Barrel Theory Gucci Piñata Berliner Weisse

Barrel Theory Gucci Piñata Berliner Weisse, with Mango, Passionfruit, & Pineapple.
4 % ABV. Barrel Theory Brewing, St. Paul, MN.

Back in the end of March, when the quarantine was just getting underway, I broke free enough to pay a visit to Minnehaha-Lake Liquors, a store at the intersection that the name describes. Their beer selection had been getting better and better over the years and I liked to pop in and encourage that from time to time. It was on this occasion that I saw for the first time crowlers of Barrel Theory beer for sale at a retail location. A wonderful development, saving me the trip to far-off St. Paul. (And, currently, that extra hassle of pre-ordering for curb-side pick-up.)
My friend Leif, who used to tend bar at Pizza Luce while I was at the Nile, was working then and said he was surprised that they lasted the few days they'd been there. Maybe word hadn't gotten out yet?

Out of the several varieties available, I picked the least expensive ($10) and the wrong one. Somehow, I completely forgot that Rain Drops NE IPA was not only here in the Nib already, but actually the second BT beer I'd reviewed from a crowler, over two years ago. Oh, well, it's still good beer, and you can still drink it. (I committed a similar sin on my last visit, picking out of all the Drastic Measure beers one I'd already reviewed. You'd think I'd had all this stuff memorized, right?)

I keep thinking as the weeks went on that I should return and find more of those BT crowlers, but my plans ever changed. The 3-mile or so bus trip down Lake Street is longer than I like, and I didn't do until a week ago, last Friday. There was one left, this one, and the date on it was 3/23. Was it in that cooler the whole time? Did word just never get out? Did M-L never get a fresh shipment?

And then this week happened. A white Minneapolis police officer took a black man's life and the city went up in flames. Peaceful protests at the site of the murder, but violence rocked the corner of Lake and Minnehaha as demonstrators took their cause to the 3rd Precinct Police Station, across the street from Minnehaha-Lake Liquors. The store seemed safe for a few days, but fire took it eventually, Thursday night. The structure still stands, but the inside is a hollowed out husk of ash and smoke, and the iconic neon sign that stood above has disappeared. I've always wondered what "Drive-In" meant. Apparently, you can drive in to their parking lot, get out, and shop inside. These old-style neon signs, like the one above Hum's at 22nd & Lyndale, have a lot of charm and appeal for me. Where is that sign now? Did someone loot it?

(No, is the answer, at least for now. Photographic evidence finds it smack dab in the middle of the rubble.)

They'll come back, eventually, with a new building, and maybe that same logo. (Probably not.)
And I'll be back, too.

So, on with the beer!

Hazed, bright orange color, tiny head that whittles away.

In the nose: Sour blasts out of the aroma at first, followed swiftly by pineapple and it's pals.
Pulpy, potent, powerful. Sweetness and sour, together.
 In the mouth: The duo are sharing space on the palate, doing a two-step between tropical tones and the tartness. Tasty stuff. Medium bodied, with a swift finish. Mango steps out front once in a while, pineapple peeks back up, and here comes guava. Just a little bit of sugar, with a big bunch of sweet. Banana butts in. Just delicious.

I don't normally like paying $14.99 for a crowler, but I do like this quite a bit.

And I hope to see more Barrel Theory crowlers out there at stores, whenever they open up again.

Talking Waters Flabongo Sour IPA

Talking Waters Flabongo Sour IPA. 6.5 % ABV.
Canned 5/20, purchased 5/25.
Talking Waters Brewing, Montevideo, MN.

Talking Waters Brewing Company of Montevideo, MN. It was stop number one in a 3 brewery Sunday trip with Jason back in 2016, that I did not ultimately do a write-up on, regrettably. It was a good story. I did take notes on the IPA I took home in a growler, but didn't publish that either, because the photo was terrible. Wait a minute. No, it's not, actually. So, perhaps I'll resurrect that one, soon.

 I liked their beers, and would gladly try them again. Would love to travel those 2 and a half hours to the west once again. But, in order to try their beers again, I don't have to, for I found their crowlers on sale at Hum's, and this one seemed the closest to a thing I'd like, out of the three available. Maybe I'll go back for the other two...if this city hasn't burned to the ground by then...sigh...

Mostly clear, bright crimson colored, slightly pinkish, with a thin head above.

In the nose: Funky, fruity, tart. I went in blind with this Flabongo, so I don't know 100% what I'm getting here. We'll find out later. For now, tartness, berries, tropical tones, and a bit of weirdness.

In the mouth: Big sour from the start, matched with big fruit. Touch of bitterness, keeps time with the sweet. Juicy, fruity, sweet, and sour. Medium bodied, easy drinking. Not bad, not bad at all.

It all started with a crazy idea to make a beer bong out of a flamingo. Said idea transpired into brewing a style just as wild. A ‘best of both worlds’ sour IPA hopped up with NZH-107, Azacca, and Sabro. To compliment the already tasty situation, we doused this one with fresh strawberries, guava, and hibiscus. You know what happens next... #flabongo 

Strawberries, guava, and hisbiscus...yeah, that's what I meant to say.

Also, I have to say...IPA? No, it's not. There's no bitterness at all. Just because there are hops, doesn't make it an IPA. Whatever, I know I can't win.

Pipeworks Blood of the Unicorn Hoppy Red Ale

Pipeworks Blood of the Unicorn Hoppy Red Ale.
6.5 % ABV. 69 IBU.
Pipeworks Brewing, Chicago, IL.

Slightly hazed, thoroughly crimson hued, large and lasting creamy head atop.

In the nose: Big hops and bigger malt expressing themselves. Bold, with a plethora of fruity esters.

In the mouth: Bright, malty, plenty of hops, but low bitterness. Exceptionally smooth, while terrifically hoppy. Slightly sweet. Medium bodied, long, malty finish. Perfectly balanced. Quite tasty. I'm liking this a lot.

In this epic battle, the Blood of the Unicorn has been shed by the sword of the deadly assassin of the east. One sip of this aggressively hopped red ale clearly reveals what drives these, the greatest of, hop heads of lore. Is this the end of the mythical horned horse? Or will he rise like the phoenix to fight another day

Bauhaus Brew Labs Breezebox Unfiltered Business Keller Pils

Bauhaus Breezebox Unfiltered Business Keller Pils.
4.7 % ABV. 22 IBU.
Bauhaus Brew Labs, Minneapolis, Mn.

First review from the BreezeBox, and once again, the final can from this style.

The look: slightly hazed, bright golden, slim white head.

In the nose: Soft, spritzy, slightly floral, shades of citrus. Increasingly lemony.

In the mouth: Light, clean, easy-drinking. Malty. Low hops, no bitterness. Slight sweetness. Little bit of yeasty flavor on it, the sort of thing that sets every Keller pils apart from the usual lager. And it does it well.

Venn Tropicopia New England DIPA

Venn Tropicopia New England DIPA. with Strata, Lotus & Citra.
8.5 % ABV. 40 IBU.
Venn Brewing, Minneapolis, MN.

Hazy (of course), golden hued, gorgeous ivory topping, leaving lace behind.

In the nose: Citrus blast, orange, grapefruit, lemon, with a side of tropical, pineapple, mango, & such. Lively and alluring.

In the mouth: Brief bitterness, swiftly turning to sweet. Big with the citrus, taste of tropics just behind. Medium bodied, long finish, quite tasty. Smooth, easy drinking. You don't expect the 8.5 %, until...yep, it's creeping in.

I like the high ABV of a Double IPA, but I don't like the low IBU of an NE IPA. You can't win 'em all.
As is, it's a good hazy double and you can drink it.



A New England-style double IPA featuring Citra, Strata, & Lotus hops.

Malts: Domestic Pale, White Wheat, Flaked Oats

Hops: Citra, Strata, Lotus (United States)

Yeast: British Ale

Modist Barrel Aged 32 Teeth with Cacao Nibs and Vanilla

Modist Barrel Aged 32 Teeth with Cacao Nibs and Vanilla.
Imperial Chocolate Stout aged in bourbon barrels with
Ghana cacao nibs and Madagascar vanilla beans.
11.5 % ABV. Modist Brewing, Minneapolis, MN.

Black as night, deeply opaque, rich brown head that leaves in a minute.

In the nose: Huge bourbon. Vast chocolate. Intense dark malt flavors. Smoke, char, whiskey a go go.

In the mouth: Big sweetness, massive sweet, gigantic chocolate, fudge, and a river of vanilla swims on in. Thick stuff, rich, viscous, mighty. Immense. Just about overbearing. Incredible, to a fault. Amazingly, bourbon is covered with chocolate, smothered, even, escaping through the edges. Very thick, very rich.

Yeah, pretty much too rich, too sweet...don't give me diabetes! (Thanks to Dave A. for the bottle.)

Barrel Aged 32 Teeth (an exploration of all things chocolate and beer), aged in Four Roses Bourbon Barrels w/ Ghana cacao nibs & Madagascar vanilla beans. 

ONE On Your Left session IPA

ONE On Your Left session IPA.
5 % ABV. 33 IBU.
ONE Fermentary & Taproom, Minneapolis, MN.

Clear, bright golden color, sizable ivory head, slips down swiftly.

In the nose: Floral, slightly spicy, touch of citrus. Little bit of sweet.

In the mouth: Clean, crisp, tasty. Citrusy hops are popping on the palate. Moderate bitterness, lingers long. Light bodied, easy drinking, refreshing and flavorful. Thoroughly delightful session IPA. Go get some of this.



Bright & citrusy session IPA with Galaxy, Sultana and Citra hops

Junkyard Church Giggles Cherry Pie Tart

Junkyard Church Giggles Cherry Pie Tart.
Ale with graham cracker,
cherry and vanilla beans.
5.9 % ABV.
Junkyard Brewing, Moorhead, MN.

The look: Lightly hazed, bright ruby hued, slim, soon-gone head.

In the nose: tart from the start, with an undercurrent of sweet. Cherry rising. Cherry pie filling, to be more accurate.

In the mouth: Blend of tart and sweet kicks it off. Light bodied, swift and refreshing. Definitely tasting of cherry pie.

This one is tasty, but doesn't really deliver much. One-dimensional. Well, they can't all be winners.

If you’re happy and you know it, say “amen”. This cherry pie tart was born on a bed of premium Pilsner malt, and baptized with 800 pounds of sweet cherry. To make this just a bit more special, we finished it off with graham cracker crumbles and vanilla to emulate an oozing slice of liquid cherry pie. Well now, what else do we want to be forgiven for??⁣

Bell's Incessant Double NE IPA

Bell's Incessant Double NE IPA / Imperial Hazy / New England India Pale Ale.
8.5 % ABV. Bell's Brewery, Comstock, MI.

I'll take an IPA from Bell's any time, and a double IPA doubly so. But--sigh--it's got to be one of the hazies, huh? Okay, whatever...better be good!

The look: all fuzzed up, bright golden coloring, big white head, slowly shifting downward.

In the nose: Sweetness abounds, tropical notes on top, citrus at the side. Pineapple and passionfruit looming over orange and lemon.

In the mouth: Starting out big and juicy, then comes a nice slice of bitterness. Hops are hard at work here. Juicy malt holds down the fort. Big, buzzing hop presence. More tropical tones, fruity/juicy flavors on the palate end on a dry note. Soft, smooth, hoppy, and just bitter enough, with the alcohol growing in appropriate amounts.

This one has really got it going on. Avoids the trap of being all about the haze that's all the craze and instead delivers on flavor. Unless you're the type that likes drinking pillows...if that's you're thing.

Once again, I enjoyed three cans, and reviewed the fourth. Enjoyed them all equally. Might have to go back for me. This one's a winner.

We were asked… incessantly. So, here we are; a New England IPA from Bell’s. Our twist? We doubled it. This beer comes directly from our innovation pipeline starting at our original brewery then moving to our Comstock Brewery for larger distribution. It is juicy (tropical, mango and pineapple hop aromas) with a full body and soft bitterness.

Lake Monster True Story Pale Ale

Lake Monster True Story Pale Ale.
5 % ABV, 40 IBU.
Lake Monster Brewing, St. Paul, MN.

True Story: I like pale ales, and will choose them when I see them. Hence, I chose this.

Also True Story: I like the Lake Monster Brewing Company, and I will try them out when I can.

Clear, bright golden/amber hue, large ivory head, whittles slowly down, leaving lace.

In the nose: Caramel malt, citrusy hops.

In the mouth: Warm and wet. Biscuity malt, caramel-toned, with hop bitterness following through, more than enough for balance. Light bodied and highly drinkable. A touch juicy, clean and even. A touch more on the sweet side than I normally like. But, it's balanced and palatable.

This is can 5 of 6.  Some in the middle of 1 and 4 tasted a little off. Almost done with this can and I'm not tasting those off-flavors. I hope I don't bump into them again when I crack open 6.

Pale Ale brewed with a blend of classic and new school hops. Hoppy, crisp and crushable

The Rare Barrel Becoming Boysenberry Brett Sour

The Rare Barrel Becoming Golden Sour Beer Aged In Oak Barrels with Boysenberries.
6 % ABV. The Rare Barrel, Berkeley, CA.

Deep Burgundy hue, utter opacity, small pinkish head, soon gone.

In the nose: Bright, lively, delightfully sour and fruity. Oak and Brett expressive, with tons of berries.

In the mouth: Bold sour, fresh fruit, bursting with boysenberries. Terrific sour ale, oaky, fruity, Brett-y all at once. Oooo, wee! Long-time tart on the tongue, laying on the palate for the long haul. Day-um, delicious. This is just about perfect.

Golden sour beer aged in oak barrels with boysenberries.

Becoming is a blend of saison and golden sour beers aged in oak barrels with boysenberries. Fermented with a mixture of microorganisms, this blend has metamorphosed from a golden ale into a beautiful ruby sour beer, displaying notes reminiscent of berries and red wine. It's luminous appearance and flavor will rouse your senses and become more alluring with each sip.

Three Floyds Center Square Peach Berliner Weisse

Three Floyds Center Square Peach Berliner Weisse.
5.9 % ABV. 3 IBU. Three Floyds Brewing, Munster, IN.

Clear, bright orange color, slim white head.

In the nose: Sweet meets tart, right from the start. Peach notes pop on out of there. Wheat malt lurks below.

In the mouth: Intense sour kicks it off, with juicy fruit right behind it. Exceptionally smooth and drinkable, medium bodied, well-balanced. Peach flavor is just right, never too much or too little. Enough of the tart to please the sour heads. Tart, peachy, refreshing. Hey, look at me, I like it!
Good ol' fruity sour and you can drink it.

So, I'm looking at the label art. It's Hollywood Squares in pixels. Top left is probably Rich Little, bottom right looks like Charo, and many of the others are 3F characters. Center Square looks like Paul Lynde, though I didn't notice at first the dialogue emanating from him. "I'm Liberace without the piano"...ah, yes, Paul Lynde, indeed.

A 100% Brettanomyces fermented peach Berliner. Tart, fruity, ultra refreshing.

"I'm Liberace without a piano"

—Paul Lynde

Lupulin DDH Straight Hash Homie Double Dry-hopped Double India Pale Ale

Lupulin DDH Straight Hash Homie
Double Dry-hopped Double India Pale Ale.
7.7 % ABV. 60 IBU.
Lupulin Brewing, Big Lake, MN.

Lightly hazed, slightly clouded, bright golden hued, with a long lasting ivory head.

In the nose: Big citrus in this. Lime, orange, and grapefruit, with encroaching traces of tropical. Pineapple and passionfruit peeking in.

In the mouth: Fresh hoppy goodness, just the way I like it! Mmmm! Yum, though the words are often said, a dum dum. Flat-out delicious. Light bodied, easy-drinking, moderate bitterness, just enough to keep me happy. Citrusy hop flavor never quits. I like this more, and more, and this 4-pack will be gone in practically no time.

Straight Hash Homie is made using only pure, 100% Lupulin powder. In the boil, while whirlpooling, and dry hopping (or Hash Hopping.) We packed our bowl a second time with that sticky icky to blast your buds with that hashy goodness. Don’t park on it, sip, sip, pass... 

Inbound Prickly Pear NE IPA

Inbound Prickly Pear NE IPA.

6.6 % ABV. 56 IBU.

Inbound BrewCo, Minneapolis, Mn.



Hazy, amber hued, slim off-white head.

In the nose: Soft, fruity, slightly tart, light hoppiness.

In the mouth: Big fruit from the start, goes juicy to dry on a dime. Slight tart, small pucker, salty and dry. Interesting, indeed. Medium-bodied, juicy, tasty, quite a delight. Not enough bitterness for me to enjoy it as an IPA, though. But, wait, Al, NEIPAs aren't supposed to be, you say to me. Then stop calling them IPAs, dammit!

I like this, though. Good prickly pear whatever it is, and you can drink it.

A juicy and hazy New England-style IPA brewed with Cashmere, Citra, and Mosaic hops, then fermented with sweet, melon-like prickly pears.

ONE Upside Down Blonde Ale

ONE Upside Down Blonde Ale. 6.5 % ABV. 15 IBU.
ONE Fermentary & Taproom, Minneapolis, MN.

Clear, amber hued, slim white head.

In the nose: Malty, cracker-y, bread-like. mild hops, well-balanced.

In the mouth: Lean, clean, slight hop bitterness, mostly malty. Doesn't really taste like a blonde ale, more of an amber, maybe. Not getting the flavors of a blonde, not sure what flavors I'm getting...or, that I'm supposed to get.

There's a touch of spice in the malt flavors, and virtually no hop bitterness. Slightly juicy, turning dry in the end. I'm not sure what to think of this one. You can drink it, but I can say that I'm really enjoying it.

What do they have to say?

Fruit-forward blonde ale with sweet pineapple and tart cherry

Pineapple? Cherry? Tart? Well, maybe I can pick up some cherry...pineapple? I'm going to meditate on this while I finish off the crowler...maybe something will pop up.

That "spicy malt" flavor I picked up was actually the tart cherry, slowly emerging, and the pineapple remains mostly hidden. You'd think it would be more forward, given that it helps form the name of this beer, in a sense.

It's an alright fruited blonde ale, and you can drink it.

ONE Fermentary & Taproom Paint It Bold DDH IPA

ONE Fermentary & Taproom Paint It Bold DDH IPA.
7.5 % ABV. Filled: 5/1.
ONE Fermentary & Taproom, Minneapolis, MN.

(The following was written on 5/7, but was not published immediately for certain reasons that may become clear.)
I revisited ONE today for the first time in six weeks. I haven't visited many breweries in that time, in fact, I haven't been to any. (Not true: I saw Town Hall briefly next, but no one since.)
Staying at home. Many of my friends have been helping out the local beer economy by visiting taprooms to purchase crowlers, but there's something about going through the trouble of traveling to a brewery taproom, or a brewpub, getting the beer-to-go, and then getting the heck out of there that I find sad and disheartening. I want to stick around and stay a spell.

But, I busted out, and now that they're doing crowlers, I got a quartet. And here's one, and I didn't check others' opinions before I chose it, I just picked it.

Now, let's see what it's all about, this fruited DDH IPA. (What fruit? I don't know!)

Crystal clear, bright golden color, large and lasting ivory head. softly settling.

In the nose: Hoppy, fruity, funky, ...off. Wild. Weird. Not promising.

In the mouth: Splash of hops, citrus and stone fruit, blast of bitterness, followed by more of that strange funky feeling. I don't know what to think so far. I will peek ahead at the website notes: Fruity double dry hop IPA. Bright and refreshing!

Usually, I leave that part for last, but I had to see what the intention was, with this one. So, what's the fruit? Apricot, I'm guessing, maybe peach, maybe? Not sure.

And while it was intended to be refreshing, these off flavors do not make it so. This beer is several shades away from being good. I want to think the best about their offerings, but this one just isn't what it should be. We have to admit that.

Drekker Doomsday Device Double IPA

Drekker Doomsday Device
Double IPA. 8.3 % ABV.
Drekker Brewing, Fargo, ND.

I went looking for a double IPA, and this was all I could see. I haven't had a Drekker in a while, but I remember the sting I felt when I bought a 4-pack of a DIPA from these guys and it was hazy, of course, because that's all they ever do. At this point, some of you are reading this and thinking, "what's the matter with this guy? Drekker is the best, and they make the best hazies, who doesn't like them?He's nuts!" Well, I don't like hazy DIPAs as well as the regular kind. There, I said it. Count me out as some kind of kook, if you must.

Once again, I love the label art. Seems to be in honor of a pinball game, though the central figure looks a lot like the leader of Latveria. (Dr. Doom to those of you unversed in Marvel Comics lore.)

All hazed up, of course, pure orange, healthy, lasting layer of white foam on top.

In the nose: yeasty, chalky, hoppy, and sweet. Loads of the tropical, pineapple, mango, & such leading the charge. Citrus soon follows.

In the mouth: Smooth stuff and clean, light bodied. Just a little bit juicy. Tropical fruit notes take turn with the citrus. Moderate hop bitterness. Strength starts to show, in time, burning up the palate, just a bit. I'd like this better with more hop bitterness and less hazy, fuzzy stuff mucking it up. One guy's opinion.

Mr. Drekker welcomes a brand new 100% Mosaic Double IPA that's just exploding with flavor. Built on a base of Golden Promise, oats, & spelt, with huge bursts of mango, citrus & stone fruit, this one is locked and loaded with enough Mosaic to doom us all. So, uhh, sorry, but what a way to go!

Who the hell is Mr. Drekker? There is no one by that name. But that's cool, keep it up, kids.

Town Hall Belgian Bruin

Town Hall Belgian Bruin. Belgian Strong Dark Ale.
9.2 % ABV. Minneapolis Town Hall Brewery, Minneapolis, MN.

Dark brown color, full opacity, adequate ring of tan foam atop.

In the nose: Roasted malt, slight sweetness, caramel and vanilla, some small bitterness. Mostly malty.

In the mouth: Smooth, but strong. Heavy on the sweet, bitter for balance. More caramel, toffee, vanilla, and the booze gets bigger. This is one of my all-time favorite styles, and Town Hall made a damned good version of it. Kind of wished I'd saved this one for a night cap, but, what the hell, it'll put me in the mood for the Friday night zoom call.

Belgian strong brown showcasing the delicate balance of yeast character like banana and pear, and a delicious specialty malt richness.

"Banana and pear"? Really? Okay, I can see that, sure...

Falling Knife Key Club Key Lime Kolsch

Falling Knife Key Club Key Lime Kolsch.
5.3 % ABV. Falling Knife Brewing, Minneapolis, MN.

Clear, bright yellow, slim white head.

In the nose: bold, assertive lime notes overcome anything else that would be apparent in an everyday kolsch. (Which, otherwise, would be playing it nice and delicate, anyway.)

In the mouth: Little bit of malt deliciousness at first, little to no hop bitterness, and then that splash of lime. Not as obtrusive on the palate as in the nose. Slight sweetness, just enough of the fruit and the citrus, and tart as you want. Slightly salty. Light bodied, smooth drinking, and absolutely smothered in lime.

I'm a critical type, and I draw the line here and there. I'm also protective of certain styles. Kolsch is one of them. This one is much limier than I like. There really shouldn't be hardly any lime in it.
All in all, I'd just rather kolsches be kolsches.
Aside from that, this is a nice beer. Good limey kolsch and you can drink it.

Refreshing Kolsch-Style Beer With A Hint of Lime.

Oliphant Awesome Juice, Great Job! Witbier

Oliphant Awesome Juice, Great Job! Witbier. 5.0 % ABV.
White Ale brewed with lemon juice, lemon zest, and spices.
Oliphant Brewing, Somerset, WI.

I picked this up at a store recently, happy to see it in cans, and then surprised that it has never appeared here in the Nib before. Well, it appeared briefly, listed as being among the beers that I included in the tap release party at Acadia, way back in late 2016. But, I never/rarely review from on tap. Checked in on Untappd, though no notes. That first time, and then the next keg we tapped, in summer of 2017. And then the years flew by. Now it's in cans. Now, I'll review it.

Clear, bright yellow color, slim white head.

In the nose: Light citrus, spice, floral, delicate and delightful. Belgian yeast/malt, slightly funky.

In the mouth: Light, smooth, wheat texture/flavor. Slightest hop bitterness, washed away by lemon and spice. Clean and easy-drinking. Witbiers do not bring complexity to the table. They offer endearing flavors, delicate tastes, refreshing quaffability. This one delivers that. Very polished, this one. Misses some of the particular telltale flavors that the classic Belgian version bring, but it's trying, and doing it's damnest. Just sweet enough, and plenty drinkable. the Belgian malt & yeast really comes through to the very end.

Good wit and you can drink it. Great job!

A Youtube rabbit hole, layered in wikipedia articles, covered with metaphorical lava sauce. Wit with spices and lemon.

Elements of "Tim & Eric's Awesome Show, Great Job!" have appeared in and around Oliphant's beers for years, now. Sometimes in the names of the beers, like this one, and sometimes on the chalkboard. Here are a few:

Tim Heidecker, as his Spaghett! character, I think.

John C. Reilly IS Dr. Steve Brule

More Heidecker, from when he milked himself,
of course.

Will Forte, from an especially disturbing scene.
Noteice how layered the references are. The name
combines Alan Rickman's villain Hans Gruber from
Die Hard with Forte's SNL/film character McGruber,
but for the illustration, Jeremy dodged both and
went for a Tim & Eric scene with Will. Deep stuff.

Three Floyds Dark Lord Russian Imperial Stout

I had my first bottle of Three Floyds Dark Lord Russian Imperial Stout way back in 2004, in a trade with a native Indianaian (?)(that can't be right...Indiana-ite?). It had been hanging up there in the BeerAdvocate Top 50 for so long, taunting and teasing me. I'd alway been an Imperial Stout junkie, as well as a Three Floyds fan, saddened at the time that I couldn't get them locally anymore, and was thrilled to get it in my hands, at last. In those early years of note-taking, I ran away with my enthusiasm on many occasions, letting my passion overtake any sense of impartiality or reserve. I let the words flow, as well as the exclamation points (many since removed), and my hyperbole spilled out, unchecked.

I never sought out another bottle of Dark Lord, always in search of the next big beer. In the intervening years, I'd only had it a few times, in the company of others, at tastings, parties, when kind friends brought it to my workplace, etc. I never tried to trade for it, it's never been available for sale here, and I did not attend Dark Lord Day in an effort to secure some bottles. Darkness Day was enough for me, although if any friends had offered to take me along, I might have gone.

So, I finally have one, from last year, courtesy of my sweet and wonderful friend Julie. I pulled out those old notes, and thought about whether they still applied, and here's the thing: I would most likely never write anything like this again, which is mostly the point of recycling old notes, keeping this blog a vault for the the writing I'd done before. But, with the bluster and blather put aside, do the nuts and bolts of it still ring true? I believe so. The froth on top is the result of having wanted to appreciate it on a scale that matched my desire and devotion. As searched for my old notes online, I scrolled through other reviews that didn't find the favor that I did, many reviewers being underwhelmed, blasting it all as hype. There were a few different lanes to fall into, and that of the skeptic would not be mine. There are many reviews of my favorites by other people that find them merely "average" or such, but I'm not reeling back any of my praise.

In short, I enjoyed this bottle, looking back with a calmer perspective, my finding od the past standing the test of time. Thanks again to Julie.

Three Floyds Dark Lord Russian Imperial Stout, 15 % ABV, Three Floyds Brewing, Munter, IN.


I'm attempting to uncap this as I would any other beer, but the Dark Lord won't have it that way. "It's not normal!" And I left the wine servicer at work! Ah, here's one! Shhfft!, there she goes, now to pour...

Darkest, blackest hue, a perfect pitch, color-wise, ebony in it's epitome, as soiled as Satan's underthings, with a smallish head, but richly roasted, deep tannish brown, quickly succumbing into a tight ring.

Aroma is rich and redolent with all things dark and good, ...molasses speaks up, soy sauce gets a nod, prunes, raisins, port wine, a hint of dark rum, and a glimmer of carob, an intriguing and arresting nose.

Taste: Huge! Thick! Pow, pow, powerful! This is the 800 gorilla on the palate, when it sits around the mouth, it SITS AROUND the mouth!
Oh, my, good, loving, freakadelic-alicius-LORD!
So rich, it begs the robber barons to empty the playing field, for they haven't got the coinage to match this magic. Massive mouthfeel. A sea of chocolate swims on the tongue, and invades every center of the senses. Fruit chimes in too, cherries, and berries, all drenched in chocolate, as well!

A clinging factor pervades the flavor, as well, for this is a taste that never quits, it stays, and stays, and if you're not ready to make it comforable at your home, it doesn't care, you're taking the couch and Dark Lord is sleeping in your comfy cushy adjusta-bed!

WOW! Luxuriant, like nothing else, rich to the point of delirium, a powerful liquified candy bar, ....a decadent treat, like no other!
oh, my...puts all other pretenders to shame... a killer-diller, I fear running out of superlatives and will allow this malevolent master to merely stride along this mortal realm with all my blessings, and add the encomium that it's a majestic and dangerous thing all in one package...oh, my..in this case, all other previously praised Imperial Stouts must take back-seat, oh, my, though, Mr. Hershey should worry. Mr. Nestle could fret, too..good Lord, it's good, almost too much for me...if you want to examine the limits of this style, go no further than Dark Lord.
So heavy on the palate, so huge in flavor!

Bow down, one and all, bow before your Dark Lord, and don't mess around, he can do that finger-chokey- thingy, just like Lord Vader, I mean, they're practically cousins, so, unless you know some Jedi juju, stray far away from the terrible magic of the Dark Lord...unless you enjoy this particular punishment...which I do...in spades.

A demonic Russian-Style Imperial Stout brewed with coffee, Mexican vanilla, and Indian sugar, this beer defies description. Available one day a year, in April at the brewery: Dark Lord Day.

Hayes' Public House The Dullahan Coffee Porter

Hayes' Public House The Dullahan Coffee Porter.
6% ABV. 38 IBU.
Hayes Public House, Buffalo, MN.

Deep black, with a huge, creamy tanned head.

In the nose: Dark malt and deep coffee. Earthy. touch of spice. Bit of cocoa. Just about perfect.

In the mouth: Warm, spicy, rich and compelling. toasty, full-bodied, deeply satisfying.

This is one wonderful coffee porter. Got to get some more.

Inbound Contains Bees Peanut Butter Honey Blonde Ale

Inbound Contains Bees Peanut Butter Honey Blonde Ale.
5.2 % ABV. 15 IBU.
Inbound BrewCo., Minneapolis, MN.

Here's one that I've had when it was on tap at Acadia last fall. Went through two kegs lickety split. Never took notes, because I don't do that at work. Much. Rarely. So, I was in the neighborhood, and there were crowlers. (And you can get it in cans at you local, too.)

Clear, bright golden hued, slim white head.

In the nose: Honey notes pop out first, followed by peanut butter, not a whole lot else.

In the mouth: Light, clean, and tasty little blonde ale. Honey comes through, for sure, with a splash of peanut butter. Nothing from hops, and just enough out of malt. Well-balanced and smooth. Tasty, too. Peanut butter flavor rises in prominence and blends well with honey.

Not bad, not bad at all.

A refreshing blonde ale with creamy peanut butter and sweet Minnesota honey. Tastes better than an open-faced peanut butter sandwich on Wonder Bread. Bright honey flavors provided by the real bees of Minnesota's own Fieldstone Apiaries.

Modist DDH Galaxy DreamYard

Modist DDH Galaxy DreamYard.
7.1 % ABV.
Modist Brewing, Minneapolis, MN.

Semi-hazy, bright golden hue, large ivory head, lace-leaving.

In the nose: Bold and citrusy, lemon and grapefruit, touches of orange, traces of tropical tones.

In the mouth: Soft. Creamy-ish. Light bitterness. Juicy, then dry. Medium-bodied, easy-drinking. Smooth as they get.


I like this, but I didn't like the price. $12 for a crowler? Not a fan of that.

Double Dry Hopped New England IPA brewed entirely from oat and wheat malt, hopped w/ Citra & Sultana, then double dry hopped w/ Galaxy

ONE / Dangerous Man Bobby Digital

ONE / Dangerous Man Bobby Digital. IPA.
7.5 % ABV.
ONE Fermentary & Taproom, Minneapolis, MN.

Lightly hazed, golden/amber hued, slim white head.

In the nose: Lightly citric, slightly fruity, ...

In the mouth: Slight bitterness at first, soft and smooth, medium bodied, nice and easy. A little bit of berries in the bouquet. Goes down nice and smooth. Juicy, juicy stuff, indeed. End on a satisfying dry note.

I didn't go into this with a lot of knowledge beforehand. Just that it's collaboration
between ONE and Dangerous Man, where ONE brewer and co-owner Ramsey Louder cut his teeth. And that it's named after an album by a member of the Wu Tang Clan.

Also, distracting me from taking more in-depth notes was that I was drinking it during another Zoom session with friends on Friday night. They don't have a setting for muting everyone else, that I know of, so I muted trying to contemplate on the beer while ignoring my pals, but still hearing them talk. Doesn't really work. I try to avoid this by drinking beers I don't need to take notes on, but there weren't many of them around.

In any case, I enjoyed it, and I'd go back for more.

Introducing... Bobby Digital, our concrete-fermented Gewürztraminer IPA brewed in collaboration with our Dangerous Man fam. 

Bobby Digi (aka The RZA) is an experimental IPA brewed with Pils malt, Cara Hell, spelt, and flaked wheat. Fermented in our concrete fermenter and generously dosed with Citra, Galaxy, Strata, Sultana, Hallertau Blanc, and Huell Melon hops, this beer presents aromas of fresh flowers, citrus, and tropical fruit. A creamy, highly carbonated mouthfeel holds a slightly sweet, spicy, and somewhat mineral-y flavor with low-to-moderate hop bitterness. Finishes dry, tannic.

Wait, Gewurtztraminer IPA? Okay, whatever....Seems like I say that a lot, these days.

Town Hall Maibock

Town Hall Maibock. Blonde bock.
6.9 % ABV. Minneapolis Town Hall Brewery, Minneapolis, MN.

It happened again. Two in a row.

Every spring, Town Hall Brewery releases a new Maibock, and on it's arrival, an event is held: The Blessing of the Maibock. A priest comes in, altar boys in tow, says some Bible-y things, waves a senser about, and a bar full of thirsty patrons raise their mugs in celebration. The crowd is guaranteed year after year, for it's all free, at least the first one. I think. I've only attended the event once, way back, because I usually work Saturday nights, and I try not to drink before work.

So, Maibock season comes around again and this time time, they can't hold the event. Maybe the five people allowed inside to wait for their food orders can fill in for the crowd? Nope. Instead, TH did a livestream on Facebook with the blessing. And to make sure that the faithful drinkers got their free Maibock there was a special deal: order 4 crowlers, get a Maibock, for free. Or order 3 maibocks, get a 4th and 5th for free, something like that. How generous. But, I'm a dummy, I misread the deal. It said "offer valid until 5/1" (the day before the event) and I read it as "5/11". Do I have double vision? I swear I wasn't drunk.

 I didn't order a Maibock, because I thought I still had time to get a free one. I held up a different beer for benediction, but I didn't watch the entirety of the proceedings, because religious stuff gets me down. One thing for sure, though, I'd better get a crowler, because, one more time, I've discovered that in the 10 years of this Bitter Nib blogging, I have written about Town Hall and it's beers 192 times...but never once the Maibock, and why not? The slipping of the mind, as old age encroaches? Or, just that I'm always lured in by hopper/stronger/darker stuff? One of the two.

Before I could call them up and have one delivered, a crowler came my way, and I don't have "God" to thank for it, but Zack. What a fine friend he is, giving his extra crowler to me! The next time I see him out there doing stand-up comedy, and how we all dream of that lovely day that we can stand next to one another, without masks on, I'll give him an extra laugh for thanks. (And I'll buy him a beer, of course.)

Here are my original notes from June, 2003. I can't recall, and it doesn't say, whether these were notes from on-tap or a growler. Or whether this was one of the years that they did the blessing. It was the second summer I'd been visiting Town Hall, and the first year that growlers were legal in MN.

Appearance: clear amber color, great, solid, creamy white head.
Aroma: soft, sweet, honeyish.
On first sip: big sweetness ensues, honey, touches of citrus and other fruits, great, lusciously sweet, lingering finish.
Flavor resides anew in every sip and swallow, each time lip meets glass a resonation of honey sweet and luscious malt occurs.
Big malt, little to no hops, but terrifically true to style, in fact, an utterly exemplary example.
Sweetness never gets too cloying, though it shines very brightly and awards the senses with each subsequent consumption.
Continually ringing sweetness, a touch buttery, but every bit perfect.

I'll stick with those old notes, they stand up. It was only the second summer I'd been writing words about beers. I left them unaltered, but for the removal of exclamation points. I just loved exclamation points back then.

Town Hall Ol' Blarney Irish Red Ale

Town Hall Ol' Blarney Irish Red Ale. 6.9 % ABV.
Minneapolis, Town Hall Brewery, Minneapolis, MN.

You'll have to forgive me if I mention these things that happen once again, and again, over and over. Again, and again.

So there I am, looking over the crowler selections from Town Hall, about to order for delivery, and I think to myself: Ol' Blarney? Has that been in the Nib? No! An oversight, of course, not that I don't care for Irish Reds. I do, of course. In nearly 10 years of doing this, and every single year I neglect to bring a crowler home to get it here in the Nib.

So, I ordered a crowler, along with three others, and Chris drove them down to my place. I downed the contents without comment, for I did take some notes, way back in 2009:

It's red, indeed, red all the way, with an nice beige head.

Malty nose,sweet,rich, and full....a little fruity and herbaceous...some caramel malt in there. A little chocolate, too...actually a lot. Mmmm.

Very full-bodied, rewarding and delicious. Have to say it again, Mmm, mmm.

Finishing the last of here in 2020: you know, it's short and sweet, delivers the goods, nothing wrong with that. My review, and the beer.

Sierra Nevada 3 Weight Session IPA

Sierra Nevada 3 Weight Session IPA.
4% ABV. 38 IBU.
Sierra Nevada, Chico, CA.

Clear, bright golden, slim white head.

In the nose: Bold, citrus-y hop notes. Lemon, grapefruit, orange. Pinch of pine.

In the mouth: Fiercely expressive hop bitterness on the palate, assertive and beautiful. Light-bodied, clean and lean. Easy peasy, lemon squeezey. Nice and drinkable.

Heading into the backcountry, it’s helpful to have a few things on hand. A solid fishing rod (of course), a sturdy pack, and some great beer help the day run smoothly. This session ale is the perfect choice for a day away from it all—golden, easy drinking, and full of citrusy and piney hop flavor.

Malts: Pilsner, CaraRed, Perla Negra, Wheat
Hops: Cascade, Citra, Magnum, Simcoe, Mosaic, Loral
Yeast: Ale Yeast

The Bruery Oude Tart with Cherries

The Bruery Oude Tart with Cherries. 8.4 % ABV. 2014 Edition.
The Bruery, Placenta, Orange County, CA.

Dark, Burgundy hue, slim head, utterly opaque.

In the nose: Sour hits first, followed by cherries, dark malt, oak. Dark fruit, raisins, fig. Sharp, acidic, balanced, and beautiful.

In the mouth: Tart. Juicy. Dark fruits aplenty, rich and oak-edged. Cherries shine through. Intense sour. Full bodied, long sour, fruity finish. Vast complexity

This one was terrific, probably best shared with friends, though. I could not finish it entirely, and saved the last 2 ounces in the fridge. Couldn't pour it out. Saved for breakfast.

Thanks to Julie, again!

Oude Tart is a Flemish-Style Red Ale aged in red wine barrels. It’s pleasantly sour with hints of leather, dark fruit and toasty oak. While this is one of the more classic beer styles that we make, it’s not a style that you can find too often in the United States. Originating in style from the Flanders region of Belgium, near the French boarder, this dark, sour ale has roots deep in brewing history and predates most of the ales that have become popular in contemporary culture. We’re doing our best to keep the tradition alive by brewing and aging this beer here on the west coast.

Three Floyds Wig Splitter Coffee Stout

Three Floyds Wig Splitter Coffee Stout. Imperial/Double Oatmeal Stout.
7.7 % ABV. 54 IBU.
Three Floyds Brewing, Munster, IN.

Full-on ebony. Espresso-tinged head. 100% Opacity.

In the nose: High-powered coffee notes here, earthy and raw. Little bit of cocoa below.

In the mouth: hmmm, tasty. Full-bodied oatmeal stout, rich and redolent of intense coffee flavors. Smooth stuff, extra drinkable. Slight sweetness, touch of nuts, dried fruits. Delicious.

Big Wig, No Wig or Comb Over. Wigsplitter is an oatmeal stout brewed with freshly ground espresso. It's for those of us who like a little beer with their coffee or a little bit of coffee with their beer.

The Rare Barrel Map of the Sun 2017

The Rare Barrel Map of the Sun. 2017.
Golden Sour Beer Aged in Oak Barrels with Apricots.
6.3 % ABV. Brewed and bottled by The Rare Barrel, Berkley, CA.

Crystal clear, bright golden color, slim white head.

In the nose: Sour first, then comes the fruit. Pit, stone (apricot, peach), and a touch of citrus. Quite nice.

In the mouth: Intense sour kicks it off, brief bitterness, and next we usher in the fruit, rounded off by oak. Barrel flavor is keeping it all contained. But the tartness is in charge here, fruit just behind. Not too sweet, not too sour, well-balanced, and fairly easily drinkable. Tasty stuff, even Yum, if I dare say so, a Dum Dum.

Thanks again to Julie for dropping off the bottle.

Map of the Sun is a blend of golden sour beers aged in oak barrels with apricots. Fermented with a universe of microorganisms, this golden sour is beaming with notes of ripe apricots and apricot skin that are complimented with hints of peaches and nectarines. Tart and complex, Map of the Sun has a bright acidity that enhances the stone fruit character.

Town Hall Raspberry Chocolate Imperial Stout

Town Hall Raspberry Chocolate Imperial Stout. 9.5 % ABV.
Minneapolis Town Hall Brewery, Minneapolis, MN.

Thorough blackness, utter opacity, slim brown head.

In the nose: streaming out raspberry. Big, bountiful berries. Chocolate lurks below. Slight tartness, massive malt rides behind.

In the mouth: Sweet fruit, at first, rich and lightly tart raspberry rushes in, chocolate just behind. Much malt, dark and dense. Nice duet, ballet between dark and sweet, tart and strong. Getting stronger and larger the farther in we get. Getting more of the fruit than we would of the imperial stout. There's rich malt here, but most of the complexities one looks for in an RIS are covered up by the raspberry. But, I actually don't care. It's great as it is.

Yum. A dum. Dum.

Destihl Extended Jam Hazy IPA

Destihl Extended Jam Hazy IPA. Brewed with Mosaic, Galena & El Dorado hops. Support Flavor. Boycott Bland. 6.8 % ABV. 70 IBU.
Destihl Brewery, Normal, IL.

Completely and utterly hazed, bright yellow in color, pure ivory head, leaving lace, looking fine.

In the nose: Big, bold lemon and other citrus fruit popping out. Some sweetness and tropical fruit notes creeping in.

In the mouth: Bitterness plays it low on the palate. Juicy, powerful citrus notes, some tropical. Light bodied, easy drinking. Lemon, grapefruit, orange, with a bit of other on the side. Tasty beverage, smooth and balanced, zestfully consumed. Good IPA and you can drink it.

Our Deadhead IPA Series melds the alluring vibe of our favorite music with unbounded takes on the hoppy beers we love to drink, unleashing a whole new groove. Our Extended Jam IPA features pilsen malt, flaked oats, wheat and an encore of Mosaic and El Dorado hops, awakening jammy aromas and flavors reminiscent of tropical & stone fruits. Cheers!

Boom Island Kollusion Russian Imperial Stout

Boom Island Kollusion Russian Imperial Stout.
11 % ABV. Brewed in Collaboration with Brouwerij Maenhout, Belgium.
Boom Island Brewing, Minnetonka, MN.
(well, not yet...this label gives the old Minneapolis address.)
I'm guessing this was an older bottle, though there wasn't too much dust on it when I plucked it from the shelf.

Dark brown, just about black, largely opaque, creamy brown head, lasting long, drifting down.

In the nose: Belgian yeast, coffee,
chocolate, caramel & toffee. Dark fruits. Not too big, but an omen of things to come.

In the mouth: Big flash of carbonation from the start, followed by massive malt, rich cocoa, coffee, bittersweet chocolate, dry and tasty. Besides the usual traits of the Russian Imperial Stout, we also get the telltale symbols of a Belgian stout, through malt or yeast or more. A Belgian-style RIS is gonna be different than a regular RIS and not deliver what I'm usually looking for, per se. It's a wholly different animal, but one I still enjoy.

We brewed Kollusion with coffee from the Dunn Brothers Coffee North Loop location. They roasted a medium Sumatra on the morning of the brew day. As our brewery filled with luscious coffee aroma, we added Belgian chocolate to complete the flavor profile. The result is this big, bold, rich yet balanced Russian Imperial Stout.

The above is what I cribbed from Untappd. Here's how the label of the bottle reads:
An American secretly collaborated with a Belgian, and they're influenced by Russian! The result is Kollusion, a robust Russian Imperial Stout brewed in partnership by Boom Island Brewing and Brouwerij Maenhout. Specially roasted coffee beans from Dunn Brothers North Loop conspire with rich Belgian Chocolate to create irrefutable evidence of collusion at it's finest. 

The skinny on Kollusion: This Imperial Russian Stout pours jet black with espresso colored head, it's surprisingly light on the palate with notes of rich dark malt, coffee and chocolate, and the presence of the of the beer's 11 % ABV as it warms.

Once more, though, I find that I could have just copied and pasted the above from the website, instead of straining my eyes. Got to check that stuff first.