Modist Truth Sequence West Coast Pale Ale

Modist Truth Sequence West Coast Pale Ale.

5.3 % ABV. Modist Brewing, Minneapolis, MN. 

Truth Sequence = the evil opposite doppelganger of False Pattern. But, what is a West Coast Pale Ale? Never heard of it. Is that when they take a hazy pale ale and re-do it un-hazily, as if it were a West Coast IPA? Let's drink it and find out. 

Needless to say this is the sort of beer I have to try, and now it is time to find out if it was worth the effort. 

Moderately hazed. Would have been nice if were clear, to really emulate "west coast" style, but, alas. Bright golden hue, large, lush, pure ivory head, leaving lace, looking great. 

In the nose: Citrus and pine aplenty. Bold and beautiful, right on the money. 

In the mouth: A bit of juicy at first, then a brace of bitterness, ultimately turning dry. Medium bodied, crisp, brisk, refreshing, so very close to what I like in a West Coast IPA, or pale ale, and with plenty of hop bitterness. Not as much as I want, but pretty damn close. Exceptionally smooth and drinkable, almost ridiculously so. I had the first three can of this 4-pack on three successive days after purchase, three weeks ago, and somehow held on to this one to take notes on, long after it's been sold out. Because I know you count on the Nib for the latest, most up-to-date beer reviews. 

This satisfies me enough that I forgive them for Day of Another Dream, their attempt to re-do Dreamyard a la West Coast-style, but completely leaving out the hop bitterness. Are brewers finally remembering what beers are supposed to taste like? I hope so. 

A West Coast version of our beloved False Pattern: New England Pale Ale. Brewed with malted oats, pale ale malt and malted wheat. Kettle hopped, whirlpool hopped and dry hopped with our hand selected Mosaic, Simcoe, Mosaic Cryo and Simcoe Cryo

Sisyphus Super Peanut Butter Jackpot

Sisyphus Super Peanut Butter Jackpot.

12.5 % ABV. 60 IBU. Sisyphus Brewing, Minneapolis, MN. 

Solid blackness, slim brown head. 

In the nose: Sweetness. Peanuttiness. Who put peanuts in my butter? And add to that a good deal of chocolate/cocoa. Tons of dark malty goodness, and a touch bittersweet, but leaning on more sweet than bitter. 

In the mouth: More of the same and then some. Safe Lady to the Extreme. Dark, decadent, deep, delicious. Full bodied and then some. Rich, earthy, malty, chocolate, espresso, and peanut butter. Massively major. Big and beefy with booze spilling out. Oh, is it only 12.5 %? Izzat ahhl? HIC!

This one has it all. The Super Jackpot. Peanut Butter meets Imperial Stout for the win. Well-balanced, all parts are in their proper place. Not too much sweet, not too much peanut butter, it's allll-right. 

Imperial Stout with Coffee/PB/Vanilla

The Brewing Projekt Citra Patrol Double IPA

The Brewing Projekt Citra Patrol Double IPA.

I thought that I'd take a chance on this beer. After all, it was "merely" $14.99 for the 4-pack for a double IPA. Normally, a DIPA from these guys would be $17-22. What was different about this one?

I didn't find out until after I bought it that this DIPA is only 6.7% ABV. This was missing from the label. I discovered it after the fact. Seems like a lie. But, I didn't know that then. And I liked the art and the name that referred to a video game I played in my youth. 

I wrote these notes on drinking the final can of the four: 

Clouded-up, bright golden, slim white head. 

In the nose: Big citrus, powerful lemon/lime, with a squeeze of orange, all the time, with a slice of tropical on the side. 

In the mouth: Sweetness plus citrus. Utterly lacking in bitterness. Barely negligible in hop flavors on the palate. Lots od Citra flavors & plenty of fuzz. 

Too much sweetness for me. Don't call it an IPA, especially not a double! It's pleasant enough, innocuous, but lacking in every attribute of an IPA. Far too sugary, and once again, how the hell do you call something a double IPA when it's not even 7 % ABV, and it has virtually no hop bitterness!

I feel very ripped off, and will be taking a hiatus from The Brewing Projekt for a while. 

Leinenkugel's Lemon Haze IPA

Leinenkugel's Lemon Haze IPA. India Pale Ale with natural lemonade flavor.

4.9 % ABV, 40 IBU. Leinenkugel's Brewing, Chippewa Falls, WI. 

Way back in March, we received a free 6-pack of this beer and it went to me. We'd already tried a sample. Damn me and my policy of not refusing free beer! So, I had the first five over the past three months (and often it was used in cooking) and now it's time to finish off the sixth and tell you about it. That's how much I liked this beer. Hold on. 

So, first of all, it's not a Hazy IPA. It's a "lemon haze" IPA. Whatever that is. 

Lightly clouded, bright golden hue, slim white head. 

In the nose: Big lemon, full-on fruity and tart. Nothing but lemon. And sugar. 

In the mouth: Huh. Lemonade still holding court, as for the beer...it is one. Not a trace of hops or bitterness or anything. Light bodied, simple, and possibly a lie. There's just no IPA here. Is it a trick, using the words "hazy" and "IPA" next to each other to lure in some unsuspecting curious craft beer imbibers? Not cool, Leinie's, not cool. 

Too much lemonade in this and not enough beer. I don't need another drop, gonna do an uncharacteristic drain pour...or maybe frying pan pour? 

Leinenkugel’s Lemon Haze IPA is a deliciously balanced hazy IPA that brings together notes of juicy lemons with the citrusy bitterness of American and German hops. Enjoy our bright, citrusy, and refreshing Lemon Haze IPA all year long. 

Modern Times Black House Coffee Stout

Modern Times Black House. Coffee. Roasty. Stout. 

5.8 % ABV, 40 IBU. Modern Times Beer, San Diego, CA. 

Solid blackness. Slim layer of creamy brown foam. Complete opacity. 

In the nose: Malty. Earthy. Espresso-rich. 

In the mouth: Sweetness, at first. Cocoa comes along, and then the coffee rises. Medium bodied, exceptionally smooth, and tasty, but I could go with a bit of fullness. Wouldn't mind that at all. 

Perfectly acceptable coffee stout, but nothing I'd make a fuss over. I'll try another Modern Times beer to get a handle on what all the fuss is about. I specifically chose this beer to avoid the styles that they are famous for, because they are the ones I am most tired of. Looks like I'll have to give them a shot. 

It’s so great that you like coffee. I just love that about you. Speaking of which, you’re holding an oatmeal coffee stout positively redolent with coffee aroma and flavor. It’s not acrid. It’s not astringent. It doesn’t taste like that brown puddle at the bottom of the office carafe at 4pm. It kind of tastes like chocolate covered espresso beans, only drier and more like beer. It’s the full-blown coffee beer experience in a sessionable-ish package.

Arbeiter Hefe Weizen Wheat Ale

 Arbeiter Hefe Weizen.

5.6 % ABV, 12 IBU. Arbeiter Brewing, Minneapolis, MN. 

Hazy, bright golden hue, healthy slab of ivory froth atop. 

In the nose: Sweet and wheat. Citrus, banana, clove. 

In the mouth: Slight sweetness kicks it off, with flavors of fruit and wheat. Exceptionally smooth and delightful. Banana/clove combo lurks just below the touch of citrus. Minor hops, major drinkability. Vanilla? (So, I peeked at their description before finishing my notes, so sue me.) Maybe. Yeah, sure. Exceptionally refreshing. 

Hefeweizen. German Wheat Beer

ABV 5.6% | 12 IBU

Is it officially summer when the temperature hits 90 degrees and Arbeiter releases their hefeweizen? Hell yeah it is! This incredibly delicious, crushable hefe has all those flavor characteristics you’ve come to love like banana, vanilla, and clove.

Aroma: As the yeast does, the smooth aroma is full of clove, banana, and vanilla notes.

Flavor: Welcoming notes of vanilla, banana sweetness perfectly balanced by a rich and smooth clove spiciness.

Allergens: Wheat

Firestone Propagator Series Citra Hazy IPA Single Hop

Firestone Propagator Series Citra Hazy IPA Single Hop.

5.6% ABV, Firestone Walker Brewery, Paso Robles, CA.

Clouded, bright golden hue, large and lasting brilliant ivory head. Looking nice. 

In the nose: Sunny delights. Bold and vibrant lemon and lime, with a pinch of orange, tangerine, pineapple, even. 

In the mouth: Bold citrus hop flavors at play on the palate. Juicy, a bit. And nicely hopped. Just enough bitterness to keep my mouth happy. Ultimately finishes dry. Medium body. Fresh, vibrant, and lovely. Yum a dum dum. 

Hazy Single Hop IPA with hints of grapefruit, citrus, and lemon

Tucher Dunkles Hefe Weizen Naturtrüb

Tucher Dunkles Hefe Weizen Naturtrüb. Aus Bayern. Authentic Bavarian Wheat Beer. 

5.2 % ABV. Tucher Bräu (Subsidiary of Radeberger Gruppe), Fürth, Bayern Germany.

So, these cans showed up at the retail store where I am currently working, along with their Helles Hefe Weizen, which I will also be checking out soon, and I wondered if this brewery has appeared here in the Nib before. Nope. Did I review it over on RateBeer or BeerAdvocate? Nuh-uh. Never? It appears so. I've always been aware of the brewery, has it never been available here, or did I just pass it over through the years? That can't be right. Doesn't sound like me at all. Maybe I've seen it in books so often that I thought I'd had it before. Well, let's fix the situation and drink some Tucher Brau right now. 

Clear, garnet-hued, with caramel-y, chestnut trim, hefty layer of cocoa-tinged foam above. 

In the nose: sweet and malty from the start, more cocoa and caramel mingling with the wheat flavors. Banana and clove bubble below. 

In the mouth: More sweet and loveliness, coupled with the silky and the smooth. Those flavors from the aroma land on the palate, more cocoa, caramel, banana and clove. Classic Bavarian Hefe Weizen with the dark malt twist. 

I love a good Dunkel Weisse and this most assuredly is one. 

A Bavarian specialty of dark colored, top fermented yeast beer with typical yeast cloudiness. 

Its unmistakable and well balanced taste is due to an excellent choice of dark aromatic malt and goes very well with traditional Bavarian dishes.

Wild Mind Grammar Rodeo New England / Hazy IPA

Wild Mind Grammar Rodeo New England / Hazy IPA.

6.5 % ABV. Brewed and canned by Wild Mind Artisan Ales, Minneapolis, MN. 

Despite my ban on the hazies, I had to add this one to the Bitter Nib Database. After all, I can't say no to a good Simpsons reference. 

All hazed out, dull orange color, bright, lasting, lace-leaving ivory head. 

In the nose: Citrus and tropical tones. Some sweetness. Mango and pineapple meet orange and grapefruit. 

In the mouth: Super Smooth, but just enough bitterness. Big citrus, much fruit, large flavor. Quite tasty. Lemon and grapefruit, a touch of lemongrass. Bitterness hangs on the palate just long enough for my liking. Medium bodied, long, hoppy finish. Highly satisfactory for a hophead such as I. 

I may seem to be always harping against the hazies, but when they're good, I like them. And this is one. 

Hazy IPA brewed with wheat, spelt, and oats. Double dry-hopped with Amarillo, Simcoe, Motueka, and Idaho 7.

Lagunitas The Waldos' Special Ale Triple IPA

Lagunitas The Waldos' Special Ale Triple IPA. Special One-hitter Release. 

Alc. by Vol. 11.7 %. 100 IBU. The Lagunitas Brewing Company, Petaluma, CA, & Chicago, IL. 

This is a beer that I should have reviewed on 4/20, right? I didn't pick up a 4-pack until May. It was my first time trying it out, and I saved the final bottle forever review until post 6/20. Let's check it out, already. 

Clear, bright amber hue, large, lush, cream-toned head. Looking good. 

In the nose: Bold citrus and stone fruit notes. Big, dank, and stanky. Ripe fruit and sticky candy. Rather inviting. 

In the mouth: Rich, thick and sloppy from the start. Ridiculously dank and resinous. Gumdrops and candied apricots. Slick and sweet, while blazingly bitter. Full bodied, full flavored, insanely hoppy. Just a little bit hot if it wasn't so wet. Nice little hoppy barleywine, this. Delicious, mind-altering, a real trip. 

In 1971, the Waldos met one afternoon at 4:20 in the front courtyard of their school near the statue of Louis Pasteur. They set out in a ’66 Impala armed with a “treasure map” on a journey to find a secret garden near Point Reyes. They met there at the same time every day and continued their quest. They never found the secret garden….But they keep lookin’.

Surly Razor Gang Dry Irish Stout

Surly Razor Gang Dry Irish Stout. Dark | Roasty | Nefarious

4.5 % ABV. Surly Brewing, Minneapolis/Brooklyn Center, MN. 

This one came from the sampler pack before the current sampler pack. Been procrastinating on it. Let's clear it out. 

Solid blackness, slim brown head. 

In the nose: roasted malts, burnt coffee, cocoa and caramel. Touch of sweetness, but overall dry. 

In the mouth: Flavors from the nose invade the palate, and they just lay there. It's wet and it's dry, my, my, my, my. Medium-bodied, long-is bittersweet finish. Little bit of malt sweetness escapes before it all turns dry. Requisite flavors, but not too exciting. Kind of rote, this on and a bit disappointing. I feel that Surly should be capable of better. 

Eh. It's okay. Is that all we should expect? 

But, hey, who knows, maybe it was better fresh...

Sharp like a straight razor and smooth as a Gaelic brogue, this Irish-style stout combines rich roasted malt flavor with a sweet cocoa-like body and dry finish.

The Fermentorium Rainbows & Lollipops American DIPA

The Fermentorium Rainbows & Lollipops American DIPA. Preserving Tradition, Unleashing Imagination. 

7.7 % ABV, 55 IBU. The Fermentorium, Cedarburg, WI. American Double India Pale with Falconer's Flight, Amarillo, and Azacca Hops. 

Here we have the first beer I've tried from The Fermenforium of Cedarburg, WI. The first wave of their cans sold out very quickly at the retail store where I currently work, before I had a chance to try them out. With this next wave, I was surprised that the DIPA was 12.49, and the West Coast IPA priced at 14.49. Don't the double IPAs usually get priced higher, with all those extra hops and stuff? I'll get to the West Coast soon, as it does not broach that $16 price wall I've got set up. 

Clear, bright golden/amber hue, large and lasting creamy head. 

In the nose: dank, resinous, citrus notes, tropical, candied fruit, gummi bears. 

In the mouth: Some bitterness up front, leading into juicy. Bold and fresh, but it quits the palate too quickly. And then it returns, for a bit. Maybe I'm hoping for more intensity. Maybe 7.7 % is too low an ABV for a Double IPA. Maybe 55 IBUs isn't enough to turn on this hophead. 

Medium bodied, long bitterness in the finish. Packs a kind of a punch. To tell the truth, I do enjoy this one, it's just not exactly what I want from the style. Close, though. 

Life’s not always Rainbows and Lollipops, so we created this DIPA to put a smile on your face and let you know to not take things too seriously. Packed with tropical & citrus notes from heavy handed hop additions, it offers a balance of sweet smoothness and layers of fruity flavors.

New Holland Dragon's Milk Reserve Bourbon Barrel Aged Stout with Vanilla and Chai Spices

New Holland Dragon's Milk Reserve Bourbon Barrel Aged Stout with Vanilla and Chai Spices.

11 % ABV. New Holland Brewing, Holland, MI. 

Full-on ebony, slim brownish head, utterly opaque. 

In the nose: Spicy, spicy! Cinnamon and clove? I honestly don't know what "chai spices" are, so I'm grasping at straws, maybe...dark, malty, rich. 

In the mouth: full, vast, rich, spicy, malty, mmm. A lot of deliciousness here. Earthy, gritty,herbal, rich. Medium to full bodied, long, lustful finish. There's vanilla and spice, and everything nice. 

The thing about this is ...you have to give up whatever you think about Dragon's Milk, the beer. It's not that. It has almost nothing to do with that. 

A throwback to one of our favorite releases, the final Reserve of 2020 was aged for three months in select bourbon barrels. Deep roasted notes from premium malts combine with the sweet tones of vanilla and a blend of delicious chai spices to create an experience made to be savored.

Hacker Pschorr Weissbier

Hacker Pschorr Weissbier. Classic Unfiltered Wheat Beer. 

5.5 % ABV. Hacker-Pschorr (Subsidiary of Paulaner Brauerei), Munich, Bayern Germany

My current goal is to continue to check off of the list of beers missing from this blog the quality German beers available at the retail store where I currently work. I say "quality", because I may have to skip stuff like, you know, St. Pauli Girl. Unless someone gives me a bottle. And our next stop on that tour is the Weissbier from Hacker Pschorr of Munich. Only their Oktoberfest has appeared in the Nib before. This was purchased as a 4-pack of 16 ounce cans. 

I am re-using old notes, as I do, and they are from a bottle and from about sixteen years ago. June 24, 2005, to be exact. 

12 ounce bottle, poured into a Weihenstephaner weisse glass.

...but not very skillfully...we've got 3 inches of beer and 8 inches of foam....now, we play the waiting game..

looks lovely, cloudy tangerine, vast, dotted froth...

aroma: banana, lemon, and orange leap right out the glass and invade the nose, with a kick of spice at the side...traces of cookie dough and soft cinnamon.

Taste: fruity at the fore, sparkly and spicy...then smooth and tasty. Ridiculously drinkable, medium-bodied, with a light, yet lingering citrus & yeast finish.

This beverage easily meets my approval. I could have a hearty session with these in hot weather such as we have now...heck, I'm already on my second bottle!

I agree with my 36-year old self of the past. I gave it 4.35/5 on BeerAdvocate, a good 6.1 % above the average. Who cares, it's good beer and you can drink it. And it is the seventh highest-ranked Hefe Weizen on that site. What tops it? Weihenstephaner at number one, of course, Ayinger, Andeschser, and one from Schneider that I apparently haven't had. The one I have had is at #8. Also, Live Oak from Texas, which has been up there for so long, I have to find a way to try it. And Dancing Man from New Glarus, which I have had and, oddly enough, I gave a below average ranking to that one, 4.18 vs. 4.24 (I mean, close enough, right) and also to Weihenstephaner (4.42 vs. 4.45), and I routinely consider Weihenstephaner the tops.

What does this say, essentially? That I really like German Here Weizens!

Junkyard Wicked Awesome Slurry New England-style Double IPA

Junkyard Wicked Awesome Slurry New England-style Double IPA.

8.1 % ABV. Junkyard Brewing, Moorhead, MN. 

Yep, breaking the ban on the hazies once more, on purpose, paid with my own money, and the reason is I want to keep trying Junkyard beers while avoiding the overly fruity sours and such, as well as the thick stouts that send you to Diabetes Town. Let's just open it up and I promise I will judge it on what it is and what it tries to be, not what I wish it were. 

Hazy ('natch), bright golden toned, large and lasting, lace-leaving head. Looking lovely. 

In the nose: Blast of citrus and tropical notes into olfactories. Getting grapefruit, passionfruit, tangerine, lemon, and a splash of mango, all with a side order of fuzz. 

In the mouth: Smooth and fuzzy. Mild bitterness. Fresh hoppiness. Building in intensity, emboldening with increasing alcohol. Much haze and fuzz in the mouthfeel. Just a touch of sweetness from the malt and the yeast. Medium body. Drinkable. Hoppy. Too sweet and soft and ....you can like this all you want...I won't call it a favorite. 

This hoppy brute is brewed with wheat to soften its body and features the dankest Eureka and the juiciest El Dorado for a mysterious haze filled with murky, tropical goodness. 

That was what I swiped from Untappd. Here's what's on the label: A mysterious shape appeared in the murky haze. And suddenly she felt the leafy claws of the...Slurry Monster! ....and then the rest....

Modist Breathing : Conversations Double Dry-hopped New England IPA

Modist Breathing : Conversations Double Dry-hopped New England IPA.

6.8 % ABV, Modist Brewing,  Minneapolis, MN, in collaboration with Brewing Change Collective and Finback Brewing, NYC. 

I purchased this beer in a 4-pack over three months ago, breaking my boycott of the hazies because I wanted to support the cause. But I would have done more for their mission if I hadn't waited so long to take notes on the fourth can, long after the beer has sold out and been forgotten. Things just got forgotten in the fridge. Here's some information from the label, before we drink: 

Modist Brewing Company + Brewing Change Collective. A global conversation about race, injustice and equality, to be the change we seek. Hosted by Finback Brewing, NYC. New England IPA w/ pilsner malt, flaked oats, hopped & double dry-hopped w/ Citra & Mosaic. Take part in the conversation. #breathingconversations. 

Hazy, bright yellow coloring, slim white head. 

In the nose: Big citrus with berries on the side. Large lemon, orange and grapefruit. Citra bomb.

In the mouth: Clean, lean and smooth, light, easy and breezy. It's an agreeable beer, not too much of the thick, fuzzy haze of some NE DDHs. Light bitterness. Highly palatable. This is the kind of IPA people can get together and come to an agreement on. 

From the front label: "To have an honest conversation around race we must begin with a reckoning with one's position within the machination's of race. Race is a construct born of white supremacy. White supremacy is embedded in our everyday lives. It's just a matter of whether you benefit from it or are harmed by it. Black, Indigenous People of Color (BIPOC) folks have been harmed by it for generations. It seems that in the wake of the murde of George Floyd by officers of the Minneapolis Police Department here in Minnesota on May 25, 2020, that non-BIPOC folks are taking notice and finally listening to BIPOC voices. Voices that have been protesting, writing, creating art to fight back against white supremacy for generations. Our challenge for those who do not identify as BIPOC: how are you benefiting from white supremacy and are you willing to step away from that? Are you willing to sacrifice your comfort and privilege to save Black, Indigencous, and People of Color from dying at the hands of white supremacy? In 2021 life cannot go back to "normal". Ramsey Louder, Co-director, Brewing Change Collective. 

It's great that Modist put this statement on the front label of this beer, especially after Ramsey stepped away from the brewery he was running when the majority owners wouldn't allow him to say what he wanted to say, in the wake of George Floyd's murder. ONE Fermentary and Taproom became one of the shortest lived local breweries in recent memory, and never survived the controversy surrounding Ramsey's departure. Meanwhile, Modist sparked some small controversy among the narrow-minded by making their own statements about the pursuit of justice in 2020. 

Arbeiter Roggen Stickum

Arbeiter Roggen Stickum. Sticke Alt with Rye. 

8.5 % ABV.  53 IBU. Contains Wheat. Canned 05.31.21. Arbeiter Brewing, Minneapolis, MN. 

Thoroughly opaque, dark brown coloration, slim beige head, leaving some lace. 

In the nose: Caramel and toffee hits first, with minor hops. Mostly malty. Rye pops up and the spice spreads. Bready and beautiful. 

In the mouth: Cocoa, rye malt, peppery spices, toasted caramel, pumpernickel, all of it popping on the palate. Rich, slightly sweet, and undeniably delicious. Toasty, and tasty, and a lot of fun. Sweetness and spice and everything nice. This is flat out delectable. A peerless creation. 

This is testament to why a brewery like Arbeiter is important. Who else is making beers like this? In a scene full of tired old gimmicks, cliches, and riding fads til they die, I'm glad there is a brewery like Arbeiter making some truly remarkable, original creations, but rooted in tradition and led by experience and expertise. 

I've certainly never had a roggen sticke before, and now that I have, I have to wonder why not? 

Roggenbier is a German bier made with a high percentage of rye.

Sticke Alt is a stronger, maltier, hoppier version of an Altbier

The “Sticke Alt” was originally born from an accident. A brewer once accidentally over-weighed the grain and made a stronger-than-normal alt. The local townspeople loved this special alt so much that the brewmaster decided to begin making the “Sticke (special) Alt” every year. It wasn’t originally advertised and the brewery relied on word-of-mouth to share the “stickum”, which means ‘secret’ in old Dusseldorf dialect. Enjoy the Roggen Stickum, or “Secret Rye” – we made it just for you! 

Aroma: A rich menagerie of raisin, plum, caramel/burnt caramel, brown sugar, toffee, dark toast, and some rich huskiness and earthiness.

Flavor: Assertive rye spiciness blends with pleasant hoppiness, followed by a warming, blackberry-like fruitiness.

Weihenstephaner Kristall Weissbier.

Weihenstephaner Kristall Weissbier. Crystal Clear. 

5.4 % ABV, 18 IBU. Bayerische Staatsbrauerei Weihenstephan, Freising, Bayern Germany.

And now we reach the last bottle from the glassware pack, and it's a beer I first took notes on way back on 6/22/2003, nearly eighteen years ago. Let's see what I said then: 

Pint bottle.

Appearance: crystal-clear pale yellow color, with a large, looming chalk-white capper of foam.

Aroma: fresh and airy, a trifle citric and sour, but mostly lacking in vital weissbier aroma characteristics.

Nice, light, crisp, tangy texture/ mouthfeel, very light-bodied, good malty flavor, practically no hops that I can taste. Good flavor.

Have to admit a prejudice, though: I just can't get behind filtered wheat beers, especially when they come from an excellent producer such as Weihenstephaner. That yeast texture is so refreshing and rewarding in the best examples of the style, when I taste a non-HEFE weissbier, I can only think of what I'm missing.

There's a bubblegum taste, too, just to the left of the vanilla/clove combo we find in great (and not-so-great) Bavarian weissbiers.

In this heat, though, it'll do, but it will be largely forgotten, especially as I down it quickly in order to get at the Weihenstephaner Dunkel Weisse in the fridge!

So, that's what I said then. It was wrong to judge a beer harshly for being a great example of it's style, whether I prefer that style or not. (I say that about this, yet I'll still trash PBR, Coors, and Corona.) I still would rather reach for an unfiltered version. Ain't nothing wrong with this, though

In our golden-yellow crystal-clear wheat beer the fresh citrus flavour harmonises very well with spicy banana notes. The fine sparkling gives it a tangy and animated appearance. Throughout summer and winter, it’s a prickling experience. It goes well with fish, seafood, white meat or it can be enjoyed as an aperitif. Brewed according to our centuries-old brewing tradition on the Weihenstephan hill. 

Able Hidden Peach Hazy India Pale Ale

J

Able Hidden Peach Hazy IPA. With Sabro, Wai-iti, and Zythos Hops. And on the side of the label, in fine print: Contains lactose. 

6 .1 % ABV, 15 IBU. Able Seedhouse & Brewery, Minneapolis, MN. 

Once again, I find myself busting my self-imposed boycott on the hazies. As well as my lactose ban. Once again, a sample provided to me, and I cannot refuse free beer. Let's see if it's a good one. 

Considerably clouded, pale yellow color, slim white head on top. 

In the nose: Soft and citrusy. Slice of pineapple, and, yeah, I can get a whiff of peach, as well. 

In the mouth: Juicy and bright at first, with citrus tones climbing on the palate, lemon and orange and tangerine, swiftly overtaken those peachy notes hinted at ever slightly by the handle on this here beer. Minor hops, little bitterness, smooth malty flavors. Yeah, it's a smooth one. Creamy, even. Yeah...creamy.

This is a competent ale, it's sure to delight some, but is plainly not for me. IPAs should have some bitter edge to them. They shouldn't be wholly neutered, defanged, and rendered ultimately blasé. 

Despite the faults that I find, it's still a tasty beverage. You might like it, and I couldn't blame you. Go ahead and give it a whirl. 

Hazy IPA w/ Sabro, Wai-iti, and Zythos hops. Malt bill provides a silky smooth canvas for multiple dry hop additions. Notes of peaches and cream on the nose, with large tropical fruit flavor throughout. Finishes slightly sweet and fruity. 

Surly Mean Streets IPA

Surly Mean Streets IPA. Sultana India Pale Ale. Fruity. Dank. Mean. 

6.8 % ABV, Surly Brewing, Minneapolis/Brooklyn Center, MN. 

Halfway hazy. Golden toned. Large and lasting ivory head. 

In the nose: Citrus blast with a dose of pine. 

In the mouth: A bit of juicy at the start, with a side order of bitter. Tasty from the get-go. Grapefruit, orange and lemon go down the gullet. Fresh and zesty. Touch of tropical to meet the pine and citrus. Medium bodied, long, lightly bitter finish. Good old IPA and you can drink it. 

This one is available only in  the current Hoppy Pack, as three of the 12 cans included. If it were a regular 6-pack offering, or even a seasonal, heck, I wouldn't mind at all. 

Whether you’re out on the mean streets or living in the lap of luxury, this complex and intriguing IPA speaks to you. Featuring the Sultana hop varietal—a relatively new hop centering notes of pineapple, lemony citrus, and pine—Mean Streets is a gritty, groundbreaking twist on the “new school” IPA. You don’t make up for your sins at church. You do it with a Mean Streets. 

St. Bernardus Wit

St. Bernardus Wit. 

5.5 % ABV, 10 IBU. Brouwerij St.Bernardus, Watou, Vlaanderen Belgium

A funny thing happened. A friend of mine brought up the subject of witbiers and asked for recommendations. I mentioned this one, as I always do. At the store where I currently work, if anyone's looking for a wit, that's were I go first. And then I checked this here blog, and it's nowhere to be seen. Only a variation called Tokyo Wit, but that's not this. Have I not had it once in the past 10 years? Apparently.

And so, I bought a 4-pack, opened one up, took a picture, and we're looking back on notes from July, 2005, probably from on-tap at the Blue Nile...

Appearance: absolutely hazed, faint yellow, slim white head.

Aroma: spice hits first, then soft fruit, pear and citrus, orange, pineapple?, lemon...

Taste: exceptionally smooth, exquisitely soft, a definite joy in the mouth. Coriander taste is consistent throughout and dominates the more delicately played fruit component. Light and utterly downable, yet with significan yeast in the texture to secure it as medium bodied, and so flavorful, it causes one to pause and luxuriate in it's splendor. 

A brilliant summertime brew, and would be a great dinner beer, as well...you could toss back a pitcher of it, washing down hot, hearty food!

An exceptional wit!

I agree with me from almost sixteen years ago. It's ranked as the #2 wit on BeerAdvocate.com, after the more easily found (though not here) Allagash White, which I haven't had in forever. Go get yourself some and tell them Al sent you. 

This traditional Witbier (Wheat beer) has been developed in cooperation with Master Brewer Pierre Celis, the Godfather of Hoegaarden and Celis White. 

This beer as well has a second fermentation in the bottle, giving this beer its specific taste (5.5% alcohol content).

Elysian Full Contact Imperial Hazy IPA

Elysian Full Contact Imperial Hazy IPA.

8.8% ABV, 60  IBU, Elysian Brewing, Seattle, WA. (Subsidiary of Anheuser-Busch)

I picked up a 6-pack of this one because I wanted an affordable Double or Imperial IPA, and I'd be willing to bet that it wouldn't be that hazy, you know, not like the ones I hate. Oh, but hate is such a strong word. Greatly disdain, how about that?

Not that hazy, at all. Quite clear. More marketing lies. Bright orange coloring, slim white head. 

In the nose: Intensely hoppy from the start. Big citrus and pine with a hefty helping of stone fruit. Orange slices meet candied apricots. 

In the mouth: There it is, big, bold, bright, fruity, dank, resinous, delicious. Powerful. Evil. Rich with hoppy goodness and overflowing with badass bitterness. Medium bodied, long hop barrage on the palate. Truly decadent double IPA. 

Cloaked in a semi-translucent haze, an imposing presence beckons you to come closer. As you do, your nose opens to a tangent of wistful memories — peach season in the orchard, a tangerine tree on a hill, fresh honeydew cold from the fridge, and a vanilla cream soda in your hand. What kind of bittersweet initiation is this?

BODY:Medium-bodied

MALTS: 2-Row, Malted Wheat, and Unmalted Wheat

HOPS:Centennial, Simcoe, Strata, and more

THE BEER: RIch and audacious, this Imperial is not to be trifled with. Unlike it's Hazy and Tart siblings, Full Contact will walk up to you and stop just short of your noses touching. It's lustrous, hoppy flavor profile booms loudly and beckons you toward it. This is one event you won't want to miss. 

Oliphant / The Brewing Projekt Collaberal Damage West Coast IPA

Oliphant / The Brewing Projekt Collaberal Damage West Coast IPA.

7.5 % ABV. Oliphant Brewing, Somerset, WI, in collaboration with The Brewing Projekt, Eau Claire, WI. 

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

In the nose: Bold citrus notes, with hints of tropical and a pinch of pine. Vibrant and lively. 

In the mouth: Juicy at first, then turning ultimately dry on the palate. Hops aplenty in this, with grapefruit, tangerine, papaya, and a side order of dried apricot and peach. Long-lasting hop bitterness lays hard on the palate. This hits me right where I live. 

Quite delightful, this. I may have to go back for more. 

West Coast IPA brewed w/ Cascade, Amarillio, Talus & Simcoe Hops!

the BREWING PROJEKT x OLIPHANT BREWING Collab brew!

Finnegan's Honey Saison

Finnegan's Honey Saison.

6.3 % ABV, 30 IBU, Finnegan's Brewing, Minneapolis, MN. 

Clear, honey gold color, strong ivory head. Looking fine. 

In the nose: Saison yeast starts if off, slightly spicy/musty flavors emerge. Some citrus and honey notes. Nailed the aroma on this one. 

In the mouth: Chock full o' character. Honey makes itself at home in the mouth. Citrus zest and funky Belgian yeast at play on the palate. Mellow malt, minor hops. Light bodied, flavorful, refreshing. This one's got the goods. 

Honey saison ale with hints of sweetness and a floral nose.

Mikerphone Raindrop DropTop Double Dry-hopped Double India Pale Ale

Mikerphone Raindrop DropTop Double Dry-hopped Double India Pale Ale.

8% ABV. Mikerphone Brewing, Elk Grove Village, IL. 

My first from these guys, the Illinois brewery named for a guy named Mike and his love of audio equipment. Let's see how I like it. 

All cloudy and hazy, dull orange, large ivory head. 

In the nose: Soft and citric, slightly sweet. 

In the mouth: All fuzzy and cottony and thick with the haze. They never warn you. Soft and soft and soft. Mightily mellow. Soft orange, soft grapefruit, very soft. Like a mouthful of gauze. And a mouthful of gauze ain't no fun. Protein haze aplenty. Low bitterness. Hop flavors, yeah, but I ain't digging it. 

I just don't like beers like this. A lot of you do, though, so don't let me stop you. 

Man, when I see DDH DIPA, I should just turn and walk away. 

I can't blame myself for this one, it was a sample. 

Double Dry-Hopped Double IPA w/ Citra and Riwaka Hops

You know what, I'm going to do that thing where I check in on other people's opinions, because I can't believe I'm so in the minority. Visiting Untappd for this, as usual. 

Dave says: Delicious Citra & Riwaka DIPA. Hits the spot after crushing X number of Hamm's this week. Yes X, not XX 🙄 Too hot out for too many big crafties 🤷🏼‍♂️

I'll be honest, I didn't know people were saying "crafties"....I'm so out of it.

Bryan offers: Fruity front with some mango/stone fruit and a hop back end. Solid pour 🍻

I don't want a "hop back end." I want it up front and in the middle. Also, is everyone using emojis all the time? 

Says Chris G: Dayammm, Mikerphone. Always so 🔥🔥🔥 This brew is phenomenal and thus far underrated. Pillowy mango and peach pulp rounded out with a firm hop punch in the fade. 

I don't want my mango pillowy. Maybe I'm alone in this. And my hatred of emojis.

James S. calls it: Epic Sauce! but uses no emojis, so I can't be sure of him. 

Tim J. tells us: This drink turned me into the Migos .. got at cultivate .. hints of fruit or pine or something ... I like a lot v summery

Turning someone into the Migos might be this beer's worst crime. 

And I am simply alone on this one. 

Arbeiter Drippy Zwickel Unfiltered Lager

Arbeiter Drippy Zwickel Unfiltered Lager.

6.9 %, 57 IBU. Arbeiter Brewing, Minneapolis, MN. 

Ever-so-slightly clouded, bright golden hue, slim, but lace-leaving layer of foam. 

In the nose: Clean, minor hops. 

In the mouth: Crispness and cleanness. Smooth, light, refreshing. Citrus notes and hop bitterness dance upon a mellow malt frame. Lemon and grapefruit at play. Fresh and zesty, a little bit of spicy. Exceptional drinkability. Damnably delicious. Pale ale meets a lager. Good beer and you can drink it. 

Unfiltered Hoppy Lager

ABV 6.9% | 57 IBU

Zwickel: A port on brewing tanks used for taking samples of beer.

We’ve sampled this beer so much that the zwickel on our bright tank is always dripping! The good news is we saved some for you! This hybrid lager is inspired by crossing a Keller Pils with a Hazy IPA. Drippy Zwickel is the latest hoppy brainstorm from our brewer whose intentions were to combine properties of both a mellow and rich Kellerbier with the punchy hop profile of a hazy IPA. The result is big and assertive, sweet and hoppy lager.

Clean and intense citrus aromas of mandarin orange, tangerine, and grapefruit with an underlying of muskmelon and clean dankness.

The sweet and smooth malt body is almost indistinguishable from the sweet citrus flavors imparted by an unabashed use of hops. As mentioned above, there is an interesting yet inviting sensory dilemma between a rich ale and a clean lager.

Allergens: Wheat

Here's what's weird. I've always known "zwickel" as a name for an unfiltered German lager, never knew it was also a term for a piece on a brite tank. These days, everyone uses "Keller pils." Perhaps they are interchangeable now. 

DCR Fruitshake Strawberry Blonde Fruit Ale

DCR Fruitshake Strawberry Blonde Fruit Ale.

5.2 % ABV. 12 IBU. Drumconrath Brewing, Fargo, ND.

Hazy, pale golden color, slim to no head. 

In the nose: Sweet, fruity, minor hops. 

In the mouth: Big time sweet and fruity, with a twist of tart. Low key bitterness, moderate malt. Creamy. Is this a "milkshake blonde ale", rather than a milkshake IPA? Do we have lactose and vanilla? It's right there on the label. This is a first for me, almost all the "milkshakes" I've had have tried to pass themselves off as IPAs. I have to say that I prefer this approach. 

This is not for me, but it is most certainly for plenty of other folks, ...if that's you, have at it. 

Three Floyds Pride and Joy 3000 Mild Ale

Three Floyds Pride and Joy 3000 Mild Ale.

5 % ABV, 42 IBU. 

Brewed and bottled by Three Floyds Brewing Company, Munster, IN. It's Not Normal. 

When this one came out a few weeks back, I wasn't sure if I needed to include it here in the Nib. After all, I had already reviewed Pride and Joy way back eight years ago. But this is different. This is Pride and Joy 3000. Instead of a raving mad jester on the label, it has a sci-fi alien monster carving some bleeding skulls. That has to mean it's different, right? Let's find out...

Absolutely clear, bright golden hue, slim white head. 

In the nose: Moderate happiness, citrus notes. 

In the mouth: Bold, fresh, hoppy as heck. Light-bodied, with long-lasting mild bitterness upon the palate. Easy-drinking, but with plenty of flavor. Orange and grapefruit, lemon and lime. Tasty, tasty stuff. 

This tastes more like an American Pale Ale, than an English Mild Ale, although I have to admit my experience with those beers isn't as extensive. 

A smooth, medium-bodied session beer with bright citrus hop aroma and finish. Our interpretation of an American Mild Ale.

Oh, okay, that makes sense, I guess. 

Weihenstephaner Original Premium Lager

Weihenstephaner Original Premium Lager. 

5.1 % ABV. Bayerische Staatsbrauerei Weihenstephan, Freising, Bayern Germany

Still closing the ranks on some of the classic German beers. This one was available, until now, in two ways at the retail store where I currently work: as a 6-pack of 12 ounce bottles, or included in the 5 bottle + glass pack that sold for $13. I'm not sure why I thought there were 12 ounce bottles in the box, but once I realized that they were 500ml bottles, and I did the math, I purchased the final pack in the store. 5 bottles which we sell for $4 each, $20 value, plus the glass, which I didn't need, for $13. What a deal. That's like getting them for $2.50 and paying fifty cents for the glass. Or paying $2.60 and getting the glass for free!

There were 3 bottles that have appeared here before, and two that haven't, this one and the Kristall Weisse. I gave the glass to a co-worker.

Now, let's drink the beer: 

Crystal clear, bright golden color, large ivory head holding down the fort. 

In the nose: Clean, slightly sweet/floral/hoppy, cereal malt. Classic German lager aromatics.

In the mouth: Crisp, clean, light, refreshing. Minor hop bitterness, laying lightly on the palate. Small sweetness, excellent balance, superb drinkability. Light, dry malty flavors. Just about perfect. Goes down so nice and easy, especially on a hot day like today. 

I've said it often that I'm not much of a lager liker, but when they're this good, it's impossible not to like. 

A good beer takes its time. The long storage makes our yellow bright lager, “Original”, a flavourful beer enjoyed with fine pored, white foam. With a mild hoppy note and its pleasant fresh spicy taste, it goes very well with salads, poultry, stews or with a hearty snack. Brewed according to our centuries-old brewing tradition on the Weihenstephan hill. 

The Bavarian State Brewery Weihenstephan, founded in 1040, is the oldest continuously operating brewery in the world. Being owned by the Free State of Bavaria, it is run as a modern company brewing beers of the highest quality successfully selling them in more than 50 countries worldwide.

Pipeworks Twin Speak Double India Pale Ale

Pipeworks Twin Speak Double India Pale Ale. With Citra, Amarillo, Cryo Simcoe, and Cryo Amarillo. 

8 % ABV. Pipeworks Brewing, Chicago, IL. 

All clouded up. Once again, I've been tricked. Nothing on the label about it, but that doesn't matter any more. Golden hued. Slim white head. 

In the nose: Soft and citric. Mild hoppiness. 

In the mouth: More soft, more citrus. Fuzzy. Lacks any bite. Medium bodied. ..."smooth"...sigh...For those who like that. I must raise my objections once more. I expect double hop bitterness from a Double IPA, not just higher alcohol. 

This is giving me nothing that I want from a DIPA. Should I just stick to Ninja vs. Unicorn? 

Ayinger Bräuweisse Authentic Bavarian Hefe Weizen

Ayinger Bräuweisse Authentic Bavarian Hefe Weizen. 

5.1 %, 13 IBU, Ayinger Privatbrauerei, Aying, Bayern Germany

A couple of years back, I came to the shocking discovery that none of the Ayinger beers had been entered into this blog, after nearly nine years of activity. Since then, six have appeared here. Now, I'm finally getting around to the seventh, and I will be looking back on notes I originally posted on BeerAdvocate.com in May of 2003, 18 years ago. How do they hold up? Let's see...

Appearance: hazy, lemon-rind-yellow hue, with a towering, snow white head.

Aroma: super fresh! Ahhh!!! Lemony, soft, luxurious, delightful!

Luxurious mouthfeel, at first, until I realize that I'm drinking the foam. As for the actual beer, smooth, but complex, and delicious wheaty texture. Just enough grit and resistance to keep the tongue busy and happy. 

Though the body has plenty of substance, the overall nature of this brew is light and breezy. Citrus flavor continues through and is felt long through the satisfying finish. 

No lemon needed here, it's plentiful in this beautiful brew itself ( and is also extant in the Thai shrimp pad thai that this blissful weizen is helping to wash down).

I agree with me in my early thirties. And now I know what I'm having for dinner. 

This beer is available in 2 formats at the retail store where I currently work. Either the 500 ml bottles or the 4-pack of 12 ounce bottles. I chose the second option because it works out to be a better deal. And I can definitely throw back four of these, especially with the temps in the 90's now. 

Fragrance and taste of the “yeast-cloudy” wheat beer are distinguished by a refined top-fermented flowery-yeast character and an unmistakable, distinct banana aroma. First sensation on the taste buds is full-bodied, very soft and mild with a lively, champagne-like sparkle. A light, typical wheat beer taste is expressed, the bitter tone of which can scarcely be detected. The sparklingly refreshing Ayinger Bräuweisse will impress every wheat beer connoisseur with the first mouthful.

Badger Hill Blood Orange Traitor IPA

Badger Hill Blood Orange Traitor IPA.

7 % ABV, 70 IBU, Badger Hill Brewing, Shakopee, MN. 

Slightly clouded, bright orange/crimson coloring, slim white head. 

In the nose: fruity and hoppy, with a touch of tart. 

In the mouth: Orange flavor and hop bitterness blast the palate at the start. Juicy blood orange flavors keep time with the bitter hop flavors throughout. Medium-bodied, with a long, astringent finish. 

Crisp, clean and super drinkable. A tasty one. I like a good blood orange IPA, and this is one. 

Traitor IPA infused with blood orange

Inbound North Star Cowboy Prickly Pear IPA

Inbound North Star Cowboy Prickly Pear IPA.

6.4 % ABV, 54 IBU. Inbound BrewCo., Minneapolis, MN. 

There was some confusion when this beer made it's way into my possession. Should I review it? Hadn't I had it before? Well, maybe something similar. I had a prickly pear NE IPA from a crowler by Inbound last year. But, this one is not a New England IPA, and it has a new name, and is out there in the marketplace. 

It is decided. Notes ahoy!

Clear, bright rosy/ruby red coloring, slim white head. 

In the nose: fruity, growing in stature and presence over time, moderate hops, increasingly apparent pears and pricklies. 

In the mouth: Starts out slightly tart and very juicy, mild bitterness that grows on the palate. Vibrant, arresting, maybe even delicious. Medium bodied, long mildly hoppy finish. Intriguing balance between bitterness and juicy fruit flavors. I am enjoying this one. It provides me with considerable delights. 

Juicy prickly pear fruit brings a vibrant flavor that might get mistaken for berries, melon, or even pineapple, this cactus fruit delivers a desert sunset right to your palate. 

Arbeiter Sleiyer Tropical Fruit Sour Ale

Arbeiter Sleiyer Tropical Fruit Sour Ale. Collaboration with Dangerous Man Brewing. 

Brewed and packaged by Arbeiter Brewing, Minneapolis, MN. 6.66 % ABV. 

Lightly clouded, bright golden color, slim white head. 

In the nose: Tart and fruity, all the tropicals convening as one. Passionfruit, mango guava. 

In the mouth: Whoa. Yes. A juicy, sour delight. Full of tropical flavors. Medium-bodied, long tart/fruity finish. Incredibly tasty. 

SLEIYER

Tropical Fruit Sour

ABV 6.5% | 23 IBU

Sleiyer is a new collab with @DangerousMan and we’re F*!%NG STOKED! This tropical cocktail-inspired kettle sour is so good, it’s downright evil. Pineapple, papaya, and passionfruit riff with Sabro cryohops and Lotus Lupulin hops. This beer will make you feel like banging your head in paradise — leather and leis, baby! 

Aroma: A tropical fruit explosion of fresh pineapple, passion fruit, and tart grapefruit. Reminiscent of a magical island beverage with an ever-so-slight hint of orange

Flavor: A welcoming tartness coexists with fresh fruit flavors of pineapple and papaya. A touch of hop bitterness enhances the astringent kettle sour mouth-feel.

Allergens: Wheat

Oliphant Ennui'd Galaxy Single Hop India Pale Ale

Oliphant Ennui'd Galaxy Single Hop India Pale Ale.

7.5 % ABV, Oliphant Brewing, Somerset, WI. 

Way back, six years ago, I had a beer from Oliphant called EnnuiPA, one in a series of IPAs, with a different single hop showcased. That one was with Waimea. They didn't continue that series for very long. I believe this to be a revival of that concept, under a new name.

But I have no idea what is going on with Jeremy's illustration. Footnotes, please. 

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

In the nose: Citrus and pine, lemon and orange. 

In the mouth: Starts out bold, bitter and citric. Grapefruit, lime, and pine. Just a little juicy, with a judicious jolt of bitterness carrying it through. Leaning hard into deliciousness. Medium-bodied, clean, crisp and quite refreshing. 

This one's right on the money. Giving me what I want in an IPA. I take great delight in a beer such as this with appropriate hop flavor and bitterness. Keep bringing 'em, Oliphant. 

single hop IPA w/ galaxy hops!

Three Floyds Barrel-aged Behemoth Barley-wine Ale

Three Floyds Barrel-aged Behemoth Barley-wine Ale.

13.6 % ABV, 45 IBU, Three Floyds Brewing, Munster, IN. 

Dark brown, ruby-tinged, nearly opaque, under a slim, beige head holding fort atop. 

In the nose: burnt caramel, anise, mocha, toffee, decadence, cocoa, smokey treats on top of truffles and utter luxury. Whole lot going on here. 

In the mouth: Sweetness takes the stage, big malt, big flavors, hugeness upon hugeness. Big body, long, luxuriant finish. Slight spice. Richness, caramel and barrel age bourbon flavors. Oak and vanilla. Boom, boom, boom, boom, boom. Whoa. Big, beefy, boisterous. Ridiculously deep, dark, decadent, and crazily delicious. More whoa. 

Our American-style Barleywine gets the barrel treatment, as we age it in bourbon barrels for over a year. From here the intense hop character gets rounded out and complemented with natural vanilla, coconut and bourbon notes extracted from the barrel aging process. 12oz bottle.

Stone Liquid Poem Double IPA

Stone Liquid Poem Double IPA. Glory to the Hop. 

9.4 % ABV, 100 IBU, Stone Brewing, Escondido, CA. 

Clear, bold and bright golden hue, slim white head. 

In the nose: bursting with vibrant tropical tones and citrus notes, slightly sweet and overtly fruity. Resiny pine needle trickles delight the senses, as well. 

In the mouth: Starts off sweet, succulent, strong, and increasingly bitter. Citrus and pine take hold of the palate and keep up an encampment. Long, bitter finish on the back of the throat and the top of the mouth.  It's a rowdy hop mess at play on the palate, dank and delicious. I enjoy this type of domination, ruination, decimation. 

Yes, slowly, but surely, the alcohol rises, the hop bitterness continues, and all is well with the world. Damnably delicious, this, and it hits me right in all the right ways. Way to go, Stone! 

Hops, used artfully, can be a lyrical

journey for the palate. What you have

here is the liquid equivalent of some

old school classic punk rock poetry.

We took the path less traveled 25

years ago, and it could be accurately

argued we were a bit noisy in our

adventures co-pioneering the West

Coast style IPA. People heard that

noise and joined us in the hoppy mosh

pit, and the path has gotten even

more lively since then. We based

this recipe on the classics, with

citrusy-piney Centennial, Chinook

and Columbus hops, plus a dash of

'new classic' Citra for good measure.

Big yet refreshing, bold yet nuanced.

Undeniably LOUD. Just as we like it.

Tin Whiskers/ Oliphant Melon, She Wrote

Tin Whiskers/ Oliphant Melon, She Wrote. A collaboration fruit ale with watermelon, lime, prickly pear, avocado blossom honey, & pink Himalayan sea salt. 

4.8 % ABV, 11 IBU, Tin Whiskers Brewing, St. Paul, MN, in collaboration with Oliphant Brewing, Somerset, WI. 

Clear, bright golden color, large and lasting, lace-leaving ivory head. 

In the nose: First hits the sour, then the honey, the lime, then the salt, and all the while we think, oh, yeah...melon! Just enough sweet for the tart. 

In the mouth: Tartness at the start, with lime following suit. Light bodied, crisp, refreshing, fresh, zesty, and sour. Watermelon, lime and salt come together as one. Refreshingly fruity and sour. Okay, I like this. 

Brewed with Oliphant Brewing. Fruit Ale with Watermelon, Lime, Prickly Pear, Avocado Blossom Honey, & Pink Himalayan Sea Salt. 

Yeah, I already said that...

Früh Kölsch

 Früh Kölsch.

4.8% ABV, 19 IBU. Cölner Hofbräu Früh, Cologne, Nordrhein-Westfalen Germany

So, I was thinking about the trends in the current beer scene, and how they annoy me, and I thought to myself, "Self", I thought, "why not just avoid them altogether for a while and go traditional?" Good idea, Self! And that's why I bought some German beers the other day, including a 4-pack of Früh Kölsch cans, only $10.99. Why, with some of these trendy, gimmicky beer makers that would only get you half of a 4-pack of diabetes!

I first had Früh from a bottle brought over from Deutschland by one of my Blue Nile regulars, way back in 2003. I gave it a 4.17/5, roughly 9 points above the average. What did I say back then? 

Appeance: pale yellow, bordering on green, with a firm 1/2" collar of foam.

Aroma: fresh, light, delicately hoppy, rather minor in size, but with appreciable fruity notes, which continue on the palate, once the tasting begins.

Light, but lively, happy, with a tangible tangy, citric fruit flavor, and perhaps a touch of apple or pear.

After so many American interpretations, it's great to taste a true kolsch and know once and for all how they should taste. This is a classic, extremely downable, light in body, but with just enough flavor, sweet and lemony, to be worthwhile, and to have me wish this 500 ml bottle would never empty.

Thanks to my pal Dave for bringing it over to the States for me!

What do I think of it compared to the cans I'm drinking now? Surely that sample was fresher, having taken a quicker trip from Cologne to Minneapolis and down into my belly. But that aside, it's the same light, tasty, fruity refresher. 

I like a good kölsch, and this is one of them. 

(Another quick note, because I am obsessed with these things, though they may bore others. About 10 years ago, I reviewed a Sünner Kölsch, and regretted that I hadn't a proper glass, only a Reissdorf Kolsch glass to use. Probably got it from that time I had it on tap at the Blue Nile back in 2004. Last December, I sat down to review a Kolsch from Waldmann, and rued that I hadn't any Kolsch glasses, not even a Reissdorf. I've looked all over, it's gone, broken, send to the dustbin of history. I used a saison glass for that one. This time, I picked the closest I have to the style of glassware, which again was designed for a saison by a Belgian brewery. I'd better get a Kolsch glass already to cure me of this obsession!)

From the recipe by Peter Josef Früh of the family brewery, this top-fermented specialty beer features the best ingredients and is brewed according to the German Purity Law. A favourite beer of Cologne, which became one of the city’s original.

Drumconrath Brewing Blood on the Board Blood Orange Red Ale

Drumconrath Brewing Blood on the Board Blood Orange Red Ale.

5 % ABV, 20 IBU. Drumconrath Brewing, Fargo, ND. 

Clouded, crimson-colored, lean layer of ivory foam. 

In the nose: Ripe and fruity notes from the start, slight hop presence. Mostly malty. 

In the mouth: Getting berries, cherries, some citrus, but not a lot of blood orange. . Hop bitterness is mild to non-existent. Malty background holds it down. I'd pegged this as a berry-flavored ale before ever guessing at blood orange. Citrus flavors are light. Not too pronounced. Lacks the particular twang I'd expect out of a beer of this stripe. Or is my palate confused because I've never had a blood orange red ale before, only in IPAs and other styles? Not sure, but I'm not digging it. 

It's fruity, but not delivering on the fruit advertised. I can't recommend this one. Maybe you'll like it, I don't know. As for me, ...nah. 

Blood orange red ale