Spiral Brewery Double Downward Double India Pale Ale

Spiral Brewery Double Downward Double India Pale Ale.

9.5 % ABV. Spiral Brewery, Hastings, MN. 

Clear, crimson-colored, creamy-toned, off-white head. 

In the nose: Big fruit, high hops, buzzing with citrus and pine. Particularly pungent. 

In the mouth: Big bite of hoppiness from the start, with rising alcohol feels almost instantly. Juicy, tangy, with a healthy buzz. Juicy malt, abundant hop bitterness, and a non-stop stream of wild and wooly booziness. Not that I mind that, quite to the contrary. I need it to get through this presidential debate. 

Quite tasty. This has all the goods, in all the right places. Well done. 

When you’re already in a downward spiral why not double down?!

Georgetown Brewing Johnny Utah Pale Ale

Georgetown Brewing Johnny Utah Pale Ale.

5.6% ABV. 55 IBU. Brewed and packaged by Georgetown Brewing, Seattle, WA.

Clouded, bright golden hue, slim white head. 

In the nose: bold citrus, nice and hoppy. 

In the mouth: Splash of citrus on the palate, moderate bitterness, medium bodied. Lemon, orange, and grapefruit at play. Light and refreshing. Juicy, tasty, quite enjoyable. I could go for a couple of these. 

A single hop Pale Ale designed to showcase the profile of Citra hops. Reid used the hop-bursting technique, meaning no dedicated bittering hop is used - bitterness instead comes from late addition aroma hops. With heavy grapefruit, citrus and resin in the nose, this light colored ale has minimal malt interference giving the beer a clean finish without a cloying bitterness. Very pronounced grapefruit and pine flavors with a faint verdant note.

Wild Mind Lunch Money Double IPA

Wild Mind Lunch Money Double IPA, Hopped with Mosaic and Simcoe.

8.4 % ABV. 40 IBU. Wild Mind Ales, Minneapolis, MN. 

Another Wild Mind crowler brought at the source. Another snappy label design. They've got some pretty pictures on their beers, that's for sure. 

But, about the beer: 

Clear, bright golden hue, slim white head. 

In the nose: Stone fruit and citrus. Slight sweetness, overall pleasant. 

In the mouth: Hits the palate with a powerful collaboration between bitter and sweet. Big citrus, fat slice of dank. Deeply fruity, lushly malty, with encroaching alcohol adding to the mix. Tasty. Bewitching. Entrancing. Thick and boozy. Much of muchness. I dub thee, Awesome!

Hopped to oblivion with Mosaic and Simcoe, this double NEIPA was brewed with 2-row, malted oats, malted wheat, and flaked wheat to provide a thick, pillowy mouthfeel. Delightfully dank with heavy tropical and citrus fruit aromas, Lunch Money is sure to catch the eyes of grade school bullies everywhere with lush fruit notes to accompany some seriously dank hop flavor. 

I have to wonder why they describe this as a "double NEIPA", when it is most definitely clear. Also, why are they marketing their beers to grade school bullies?

Montgomery Oktoberfest

 Montgomery Oktoberfest.

6% ABV. 20 IBU. Montgomery Brewing, Montgomery, MN. 

Clear, amber-hued, slim white head. 

In the nose: Classic mãrzen aromatics, earthy/herbal/malty, with the right dose of noble hops. Sweet, but balanced. 

In the mouth: True-to-style märzen flavors appear on the palate. Smooth and tasty, rich, toasted malts, with a slight caramel edge. Medium bodied, exquiite drinkability. Awesome beer, and you can drink it. 

Junkyard Galactic Falconer I.P.A.

Junkyard Galactic Falconer I.P.A.

6.8 % ABV. Junkyard Brewing, Moorhead, MN. 

As I mentioned in a previous post, I have at last found employment after six months of un-. And it's at a liquor store that gets regular shipments of Junkyard crowlers. One such arrived the other day, consisting of some kind of maple latté thing, a "s'mores porter," and the one we will consider below. I decided to spend my money on the one that tasted most like a beer. Now, let's crack it open...

All hazed up. If you want to drink an IPA these days, you got to take 'em hazed. Golden hued, large and lasting snowy white head. 

In the nose: Bursting with citrus notes. Bright and lively. Orange, grapefruit, and lemon. 

In the mouth: big hops, and big juicy. Citrus explosion, mitigated by the haze, and the low IBU. I could take a little more bitterness, but this is the style, and so. Medium bodied, soft, smooth, just the right amount of hop flavors and occasional bitterness to keep him happy, and quite delicious. 

Sometimes I have to take a step back, stop complaining about the over-proliferation of the NE IPA, and just relax and enjoy. This is definitely one of those times. 

This New England Style IPA is citrusy and smooth with a blend of Galaxy & Falconer's Flight hops for a juicy hop character with low bitterness.

But wait, there's more on the label: A mysterious creature swept across the galaxy, destroying worlds and devouring stars. Only the Galactic Falconer stood between his beloved planet and the deadly...SPACE BIRD!

Three Floyds Munsterfest Oktoberfest-style Lager

 Three Floyds Munsterfest Märzen Lager.

6% ABV, 30 IBU. Three Floyds Brewing, Munster, IN. 

Clear, ruby-tinted, slim white head. 

In the nose: malt-forward, slightly sweet, herbal, earthy. 

In the mouth: Taosty, malty, rich. Slight caramel malt flavor, noble hops, clean and delicious. Medium bodied, easy-drinking. Juicy, sweet. Lightly hopped, bread-y, nice and tasty. Good old o'fest-style. And you can drink it. 

A Märzen-style Fest Bier brewed with the finest German malted barley, aromatic Bavarian noble hops and traditional lager yeast. This rich malty lager is one of the few that remain true to the tradition of fest beers originally brewed to honor the marriage of Prince Ludwig in 1810. We hope you enjoy this fall offering. Prosit. 

Disgruntled Brewing No Pants Blonde Milk Stout

Disgruntled Brewing No Pants Blonde Milk Stout. with vanilla, vanilla cookies, Coffee beans, and milk sugar. 

5.5 % ABV. Disgruntled Brewing, Perham, MN. 

Fairly clear, dark brown, slim to no head. 

In the nose: Caramel, cocoa, and cookies, Cookies, cookies, cookies,....vanilla aplenty. It's cookie time, people. 

In the mouth: Sweet, sweet, sweet. Vanilla up the wazoo. Some cocoa, but, lord, it's a vanilla overload. What the hell, by the way, is a "blonde milk stout". What is "blonde" about a stout? Light bodied, maybe medium, but nowhere as full as a true stout. This is saddening me. It's no stout at all, and nothing but a big ol' cookie beer...and a big case of diabetes...and one more example of the infantilization of beer. Drinking the things we liked as children. And I may be the only one who cares....

I know I'm supposed to jump up and down and squeal because they threw cookies into the tank, but I am not feeling this one at all...sigh. 

this is the first Disgruntled beer I've reviewed in nearly 3 years. Don't see them that much, and pass them over in favor of Drastic Measures. In this instance, there was Disgruntled in the cooler, but no Drastic Measures, or, at least, nothing that wasn't over $16 a 4-pack. I might have to return to my old practice of passing on this one. 

Bell's Octoberfest Märzen Lager

 Bell's Octoberfest Märzen Lager.

5.5% ABV. Bell's Brewery, Comstock, MI.

Oktoberfest (or, in some cases, like this one, "Octoberfest") is one of those styles of beer that I like and enjoy, but don't get too into, really. I mean, I'll drink them, of course, but I don't go out of my way for them, and tend to stick to other stuff. This is why after all the years that Bell's been making this beer, I finally picked up a 6-pack. I was amazed to see I've never checked into it on Untappd, either. I must have picked it for the taplines at Acadia or Blue Nile, at least once, right? And then, forgotten to check in, or write a review. And, here we are. Oddly enough, I think I've posted reviews of Sierra Nevada's version more than once. What do you know. 

Now, on to the beer: 

Clear, amber-hued, slim white head. 

In the nose: Rich, malty aromatics, caramel and honey. 

In the mouth: Sweet, malty, clean and balanced. Rich, earthy malts flavors, moderately hopped. Good balance, hitting all the right notes for the style. Easy censurability. Good märzen, and you can drink it. 

Crafted as a flavorful session beer, Bell's Octoberfest Beer is perfect for a week-long wedding celebration in Germany or the start of the Michigan autumn. As with Bell's Lager Beer, Octoberfest spends a full six weeks maturing in the fermentation vessels. Unlike its cousin, Octoberfest trades in the assertive hop presence for a focus on a light caramel malt note, lending body without too much sweetness.

I say moderate, they say assertive hops...I think about it for a while, yeah, it's clinging to the palate. You could say I'm so inured to the hops that it takes a lot of bitterness for me to find it out of place. 

Island City Docksider Double India Pale Ale

Island City Docksider Double India Pale Ale. 

8.2 % ABV. 72 IBU. Island City Brewing, Winona, MN. 

And for our next beer, we go down South, way down South to the quiet little town of Winona, Minnesota. This is my first beer from Island City. I've been seeing crowlers at various stores (or maybe just at South Lyndale, I can't be sure. Possibly 1010 Washington, too), but never pulled the trigger on one, nothing in the offering grabbed me. But, when you've got a 6-pack of cans of a DIPA for about $12? Sign me up! Now, to see how good it is.

Clear, crimson-colored, lasting ivory head. Looking nice. 

In the nose: Sweet and buttery at first, followed by hoppiness, then bad fruit, twice-worn socks. Diacetyl, maybe? 

In the mouth: A powerful punch of hops, followed by the burn of alcohol. A trifle rough. Medium-bodied, intensely bitter, and very busy. A lot going on here, fairly rowdy stuff, and not terribly well balanced. The fire of the ABV continues it's rude blaze on the palate. Caramel malt flavors intrude on the proceedings, and I'm searching for more off notes. The butter returns to the place it should not be: in the mouth, when one is enjoying a double IPA. The question is raised whether this is a recipe issue or a brewing flaw. Nonetheless, it is flawed. 

This is actually can 5 of the 6-pack. I suffered through the first four over the past few days, hoping I wouldn't have to pan this one, but pan I must. It's not outright wretched, but it certainly isn't how a DIPA should taste. Too much sweet, and not enough bitter, with those bad, off-flavors hanging too hard on the palate. Can #6 won't go down the drain, but it probably should. 

I'm going to continue to give these guys a chance, with caution. 

Dry-hopped twice, this slightly hazy ale is juicy and refreshing. Citrus notes along with a heavy malt bill round out this intense IPA that finishes smooth and clean with a distinct hop nose.

Elder Pine Villeinage Dry-hopped Table Saison

Elder Pine Villeinage Dry-Hopped Table Saison. 

4 % ABV. Brewed & canned by Elder Pine Brewing & Blending, Gaithersburg, Maryland. 

Highly clouded, bright golden-hued, slim white head. 

In the nose: Citrus & straw, some floral notes, bold lemon. Lovely stuff. 

In the mouth: Slight funk & moderate hops kick it off on the palate. Light bodied, easy drinking, with a rustic charm. Fairly juicy and fruity, with citrusy notes in the lead, stone fruit behind it, with a touch of banana. It rolls into a dry finish, with spelt and wheat malt aiding in the clean drinkability. 

Very nice, dry and tasty saison. A pity I only have the one, I could drink a few of these. 

Table-strength Saison brewed with an insane amount of Pilsen  spelt malt & raw wheat for the creamiest body a 4% abv beer can offer. Heavily dry-hopped w/ Pacific Jade from New Zealand at a staggering rate of 3lb/bbl for bright citrus notes that meld perfectly with the stone fruit, banana and bubblegum aromas & flavors derived from our house saison yeast. Bone dry, effervescent, and effortlessly drinkable. 

Wild Mind Brian's Baby West Coast-ish IPA

 Wild Mind Brian's Baby West Coast-ish IPA.

7.5 % ABV.

Wild Mind Ales, Minneapolis, MN. 

A West Coast IPA, damn, I miss them. Make a good one and I'm happy. Do a bad one, and I'm sad. Let's see which one this is. 

Fairly clear, bright golden hue, long-lasting ivory cap atop. 

In the nose: Bursting with citrus & pine, powerful hop presence. 

In the mouth: Big hop smack attack at the front, bitter & juicy. Yum a dum dum is established at the fore. Loving the hops in this. Smackadelica. Deep, dank, citrusy goodness, with a side order of pine. All the best hops are here. There's a party in my mouth, and everyone's invited. You, too!

All the citrus and pine is popping here, all the West Coast IPA goodness is in full effect. The dankittidankness is slipping all over the palate and in all the nooks and crannies you care to follow. Yum, I say, a dum dum. Scrumptdillie-icious. Medium bodied, easily drunkened. Mighty fine. Good work, Brian.

I don't know if you know this about me, or not, but I like a good IPA, and this is one. And by the way, you can drink it. 

Brian’s Baby was brewed to celebrate our Lead Brewer’s first child, Oliver! This throwback West Coast IPA uses Simcoe, Amarillo, and Citra hops on top of a primarily pilsner malt grist. More late-kettle and whirlpool hop additions add a citrus flare to the piney, bitter style, resulting in a finished beer that’s fruity, dry, and clear. Cheers to the new parents Deanna and Brian!

Surly Oktoberfest Märzen Lager

 Surly Oktoberfest. Märzen Lager. 

6 % ABV. Surly Brewing, Minneapolis/Brooklyn Center, MN. 

Clear, pale amber hue, slim white head. 

In the nose: Cool and malty. Noble hops, with a floral touch. Slightly spicy. 

In the mouth: Clear and crisp, with a zesty edge. Earthy malt flavors, boards the palate and hangs out at the back. Twist of fruit, kiss of hops, rich and malty turning clean and refreshing. Ends on a lightly dry note, a bready finish. Just enough malty flavors meets just enough easy-drinking to keep the celebration going. 

Do I like it better than the beer it replaced, SurlyFest, which was not in the least a traditional märzen? No. SurlyFest was too unique and special not to love. Do I like it more than other Oktoberfests? It falls squarely in the middle. Short answer: good märzen and you can drink it. Nothing wrong with that. Nothing great about it, either. 

SURLY OKTOBERFEST

 Traditional | Malty | Festive

LAGER

COLOR

Yellow-Orange

HOPS

Spalt Select

MALT

Pilsner

Munich

Vienna

Carafoam

Acidulated

OG

15.1º Plato

YEAST

German Oktoberfest/ Märzen Lager

IBU

Low

ABV

6%

SURLY MN USA

Fall Seasonal

BREWED FOR: EMBRACING TRADITION IN YOUR OWN WAY.

Oktoberfest lagers are the ultimate party beer. Up front, they’re rich, sweet, and malty, but they finish dry and clean with an ever-so-slight touch of hops. Prost!

Steel Toe IPA

 Steel Toe IPA. 6.5 % ABV.

Steel Toe Brewing, St. Louis Park, MN.

Steel Toe has their perennial favorite, Size 7, as well as the double IPA, Sticker Fight, and now we have a new one in cans, IPA, which is an IPA called IPA made out of IPA-like ingredients. Yes, they could be more forthcoming about the contents and the character, but let's just find out for ourselves, now, shall we?

Slightly hazy, bright golden hue, large slab of white foam atop. 

In the nose: Big citrus, large lemon and orange, a pinch of pine. Enticing. 

In the mouth: Starts juicy, then bitter, finishing off the palate on a dry note. Light sweetness butts up against bitter. Grapefruit, lemon, and tangerine. Veers just near to tropical, but sweet notes never overcome the bitter, and bitterness is much lower than Size 7. 

I feel that what we have here is a Steel Toe attempt to create some kind of a hazy IPA, without going too soft. The bitterness isn't harsh in this one, more mellow, easier on the palate for those who think an IPA should be dainty, and wear it's hair in curls and lick lollypops and play hopscotch in the park with all it's little friends. 

They should give it a more suitable name, though, something to flag it so all of those drinkers can go flock to it and let the rest of us have our Size 7. 

Despite all that, this is one is straight up delicious. I'm digging it big time (currently on cans 4 and 5 of the 6-pack.) 

Junkyard Vince Vega NE IPA

Junkyard Vince Vega NE IPA. 8.5 % ABV. 

Junkyard Brewing, Moorhead, MN. 

And here we have a beer that I've had only once before, at tasting party two years ago, but have never been able to get ahold of a crowler for myself. You'll be seeing more Junkyard beers in here from now on, for I've taken on a new employment opportunity at a retail location that gets Junkyard crowlers on the regular. Yes, for the first time since COVID-19, I have embarked upon a brand new job, in a different, but similar field. I'll be on the team keeping the coolers filled and the shelves stocked, helping drive the curious drinker to the right beer over at South Lyndale Liquors in, where else, South Minneapolis. On, of all places, Lyndale Avenue. 

Now, let's drink the beer: 

Clouded as they come, golden hued, large layer of ivory froth atop, looking just right for the style. 

In the nose: Soft and citrusy, utterly pleasant. 

In the mouth: Light-bodied, full of the fluff, hazy on the palate, as well as to the eye. Slight bitterness slide on the palate, but is drowned out by the juice. Juicy, juicy, juicy. Big citrus, full-on flavors of orange, grapefruit, tangerine, with a dash of the tropical, too. Tasty one, here, and very easy drinking. 

The high alcohol rises up and the flavors take on a candied tinge. Tropical fruit/stone fruit sweetness takes over from the citrus, and it's all a delight the rest of the way down. Wonderful beer. 

This New England style DIPA is brewed with a blend of Citra, Citra, and more Citra hops for a fresh hop character that’s better than ever! It’s bursting with aromas of juicy orange, white peach, and pear followed by flavors of candied orange peel and stone fruits, with a hint resin make this beer big, bold, and straight to the point, just like Vince.⁣

Montgomery Juicy Gem IPA

Montgomery Juicy Gem NE IPA. Featured hop Idaho Gem. 

7.9 % ABV, 17 IBU. Montgomery Brewing, Montgomery, MN. 

Thoroughly cloudy, vastly hazy , large ivory cap. 

In the nose: Big citrus, bold lemon, orange, and grapefruit. Pine on the side. Very nice.

In the mouth: Juicy as it gets. Fruity. Bitter. Delightful. Medium bodied, easy-drinking. Absolutely beautiful. Soft and lovely. 

It's a pity I went through the 4-pack so quickly. 

NEIPA with the featured hop Idaho Gem.

Waldmann Dunkelweizen

Waldmann Dunkelweizen. Dark Wheat Beer.

 5.2 % ABV. Waldmann Brewery, St. Paul, MN. Estd 1857. 

I've had crowlers bought at the brewery, and those that Ed got for me, and here it is, the first one I bought at a store, this one from the crowler cooler of South Lyndale Liquors, where I currently work. There should be more to come. 

Dark brown coloring, nearly black, utterly opaque, slim, light brown head. 

In the nose: Cocoa and cream, lightly roasted, some espresso, too. Semi-sweet. 

In the mouth: Banana and clove, chocolate and orange. Sweetness and smooth. Slightly spicy, just enough fruity. Dark and delicious. Medium bodied, expertly drinkable. Tasty stuff. 

A dark German wheat beer with complex malts and a low bittering characteristic. A creamy and full-bodied beer hints at notes of clove and banana. Malty and refreshing, creating a mosaic of both spice and fruit. 

Starry Eyed Wee Walker Black

 Starry Eyed Wee Walker Black. 

10.5 % ABV. 23 IBU. Bottle 377/800.

Starry Eyed Brewing, Little Falls, MN. 

Dark brown coloring, fully opaque, slim brownish head. 

In the nose: rich and malty, caramel-y, toffee-ish. Sweet and lovely. 

In the mouth: Sweetness strikes again, caramel and toffee meet vanilla and cherries. Cocoa and coconut. Smokey. Sweet and lovely. Slightly sugary. Big malt, full body, long lasting flavors. Tasty and boozy. Big Time whiskey blended with the wee heavy. Nice. 

Glasgow Kiss aged in Johnny Walker Black barrels.

Eastlake Black Daze DDH Hazy IPA

Eastlake Black Daze DDH Hazy IPA.

6.5 % ABV. Eastlake Brewery, Midtown Global Market, Minneapolis, MN. 

Lightly hazed, bright orange hue, slim white head. 

In the nose: Bold citrusy aromatics, with a side dish of tropical. 

In the mouth: Jolt of bitterness and assertive hop flavors blast the palate from the start. Then the juice commences. A bath of juicy malt and bitter hoppiness, and next a turn to the dry side. This playful tango continues from one sip to the next. Medium bodied, with a long, bitter/hoppy finish. Grapefruit, tangerine, and mango, among other juicy flavors keep the party going. (There's a party in my mouth...and everyone's invited!)

This one I liked so much that I had three of them on the first night after bringing it home. It was a 4-pack of 16 ounces for only $13.49 at South Lyndale Liquors. I hope they still have some next time I visit. 

Double dry-hopped juicy IPA. Hopped with Mosaic, Amarillo and Rakau. Tropical, with notes of mango and plenty of pineapple. Resinous and quite dank. Using Gulo yeast, the beer is dry and citrus-forward.

This can has some of the best artwork on an Eastlake label to date. Black Daze is a graffiti artist with colorful and creative pieces all over town, up and down Lake Street, and in spots very close to the Eastlake brewery. It makes me wonder, though, about how one hires a graffiti artist to do a beer label. They're not in the Yellow Pages. Did they reveal themselves to the brewery at the bar? Did someone who knows someone who knows them lead them to the gig? I wonder about everything. 

I have since noticed that the artist's email is on many of their works, so what the hell am I going on about?

Stone Bourbon Barrel-aged Arrogant Bastard

Stone Bourbon Barrel-aged Arrogant Bastard.

8.1 % ABV. 100 IBU. 

Stone Brewing, Escondido, CA. 

Fairly clouded, Burgundy-hued, large beige head atop. 

In the nose: Caramel and cocoa. Oak and vanilla. Rich and malty, with barrel effects edging in. Dark fruit delights. 

In the mouth: Oaky and smokey. Rich, sweet, malty, deep and devastating. Cherry and vanilla and deep bourbon barrel goodness. Big hop bitterness meets massive malt. Huge. Intoxicating. Delirious. Take your time, but take your chances. It's a biggie. More dark fruit deliciousness. 

Good stuff here. Just one a day, though, for real. Do it nice and moderate-like. K?

I, from a slumber that’s been anything but peaceful. I don’t take kindly to idling and I am anything but neutral. Life has nothing to do with killing time, and the knowledge that months have passed since the onset of my sequestering in this pitch-black oaken tomb (albeit a barrel flush with brilliant aromas of vanilla and char) does not sit well. But then comes a tingle followed by rejuvenating warmth, signs that something is different…something has changed…and for the better.

I feel stronger yet somehow more nimble and refined. I feel even more self-assured, and my vision for what is good and right, honest and true, is as laser-sharp as the brawny, bawdy, liquid Arrogance that shall further advance my battle against all things mediocre and geared toward the lowest common denominator. I have been born anew and, in the process, anointed with vibrant, inspiring, previously unexperienced character, all while maintaining everything I am and have always been—bold, bullish, unadulterated, and yes, Arrogant. 

Are you Worthy of quaffing a beverage of this intensity, irreverence and quality craftsmanship? Not likely, but for those who “get it,” I know my time in this bourbon barrel has not been wasted. Cheers to you, enlightened imbiber. On second thought, cheers to me! 

Talking Waters Lost in Translation Hazy IPA

Talking Waters Lost in Translation Hazy IPA.

6% ABV. Talking Waters Brewing, Montivideo, MN. 

All hazed up, bright orange color, large, lace-leaving white head. Looking good. 

In the nose: Mild, citrusy aromatics, with a twist of the tropical. Orange and tangerine meets guava and pineapple. 

In the mouth: Brief bitter bite up front, a citrus snap, then it's smooth and cool. Orange and lemon, and mango and more. Clean and easy. Juicy, then dry. Tasty stuff. Hoppy and drinkable. Ain't nothing wrong with that. Slightly bitter, a touch sweet, and all the haze that the haze brings. Tasty stuff, and quite drinkable. Ain't nothing wrong with that. 

Loving this.

Hazy, juicy, and assertive enough to get a few of your wires crossed. L.I.T is intentionally packed with huge citrus and tropical fruit character from massive whirlpool and dry-hop additions of Citra, Mosaic, and El Dorado. Go ahead and get a little lost in it's beautiful hazy depths.

Three Floyds Pillar of Beasts

 Three Floyds Pillar of Beasts. 

Barley-wine style ale brewed with salted caramel aged in oak barrels.

14.5 % aBV. 16 IBU. Three Floyds Brewing, Munster, IN. 

This was an unusually expensive one for me. $25 a 4-pack, over $6 a bottle. Was it worth it? Yeah. In fact, I may get another, just to save for special occasions. 

Dark brown coloring, slim, short-lived beige head. 

In the nose: Outsized aromatics, powerful sweetness, caramel and vanilla. Toffee and cocoa, awash in bourbon barrels. Boom, boom, boom, boom, Alcohol starts to scream out. Intense, rich, delicious...now, to taste...

In the mouth: Huge sweetness, major vanilla, incredible caramel. Lush barleywine flavors, covered up in bourbon barrel. So many flavors emerge: vanilla, caramel, rum, brown sugar, dates, dark fruits of all stripes, keeping the sweet train going until the dry comes along. Sweet and rich aplenty. Yum = a dum dum.

Big, bombastic, deliriously delicious. 

Okay, that does it, off to Dreamland...

Somewhere in the distance we hear the pounding of native drums. Was it in our minds? We don't know. What we do know is that we made a salted caramel barley wine, put it in bourbon barrels for 12 months, and added vanilla beans and cocoa nibs. Taste the scrumptiousness.

Transient Artisan Ales Full Turbo Batch 3 Double IPA

Transient Artisan Ales Full Turbo Batch 3 Double IPA.

8 % ABV. Transient Artisan Ales, Bridgman, MI. (Or is it Chicago? Not sure.)

Hazy (of course), bright orange, large, lacey, lasting head of white on top. Looking good. 

In the nose: Bold citrus and tropical notes. Traces of pine. Beautiful. 

In the mouth: Juicy. Bitter. Interesting. Bit of sweetness rolls in. A touch of blueberry to mix with the lemon and passion fruit. Interesting blend. All that haze, with a smooth, light body, easy mouthfeel. Nicely drinking. You'd hardly suspect that it's 8%. 

I'm really liking this. 

No other information is available at this time. 

(Another one from Dave. thanks again, Dave.)

Black Project Argus Pasion Fruit & Vanilla Sour Ale

Black Project Argus Passion Fruit & Vanilla Sour Ale. 5 % ABV.

Black Project Spontaneous & Wild Ales, Denver, CO. 

Clouded, golden hue, slim white head. 

In the nose: Sour & fruit hit first, with a touch of salt on the side. Creeping vanilla sweetness.

In the mouth: Intense puckering, sweet fruit, awash in acidity...then on comes the vanilla. Not sure why they chose that addition. Maybe I'll get it later on. Ooo, sour! Oooo, vanilla! With passionfruit somewhere in between. Medium bodied, easy drinking, suitable for the soreheads. If you don't mind vanilla in your sour, for no reason. 

I think the below might refer to this choice of adding vanilla to a sour ale, and I think they should try to put it back in the box. 

Some said it couldn't be done. Some said it was opening Pandora's box. But we did it anyway. Irradiate your tastebuds with a burst of tropical passion fruit followed by waves of vanilla 

Surly Direct Current IPA

 Surly Direct Current IPA. 6.5 % ABV. 

Surly Brewing, Minneapolis, MN. 

Clear, bright golden hue, large and lasting white head. Looking good. 

In the nose: Bold citrusy aromatics, lemon and then some. 

In the mouth: There's a hoppy bite up front, just a touch of bitterness. Overall, mellow and smooth. Light bodied, easily consumed. Juicy for a minute, then all turns dry. More citrus, more judicious hop bitterness. 

Fairly tasty stuff. Good IPA and you can drink it. 

BREWED FOR AN ELECTRIC HOP EXPERIENCE

Like a shock to the system, Direct Current IPA overwhelms the grid with an electric jolt of juicy, orange-grapefruit hop flavor.

DIRECT CURRENT

 Hoppy | Juicy | Smooth

IPA

COLOR

Golden

HOPS

Warrior

Vic Secret

Galaxy (Dry Hop)

MALT

2-Row

Vienna

Munich

Aromatic

Acidulated

OG

YEAST

English Ale

IBU

Moderate

ABV

6.5%

SURLY MN USA

Lake Monster Black is Beautiful Imperial Stout

 Lake Monster Black is Beautiful. Imperial Stout. 

10 % ABV. 50 IBU. 

Lake Monster Brewing, St. Paul, MN. 

Solid blackness, thorough opacity, slim brown ring of foam above. 

In the nose: Cocoa and espresso, dry and earthy. Malty, but balanced. 

In the mouth: Coffee is in charge of this one, cocoa at the edges. Full bodied, but not thick or ridiculous. Nicely managed. They can't all be monsters, nor should they. It's good to have a nice, smooth, if slightly burly and unruffled imperial stout now and then. Earthy and malty are reigning supreme, and then along comes Mr. Alcohol, right on time. It's still a big one, even if it's not bursting it's seams with excessive adjuncts. There's a place for that sort of Imperial Stout, and I'm right there, welcoming it in. 

It's a drinkable RIS, that still drives it home with a bit of a punch. 

(And only $11.99 a 6-pack!)

World wide collaboration imperial stout, with proceeds going to support Campaign Zero and their efforts to end police violence in America.

Wild Mind Ultra Wires West Coast IPA

 Wild Mind Ultra Wires West Coast IPA.

7.8 % ABV. Wild Mind Ales, Minneapolis, MN. 

All clouded up. Because everything has to be that way now, no matter what. Bright golden hue, large, attractive ivory head. 

In the nose: Powerful citrus and pine, with a dose of cat pee on the side. Actually, it's running down your leg. Don't mind that, just a joke. White wine splashes, as well. (Seriously, this time.) (Although, I was serious about the feline emissions.)

In the mouth: Pow! Great big bite of bitterness, fierce hop attack, bursting with orange and grapefruit, lemon and pine. Delicious! Love it! Medium bodied, easy drunk. Bursts with flavor, then turns dry in the end. Wonderfully bitter hop flavors from the usual gang of suspects. Long, lingering, hoppy, bitter finish. Lovely. 

I broke my vow against the $20 4-pack for this. I'd been whining about why Wild Mind hasn't put anything out in the market, and how if they would, then I would support it, when lo, and behold, there these (and others) were on the shelf, and I saw the price tag, and say to myself, Shit, well, am I going to be a liar, or a sucker, but surely not both. 

Due to the price, I won't grab this one each time I want a good ol' drinking IPA, because I am not made of money. I am not even gainfully employed at this moment. But you should. You sure should. 

West Coast IPA hopped with Cascade, Amarillo and Centennial.

Junkyard Rock the Cash Bar Vermont Style Double IPA

 Junkyard Rock the Cash Bar Vermont Style Double IPA.

8 % ABV. Junkyard Brewing, Moorhead, MN. 

What's a Vermont-style IPA? Are the specifically going after the New England-style IPAs made in that state? Is it a statement that they are being definitive, doing this one in the OG style? I don't know, they won't tell us. And on it goes...

Cloudy as all heck, bright yellow hue, slim white head. 

In the nose: Fresh, bold, and lovely, straw, citrus, and a little pine. Floral, beautiful. Just lovely. 

In the mouth: Mmm, yum. Big citrus. Restrained bitterness, lean malt, medium bodied, clean, slightly bitter finish. More tropical notes intrude into the fruity mouthfeel, but they are welcomed. Very tasty, quite delicious, ultimately refreshing and delightful. 

Another Junkyard beer down, another one in the win column. 

Double New England style IPA with Vic Secret, cryo Ekuanot, and Citra hops.

Barrel Theory Hüftgold Hefeweizen

 Barrel Theory Hüftgold Hefeweizen.

5.2 % ABV. Barrel Theory Beer Company, St. Paul, MN. 

Last week I found myself in St. Paul, and hoped to see these guys and bring back some crowlers. Unfortunately, they only sell them curbside, with ordering done online or over the phone, and they haven't yet opened the taproom, during our current uncertainties in the time of COVID. I didn't feel like dealing with that, so we skipped B.T. Luckily, there are still some local liquor store that carry their crowlers, and I found a few of their stalwarts that I've already reviewed, and this one. I'm looking forward to see if they've made a Traditional HefeWeizen that stands up with the great craft beers that they're famous for. 

Lightly hazed, bright golden hue, large, lasting, and lace-leaving white crop of foam on top. 

In the nose: Slightly sweet, citrus and spice, orange and clove, Bavarian-style delights. 

In the mouth: Medium body, creamy mouthfeel. Smooth, wheaty texture. Moderate hops. Easy-drinking, refreshing as they get. Classic, nearly note-perfect. Yum a dum dum. 

This is not the first hefeweizen from Barrel Theory that I've had, but it's the first one that I've enjoyed. I sampled one at the taproom nearly two years ago. (I seem to make it out there only about once a year, a trend I need to actively work on putting in reverse.) I wasn't thrilled, it didn't hit the right notes, and I despaired in the notion that these guys were only good at fruited sours, hazy IPAs, and pastry stouts. Now, I'm happy to see that that was just an unfortunate blip. 

Bell's Double Two Hearted Ale Double American IPA

 Bell's Double Two Hearted Ale Double American IPA.

11 % ABV. 91 IBU. Bell's Brewery, Comstock, MI. 

I made a last-minute switch-up when I saw this 6-pack. The store was closing in two minutes, I had loaded up my cart, but there it was, this Bell's DIPA I've heard of, but never seen, nor tried. Out you go, some other beer, this baby's coming home with me. 

Clear, burnt orange coloring, slim, but lasting white head. 

In the nose: Big malt, and big hops, too, but oncoming outsized alcohol. 11%? Whoa, Nellie! We're really treading into hoppy barleywine territory, this time. Ripe fruit aromatics, powerful and pungent. 

In the mouth: This one screams out hotness from the get-go. Deep, rich, bold and burnished. Highly hopped, bracingly bitter, with a fire around the edges. Popping pine and citrus in the flavor, and dripping out the booze in a dangerous degree, 

Drink slow, rest, relax, luxuriate. Outsized and unrepentant. This one goes to eleven. 

It's crazy from the heat, and, despite the audaciousness, it's irresponsibly delicious. Once I brought this one home, I cracked one open, and by evening's end, I'd downed two more. Not the smartest way to spend a quiet night. One, once in a while, responsibly, and with the comfort of the bedpost close at hand. 

I can only hope to make my immoral reports a tale of caution for the wayward ones out there to mend their winding ways. 

I did say delicious, though, and I meant it. 

Everything you love about our classic Two Hearted® Ale... now in a double IPA. With two and a half times the amount of Centennial hops, Double Two Hearted® has intense pine and citrus notes, a resinous hop aroma and rich malt character.

Three Floyds Barbarian DDH Haze IPA

 Three Floyds Barbarian Haze IPA. Double Dry Hopped. 

6.9 % ABV. 63 IBU. 

Three Floyds Brewing, Munster, IN. 

I walk into the local shop and lo, and behold a new Three Floyds, and it is a mere 12.99 for six 12 ounce cans. That's what I'm talking about. There is another new 3F out there, but it's a sour fruit beer for something like $20 a 4-pack. I'll get it eventually, but that affordable 6-pack of IPAs will get me every time.

Lightly hazed. Actually, virtually none at all. But that's no hindrance to my enjoyment. Bright golden color. Slim white head. 

In the nose: An explosion of hops, a panoply of fruity sensations, citrus, stone and tropical. Slightly sweet, but beautifully balanced. 

In the mouth: Juicy, pulpy, delicious. Big flavors, orange, apricot, guava. Low bitterness, easy drinking. Has all the qualities of the hazy IPA without actually being hazy. Just the barest amount of a bitter bite, enough to keep me satisfied. 

Just a good ol' refreshing, drinkable, hoppy-enough IPA. Keep 'em comin', Floyds!

At long last, we bring you our take on a Hazy IPA. It’s no secret that most of our portfolio is hop forward, flavorful, and unfiltered. With Barbarian Haze, we took the hopping protocol a bit further, using some new age brewing alchemy coupled with our old school heavy handed approach. Fans of the style will recognize the complex soft malt character that helps balance the generous hop additions for supreme drinkability.

Starry Eyed Glasgow Kiss Wee Heavy Scotch Ale

 Starry Eyed Glasgow Kiss Wee Heavy Scotch Ale.

9 % ABV. 23 IBU. Starry Eyed Brewing, Little Falls, MN. 

Clear, dark brown color, slim to no head. 

In the nose: Caramel-y sweet malty aromatics. Toffee-ish, too. 

In the mouth: Rich and sweet from the get-go. Nearly chewy in it's malty mouthfeel. Low to no bitterness. Medium bodied, long malty finish. Quite delicious. I could have a few of these, if it wasn't 9%. It's almost too sweet, but almost is almost. Caramel, cocoa, toffee, and dark fruits. As is, a tasty treat that can't be beat. 

Glasgow Kiss 

9% ABV                       23 IBU

Our Scottish Wee Heavy that is playfully named after a soccer term for a head butt.  This is a big malty sipper.  Super smooth, low on bitterness with notes of chocolate, toffee, caramel and plum/raisins.    Enjoyed by this sip, it will sneak up on you.  Too much too quickly and LIGHTS OUT.          

BlackStack Black Is Beautiful Imperial Stout

 BlackStack Black Is Beautiful Imperial Stout, or, --sigh--Double Pastry Stout---sigh...

10.9 % ABV. BlackStack Brewing, St. Paul, MN. 

Another local edition of the nationwide collaboration, this one pulls out all the stops. 

Solid blackness, rich brown ring of foam above. 

In the nose: A whirlwind of complexities abound in this nose, peanut butter and chocolate in charge, rum barrel effects coming up from behind. Earthy, malty, and yeah, I can pick up the banana, too. Interesting. 

In the mouth: Yum-a-dum-dum. Flat Out, from the start, YADD. And the alcohol springs apace in this one, too. Boom! Rich and thick malt, with all the accompanying adjuncts in full display. Big chocolate, some of that peanut butter, a little bit of cinnamon, and a taste of banana, too. Rich, thick, full and long lasting on the palate. Big and bountiful. 

In a nutshell, or as they say these days, TLDR, : YADD.

Partially aged in Rum Barrels & treated with Peanut Butter, Bananas, Tahitian Vanilla, Vietnamese Cinnamon & Cacao Nibs from Pinella Brother Chocolate. Collaboration with Weathered Souls Brewing to support justice and equality for people of color. 

Pryes Mutually Inclusive Mango

 Pryes Mutually Inclusive Mango. Cuvée-style Smoothie Sour. 

5.4 % ABV. 15 IBU. Pryes Brewing, Mpls., MN. 

So, here we have one half of a collaboration with Drekker Brewing of Fargo, ND. Instead of combining their skills and imagination to craft one beer that they would brew in tandem, two beers were produced and distributed by the disparate brewing entities, and the consumer is required to locate them and blend them together in one glass by themselves. Of course, this becomes a difficult endeavor, to find the two beers, especially since Drekker beers are so highly sought after, and tend to sell out quickly wherever they are sold. That is why I have the one (purchased for $3.99 for the one can), and not the both. I couldn't get to the store fast enough. Or, maybe I could, but I just didn't make that extra effort. Priorities. 

Something threw me off about the labeling of the beers and the use of the term "cuvée-style". What on earth does that mean? In all my years in beer, I have known that this term is utterly meaningless and merely refers to what the brewmasters wish to regard as "their finest." In wine, it is used to denote a particular tank, batch or blend. However, I will simply lift from Wikipedia here...The term can also apply to beer, or to chocolate to refer to a batch that is blended by the manufacturers to produce a certain taste. Many lambics and gueuzes—sour beers with wine-like characteristics—are marketed as cuvée. When referring to beer, ale, or chocolate the term has no defined meaning, but is meant to evoke images of higher quality—similar to the use of "reserve" for wine in areas where the term is not regulated by law.

I guess I can see where they're coming from, to take that meaning from wine and applying it to what they're doing...but it's the first time I've encountered this expression and it really threw me for a proverbial loop. "Huh, Cuvée isn't a style..." Maybe it became a style while I wasn't looking. I try to keep up, I surely do try...

So, enough of that. I got on the hype train and picked a can of a style I surely shy from, normally...the fruited smoothie sour. If the label says "smoothie" anywhere on it, I am very careful not to put it in the cart. 

All hazed-fied. Bright orange, Slim to no head. 

In the nose: funky, fruity, mango-y. 

In the mouth: Ooo! Tart from the start, followed by juicy, pulpy mango-y flavors. Sour and sweet at once. Medium bodied, easy-drinking, refreshing. Plenty of sour, loads of fruit. What makes it "smoothie", though. I'm not getting the mouthfeel I'd expect from that appellation. Let's see if we can find out. 

Designed to be combined with Drekker's cuvée counterpart. Experiment with mixing flavors or enjoy each on their own. Our brewers have come up with a way to create something together, from far apart.

Well, that didn't tell me anything. Is there lactose & such to make this a smoothie? I can't taste it. But, I can taste the mango and the sour, and they work together pretty well. Not bad at all. 

What would it be like when blended with blackberry? I can only dream.

Tin Whiskers Meme Lord Double Dry-hopped IPA

Tin Whiskers Meme Lord Double Dry-hopped IPA.

7% ABV, 36 IBU. Tin Whiskers Brewing, St. Paul, MN. 

Why out of all the crowlers available at Tin Whiskers last week, on my first visit in four years, did I pick a beer called Meme Lord? I have no real love for memes, nor their lords. At least it wasn't Tropical Fluff Meme Lord. I don't care for my IPAs when they're stuffed with vanilla, marshmallows, and tropical fruits. No vanilla and marshmallows in my IPAs, please. It's not much to ask. 

Anyway, on with the beer: 

It's hazy, alright, bright orange hued, large, lasting ivory head. 

In the nose: Citrus and smooth, slightly sweet. Orange, mango, guava.

In the mouth: Juicy, fruity, a bite of the bitter. Citrus and juice, with a slice of pine to the side. Medium-bodied, light upon the palate, nice and easily drinkable. Very delightful, this. I'd even call it a yum-a-dum-dum. 

A double dry-hopped IPA brewed with Simcoe, Citra, Medusa, and Ella hops for notes of ripe pineapple, orange juice, tangerine, and mango.

Flying Dog The Truth Imperial IPA

 Flying Dog The Truth Imperial IPA.

8.7 % ABV. 80 IBU. 

Flying Dog Brewery, Frederick, Maryland. 

Clear, bright golden hue, slim white head. 

In the nose: Candied fruit, big citrus, high alcohol. 

In the mouth: Big blast of bitterness attacks the palate, huge citrus, grapefruit and orange, some tangerine and pineapple, too. Piney. Juicy. Big bitterness. Has what it takes, in spades. Delicious, and delirious. Medium-bodied, long-lasting finish, tasting great.

Once more, I'm taking notes on the final bottle, having enjoyed the previous five. I would pick this up again. Thoroughly delightful. 

Developed alongside over a dozen Single-Hop Imperial IPAs. The truth was three years in the making and has some of the most unique hop varieties available today.

The Truth's sharp hop bitterness begins with pine on the nose and evolves into bright citrus and subtle stone fruit flavors. Pair this beer with sharp cheddar cheese and light, spicy proteins.

Resident Culture Second Coming India Pale Ale

 Resident Culture Second Coming India Pale Ale. 

6.5 % ABV. Resident Culture Brewing, Charlotte, NC.

Ever-so hazy, bright golden hue, large, lasting and lacey white head. 

In the nose: Citrusy, hoppy. Slightly sweet. 

In the mouth: Brace of bitterness greets the palate, grassy, juicy, slightly abrasive. Orange and grapefruit, with a twist of pineapple and guava. Smooth stuff, lightly fuzzy. Medium bodied, easy drinking. Nice little hazy IPA here, good beer and you can drink it. 

Hazy IPA hopped with Strat, Sabro and HBC 692.

Surly Trip Hop Triple Dry-hopped IPA

Surly Trip Hop Triple Dry-hopped IPA. 

"Trippy Triple Dry-hopped.:
10.4 % ABV. Surly Brewing Company, Twin Cities, MN. 

So, today is a day, as have been other days, when a number of people have voiced their opinions about Surly Brewing. It was two days after the announcement that they're thinking about what to do about their Beer Hall employees announcing their intent to unionize that they've decided to close the Beer Hall, in two months. And they are immediately called Union Busters. And Omar's being called all kinds of names. And people are saying they'll never drink their crappy beer again.

What do I think? Closing the Beer Hall due to COVID and dealing with the union are two different things. Bad timing. Things could have gone a lot better over there in the past 4-5 years. But, I'm going to continue to try their new beers out, but not all of them. I don't play favorites, except when I do. And I haven't bought everything new they've put out in quite some time, for various reasons. 

Just for fun, here are a few Surly beers I have not had: 

* Bender w/ Fruity Pebbles.

* Carrot Cake Infusion

* Cornholio

* Creamsicle Kolsch

* Furious Old Fashioned

* Horchata Darkness

* Me and Billy Dee Malt Liquor

* Pancake Party

* Tiki Todd the AxeMan

and so on, and so forth. Most of those were festival-only, or tap room-only beers, though I have certainly passed-up many at the store. Still haven't tried the Oktoberfest this year, but I may, I just may. And this one I nearly passed up because of my rule against 4-packs that exceed the $16 mark. This one went for 19.99. I didn't like paying that, but I felt like I had to try it out.  Here come the notes: 

Lightly hazy and orange. Stable cap of ivory froth on top.

In the nose: Citrus and candy. High sweetness, looming alcohol.

In the mouth: Sticky und icky. Bitterness grabs at the palate. High hoppiness and dominant dank. Juicy, very ripe, getting into real candified territory. Big bad ABV isn't too scary yet, but it's getting there. Smoothish, despite the strength. Grabby mouthfeel. Yeah, I called it "grabby", and I mean it. 

This is a tasty treat. I do wish I'd held on the fourth can, but I didn't think my notes on can #3 were good enough, so I cracked #4 to come up with better words, then decided they were. Or, maybe I'll come up with more...we''ll see. 

It's hot, juicy, strong, intensely hoppy, a good nightcap, for sure. 

BREWED FOR UNFINISHED SYMPATHY

The beat drops and the bass throbs in this tricked-out take on the triple IPA. Dry-hopped three times with a massive attack of Lotus, Amarillo, and El Dorado hops for an intense, high-decibel blast of of hop flavor.

TRIPLE IPA

COLOR

Gold

HOPS

Amarillo

El Dorado

Lotus

MALT

2-Row

Acidulated

Carafoam

OG

YEAST

English Ale

IBU

High

ABV

10.4%

SURLY MN USA

Lupulin 8 Count India Pale Ale

 Lupulin 8 Count India Pale Ale.

7.5 % ABV. Lupulin Brewing, Big Lake, MN.

Named for some boxer I've never heard of...why would I?

Hazy (of course), bright golden/orange-ish coloring, large, lasting white head.

In the nose: Bold citrusy notes. Twist of tropical. 

In the mouth: Big, juicy, citrusy flavors dominate from the start. Minor bitterness. Medium body. Tangy. Here comes a little bit of hop bitterness that just clings a bit to the palate. 

I scoffed at the coconut mentioned in the description below, but maybe it's because they put it in my head, but, yeah, you could say that. There's a touch of it. I maintain that it may yet be imaginary. 

It's a good balance between the sweet, the bitter, and the fuzzy. In other words, it's a good (hazy) IPA and you can drink it. 

Caleb Truax fans know his mantra, “Cut No Corners.” That’s because nothing’s ever been handed to him, from being humbly raised by a single mom to modestly starting his boxing career in night clubs and casinos. Outsiders were surprised, but Caleb’s insiders were not when he scored a majority decision to claim the IBF super-middleweight championship from James DeGale in December 2017. Naturally, Caleb’s signature beer also “Cuts No Corners,” a mandarine orange flavor with notes of coconut and citrus. Like it’s namesake, 8-Count is full body with a smooth finish.

Junkyard Black is Beautiful Imperial Stout

 Junkyard Black is Beautiful Imperial Stout. 

12 % ABV.

Junkyard Brewing, Moorhead, MN. 

Just cracked it open at poured it out and I'm feeling like this may be pushing it. Peanut Butter is screaming out, but there's a lot here...I'll read the label later. 

Complete and utter blackness, rich, roasted brown head, terminal ebony. 

In the nose: Nothing but malt, dark chocolate, deep peanut butter, thoroughly rich, absolutely sweet. Getting the graham cracker, detecting some marshmallow...

In the mouth: Dark, deep, delicious, in all it's "s'mores-y" goodness, (yes, I peeked ahead)...chocolate and peanut butter at play on the palate, with, yes, marshamallows and graham crackers, because, that's the new thing, the s'moresier the better. Maybe. Your mileage, etc. I'm of the "maybe it's too much?" camp. It is very thick and super-rich, and ...who adds peanut butter to their s'mores? It might just be overkill. 

And 12%, to boot? Boom, boom, boom, boom. Wow. 

At $15 a crowler, I can't pay that much and not use it for a blogpost, but I also feel that this should be shared with friends. It really shouldn't be enjoyed all by my lonesome, but that's the only way I do these. 

There is great richness, deep maltiness, and a crazy array of flavors. 

Imperial Stout with Cocoa nibs, graham crackers, marshmallows, vanilla beans, peanut butter, and natural and artificial flavors. 

Logsdon Farmhouse Ales Fortunate Sun Dry-Hopped Saison

 Logsdon Farmhouse Ales Fortunate Sun Dry-Hopped Saison.

5.8 % ABV. A golden-colored farmhouse ale dry-hopped with Hallertau Blanc and Mandarina Bavaria,Logsdon Farmhouse Ales, Hood River, OR. 

Clouded, bright golden he'd, slim white head. 

In the nose: Citrus and straw, light spices. Little bit of hoppiness. 

In the mouth: Clean, crisp, light and tasty. Exquisitely drinkable. Belgian yeast drives it, light hop presence keeps if fun and interesting. Flavor remains largely lemon and a slight spiciness that goes fruity and juicy for a bit, but ends on a dry note. Very bright and sunny, especially refreshing. 

This is my first encounter with this brewery, again with thanks to Dave. 

A Belgian-inspired brewery, founded in 2009 by David Logsdon on his family farm in Hood River County. David started as a founding member and brewer at Full Sail Brewing and founded Wyeast Laboratories. His passion for unique and experimental yeast helped to foster his dream of opening a traditional farmhouse brewery. We brew in the true Belgian farmhouse tradition using all organic and locally sourced ingredients. The fruity and well rounded flavor profiles of our beer can be attributed to our use of singular specialty yeast strains and many of our offerings spend time in oak barrels to impart more complex characteristics similar to that of a fine wine

Tin Whiskers The Pulps DDH Blood Orange IPA

Tin Whiskers The Pulps DDH Blood Orange IPA.
7 % ABV.
Tin Whiskers Brewing, St. Paul, MN.

Hazed-out, pinkish, grapefruit-y coloration, slim white head.

In the nose: tart and fruity, blood orange and grapefruit, hardly any hops.

In the mouth: Bits of bitterness, mixed with the tart and the fruit, overwhelming blood orange flavor covering all else. Full-bodied, long lasting taste.

Some hops here, but overshadowed by the fruit. Tangy, and tasty, though.

Blood orange infused, double dry-hopped IPA brewed with Simcoe, Citra, Medusa, and Ella hops