Cigar City Florida Man Double India Pale Ale

 Cigar City Florida Man Double India Pale Ale.

8.5% ABV, 50 IBU. Cigar City Brewing, Tampa, Florida.

Lightly hazed, bright golden hued, large ivory head. 

In the nose: Classic citrus and pine combo in effect. Orange peel and lemon with a splash of grapefruit.

In the mouth: even bigger citrus blast laying into the palate, with hyper hoppiness in tow. Slightly sweet to match the Brobdingnagian bitterness. Clean, brisk, popping with hoppiness. And then the booze pops up. 

Despite all the bigness, it feels very mellow, very groovy. Hops are hitting in all the right places. 

The world needs heroes, and in our home state of Florida only a very special hero will do. A hero with a shark tooth around his neck, a Grim Reaper tattoo on his arm, and a rap sheet longer than his mama’s mustache. A hero who’s forgotten more about amateur taxidermy and alligator rasslin’ than you’ll ever know. What better way to pay tribute to our beloved Florida Man than with a big ol’ Double India Pale Ale brewed with a nearly-criminal amount of hops and a moderate bitterness that just about matches Florida Man’s general disposition. This hopped-up whopper of a beer is big in character and guaranteed to sear itself into your memory, just like “the world’s worst superhero,” Florida Man.

Ska Checkered Future IPA India Pale Ale

 Ska Checkered Future IPA India Pale Ale. 

7% ABV, Ska Brewing, Durango, Colorado. 

Slight clarity, bright golden hue, slim white head.

In the nose: citrus and pine all the way, lemon and grapefruit in charge.

In the mouth: moderate bitterness, boatloads of juicy. Medium bodied, easy drinking. Hop attack pleasantly pleases the palate. 

And now the words that surround the top of the can: Uncertain. Bright. Recycle. Future. TNG. Unwritten. Recycle. Era. (Or is it ERA?) Optimistic. Upbeat.Recycle.

Okay, recycle, I get it. 

A relatively clear IPA with bright, juicy tropical fruit aromas and a bit of classic West Coast-style citrusy, piney bitterness.

The Brewing Projekt Thing of the Hill West Coast IPA

 The Brewing Projekt Thing of the Hill West Coast IPA.

6.9% ABV, The Brewing Projekt, Eau Claire, Wisconsin.

Clear, bright golden hue, large ivory head. 

In the nose: big citrus and a pinch of pine. Orange rind and grapefruit zest. 

In the mouth: bitter bite kicks it off. Just a little bit juicy, then it quickly turns dry. Medium bodied, with a long, hoppy finish. 

There’s a residual sweetness, though, that comes through in the end. This needs to be cleaner and drier. Very close, but missing it by a bit.

I bought this four-pack because it was a mere $12.49 and it claimed to be of my favorite style. Didn’t quite get there, but they’re trying. 

West coast IPA with centennial hops

Firestone Walker Cali Squeeze Blood Orange Hefe Weizen

 Firestone Walker Cali Squeeze Blood Orange Hefe Weizen.

5.4%  ABV, 15 IBU. Firestone Walker Brewing, Paso Robles, California. 

Cleanish,ruby-tinted, pink-like coloration, slim/gone head.

In the nose: ah, there’s that sharp citrusy blood orange aromatic. Lively stuff.

In the mouth: juicy at the front, full of fruity flavors. Crisp, light, refreshing. There’s not much from the Weizen below, but it does the trick. Few can feel the wheat, it’s sweet and smooth, and the citrus carries it through. Enjoy it while summer is still around. 

Brewed with real blood orange for maximum refreshment. A crisp beer with juicy orange flavors and fresh citrus flavors, that always go down easy.

Junkyard Quarter Pounder New England Style IPA with Citra and Mosaic hops

 

Junkyard Quarter Pounder New England Style IPA with Citra and Mosaic hops.

6.8% ABV, Junkyard Brewing, Moorhead, Minnesota.

Hazy, bright golden hue, large ivory head that drifts down swiftly. 

In the nose: big citrus, lemon, orange peel, with a bit of berries and a whiff of melon.

In the mouth: brisk, crisp, fruity, with moderate bitterness, and a jolt of juicy. Medium bodied, mild, soft finish, flush with citrus flavors. Not too shabby, for a hazy. Hoppy flavor keeps on shining, through the fuzz.

This was found on Untappd:A smaller version of our Double IPA, Royal with Cheese, we introduce Quarter Pounder IPA!

If you are a Pulp Fiction fan, you will know the reference! Made with the oh so juicy Citra and Mosaic hops try our Quarter Pounder IPA!

But that’s not what’s on the label: Like a tasty burger, we can’t resist the combination of Citra and Mosaic hops in a New England style IPA. We get most of our tasty hops from our annual hop selection trip to Yakima, Washington, where we analyze freshly harvested hop cones and select which specific lots we’d like to use. It’s little differences like hop selection that set a beer like this apart from Otho.

“Mmm-mm, That is a tasty burger!”

Surly Idol Worship DDH Pale Ale

 Surly Idol Worship DDH Pale Ale. Citrus. Hop. Revelation.

From the recently replaced Hoppy Variety Pack. 

5.6% ABV. Surly Brewing, Minneapolis/Brooklyn Center, Minnesota.

Lightly hazed, bright golden hue, large and lasting cloud-white head.

In the nose: grassy, citrusy, lemon and grapefruit aplenty. Dank and fresh at once.

In the mouth: nice little bitter bite up front, then it’s smooth sailing, easy-going, though the hops never quit. Juicy, malty delights ensue. Light bodied, clean, and thoroughly enjoyable.

Hey, why not a 12-pack of just this one, Surly. I’ll keep drinking it if you keep brewing it. 

Thou shalt have no other pale ales quite like this one. Centering citrusy hops and drinkability, Idol Worship restores your faith in beer.

Half Acre Hallow Double IPA

 Half Acre Hallow Double IPA. 

8% ABV, Half Acre Brewing, Chicago, IL.,

Observers of this blog know a few things to be true. I greatly enjoy a double IPA. Also, I do not care very much for the hazy style of IPA. Further, I do admire Half Acre Brewing of Chicago. I thought I could trust them. I mean, only five of their beers have appeared here so far, so I really don’t know them that well. I felt that I could trust them. Because I wanted to. I wanted to believe in the makers of Daisy Cutter. 

And I bought a four pack of this one because it wasn’t $20, it didn’t say it was hazy, and I wanted a new Double IPA to add to my regular rotation. Another Ninja vs. Unicorn, Sticker Fight, Big Little Thing. And I got this. 

Hazy, cloudy, bright golden hue, small white head, leaving a little lace.

In the nose: citrus and pine, with a side order of fuzz. Orange and lemon, behind guaze.

In the mouth: bold, zesty bitter blast, juicy mouthfeel, citrus aplenty. Also, murk and muck. It’s not that bad, actually, but when I want is clarity and crispness, getting this is disheartening. I’ve learned this lesson over and over, and keep getting burned. 

Hallow is the result of many other double IPAs, all leading to one that we felt collected the qualities we wanted to share in a year-round double IPA. Just over the IPA equator line of ABV into northern territory of higher impact hoppy beers. Hallow has all the covet hops – Nelson, Citra, Mosaic and Simcoe — bent toward the way we understand hazy DIPA, big aromatics, full and round flavors with apparent bitterness. 

Bent Paddle Bent Hop Slightly Angled India Pale Ale

 Bent Paddle Bent Hop Slightly Angled India Pale Ale.

6.2% ABV, 68 IBU. Bent Paddle Brewing, Duluth, Minnesota.

Final can from the previous variety pack, the Bent Hop Remix. 

Highly clouded, golden toned, slim white head.

In the nose: pleasant wave of citrus and tropical notes. Grapefruit and lemon swaddled in pineapple and mango.

In the mouth: big spank of bitterness to the palate. Slightly foggy feels, a bit of the mush in the mouth. Soft and creamy, where I’m expecting crisp and clean. A little bit of the juicy. Methinks this experiment is an attempt to reframe Bent Hop in the current fashion of soft n hazy IPAs. I say: if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. 

I have a can of Bent Hop in the fridge (from the most current variety pack). I will drink that next to remind me of what I like about IPA. 

"Slightly Angled" Bent Hop was born from our desire to experiment with the Bent Hop profile. We use Citra and Cashmere in the dry-hopping phase, giving it intense citrus and floral hop flavors upfront. It finishes with a smooth, tropical melon/pineapple flavor.

Slightly  Angled Bent Hop is only available in the Hope Remix Adventure Pack #7 along with Citra Bump Bent Hop, Double Dry Hopped Bent Hop, and our traditional Bent Hop IPA. 

BlackStack Mosaic & Chill Cold IPA w/ Mosaic

   

BlackStack Mosaic & Chill Cold IPA w/ Mosaic.

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

Clear, bright golden, slim white head.

In the nose: fruity. Citrus and berries. Pleasant enough.

In the mouth: minor bitterness. Clean and smooth, light bodied, easy drinking. Mild maltiness. Adjuncts? Probably. Still not a fan of “Cold IPAs” for reasons iterated elsewhere. Keep rice out of craft beer, it’s as simple as that. 

Hand Selected Mosaic, Mosaic Cryo, Pilsner Malt, Rice + Chico Yeast fermented cold? This algorithm is getting out of control... Get your comfy pants on, we made this one for you to enjoy responsibly on your next night of bingeing.

The list continues of beers I’m avoiding (unless I get it for free):

Cold IPA

All hazies/ New England

Lactose anything

Anything with marshmallows, ice cream, other idiotic ingredient. 

Flavored / fruited Kölsch 

Smoothie sours, etc.

Anything with the word “pastry” attached. c    

Clip and save this list for future reference.

56 Lil’ ‘Ssippi Citra Mosaic Session IPA

 56 Lil’ ‘Ssippi Citra Mosaic Session IPA.

4.5% ABV, 45 IBU. 56 Brewing, Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Hazy and bright yellow, large, lush, lasting ivory cap atop.

In the nose: full citrus attack, lemon and grapefruit, orange zest, and a bit o’ berries. 

In the mouth: starts out with citrus and bitterness, then all gets mellow and cool.Lighter bodied than I like, but such is the nature of the session IPA. Hop attack never quite quits, until it does. Remains likable throughout. I proclaim thee: not too shabby there. 

You ever just look at your 'Ssippi Squeeze & think, "I wish I could Sip a Lil 'Ssippi all day? Well, you're in luck. Here's a session version of our beloved Citra Mosaic IPA. So go ahead & sip as much as your 'Lil Sipper can sip. 

Hops: Citra & Mosaic

Yeast: Lond III

Malt: 2 Row, White Wheat, Dextrin

Headflyer Strawberry Whip

 Headflyer Strawberry Whip.

5.4 % ABV, HeadFlyer Brewing, Minneapolis, MN. 

Of all the styles of beer, I might have the least familiarity with the Whip style. I haven’t had one since April of last year, also from this brewery, and before that I had none, that I know we of. So, let’s have a strawberry whip, shall we?

Highly clouded, hazy pinkish red coloration, slim white head.

In the nose: fruity and sweet. That’s some strawberries in there, alright.

In the mouth: juicy, fruity, smooth, strawberry-y. Medium bodied. Quick finish. Slight bitterness. More like a smoothie than a beer. Appropriately pleasant, but whatever it is, it’s not for me.

I’ll  still finish it, but I’ll be happy to put a real beer in my mitts next.

This fruited pale features strawberry puree, milk sugar, and Belma hops. The balance of sweet and fruit make this a refreshing patio beer!

Lactose again, eh? My old nemesis. 

Invictus Listening Through Static Hazy Pale Ale

 Invictus Listening Through Static Hazy Pale Ale. Beer for the unconquerable soul. 

5.2 % ABV, 42 IBU. Invictus Brewing, Blaine, MN.

A sample from the sample man. I wouldn’t have purchased it, due to my hazy ban. What’s wrong with a simple, good ol pale ale? Insert Abe Simpson meme here.

Thoroughly hazed, for some reason, golden toned, slim white head.

In the nose: citrus notes, grapefruit and tangerine.

In the mouth: even more citrusy here. Bigger grapefruit, citrus meets tropical. A touch of juicy, ending dry.   Medium bodied, long, hoppy finish. Easily drinkable. 

I like it, except for the fuzz and the muck. Just don’t get why everything has to be hazy now. 

Our first hazy offering has a hazy orange hue with a thick white head.  Aromas of fresh lime, lemon, orange zest and ripe melon lend way to a soft pillowy mouthfeel.  All late kettle additions include Cashmere, Citra, and Mosaic hops.

Outstate Edge Catcher MN Hazy IPA

Outstate Edge Catcher MN Hazy IPA.

8.2% ABV, 77 IBU. Outstate Brewing, Fergus Falls, MN.

Lightly clouded, bright golden hue, long-lasting, lace-leaving, snowy white head.

In the nose: beautiful blend of citrus and tropical notes. Orange peel and pineapple, with a touch of apricot.

In the mouth: intense bitterness from the start. Hazies are supposed to avoid the bitter, that’s why I hate them. This, though, revels in it. Gratuitous citrus and pine, boosted by the high alcohol. Juicy mouthfeel. Big bitterness and big booze cling to the palate. 

This is hazy in appearance, but in no way resembles the typical hazy, which is smooth over all, hardly ever  bitter, and not usually this strong. If this was by BlackStack and their like, it’d be called a DIPA and would be a lot hazier and wouldn’t have a single note of bitterness and I wouldn’t like. 

I think this is a terrific beer, but misleadingly labeled. 

Pairing West Coast’s bitterness, with East Coast’s soft mouthfeel, we call this Double IPA a Minnesota Hazy. Double dry hopped with Mosiac and Cascade hops, tropical fruit and citrus flavors dominate the palate, with a light maltiness in the background.

Top 20 in the Alpha King Competition whose criteria is to identify beers 60 IBU that are highly balanced and drinkable. 

Hoppy, Tropical, Citrus, Apricot, Bitter

Revolution Straight Jacket BBA Barleywine

 Revolution Straight Jacket BBA Barleywine. Bourbon barrel aged English Barleywine.

15.8% ABV, 30 IBU. Revolution Brewing, Chicago, IL.

Largely opaque, dark brown color, slim tan  head. (Starts nice, then leaves swiftly.)

In the nose: massive bourbon barrel, oak, caramel, vanilla, ash, all hanging out high on top of a barleywine.

In the mouth: hot at the start, then big time sweetness. Bourbon barrel has command, but the barleywine keeps coming through. Dark fruits, cherries, date, etc al, making the scene. Unrestrained. Not quite out of control. But could be mistaken for such. 

15.8%? What? Good thing I’m heading to bed...

This is maybe four months old, but I’m curious what a few years would do. 

Our Barleywine Ale features American and Belgian malts which provide the base of this extraordinary ale. After 12 months in bourbon barrels the award-winning Straight Jacket emerges with notes of stone fruit, toasted coconut, molasses, and vanilla coming in waves as you swirl the glass.

Cigar City Jai Low India Pale Ale

 

Cigar City Jai Low India Pale Ale .

4% ABV,  35 IBU.Cigar City Brewing, Tampa, FL.

Clear, golden toned, slim white head.

In the nose: big citrus, orange peel meets grapefruit rind. 

In the mouth: bitter bite up front that fades a bit. Strong citrus flavors, a twist of tangerine, a smear of marmalade. Light in body, smooth, while flavorful. Soft finish, though the bitterness lingers and the taste never quits. Not too bad for a session IPA.

Tropical and bright with a full palate of flavor and a potency designed with moderation in mind, Jai Low IPA lowers the intensity of a typical India Pale Ale while maintaining the highest quality and hop flavor possible. 

Steel Toe Finally Hazy IPA

Steel Toe Finally Hazy IPA. W/ Citra, Strata, Nelson Saigon + Nelson Sauvin CGX Hops. A long-awaited collaboration. 

7.2 % ABV, 40 IBU, Steel Toe Brewing, St. Louis Park, MN.

I’ve made no secret of my affection for Steel Toe Brewing of St. Louis Park, MN. I also like Barrel Theory Brewing of St. Paul, MN. What I’m not so crazy about is catering to the trends of the beer geek crowd above all else, which has been BT’s stock in trade, since they opened five years ago. Neglecting fads and staying true to classic styles has been ST’s modus operandi for just about 11 years now. And now we have this.

Finally was released at both breweries last week at their respective taprooms. They say “finally we collaborated with Barrel Theory.” One could also easily say, as many have, “finally Steel Toe brewed a hazy.” I would have been happy if it had never happened. And I am presented with a dilemma. I like to try everything they make. Should I go to the tap room and pay $7 for a pint I may not enjoy? Or plunk down $17 for a 6-pack (Sticker Fight is $14, and delivers every time, Size 7 is $12, ditto.) when I may not feel like drinking all six? Oh, I would, but I might not enjoy them. 

My boss had a solution. He would buy a 6-pack, we would sample a can, and the rest would go home with us all. Let me tell you, free is the best. So, let’s drink it.

Highly clouded, dull yellow color, slim white head. 

In the nose: yeasty fuzz. Extra citrus. Orange and lemon, with a dose of grapefruit. Bursting with hoppy flavors. 

In the mouth: soft, mild, wet, squishy, citrusy, hoppy, with absolutely no bitterness whatsoever. Medium bodied, languid finish. In my opinion, this is exactly a Barrel Theory beer, and not at all a Steel Toe. It tastes like every single BlackStack beer. It’s pretty much dull as dishwater. Not a pinch of bitterness to be found.

They blew through kegs last week and cans are sold out. I hope we never see it again. Long live Size 7.

The Steel Toe crew finally teamed up with Barrel Theory Beer Company to brew our first hazy IPA Brewed with Pilsner and 2-Row malt, as well as a healthy amount of oats and wheat. We whirlpooled it with some Citra and then gave it a big ol’ dry hop consisting of Citra, Strata, Nelson Sauvin, and Nelson Sauvin CGX. Notes of peach, melon, white grape, and passion fruit. 

Odell Tree Shaker Imperial Tangerine IPA

 Odell Tree Shaker Imperial Tangerine IPA.

8% ABV, Odell Brewing, Fort Collins, CO.

Lightly hazed, bright golden hue, sizable white head.

In the nose: fresh and zesty, brimming with citrus. Bold tangerine notes to match the hoppy blitz.

In the mouth: brilliant hop blast on the palate. Lush, fruity, delicious. And up comes the booze. Medium bodied, long, hoppy finish. Nice and juicy. Yum a dum dum. 

It’s time to shake the senses with Tree Shaker Imperial Tangerine IPA. Bright tangerine fruit mixes with massive amounts of juicy, citrusy hops to create a mammoth-sized IP A with intense hop notes of ripe orange and stone fruit. Available April through July.

Lupulin Radiant Roadrunner Double Dry-Hopped Triple IPA

 Lupulin Radiant Roadrunner Double Dry-Hopped Triple IPA.

11% ABV, Lupulin Brewing, Big Lake, MN. 

Nearly clear, hardly any haze. Bright golden hue. Fine layer of ivory froth atop.

In the nose: bold citrus with a sidecar of stone. Some sweetness. Overripe fruit notes hint at oncoming high alcohol.

In the mouth: Boom! Bam! This one is not shy in the slightest. Barley-wine-esque. Rich and potent. High hops, big bitterness. Chock full o’ hoppy goodness. Malt is also in full effect, big and juicy, ending nice and dry. 

 This is exactly how a triple IPA should taste. I love the way it’s hot hoppiness nestles on the palate. Sublime.

Meep Meep! Back up octopus, Radiant Roadrunner is here to drop an anvil on your head!

Simcoe dankness blends with the tropical pineapple and coconut notes of Sabro, while El Dorado adds notes of melon and citrus, all backed up with a soft and smooth malt base of spelt and 6 row.

Bent Paddle Double Dry Hopped Bent Hop India Pale Ale

 Bent Paddle Double Dry Hopped Bent Hop India Pale Ale.

6.2% ABV, 68 IBU. Bent Paddle Brewing, Duluth, MN. 

Lightly hazed, golden toned, small white head.

In the nose: grapefruit and orange peel with a twist of lime. Particularly pungent. Hugely hoppy.

In the mouth: brisk and bitter up front, zesty, moderately bitter. Crisp and refreshing with a bitter undercurrent through the finish. This is what dry-hopping is all about. 

Yum a dum dum. 

"Double Dry Hopped" Bent Hop consists of reducing the initial dry hop of the standard El Dorado/Centennial/Glacier mix with a secondary dry-hop of Strata and Citra hops to bring forth dank notes of passionfruit and bright citrus flavors.

Double Dry Hopped Bent Hop is only available in the Hop Remix Adventure Pack #7 along with Citra Hop, Slightly Angled, and our traditional Bent Hop IPA. 

BlackStack Kviek 755 NEIPA

 BlackStack Kviek 755 NEIPA. 

6.8% ABV. BlackStack Brewing, St. Paul, MN.

Hazed-out, bright, sunshiney yellow hue, slim white head.

In the nose: flush with citrus notes, big time lemon and lime, with a trace of pine.

In the mouth: enters the palate with some citrus, no bitterness, and a whole lot of smooth. Plush and mellow. Drinkable to a potential fault. More citrus flavors keep cutting a trail on the palate. It’s a hoppy beer and you can drink it, but man, what’s everybody got against bitterness?

Now, some cool-sounding nonsense from the brewery: We brewed and dry hopped 755 just like normal but fermented it with a not-so-farmhousey Norwegian farmhouse ale strain. A refreshing spin on our favorite brewski?

That’s not what’s on the label ....but it’s not much different other than referring to their flagship beer as “their favorite fog dog”, again, or calling it’s yeast “our beloved “ once more. You don’t need to know that.

Toppling Goliath Radiant Haze India Pale Ale

 

Toppling Goliath Radiant Haze India Pale Ale.

7% ABV, Toppling Goliath Brewing, Deborah, IA. 

I don’t do many Toppling Goliath beers here. They are all too expensive and they are almost always hazy IPAs. This one I got for free, so no buying anything $20 4-pack this time. And it says Haze right in the name, so no bamboozlement.

All hazy. Bright golden hue, slim white head.

In the nose: so fuzzy. Under that stuff, loads of the usual citrusy stuff. Lemon, orange, grapefruit.

 In the mouth: cool, soft, shiny. Big hop expression, more citrusy suspects. Fresh and lively. In fact, quite tasty. Medium bodied, yeasty as they get, ...and I get why people like these, but I can only think of what I’m missing. Clarity means a lot, to the eye, and on the palate. 

Mellow out as you bask in the radiant haze of Amarillo, Citra, mosaic & Sabro hops. open your third eye & follow this hazy IPA on a tropical trip with notes of orange & mango.

The Shop Beer Co. Joy Juice West Coast IPA

 The Shop Beer Co. Joy Juice West Coast IPA.

6.7% ABV, The Shop Beer Co., Tempe, AZ.

And how did this beer enter my possession? I made it known via Facebook which states in the union have no representation in this here blog, and my friend Nikki got out one from Arizona that she still had from the last time she went there. What a pal. And we know that it is at least a year old, nearly 1& 1/2....we won’t hold that against it. 

Lightly clouded, not clear, not on point....bright golden hue, slim white head.

In the nose: big citrus. Slightly resinous. Some stone fruit.

In the mouth:  bitterness on the palate up front, but mild. Orange and grapefruit with a drop of apricot. Dankness in attendance. Medium bodied, long hoppy finish.

Lacking a crispness I desire. Plenty of hop presence, without appropriate snap. Most of this may be attributable to the lack of freshness. Part of this is my own fault, for I sat on it months  after I received it. Not bad, but I can imagine it better when new. 

West Coast IPA brewed with Talus, Idaho 7 and Simcoe cryo hops!

Surly Shutter Shades DDH Double IPA

 Surly Shutter Shades DDH Double IPA. Citrusy. Intense. Bright. 

9% ABV. Surly Brewing, Mpls/ B.C., MN. 

This beer arrived in the store today. Happy to see it was merely $11.50, a bit low for a double IPA.I looked on line to make sure it wasn’t a hazy, took a six-pack home, and will now review can #1 from the six-pack. Something new I’m trying out.

Lightly hazed (the pictures I saw from the brewery looked positively clear), bright golden/orange hue, slim white head.

In the nose: heavy on the dank, big pine and citrus, with a wee bit of stone fruit on the side. Slight tropical tinges, too. 

In the mouth: begins with bold bitterness clutching the palate, with deep resinous hop flavors along for the ride. Sharply scintillating. Medium bodied, swiftly encroaching high alcohol, thrilling barrage of hop bitterness. Just a little juicy, ending dry. Burnished tangerine and grapefruit continues to blaze the senses.

I’m liking this. It’s no Abrasive Ale, but it’s not too shabby there, nonetheless.

A blinding DDH blend of Vic Secret, Citra, and Mosaic shades this intense, fruit-forward double IPA.

Drekker Chonk Peaches and Cream Sundae Sour

 Drekker Chonk Peaches and Cream Sundae Sour. With peach, vanilla soft serve ice cream, lactose, vanilla beans.

6.7% ABV. Drekker Brewing, Fargo, ND.

Why is this in my possession? My nephew gave it to me on Christmas Day, and it’s sat in the fridge for lo, these many months. Eight months of saying no, tonight I at last pledge to leap into the void. Here we go. 

Thick, orange, Andy look at this head! It resembles an insane experiment of some mad scientist. Good Lord! (Choke!)

In the nose: there’s the cream, the fruity sweetness, and just below the peach. Delivering so far on it’s bizarre promise.

In the mouth: creamy mouthful reveals fruit, vanilla, tartness. Insufferable sweet on second sip, with swiftly retreating sourness. Starting to congeal in the mouth. Sickeningly sweet. 

Some people adore this nonsense, but I am sticking with my gut here: it’s garbage. Keep ice cream out of beer and knock it off with the vanilla. Don’t call them sours when they are not. And I need to get to a real beer fast, so it’s going down the drain.

Sorry, Patrick. 

Our lovable hefty boi is back and he’s got his smol little paws in the dessert stash again! Peaches and Cream Chonk is completely stuffed with peach, vanilla ice cream, lactose, & vanilla beans. This absolute unit of a beer is exactly like a devilishly decadent bowl of peaches & cream.⠀

Lift Bridge Watermelon Kölsch Beer

 Lift Bridge Watermelon Kölsch Beer. 

4% ABV. Lift Bridge Brewing, Stillwater, MN. 

Now here we have a beer I wouldn’t normally purchase. And I didn’t, it was a gift from a friend. Or was it a trap, knowing I would be forced to drink it? It has sat in the fridge for more than a month, going on two, because it is not the sort of beer I would normally drink. I like a good Kölsch, but not fruited ones.

Clear, bright golden hue, small white head.

In the nose: artificial watermelon flavors own this aroma. Like a Jolly Rancher or bubblegum. 

In the mouth: there it is again, and it’s not good. Gone quickly, thank goodness, swiftly done from the palate. Bearing no Kölsch-like flavors, it’s just a light-bodied vehicle for this fake flavoring. 

I am getting no joy from this, so it’s going down the drain. Sorry, Kirk. 

The quintessential taste of summer cookouts, watermelon, tossed gently with a smooth and crisp kolsch style beer.

Wooden Ship Whatever’s Saisonal

 Wooden Ship Whatever’s Saisonal. Saison with fresh sage and white tea. 5.8 % ABV, Wooden Ship Brewing, Minneapolis, MN.

I got off work at 5 this Friday afternoon, got on my bike, and got on the Minnehaha Creek Trail, taking that to Lake Harriet. Followed the bike path until I exited at 44th St., taking it several blocks to the west and Zenith Avenue. Wooden Ship Brewery, where I intended to do another phone post. I didn’t do one with my first beer, an IPA called Uncouth Joseph, which I liked quite a lot, but didn’t want to take notes on for the reason thatbth3 seat I chose at the bar was next to old friends and I didn’t want to be unsociable. 

So, here come the notes on pint #2:

Light haze, golden hue, small white head.

Lovely aromatics. A little sweet, a touch of spice. Beautiful fruity notes.

All these enticing flavors emerge on the palate. Lean bodied, excellent consumability. Extra flavors wrap over any discernible saison style signifiers, but no one minds. Why would anyone? I don’t normally go for sage and/or tea in my beer, but when it works, it works.

A French saison made with fresh sage and white tea