Pipeworks Ninja vs. Unicorn vs. The Cryo Double IPA

 

Pipeworks Ninja vs. Unicorn vs. The Cryo Double IPA.

Clear, bright golden hue, large and lasting snow white head.

In the nose: soft, floral, slightly citrusy. Nice. 

In the mouth: more soft, more smooth. A bit of juicy, while still remaining dry. Not as fierce and bitter as regular. Plump with citrus, pine, a dose of tropical, without the deliciousness, punishing bitterness. Medium bodied, delightfully drinkable. Pales in comparison to the original, though. That’s progress, I guess. 

Ninja vs Unicorn Double IPA but with Cryo hops. Do you feel that? It's a chill... It's a freeze... IT'S THE CRYO! The Ninja and The Unicorn have teamed up against their coolest mutual enemy... THE CRYO! Will the be able to overcome, or will they be iced out of a win...

"Cryo hops" more or less refers to a process of processing fresh hops that uses very cold temps which shatters the hops and hop oils resulting in an extremely fresh hop aroma. This beer is basically our Ninja vs Unicorn Double IPA but with a cryo hop twist! 8.0% ABV

Goose Island Neon Beer Hug IPA

 Goose Island Neon Beer Hug IPA.

7.0% ABV, 40 IBU. Goose Island Beer, Chicago, Illinois & Fort Collins, Colorado.

Clear, bright golden hue, large and lasting ivory head.

In the nose: fresh blast of citrus, largely lemon, with accompanying grapefruit and orange. 

In the mouth: big bite and the front, delivers bitterness to the palate, then slowly fades back. Starts vibrant, fruity, ending dry and delightful. Light bodied, long, hoppy finish.  Good beer and you can drink it. Also, not too shabby there. 

A shockingly easy-drinking 7.0% ABV IPA with an electric bouquet of tropical & citrus flavors. Nugget, Sultana, Citra, Mosaic, and Eureka hops provide the spark that makes Neon Beer Hug shine!

Half Acre Nelson Double Daisy Cutter Double Pale Ale

 Half Acre Nelson Double Daisy Cutter Double Pale Ale. Nelson Sauvignon, Falconers Flight. 

7.5% ABV. Half Acre Beer, Chicago, Illinois. 

All hazified, dull orange hue, lush and lasting bright ivory head. 

In the nose: lemon and grapefruit, maybe melon, slight florality.

In the mouth: typically gauzy mouthfeel of a hazy pale ale. Daisy Cutter isn’t hazy, so why does this variation on Double DC have to be? 

Hop bitterness is low, severely softened. Definitely drinkable, medium bodied, fresh and zesty. Wish I liked it more, but it doesn’t really deliver what I’d expect from a double pale ale. Pleasant enough beverage, heck, I even enjoy it. Just expecting something else. 

An exploded view, single hop data set using Double Daisy Cutter as medium. Nelson, a southern hemisphere heartthrob hop, still offers that wonderful other. High minded fruit, Kiwi Sauv Blanc grape, Humboldt diesel, tropical salsa and a slew of interconnected bursts all total some foreign exchange student difference that makes you want to travel. This beer billows, feels good and is a great addition to this lineage of DDC variants.

Back Channel District 5 New England India Pale Ale

 Back Channel District 5 New England India Pale Ale.

6.25% ABV.Brewed on the shores of Lake Minnetonka by Back Channel Brewing, Spring Park, Minnesota. 

And here we have the first appearance in the Nib of the Back Channel Brewing Company of Spring Park, Minnesota. I have not yet had the opportunity to visit their taproom, and they have only lately joined the ranks of local beers on the shelves at the store where I work. Until recently, they only sent us New England IPAs, which I do not buy. Then, at last, something new: a rice lager, which I will neither purchase nor drink. And I will now try them for the first time, a hazy, because I got it for free. 

And here I am without a bowl.

Drab orange, all hazed out, large, milk white head.

In the nose: big time citrus, orange aplenty, some tangerine, touch of tropical.

In the mouth: lightly bitterness, with moderate hop flavors on the palate. Lacks any real zing, though, or zazz. Just kind of lays there. Medium bodied, easy drinking. Maybe too easy. 

I’m hoping the rest of their IPAs are better than this. They have to be, with the reputation they’ve garnered. Or maybe I’m so against the style that stuff like this will never impress me? 

Melon // Ripe Stone Fruit // Agave Nectar

Dual Citizen Dreaming with our Heads Cut Off IPA

 Dual Citizen Dreaming with our Heads Cut Off. Pacific NW IPA.

7% ABV. 72 IBU. Dual Citizen Brewing, St. Paul, Minnesota.

And here we have the first Dual Citizen beer in the Nib in a can. I’ve had plenty of opportunities to buy some of their canned beers, just never felt compelled to do so. This one came to me as a free sample, and was never for sale at the store, perhaps because of the terrible name.

Clear, amber hued, slim off-white head.

In the nose: slightly citrusy. Mellow fruity notes. 

In the mouth: huh. What is this? Vaguely...chocolatey? Earthy. Mostly malty. Gets a little juicy. Little hop bitterness. Doesn’t seem to know what it wants to be. It’s a decent enough IPA, but doesn’t stand out. I don’t mind it, but that’s as far as we go with this one. Am I being harsh? Not too. 

Orange in hue with a creamy off-white head. Aromas of grapefruit, burnt orange peel, and slight pine notes towards the end from Centennial hops. Medium body with layers of hops coating the palate gives way to a hoppy clean finish.

Edit: I am drinking a fresher can in 2023 and am more satisfied this time. I must have an aged an off version when I wrote the above.

Venn Titan of Terror Hazy Triple IPA

 Venn Titan of Terror Hazy Triple IPA. With Sultana & El Dorado Salvo + Sultana Cryo, El Dorado Cryo, & Citra Cryo hops.

10% ABV. Venn Brewing, Minneapolis, Minnesota. 

Hazed. Unclear. Orangish hue. Slim white head.

In the nose: big, hoppy, and bright. Citrus explosion. Orange and lime and maybe a pinch of pineapple. Very nice. 

In the mouth: vibrant, electric, a pulsating buzz on the palate, a tripwire on the tongue. Huge citrus, major dank. Edging into Candyland. Alcohol starts to bubble. The warm feelings begin to glow. Medium bodied, long, hoppy finish. Boom, boom, boom, boom, boom. (Remember, when those five booms appear, that you should hear it with the voice of John Lee Hooker.)

BlackStack Citra ...But Make It Pop NEIPA

 BlackStack Citra ...But Make It Pop NEIPA.

7% ABV, BlackStack Brewing, St. Paul, Minnesota. 

Another Neepa from BlackStack is in my glass, and drink it I must. 

All clouded-up, bright golden hue, huge head, long lasting, lace leaving. 

In the nose: bold and citrusy, big lemon, orange, grapefruit. Big and beautiful. 

In the mouth: Juicy and just a little bit bitter. All fuzzy and yeasty, with bitterness dying on the palate. Tasty and bright, to a point, but ...lacking necessary pizzaz. Yeah, I need an IPA to have pizzaz, but the kneepas never do. 

I mean, they’re okay, I guess, but I still don’t get the fuss. Meh. 

A new series dedicated to our hop suppliers & their tolerance for us during selection. It’s a running joke when we go out West to rub hops each harvest… “Yeah, I like everything about it… I just wish it popped more.” It turns out that “popping more” can be an incredibly difficult thing to quantify for a lab that is trying to screen hop lots as they come in. Showcasing some of our favorite selected lots and putting them out to pasture with Cryo Pop, a blend from Yakima Chief Hops specifically formulated for dry hopping during primary fermentation. Yeah, I like it… But can we make it pop?

Surly Mozzofiato Italian-style Pilsner

 Surly Mozzofiato Italian-style Pilsner.

5.9% ABV. Surly Brewing, Minneapolis, Minnesota.

The very last can from the previous Surly Variety Pack. I said I couldn’t buy the new one until I finish the old. And pilsners aren’t a favorite style, sorry if that shocks you. So, let’s take a look at this one so I can finally try the Baltic Porter in the new variety pack. 

Clear, bright golden color, slim white head.

In the nose: lightly hopped, floral, slight sweetness.

In the mouth: soft, smooth, with negligible bitterness. Clean, crisp, highly drinkable. Light bodied. Lingering, likable finish.

I’ll keep trying out these Italian Pilsners when they come my way, as they are bound to, being such a popular style. I can’t see myself going out of my way for one, though. 

Italian pilsners differ from their German cousins thanks to a pop of dry-hopped flavor, adding a little bit of swagger to an otherwise reserved style. Classic Saaz hops make this “breathtaking” Italian Pils sunny, bright, and lemony. 

Hmmm. I really didn’t taste any swagger. Oh, well…

Stone Peak Conditions Hazy Double IPA. W/ Added Passion fruit, orange, and guava.

 Stone Peak Conditions Hazy Double IPA. W/ Added Passion fruit, orange, and guava.

8.1% ABV. Stone Brewing, Escondido, California.

I bought the Stone 12 Days of IPA box. Just couldn’t resist it. I started drinking one a day on December 13  and I will finish on the 24th. First three: IPA, Ruination, Scorpion Bowl. This is the first one that has not been reviewed here before. I skipped this when it was released because it has “hazy” in the name. I get the hazies only when they’re in a variety pack or when they are thrust into my hands as a free sample. Or, sometimes, if I don’t read the label closely.

Lightly clouded, hardly hazy, amber hued, with a surprising number of floating particles. This bottle can’t be that old. 

In the nose: tropical sweetness starts it off, gaining in intensity. Overwhelming citrus rising up. Orange supreme.  

In the mouth: juicy, citrusy, slight bitterness. Smooth stuff. Glides down the throat with nary a trouble to be found. Bold citrus and tropical tones keep popping on the palate. Lighting bodied, with alcohol starting to creep on in. 

I’m not overly fond of fruited IPAs, but this one hit the spot, and it wasn’t hardly as hazy as advertised. 

West Coast hops.  East Coast haze.  Passion fruit, orange and guava juice inspired by the popular Hawaiian drink.  This ridiculously tasty double IPA combines influence from across the country into one of the most flavorful beers we’ve ever released.  One could call it a perfect storm, we’d say it’s Peak Conditions.

Junkyard Tony’s Big Show New England Style Double IPA

 

Junkyard Tony’s Big Show New England Style Double IPA. 

8.1%  ABV, 40 IBU. Junkyard Brewing, Moorhead, Minnesota.

Clouded and golden toned, slim, lace leaving ivory head. 

In the nose: soft and citric. Fuzzy and tropical. Grapefruit and mango, orange and pineapple. 

In the mouth: juicy, fruity, bright. Just a little bit bitter, with plenty of orange, tangerine, grapefruit. Plenty of flavor pleasing the palate. Medium bodied, long hoppy, nearly-bitter finish. Tasty stuff. I can enjoy it. Lots of bright, beautiful flavors. Yum. A dum dum.

 Brewed with Simcoe (+Whole Leaf), and Amarillo (+Whole Leaf), this DIPA isn't called Tony's BIG Show for nothing...it's definitely BIG! Big flavors & aromas imbue distinct orange with citrus, tropical fruit, and berries to follow. You can also find a nice woodsy earth undertone with an intense hoppiness that steals the 

Ursa Minor Big Bad John Triple IPA

 

Ursa Minor Big Bad John Triple IPA.

10.5% ABV. Ursa Minor Brewing, Duluth, Minnesota.

Lightly hazed, nearly clear, bright golden/ orange hue. Lasting, lace-leaving, lovely ivory head.

In the nose: dank and resinous, bristling with citrus and pine. 

In the mouth: oooh, wee, that’s the stuff! Popping with hops, bursting with bitterness, buzzing the palate. Intense and immense, large in body, astounding in it’s intentions. Beefy and brimming with citrus tones, stone fruit, pine, and stick-ickiness. 

I’m digging this big time. 

A truly special brew for the Ursa Minor Crew. Brewed in honor of Ben’s father, Big Bad John is the beer that inspired Ursa Minor itself. Big Bad John had a personality that filled the room. He cared about his neighbors, loved his family, and had a knack for bringing people together to enjoy life. He was humble and strong and exuded confidence. We brewed this beer to embody Johns’s personality. A triple IPA, because a double IPA was simply not enough. Filled with intense hop flavor and aroma with an alcohol level to match. A full-bodied malt backbone supports the incredible bold flavors in this brew. Strong, bold and always down for a good time. Come together, enjoy new and old friends, and share your story. Cheers!

Cigar City Pineapple Tangerine Jai Alai India Pale Ale

 

Cigar City Pineapple Tangerine Jai Alai India Pale Ale.

7% ABV, 65 IBU. Cigar City Brewing, Tampa, Florida. 

From the Jai Alai Variety 12-pack.

Clear, amber-gold hue, small white head, leaving a little lace.

In the nose: tangerine pops out first, pineapple coming in after. Citrusy aromatics with a dash of the tropical.

In the mouth: bright and fruity on the palate, tangerine shining through, with just enough bitterness to keep my tongue happy. Medium bodied, easy drinking. The IPA beneath the fruit holds it’s own. Juicy, bitter, delicious. I’m digging it. 

The bright citrus qualities of our iconic India Pale Ale are accentuated in this innovated iteration through the addition of pineapple and tangerine, creating an intensity of flavor yet maintaining highlighters balanced profile.

BlackStack Killer Bees Shaolin Style DDH DIPA

 

BlackStack Killer Bees Shaolin Style DDH DIPA.

9% ABV, BlackStack Brewing, St. Paul, Minnesota.

Thoroughly hazed, bright golden hue, slim, lace leaving ivory head.

In the nose: fruity and sweet, bursting with citrus notes. Bright and lively.

In the mouth: sweetness starts it off, again, with a good dose of juicy. Virtually no bitterness, which makes for an undesirable DIPA, in my opinion, but the booze is coming along, so maybe that’s where this one shines. Hops are felt on the palate, but, again, bereft of bitterness. Honey is definitely here. Smooth, sure.

I see why people like these, but it doesn’t work for me. Lacks a necessary spark. 

A 9% beer with 9 hops for the 9 Gods from Shaolin to celebrate another year of 36 Chambers. Mosaic, Azacca, Idaho 7, HBC 630, Strata, NZ Wakatu, Loral Cryo, Amarillo Cryo, & naturally, a healthy portion of Triumph hops form like Voltron with a lil kiss of Honey Malt... you knnow.. for the bees. Killer Bees on the swarm.

Starry Eyed Pitch Imperial Stout

 Starry Eyed Pitch Imperial Stout. 

12% ABV, 63 IBU. Starry Eyed Brewing, Little Falls, Minnesota. 

I’ve been sitting on this bottle for far too long. Bought it at the brewery in May of last year, a good year and a half ago. Maybe I hesitated because the Barleywine I opened (notes I have not shared...yet), did not impress. No time like the present, so let’s do it. 

Ebon-hued, opaque, slim, slightly brown, tannish head, looking nice.

In the nose: creamy cocoa hits first, nutty, rich, almost sweet, not quite what I expect from an IS.

In the mouth: rich and malty, chocolate and coffee, touch of anise and char. There’s a tug of war between sweet and dry, darkness and light. Stays nice and balanced, for a beer so big. Unfortunately, it stays a little shy of what I really like from an Imperial Stout. I want a little more. Ain’t nothing wrong with it. Just chocolate-y enough, with plenty of booze, to boot. This ain’t bad. In fact, I’m liking it more and more as we explore the bottle. I’m grooving on it. 

Surly Sixteen Barrel aged Imperial Red Ale with Raspberry & Strawberry

 Surly Sixteen Barrel aged Imperial Red Ale with Raspberry & Strawberry.

12.5% ABV. Surly Brewing, Minneapolis/Brooklyn Center, Minnesota.

And here we have the first Surly anniversary beer I had to talk myself into buying. The pieces just don’t seem to spell out something I’d like. Maybe I would...but for $14 a can? I generally skip beers that expensive. On the other hand, I’ve never not sampled a Surly Anniversary beer...did I want to start stopping?

Well, here it is...better drink it...

Murky looking, with an indiscriminate hue...off-crimson, maybe? Definitely the color of muddled fruit, wrapped up in bourbon barrels. Slim, whitish head on top. 

In the nose: whiskey and berries, vanilla, cream & fruit. Sweet & fruity, with bourbon poking through. 

In the mouth: fruit & Barrel, together at last. A weird melange, the berries predominant, but just barely, sweetness caught up in the bourbon barrel. Not a graceful liquid, no elegant ale. Might be called a mess. Sometimes the fruit is forward, then the barrel is bold and takes command. Not especially smooth or well integrated, and to hell with balance. It’s rough and tumble, but I don’t hate it. Does that mean I like it? There have been sixteen of these and I’ve tried fifteen of them (still hoping to try 12 some day.)...and they’re all different and some are weird. They can’t all be normal, but they should be good. 

Decision: not too shabby. Maybe just shabby enough.

It takes a measure of grit to persevere through sixteen years of business, and that ability to stick it out and keep pushing boundaries inspired this beer. The base beer started life as a strong red ale—not quite a barleywine but in the neighborhood. Then it laid down in a variety of barrels, including Parker’s Heritage Wheat Whiskey Barrels, Elijah Craig 12-year Bourbon Barrels, and a handful of ruby port casks to add a top note of complexity. Once the beer matured, we blended it with fresh strawberry and raspberry puree to add fruitiness and necessary brightness to this malty mosaic of flavors. 

Revolution Imperial Anti Hero Imperial IPA

 

Revolution Imperial Anti Hero Imperial IPA.

10% ABV. 70 IBU. Revolution Brewing, Chicago, Illinois. 

Clear, bright crimson coloring, slim, lace-leaving head. 

In the nose: dank supreme. Resinous Maximus. All the dark fruit, citrus and otherwise.

In the mouth : big, bold, almost chewy. Grassy meets deeply resinous and redolent of all things gobsmackingly hoptastic. 

Big booze rings in early. Here we have a triple IPA in the real sense. Stone fruit and citrus intersect, embiggened malt turns monstrous, and the result is a ripper. Drinkable, to a point. Only to be enjoyed when one is in stumbling reach of the bedpost. 

Witness the tremendous power of the American hop assault empowered to Imperial proportions. A vast and mighty double dry hop marshals all the citrus, pine, and floral notes possible toward a crisp, bright finish.

Schell’s Fresh Prints Cold IPA

 Schell’s Fresh Prints Cold IPA.

6.5% ABV. 60 IBU. August Schell’s Brewing, New Ulm, Minnesota. 

A few things occurred to me when this beer was initially released. First, surprise in that August Schell tried out a very new style so quickly. And then, not surprised because this style is a hoppy lager, and lagers are what they do. Finally, more surprise that it became a year round, core brand, flagship, whatever, quite so soon. Now, let’s drink one. 

Clouded. Are Cold IPAs supposed to be clouded? Bright yellow. Slim white head. 

In the nose: orange, lemon, and... banana? I swear, banana. Is this a Weizen yeast at work? Oddly like banana cream pie. Not much from hops.

In the mouth: here’s where the hops come in. Brief bitterness, citrusy hop flavors, more banana blended with lemon and orange. Just enough bitter to call it IPA. Crisp, clean, smooth, decently drinkable. ...and distinctly odd. I still feel this a weird IPA/ Hefe Weizen mash- up. In any case, it’s sorta not too shabby there.

Our remix of a West Coast Style IPA. Fresh Prints has fresh, bold citrus flavor and tropical fruity aromas, with an icy, clean, cold-fermented finish you expect from a Cold IPA.

Okay, now I’m more confused. There’s little West Coast IPA about this. Maybe they’re trying to continue the Fresh Prince of Bel Air theme? 

Modist Double Ghost Vision DDH Citra New England Double IPA

 

Modist Double Ghost Vision DDH Citra New England Double IPA.

8.6% ABV. Modist Brewing, Minneapolis, Minnesota.

This is a beer I first had at the taproom four and 1/2 years ago. If I’d managed to bring home a crowler and reviewed it then, or had commenced the practice of phone posting earlier, I might have said nicer things, for I hadn’t yet placed the embargo on NE DIPAs (except when I get them for free).

When reading this review, keep in mind, that I review for my taste. If this is right in line with your style, you may think this is the bee’s ever-lovin’ knees. 

Let’s break down the style of this beer, shall we? DDH, I’m not crazy about. It’s an effect that enhances aroma, but not flavor. Citra is a hop that can’t be beat, used well. New England? Fine part of the country, but not my favorite style of IPA. Double IPA? I love them, except when you put New England in front.

Hazy. Thick and clouded. Pale, yellowish hue, slim white head.

In the nose: bold, bright, and citrusy, if slightly muzzled.  

In the mouth: bursting with hoppy flavors, popping with Citra, a lacking crucial bitterness. Soft, smooth, tasty. Lays limpidly on the palate. Doesn’t really grab me worth a darn. Too mellow and squishy for my palate. It’s got the goods, strength-wise, there’s a nice booze burn warming everything up. But, it doesn’t work for me. When it comes to Double IPAs, I need crisp and clear. 

New England Double IPA brewed with malted oats and malted wheat. Hopped and double dry hopped with our hand selected Citra & Citra Cryo.

Junkyard The Girl With Kaleidoscope Eyes Dragonfruit Mango Sour

 Junkyard The Girl With Kaleidoscope Eyes Dragonfruit Mango Sour.

6.2 % ABV, Junkyard Brewing, Moorhead, Minnesota. Pkgd 6/27/22.

Once upon a time, I would buy whatever Junkyard beer I’d come across, no matter what. That was before the ban on fruited sours, New England IPAs/hazies, and anything with marshmallow in it. So I don’t drink much Junkyard these days. This one came to me free, and can’t say no to free, so here come the notes. 

Clouded, crimson hue, slim pink head.

In the nose: ultra fruity. Yeah, I’m getting the dragon in this, maybe the mango. 

To the mouth: terribly sweet, with just a touch of tart. Unsure why these are labeled as sours. All dragon fruit, mango’s muddled in the mix. Full bodied and fruity sweet. Not much more to say. I can drink it, but that’ll cover my fruited Sour rationing for a good while.

Girl With Kaleidoscope Eyes is a unique fruited sour that was brewed with dragon fruit and mango! The combination of the mango and the dragon fruit gives this sour a refreshing sour with the perfect kick of sweetness!

Bent Paddle Passion Fruit Pilsner

 

Bent Paddle Passion Fruit Pilsner. Pilsner lager with passion fruit.

5% ABV, Bent Paddle Brewing, Duluth, Minnesota.

Last one from the previous variety pack. I’m still behind, but I’m trying. Blame it on my procrastination. 

Clear, with chill haze, bright golden hue, slim, white head.

In the nose: fruity and funky. Ripe and pulpy passion fruit.

In the mouth: here, passion fruit is king, as well. Light bodied, clean, and fairly refreshing. Tart art and fruity. Original Pilsner character swallowed up by the fruit, not that I mind. 

"Passion Fruit Pilsener" brings a splash of the tropics to our Venture Pils. The unique taste of passion fruit lends a complimentary tart fruit presence to our year-round pilsner and adds emphasis to the crispness of our lager. 

Lagunitas Maximus 2022

Lagunitas Maximus 2022. Colossal IPA. Robusticus Flavorcus. For all the Hop heads.

9% ABV, 60 IBU. Lagunitas Brewing, Petaluma, California & Chicago, Illinois.,

This is a re-review. In 2015, I did a post about this beer, using my notes from 2003. I wasn’t impressed, then, for whatever reason. And this year, the beer was packaged in cans and 12-packs at a very attractive price. I decided to try it again, and saved the last one for this re-review. 

Clear, deep golden hue, large, lace leaving ivory head.

In the nose: floral, slightly citric. 

In the mouth: dank and snappy. Big time resinous and citrusy. Increasingly sticky icky. Candied apricots to mingle with orange and grapefruit. Emerging alcohol blazes the palate. Booze befuddles the senses. I’m liking it. It’s got a lot going on. And I can dig it. It’s not my all-time favorite, but it’ll do in a pinch.

Our Colossal take on a Double IPA, full of Simcoe, Cascade & Centennial hops balanced against tons of rich malted barley. Kinda like our IPA on steroids. Flavor so hoppy it threatens to remove the enamel from one's teeth.

BlackStack Shine On NEIPA

 BlackStack Shine On NEIPA.

6.9% ABV. BlackStack Brewing, St. Paul, MN.

I remember the first time I heard someone say “DIPA” as if it was a word, not an abbreviation. Dippa. Does anyone pronounce IPA as Eye-pa? Do people ever read these cans and want to say “knee-pa”? Or maybe Nay- pa? I think about these things. 

Lightly clouded, bright golden hue, slim white head.

In the nose: soft and citrusy. Mellow. Floral. Faint tropical.

In the mouth: Juicy/fruity. Soft and sweet. Traces of pineapple and guava. Bits of low level orange and lemon. Even lower level bitterness. Altogether unremarkable.

It’s no secret that I’m not moved by the Neipas out there, by and large. I like some better than others, but they’re not for me. I accepted this free sample gladly, so I can’t go out of my way to blast it. I remain disheartened that blander versions of this ubiquitous style are the default setting at so many breweries.

We got together with the Children's Hospital of Minnesota's Shine Bright for Cancer Kids Foundation to support their mission of supporting children & their families dealing with cancer & blood disorders. These kids are extremely strong & resilient, just like diamonds, so we loaded up this gem of an IPA with Citra, Citra Cryo, Simcoe, Simcoe Cryo &  Cascade Noble hops with Phantasm. Shine bright... like a diamond.

Oh, it’s a charity beer. You’re not allowed to criticize them. Now, don’t I look like a jerk.

Surly Digital Wizard Mango Pale Ale

 

Surly Digital Wizard Mango Pale Ale. Ale brewed with mango. Hoppy/Fruity/Magical.

5.5% ABV. Surly Brewing, Minneapolis, Minnesota. 

Again, from the previous Surly variety pack. I’m still so far behind.

Clear, golden hue, slim white head.

In the nose: fruity, tropical, hoppy.

In the mouth: brief bitter bite, then it’s all about the mango. Light bodied, sweet, smooth, hoppy, delicious.

Quite nice. I’m liking this.  

Like the blacklight posters that adorned your buddy’s basement, this fruit-forward pale ale expands your mind. Brewed with mango, Digital Wizard casts a spell of intense flavor and easy-drinking approachability.

Revolution Trident Hero IPA

 Revolution Trident Hero IPA.

6.2% ABV, 42 IBU. Revolution Brewing, Chicago, Illinois.

This one comes from a Revolution League of Heroes variety pack, where new IPAs are imagined as various superhero types, all with hops for heads. 

When I think of tridents, I first think of Neptune, Namor, Aquaman, and that one weird SNL sketch where Will Ferrell murders Chris Parnell with one. Anyway, now I think of another undersea hero with a Hop for a head. 

Slightly clouded, bright golden hue, slim white head.

In the nose: Dank, piney, resinous, certainly citric. Everything I want in an IPA, plus a touch of the tropical.

In the mouth: blast of bitterness at the onset, blazing the palate before cooling off. Flavors of grapefruit, mango, tangerine and orange zest continue to please.

Flat out deliciousness, thoroughly enjoyed. 

The king of the depths strikes with aromas and flavors as expansive as his undersea kingdom. Citrus, passionfruit, and kiwi character reach from the reef to the shores.

Alesmith / Other Half Hop Cypher DDH West Coast-style India Pale Ale

 Alesmith / Other Half Hop Cypher DDH West Coast-style India Pale Ale.

6.5% ABV. Alesmith Brewing, San Diego, California. 

Clear, bright golden hue, lush, lace-leaving ivory head. 

In the nose: floral, citric... nice, but not especially expressive.

In the mouth: flush of fruity flavors from the start with muted bitterness. Tropical notes, mango, guava, melon, play with citrus, but softly, quietly. Very smooth, with flashes of deliciousness. Ends mostly on the dry side.

If this was from anyone else but Alesmith and wasn’t called a West Coast IPA, I’d be mildly satisfied. But this is a far cry from what I’d expect out of an Alesmith West Coast IPA. Is it the DDH-ing that’s rips out the bitterness that I look forward to? Is it the inevitable compromise that comes with a collaboration with a brewery known for it’s New England IPAs. You know those hipster breweries love to DDH the shit out of everything. 

We free-styled with our friends at Other Half Brewing to bring you a Double Dry-Hopped West Coast IPA jam-packed with Strata, Mosaic, and Chinook hops. Intense notes of grapefruit, mango, and strawberry bring this collaborative brew together for a must-cop IPA.

Cigar City Hunahpu’s Imperial Stout

Cigar City Hunahpu’s Imperial Stout.

12.5% ABV, Cigar City Brewing, Tampa, Florida. 

According to Untappd, I’ve tasted this one before, as early as 2013, but I took no notes or pics and can only assume it was some friend or friendly stranger’s generosity. For this can I must think the friendly stranger who gave it to my sister at Russian River, and also thank my sister, who gave it to me.

Deep ebony, full opacity, brief brown head.

In the nose: deep, rich, murky,sweet. Dark fruit mingles with molasses. More red wine than raisins. Plums, a little. More dark malt flavors slowly emerge.

In the mouth: chocolate pops onto the scene, with a hint of espresso. Alcohol comes in strong from the start. Fruity throughout. A bit sweeter than I am used to in the Imperial Stouts that I enjoy. And then along comes cinnamon. Chocolate and cinnamon are now masters of the palate atop this mountain of malt. 

This is not my favorite style of RIS, but I enjoy it nonetheless. 

Central to Mayan mythology is the story of twin brothers named Xbalanque and Hunahpu, the Hero Twins. After the Twins’ father was murdered by evil deities from Xibalba, his corpse became a cacao tree that spawned our two Heroes. Epic adventures followed, culminating in a journey to Xibalba to avenge their father’s death. Vanquishing their enemies handily, the Heroes then ascended unto the heavens where they became the sun and the moon.

Deschutes Farmstand Fresh Mango IPA India Pale Ale

 Deschutes Farmstand Fresh Mango IPA India Pale Ale. 

6.4 % ABV, 45 IBU. Deschutes Brewing, Bend, Oregon.

From a previous variety pack, since released on it’s own.

Lightly clouded, bright golden, large layer of ivory froth atop. 

In the nose: some sweetness, tropical tones, mango coming through. Delightfully hoppy.

In the mouth: fresh and zesty, mango flavor rules the palate. Moderate bitterness, medium bodied. Just bitter enough to keep me liking it. Quite delicious. 

Bravo, Cashmere and Mosaic hops combined with mango juice brings a juicy hop experience with poppin’ fruit character.

Town Hall Höplischious German-style IPA

 Town Hall Höplischious German-style IPA. 

7% ABV, Minneapolis Town Hall Brewery, Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Lightly clouded, golden hued, slim white head.

In the nose: nicely hoppy, citrus, floral, bit of pine. Grapefruit and lemon up front.Orange zest. 

In the mouth:  brash hop explosion on the palate. Juicy, then dry, with a blaze of bitterness throughout. More citrus, crisp, dry, refreshing, delicious. Exceptionally smooth. 

. German wheat beer meets a modern IPA. I like it. 

Old world German wheat, barley, and yeast meet modern bright, fruity German and New Zealand hops.

Schell’s Snowstorm 2022 Mahogany Lager

 Schell’s Snowstorm 2022 Mahogany Lager. Guided by Tradition. Brewed to Endure. Since 1860. A storied legacy of fine beers. (Phew! That’s a lot of mottos on one label!)

6.7 % ABV. August Schell Brewing, New Ulm, Minnesota.

I gave up the notion long ago that the Snowstorm series could, or should, be consisted of more full bodied beers. You can’t really sell a lot of inexpensive 12-packs with 8% Baltic Porters. These days I know better just to except something dark. And now, “mahogany lager.” Whatever that may be...

Murky, mahogany (can’t argue with that), slim, tannish froth atop.

In the nose: soft and malty. Subtle hints of cocoa, caramel, toffee. Quite pleasant, edging into deeper deliciousness, but sticking on the safe side.

In the mouth: comes on board the palate lightly hoppy, and full of malty flavors, while remaining medium bodied and easy drinking. There is a kind of richness in the flavor that hints at a certain fullness, yet doesn’t deliver that. If it had gone farther, the ABV would go up and the price, too. 

I have reviewed every beer from this series since I started this blog in 2010. Here’s what the last twelve were: 2010, Weizen Doppelbock.

           2011: Wee Heavy. 

            2012: Biere de Noel

              2013: Begian Golden Ale

           2014: Grand Cru

           2015: Wallonian Brown Ale

           2016: ooops, can’t find it.  Maybe I did miss one? English Strong Ale says BeerAdvocate. Looks like I never even tried it, if Untappd can be trusted. (It says I didn’t check in to 2014 and ‘17, either, but I didn’t check it every beer back then. Too many apps to keep track of.)

           2017: Rye Ale   

           2018: Speciale Belge 

           2019: Red Ale

           2020: Oat Stout

           2021: Oat Starkbier.

And how does this one compare? For the fourth year in a row, they kept it safe, but tasty. 

Omni FAD Freaking Awesome Delicious New England Double IPA

 

Omni FAD Freaking Awesome Delicious New England Double IPA.

8% ABV, 40 IBU. Omni Brewing, Maple Grove, Minnesota.

In another time, another universe, I might have gotten around to this one earlier. But then came the ban. The boycott. That ruling from Me on High Above that shouted NO! at the heart of the hazies. One exception to this is when they come to me free. I shouted no to buying them with my own money, but I’ll try them for free, no problem. ( I’ll use my own cash for the beers I know I’ll like.) It can’t be helped what I’ll say, though.

A lighter shade of haze, here, pale gold color, thin ivory head.

In the nose: lively, bright, a little sweetish. Citrusy. Fuzzy. But not too much so.

In the mouth: spark of hop bitterness, swallowed up by bright citrus goodness. Medium bodied, well balanced, with the booze creeping in. Somewhat snappy, quite tasty. A top notch creation.

To quote C. Montgomery Burns: I know what I hate...and I don’t hate this. 

This is our new and improved 2nd anniversary beer that is full of Citra, Mosaic, and Amarillo Hops.  This one has an aroma that is hard to resist.  This New England DIPA is not just a fad, it’s Frickin’ Awesome & Delicious!

Bent Paddle Tropical Hop India Pale Ale with orange zest

 Bent Paddle Tropical Hop India Pale Ale with orange zest. Featuring Vic Secret + Galaxy + Citra hops.

 6.2% ABV, Bent Paddle Brewing, Duluth, Minnesota. 

This one comes from the variety pack. Not the current one, the one from before. I’m still behind. 

Lightly clouded, pale orange hue, slim white head.

In the nose: there’s the orange, and a blend of citrus and tropical notes coming in from behind.

In the mouth: a brace of bitterness blazes the palate, before finally fading. Then comes a rush of fruit, just a little juicy, brief appearances by mango, passion fruit, grapefruit.  Beautiful medley, with enough hop bitterness to keep it interesting. Medium bodied, long hoppy finish.

Tropical Hop" introduces tropical-oriented hops Vic Secret, Galaxy and Citra to our classic Bent Hop recipe. Orange Zest highlights the natural tropical flavors of the hops while still giving space for the Bent Hop to shine. 

Hammerheart Olaf The Stout Bourbon Barrel-Aged Imperial Rye Stout

 

Hammerheart Olaf The Stout Bourbon Barrel-Aged Imperial Rye Stout.

10.8% ABV. Hammerheart Brewing, Lino Lakes, MN. 

A few weeks back, I shared with you what I said was my last can from Hammerheart. Can, yes, but I still had this bottle. I had been holding off because I wasn’t sure if I’d had it before. Ive reviewed Olaf, when I had it on tap at the Blue Nile, so long ago...but that one wasn’t Barrel aged.  So, here come the notes. 

Strictly Stygian, completely opaque, under a rich tan head. 

In the nose: cocoa and smoke. Coffee and smoke. Vanilla and smoke. Char and smoke. A smorgasbord of smoke and malt.

In the mouth: remarkably smooth, at first. Then, the flavors unspool, the chocolate, espresso, the oak and the barrel. Chock full of Barrel-y, malty goodness. Deep, decadent, delicious. Hangs hard into the division between bitter and sweet, staying on the side of bitter....and dark...rich....unique and uncompromising. 

This, to me, is Hammerheart. I can’t wait until they return. 

Named for King Olaf II of Norway, an Imperial rye stout aged in bourbon barrels, as black as his hearty and as bitter as his reign. Charcoal art by Tanner Anderson.

Hofbrau Dunkel

 Hofbrau Dunkel.

5.5% ABV. Staatsliches Hofbrauhuas, Munich, Germany.

Clear, deep mahogany hue, slim whitish head.

In the nose: caramel notes pop out first, then cola. Mostly malty, slightly sweet.

In the mouth: caramel and a touch of toffee, cola, again, and perhaps a hit of coffee. Malt-driven. Light bodied, slight hop bitterness and just enough sweetness. Drinks down nice and smooth.

It’s a good dunkel, but not great. Not that I’m complaining. 

Dark beer existed in Bavaria long before light beer. This was the first type of beer to be brewed at Hofbräuhaus when it was founded. Today, when beer-lovers all over the world talk about dark beer, they usually mean a Munich style beer. Today, Hofbräu Dunkel - the archetypal Bavarian beer - is still as popular as ever. With its alcoholic content of around 5.5% volume and its spicy taste, it’s a refreshing beer that suits all kinds of occasions. A beer in the traditional Munich style! 

BlackStack DDH Jurassic Park DDH TIPA

 BlackStack DDH Jurassic Park DDH TIPA. Collaboration with Toppling Goliath. 

10.1% ABV, BlackStack Brewing, St. Paul, Minnesota.

Impenetrable haze, dull yellow color, slim white head. Some floaties when I empty the can. 

In the nose: softly citric and slightly tropical. Hint of pine, behind the haze. 

In the mouth: aggressively sweet and sugary. Slightly tart, too Hoppy flavors appear, but it’s in the midst of this morass. A lot of thickness to this. And, yeah, too much Many fruity flavors play on the palate, but, eh, this is not what I look for in a “TIPA”, DDH or otherwise. This entire style of beer is something I actively resist and rail against. But, them, I end getting a free sample and I hope against hope that I don’t hate and have to tell everyone.

Maybe some day I’ll turn down a free beer. I wonder what that’s like.

Our homies from Toppling Goliath came up to get even more prehistoric with us. To pay homage to their dino classics & the not infrequent jokes about the amount of plants in our taproom, we used even more earth rattling quantities of our hand-selected Citra & Citra Cryo & that new hotness, Riwaka, from New Zealand. All of the oils. Tread lightly. One might even say too much Citra... someone is gonna get sued!

Surly Battle Vest Strata IPA

 

Surly Battle Vest Strata IPA.

6.7% ABV, Surly Brewing, Twin Cities, Minnesota.

From the recently retired variety pack. I’m still behind.

Clear, bright golden hue, slim white head.

In the nose: bold and expressive citrus notes. Lemon and grapefruit with a splash of pine.

In the mouth: nice bitter bite up front, good and hoppy stuff going down. Bright berries join the citrus crew. Bitterness clings to the palate. Hop flavors bouncing up and down. Medium bodied, long, hoppy finish. Tasty stuff. A little juicy, a little dank, the best of all worlds. 

A headbanger’s vest showcases the fiercest of metal icons. If someone makes a hophead vest, the Strata hop that drives this juicy, tropical IPA gets the Pantera spot. 

Revolution Oktoberfest

 Revolution Oktoberfest. German-style lager. 

5.7% ABV, Revolution Brewing, Chicago, Illinois.

We’re getting close to the end of the new Oktoberfest beers I tried this year. One more to go after this one.

Clear, amber hue, slim white head.

In the nose: malty, grainy, classic. 

In the mouth: sweet, caramel-y flavors dominate the palate. Noble hops here for balance. Nice and toasty. Light bodied and easily consumed. Pairs well with tubas and bratwurst. Tasty märzen goodness. 

A stein full of traditional Märzen offered in anticipation of those days filled with sausage, pretzels, and a table full of friends. Our brewers put all the time and care into this long-lagered beauty using traditional German ingredients and methods. Smooth, toasty flavor and the inviting aromas of hearth-baked bread, finishing with just enough Noble hop character to keep you coming back for another round. One of our most popular food-pairing beers, or worthy of a hearty "prost!" on its own. 

Sierra Nevada Liquid Hoppiness Juicy IPA

 

 

Sierra Nevada Liquid Hoppiness Juicy IPA. 

7% ABV, Sierra Nevada Brewing, Chico, California, & Mills River, North Carolina. 

One thing that I will never be is that person who says “do we need another IPA?” However, there are circumstances when that question is indeed appropriate. More on that later. 

It must again be noted that I have established an embargo against the hazy IPA, except in the occasions when I get them for free. But there are times when the hazy is not listed as such, and I have learned to identify the usual perpetrators. Sierra Nevada is a company I’ve come to trust through the years. This is labeled as a “juicy IPA”, whatever the hell that is...

...but it’s hazy, though not so murky as some, bright golden, slim white head. 

In the nose: citrus, stone fruit, peach, melon, slight sweetness.

In the mouth: ver little bitterness up front, mostly juicy fruit, turning dry at the end. Just enough bitterness to qualify. The flavor is more of that melange of fruit salad identified in the nose. Medium bodied, easily passed past the gullet. Has certain delightful attributes, but seems hardly necessary.

I may seem harsh in my assessment, but I am not alone. This the second beer that SNBC has released this year that no one asked for, and which replaced a beloved seasonal. Summerfest lager was replaced by Summer Break, a hazy IPA, of course, and this one replaced, of all things, their Oktoberfest. “Sorry, no more seasonal lagers, you guys, just hazy IPAs from now on....that’s all you guys like anymore, right?”

Sierra has since announced that those beers will be back next year. It’s a good thing they didn’t mess with Celebration or there would be pitchforks and torches descending on Chico, California.

Ride the rapids of Liquid Hoppiness, flowing through canyons of hops and haze where fruity notes of grapefruit, orange, and fresh berries thrive in this juicy IPA flavorscape.

New Belgium Voodoo Ranger Juice Force IPA Hazy Imperial IPA

 New Belgium Voodoo Ranger Juice Force IPA Hazy Imperial IPA.

9.5 % ABV, New Belgium Brewing, Fort Collins, Colorado & Asheville, North Carolina.

This one came to me via the latest NB variety pack. It’s an Imperial IPA, which I like. And hazy, which I don’t. Which side will win? 

Hardly hazed, mostly clear, bright golden hue, large, lace lace-leaving, ivory head.

In the nose: big tropical fruit: mango, pineapple, papaya. Barely a hint of citrus. No wait, here comes grapefruit and tangerine. Fruits ahoy! 

In the mouth: blast of bitterness at first, then comes the fruity and juicy. Alcoholic strength shows it’s stripes. More juicy than bitter, all in all, which does not please me. But it is pleasant, easy drinking and boozy, which I like. So, it’s a draw. I can drink it and I don’t hate. I wouldn’t buy another, though. 

Town Hall IPA 25

 Town Hall IPA 25. 

6.7% ABV, Minneapolis Town Hall Brewery, Minneapolis, Minnesota.

It was in the summer of 2002 that I entered Minneapolis Town Hall Brewery for the first time. That’s means that for five years I passed by and thought “brewpub? Come on, how can they be as good as Summit? Pass!” Such a young fool. My obsession with beer was at all time high in 2002: toying with the beer selection at the Blue Nile, trying every new beer I could, beginning to take notes and discovering the communities at BeerAdvocate and ratebeer online, reading about everything and always exploring. I was ready to fix that mistake and got hooked on Masala Mama IPA from the first taste.

I posted the first BeerAdvocate review of Mama on January 1 of 2003. Go to my review for the rest of the story. As of this writing, I have 264 reviews of their beer on that site, and 200 here. There is a lot of crossover, but I haven’t yet determined what my total number of TH reviews should be. That’s a project for some rainy day.

Back in those early days, before Surly and the explosion of breweries and taprooms, Town Hall was one of the few places to find freshly brewed beer made on premise. I was there for almost every new release, took a growler (remember those?) home and took notes on every one. Things have only continued in greatness at Town Hall, but’s I don’t get down there like I used to for several reasons. Most importantly, I no longer live or work as near to the location as used to, and also, there’s the draw of the other, newer breweries nearer to me. Sisyphus, Wooden Ship, Arbeiter and the like see me much more often. 

It seems that I’ve only been there twice so far this year, for Barrel aged week, and just recently for Anniversary Week. I wasn’t able to make it to the big shindig on Saturday, I did stop in last Friday night to toast their 25th, and found some new beers. This one will make it 201.

Clear, bright golden toned, large ivory head.

In the nose: delightful aromatics, citrusy, floral.

In the mouth: happiness gets down to business from the get-go. From first sip and gulp, I am certain that they brewed this with me in mind. Refreshingly bitter, dry, even brittle. Customer made for my palate. Light bodied, with merest malt, easy drinking, a hopheads.

This is what should be coming out at every other brewery, instead of hazy, hazy, hazies. These guys know how it’s done!

Cheers to Pete, Mike, Derek and everyone else at Town Hall for 25 years of amazing beers!

Also had on tap, 97 Masala, a recreation of the original recipe last released in 2017.

I liked this one, Höplischious, so much I took home a crowler. Notes coming soon.

Can’t pass up a Grand Cru, one of my all-time favorites, and you know I love the Belgians.

Lupulin Night Witch Barrel-aged Imperial Stout

Lupulin Night Witch Barrel-aged Imperial Stout. Aged in Heaven Hill & Buffalo Trace barrels.

12% ABV, Lupulin Brewing, Big Lake, Minnesota.

I got this one for free because the bump on top of the can made it unsalable. Would I have paid $7 per can? Let’s drink and find out....

Deep black color, complete opacity, large, but brief, rich brown head.

In the nose: molasses, vanilla, chocolate, oak, big whiskey. Deep and wide and full of Barrel-y goodness. 

In the mouth: Starts out rich and slightly sweet. Caramel, cocoa, a touch of espresso. A bit of toffee. Full bodied. Quite indulgent, while never overbearing. It’s got the goods.

Would I have spent $15 for two? Right now, no, but you go ahead. You have my permission. If I was rolling in the dough, though, yeah, I’m right there with you.

Crafted in honor of the brave female pilots who flew combat missions for the Soviet Union during the Second World War. Only allowed to fly in outdated wooden bi-planes against the German enemy, these brave women had to fly only at night, shutting off their engines to glide in silently and bomb the German lines. The Germans nicknamed them the Nachthexen(Night Witches) as their gliding planes sounded like witches riding on broomsticks in the night. This Imperial Stout was boiled all night to create a deeply complex flavor, and then aged in Heaven Hill and Buffalo Trace bourbon barrels for good measure.

Sisyphus The Spice Must Flow

 

Sisyphus The Spice Must Flow.

4.8% ABV. Sisyphus Brewing, Minneapolis, Minnesota.

I decided to do another phone post, and Sisyphus was the place to do it. Wouldn’t you know, there was a new beer for me to try.

Clear, dark amber toned, slim white head. 

In the nose: lightly spiced, cinnamon, clove, warm….pumpkin-y. 

In the mouth: mild hops, moderate malt, medium bodied. Fairly mellow. Pleasant. Were any pumpkins harmed in the making of this beer? Unsure. No, I have learned, it’s 100% pumpkin-less. Also, the base beer is the SisyFest Märzen lager. With all the spices.

Venn Fresh Hop Northodox

 Venn Fresh Hop Northodox. Northodox IPA with Fresh Citra, Simcoe & Mosaic hops.

6.5% ABV, Venn Brewing, Minneapolis, Minnesota. 

Lightly clouded, bright golden, slim white head.

In the nose: dankness, resinous-ness, super citrusy. Orange marmalade and lime.

In the mouth: more bold hop flavors, a blast of citrus, a splash of pine, and a little bit of berries. Light bodied,easy drinking, flush with fresh hop flavors. Juicy throughout, but ending on a bit of a dry note. I

I a man enjoying this immensely.

Our house hazy IPA, Northodox, brewed with fresh hops. Tis the season!

Hammerheart Stone Circle Imperial Gravøl (Ale)

 Hammerheart Stone Circle Imperial Gravøl (Ale). Or “grave ale”, I think. 

10% ABV, Hammerheart Brewing, Lino Likes, MN. (R.I.P.)

I’ve been sitting on this one for too long. My last can from the final beer out of Lino Lakes, while we wait for the Ely facility to get up and cranking out the dark, smoky goodness.

Solid blackness, complete opacity, slim brown ring of foam.

In the nose: smoked malt comes first, fully cured. Sausage and salmon spilling out. Dark malts loom below, but mostly muted by the smoke.

In the mouth: chocolate malt sand cacao nibs are creeping to the fore, though smoky flavors remain foremost. Deep and dark, full bodied, rich, warm, lightly bitter, supremely satisfying. There’s a hell of a lot going on here. Wow. Highly diggable.

I need more, Austin and Nathaniel! Best of luck on bringing it all together and treating us to more great beers like this. 

Our final beer produced a tasty the Lino Lakes brewery, and the last until the Ely brewery is up and running. Gravøl is a traditional dark beer made in and after the Viking age to console mourners during a funereal times. We brewed this beer with many brewers that were a part of Hammerheart past and present in collaboration with their respective breweries (Klockow, Northbound). This beer was made with Voss Kviek, all manner of smoked malt, a juniper stuffed kuurna, and cacao nibs. Takk for alt og vi sees snart. Men, til vi møtes igjen. Skål!!'

Surly 16 Grit Double IPA 2022 vs. Abrasive Ale

 Surly 16 Grit Double IPA 2022.

10%  ABV. Surly Brewing, Minneapolis, Minnesota.

There are two entries here for a beer called Abrasive Ale. In the first, I reused my notes on 16 Grit, it’s original incarnation, from December 2008 as I consumed can of AA. But were they really the same beer? Did they just change the name or were there other changes? 

Years later, I at last reviewed AA from a can. And now here we have 16 Grit in a crowler, purchased at the brewery on October 8, Darkness Day, which I held on to until today, when Abrasive was released again. I will have one and the other, to compare. And then, I’ll probably have to go to sleep.

Clear, with a slight chill haze, deep golden hue, large and long lasting ivory head. 

In the nose: dank, devious, devilish. Orange, marmalade, grapefruit, cooked to fine carameling. Citrus explosion, with grassy/ piney notes at the side. 

In the mouth: pow! Pummels the palate, blasts the tongue and scorches the roof of the mouth. Candied apricot and seared mango. At 10% ABV, this would be called a triple IPA by some according to the latest calibrations, but it feels like the flavors I attribute to a triple IPA. Much malt, some juicy sweetnesses, but overall, powerful and overloaded with hops. Full body, long hoppy, bitter finish, incredible flavors that will not quit the palate or remove from memory. Amazing. 

I’m looking on BeerAdvocate, to find original information for the initial 16 Grit. It says that I haven’t reviewed it and that it was added to their system on 10/09/2022. Also, it lists the ABV as 9.2%, where my crowler says 10%. The ABV listed for AA (I keep called it that, though the label no longer does) is 9.2%. Looking on the AA listing, I find my 2008 16 Grit notes. Are the the same? Let’s open an Abrasive and find out...

Softer, paler color, larger head,....milder nose, more floral, less harsh....and to the taste....more sweetness, but no lack of hoppy flavors. Not as dank, harsh, punishing...body is smooth, delicious,  none too gritty...I feel I had too much 16 G left in the mouth and did not do a proper palate cleanse...gone for a quick water....

Man, Abrasive Ale is one of my all time favorite beers, and it is so different from 16 Grit, at least this current version, which may be exactly like the old one. How did I ever think they were the same beer? Is it the oats? Different hops? Rates of hopping? Two completely different animals. And while 16 G is a mighty, untamable beast, Abrasive is a more comfortable creature, a support double IPA, you might say. 

The name is an homage to Surly's original brewery, former home to Sparky Abrasives. 16 Grit is one of the coarsest sandpaper types, and the beer lives up to it, providing a pleasing, super-Citra-hopped punch in the mouth for all to enjoy. 

Falling Knife 365 Days of Incidents TDH Anniversary Triple IPA

 Falling Knife 365 Days of Incidents TDH Anniversary Triple IPA.

9.9% ABV/vol. Brewed and packaged by Falling Knife Brewing Company, Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Hey, they T’d the DH’s this time, and T’d the IPA, too! All for the third anniversary.

All hazed up, slim white head, murky orange look.

In the nose: bright, citrusy, fuzzy, dank, floral.

In the mouth: extra fuzzy.Super citrusy. Medium bodied. Encroaching alcohol. Much murk. It’s the fashion of our  day, and it leaves me nonplussed. I yearn for a spark on the tongue, a kick to the palate, some bite here or there. 

It’s very hoppy, plenty flavorful, utterly lacking in bitterness, highly boozy, but does nothing for me. 

Still, congrats!

TDH Anniversary TIPA with HBC 586, Mango Cryo, Talus Lupomax & Mosaic Cryo Hops

Mason Ale Works Bride of Dankenstein West Coast IPA

 Mason Ale Works Bride of Dankenstein West Coast IPA.

7% ABV, Mason Ale Works, San Marcos, California.

A few weeks ago, I had the Monster, now it’s time for the Bride. 

Clear, bright golden hue, slim white head.

In the nose: citrus and pine, grapefruit and lime. Touch of tropical fruit sweetness.

In the mouth: juicy, dank, dry, in that order. Orange and lemon make way for mango. Fruity at first, turning bitter and dry, just the way we like it. All those bitter hops scour the palate, leaving it brittle and dry and deliciousness reigns. Absolutely delightful.

You know what they say, the best things come in pairs. This Classic west coast single IPA is the significant other, or bride so to speak, to our Dankenstein's Monster. We sewed together a bouquet of Citra, Idaho 7, Cascade, Cashmere, Strata, and Amarillo to create a beer that is lighter and more fruit forward than her more monstrous other half, although sure to still ELECTRIFY