it, on the label: RIP Skip Williamson (he passed away a few years ago). Skip had roots in Chicago, and covered the trial of the Chicago Seven as a courtroom artist, and did illustrations for Abbie Hoffman's books. A fitting tribute to him for this ACLU-benefit beer. 

On with the liquid inside. 

Clear, pale golden color slim ring of ivory foam. 

In the nose: tea is here, not being shy. Slightly floral, lightly hopped. Intriguing, I like it. 

In the mouth: And tea is here in the taste, too. Again, high on the tea, low on the hops, light in body, easily quaffed. I haven't had an Australian Sparkling Ale in quite some time (where've you gone, Cooper's?), so I can't really tell how close they came to nailing the style. Light, delicate, fruity flavors. It's a pleasant beverage. Me, I need more hops, bigger body, and not tea. But, you go ahead and get you some if it sounds good to you. Don't let me stop you. 

Brewed as part of the People Power Beer Project to support the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU)*, our Sparkling Ale honors the British working-class tradition of a restorative sip after a hard day’s work. Using Rare Tea Cellars’ intensely nuanced Darjeeling tea, this pale-gold hued ale has a soft bread/caramel malt flavor, full mouthfeel and bright aromas of muscat grape, watermelon, and strawberry.

Junkyard Members Bounce New England Style IPA

 Junkyard Members Bounce New England Style IPA.

7% ABV. Junkyard Brewing, Moorhead, MN. 

Hazy, murky golden color, slim white head.

In the nose: citrus, some tropical notes, all covered in fuzz.

In the mouth: bright and lively on the palate. Orange and lemon interplay with pineapple and papaya. Jumpin’ Jehoshaphat, it’s a tasty one. Medium bodied, refreshing, long fruity finish. Just enough hop bitterness to keep control of the sweetness. Yum, you guessed it, a dum dum.

I’m going to finish this crowler in no time and wish I had another.

Big Axe Santa’s Helper Barrel Aged Imperial Stout

Big Axe Santa’s Helper Barrel Aged Imperial Stout.

10% ABV, 45 IBU, Big Axe Brewing, Nisswa, MN.

In my first few weeks at my new job, I was stationed at a register nearby one of the roller shelves, whose end display hosts large format single bottles, mostly from Minnesota breweries. I watched this lone bottle of a Christmas-themed barrel-aged imperial stout sit by itself in the middle of September, and I had to wonder if it had been there all year long. September is rather early to release a beer named for Santa or his helper. But, I was informed that it was new, and we had sold all but this one. I've been happy with most of the Big Axe output, so I plunked down the $20 for the single 750 ml bottle, something I rarely do. And then I sat on it until just now. Let's look at those notes. 

Strictly ebony, completely opaque, beautiful ring of brown foam serves as cap.

In the nose: Boom. OK, cocoa,  coffee, vanilla, dark fruits, cherries, raisins. It’s a big one.

In the mouth: Thick, rich, bittersweet. Fat and woody. Full bodied. Edging towards the fruitier side of the Imperial Stout in this one. And it could use a fuller body. Yeah, I said full, but it’s not quite full enough. 

This could be better, but I still enjoy it. Tasty. Roasty. But just a little short of what I really want.

And this is why I so rarely spend $20 or higher on new single bottles, if you don't know what you're getting. I can't find further information on this one. There's no entry on Untapp'd, or BeerAdvocate, but other barrel aged stouts, yes, just nothing with this name. Wondering how many they released.

No matter, I say give it another try, and give it a little something extra next time. 

Dual Citizen Flying Under the Radar Single Hop Saison

 Dual Citizen Flying Under the Radar Single Hop Saison.

5.2% ABV. Dual Citizen Brewing, St. Paul, MN.

Clear, straw gold color, large white head, 

In the nose: bubblegum & banana. Some citrus, barnyard funk. Classic Belgian aromatics.

In the mouth: moderate hops, low bitterness, smooth malt. Crisp and clean, mostly citrus and spice flavors, stone fruit, still some bubblegum. Easy drinking as they come. This is a tasty one, light bodied, refreshing, and it is quite a capable rendition.

Straw-  in color with a dense white head.

Earthy aromas of clove with slight barnyard notes. 

A very dry beer with delicate flavors of Pinot Noir grapes. 

Pipeworks Got Ya Covered

Pipeworks Got Ya Covered Imperial Milk Stout Ale with lactose, cacao nibs, vanilla, pretzels, and sea salt.

10.5 % ABV. 16 oz. can ($7). Pipeworks Brewing, Chicago, IL. 

Solid blackness, thorough opacity, slim and soon-gone brown head. 

In the nose: Rich, dark malts dominate. Cocoa comes out, with a dose of salt. Sweetness abides. Not getting much pretzel, though. 

In the mouth: Smooth, sweet, luscious. Cocoa is king here, but now we're picking up the vanilla. And the salt. Big beer, at, what? 10% +. Big stuff, indeed. Full-bodied, long, sweet-ish finish. Delivers some of the goods, but, really, you're not going to taste the pretzels in a beer like this. Definitely belongs in the category of "pastry stout", if I ever gave credence to such an appellation. I am heartened by the lack of such a word upon this beer's label. 

Imperial milk stout with lactose, cocoa nibs, vanilla, pretzels, and sea salt.

Yeah, I said that already. Though I am a fan of Pipeworks, they don't give out much information, alas. 

Duvel Tripel Hop Citra

 Duvel Tripel Hop Citra. Belgian IPA. 

9.5% ABV. Duvel-Moortgat.

Clear, bright golden color, small ivory head. (Unusual for a Duvel. Old bottle, maybe?)

In the nose: There it is, that unmistakable Duvel nose, spice and floral notes in full array, with emergent bouquet of citrus hops. 

In the mouth: crisp,,clean, and alive with the spark of Citra. Grassy hop texture on the palate, light bodied, bright citrusy flavors at play. Spice darts about the tongue. Quite refreshing and delicious. Only at the end does the higher ABV make itself known. Yum. 

I can’t help but wonder if a fresher sample might yield even more vital results.

Discover Citra, voted by our fans as the best hop variety for our special Duvel Tripel Hop. Citra enriches the already unique taste of Duvel with fresh notes of grapefruit and tropical fruit.

 

Alaskan Icy Bay IPA

 Alaskan Icy Bay IPA.

6.2% ABV, 65 IBU. Alaskan Brewing, Juneau, AK. 

 Clear, golden hue, lasting layer of ivory head.

In the nose: bright and lively happiness, citrus notes, faint pine.

In the mouth: slight sweetness, swallowed up by bitter. Crisp and clean, medium bodied, long bitter finish.Definitely drinkable. Citrus and pine aplenty.One of those good old fashioned IPAs. I can’t help but like it.  

Alaskan Icy Bay IPA is made from glacier-fed water and a blend of Cascade, Bravo, Calypso, Summit and Apollo hops and premium two-row pale and specialty malts.

I have recently discovered that this is the second appearance of this beer in the Bitter Nib. It appeared once before, when it was called merely Alaskan IPA. Back before they realized that you need more than one IPA. 

Goose Island Bourbon County Brand Caramella Ale 2020

 Goose Island Bourbon County Brand Caramella Ale 2020.

Wheatwine ale aged in bourbon barrels with apple, cinnamon and natural caramel flavor.

14.6% ABV, 60 IBU. Goose Island Brewing, Chicago, IL.

Clear, bright ruby color, short, brownish, soon dissipating head.

In the nose: Big caramel, bigger than the bourbon, yet, brimming with richness and sweetness. We’re heading into decadence.

In the mouth: now we get the apples and cinnamon, backed up by caramel, all wrapped around a wheatwine, still aged in bourbon barrels. Whoa. Sweet is the order of the day. And let us not forget strong. Complexity compounds upon complexity. Richness repays richness. And the 14% begins a pleasant softening of the brain matter. Whoa. Apples and cinnamon still pop up among the bourbon and caramel. Mmm. Nice. 

Caramella or ‘candy’ in Italian is a wheatwine aged in Larceny Wheated Bourbon barrels with apple, cinnamon, and natural caramel flavor added after aging. Just like last year, the sweet smoothness from the Larceny Wheated Bourbon barrels adds a lingering warmth that complements the added flavor nuance. It’s nostalgia-inducing flavors are reminiscent of a caramel apple. Our Lead Lab Analyst, Joey Tidei, created this variant as a tribute to his love of seasonal flavors. This luscious embodiment of caramel perfectly paired with a slightly-tart apple flavor will transport you to a crisp Autumn day.

Lagunitas Super Cluster Mega IPA

Lagunitas Super Cluster Mega IPA.

8% ABV, 60 IBU. Lagunitas Brewing, Petaluma, CA, Chicago, IL

Clear, bright golden hue, slim white head.

IIn the nose: Fruity, hoppy, citrusy. Nice.

In the mouth: blasts of bitterness on the palate at the start, fresh and arresting. Bold and citra-packed. Juicy, delicious. Stays fruity and bright, ending on a dry note. Rewards the senses with each new sip. Very likable IPA. You don’t even suspect how “mega” it is until...right about now. Boom, boom, boom, boom.

This out-of-this-world ale is a galactic blast from the glass, a Citra supernova in the sky, jettisoning lupulin lusciousness through the cosmos and across the universe of your palate. Enter its bitter orbit and we'll all float on, okay? Cheers!

Super Cluster is a Citra-Hopped Mega Ale of intergalactic proportions. Everything we've learned about making hop-forward beer: Pale, cold, alcoholic, and bitter.

Wild Mind Plato’s Cave Imperial Stout with Vanilla Beans and Toasted Coconut

 Wild Mind Plato’s Cave Imperial Stout with Vanilla Beans and Toasted Coconut.

12.3% ABV,  Wild Mind Ales, Brewed & canned in Minneapolis, MN.

Completely black, rich, roasted brown head, thoroughly opaque.

In the nose: coconut hits first, sweetness abounds, along comes vanilla. Dark, chocolate malts loom below.

In the mouth: huge coconut dominates the palate. Rich, slightly sweet, thick and tasty. Thick as motor oil, with never ending coconut flavor. Full bodied, long, sweet finish, modicum of bitterness to maintain some semblance of balance.

This one is deep and decadent, many layers of yum a dum dum. And the outsized ABV makes it a perfect nightcap. 

Brewed with oats and an array of roasted, chocolate and caramel malts, hopped intentionally with American varietals, Plato’s Cave is a massive Imperial Stout with a very heavy handed dose of Madagascar vanilla beans and toasted coconut. It drinks equally rich, bold and smooth with notes of Samoa cookies, fudge brownies, macchiato and flourless chocolate cake.

Oliphant Santa Squishy Cherry Cola Sour Ale

 Oliphant Santa Squishy Cherry Cola Sour Ale.

5.5% ABV. Fruited Berliner Weissbier with cherries, vanilla, lactose, sea salt, and cola flavor. Oliphant Brewing, Somerset, WI.

Who doesn’t love a picturesque, bucolic winter wonderland scene of naked Santas pulling a sleigh led by an Oliphant logo headed being?

So, it’s a cherry cola sour, eh? Sort of thing I’d usually shake my head at, but it’s Oliphant, so I have to try it.

Clear, bright crimson coloring, slim pinkish head.

In the nose:sweet cherry notes, but tart coming up behind.

In the mouth: sweet and tart together, with a tiny bit of cola flavor, just a smidge. Light bodied, refreshing, drinkable. The sea salt, once more, is noticeable in this, and the lactose makes it all the smoother. A ver well rounded beverage, and quite enjoyable if you’re into this sort of thing. Me, I can take it or leave it.

You hear me, Oliphant? Makes more IPAs. Or doppelbocks, or Baltic porters. Get off this all-sour kick.  I implore you. There’s more to beer than sours.

Sixpoint Mind Control Hazy Double IPA

 Sixpoint Mind Control Globally Hopped Hazy IIPA.

8.8 % ABV, 8 IBU. Sixpoint Brewery, Brooklyn, NYC, NY. (And two other locations, apparently.)

Hazy as she goes, bright orange color, slim white head. 

In the nose: vibrant, hoppy, citrus,enticing.

In the mouth:Juicy stuff from the start, with just a touch of hop bitterness. Medium. Bodied, smooth and drinkable, with higher ABV slowly revealing itself. Mostly citrus flavors, a twist of tropical, ending on a dry note. It has everything you want in a hazy DIPA. I’m glad that I gave this one a try. Just delicious.

“Power is in tearing human minds to pieces and putting them together again in shapes of your own choosing” the voice echoed as the Mas Scientists scoured the globe, compelled by a powerful force in search of wholly new flavors. A globally Hopped journey led them to Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Germany, New Zealand, and Australia to unite these flavors for explosive results. You’re getting thirsty...verrryyy thirrssrryyy. Is it all in your head? It’s time to break the cycle with a beer of global proportions. You’re in control.

Bell’s 35th Anniversary Expedition Stout

 Bell’s 35th Anniversary Expedition Stout.

11.5% ABV. Bell’s Brewery, Comstock, MI.

I’ve been sitting on this one for too long. And it’s a two for one. I couldn’t be sure what set the 35th anniversary Expedition Stout apart from the regular, besides 1% extra ABV, so I am m drinking them together to find out. Let’s go...

Strictly Stygian coloration, no light escapes, with a brief brown head. 

In the nose: deep, roasted, charcoal, some cocoa, a hint of espresso....Dark and resonant.Dark fruits, espresso, ash.

In the mouth: Rich. Thick. Damn thick. Chewing on bark thick. Chocolate. Coffee. Bitter. Sweet. Chewy. A decadent treat. Many layers. Multi faceted. Absolutely wonderful. Flips all the switches. Raisins cavort with cocoa. Sweetness, deliciousness, and they didn’t need to drop off an6 cookies or marshmallows.

Now, it’s time to try the normal version and find any differences. Mmm. So nice. Dark malts. Delicious. Chocolate. Leather. Caramel. Toffee. Chewy. Some pepper. A touch of anise. Slightly sweet. Not so hoppy. Well balanced.

I’m coming up with zilch on the difference meter. Maybe 35 is a little thicker?  A touched richer? A smidgeon? Nothing significant. They’re both amazing, and, now, due to this experiment, we know ...that I am twice as drunk. Thanks, @nd god night. 

Coronado Never Better DIPA

 Coronado Never Better DIPA.

8.1 % ABV. 65 IBU, Coronado Brewing, Coronado, CA.

Lightly hazed, bright golden color, large and lasting ivory head.

In the nose: sweet, fruity, minor bitterness, growing more sweet and fruity. Quite likable.

In the mouth: juicy. Fruity. Moderate bitterness. Big bursts of citrus and tropical fruit notes. Crisp and clean. Exceptionally likable.

Brewed with a vibrant blend of Vic Secret, Mosaic and Citra, this Double IPA is bursting with hop flavors of tropical mango, passion fruit, and resinous pine.  One sip and you’ll go from good to Never Better.

Great Lakes Hazecraft Hazy IPA

Great Lakes Hazecraft Hazy IPA .

Great Lakes Hazecraft Hazy IPA.

6.7% ABV, 40 IBU, Great Lakes Brewing, Cleveland, OH.

All hazy-like, bright golden, large, lush and lasting white head. Looking lovely.

In the nose: lightly hoppy, mostly mute. Some citrus.

In the mouth: nice hoppy play on the palate at first sip. Just enough bitterness to grab me. Citrus notes combined with a twist of the tropical, a touch of sweetness. Fairly smooth and mellow. Definitely drinkable. Soft finish. Enjoyable. 

Blast into orbit through a hazy galaxy of otherworldy tropical fruit aromas.

Pryes Blood Orange Miraculum Fruited IPA

 Pryes Blood Orange Miraculum Fruited IPA

6.4% ABV, 75 IBU. Pryes Brewing, Minneapolis, MN.

Slightly hazed, deep amber to crimson hue, slim white head.

In the nose: Blood orange is popping out. Hops hang far below.

In the mouth: fruit grips the palate at first, backed up by bitterness. Medium bodied, long bitter finish, unmistakable blood orange flavors, never quitting. Brisk, crisp, fruity and tasty.

I like a good blood orange IPA and this is one. 

Our Signature IPA with a bold infusion of Blood Oranges, creating a Fruity, Ripe and Citrus forward IPA.

Junkyard Son of Bean-Zilla Vanilla Stout

 Junkyard Son of Bean-Zilla Vanilla Stout.

6.3% ABV. Junkyard Brewing, Moorhead, MN.

Black as night, slim brown head, completely opaque.

In the nose: vanilla floats over cocoa. Oreo without the cookie. Sweet, dark, intriguing.

In the mouth: sweet vanilla notes hit first, again with chocolate right behind. That about does it. Lighter bodied than I like, but fairly easygoing. Yeah, I could go for more richness and/or complexity. 

I wish I liked this more. Just not hitting the right buttons.

Full-flavored, yet decadently drinkable, this vanilla stout boasts the perfect combination of chocolate and finishes with the smooth richness of real Madagascar vanilla beans. Light sweetness balances out the cocoa, making this beer a delicious winter treat for your cozy nights in.⁣

Falling Knife Matriarch Brooklyn Biscotti Pastry Stout

Falling Knife Matriarch Brooklyn Biscotti Pastry Stout. With orange, vanilla & fresh baked New York biscotti.

5% ABV, Falling Knife Brewing, Minneapolis, MN. 

And here we have what just may be the only beer named in honor of a Supreme Court justice. I could be wrong. Brewed in collaboration with Witch Hunt, a local gender equity focused beer organization. I think maybe RBG liked a snack of biscotti and oranges, I guess? And now here it is in beer form.

Solid blackness, utter opacity, slim brown head.

In the nose: big orange notes, mixed with baked bread. And, hey, vanilla. Nice.

In the mouth: Well-tempered sweetness hits first. Citrus splash on the palate. Warm, toasted malt takes the stage next. Just enough hops for balance. Medium bodied. Excellent drinkability. Some cocoa comes thorough. Not too sweet, not too strong. Hey, I’m liking it.

Brooklyn Biscotti Pastry Stout with Orange, Vanilla & Fresh Baked New York Biscotti

Andechser Weissbier Hell

 Andechser Weissbier Hell.

5.5 % ABV, 14 IBU. Klosterbrauerie Andechs, Bayern, Germany. Ingredients: water, wheat malt, barley malt, hops, yeast.Super Premium Bavarian Ale. 

We get four Andechser beers at South Lyndale, and the other three have appeared here in the Nib previously. Lookin on Untappd, I have checked in on it twice before, from when I had it on tap at Acadia four years ago. Didn’t take notes then. Gonna do it now.

Clouded, light orange color, large, lace-leaving, ivory head.

In the nose: sweet wheat hits first. Some citrus and faint banana comes up next. Slight spice.

In the mouth: softly on the palate, slightly sweet, smooth and refreshing. Light bodied, good dose of yeast, quite tasty. So satisfying, this one won’t last long. 

So, what we have here is a light (Hell) version of the traditional Bavarian Hefe Weizen. Guess what, I like it.

Untreated and bottled in its natural state of yeasty turbidity, this is a top fermented beer for the epicure. Its light honey colour makes it an immediate eyecatcher. Then there’s the opalescence and fine structure of the yeast turbidity. At the same time, the creamy, fine pored head invites you to get to know this light Weissbier from the Holy Mountain. First, distinctive fruity aromas like banana and honeydew melon come to the fore, followed by fine cloves. It is a very tangy, refreshing treat with the conviction of a full, soft body. It concludes on a finely balanced interplay of light sweet honey and a delicate acidity with undertones of bitter hoppiness that quickly subside into a harmonious aftertaste.

Alaskan Freeride Pale Ale

Alaskan Freeride Pale Ale.

5% ABV, 40 IBU. Alaskan Brewing, Juneau, Alaska.

And here we have the 3rd and final bottle of this beer from the Alaskan sampler pack I recently brought. It yielded 2 beers I’d had and reviewed here previously (Husky IPA and Hopothermia Double IPA, both enjoyable and well worth repeating) and two I’d never had (this one and an IPA new to me). I’ll be doing more reviews from beers out of sample packs, as I put the spotlight on $1.50 beers rather than $4/5 ones. One important matter is to remember to write the review. I went through a Cigar City sampler and totally forgot to set aside a single can of the one beer I hadn’t had, a Double IPA. Buy another one, or forge on ahead? Oh the problems I have...

Clear, bright amber hue, slim white head.

In the nose: citrus and pine. Touch of stone fruit.

In the mouth: crisp, brisk, Andy hoppy. Moderate bitterness, smooth malt. Citrus and slight grassy notes plus a bit of pine command the palate. Medium bodied, an excellent refreshment.

Good pale ale and you can drink it.

Arguably the style that triggered the craft beer movement in the United States, the American Pale Ale showcases the floral, fruity, and citrusy aroma and flavors of Pacific Northwest hops in balance with a medium malt body.

Alaskan Freeride APA features a lush, green, almost tropical hop aroma paired with the unique taste combination of these three, distinctive hop varieties, making it both full in flavor and crisply thirst-quenching.

Alaskan Freeride APA is brewed with Cascade, Citra, and Centennial hops, premium two-row and specialty crystal malts, and Juneau’s glacier-fed water.