Three Floyds Interstellar Bonanza Double India Pale Ale

 Three Floyds Interstellar Bonanza Double India Pale Ale. 

9% ABV, Three Floyds Brewing / Warpigs, Munster, Indiana.

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

In the nose: fresh and zesty, floral, citric, hoppy, lovely. 

In the mouth: big time hoppy buzz, big bitterness, yet still smooth. Citrus aplenty, stone fruit, tangerines and apricots, orange and a pinch of mango. Big and fruity and pithy and bitter and dry. Never too juicy.

Just a right on the money DIPA. And there ain’t nothing wrong with that. 

Banded together from remote galaxies, Three Floyds and Warpigs USA combined to bring you this interstellar Double IPA, featuring a West Coast payload dedicated to a single objective - the conquest of all intergalactic parties.

Unmapped Paddle North Wild Rice Cream Ale

 

Unmapped Paddle North Wild Rice Cream Ale. Intentionally simple. 

5.2% ABV, 11 IBU, Unmapped Brewing, 

Clear, golden hued, slim white head.

In the nose: malty, slight sweetness, grainy notes. Nutty.

In the mouth: light bodied, easily quaffed, cool and calm, with some character. I said “some.”  Just enough. Minimal hops, low bitterness. Fits the style perfectly. Take it to lake, sip on it while your toes dip in the water. Close your eyes and let the day drift away. 

We partnered up with our friends at Paddle North to bring you this true Minnesota brew! Paddle North is a cream ale that utilizes delicious MN-grown wild rice. It's a great local take on a classic style. Light, refreshing, and tasty!

Perennial Perpetual Waves West Coast Style IPA

 Perennial Perpetual Waves West Coast Style IPA.

6% ABV, Perennial Artisan Ales, St. Louis, MO. 

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

In the nose: intense hopping, dry, floral, bursting with botanicals. 

In the mouth: dry, brittle, full of hop bitterness. Clean, lean bodied, long, bitter finish. Fresh and lively, just a little juicy, not quite bone dry. Delicious approximation of a WCIPA. I may have to go back for more. 

West coast style IPA with burts of light citrus and a dry pine finish. Inspired by the ocean & the relentless energy of the surf, this brew captures the essence of the coast in every sip. 

Hammerheart Nordland Smoked Kviek Lager with Spruce Tips

 Hammerheart Nordland Smoked Kviek Lager with Spruce Tips.

Brewed and Canned by Hammerheart Brewing, Ely, MN.

Hammerheart returns..,

It took almost two years for the former Lino Lakes brewery to pack up, move up north and plant new roots. So glad to see them back in business, this here is the first beer I’ve had from this new facility and one of their first two beers released, both of which sold out immediately. Now we have to be patient again and wait for the next new releases.

Clear, bright golden hued, ivory head.

In the nose: malty notes, slight sweetness, kiss of the hops …and along comes some spruce. And just a whiff of smoke.

In the mouth; it’s all coming together. Crisp, clean, light bodied and delicious. Smoking and spruce are subtle. Easy drinking and elegant. I am not normally a lager drinker, but this is quite enjoyable.

A simple, mildly smoked Lutra Kviek pseudo lager using small amounts of Beechwood Smoked Barley and Oak Smoked Wheat with mild hop flavor from Hallertau Blanc and a hint of spruce tips. We brewed this beer as the first at our new facility which we nicknamed Nordland 1.

Thank you to all who have stayed with us through this journey!

Arbeiter Outlaw Barleywine

 Arbeiter Outlaw Barleywine.

10.1 % ABV, Arbeiter Brewing, Minneapolis, MN.

Barleywine is one of my favorite styles of beer. It’s a pity there aren’t more available on a regular basis. Got to grab them while you can and make them last while you wait for others to be released. 

This one came out last winter, the traditional season for the style. I had a few at the taproom a few times over several visits, back then, and picked up a 4-pack. Regretting that decision now, as I feel I should have bought three or four. It would be nice to have more on hand, though I’m amazed I made it last until summer, Once again, I’ve waited until can #4 for the notes. If they brewed it again this winter, I won’t make that mistake again. 

Clear, dark burgundy hue, rich, cream-toned head. 

In the nose: rich and malty, slightly sweet, tobacco and leather, dark fruits aplenty. Cherries, raisins, figs. Lot o’ goodness.

In the mouth: more richness, more bigness. Nearly thick and viscous, full on maltitude, somewhat smooth. Fruity associations from aroma land firmly on the palate. Fullness of body. Immensely complex, deep and rewarding. 

I truly hope Arbeiter makes this one an annual tradition.