Allagash Tripel Belgian-style Ale

 Allagash Tripel Belgian-style Ale. 

9% ABV, 18 IBU, Allagash Brewing, Portland, ME. 

After more than 20 years, Allagash is back in Minnesota. Can those guys hold a grudge! Just because one distributor in a particular state goes out of business and owes you thousands of dollars, it doesn’t mean they all will. 

So, I’m returning to this beer that I first took notes on back in 2003, but forget about those. New notes this time.

Clear, with slight chill haze, bright golden, large ivory froth.

In the nose: citrus and spice, orange and coriander. Slight sweetness.

In the mouth: more spice tingling the palate. High alcohol warms up the insides. Pleasant hopping keeping the mouth happy. Medium bodied, thoroughly enjoyable. 

An altogether excellent take on this Belgian style. Good stateside renditions are rare and I’m overjoyed that we have back. (And in 6-packs!)

This strong golden ale carries herbal notes and passion fruit in the aroma. Suggestions of honey and biscuit are found in the beer's complex, varied palate. Brewed with our 2-row barley blend, hopped with Nugget and Hallertau, then fermented on our house yeast, Tripel offers up a complex, yet dry finish.

Ol’ George#8: He Said No, No, No

 

Ol’ George#8: He Said No, No, No…

Notes on #8: 

1. George does not believe in a higher power. As long as he can reach the barstool, he’s fine.

2. George is not a fool, nor an ignoramus. He’s strictly a smart aleck. Not everyone gets the joke, though, especially when part of the punchline never leaves his brain. 

3. This strip has nothing to do with my disdain for hazy IPAs. I just needed a funny IPA name. Did you know that there isn’t a Golden Fluff beer out there anywhere?Doesn't seem right. 

4. Poor Irma. To have a regular like George can really try your patience. By the way, she is supposed to be an emu, but I don’t think I have nailed that visually just yet, so let’s just say that she’s a sub-tropical flightless avian, with the patience of a saint. 

Castle Danger West Coast IPA

 Castle Danger West Coast IPA.

7% ABV, Castle Danger Brewing, Two Harbors, Minnesota. 

I’m at the last can of the six pack, time for note-taking. Or, my procrastination imp whispers into my ear, just drink it up and buy more tomorrow. Nope, not today, imp!

Clear, bright golden toned, fresh ivory head atop.

In the nose: burst of hop aroma from the start, citrus and pine aplenty. All the things I like. 

In the mouth: brisk, bitter, dank and dry. Perfect West Coast, light bodied, just enough malt, just enough out of balance. Grapefruit, lemon, lime and pine paint the palate. Delicious hop bitterness hangs long on the palate. 

Okay, I will definitely get some more of this, gonna add it to the regular rotation. Need to reward these guys for making it a year-round. 

Meet our West Coast IPA! Immerse yourself in a medley of citrus, pine, and resin, embracing the authentic West Coast hop experience. Picture savoring the bold blend of grapefruit, zesty orange, and a hint of pine resin, creating a taste sensation that’s pure West Coast. With a crisp and bitter finish that hits the mark, our West Coast IPA embodies the classic flavors that make this style iconic. Here’s to bringing the West Coast vibes to the North Shore!

Off Color Beer for Power Plays Baltic Porter

 Off Color Beer for Power Plays Baltic Porter. 

7.5 % ABV, Off Color Brewing, Chicago, Il. 

Dark brown color with ruby highlights, cocoa BBC toned head, utterly opaque. 

In the nose: malty, creamy, nutty. Highly likable.

In the mouth: dark, smooth, rich and surprisingly drinkable. Well, I’m not surprised, but I bet someone is…Slightly sweet, barely bitter, and a joy to quaff. Quite delightful.?

They don’t call this a Baltic Porter anywhere, but they should. “Baltic-style dark lager?” Give me a break! 

At a feisty 7.5% ABV, our Baltic Style Strong Dark Lager hits hard enough to put you in the penalty box for a five minute major.

MALTS: Pils, Munich, Extra Special, Dark Roasted

HOPS: Nugget, Saaz

SECRET INGREDIENTS: Ice Cold Lagering

Dangerous Man New Zealand Pilsner

 Dangerous Man New Zealand Pilsner.

5.4% ABV, 30 IBU, Dangerous Man Brewing, Maple Lake, Minnesota.

Clear, golden hued, large ivory head. 

In the nose: nicely hopped, floral notes, slight fruitiness. 

In the mouth: brief blast of bitterness, then comes the grapes. New Zealand hops always give off a white wine character and this beer has it aplenty. Light bodied, crisp and clean, with unflagging hop flavors. Easy drinking, highly enjoyable. 

This New Zealand Pilsner is a light-medium body and smooth lager brewed featuring unique New Zealand hops.  A crackery malt base provides support for this very drinkable, refreshing and hop-forward pilsner, really letting the New Zealand hops shine with bright notes of citrus, melon, tropical fruits, grass, and white grape.

Ol’ George #7: It’s Tom, Tom, Tom…

 Ol’ George #7: It’s Tom, Tom, Tom…

Notes on #7;

1. I was thinking of another idea for #7, but when I realized that Thomas Alan Waits (born Dec. 7, 1949, Pomona, California) had just celebrated his 75th birthday, I bumped this one up.

2. In this seventh installment, Tom is George’s 5th drinking buddy, the second based on a real human being and the second one drinking root beer and not real beer. I don’t know if Tom actually drinks that beverage, but if his wife Kathleen hadn’t made him quit the sauce all those years ago, he probably wouldn’t have made it to the present anniversary and we’d be without so many great songs. 

3. Tom’s quote is not of his own invention, but he speaks the line to Martin Mull and Fred Willard in a 1977 episode of “Fernwood Tonight” after singing “The Piano Has Been Drinking.” Look it up on YouTube, it’s hilarious. Some say it was first spoken by Tommy Smothers on “The Smothers Brothers” TV show, others say Dorothy Parker originated it, but I can’t nail down the truth. 

4. The punchline is just an excuse for George to make reference to a certain film about a man for his times that I’ve seen probably a hundred times. The cowboy on the label is another clue (hint: it’s not Wilford Brimley.) And if you still don’t get it…obviously, you’re not a golfer. 

5. Tom carries on another tradition of George’s drinking buddies. They all wear hats. (In Snoopy’s case, a flight helmet.) Will they all remain hatted? Who can say? 

Ol’ George #6: He Drinks His Spinach

 Notes on #6:

1. Popeye the Sailor Man entered the scene on January 17, 1929, (almost 96 years ago!)in a episode of Thimble Theater by Elzie Crisler Segar, hired by his future sweetie’s brother, Castor Oyl, to sail a ship carrying he, his stowaway sister, and her then-boyfriend Ham Gravy away from the men trying to capture his African Whiffle hen with lucky powers. That’s why  you come here, for comics trivia, right?

2. I thought “spinach saison” was a good joke, but it surely exists. A brewery in Derbyshire, England called Popeye’s made one called I Eats My Spinach. Although, if you scan the pics on Untappd, it’s an IPA called I Eats Me Spinach. Sometimes the beer appears to be green.

The whole spinach thing was not a part of Segar’s work. It was made up for the animated cartoons. Segar wrote Popeye’s laugh as Arf, Arf, Aff, though the voice actor rendered it as Ack, Ack, Ack! 

Edit: Having just read a 1932 Sunday where Popeye proclaims his love of spinach, I must admit I have it wrong up there. But it definitely exaggerated in the animated films. 

More comics trivia! You’re welcome!

3. The bird, by the way, was a gift to Castor from he and Olive’s uncle, Lubry Kent Oyl. Elzie Segar, cartoon genius!

Schell’s Northland Gold

 Schell’s Northland Gold. 

4.9 % ABV, Schell’s Brewing, Nee Ulm, MN.

Clear, bright golden hue, large white head. 

In the nose: fresh, clean, slightly malty, thoroughly noble.

In the mouth: crisp, light-Schell’s Northland Gold bodied, easy drinking. Classic Helles lager. Minor hopping. Exceptionally refreshing. I don’t mind this one at all. 

Introducing Schell's Northland Gold, a delightful Session Lager crafted to perfection for moments of easy enjoyment. This radiant beer pours a deep golden hue, capturing the essence of the Northland's rich landscapes.

Arbeiter Oktoberfest

 Arbeiter Oktoberfest.

5.6% ABV, 24 IBU, Arbeiter Brewing, Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Clear, copper colored, fine white head..

In the nose: clean, malty, semi-sweet.

In the mouth: unmistakable Märzen flavors right off the bat, crisp, clean, easy going, malty, quite tasty. Medium bodied and a good drinker. Goes down oh, so nice. 

This moderately strong, rich, and malty yet highly drinkable lager style was traditionally brewed in Bavaria in the month March (März or Märzen in German) and allowed to rest, or lager, in cool caves all summer long to be enjoyed in the fall. Before modern brewing equipment, much less refrigeration, the summer months were simply too warm to properly brew lager biers, so they had to brew a lot of beer through the winter and spring to get them through to the fall when temperatures cooled to allow brewing to commence again. Since they already had this Märzenbier on hand in the fall, they began serving it at very early occurrences of the annual celebration of the royal wedding that eventually became the Oktoberfest many of us are familiar with.

Lupulin Cookie Monstrosity Imperial Stout

 Lupulin Cookie Monstrosity Imperial Stout With cacao nibs, salted caramel, coconut, honey, graham crackers, graham cracker flavor, and double fold vanilla extract. 

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

I very rarely try beers like this, but since it was sold as a $5 single, I thought what the hell. And then there’s my love of Cookie Monster. 

Dark as a November afternoon in Minnesota, deep and impenetrable, large, cocoa toned head. 

In the nose: big sweetness, honey and Graham leading the charge, not too rich and chocolatey, with vanilla coming into the front.

In the mouth: now the coconut is in charge. Very macaroony. Full-bodied, decadent, delicious. Unexpectedly smooth. Remarkably coherent. Just remember, kids: cookie monstrosities are a sometimes beer.

I’m going to finish this slow, before I get googly eyed.

Brace yourself for indulgence with Cookie Monstrosity, an imperial stout that delivers a rich and decadent liquid pastry experience. Brimming with coconut, salted caramel, cacao nibs, graham cracker, honey, and vanilla, each sip offers a symphony of cookie flavors, that will have you yelling, "Me want more!"

Ol’ George #5: Bowl Him Over In The Clover

 

Notes on #5: 

1. I drew this one last night. Now, we’re all caught up. My plan is to do at least one a week. 

2.  Introducing Riblet, beloved pup of my friend Vern, who serves up beers at Arbeiter Brewing. (She does, not he.)He will return, just you wait. 

3. This one refers obliquely to a practice at Back Chanel Brewing (which I have yet to visit) of offering some of their IPAs in bowls. There’s nothing on their website about this unique style of service, I could only glean its origins from an article about this phenomenon in Minnesota Monthly. Therefore, Riblet’s dialogue is my own invention. 

Ol’ George#4: The Poor Blighters

 Notes on #4: 

1. I drew this last Monday, Veteran’s Day, but forgot to post it here. Ooops.

2. Snoopy usually goes to Bill Mauldin’s to quaff root beers on Veteran’s Day, but I liked this idea better. The two Snoopy panels are based on two separate 1967 strips. The first was turned into an Air Force patch in 1969. That makes three wars the beagle has been in. That I know of.

3. Irma’s comment at the end is an inside joke between me, myself and I. My first cartoon was drawn at age seven, second grade, if memory serves. A caveman sees another stumbling around drunk and says something to the effect of “joke’s on him, they haven’t invented beer yet.” Even then, I was destined to write and draw about beer.

Invictus Pearson’s Salted Nut Roll Golden Ale

 Invictus Pearson’s Salted Nut Roll Golden Ale.

5.2 % ABV, Invictus Brewing, Blaine, MN. 

Clear, light amber color, slim white head.

In the nose: sweet and malty, nutty, creamy…vanilla…salty..,caramel.

In the mouth: more sweet malt, but still in balance. Medium bodied, light hops, a malt-driven tasty treat. Vanilla and caramel are big, but never too much. 

There’s been talk from people who liked a previous version as a stout (by now-defunct Tin Whiskers), but this one really does deliver the flavors of the salted nut roll, and I like it. 

We partnered with Pearson’s Candy Company in St. Paul to create a clean and crisp Golden Ale loaded with 200 pounds of Salted Nut Rolls. The Flavors of roasted peanuts, golden caramel and fluffy nougat with a hint of salt. Perfectly paired with a Salted Nut Roll. This brew has the qualities of the quintessential St Paul candy we know and love.

Surly Eighteen

 

Surly Eighteen. Belgian-style Golden Strong Ale Fermented with Brettanomyces.u

11% ABV,  Surly Brewing, Minneapolis / Brooklyn Center, Minnesota. 

Clear, golden, slim white head.

In the nose: funky, sweet, fruity. Stone fruit, citrus, bubblegum. 

In the mouth: sweet and fruity up front, but balanced. Light bodied, easily drinkable, but for the high ABV coming on slowly but surely. Slightly sugary, while never overly sweet. Ending on a drying note. 

I like this, but I want to like it more. That’s just my way. As is, it’s a rarity these days. No one really makes anything like this, at least not around these parts. Wish this was something I could taste more often, rather than a once in a blue moon thing. 

Surly's anniversary beers are all about challenging ourselves, be it with ingredients, processes, styles, or all three at once.

For our 18th anniversary, a sturdy Belgian golden strong ale ferments on two wild yeast strains, allowing a funky/sour process to develop while aging in stainless for months. 

A portion was then removed and aged in virgin oak, before everything was blended back together, dry-hopped, and pasteurized.

The end result is an absolute gem, with notes of white wine, berries, oak, leather, and honey.

The path Eighteen travelled mirrors our 18 years of brewing, instigating, and making something worth seeking out, sharing and savoring. Thank you for taking that journey with us.

Schell’s Peanut Butter Chocolate Porter

 Schell’s Peanut Butter Chocolate Porter.

6% ABV, 25 IBU, August Schell Brewing, New Ulm, MN.

Dark brown color, fully opaque, rich, full, creamy head. Looking good. 

In the nose: big aromatics, bold p.b. & chocolate. Sweet, but balanced. 

In the mouth: full bodied, rich, and well-rounded. Smooth (not chunky), slightly toasty and altogether malty. The p.b. / cocoa combo is kept in check, displaying sweetness, but never too much. Ends on a delicious dry note.

Well done! Good work, Schell’s!

This porter is a full-bodied drinking experience with strong notes of peanut butter and chocolate—a delicious dessert beer. The porter’s base malt is Golden Promise, and the other seven malts make up  chocolatey-caramel joy. The peanut butter flavor comes from an extract that was slowly dosed into the fermenter as a secondary addition. Cacao nibs were added to the fermenter as a secondary addition to further enhance the chocolate notes. This porter is all about balance and finding ways to experiment with the boundaries of what beer is and how good drinking beer can be. 

Rush River Oktoberfest Beer

 Rush River Oktoberfest Beer. 

6% ABV, Rush River Brewing, River Falls, WI.

Clear, bright golden hue, slim white head. 

In the nose: delicately sweet and malty, moderately hopped. Very noble.

In the mouth: smooth and supple, light bodied, easy drinking. Maltier and stronger than your average German lager. This tastes like a fairly accurate rendition of festbier, or Weisn, Oktoberfestbier, but I still like Märzens better. Give me that caramel-y goodness! 

Drekker Igor’s Horn Black IPA

 Drekker Igor’s Horn Black IPA. 

5.4 % ABV, 100 IBU, Drekker Brewing, Fargo, ND. 

Solid black, roasty tan head, complete opacity.

In the nose: grassy, minty, hoppy, swaddled in dark malts.

In the mouth: chocolate malt meets piney, grassy, slightly citrusy hop profile. Meaty mouthfeel, with effortless drinkability. Full bodied and continually rewarding. 

A big, bold Black IPA that boasts a strong hop profile and, thanks to a heavy dose of dark roasted malts, an equally impressive malt backbone.  The coffee and chocolate notes are balanced out by a pleasant citrus and pine hop character giving way to a clean finish.

Ol’ George #3: Galactic Principles

Notes on #3:

 Did you know that there’s another Kelly’s bar a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away?

Ol’ George at both the Tatooine  and Earth locations. Wuher runs the bar. He doesn’t serve droids and he doesn’t like MAGA.

Ol’ George at Kelly’s #2: Gourd of the Dance

 Notes on #2: this one is a little late. I should have drawn it weeks ago. No self-respecting bar would tap a pumpkin beer in November. November is when you wonder “when am I going to get rid of this shit?” No one wants a pumpkin beer after Halloween. So, let’s pretend this takes place in late September, a perfectly reasonable time to pour a pumpkin ale or lager or cider or whatever. Why so late? The first one took too long, because I was fussing over the depiction of Chester, I wanted to get a good likeness out of respect for the man—-

Hey. Hi. I have a question.

What? Who is this?

Me. From last time. With the questions.

Okay….go ahead…

So, I just wondered. Did you know there’s another bird bartender in comics?

Okay, so?

Roz from Jeff McNelly’s Shoe.

I remember.

Well, don’t you think that’s unoriginal? Another female bird bartender? 

Okay, no. Roz, a barnyard fowl of undetermined species was(is?) cook, waitress, bartender, proprietor of Roz’ Roost, a treetop diner in a bird centered comic strip.

Irma, on the other hand, is a Southern Hemispheric flightless avian who is employed at Kelly’s bar, by a human, I think (we haven’t gotten there yet) in a cat-led, multi-species strip. So, there’s the difference. Also, there are other elements that I leave it to the reader to discover. Get it?

I guess. But wouldn’t a mouse be better?

No! Whose strip is this, mine or yours? And how did you even get in here?

I’ve been here all the time.

Ol’ George #1:Here Comes Good Ol’ George!

 

Did you know that this blog began as an art blog back in 2007? It’s true! But, inevitably, I became disappointed with my drawings and sketches and it was briefly abandoned. In 2010, I slapped my noggin and said “why am I posting beer reviews to those other websites when I’ve got my own?” And the rest is history.

And that history is changing, with art, cartooning and comics returning to the Nib and the introduction of my cartoon character and his comic strip, Ol’ George at Kelly’s. Now, due to no demand, here are answers to Frequently Asked Questions: 

Who is Ol’ George and what is Kelly’s?

Hold on, there, son, One at a time.

Okay. Who is this George, anyway?

George, or Ol’ George, is a blue-furred feline who drinks beer at a bar called Kelly’s. He’s named after George Herriman, creator of Krazy Kat, who also was never without his hat. The bar is named after Walt Kelly, creator of Pogo. Those are two of my favorite comic strips and cartoonists.

Okay, then, what is Kelly’s?

I already answered that.

Oh, yeah. So, why is he blue?

Why is the sky blue? Why is grass green? Why does the Sun keep on shining? Why do these eyes of mine cry? Who wrote the book of love? I don’t know, stop asking stupid questions. 

Okay, sorry I asked. Who’s this Chester guy?

Good question, I’m glad you asked that. Chester is based on a man who was an institution on the West Bank/U of M neighborhoods of Minneapolis for many years, busking with his accordion all over town, riding his bike, drawing comics. I first met him at Acadia before I worked there and he gave me some of his comics featuring a character who looked like him and his idiot sidekick, Glimpi Dumbinski. They were silly things, often one panel per page, but it was true outsider art.  I saw him more often when I started working there in 2015, he would tip me in cartoons and doodles. Unfortunately, he died in October of that year, in his mid sixties. I wish I’d kept those comics. When I came up with Ol’ George, I thought of Chester and declared to myself “If he could do comics while living under a bridge, what’s my excuse?” I decided that the first strip must have Chester as George’s drinking buddy in tribute to him. Grain Belt, the friendly beer, was his favorite. 

Great story. Will George have other “drinking buddies”?

Naturally. There will be so many, your head will spin.

Will there be any crossovers with other comics?

There will be so many your head will spin. 

Cool. Is George based on anyone or thing?

No, he’s an entirely original creation, formed from my very own imagination. 

Are you sure?

Yes…say, what are you insinuating? George’s only antecedent is an image I created 17 years ago. It’s original purpose was a mere pipe dream and it hung on my wall in a frame all that time until I decided that I must do something with it. Hence, George was born. 

Will all of the strips be about beer?

No. 

Why not? 

Because. Any more great questions?

Why a cat?

Not a great question. Next?

Can you describe his personality in three words?

Sure. Irascible. Cantankerous. Sarcastic. Crotchety. Whoops, sorry, I thought I could do it. 

Can I get a plush Ol’ George window cling for my Mazda?

Hush, child, all in good time. Any more questions?

Will Ol’ George ever get to kick that football?

No, and he’ll never have lunch with the Little Red-Haired Girl, either. 

One more: Why now? Why not 39 years ago?

What did I say about stupid questions?!?

Little Thistle Grabürschnitzel Oktoberfest

Little Thistle Grabürschnitzel Oktoberfest. Märzen-style. 

5.3% ABV, Little Thistle Brewing, Rochester, MN.

I had this beer for the first time about five weeks ago at the brewery. Took a pic of my pint and it for my Untappd check-in. The next day, we closed our night at the brewery again, and I bought two cans, and drank one in the hotel room. Took a pic, etc, etc. The other day, I sat down to write these note with the second can, poured it into an appropriate glass, and forgot to take the pic. That’s why I’m using the hotel pic, in the plastic cup. Oops, sorry. I’ll do better next time. 

Clear, copper color, prodigious creamy foam above.

In the nose: malty, bready, caramel, light spice, moderately hopped.

In the mouth: sweet, but balanced. High ease of drinking. Toasty, caramel-y, classic Märzen flavors. Medium bodied. An utter delight. 

Where’d I put my pretzels? 

Oktoberfest Lager with notes of caramel and toffee.

Pipeworks Infinite Lizard King

 Pipeworks Infinite Lizard King. Mosaic and Citra Pale Ale.

6.5% ABV, Pipeworks Brewing, Chicago, IL.

Clear, bright golden hue, fresh ivory froth atop.

In the nose: zesty, fruity, popping with citrus. Orange and lemon, with a bit of berries.

In the mouth: coming in hoppy, but light on bitterness. Refreshing and flavorful. Goes down with remarkable ease. Light bodied. Overflowing with citrus and blueberries. Thoroughly satisfactory.

Infinite Lizard King is a captivating pale ale that combines the best of both worlds. This brew is a masterful blend of our two flagship beers, Infinite Citra and Lizard King. The Mosaic hops impart earthy, tropical fruit notes, while the Citra hops add a burst of citrusy freshness. This harmonious union results in a complex, yet balanced flavor profile that will leave you craving more. This one is a must-try for all of our Pipeworks fans out there!

Fat Orange Cat Bavarian Kittens

 Fat Orange Cat Bavarian Kittens  Festbier.  

5.3 % ABV, Fat Orange Cat Brew Co., North Haven, CT.

Despite saying Festbier on the front, the side of the label states “Märzen style lager.” One more example of an Oktoberfest that won’t say Oktoberfest.

 Clear, amber hue, slim ivory head. 

In the nose: sweet and malty, earthy, caramel-y. Perfect Märzen nose.

In the mouth: rich, toasty, delicious. Liquid bread. Hearty and satisfying. Medium bodied when a long, malty finish. Quite likable. 

Three Floyds Speed Castle World-Ending Pilsner

 Three Floyds Speed Castle World-Ending Pilsner.

5.6% ABV, Three Floyds Brewing, Munster, Indiana. 

Clear, bright golden hue, slim and lasting layer of ivory foam.

In the nose: floral, highly hopped, altogether pleasing.

In the mouth: spark of lemon-lime, brief blast of bitterness, then smooth and easy. Hop bitterness remains on top through the duration, and beyond. Crisp, clean, and thoroughly enjoyable.

Our newest year-round beer has arrived – Speed Castle Pilsner. Using hops sourced from German farms, American Pilsner malt, and hand-selected fresh or ‘wet’ hops, Speed Castle is a crisp, refreshing and world-ending Pilsner.

Ommegang All Hallows Treat Imperial Chocolate Peanut Butter Stout

 Ommegang All Hallows Treat Imperial .Chocolate Peanut Butter Stout. 

7.6% ABV, 18 IBU, Brewery Ommegang, Cooperstown, NY. 

Dark brown, opaque, slim brown head.

In the nose: sweet, malty, roasty. PB & cocoa are here. 

In the mouth: full body, rich, sweet, and balanced. Is 7.6 % really “Imperial”? Close enough, I guess. Increasingly delicious. It may be possible that for am drinking this a touch too cold, so I’ll sip slowly and let it warm up on me. As it does, I’ll take time to reflect on its continually growing delights. 

Sweet and spooky like the perfect Halloween night, All Hallows Treat rekindles your favorite childhood holiday memories. Aromas and flavors of dark chocolate, creamy peanut butter and a soft vanilla finish swirl with a smooth body and medium mouthfeel. It’s the perfect throwback that brings you to your first bite of a chocolate peanut butter cup

Fulton Hop Kingdom Imperial IPA

 Fulton Hop Kingdom Imperial IPA.

9% ABV,  Fulton Brewing, Minneapolis, MN. 

Clear, golden / amber hue, large, lasting, lace-leaving ivory head. 

In the nose: big citrus, grapefruit, orange, tangerine. Bit o’ pine. Slight sweetness to match the bitter. 

In the mouth: bursting with big hop flavors. Citrus, pine and dankness permeate the palate. Full-bodied, lush, hop bitterness popping out all over. Big booze starts to shine over all, but hops won’t let it hog the spotlight . 

(This can has a little age on it. I’ve had it fresher, and it’s a different a animal. I like it new and at six months.)

A Midwest take on the Imperial IPAs of the Northwest. Mosaic hop extract creates just enough bitterness to cut through the large quantity of malt used in this 9% IPA. Fermented with a clean West Coast ale yeast and heavily dry hopped with Simcoe and Talus; this beast of an IPA creates a delicate synergy of flavors including grapefruit, pine resin, floral, & citrus rind.

Unmapped Flannel Roots Fall Lager

 Unmapped Flannel Roots Fall Lager. 

5.4 % ABV, 29 IBU, Unmapped Brewing, Minnesota, Minnesota.

Clear, copper colored, slim white head.

In the nose: malty, rich, caramel toned.

In the mouth: crisp, clean, earthy, malty, moderately hopped. Medium bodied, easily drinkable. Toasty, bready, delicious. They have packaged a Märzen Oktoberfest without going near any of those words. 

The following was found on Untappd, but does not appear on the can label: 

We brewed this copper-colored lager to welcome in the glorious season of Flannel (a.k.a. Autumn) and to celebrate the grand Oktoberfest tradition of Bavaria. This tasty marzen lager is light and refreshing, but it also has a lovely malt flavor to keep things interesting. Prost!

Pizza Port Mongo Double India Pale Ale

 Pizza Port Mongo Double India Pale Ale.

8% ABV, 100 IBU, Pizza Port Brewing, Carlsbad, CA. 

This is my 18th Mongo. Six-packs of 16-ouncers for fifteen bucks. That’s a bargain for a double IPA. Every time I bought a 6-pack, I held on to one for the note taking, then drank it and bought another. This time for sure! And then I’ll buy another. 

Mostly clear, with a chill haze, bright golden hue, large ivory head. 

In the nose: big citrus and pine, with a twist of sweet, a touch of candy, a little stone fruit.

In the mouth: hoppy, fruity, and thick. Medium bodied with a long, lingering bitterness hanging hard on the palate. Citrus explosion all the way. Grapefruit, pine, orange and mango. And the booze rides in and it won’t quit. Me, I am digging it. It works for me. 

Mongo is a big wave of big flavor. This DIPA bursts with classic hoppy character thanks to additions of Columbus, Cascade, Centennial and Simcoe hops. You can expect massive aromas of citrus with notes of piney bitterness on the finish.

Boulevard Space Camper Quantum Hop IPA

 

Boulevard Space Camper Quantum Hop IPA. Imperial India Pale Ale. 

9.5% ABV, 70 IBU, Boulevard Brewing, Kansas City, Missouri. 

Clear, golden hued, slim white head.

In the nose: dank, citrus, ovenproof, sharp.

In the mouth: starts out big and boozy, nothing subtle here, dripping with gooey, sticky dankaliciousness. Powerfully potent and riddled with hoppy flavors. A bit ostentatious, perhaps, but I enjoy that now and then. 

The Space Camper IPA Saga has traversed the far reaches of aroma and flavor, protecting the mind and palate-bending alternate universes of intergalactic India Pale Ales. From the remote corners of these alternate realities, Space Camper has taken a jump, a leap, a hop through time and space itself and has emerged as a bigger and bolder hero. Astronomically approachable at 9.5% ABV, a powerhouse of Citra and Mosaic hop flavors, offering infinitely interesting notes of grapefruit, pineapple, peach and berry. 

Hops 

Magnum

Citra

Mosasic

Citra Incognito

Moasic Incognito 

Dry Hop

Citra

Mosasic 

El Dorado 

Dangerous Man Oktoberfest

Dangerous Man Oktoberfest.

5.9 % ABV, 20 IBU, Danger Man Brewing, Maple Lake, MN. 

Clear, copper colored, slim white head.

In the nose: herbal, malty, sweet, earthy.

In the mouth: caramel tones, sweetness abounds, but nicely balanced. Minor hops, easy drinking, especially delicious. My kind of Märzen. 

Celebrate with our Oktoberfest Märzen beer! It’s a German classic with a toasty and bready backbone, enriched with malt sweetness and hints of caramel, all culminating in a crisp and clean finish! Prost!

Pryes Glamorama West Coast IPA

 Pryes Glamorama West Coast IPA.

6.5% ABV, 55 IBU, Pryes Brewing, Minneapolis, Minnesota. 

Clear, bright golden hue, large ivory head. 

In the nose: big time citrus and pine. Popping with grapefruit and tangerine. Lively aromatics. 

In the mouth: starts out bitter and sharp, then in comes the juicy. Dry on the palate, like any good WCIPA should be. Not as fully dry brittle and bitter as I want, nay demand, but, eh, close enough. I’ll take it. 

Go on and be bold. Shine big. Step out. Sparkle? Hell yes. While you're at it, welcome in the citrusy blast and the bit of mighty hops that pop like paparazzi. This is Glamorama.

Bent Paddle Munchin’’ Pretzels Märzen Party Lager

 Bent Paddle Munchin’ Pretzels Märzen Party Lager.

5.6 % ABV, 18 IBU, Bent Paddle Brewing, Duluth, Minnesota. 

To the best of my knowledge, this is the first year that Bent Paddle has packaged this Oktoberfest beer, although they don’t call it that on the label. They call it a Märzen Party Lager. They’re not the only one, Fair State also calls their Festbier “party lager”. What does this mean? Don’t all parties have lagers? (I said parties, not bottle shares.) I’ve noticed more and more beers will be labeled Märzen or Festbier (even when they are Märzens), and not Oktoberfest at all. This is probably a smart move for a style of beer being released in July.

Also, what kind of name is Munchin’ pretzels? Is it because munchin’ sounds like the German word for Munich? Why don’t we call it that? If we can say “munchin’”, we can say Munchen. And you know what they call Bavaria? Bayern. Sounds like something my mom would say. Don’t leave the Bayern door open.

I wish I had some pretzels, but I don’t. I almost bought some today, but there was a man standing in front of them in the grocery aisle and he was taking too long. so I didn’t buy any. So here I am having a party lager at home taking notes with no pretzels to munch. Maybe if I put on some polka music, it’ll be okay. 

For 60 Minutes, I’m Andy Rooney.

Clear, Amber/copper colored, slim white head.

In the nose: sweet and malty, nobly hopped, bready…pretzel-y?

In the mouth: more sweetness on the palate, but well balanced. Smooth and maltalicious. (That’s a real word I made up just now.) A lager for communal enjoyment, for schnitzels and spaetzels, and yeah, the twisty bead stick. This one goes down nice and easy, chock-ful of Märzen-y goodness.

Münchin' Pretzels is a classic Märzenbier that boasts a rich amber color and a medium-bodied mouthfeel. Brewed with traditional German malts and hops, this beer offers a perfect balance of sweetness and bitterness. The aroma is characterized by notes of toasted bread, caramel, and a subtle hint of hops. The flavor profile is dominated by a delicious bready malt character with hints of caramel, making it an excellent choice to pair with traditional German cuisine, especially soft pretzels and sausages. Prost!

Malty | Bavarian | Festy

Fat Head Green Grunge IPA

 Fat Head’s Green Grunge IPA. 

6.5% ABV, 65 IBU, Fat Head’s Brewery, Middleburg Heights, Ohio.

Clearish, bright golden hue , hearty white head on top,

In the nose: super dank, pine and citrus, right on the money. 

In the mouth: vibrancy hop flavors explode in the mouth, powerful bitterness on display on the palate, nice and dry. Beautifully drinkable, if you’re a hophead in need of their fix. And I often am. Fierce hop delivery in this one, thoroughly enjoyed. Thanks, Ed!

This heavy hitting IPA goes against the grain to give you a raucous hop experience. It’s loaded with Chinook and Citra hops lending grungy notes of grapefruit, berry, and citrus rind with a smooth piney, spicy bitterness that invokes classic American “C” hop character. 

Insight Leafy Greens West Coast IPA with terpenes

 Insight Leafy Greens West Coast IPA with terpenes. A collaboration with Venn and brewed with King Louie terpenes. Hops: Eureka, Columbus, Mosaic, Citra & Amarillo. 

7.1% ABV, Insight Brewing, Minneapolis, Minnesota. 

Clear, bright golden hue, lush ivory cap atop. 

In the nose: straight up dank, citrus notes and funky weed. Grapefruit and tangerine.

In the mouth: flood of fantastic flavors wash over the palate, hop bitterness, citrus explosions, pine aplenty. Persistent and abundant hop flavors tear along the valley of the senses and leave the mouth a scene of delights. 

I mean, good IPA and you can drink it. 

I don’t know all the words required to describe this one, but the goods it has got. Quite a funky beast here, easily drinking, but loaded with a particular character all the way through. 

I would love to try something like this again, much more refreshing than the endless parade of hazies. 

This is the beer that happens when two breweries merge their popular West Coast IPAs and add Terpenes for extra dankness. Our Dankbot + Venn’s Chronicopia come together to provide plenty of sticky, resinous, bitter hop flavor while the King Louie terpenes bring earthy, piney, and tropical notes to the party.

Indeed Tidalwave Double IPA

 Indeed Tidalwave Double IPA. 

9.1% ABV, 49 IBU, Indeed Brewing, Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Clear, bright golden hue, large ivory head. 

In the nose: citrusy, touch of tropical, a little grape or melon. 

In the mouth: popping with hops, nice bitter buzz on the palate. At turns juicy and dry, bountiful happiness explored the senses. Not altogether smooth, nor especially easy drinking, a minor challenge, studded with delights. A flavor profile unique among DIPAs, just a little sweet, appropriately bitter, and ver cool, with just enough booze to float the boat. 

I dig you, Tidalwave. 

Mango | Sweet Fruit | Dank 

Barrel Theory TV Trays West Coast India Pale Ale

 Barrel Theory TV Trays West Coast India Pale Ale

 w/ Chinook, Citra T-90, + Simcoe hops. 

6.8 %ABV, Barrel Theory Brewing, St. Paul, MN.

Clear, bright golden hue, slim layer of snowy white foam. 

In the nose: bursts of citrusy goodness, all up in your business. Grapefruit, orange plus pineapple, maybe mango. Lovely. 

In the mouth: pow! Big bitterness right off the bat, lingering on the palate. Clean, lean, dry and bitter, just like I like ‘em. Truly satisfactory WCIPA. Make more of this!

MetroNOME Squeeze Play East Coast IPA

 MetroNOME Squeeze Play East Coast IPA.

7.3 % ABV, MetroNOME Brewery, St. Paul, MN.

Is the name a baseball reference, from this music themed  (and gnome themed) brewery? Since I have to ask, you can tell I’m not a sports fan. I have to wonder why, when this heart of mine would rather see jazz pop up in beer more often. 

Also, I have to wonder what they mean by East Coast IPA. There used to be East Coast IPAs, and they were maltier than this, closer to English IPAs. And they shouldn’t be confused with New England IPAs, naturally.

Clear, golden hued, slight white head. 

In the nose: bright and fruity, floral, citrus and tropical. 

In the mouth: crisp and clean, smooth and easy drinking. None too bitter and pleasingly flavored with hoppiness. Just a little juicy, a merest touch of sweetness. An amiable beverage to while aware sixteen bars, or sixteen ounces, at a time. 

Flavor Notes: Tropical on the nose and fruity on the mouthpiece. A great low-bitter IPA for wetting the whistle before belting out a few bars of “Take Me Out To The Ballgame”

I’ll bet this description was penned by brewer and horn player Kevin Welch himself. I’m also betting this is best consumed at St. Paul Saints games. 

Wild Mind Tiger in a Trance Honey Rye Saison

 Wild Mind Tiger in a Trance Honey Rye Saison.Saison brewed with Minnesota honey, spelt and rye. 

6.5 % ABV, Wild Mind Artisan Ales, Minneapolis, MN. 

Clear, bright golden hue, slim white head.

In the nose: honey sweetness meets floral hops, with a bit of funk. 

In the mouth: honey comes forward in the flavor, matching hop bitterness. Crisp and smooth, light bodied and quite delightful. Rye and spelt’s contributions are sly and understated. There’s quite a lot of individual character in this one, and I appreciate it. 

This is can four of the first 4-pack I have purchased from Wild Mind. If all you put out is $16 hazy IPAs and fruity sours, I’m not interested. An $11 saison? That’s more like it. 

Farmhouse ale brewed with rye. Hopped with Saaz and EKG. Refermented with Minnesota wildflower honey.. 

Hammerheart Hokan’s Brown Ale

 Hammerheart Hokan’s Brown Ale.

6.5% ABV, Hammerheart Brewing, Ely, MN. 

This is can four from the second beer released from the Ely facility. But I had this first at the taproom in 2016, with my dear sweet mother, who said she’d never had a dark beer in all her 83 years (she turns 92 this year). Look up my post about that visit to see a pic of us both.

Dark brown color, opaque, slim brown ring. 

In the nose: roasted malt, slightly smoky, caramel undertones. Traces of chocolate.

In the mouth: rich and full-bodied, this is no ordinary brown ale. Chocolate and caramel trickle along the tongue, smooth and delicious. Hearty. Rewarding. A brown ale that stretches the boundaries of the style. 

Now I truly understand why this one flew off the rails after we stocked it back in July. After finishing my fourth, I long for a fifth. We’ll just have to wait until the next time they brew it, and meanwhile enjoy the next offerings…which might be even better!

Pizza Port Swami’s India Pale Ale

 Pizza Port Swami’s India Pale Ale.

6.8% ABV, 72 IBU, Pizza Port Brewing, Carlsbad, CA.

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

In the nose: highly vibrant, abuzz with hoppiness zes . Citrus and pine aplenty. Grapefruit and lemon.

In the mouth: Light-bodied but rich in hoppy flavors. Big bitterness blazes the palate. Citrus notes abound. Flavors never quit. Finish lasts forever. Quintessential West Coast IPA. I will have this one again and again. 

They’ve been making this since 1992? I certain never had a beer like this back then. We didn’t have IPAs like this around here in those days. Was SoCal keeping it all s secret? 

Another mystery is: when I visited the brewpub in 2004, did I have this? There’s no way of knowing, but, probably. I’d previously had my first Pliny at O’Brian’s. What a time for my tongue. 

Swami’s IPA was first brewed in 1992 to commemorate one of our favorite local surf breaks nestled below a spiritual enlightenment temple that sits on the cliffs above. This West Coast style IPA features a timeless American hop profile of citrus and pine with a crisp balanced finish. It’s a dream come true to be able to share so many pints over time as we all evolve together. Whatever your form of meditation is, we hope that each and every sip contributes to your own self-realization…Cheers!

Hops: Chinook, CTZ, Cascade, Centennial, Citra, & Simcoe

Nine Mile Hrbie’s Grand Slam Kolsch

 

9 Mile Hrbie’s Grand Slam Kolsch. 

5.2 % ABV, Nine Mile Brewing, Bloomington, MN. 

Clear, bright golden hue, slim white head. 

In the nose: minor hops, slightly sweet and malty, fragrant and fruity. 

In the mouth: small bitterness up front, then all is smooth and light bodied. Delicate fruitiness delights the palate throughout the drink. Slips ever so easily down the throat. 

Named for legendary ‘80’s/‘90’sTwins first baseman Kent Hrbek who once played in Bloomington in the old Met Stadium, and still lives there. And now apparently drinks there, probably ordering “my beer” whenever he stops in the brewery. I know I would. 

We've really hit it out of the park with this one, y'all. Brewed in collaboration with (and named for) Bloomington's own hometown hero, Hrbie's Grand Slam is an easy drinking kölsch perfect for sipping whether you're on the diamond or in our taproom.

A grist of pilsner, Vienna, and white wheat with a sprinkle of sour malt make up the body of this beer, creating a lightly grainy background, where a blend of Altus and Saphir hops provide balance and subtle noble floral aromas that allow the wonderfully fruity characteristics of the kölsch yeast strain to shine through. Crisp, clean, and utterly crushable, this collaboration (like its namesake) is one for the ages.

Coronado El Rollo India Pale Ale

Coronado El Rollo India Pale Ale. West-Coast style IPA. Collaboration with Pizza Port Brewing. 

7.2 % ABV, Coronado Brewing, Coronado, CA. 

Clear, bright golden hue, slim white head. 

In the nose: fragrant, zestful, Citra-tasting. Utterly lovely. Lemon alights upon grapefruit to intermingle. 

In the mouth: pow! Hop bitterness hits from the first sip. Citrus notes meet the taste of the tropical. Fresh and vibrant, delivering shock after shock of hoppy delights with each new gulp. Lean bodied and delicious. Leaning dry, with a touch of sweetness. 

I like my West Coast IPAs bone-dry and brittle, but I can also enjoy variations such as this. West Coast is surely the best coast. 

 

Off Color Beer for Fantasy Witbier with Blood Orange and Dragonfruit

 Off Color Beer for Fantasy Witbier with Blood Orange and Dragonfruit. 

5% ABV, Off Color Brewing, Chicago, IL.

Clear, pale crimson coloring, slim white head. 

In the nose:  citrus explosion. Dragonfruit and blood orange hold court, but the essence of a wit lies beneath. 

In the mouth: light bodied, with a touch of spice. Touch of tart. Essentially easy-drinking. Hits the spy on a day like today (high in the mid-90’s). 

Good fruited witbier and you can drink it. 

Dragon fruit lends hints of kiwi and bartlett pears while the blood orange puree casts a peach hue with subtle flavors of raspberry. Crack one open as you begin your next adventure and don't forget to pour one out for those lost along the way.

Falling Knife The Long Highway Cold IPA

 Falling Knife The Long Highway Cold IPA.with HBC 586 and Simcoe hops. 

7.3 % ABV, Fallible Knife Brewing, Minneapolis, MN.

I don’t review Falling Knife’s beers very much these days, for one main reason: my ban on hazies. It seems that it’s all they ever release. Well, now here’s a Cold IPA. Didn’t I ban those once, too. Let’s see if I can remember why. 

Clear, pale golden hue, slim white head.

In the nose; soft and citric. 

In the mouth: light bodied, slight bitterness, appropriate levels of hoppiness, easy-drinking and most assuredly refreshing. Some citrus, some stone fruit. Maybe a little melon? 

I think I remember why I stopped writing about Cold IPAs….there’s not much to say about them. 

Fulton Hop Kingdom American IPA

 Fulton Hop Kingdom American IPA .

5.8% ABV, 35 IBU, Fulton Beer, Minneapolis, MN.

Something new in the brand family. 

Clear, bright golden hue, slim white head.

In the nose: fresh zest, citrus notes, moderately hopped.

In the mouth: more moderation in the name of refreshment. Crisp and fairly clean. Mild and easy going, medium bodied with a good measure of hop bitterness. Sure, I can see this as a boat beer, a dock beer, even a pier beer. 

This one came as part of the latest Hop Kingdom. Variety pack, replacing Juicy IPA. 

In the land of 10,000 IPAs, this cooler beer is a real catch. Crafted for unspooling lakeside stories of lures and lore – balanced hop notes of Citra, Galaxy, and Motueka marry sweet grapefruit piths and bitter orange peel for an American IPA fit for the walleye capital of the world.

Surly Parker’s Heavy Char Darkness Imperial Stout

 Surly Parker’s Heavy Char Darkness Imperial Stout.

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

Utterly and vastly Stygian appearance. Totally opaque. Slim, soon gone head. 

In the nose: richness, bourbon, high char, molasses, anise, chocolate, espresso…all those goodies.

In the mouth: big and thick and viscous. Rich and altogether every kind of perfect. Big time big. All sorts of whoa, and hey, hoo! Slips deliciously upon the tongue. For all that it is, it is wonderfully smooth and delicious. 

I’m going to take a long time to soak this in, well past beddy- bye time. C’est La vie. 

Our legendary Russian imperial stout aged in Parker's Heritage 10-Year Heavy Char bourbon barrels. We really don’t need to say anything else besides, “Drink this.”

Destihl Evel Knievel Imperial IPA

 Destihl Evel Knievel Imperial IPA. 

9% ABV, 60 IBU, Destihl Brewery, Normal, IL. 

Clear, bright golden hue, lush ivory head.

In the nose: bold citrus and pine. 

In the mouth: big flavor, juicy with tropical tones to match my the citrus. Orange and mango and grapefruit. High bitterness and large and in charge alcohol come roaring in. Hop bitterness lays long upon the palate and all is pleasing to this hophead. 

Can four from the 4-pack. I may go back for more. 

And now observe the beer description most filled with pins, references and word play EVER: Evel Knievel Imperial IPA is a daring West Coast-style brew that is ramped up with a thrilling burst of hoppiness, fruity aromas and perfectly balanced bitterness. Citra, Mosaic & Chinook hops take center stage, soaring through the flavor profile, while a vintage malt backdrop adds a touch of nostalgia. Cheers!

Three Floyds Turbo Reaper IPA

 Three Floyds Turbo Reaper IPA. 

7 % ABV, 47 IBU, Three Floyds Brewing,  

 Mostly clear, bright golden hue, slim white head.

In the nose: big fruit explosion, grapefruit and mango, lemon zest. 

In my mouth: bitterness blasts the palate, then all becomes smooth. Medium bodied, easy drinking India Pale Ale. Bitterness travels on the tongue, fruit follows. Quite enjoyable. Yes, I’ll have another. 

Without warning something’s dawning as our latest West Coast Style IPA awaits your defenseless thirst. As colossal hop aromas rise in harmony with tropical and citrus notes you better run for cover.  There is no other.

Bhavana Sprout Fig Dubbel

Bhavana Sprout Fig Dubbel. 

7.6 % ABV, Brewery Bhavana, Raleigh, NC.

Clear, dark burgundy hue, slim head.

 

In the nose: brown sugar, dark fruit, caramel malt. Belgian malt?

In the mouth: mild and mellow at first, swiftly unfolding into something significant. It’s a little figgy, a bit datish, but more clean and malty. Alcohol provides warmth, but doesn’t threaten brain cells. Classically composed, almost elegant. Highly enjoyable. 

Sneaky fig dubbel ale

Whole figs gives this refreshing Dubbel a tricky, sweet aroma and amber hue that belie it’s clean, dry finish.

Wandering Leaf Pils Rx Good Czech Pilsner

 Wandering Leaf Pils Rx Good Czech Pilsner. 

6.3% ABV, Wandering Leaf Brewing, St. Paul, MN. 

Clear, bright golden hue, slim white head. 

In the nose: nicely hopped. Citrus and spice. Classic. 

In the mouth: crisp and clean. Mildly malty, minor bitterness, plentiful hop flavor. Light bodied and refreshing. Tasty pilsner, well done.