Sisyphus More Than A Trace

 Sisyphus More Than A Trace. Buffalo Trace Barrel aged Imperial Stout w/ Dogwood Coffee.

13.5% ABV, 40 IBU, Sisyphus Brewing, Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Strictly ebony, absolutely opaque, slim tan ring of foam.

In the nose: big barrel effects, bulging out of the aroma. Outsized bourbon notes, char and cherry, with coffee creeping in below. Massive malt associations abound. 

In the mouth: surprisingly smooth, resplendently rich. Thick, viscous, round and full. Coffee and cocoa are king, with bourbon barrel flavors right around the side. Whole lot going on here, much more than a trace. 

I am very fond of this bottling. I may have to return for more. 

We love Buffalo Trace barrels - we think they lead to some of the best barrel aged beers we've made.  This stout was aged for 1 year in a Buffalo Trace barrel and then finished on Dogwood Coffee - Espresso beans.  You can definitely taste and smell the coffee, but it doesn't overwhelm the barrel character.  The two blend together to create a creamy, vanilla-laden flavor, with an espresso finish. 

Revolution Fistmas

Revolution Fistmas. Full festive flavors for jolly joyful jingles. 

6.5 % ABV, Revolution Brewing, Chicago, Illinois. 

All the best holiday beers have naked Santas on the label. 

Clear, reddish hue, cream-toned layer of froth.

In the nose: slightly sweet, fruity, touch of spice. 

In the mouth; citrus blasts through the palate, with spice on the side. Medium bodied, long, finish, warm and malty. Ginger and orange. Easy drinking and delightfully delicious. 

Our Holiday Red Ale is steeped with ginger root and orange peel, resulting in a beer with aromas of fresh baked bread, caramel, and stone fruits. Fistmas was brewed with specialty malts to achieve a beautiful deep red hue.

Three Floyds Backmasking Oatmeal Stout

 Three Floyds Backmasking Oatmeal Stout.

8% ABV, 35 IBU, Three Floyds Brewing, Munster, Indiana. 

I’ve never owned any heavy metal albums. But I can tell you this much: there is backmasking on Tommy James and the Shondells “Crimson and Clover” record. Turned me Satanist for a while there.

Full ebony hue, rich, creamy head, nearly opaque. 

In the nose: malty, slightly sweet, oaty. 

In the mouth: smooth, calm and comforting. Excellent balance, all parts in order, creating harmony and deliciousness. Earthy, gritty, chocolatey. Exceptionally rich, full and defiantly drinkable.

Wanted: more oatmeal stouts like this! (Found in the latest variety pack.)

Einbecker Vollmundinger Doppelbock Winter-Bock

 Einbecker Vollmundinger Doppelbock Winter-Bock.

7.5% ABV, 50 IBU,  brewed and bottled by EinbecknBrauhaus, Einbeck, Germany. 

Clear, caramel brown color, slim, cocoa-tinged head.

In the nose: sweet and malty, caramel, toffee, very inviting.

In the mouth: bright, malty, fully flavored. Medium-bodied, smooth, with moderate bitterness and major maltiness. Warm and toasty, a tasty little doppelbock. 

Einbecker Winter-Bock

»The Winter Treat«

Dark in character, full-bodied with a taste of malt.

When it's cool outside, it's time for the dark Einbecker Winter-Bock inside. Selected malts, the finest hops and a special beer yeast provide a true winter treat. With 18.2%, Einbecker Winter-Bock has the highest original wort of all Einbecker beers.

Luce Line Darkhouse Czech Dark Lager

Luce Line Darkhouse Czech Dark Lager.

4.5% ABV, 25 IBU. Luce Line Brewing, Plymouth, Minnesota.

Thoroughly dark, absolutely opaque, slim ring of cocoa foam.

In the nose: roasted malt, cocoa aromatics, minor hops. Warm and lovely. 

In the mouth: crisp, clean, dark, delicious. Dry, balanced, slightly sweet. Malty, smooth. Thoroughly delightful. Chocolate and coffee.?

I don’t drink enough Czech dark lagers. Maybe I should fix that. 

 Darkhouse is a dark but highly drinkable Czech dark lager. Brewed with 100% Czech grown malted barley and fermented with a classic Czech lager yeast strain, Darkhouse has notes of bakers chocolate and dark fruits with a crisp and clean drinkability. 

HeadFlyer Holla Day Cranberry Honey Wheat

 HeadFlyer Holla Day Cranberry Honey Wheat.

5.5% ABV, 14 IBU. Headflyer Brewing, Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Lightly hazy, deep amber color…actually looks a lot like what you’d get when you cross cranberry with honey…slim white head. 

In the nose: fruity and tart, smells like …what you’d get when you mix cranberry and honey…

In the mouth: light bodied, fairly smooth, with faint flavors of …wait for it… cranberry and honey. Plus wheat. 

It’s a decent beer and you can certainly drink it. Clearly, not for me, though. 

Holla Day is a special infusion of our Holla Honey Wheat Ale. Cranberry brings color and a slightly tart finish to the smooth, sweet honey base.

Back Channel Parody West Coast India Pale Ale

 Back Channel Parody West Coast India Pale Ale. 

6% ABV, Back Channel Brewing, Spring Park, Minnesota. 

I couldn’t find out where the name comes from, but this had better not be a parody of my favorite style. 

Clear, bright golden hue, stable ivory head. 

In the nose: pine and citrus, grapefruit and lemon.

In the mouth: floods the palate with hoppiness, crisp and clean. Nice and dry. Just enough bitterness to please this hophead. Just enough fresh, delicious flavor, too. Plenty of piney and citrus. 

(Addendum, weeks later):Okay, I’m a little embarrassed about this. Top hats, horns, records and the word Parody, what do they have in common? It can only be one thing. Minneapolis-born Barry Hansen, aka Dr. Demento.

Põhjala Cocobänger Imperial Stout with Coffee and Coconut

 Põhjala Cocobänger Imperial Stout with Coffee and Coconut.

12.5 % ABV, Product of Estonia, brewed and packaged by Põhjala, Tallinn, Estonia.

And here we have what must be, if I am not mistaken, my first Estonian beer. About damned time.

Strictly blackness, terminal opacity, slim brown ring of foam.

In the nose: rich, roasted malt, big cocoa, hints of coconut. Nutty, slightly sweet.

In the mouth: surprisingly smooth and sweet. Big boned and burly. Lots of depth and loaded with cocoa. Coconut and coffee are subtle, and that’s okay with me. They’re creeping up along the edges. Not in your faces, but gliding up right behind. Remarkably mellow for a beer this big. Not especially thick or rich, and just a little spicy.

I paid $8 for this 12 ounce bottle. I’ve spent more for less. Good job, Estonia. 

Oliphant Practitioner of Duck Arts Bourbon Barrel-aged Imperial Stout

 Oliphant Practitioner of Duck Arts Bourbon Barrel-aged Imperial Stout. 9 and 18 month barrel blend.

13.5 % ABV. Oliphant Brewing, Somerset, Wisconsin. 

Black as the darkest night, fully opaque,  tight tan head. 

In the nose: dark and rich, molasses and char, cocoa and hints of cherry. Beastly bourbon barrel business.

In the mouth: more chocolate, more thick, more viscous. Plenty of bourbon on the palate. Just sweet enough, and plenty boozy. Well-balanced and over-the-top at once. This one’s got the goods, sure way to send me off to slumber. A right good nightcap. 

This one is the real deal. I’m going back for more.

Warpigs Blinding Light Show Luminiferous India Pale Ale

 Warpigs Blinding Light Show Luminiferous India Pale Ale. Ale brewed with orange and lemon peel. 

7% ABV, 67 IBU, Warpigs Brewing, Munster, Indiana.

Slightly hazed, bright golden hue, slim white head.

In the nose: citrus explosion. Bold orange and lemon, with a touch of tangerine. 

In the mouth: just a bit of bitterness to kick things off, then it’s a fairly smooth affair. Lean-bodied, bright and lively. Refreshing IPA, I can honestly say that I enjoyed. 

A Luminiferous India Pale Ale brewed with Orange and Lemon Peels. From out of the darkness comes the light. Blinding Light Show IPA wields bold citrus and tropical flavors of illuminating refreshment. All that was hidden shall be revealed.

BlackStack Late to the Party Fest Bier

 BlackStack Late to the Party Fest Bier.

6% ABV, BlackStack Brewing, St. Paul, Minnesota.

When this came out in September, I mentioned to the brewery rep that it was not that late at all. It is compared to everyone else, he said. So, naturally, I sat on it until December. Makes sense. 

Clear, bright golden hue, short white head. 

In the nose: malty, sweet, lightly floral. Classic German lager aromatics.

In the mouth: bright, malty, and quite delicious. Excellent drinkability. Light bodied, moderately hopped. Fits the festbier profile perfectly.

I still like Märzens best, but there’s nothing like a good ol’ festbier. Cheers to Ludwig & Theresa! (Better late than never!)

More like Awk-toberfest, amirite? We actually quite enjoy drinking these types of beers into the fall, so we figured we'd release it in the first week of October... so like 2-4 months after most folks. We brewed this beer with Weyermann Malt & spunded for natural carbonation as an homage to the endlessly gulpable biers you'll find at the tents in Munich during Oktoberfest festivities. Where is everyone going? We just got here.

Cigar City Florida Man On the Moon India Pale Ale

 Cigar City Florida Man On the Moon India Pale Ale. Brewed with Galaxy, Strata and Talus hops. (Are these all astronomical references?) 

6.5% ABV, 60 IBU, Cigar City Brewing, Tampa, FL. 

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

In the nose: soft and fuzzy, floral and citrusy. An intriguing melange. 

In the mouth: big, bold burst of hoppiness explodes on the palate. Just enough bitterness to keep this hophead happy. Orange and lemon meet mango and melon. Long, hoppy finish, medium bodied. 

This one was canned in the end of June, and was one of the last from the variety pack I purchased back in September. Did I sit on this too long? It definitely tasted better when fresher, but I feel this isn’t far from the first two I had. 

All in all, a zesty enterprise.

The World's Worst Superhero is going interstellar in this iteration of his namesake beer. Brewed with an astronomical amount of Galaxy hops, this IPA's bright tropical qualities are sure to send you to weird and wonderful worlds beyond the Sunshine State.

Barrel Theory All the Way Live West Coast India Pale Ale

 Barrel Theory All the Way Live West Coast India Pale Ale.

7.2 % ABV, 65 IBU, Barrel Theory Brewing, St. Paul, Minnesota.

And here we have my first review of a Barrel Theory beer in a can, not a crowler. This because they have all been hazy IPAs, fruited sours, or pastry stouts. I can’t go for that (no can do). A West Coast IPA? You know I am down with that.

Clear, bright golden hue, slim white head.

In the nose; floral a bit, mildly piney, plenty citrusy. Highly likable. 

In the mouth: big bitterness grabs the palate and clings to the tongue. Crisp, dry, bitter. Not a smidgen of sweet. 

Not a trace of fuzz. 

Well-composed IPA. Bright, bitter, snappy, creeping into delicious. I’ll be enjoying this one all the way down. 

West Coast Style IPA w/ Amarillo, Columbus, Simcoe & Chinook hops.

Founders French Toast Bastard Vanilla Cinnamon MaplebBourbon Barrel-Aged Scotch Ale

 Founders French Toast Bastard Vanilla Cinnamon Maple Bourbon  Barrel-Aged Scotch Ale. 

Barrel aged series. 11.1% ABV, 50 IBU. Founders Brewing, Grand Rapids, Michigan. 

Is that ever a mouthful!

Dark brown, fully opaque, slim off-white head.

In the nose: crazy maple! Slight cinnamon. Overpowering vanilla. And me without any pancakes.

In the mouth: smooth and mellow for this first five seconds, once the barrage of adjuncts begins. Huge maple, very vanilla, and at last the cinnamon chimes in. Where’s the bourbon? Who’s seen the scotch ale? Extra flavors have subsumed all else, but that’s the way you like it. 

Decadent treat that delivers all that it promises. So, Breakfast Stout was just never breakfast enough, eh? Oh, those were simpler times. Now, everything’s got to outdo everything else. This one does it right, I have to admit. 

Backwoods Bastard gets the full-fledged breakfast treatment! Our malty and rich bourbon barrel-aged Scotch ale is introduced to the essence of smooth maple, warm cinnamon and notes of sweet vanilla for an incredibly decadent brunch-inspired sipper. One taste and you’d swear you were digging into your Sunday morning French toast. Breakfast for dinner, anyone?

Oliphant Stout

 Oliphant Stout. 

6 % ABV, Oliphant Brewing, Somerset, Wisconsin.

Another label that begs a story to be told. An abandoned drum kit in a studio/practice space littered with Oliphant cans, a poster of a two headed puppy…what is going on? 

Strictly ebony, complete opacity, rich, luscious tan head. 

In the nose: caramel malt, cocoa, cream…mild roast. 

In the mouth: full body, rich texture. Semi sweet. Well balanced. Supreme drinkability for the dedicated stout fan. Just a little lush and just the right amount of smooth. Moderate bitterness. Altogether right on the money and super enjoyable non-pastry stout.

Hallelujah, they still exist! 

You might be a Chuck Norris if you can do a windmill kick, otherwise you're probably just a normal person, which is fine because we brewed this normal stout for you. Cheers!

Odell Harvest Fresh IPA

 Odell Harvest Fresh IPA. 

7.7 % ABV, 45 IBU. Odell Brewing, Fort Collins, Colorado.

Clear, bright golden hue, voluminous ivory head.

In the nose: vibrant pine and citrus, fragrant and floral. Super fresh.

In the mouth: bursting with bitterness, popping with hoppy flavors, over a crisp, clean malt bed. Grapefruit blends orange peel and pine, flavors cavorting upon the palate, leaving trails of bitterness behind. Medium bodied and fully flavored. A zesty enterprise of hop expression. 

In other words, I can dig it. 

Brewed with Roy Farms who grow some of our favorite hops. This is an easy drinking IPA with notes of citrus, melon, and tangerine. We threw in some Munich Malts to give this beer a nice backbone. Roy Farms out of Yakima Valley grows some of the best hops around and we are proud to do this collaboration.

Back Channel Ballooney Bin West Coast India Pale Ale

Back Channel Ballooney Bin West Coast India Pale Ale. 

7% ABV, Back Channel Brewing, Spring Park, MN. 

Well, all right, now, Back Channel made a beer that I might actually like. Let’s see how this goes. 

Clear, deep golden hue, slim white head. 

In the nose: vibrant piney notes with citrus on the side. Grapefruit and orange peel, with a squirt of lime. 

In the mouth: bitter and resinous at once, bursting with hoppy goodness. Sufficiently dry, clean and bitter. Medium bodied, with a long, bitter finish, lasting long on the tongue. 

This isn’t exactly how I like my West Coast IPAs, but I’m happy with how close they get. There’s a touch to much sweetness in it. I always want it dry and brittle. 

Can I get this one in a bowl?

Montgomery Suncoast West Coast IPA

 Montgomery Suncoast West Coast IPA.

6.7 % ABV, 48 IBU. Montgomery Brewing, Montgomery, Minnesota.

Clear, golden hue, large and lasting ivory head.

In the nose: fruity and floral, grapefruit and orange. Citrus notes galore. 

In the mouth: bitter bite up front, with citrus splashes throughout. Bright and lively. Light bodied, well balanced and easily consumed. Does a body good. 

I love a good ol’ IPA, with neither fuss nor muss. . And this is one. 

Introducing SunCoast West Coast IPA, a true embodiment of the sun-drenched shores and adventurous spirit of the West Coast. Crafted with a meticulous blend of Cascade, Mosaic, Idaho 7, and Strata hops, this beer offers a bold and invigorating flavor profile that is sure to captivate IPA enthusiasts.

La Dona Prince Namor Barleywine

 La Dona Prince Namor Barleywine. 

9.5 % ABV. La Dona Cerveceria, Minneapolis, MN. 

The Sub-Mariner has his own beer? Ruler of the realm eternal? Monarch of Atlantis? Oh, wait, it’s not that anymore in the MCU, and you know what, I never saw that movie, it’s cool, it’s cool. 

So, let’s drink a Barleywine. 

Clear, deep reddish hue, slim white head.

In the nose: hoppy, but mixed with malt. Caramelly. Lovely stuff, so far. 

In the mouth: full, rich, complex. A kaleidoscope on the tongue. Malty flavors with a boozy kick, and just the right dose of hops. Full body, long malty finish, some fruity flavors pop up, dark and delicious, wrapped up in boozy malt ones. Very enjoyable. 

I’m relaxing and luxuriating, floating aloft, as if my ankles had wings. 

Modist Breffix 24 Hr Breakfast Stout

Modist Breffix 24 Hr Breakfast Stout. 

8% ABV. Modist Brewing, Minneapolis, Minnesota. 

Breakfast Stout with barley, crystal malt, roasted malt,Wildflyer coffee, maple syrup, brown sugar, vanilla bean & oat milk.

Strict blackness, slim brown head, complete opacity. 

In the nose: roasty toasty malt up front, some cinnamon, a pinch of pepper, hints of cocoa. 

In the mouth: smooth and slightly sweet and creamy. Vanilla? But, of course. Oats? Gots to be. Full bodied and deceptively smooth. Altogether tasty.’

I tasted this without reading the ingredients list first. Missed some, obviously, and couldn’t pick out the maple, brown sugar or coffee. They all came together remarkably well. Quite a delicious concoction. 

Portage Hills And Horizons West Coast IPA

 

Portage Hills And Horizons West Coast IPA. Strata/Citra/Mosaic.

6.6 % ABV, 67 IBU. Portage Brewing, Walker, MNo

Clear, bright golden hue, slim, lace leaving ivory head. 

In the nose: bright, bold, floral, citrus & pine. So far, all is in alignment.

In the mouth: crisp, brisk, bitter, breezy. Plenty of bitterness popping on the palate. The tongue and back of the throat are ablaze with bitterness. This West Coast IPA is not holding back. I demand more like this. Demand, I tells ya! Make it again, Portage, and I’ll be back for it. Promise.

Three of our top hops used in 2022 have made their way into a beer. Riding that thin line between tradition and innovation, we layered the Strata CGX hop from Crosby Hops, along with our hand selected Citra and Mosaic. Aromatics of strawberry taffy, orange peel, and berry tea. Assertive bitterness with a classic West Coast IPA finish.

Surly Seventeen

 Surly Seventeen. Strong Ale aged in bitter orange liqueur barrels and & bourbon barrels.

11% ABV, Surly Brewing, Mpls./BC, MN. 

Dark, impenetrable, slim head of foam. 

In the nose: cocoa, caramel, cream, mostly malty,…some bright spots, floral, sweet, intriguing…

In the mouth: rich, lush, malty, strong. Whiskey leads the way. Cocoa and caramel behind. Barrel aged. Bitter orange liquor. Some sweetness. Rich and pretty much delicious. Ever so delightful. Combination of dark malt and citrus. 

This was crafted to reproduce the flavors of the Boulevardier, a cocktail I’ve neither consumed nor made. A man once sashayed into Acadia Cafe (that’s what he did, sashay) and asked me for one to which I replied, “You can’t fool me, Boulevard doe’s make a beer called ‘E-yay’!”

So, I can’t say how successful they were in that endeavor.

As the story goes, a Prohibition-era secret society of cocktail enthusiasts known only as the International Bar Flies formed at Harry’s New York Bar in Paris, the alleged birthplace of The Boulevardier and the inspiration for Seventeen. 

Our 2023 anniversary beer blends a strong red ale and a wee heavy, aged in Tattersall Bitter Orange Liqueur barrels and 10-Year Henry McKenna Bourbon barrels, echoing The Boulevardier’s timeless flavor profile. Keep it a secret or share it with your fellow bar flies.

Oh, that explains the flies on the label. Now I get it. 

Oliphant Pickle Beer

 Oliphant Pickle Beer.

4% ABV, Oliphant Brewing, Somerset, Wisconsin.

Here’s the thing about me and pickles. I’ll enjoy the eating of one once in a while, but don’t actually care for drinking the brine. No, thanks. And here I am about drink some disguised as beer. Only for the love of Oliphant and only because it was free.

Clear and yellow, quickly dissipated white head. 

In the nose: yeah, that’s pickle. Briney, salty, pickle-y.

In the mouth: there it is again, and it’s all over my tongue and down my throat. Light bodied, easy drinking, possessing no flavors beyond pickle. Tartness trickles and tickles. This is not what I want in a beer, alas. 

I’m going to finish this because that’s what I do. I don’t love it, but neither do I hate it. It simple is what it sets out to be. And that is not something I want to drink. 

“Pickle beer”…now I have heard everything. 

That's right, no foolin' on what this is. Liquid pickle juice for your guzzlement!

Southern Tier 2X Juice Jolt Extra Juicy Double IPA

 Southern Tier 2X Juice Jolt Extra Juicy Double IPA.

9.5 % ABV, 20 IBU. Southern Tier Brewing, Lakewood, NY. 

Clear, bright golden hue, slim white head. 

In the nose: big time citrus, poignantly pungent, grapefruit and tangerine. Traced of tropical. 

In the mouth: slightly bitter up front, hoppy on the palate, then comes the juicy. Yep, they got the juicy, as well as the strong. Lacking in the bitter, too heavy on the sweet. Medium bodied, juicy finish. (Did I say that? What did I mean?)

This is a trend that I am not overly fond of, but to each their own. 

This Double IPA is dialed to the max with its 9.5% ABV on top of its easy drinking flavor and massively juicy punch. Brewed with Mosaic, Citra, Idaho 7, Simcoe, HBC630, Amarillo and CTZ hops as well as 2-Row Pale malt and oats.

Oliphant Brewing’s Museum of Weird Stuff Amerston Spiral Bug Egg Mask Bourbon Barrel-aged Baltic Porter

 Oliphant Brewing’s Museum of Weird Stuff Amerston Spiral Bug Egg Mask Bourbon Barreleetd-aged Baltic Porter. 

9% ABV, Oliphant Brewing, Somerset, WI.

Before this beer was released, Josh explained the meaning of the name to me. It made no sense then,so of course I forgot it. All you need to know is: nonsense. (And it had nothing to do with the nonsense on the label.)

Impenetrable darkness, utterly opaque, slim, cocoa-tinged head. 

In the nose: deep, sweet, rich, caramel and cocoa meets oak and ash. Big bourbon.

In the mouth: rich, massively malty, some vanilla and cherry. Big and boozy. Smooth and stuffed with deliciousness. Well balanced for such a big boned brawler. 

I love a barrel aged beer and a Baltic Porter, and I love Oliphant. Here they are, together at last. I’m digging it, for real. 

Stored away in 45th Parallel Bourbon barrels 'til peak flavor achievement, this aged lager has tall tales of taste to tell. Wait your turn in line to don the egg mask, then funky chicky peck the night away!

This is not the nonsense from the label, I just tore it off of Untappd. 

Luce Line Schnapsidee Märzen

 Luce Line Schnapsidee Märzen. 

5.7 % ABV, 25 IBU. Luce Line Brewing, Plymouth, MN. 

Clear, deep amber hued, large, lively, ivory head.

In the nose: malty, caramel-toned, toffee-ish. 

In the mouth: we’ll-balanced Märzen flavors, malty, but not too sweet. On the solid side of delicious. Exceptionally smooth and drinkable. Medium bodied, minor to no bitterness, long, malty finish. Crisp, clean, delightful. 

Schnapsidee is our annual ode to Oktoberfest. This German style Marzen is brewed with a blend of German malts and German hops before it is fermented low and slow with a unique German yeast strain that is ubiquitous with the style. 

Udofot Lager Beer

 Udofot Lager Beer.

5% ABV, 10 IBU, Udofot Enterprises, brewed by Minhas in Wisconsin. 

I am now going to drink and review the Udofot lager beer, brewed by Minhas in Wisconsin, for Udofot Enterprises, a company led by Michael Udofot, a resident of Richfield, MN and a Nigerian-American immigrant. The recipe was devised by Udofot’s father while in Nigeria, which explains the words “since 1975” on the label. This is why they can use the phrase “African recipe”, but it remains unclear what the “Nigerian flavors” are. I am unsure whether it was merely a homebrew or was ever commercially produced in Africa. I do know that Mr. Udofot had previously contracted the beer to be produced by a Minnesota brewery, then imported to Nigeria. 

And that is all I will say before the notes begin.  I urge you to visit their website and Google them. Watch the videos. Enjoy the harmonica of Emmy-winner Jethro Blue. 

Clear, bright golden/amber, slim white head. 

In the nose: cereal grains, mild hops, mostly malty. 

In the mouth: clean, sweet, more malt. Not quite crisp. Light bodied, sparse flavors in the finish. Perfectly inoffensive. Not especially interesting, but there’s worse crimes than that. An absolutely okay beer and you can drink it. 

Clear gold lager, brewed with Saskatchewan barley, hops grown in the Mid-west to the Pacific Northwest, and a proprietary yeast. Not as sweet as your typical lager, truest "bread in a can" beer around.

La Dona Naturally IPA

 La Dona Naturally IPA. 

6.66% ABV. 80 IBU.La Dona Cerveveria, Minneapolis, Minnesota. 

Here I am drinking from a crowler. That hasn’t happened in a while. And why not? Well, I no longer have the disposable income I had when I was bartending. Crowlers and growlers are not necessarily good values, but they are sometimes the only ways to try some beers, though they are most assuredly fading away. They are a luxury and these days I buy for value, overall. I get a discount at work, and I drink at home. Times spent at the pub & taproom happen less and less. 

But I had a little extra on me for once and I was at this brewery for the first time in over a year (my last visit was my birthday last year), finally bumped into old friend Dicky Lopez, the head brewer, met up with some pals, and I was feeling groovy. Wish that they had crowlers of their fresh hop IPA, but it’s my fault for not not being there when it was . I should be at all the breweries all the time, right? If I were a Time Lord, I’d forget about Daleks and Cybermen and take the Tardis on taproom visits…through time!

Clear, bright golden hue, slim white head. 

In the nose: blend of malt and hops, citrus notes with a touch of caramel. Pinch of pine. 

In the mouth: brief blast of bitterness, nice bite at the front. More citrusy goodness at play on the palate, with a bit of chewy maltiness just behind. Lightish bodied, easy drinking, fairly smooth and very likable. 

I could take it a bit drier and touch more bitter, but I can also enjoy it for what it is. Cheers! 

Columbus Cryo hops give this beer dank, citrus, and piney notes while the malt bill offers a soft mouthfeel to accentuate the greatness from the hop.

Montgomery Red Tree Classic IPA

 Montgomery Red Tree Classic IPA.

7% ABV, Montgomery Brewing, Montgomery, MN.

Clear, reddish hue, lasting ivory head atop, leaving lace. 

In the nose: slightly malty, softly sweet and floral, lightly fruity. 

In the mouth: spicy up front, judiciously bitter, but smooth and drinkable. Medium bodied, moderate bitterness, cool and calm and collected. Old School IPA all the way. 

I could enjoy a few of these band be quite satisfied.

From Untappd: Red Tree is a bold and flavorful double IPA that is crafted with a unique blend of five classic hops - Centennial, Cascade, Simcoe, Amarillo, and Columbus. This combination creates a bold and complex hop profile that delivers a powerful punch of citrus, pine, and floral flavors that will leave you craving more.

From the label: we went back to our roots brewing this classic style IPA. Brewed with CTZ, Centennial, Cascade , Amarillo and Simcoe hops. This beer is designed to be bitter with balance. Enjoy the Craft TM. 

Montgomery Hop Junkies Alpha Dog Imperial Hop Stand IPA

 Montgomery Hop Junkies Alpha Dog Imperial Hop Stand IPA.

11% ABV, Montgomery Brewing, Montgomery, MN. 

Clear, bright golden hue, slim ivory head. 

In the nose: dankness supreme, mega malty meets pine and citrus aplenty. All the goodness that follows. 

In the mouth: slightly sweet and malty, mostly big and hoppy. Dripping juicy, dank and delicious. Subtle alcoholic sting builds and grows. Just bitter enough to please this palate. Medium bodied, long hoppy finish, overflowing flavors. And I can dig it. 

Three Floyds Slapasaurus Double IPA

 Three Floyds Slapasaurus Double IPA.

9.9% ABV, 74 IBU, Three Floyds Brewing, Munster, Indiana.

I’ve got a very simple motto in this crazy, mixed world of ours: if it’s a Three Floyds Double IPA, then I must drink it. Often, multiple times. Words to live by.

Clear, bright golden hue, slim white head. 

In the nose: Dank & resinous, citrus and pine, with a jolt of sweet to match the high hoppiness. 

In the mouth: bold and brash, big and bitter, with nearly 10% ABV swimming up fast to crease the cranium. Huge hops and brazen bitterness gird the palate. This one’s on fire, glistening with citrusy goodness. Full bodied, powerful, uncompromising. Exactly my kind of double IPA. 

Keep on bringing ‘em, Floyds, keep on keeping on.

Terror of the Cretaceous period, Slapasaurus conquored Laramidia with nothing more than four strings, a little hat, and a song. 

Steel Toe Fresh Hop IPA

 Steel Toe Fresh Hop IPA. 

6.3 % ABV, 50 IBU. Steel Toe Brewing, St. Louis Park, Minnesota.

A week and a half ago, this beer appeared at the store where I work, five cases of it. I bought a 6-pack immediately. I asked the driver if this was their first one, since I’d never heard of a fresh hop from Steel Toe. He said they made one three years ago, but I can’t find it on Untappd.

I drank one a night every night, hoping there’d be some left so I could buy more when I got back after my two days off. Nope, all gone. The beer buyer ordered extra Size 7 to last until he got back from vacation. Fifteen cases was enough for Size 7, but 5 was not enough for Fresh Hop. Maybe I need to hit up the brewery?

I saved #6 for when I felt like taking notes, which turns out to be tonight.

Clear, bright golden hue, slim, lasting layer of ivory head.

In the nose: deep dankness. Lively and pungent pine and citrus notes. 

In the mouth: hop assault on the palate, bursting with bitterness. Lean-bodied and luscious. Ridiculously drinkable. Ever so delicious. Hoppy goodness lays long through the finish. I can’t say enough good things. A thorough delight. 

To celebrate this year's hop harvest, we teamed up with Waterford Hops out of Monticello, MN to bring you Fresh Hop IPA. Featuring Centennial Hope which were picked at their peak then added into the beer in less than 12 hours, creating a beer bursting with orange blossom and citrus notes. Finishes crisp to maximize your enjoyment of the fresh! 

Revolution Arcade Hero IPA

 Revolution Arcade Hero IPA.

8.8% ABV. “A pixilated punch of hops.” Revolution Brewing, Chicago, Illinois. 

Clear, bright golden color, moderate layer of ivory froth atop.

In the nose: slightly floral, mostly pine and citrus, touch of tropical. 

In the mouth: bitter dry, bursting with hoppy goodness at play on the palate. Medium bodied and packed with citrusy delights.  Refreshingly quenchable, while unrepentantly bitter. IPA the way it was meant to be. 

This was found in the current League of Heroes 12-pack, which also included Anti Hero, a new “cold IPA” and a new hazy IPA. I wrote about Anti Hero many years ago and consider it one of my favorite IPAs. I no longer find that I have anything to say about the hazies or the colds. 

Hit the start button and speedrun a sparkling-clear Hero that leaves the high scores filled with REV in every spot. An unstoppable dry hop combo spawns all the berry, orange, tangerine, and pear sprites you can handle.

Kloster Andechs Festbier

 Kloster Andechs Festbier.

Brewed and bottled by the Andechs Monastery Brewery, Andechs, Bayern, Deutschland. Switch 1455. Super Premium Bavarian Lager Beer. 5.9% ABV.

Clear, bright golden hue, ivory ring of foam that starts big, then slips down to size. 

In the nose: clean, mildly hopped, mostly malty.

In the mouth: crisp and bright, rich and malty, but the caramely kind associated with Märzen. Smooth and delicious. Light bodied, easy drinking. Slight sweetness, well rounded, excellent balance. The merest bitterness lingers  on the palate. 

I enjoy drinking this lager. Märzen is still my preferred Oktoberfest style, but I can’t deny the brilliant flavors here. 

Prost!

Pipeworks Oktoberfest

 Pipeworks Oktoberfest. 

5.3% ABV. Pipeworks Brewing, Chicago, IL.

Clear, deep amber hued, slim white head atop. 

In the nose: classic Märzen aromatics, caramel malts and noble hops in combo. Delightful. 

In the mouth: rich, sweet, warm and clean. Well balanced, crisp and highly satisfying. Medium bodied, smooth and pretty much delicious. I am enjoying this one. 

Prost! 

Lakes & Legends Board Shorts

 Lakes & Legends Board Shorts.

6.3 % ABV, Lakes & Legends Brewing, Minneapolis, MN. Brewed with Centennial, Hercules & Comet hops. 

I’ve been to Lakes & Legends a bit more than usual lately, after moving just a few blocks away from the brewery three months ago. On every visit, I enjoyed this beer, sometimes twice. And on the occasion of the purchase of this can, I was told, “it’s can only now, is that okay?” They had another West Coast IPA on tap to replace it, and I tried that one out. 

And then and there, I was confronted with a fresh section of our new taproom terrain. Breweries can now sell cans of their beer to go, sure, but for on-premises, too? I hadn’t thought about that. I turned to my right and saw a man on the bar slurping from a can Marigold, their Belgian strong golden ale.  Was that sold out on tap, also, or did he just prefer it from a can? Was he offered a glass, or does he eschew such fanciful preparations? Some enjoy the simple comforts of sucking strong beer out of the top of a can, but should that really be done in public? Can’t that be left to one’s home or tenement stoop, or bus terminal?

All good craft beer should be enjoyed in a glass, whether poured from tap, or from can or bottle. I have spoken.

Clear, with slight chill haze, bright golden hue, large and lasting ivory head. 

In the nose: plenty of pine, stocked with citrus. Grapefruit, orange and a pinch of pineapple. 

In the mouth: brace of bitterness up front, laying hard on the palate for a bit, before laying low. Floods the mouth with hoppy goodness, finishing dry and bitter. Medium bodied, refreshingly drinkable for this hophead. Hop bitterness never quits. 

This is one of the best West Coast IPAs brewed locally that I’ve had in a long time. 

Clown Shoes Galactica SoCal Citra West Coast Style IPA

 Clown Shoes Galactica SoCal Citra West Coast Style IPA.

7.2% ABV, Clown Shoes Brewing, Boston, MA. 

Clear, bright golden hue, slim white head.

In the nose: a little dank, a whole lot of citrus and pine. Grapefruit and tangerine.

In the mouth: big bitterness, fresh citrusy flavors. Crisp and clean. Ending dry. 

So, this was a short one. Guess what, I liked it. Find it in the Ahopcalyse Meow variety pack. The one with the cat space rangers shooting lasers at some kind of hop monster. 

Modist Imperial Teal Label Imperial West Coast IPA

 Modist Imperial Teal Label Imperial West Coast IPA.

8.5% ABV, Modist Brewing, Minneapolis, MN. 

This sounds like all the things I like, doesn’t it? So, let’s drink some!

Partially clear, mostly hazy (points off), golden hue, slim white head. 

In the nose: citrus and pine, grapefruit and orange. Dank and hoppy. Great promise. 

In the mouth: bursts of citrusy flavors on the palate, some bitterness spreads around. Slight sweetness dallies with the dank. Alcohol creeps in. Just a little on the dry side, could be more. Booze gets more and more prominent. It’s more on the crisp and clean side, but I wish it were more so. Give it to me, don’t hold back, now. Medium bodied, and delightful to drink. 

I just want more dry, more bitter. This comes close enough. 

Imperial West Coast IPA brewed with Maris Otter Pale Ale malt, then hopped & dry hopped with our hand-selected Columbus Cryo, Simcoe, Strata & Citra

Spiral Foxtoberfest Oktoberfest Lager

 Spiral Foxtoberfest Oktoberfest Lager.

5.6 % ABV, Spiral BrewingHastings, MN. 

Clear, Amber hued, sizable ivory froth atop. 

In the nose: appropriately malty, classic aromatics.

In the mouth: smooth and slightly sweet, fills the mouth and rolls off the palate. Medium bodied and highly drinkable. Not a bad little Märzen. 

This smooth, clean beer has just enough hops bitter to balance it out, but the malt is what really comes through with each sip. This bready, malty beer is light to medium bodied and is meant to be consumed by the liter.

Badger Hill Double Traitor Double IPA

 Badger Hill Double Traitor Double IPA.

10% ABV, Badger Hill Brewing, Shakopee, MN.

Chill hazed, but clear, bright golden, with an amber tint, solid , rocky white head.

In the nose: bright, bold, dank, resins. Brash citrus and pine. Old school in the house.

In the mouth: clamorous to the point of cantankerous. Big, bustling, bitter, juicy, malty, chaotic. Has the booze, has the britches. Voluminous and violent. Yet still, surprisingly smooth. 

Bitterness rides all over the palate. Grapefruit rind, orange peel, pine sap. Boom, Boom, Boom, Boom. 

I surely dig of this. 

Steel Toe Dunkelweizen

 Steel Toe Dunkelweizen. 

5.6% ABV, Steel Toe Brewing, St. Louis Park, MN.

At last, a dunkel weizen from Steel Toe! I’ve only been waiting, like, 12 years. 

Dark amber hue, lightly clouded, large milky white. 

In the nose: soft, banana & clove, caramel tones, light sweetness. 

In the mouth: starts out lush, smooth, sweet. Caramel malt, wheat texture, fruity notes, slight spice on the palate. Excellent drinker, medium body, ending dry, with great balance. 

I love a good dunkel weizen and this is surely one of them. 

Drastic Measures So They Say West Coast IPA

 Drastic Measures So They Say West Coast IPA.

6% ABV, Drastic Measures, Brewing, Wadena, MN.

I like West Coast IPAs. If you’re a regular reader, you know that. And I try to keep up with new ones, even, or especially, from breweries that are known for the diametrically opposite style, New England/hazies. Let’s see how this one is. 

Chill haze. An attempt at clarity. Golden toned. Slim white head.

In the nose: grapefruit rind, orange peel, pinch of pine.

In the mouth: bitterness boards the palate, accompanied by a sliver of sweet. Crisp and clean,, but I want it crisper, cleaner. Medium bodied, slightly bitter finish. Easy enough drinking. Passable, but a bit too soft. 

Unfortunately, the back label copy is not in the Untappd listing, so I can’t copy and paste it from there, I’m not going to search for it elsewhere, and I’m certainly not going to write it all out, as I used to do. I’ll share this small tidbit: “…crystal clear and loaded with a hop bite that is sure to make even the most hardcore beer gangsta smile.”

Question: does every brewery think of “gangsta rap” when the subject of West Coast IPA comes up? Does the name of this beer come from a Tupac lyric? 

Maine Beer Company Little Whaleboat India Pale Ale

 Maine Beer Company Little Whaleboat India Pale Ale.

6.5% ABV, Maine Beer Company, Freeport, Maine.

Mostly clear, bright golden hue, small white head, leaving a little lace. 

In the nose: shining strong citrus, grapefruit, lemon. 

In the mouth: hoppy splash on the palate, bright, citrusy, delightful. Light bodied, easy drinking. Minor bitterness. Just enough. Perfectly pleasant. 

Notes of tropical fruit (mango, pineapple), grapefruit, pine, and floral aromas of rose and chamomile.

Little Whaleboat Islands (made up of Little Whaleboat, Nate & Tuck) are a cluster of 3 small islands and ledges in Casco Bay, a vital link in the chain of protected islands conserved by Maine Coast Heritage Trust. Protection of these islands provides sanctuary to a range of wildlife including seals, seabirds, shorebirds, and wading birds, while preserving a unique place off the coast of Maine for future generations to experience.

You know me, though. I need a little more edge, a little more bitter, a bit more bite. 

Sisyphus GSB Extra Special Bitter

 Sisyphus GSB Extra Special Bitter.

3.8% ABV, 35 IBU, Sisyphus Brewing, Minneapolis, MN. 

Clear, amber toned, small white head. 

In the nose: classic English malty aromatics, earthy, sweetish, clean, restrained fruity notes. Caramel and toast. 

In the mouth: minor bitterness, mostly malty. Slightly sweet. Low alcohol, light body. Pretty tasty, too. Goes down with the greatest of ease and flush with English character. 

It’s not what I usually drink, but it’s not too shabby there. 

Our take on a classic British style - This isn't your ordinary bitter, this is a special bitter.  Made by our especially bitter brewer - Grant.  Grant's Special Bitter is here to add a touch of British charm to your day - and help you shoot a 105 at your favorite golf course.   Our take on a classic British style - This isn't your ordinary bitter, this is a special bitter.  Made by our especially bitter brewer - Grant.  Grant's Special Bitter is here to add a touch of British charm to your day - and help you shoot a 105 at your favorite golf course.   r take on a classic British style - This isn't your ordinary bitter, this is a special bitter.  Made by our especially bitter brewer - Grant.  Grant's Special Bitter is here to add a touch of British charm to your day - and help you shoot a 105 at your favorite golf course.  

Outstate Shore Lunch Shandy

 Outstate Shore Lunch Shandy. 

4.2 % ABV, 17 IBU. Outstate Brewing, Ferguson Falls, Minnesota. 

Lightly hazed, pale gold color, slim white head. 

In the nose: lemon. Floral hops? 

In the mouth: more citrus, clean and smooth. Light bodied, easy drinking, perfect for warm weather. Hey, it’s a shandy. 

fresh, zesty lemon on the nose, and treats your mouth to a dry and bubbly citrus blast upon the first sip. best enjoyed on the beach while you sauté up your fresh caught northern over a campfire. 

Pipeworks Birdbrain India Pale Ale with Cryo Amarillo and Centennial Hops

 Pipeworks Birdbrain India Pale Ale with Cryo Amarillo and Centennial Hops.

7% ABV, Pipeworks Brewing, Chicago, Illinois. 

Clear, bright golden hue, slim white head. 

In the nose: nicely hopped, smooth and citrusy. Orange and grapefruit with a little lemon.

In the mouth: hop explosion on the palate, burst of citrus notes, and a trickle of pine. Crisp and clean, moderate bitterness, easily drinkable. Classic IPA, all the way. I am enjoying this beverage. 

Little Thistle Minn Bloom West Coast IPA

 Little Thistle Minn Bloom West Coast IPA.Collaboration with Pryes Brewing.

6.2 % ABV, 63 IBU. Little Thistle Brewing, Rochester, MN.

Clear, bright golden hue, slim white head. 

In the nose: nicely hopped, well balanced, mildly citrusy. A little tamer than I like. 

In the mouth: coming in nice and bitter. Pounces the palate, politely. Clean, crisp, delightfully smooth, This is not the style of West Coast IPA that I crave. That would require a fierce hop attack that this one lacks. But, it’s enjoyable enough for what it is.

A West Coast IPA made with CTZ, Mosaic, and Strata hops. Here you will find a classically bitter IPA, with notes of dank citrus. We made this beer in collaboration with our friends at Pryes Brewing.

De Ranke Guldenberg Belgian Abbey Ale

 De Ranke Guldenberg Belgian Abbey Ale.

8% ABV, Brouwerij De Ranke, Dottignies, Belgium. 

Moderately hazed, deep amber Hurd, sizable slab of milky froth atop. 

In the nose: bubblegum and banana. Funky, fruity Belgian yeast. Ethereal sweet maltiness.

In the mouth: full mouthfeel, full flavors. Mostly malty, minor hops.Defies categories. What kind of an “abbey ale” is this? It’s neither Tripel, dubbel, or quad. Single? At 8%, no. It is sui generics. Not too sweet, not too strong, but quite delightful. Mix between strong amber (Kwak) and a dubbel? I don’t mind it one bit. 

(This is called a Tripel on Untappd.)

Guldenberg is a high-fermenting, balanced bitter beer. The origin of the name comes from the former Guldenberg-abbey in Wevelgem where monks used to make beer. Also, Wevelgem is the birthplace of one of the brewers.

Taste: A full-bodied abbey beer that balances between sweet and bitter. It is dry-hopped with Hallertau Mittelfrüh which results in a unique soft-bitter taste and aroma. 

Ayinger Maibock

 Ayinger Maibock.

7% ABV, Brauerie Aying, Aying, Bavaria, Germany.

Lightly hazy, bright golden hue, large ivory head. 

In the nose: slightly floral, minor hops. Appealing malty notes. 

In the mouth: sweet and malty, hearty mouthfeel. Pleasant on the palate. Bold and bright. Medium bodied. Refreshing and delicious. 

Wish this was a year-round. I quite like it. 

Fulton Hop Kingdom Hazy IPA

 Fulton Hop Kingdom Hazy IPA.

6.5 % ABV, 28 IBU, Fulton Beer, Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Fulton has a new umbrella, where it keeps all of its IPAs that aren’t Sweet Child of Vine. It’s called Hop Kingdom, and all feature labels with illustrations of forest animals transformed into some kind of hop beast, drawn by the great Brent Schoonover. One of them was reviewed here in 2016 when it was just called 300. This one replaces their last hazy, Moon Howler, also reviewed here. And , yes, I’m breaking my ban on hazies, just this once. 

Moderately hazed, semi-bright golden hue, slim white head. 

In the nose: bright citrus, grapefruit and tangerine. Orange peel. 

In the mouth: soft on the palate, but still packing a degree of bitterness. Bursting with hop flavors, more citrus notes, with a touch of tropical. Medium bodied. Long hoppy finish. 

Hey, here’s a hazy I don’t hate.  

A wolf in wolf’s clothing, this alpha IPA leads the pack. Uncaged, untamed and unfiltered, the wild is calling.