In the nose: Starts with the citrus notes, moves quickly into sweet and tropical tones. Blending orange, lemon, papaya, and pineapple.
In the mouth: Bitterness blasts the palate initially, then lays low. Sweetness pulls in. Malt is clean and delicious. Hops and popping, dropping flavor. Lean bodied, excellent drinking. Creamy-is and smooth-like.
A bit more of the haze than I'd like, but I have to admit that I'm fighting a losing battle. It's what they want, so it's what they'll brew. As it is, there's just enough bitterness riding through this one to keep me happy. I'd joyfully pick up some more of this.
We really pushed the envelope on this one. More hops in the whirlpool, more hops in the dryhop, more thinking about hops. More of those beautiful juice notes you are craving. Citra accents the dank, tropical notes of the Galaxy and Rakau. All brought to you with a tremendous body that reminds you of taking that first swig of OJ in the morning. Hops: Citra, Ekuanot Cryo, Rakau, Galaxy, Falconers Flight Malts: Pale ale, Flaked Oats, Flaked Wheat, Cara Vienna
I give up. So, we want the orange juice look, is that right? I just don't know any more.
Eastlake Tsathoggua Imperial Stout 2019 Aged on Oak and Spanish Brandy.
11 % ABV. Eastlake Craft Brewery, Minneapolis, MN.
And here, ladies and gentlemen, we have the first review of this beer from a crowler. Two years ago, I did a post wherein I reviewed three bottled versions, all in one, 2015-2017 vintages. Looks like I skipped 2018. Let's see what a fairly fresh sampling is like.
Full ebony coloration, completely opaque, slim dark brown ring of foam.
In the nose: Dark malts, deep, chocolatey, coffee, anise, maple, more....charcoal, tobacco, dark fruits.
In the mouth: Brandy barrel pounds the palate from the start, no turn to subtlety here. Big, broad, powerful. Sweetness and alcoholic strength are high already, keeping ahead of malt flavors. Chocolate malts can't keep up with the brandy barrel.Stays sweet, but ends on a dry note, though the ABV never flags or falters.
But, if you don't care about balance and you're looking for a decadent, knock-out experience, here's one way to go. I can certainly dig it. Balance is something you need all the time. Once in a while, within the comforts of home and such...go off the rails.
Legend has it this beer is named for a toad-like gargoyle. This Imperial stout is barrel aged in American Oak and Spanish Brandy Barrels. Flavor notes include coconut, orange marmalade and pineapple. (in addition to)...traditional cacao, coffee and burnt caramel. Equally viscous and vicious, it pours out of the crowler like a torrent of black quicksilver, the opaque blood of the gods.
I got not coconut, pineapple, or marmalade. Maybe I wasn't paying attention. Shame on me. Peeking at past notes, I did pick up some fruit. "Chocolate-covered orange" I said two years ago. Pineapple, though? Maybe....
In the nose: sweet and tart together. Berry meets citrus.
In the mouth: More of the same on the palate. Crisp, light, refreshing. Berries and lemons, sweet, fruity and tart. Goes down nice and easy. This would be very welcome in the summertime. Or anytime.
But, not for me. I'll stick with beer. You, you go ahead, though. I'm sticking with beer.
What’s that you say? Shandy’s are only for the summer!? To that we say pish posh! Our Road Rash is crushable anytime of year!
Boom Island Rye-ish Irish Red Ale.
5.2 % ABV. 27 IBU. Boom Island Brewing, Minnetonka, MN.
Let's have an Irish Red for St. Patrick's Day, because someone is celebrating it somewhere, just not here. Where will they sing "Danny Boy" when all the bars are closed for coronavirus pandemic? Who will sling corned beef and cabbage and pour the Guinness? Tough times all over. Let's just not die, people.
Clear, bold crimson color, slim white head.
In the nose: sweet, malty. Earthy. Light hops.
In the mouth: Minor bitterness. Touch of hops. Mostly malts. Rich and sweet, to a point. Nicely balanced, with all the elements intact. Perfectly serviceable red ale. Medium bodied, easy drinker.
It's alright.
Now, let's play The Chieftains and pretend it's an Irish pub, or something...sigh...
With notes of biscuit, roasted malt, and light toffee this Irish Red Ale is a tasty and easy-drinking beer.
Song for this beer is a natural. I just yanked this one randomly off YouTube:
Thoroughly black in color, slim cocoa-tinged head atop.
In the nose: Dark malts dominate, coffee notes and cola hints.
In the mouth: Beans are popping in the flavor. Rich and roasty malts. Coffee on top with a hit of chocolate on the side. It's not intense or overpowering, it's just right. Tasty stuff, here. Full-bodied, full-flavored, quite satisfactory. I'm liking this more and more as we finish off the crowler.
(Although, thinking back, I regret not using my Sisyphus coffee mug for the illustration.)
You gotta make the coffee beer, by any means necessary. This thick, sweet stout is infused with 5 lbs of fresh roasted Dogwood Coffee.
Surly Fall To Pieces Mosaic IPA. 6.8 % ABV.
Surly Brewing, Minneapolis & Brooklyn Center, MN.
You've got to have mosaic, man. Without mosaic in your hop bill, you got nothing.
Lightly hazed, bright golden, lasting ivory head on top.
In the nose: Bold, assertive citrus. Popping with hops, here. Lemon/lime, grapefruit, orange.
In the mouth: Juicy, fruity, bitter. It's got all things one clamors for in an IPA. Dry in the end. Drains the palate and urges on another sip. Medium bodied, and easy drinking.
I took the first two cans down with no problem and saved this one for the review. Too bad it's only available in the sample pack, I'd love another 6 of these.
BREWED FOR PUTTING YOURSELF BACK TOGETHER AGAIN Our Mosaic masterpiece puts juicy, tropical hops at the forefront of this light-bodied, delicious IPA. Notes of mango, honey, and papaya entice, along with a dank hint of green fruit.
There can only be one song you shall hear while drinking this beer:
Oliphant I Saw Trevor Crying In His Sleep Belgian Table Bier. 4.6 % ABV. Oliphant Brewing, Somerset, WI.
Growler brought back from the brewery this past Sunday. Name is a twist on a title for a song by a favorite band of the brewery, referenced in many beers over the years. Like this one.
Clear, bright golden color, short white head.
In the nose: Lightly hoppy, fruity, floral. Slight tartness. Belgian-esque funk.
In the mouth: Lean bodied and expertly consumable. Just as a table beer should be. Unfussy, simple, lightly flavored. Citrus and straw. Smallest amount of hops, virtually no bitterness, light in the malt department, too, but a distinct Belgian snap. Tiniest amount of tart, too, pleasant and satisfactory. Good beer for the "I don't like beer" person in the group.
Very nice interpretation of this under-utilized style. And there is but one song that should accompany it's consumption:
i saw trevor crying in his sleep it happens when you spend all evening listen to synthesizer music. belgian table bier. 4.6% abv
In the nose: Lightly hopped, slight fruit. Small measure of graininess.
In the mouth: Crisp and clean, brisk. Light in every way, with just enough malt for flavor. Fairly pleasant and expertly drinkable. No flaws in this, perfectly serviceable in every way.
I'm not the one to ask if it's a good cream ale or not, but it's not a bad one by any stretch. Actually, I'm enjoying it. If cream ales are your thing, by all means.
"Our Cream ale is lighter bodied with a subtle creaminess, leaving you with that smooth finish many of our beers have. Every sip is mild and refreashing, yet full of flavor, just the way a Cream Ale should be!" - August Schell Brewing Co.
Town Hall Orange Drop IPA.
6.6 % ABV. Minneapolis Town Hall Brewery, Minneapolis, MN.
Clear, bright amber/golden hue, large and lasting, creamy white head.
In the nose: Citrus bomb. Bold citrusy goodness abounds. Orange, lemon/lime, pinch of grapefruit.
In the mouth: Big-time orange. Juicy and delicious. Other citrusy fruit notes at play, right behind orange. Just enough bitterness to keep my tongue happy. But not too much to scare others away. A moderate IPA, with plenty of juicy, and lots of fruit. A people pleasing IPA, this one. And I can dig it.
Actually. If you can believe this. It's actually, pretty much...yum a dum dum.
Orange fruit character from the hops with some underlying orange blossom and vanilla-orange cream flavors.
In the nose: Soft, subtle, fruity, slightly sweet. Kind of kolsch-esque, but not quite.
In the mouth: A little kiss of the hops greet the palate. Bitterness is here, and it lasts long. Medium bodied, light and easy drinking. Not getting much of a classic kolsch flavor, but I shouldn't expect it to, either. Bright citrusy flavors keep it all tasty. Rather delicious and delightful. I'd go back for another.
I gather the use of a kolsch yeast lends this the name, but it lacks the other important elements.
India Kolsch Ale Be unafraid! The use of Ekuanot and Mosaic hops gives this beer aromas of bright tangerine with papaya. On the palate, flavors of mandarin orange dominates with hints of mango and grapefruit.
ONE Ship of Fools Baltic Porter. 6.5 % ABV. Packaged 1/29.
One Fermentery and Taproom, Minneapolis, MN.
Dark brown, edging on black, completely opaque, slim brownish head.
In the nose: Coffee, cocoa, caramel, nuts. Slight sweetness, rich maltiness. Quite nice.
In the mouth: Slides smooth onto the palate, creamy and delightful. Some caramel, cocoa, a bit nougaty. Medium bodied, easy drinking. This one is lower in alcohol than I expect from a Baltic Porter. They're usually 7 % or higher, but I don't mind if it's a touch less than that, not when it's this nice. Sweetness is kept in check, held at bay by a modicum of hops.
I like this one and this ONE. I'll be back for more.
Dark chocolate and roasted malt with subtle hop spice
I don't listen to the rock band Queen much, and don't pay close attention to their lyrics. I did when I researched the name of this beer. More on that later.
It's been eight months since my last BrewFarm review. Forgive me father, for I have sinned. (Actually, I did visit the BrewFarm in December, but there were no growlers at all to take home, and I don't write reviews from the bar.)
I made the pilgrimage to Wilson, Wisconsin the other day, thanks to friends Renee and Jeff, my first stop of the new year, and not, I hope, the last. There were three beers available for me to take home and review, but one of them had appeared here in Ye Olde Nib over five years ago. So, two new BrewFarm reviews are coming your way, starting with Mr. Fahrenheit, which, as with so many BrewFarm creations, has no fixed style. Do any of them? It is the BrewFarm way.
Oddly enough, it's listed on Untappd as "Pilsner-other". But, I didn't add it, so I can't complain.
Just for kicks, Untappd says that there are 235 BrewFarm beers. This is the 83rd I have added to the Nib. (Wrong. I reviewed Hibiscus Lager twice, and one tag was not a review.)
Untappd also says I have checked in there 156 times. It will take more time than I wish to invest currently to figure out how many different beers that is. (Doesn't mean I won't some night when I'm bored.)
I have had more beers there than I've reviewed and I've had more than I've checked in to. Over on BeerAdvocate.com, there are only 91 beers listed for the BrewFarm, and I have reviewed 65 of them. More work to do. Divining exactly how many of them I have personally added to their database would also take more time than I wish to devote myself to. There are many, though.
Mr. Fahrenheit. 5.6 % ABV. Dave's BrewFarm, Wilson, WI.
Dark brown coloration, nearly opaque, richly cocoa-toned head.
In the nose: Mostly malty, lightly hopped, slightly spicy. Touch of caramel.
In the mouth: Now it's a mainly malty thing, with many touches of caramel. Bit of wheat character graces the palate, too, though (I peeked ahead) it is from yeast, not malt. Just the right amount of hops for balance. Little touches of spice on the tongue, from hops or yeast, nothing extra or external. Especially smooth, this one, and tasty, too.
It's a damned good beer that fits no style, though it may flirt with some at it's edges. Due to the yeast involved, it may favor a wizen style, at most, but the other ingredients don't help push it in that direction. It is one more example, I think, of Farmer Dave continuing to try every combination of ingredients in every variation possible, until he runs out of deliciousness. Which I wish would never happen.
There is but one song to hear while drinking this beer:
"....and that's why they call me Mr. Fahrenheit." Hopped with Millennium and Azacca hops, Pils, Caramel 120 and Extra Special malts, and fermented with classic Weiss yeast."
Having a Good Time is a fitting slogan for my many memories of the BrewFarm. Where else have I enjoyed so many nights of singing along to songs with the owner and the brewer, beers in hand?
And apology before I begin to my celiac friends who have a legitimate need for these products when requiring alcoholic refreshment:)
Hard Seltzers! Bauhaus Lime & Dragonfruit + Fulton Hopped!
It's time to drink some hard seltzers, yeah! Oh, whoa-o-o-o-o-yeah! Sham-a-lam-a-ding-dong, baby, yeah! All right! Wooo!
And so we shall.
Let's do Bauhaus Bolo Lime first, oh, yeah! Yeah, yeah, baby, yeah!
(Okay, I have to do something to keep my enthusiasm up.)
Watery. Seltzer-y. some lime. Light alcoholic water and you can drink it. Ho meets hum. Blah, blah, blah. I want to like it, but...how? Well, it's limey, in it's fashion, I'll give it that.
And now I shall drink a hard seltzer from Fulton called Hopped! #havemorefun. Minn Made. Citrusy nose. Nice. Lemony/limey flavor. Nice blast of bitterness. Hey, this one's hoppy! Yeah, hoppy seltzer hard water...yum. Mmm. Yum, a dum, dum. It's hops and it's water and it's booze. yum, I said, a dum, dum.
But, ...ah, I get it. You don't want the carbs, just the booze. You want some flavor, not most, not more, not best. Ah, well. Cheers, my friend.
I was supposed to do Bauhaus Bolo Dragonfruit next, but I was all hard seltzer-ed out, so I retired for the evening and did the tasting the next day. And I attempted notes, but what more was there to say. Instead of lime, or hops, it tasted vaguely like dragonfruit. Which I like. In real-life. But, there was nothing else to say. So, let's just say that I said it already. Go get them, if they're you're thing, but I think I'm done.
In the nose: Bright berries, nice and tart. Fruity and mellow. More tart than sour at first, until...whoa, there it is. Gets tarter and tarter as we go. Altogether, very enjoyable.
I didn't have too much more to say about this one, so I went looking for other opinions. I've done this before, also with an Oliphant beer, where I search certain corners of the internet for other opinions. And the thing of it is, Untappd is not a place where I do any writing. Only the slightest bit, actually, for it all happens here. People are always asking me "So? What do you think?" and I want to say, "I already told you, go read the Nib!"
So, what do the kind of people who do write comments in Untappd say?
Well, they're mostly positive, of the few reviewers who said anything. But, hats off to Michael J. who points out that the color of the foam matches that of the pink in the gums of Jeremy's label painting. Nice work, Mike, I never would have caught that! Another testament to the brilliance of Hughes.
In the nose: Slightly sweet, slightly tart, a hint of slice, and all apple.
In the mouth: bright, vibrant, fruity. A trace of tart, a hint of sweet, and ending very dry. Medium bodied, excellent drinkability. Nice and juicy.
Despite what they say in the copy below, this was not hazy, and it did not taste unfiltered. It is tasty, though. Good cider and you can drink it.
Training Wheels steps back to a simpler time when ciders went unfiltered and you couldn’t fall off your bike no matter how many you had. This freshly pressed blend of Midwestern apples is hazy with sediment and sweet with unfermented apple sugars in a throw back to the ciders of the colonial era.
What am I reviewing here? Is it a beer, or just coffee with alcohol added? I'll investigate later, after the notes.
Creamy tan color, black coffee blended with milk, no head. Completely opaque.
In the nose: Mocha Java. Cream and coffee and cocoa. Nothing but.
In the mouth: Starbucks Frappacinno. Milk and coffee and ...is there alcohol? I'm not getting it yet, but it's not high, by any means. Higher than a coffee, that's for sure. Smooth and creamy. Vanilla-y.
A boozy latte. Yum a dum, dum.
But it's no beer. Why is it here? Someone gave it to me and it has the name of a beer on the can. So, I had to. Will I ever go out of my way to have one, or if not our of the way, even a slight pivot? Probably not.
Wild Mind Punk Tacos Fruited IPA.
6.2 % ABV. Wild Mind Artisan Ales, brewed and canned in Minneapolis, MN.
Look at this one. It's all purple, with a pink head on it. Clouded. Cute.
In the nose: Fruity for sure. Not too sweet, too. Not too anything. Not sure so far.
In the mouth: Fresh and fruity. A smack of bitterness, turning dry in the end. Not a trace of sweet, nor sour. Berries are all about, but, again, it's never too much. Interesting. Berries? I'm not sure what the fruit is, actually. (blackcurrants, it turns out.) Is it more fruit than IPA? So far, it is. In fact, it's not really that much of an IPA. Again, ...sigh...call it something else.
Maybe it's just enough of an IPA, maybe...maybe not.
I do enjoy this, though, quite a bit.
Fruited IPA with black currant, hopped with Mosaic and Amarillo.
Wait, there's more! A fruited IPA, Punk Tacos was brewed with herbal and floral Mosaic and Pacifica hops, which we complemented with 336 pounds of equally herbal and cordial-esque blackcurrant puree. The resulting beer has a light acidity from the fruit that brightens the hops' characteristics. With 4.4 pounds of hops per barrel, Punk Tacos has a bit of hop bitterness and a dry, tannic finish. Lactose was not added to this beer because we want a more pure expression between the fruit and hops that were used.
Boom Island Blood Orange Witness Witbier. 5 % ABV. 13 IBU. Boom Island Brewing, Minnetonka, MN.
Looking very bloody. Bright crimson, clear, slim white/pinkish head.
In the nose: Tart, sweet, fruity. Bright orange notes in the nose. Sharp and vibrant.
In the mouth: Bold fruit, overpowering the subtleties of the witbier style. Smooth, light bodied, easy drinkability. Blood orange flavor shines high over the wheat and the orange and the coriander. Good ol' witbier, with a twist.
Tasty beer, and you can drink it.
With its light, hazy blond color and fluffy white head, this is a classic Belgian-style wheat fruited with blood oranges. Slight tartness opens into a refreshing smoothness, with faint floral notes that linger on the back.
Town Hall Bob-House Bock. 6.9 % ABV.
Minneapolis Town Hall Brewery, Minneapolis, MN.
Clear, dark reddish-brown coloring, small and swiftly diminishing white head.
In the nose: sweet malt notes dominate. Caramel tones in the lead.
In the mouth: Again, malt sweetness drives it, with just enough hop bitterness for balance. Caramel and cocoa tones keep the palate happy. A little touch of nuttiness here and there. Sweetness remains restrained. Medium bodied, long malty finish, ends on a nicely balanced sweet/dry note.
Classic German traditional bock bier. You bet they're tasty. You better believe I love a good bock, and this is definitely one of them. Town Hall once again proves that they know the classic styles and do them well, and will never be caught up in chasing trends.
Strong cold-fermented German beer showcasing traditional floor malted and European specialty malts.
I have to know something, though. What the heck is a "bob-house"?
Definition of bob-house
: a small shack usually on runners and used for fishing through the ice (as for smelt or lake trout)
Okay, now we know. It's fun to learn new facts, isn't it? Or maybe you already knew, duh, and I'm the stupid one. No need to get all uppity about it. Sheesh.
So, what song should you listen to while downing a Bob-house Bock? I'm going to go off the edge here a little bit. I love Talking Heads and usually find a cappella bands very irritating. But I can't help but like this. It's The Bobs. Watch it/hear it once and curse me for the rest of your days:
Very hazy, very bright golden, with a huge cloud-white head that lasts long and leaves lacing.
In the nose: Bright, juicy, jubilant citrus notes abound, with touches of tropical, too. Sweetness spreads assuredly. All the lemon and lime and grapefruit, too, mixed with mango, pineapple, passionfruit, etc.
In the mouth: Boards the palate mildly, politely, spreading hop fruit flavors, some juiciness, some deliciousness. Mild bitterness, but strong flavors. Juicy, tangy, a touch of sweet, but ending dry. Loads of hoppy goodness, and the beautiful buzz of increasing alcohol, making everything a little more pleasant. Judicious malt adds to the pleasure. Just about yum a dum dum.
This big, juicy kviek comes at you dripping with a punch of vanilla, mango, and dank pineapple thanks to copious amounts of Citra, Mosaic, Azacca, and Mandarina Bavaria hops. Golden Promise malt and Hornindal kviek yeast from Norway enhance the lupulin fruit bouquet. Got Dang!
I'm embarrassed to admit this, but I don't know what this "got dang" means. Is it some newfangled way to say "Goddamn" without getting the church ladies upset?
Well, whatever, there is only one song to hear while drinking this one. Take it away, Roger:
Lupulin Sophistry IPA 05.
