La Doña Oktubrefest Oktoberfest

La Doña Oktubrefest Oktoberfest.

5.9 % ABV, 20 IBU, La Doña Cerveceria, Minneapolis, MN. 

What are you doing, Al, reviewing an Oktoberfest at the end of March? Well, a few things here. First of all, this can did not fall into my possession until December. And, also, as has been admitted many times before, I am a bad procrastinator. The phrase "better late than never" comes up once in a while, as well as "it's still good, right"? It's out of season, but, yeah, it has to still be good. If it's gone bad, I will delete this, and you will never know. 

And away we go...

Clear, amber-toned, slim layer of off-white foam. 

In the nose: All the malt, and the noble hops, too. Plenty of caramel here, touches of toffee, decidedly on the sweet side. 

In the mouth: Clean, malty, sweet, and tasty. Delivers what a marine/oktoberfest should. Medium bodied, exceptionally drinkable, bright, caramel-y, and quite satisfying. Very well-balanced. Fits the style to a T. I hope to have one again, in season, about six months from now....

It's a good Oktoberfest, and you can drink it...just don't wait as long as I did. 

(Oddly, though, I'm checking Untappd and this is one still on tap at the brewery.)

A great rye malt presence in the aroma and flavor, finishing smooth.

BlackStack Clap Back DDH DIPA

BlackStack Clap Back DDH DIPA.

9 % ABV, ale, one pint, 16 ounces, BlackStack Brewing, St. Paul, MN. 

Another day at BlackStack, another DDH DIPA, or TIPA, or, sometimes, a QIPA...but let's stick with this one, for now. It came out a while ago, but only recently entered my possession. 

All hazed out, naturally, bright golden color, slim white head. 

In the nose: The tropical notes hit fruit, pineapple, passionfruit, papaya, all the sweetness that comes with it. Nothing but. Minor to non-existent bitterness. 

In the mouth: More sugary, tropical toned sweetness greets the lips and dances upon the palate. It rather dominates the proceedings. There's that unfiltered fuzz affecting the proceedings, and a modicum of malt. Lean bodied, and easy drinking, despite the booze, which is rising up in prominence, ever so surely. Sweet turns to sharp, alcohol rises, senses begin the dulling. It's a tasty treat, if a bit one-dimensional. Once again, I must admit that I am one who likes them on the dry, bitter, brittle side, and this is one who ain't. 

And, again, the copy on the back is a bit bewildering: 

AT BLACKSTACK, WE TRY TO REMEMBER THAT every good ending deserves a twist. 

*CLAP*

So put it together for this happy ending,

*CLAP*

Our Hand Selected STRATA, Cashmere & Cashmere Cryo IN EVEN LARGER CHAMPIONSHIP GAME, MOVIE MONTAGE PROPORTIONS.

*CLAP*

SO POUR ONE OUT FOR THE UNDERDOG WHO SHOWED A LOT OF HEART, BUT STILL LOST, AND THE OVERBEARING DAD WHO LEARNS THAT WINNING REALLY ISN’T EVERYTHING.

*CROWD GOES F%*$ING WILD*

I've found that "hand selected" is being used more and more these days to separate,  I suppose, these rarified brewers from the ones who end their calls with "just send us whatever shit you got, I don't give a fuck." 

Junkyard Uncrushable Imperial Stout

Junkyard Uncrushable Imperial Stout.

13.7 % Alc./Vol. Packaged 11/30/20. Brewed and packaged by Junkyard Brewing, Moorhead, M. N. 

Strictly stygian, utterly opaque, slimmed down cocoa-tinged head. 

In the nose: Big time richness. All the usual suspects in attendance. Large and in charge cocoa, espresso, charcoal, slight anise. Slight smoke. Very nice. 

In the mouth: Boom, Shaka-laka! Huge, fat, rotund richness. Chocolate and coffee, rich malt abounds. Dark fruits aplenty. Cherries, berries, grapes, a bit. Full-on bigness. Massive malt. Huge mouthfeel. Loving the texture. 

Uncrushable is right. You need an hour or two with this one.

Dangerous Man Hot Ron Double Pale Ale

Dangerous Man Hot Ron Double Pale Ale.

6 % ABV, 15 IBU, Dangerous Man Brewing, Minneapolis, MN. 

This is the 18th appearance of DMBC in a little over eight years, and it seems a small amount. I dusted off and carefully scrubbed this 20-ounce glass, neglected for so long, just for this post. It seems ('cause I checked) that I've used it three times before in the Nib. And after that, I forgot I had it, and every DMBC beer went into my DMBC snifter/tulip. I think I bought this as a gift for a friend that I never gave. I certainly have enough pint glasses. And tulips. But it's good to have when you need it. This is actually the first DMBC growler I've enjoyed at home in over 3 years, a slight I shall strive to correct. (Not counting the one I had a few days ago, of course.)

But, on to the beer: 

All hazy-like, golden hued, slim white head. 

In the nose: Fruity, slightly tart, zesty. Citrus upon citrus. 

In the mouth: Big ol' grapefruit bomb, juicy, slightly tart. Citrus, melon, apricot. Medium bodied, delightfully drinkable. When you say "double pale ale", I'm expecting more than 6% ABV. How many pale ales are 3%, anyway? 6% is totally normal pale ale levels. Oh, well, never mind. But I must have read it incorrectly and thought I was picking up a "double IPA". A 6% DIPA would have me kicking over some potted plants. 

It's a tasty ol' pale ale and you can surely drink it. 

FLAVOR NOTES* Freshly Peeled Grapefruit* Lemon Zest/Pith

* Ripe Melons* Undertone Of Stone Fruit* Tiny Bit O' Fruit Punch

MALTS* Pale Malt* Chit Malt* White Wheat* Flaked Wheat* Flaked Barley

HOPS* Mackinac* Calypso* Hull Melon* Exp. #09326

YEAST* Norwegian Kveik 

Pantown Dropforge Milk Stout

Pantown Dropforge Milk Stout.

5.1 % ABV, 24 IBU. Pantown Brewing, St. Cloud, MN.

Dark brown, just about black, fully opaque, with a toasted brown head that slowly, softly crumbles. 

In the nose: Sweet cocoa notes hit first, followed by espresso traces. Mainly malty, sleek, smooth. 

In the mouth: Boarding the palate, it's a well-balanced affair, roasted malt and cocoa sweetness. Medium-bodied, creamy, easily consumed. Sweetness lingers on in the finish. Tasty little milk stout, here. 

When the Pan Motor Company opened in 1917, it was home to the largest drop forge west of Chicago. This beer is made with British malts and various roasted and chocolate malts. These roasted and chocolate malts give this beer a glorious chocolate taste with a hint of caramel. The addition of lactose (milk sugar) which is not fermentable by brewer’s yeast gives this brew the classic sweet taste that milk stouts are known for.

Breckenridge Hop Peak IPA

Breckenridge Hop Peak IPA. Breckenridge Brewery, Fine Colorado Ales. 

6.5 % ABV, 57 IBU. Breckenridge Brewery, Littleton, CO. 

Guess what? They have mountains in Colorado. Hence the name for this beer. Betcha they thought no-one would get it, but they didn't count on me, did they? 

Lightly clouded, bright golden hued, slim white head. 

In the nose: Citrus and pine, orange and grapefruit. Fresh and zesty. Beautiful aromatics. 

In the mouth: Big hop bitterness at the start, more fresh, more zest, bursting with citrus and pine. Juicy, fruity, but definitely ending on a dry note. Medium bodied, excellent balance and drinkability. Orange and grapefruit and a touch of lime to match the traces of pine. This is right on the money for an America IPA, and I am digging it. So tasty, so downable. It's so very refreshing to find a regular ol' American IPA, the kind that made this nation great. 

Simcoe and Citra dry hops form a pinnacle of lush citrus and pine aromas in this modern interpretation of the classic India Pale Ale. Our hopback infuses flavor from whole cone hops to build a complex body, further emboldened by the addition of an oil-rich, concentrated hop flower resin called lupulin powder. This potent powder kicks up a fresh hoppy dominance, which is supported by a backbone of unique specialty malts. Golden amber in color and refreshing in taste, Hop Peak IPA is a congratulatory drink for reaching any of life’s summits.

Venn Sexxxy Delicious Imperial Stout with Chocolate and Raspberries

Venn Sexxxy Delicious Imperial Stout with Chocolate and Raspberries.

12 % ABV, 50 IBU, Venn Brewing, Minneapolis, MN. 

Utter blackness, complete opacity, slim brown head. 

In the nose: Raspberry and chocolate. They're there. Very nice. 

In the mouth: Big malt, rich and roasted, big fruit, and great big chocolate. Berries continue to bout with cocoa for dominance. It remains huge, deep, decadent, delicious. Fruit and chocolate rise up together, matching the malt. 

This is divine. 

An Imperial Stout with actual chocolate & actual raspberries. 

Malts: Maris Otter, Roasted Barley, Special B, Chocolate, Caramel 60

Hops: Warrior

Yeast: American Ale

And: Dextrose, Chocolate, Raspberries

Pipeworks Immediate Future Hazy Pale Ale with Cryo Mosaic hops

Pipeworks Immediate Future Hazy Pale Ale with Cryo Mosaic hops.

6 % ABV, Pipeworks Brewing, Chicago, IL. 

As advertised, it's hazy as heck, bright yellow hue, slim white head. 

In the nose: Soft and fuzzy, lightly hoppy. Fruity notes abound. 

In the mouth: More soft and smooth. Light bodied, lots of yeasty fuzz on the mouthfeel. Some citrus notes, a bit of berries, with minor, if any, hop bitterness. Drinkability's on the high side. Goes down like a dream. Hop flavors play well on the palate. I'm rather enjoying this. 

Hazy Pale Ale with Cryo Mosaic Hops.

The immediate future is most definitely hazy. What we do know is that there will be textured and juice pale bringing massive Mosaic hop aromas of blueberries, blackberries, pineapple and grape jelly. 

Arbeiter Bier

Arbeiter Bier. 

5.5 % ABV, 22 IBU. Arbeiter Brewing, Minneapolis, MN. 

This is called a "light ale" on their website, but categorized as "Kölsch" on Untappd. We'll see what's what.

Clear, bright golden color, large and lasting ivory toned head. 

In the nose: light, delicate fruity flavors unravel. Apple, pear, white grapes. Very Kölsch-esque.

In the mouth: More of the apple/pear flavors on the palate. Minor bitterness, light malt, incredible downablility. Effortless and easy. Starts fruity and ends on the dry side. Flavorful meets drinkable in a very big way. Does taste very much in the kolsch vein. It's beer that tastes like beer. Go drink it. 

Light Ale

ABV 5.5% | 22 IBU

A beer for the people! A beer designed for those who are looking for just “beer”, as well as those looking for a palate refresher in-between hop, sweet, or sour bombs.

It’s the perfect first and last beer of your session. It’s light and balanced, with a restrained cracker-like malt profile and a hint of noble hop character.

Evil Twin Imperial Biscotti Break Imperial Stout

Evil Twin Imperial Biscotti Break Imperial Stout. Brewed with coffee and with almond and vanilla extracts added. 

11.5 % ABV, 66 IBU. Evil Twin Brewing, Brooklyn, NYC, NY. 

Jet black, perfect opacity, slim brown head. 

In the nose: Intense aromatics. Burnt malt. Heat. Espresso and cocoa. 

In the mouth: Massive malt. Rich, thick, immense. The almond and vanilla is coming through just a bit. Increasing sweetness. Gathers complexity as it warms. Mellow as it is fierce. 

My notes ended there. I bought this as a 4-pack because it was a mere $12. I'm glad it wasn't more, I was a bit underwhelmed. I was expecting a bit more. 

The Roman Empire had a certain ‘je ne sais quoi’ – festive food culture, extravagant architecture and spectacular live entertainment. Some might argue the Emperors where brutal, mad and hungry for power, and the people vain when taking baths and working out all day. Listen – that’s still all part of the secret Imperial ingredient – keep it cool, clean, confident, arrogant and flamboyant. Forza Imperiale.

Dangerous Man Papaya IPA

 Dangerous Man Papaya IPA. 

7 % ABV, 20 IBU, Dangerous Man Brewing, Minneapolis, MN. 

I'll admit something to you very handily, and that is that DMBC has not appeared here in the Nib enough overview these past Eight years. . One very good reason is that I don't cross the river all that often. I stay on this side, you people on that other side, I hope you're happy and everything, but I've got what I need here. It has been nearly two years since my last visit to their taproom, on the occasion of my 51st birthday, when they were the fourth of five brewery visits by bike with many of my friends. Good times were had by all. But I did not purchase any crowlers to go because there was so much more travel ahead. And after that, I kept meaning to go back, always meaning to...you know what is said about good intentions.

And then the COVID happened. After the initial shutdown, DMBC continued to keep the taproom closed, not sure of how to operate under new restrictions, although the crowler shop kept doing great business. That finally changed last week, and was invited by a friend in the know to a sort of "soft" re-open. There were some excellent beers on tap. I enjoyed the Brett Saison with Pear & Pineapple, the Barrel-aged Grand Cru, an Oak-aged Wee Heavy, and a double IPA. Nothing disappointed, they all hit the spot. Good times, etcetera. And I took three crowlers home, and they were all IPAs. And I promise that I will keep trying to check them out more often. And I will now drink one of those crowlers, and tell you about it...

It's heavily clouded, pinkish/ruby grapefruit-hued, slim to no head at all. 

In the nose: Tropical fruit, and....tropical fruit. 

In the mouth: Sharp, fruity, funky. Papaya-y. Low hop bitterness, you can barely detect an IPA behind the fruit. Maybe just a little. It's all fruit but well-balanced, not too sweet, everything kept in check. Ends on a dry note. I'm liking this one, but not exactly loving it. Not bad, but not great. 

STYLE: Hazy IPA, Smooth and Fruity

FLAVOR NOTES* Juicy Papaya* Freshly Zested Citrus* Wisp O' Funk* Undertone Of Passionfruit* Crisp & Fairly Dry

MALTS* Pilsner* Chit Malt* Flaked Oats

HOPS* Cashmere * Idaho 7

YEAST: * Dry English Ale

ADJUNCTS: * Papaya Puree* Passionfruit Puree

Unmapped Stout Ruby Imperial Stout

Unmapped Stout Ruby Russian Imperial Stout. Go Somewhere Unmapped.

9.8% ABV. 80 IBU. Packaged 3/1/21. Unmapped Brewing, Minnetonka, MN. 

This beer and I have a history, although this is my first time drinking it. A few years back, one of Unmapped's reps told me of it and decided to give me her own personal bottle, which was back at her place. How often does it happen that someone comes through on their word and drives back to their home and picks up their personal bottle, then returns to Acadia Cafe to give it to me? I'll always appreciate that, Laurel, always. But something terrible happened that day. The bottle was in a bag with a weighty raft of other samples, all cans and crowlers. Almost at my destination, nearly home, mere blocks away, the bag tore, and the cans and crowlers fell out and the only bottle in the bag crashed on the sidewalk of Lyndale Avenue and this imperial goodness flowed into the sewer drain, as I picked up the glass, solemnly depositing it into the trash. When Laurel would ask how I liked it, I would say that I hadn't opened it yet, afraid of telling her the truth. I eventually confessed to the tragedy, and she was not happy. The next time it was available as a keg, I bought one, and it was set to be in a line of imperial stouts on tap at Acadia, stretching into the summer, I suppose. Of last year. And last year, oh, boy....

And then, COVID happened. We reopened for less than two weeks before closing again for building maintenance. I anticipated reopening as normal, and wanted all these imperial stouts to go back on tap, but things were not to be that way. Every single keg, tapped or not, (with some exceptions which I am not at liberty to divulge) went back to it's origins in order to recoup the deposit, the money spent on the beer inside a casualty of the times. My second chance at tasting this beer, serving it to the public, and making it up to Laurel, dashed away. 

And then a new rep came into the retail store where I currently work popped in with a bottle. I think that my boss, the beer buyer, does not care for Imperial Stouts. I told him of my missed chances at drinking this, and he said, "oh, you'll get your chance." A few days later, he handed this to me. I knew it wouldn't have been opened for sampling with staff. The only things we seem to try are fruited sours and such. Yawn.

So, here I am, with a bottle of my own, and I'm going to drink it, and tell you all about it: 

Strictly ebon-hued, full opacity, a toasted brown head holding court above. Looking majestic. 

In the nose: Cocoa hits first, coffee comes in from behind. Some molasses, touch of anise. Deep malt, definitive darkness. 

In the mouth: First sip: yum. Big chocolate flavors at the first, followed by caramel, charcoal, touch of toffee, roasted flavors resting on a bed of deliciousness. Thick mouthfeel, full body, long, malty finish. Cocoa is king here, dominating over other flavors, and I don't mind it. Strong, powerful, persuasive. Just like a cute, li'l puppy dog. 

Well-balanced. Never too sweet, but malt forward, hops just for balance, although they are in full force. It's a well-commissioned tango, everything keeping perfect time. Chocolate flavors remain large and in charge, but all in all, this is one fine Imperial Stout. Yum. A dum Dum. 

For this Russian Imperial Stout, we've taken inspiration from Ruby the Adventure Corgi for her endearing spirit of exploration (and stout-ness)!

Stout Ruby is a delicious medley of chocolate and roasted malt flavors that finish with a satisfying sweetness. Enjoy!

Three Weavers Expatriate India Pale Ale

Three Weavers Expatriate India Pale Ale.

6.9 % ABV, Three Weavers Brewing, Inglewood, CA. 

This is the final of three cans from a very unique sampler pack that I bought back in January and have forgotten what it's called. Four IPAs from four different breweries in four different states. Unique in that two of them (Three Weavers and Texas' Deep Ellum) are breweries that are not distributed here, and the other two (Cigar City and Oskar Blues) are brought here by two different distributors. 

Clear, bright golden hue, pure white head, leaving some lace, looking lovely. 

In the nose: Bold, expressive citrus and pine, and nothing but. I love it. 

In the mouth: Big bitterness from the start, more citrus and pine, pineapple, grapefruit, lemon, briefly juicy, then turning dry. Medium bodied. Long finish, never ending hoppiness. Brisk, crisp, refreshing. My kind of West Coast IPA. Just a little short of delicious, but ever-so close. 

Inspired by the Three Weavers Community, our West Coast IPA is bright and laden with notes of tropical fruits. Brewed with two-row barley, a tough of English crystal malt and loaded with new age American hops, Expatriate is home no matter where you are. Brewed and bottled by Three Weavers Brewing Company, Inglewood, California.

Schell's Keller Pils

Schell's Keller Pils.

5.5 % ABV, 39 IBU. August Schell Brewing, New Ulm, MN. 

Here's one that I couldn't believe that hasn't appeared here yet. My first check-in on Untappd was nearly two years ago, at Acadia. If I remember correctly, I chose to put it on tap there without ever receiving a sample, just going with my gut that it had to be good. It sold well, too, if I recall correctly. The can I am reviewing from was part of a sampler pack, The Harvest Collection. There were two beers I'd had, two that I needed to review. Will I buy the new Peacock Collection, which only has one new-to me beer? Probably not, we'll see.

Anyway, on to the beer: 

Highly hazed, bright golden color, large, long-lasting, lace-leaving ivory head. Looking great. 

In the nose: Expressive hoppiness, largely floral, slightly citric. Delicate and delightful. 

In the mouth: Crisp, clean, lively. Lemon leads the flavors, a kiss of grapefruit, more floral, touch of spice. All dances beautifully on the palate. Light bodied, easily consumed, with a long, hoppy finish. Chock full o' taste and character, this is by far one of the best pilsners around. I'm enjoying this, and if you know me, I'm no lager-lover. 

a crisp, dry pilsner, with a firm hop bitterness, our Keller Pils is unfiltered and full of character. The addition of Callista hops lends a fruity aroma of citrus, stone fruits, and berries. Golden in color and balanced in flavor, it stands tall against it's lighter-bodied, low-hopped relatives.

Surly Give The Devil His Due Double Dry-hopped Hazy Double India Pale Ale

Surly Give The Devil His Due Double Dry-hopped Hazy Double India Pale Ale. "Juicy/Hazy/Devilish."

9.3 % ABV. Surly Brewing, Minneapolis & Brooklyn Center, MN.

What is the meaning of the name of this beer? Surly surely doesn't make many beers of this style, not as many as Blackstack, for instance. Or Falling Knife or Barrel Theory or Stacked Deck or Wild Mind or Modist, etc., etc, etc. Does the name reflect the tarnished image many now have of this pioneer in Minnesota craft brewing? Are they acknowledging that many see them as "the Devil" and that by putting out a beer of this style, it's time to give them their due?

Or, is it something else, and I'm reading too much into it? 

Let's just drink it and see...

I

Clear (what happened to "hazy", not that I care?), bright amber color, nearing crimson, under a lasting, stable layer of ivory foam.

In the nose: Big citrus and pine, with a side of burnt caramel. Hops on fire. Fierce and formidable.

In the mouth: Boom! Rich, hoppy, powerful. Alcohol heat dominates the palate from the start. Citrus and pine, pinch of tropical. Just a bit juicy, not a whit hazy, definitely devilish. Devious, in fact. Tastes unlike any other DDH DIPA out there, and I'm happy for it. Full bodied, long, bitter finish, unstoppable hoppiness. A nightcap for sure. 

So, I like this. I'd like to drink it again. And I wish I hadn't finished the four-pack so soon. Well, I guess it's no so bad. I held onto this final can for 17 days. You can't keep them forever. Drink your beers, people. That's why the Lord made them. 

Oh, wait, don't go, I have one more thing. You know that original Surly logo that no longer appears on their packaging, but you can see in my photo, on the glass (forgot that I switched the glass on this one, after the pour wasn't perfect) and coasters? A friend of mine was recently lamenting on Facebook the loss due to breakage of one of his pint glasses, and that is was in the style they will no longer make with the Gabe and Lou faces. Gabe and Lou, I had to ask, what's that? The two faces of that old design were named for Gabriel and Lucifer, apparently, although it was never mentioned to me before in all the years I'd had a close association with Surly. But, I still don't get it. Disgruntled disappointment and blissful satisfaction aren't exactly states of mind that I would deem parallel to the heavenly and the satanic. That's just me, though. Being unhappy with your current situation doesn't make you evil. 

BREWED FOR ROSINING UP YOUR BOW

Hellacious amounts of hop flavor, fiendish notes of stone fruit and citrus, and a smooth, sinister finish. It sounds almost sinful, doesn’t it? Go ahead, indulge, open a can of this diabolical, double-dry-hopped hazy double IPA, and Give The Devil His Due. Being bad never tasted this good.

GIVE THE DEVIL HIS DUE

 Juicy | Hoppy | Devilish

DDH DOUBLE IPA

COLOR

Hazy Amber

HOPS

Lotus

Amarillo

El Dorado

Citra

MALT

2-Row

Vienna

Oat Malt

Wheat Malt

Honey Malt

Golden Naked Oats

Flaked Oats

OG

YEAST

Hazy Ale

IBU

Low

ABV

9.3%

SURLY MN USA

Pipeworks Mini Unicorn India Pale Ale

Pipeworks Mini Unicorn India Pale Ale. With Simcoe, Citra, Mosaic and Amarillo hops.

5 % ABV. Pipeworks Brewing, Chicago, IL. 

Why did I buy this beer? 1. It's from Pipeworks, and I like the beers they make. 2. It's an IPA, and I like their IPAs. 3. Nothing on this label suggests that it's hazy, or milkshake, or has lactose. Or marshmallows. 4. It was only 9.99 for the four-pack. I like to reward such things with a purchase. Anytime I'm paying less than $3 per beer, it's a good thing. 

So, let's drink it, already. 

Clear, bright golden, slim white head. 

In the nose: Citrusy hop aromatics. Present and expressive, but rather mild, compared to it's predecessor (Ninja Vs. Unicorn DIPA).

In the mouth: Brief blast of bitterness hits the palate, and lingers on. Lightness in body, but not in flavor. Big citrus, high hoppiness.Extraordinary ease of drinkability, exquisitely tasty. 

I like this a lot. Good ol' IPA, no haze, no craze, no gimmicks, just goodness. 

I did not have a Trapper Keeper in the year 2000. I would have had mine in the 80's. It might had had Spider-Man on it. Not this overblown cuteness on the label. I think they're suggesting that one needs be a 12 year old girl to drink it. 

IPA with Citra, Simcoe, Amarillo, and Mosaic hops

If you had a trapper keeper in the year 2000, you may know the vibes! 

Mini Unicorn is a smaller, more mini, version of Ninja vs Unicorn! Instead of a Double IPA, this is a straight up 5% IPA absolutely bursting with hop aroma. This might just be a new favorite - and would you expect any less from mini unicorns?!

Arbeiter Acid Factory Peach Sour Ale

Arbeiter Acid Factory Peach Sour Ale.

4 % ABV. 10 IBU. Arbeiter Brewing, Minneapolis, MN. 

I picked this one up at my second visit to the brewery, back in February. There were two from this series available, the other being plum. I kind of wished I'd bought that one instead, or in addition. Arbeiter's beers are now being carried at the retail store where I work, but that Acid Factory Plum is not one of them. This one is. Alas. There's still a few that  I haven't tried, so stay tuned for more. (And many more at the brewery, of course, which I hope to return too soon.)

Clouded, bright golden color, zip head. 

In the nose: fruit, tart, big ol' peach. 

In the mouth: Fresh and funky. Flush with fruit. Large with the peach, other stone fruits pop up in association. A little apricot? Lip-smackingly sour, zesty and peachy. Medium bodied, light fruity finish. Leaves the palate quickly, but very enjoyable, very tasty. 

The peach version of Acid Factory, our series of fruited kettle sour beers.

The base for this version of Acid Factory was inspired by a traditional Berliner Weisse which is a very low-ABV wheat ale with a tart/sour component from either lactobacillus or other bacteria.

Highly effervescent, lightly tart, and bursting with flavors of ripe peach. It’s Peach AF!!

Allergens: Wheat

I still hold that "AF" is dumb. Dumb as fudge.

Hammerheart Åttebeint Hest Northern IPA

Hammerheart Åttebeint Hest. Northern India Pale Ale. 

7 % ABV, brewed and canned by Hammerheart Brewing Company, Lino Lakes, MN. 

And now, at last, we have it, the first appearance in the Nib of Hammerheart in a can. It's taken me long enough. And this is one I'd had before, nearly five years ago, at the brewery. So glad to try it again. 

Clouded, bright crimson color, lush and lasting cream-toned, almost amber head.

In the nose: Citrus and pine, slightly dank and resinous, but majorly malty, with yeast at play, as well. 

In the mouth: Bright citrus, lemon and grapefruit, orange zest and powerful pine. Sucking the fir branches. Big bitterness, with just a jolt of juicy, and a big malt mouthfeel. I am liking this a lot. Dark, mysterious, and satisfying. Bitterness and delicious malt returns with each new sip. 

This one is much like the best of Hammerheart's output: unique, uncompromising, and yum a dum dum. 

Named after Odin's horse Sleipnir, who had eight legs allowing him to traverse the nine realms, this beer is a Northern approach to a West Coast IPA. Bitter, piney, resinous, dry and a bit darker than your standard IPA. 

Summit Triumphant Session IPA

Summit Triumphant Session IPA.

95 Cals, 3.5 Carbs, 4.0% Alc/Vol. Summit Brewing Company, St. Paul. 

Now, here we have the sort of beer I would not normally purchase on my own. I tend to do just fine making a session out of regular IPAs. (Once in a while, I find myself making a session of drinking double IPAs, but I don't recommend the practice to everyone. Not even to myself.) And low calorie beers don't do much for me. But, enough people spoke highly of it, and no one was just going to give me a sample. Luckily, there were some cans on the singles shelf at work, so I dropped two bucks for the chance to give it a whirl. 

Clear, bright goldens, slim white head. 

In the nose: bursting with citrus and pine. Orange, lime and grapefruit.

In the mouth: there it is again, on the palate, all that bold, brash happiness. Lighter malt, leaner body, swiftly diminished finish. Leaves the palate of a quickness, but the flavor remains. Returns anew with each fresh sip. 

This delivers a lot of flavor, but the weak body is a turn-off. I know why others would turn to it, and for that, I am glad it exists. 

At Summit, we believe in celebrating everyday accomplishments, especially with a beer in hand. That’s why we brewed up our Triumphant Session IPA, the beer everyone can cheers to. Hopped in flavor, but not calories or carbs, Triumphant is a low-calorie, low-carb beer clocking in at 95 calories, 3.5g of carbs and 4% ABV per 12oz serving. With tropical notes of pineapple, grapefruit and apricot and balanced bitterness, this brew has all taste of a traditional IPA with a fraction of the ABV. Flavors of bread-crust and sweet citrus lead to a clean, bitter finish. It is the Beer for the Triumphant™.

{Year-Round Release}

Alcohol by Volume: 4.0%

IBUs: 40

Original Gravity: 8ºP

Color: Deep Gold (7L)

Hops: UK Golding, Cascade

Malts: Minch Norton Hook Head Pale Malt, US Pale Malt, Malted Wheat, Dark Crystal, Carafoam, Victory

Kettle Additions: Dry hopped using Cascade, Amarillo Azacca & experimental hops

Yeast: Ale

Established: 2020

Ommegang Bourbon Barrel Three Philosophers

Ommegang Bourbon Barrel Three Philosophers. 

12 % ABV, 5 IBU, Brewery Ommegang, Cooperstown, NY. 

Cracking the ring off the can...pssht! and in goes the beer into my tiny Three Philosophers glass....

Dark burgundy hue, clear-ish, slim but soon-gone head. (Maybe a wider, larger glass would have been better, but I had to go for my Three Philosophers chalice, minuscule as it may be). 

In the nose: Big time bourbon, huge cherry, oak, vanilla. Belgian malt character is big, as well. Sweetness abounds. 

In the mouth: Big booze from the start, whiskey is felt, cherry, oak, vanilla, sweet, then dry. And the Belgian malt and the toffee and caramel are also in play. Lush, and luscious. Just damned delicious. Yum meets a dum dum. 

Our world-renowned Belgian-Style Quadrupel aged gracefully in Bourbon barrels.

Insight Hop Spin Double Dry Hopped Double Hazy IPA

Insight Brewing Hop Spin Double Dry Hopped Double Hazy IPA. Citra and Sabro Hops. Limited Rotating Series. 

8.3 % ABV, Insight Brewing, Minneapolis, MN. 

Quite clouded. Dull orange color. Large and lasting white head. 

In the nose: Citrusy, pinch of pine, twist of tropical. 

In the mouth: Juice bomb at first sip, then the sting of alcohol. Smooth and creamy. Low bitterness. Citrus, tropical fruit, and a bit of stone fruit, too. Passionfruit, papaya, guava, peach. Quite distinctive, if a bit on the sweet side. And the ABV whacks the brain another time. 

This is a uniquely delicious take on this style, and I can't help but like it. 

This is the first in out super-limited, ever-rotating series of tasty IPAs. Loads if Sabro hops are featured in this hazy double IPA and are blended with juicy Citra hops. The result is a big, bold tropical fruit flavor. A perfect escape from our MN winter wonderland.

Three Floyds Brian Boru Irish-style Red Ale

Three Floyds Brian Boru Irish-style Red Ale. 

It's Not Normal. 

6.5 % ABV, 40 IBU. Three Floyds Brewing, Munster, IN. 

Oh, no, I'm drinking an Irish-style beer the day after St. Patrick's Day! Scandal! Horror! What will become of me? Will I turn into a leprechaun? Let's find out...

Lightly clouded, bright crimson coloring, slim white head. 

In the nose: Sweet and malty. Slight fruit/mineral notes. 

In the mouth: Splashes of bold, malty flavors douse the palate. Moderate bitterness, but plenty hoppy for the style. Brief flashes of fruit, apple, cherry, berry, orange, staying sweet, ultimately ending dry. Medium bodied, and ridiculously drinkable. Beautifully balanced. Judiciously bitter hops and fruity malt continue to play, and I'm left draining the glass and wanting more. 

Brian Boru, I hereby dub thee: yum a dum dum. 

Born in Munster, Ireland, Brian Boru spent his life uniting the Irish tribes to become the first high king of Ireland. With a heavy dose of new and old-world hops which gives rise to notes of citrus, stone and tropical fruit, we brewed this rich and full-bodied Irish-style Red Ale for him.

Rogue Colossal Claude Imperial India Pale Ale

Rogue Colossal Claude Imperial India Pale Ale.

8.2 % ABV. 75 IBU. Rogue Ales, Newport, OR. 

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

In the nose: Hoppiness abounds in the aromatics. Bold citrus and pine. Fruity, flowery, lovely. 

In the mouth: Bright, bold, brisk, and dank as it gets. Sticky-icky. Juicy. Candied apricots, orange, grapefruit, passionfruit, tangerine. Stone fruit meets citrus a deep well of resiny hoppitude. Smooth and delicious. Medium bodied, long, hoppy finish, rich and tasty. This one's got the goods. 

I picked up a 6-pack of this because I adore a 6-pack (72 ounces) for only $12. I fell for it at first sip. I'd gladly return for more. This one shot to the top of my list of favorite double IPAs. 

It's been a few decades since a Colossal Claude sighting has been reported, but we're fairly certain the massive sea monster has been laying low off the coast of his favorite brewery. Word has it that after years of terrifying sailors and feasting on salmon he acquired a taste for hops. So we brewed this Imperial IPA with a colossal dose of Cascade, Chinook, Citro and Strata hops in hope of coaxing Claude out to join us for a pint.

Ingredients: Superior Pills, 2-Row, Wheat, Oats, C-15, Cascade, Chinook, Belma™, Eureka, Strata™, Imperial Juice yeast

Fulton Old Fashioned Sweet Child of Vine

Fulton Old Fashioned Sweet Child of Vine India Pale Ale with cherry & orange zest aged in Jameson casks. 7.5 % ABV, 69 IBU, Fulton Beer, Minneapolis, MN. 

Clouded, mostly opaque, reddish hue, slim white head. 

In the nose: Mmm, orange-y. And cherry-y. And whiskey-y. So many things. And yet, also, only a few. 

In the mouth: Fruit hits first, once again, then some of the whiskey. Orange and cherry run the game, here. Only the slightest hop bitterness perceived. Getting sharp, getting strong, sweetness pulls back a bit, but the IPA that is the base is pretty much missing, taken over by the added ingredients. Not getting as much whiskey barrel as we'd like, too. But the orange and cherry are here, don't forget about that. It has some aspects of an old-fashioned, but misses others, and sure as hell doesn't taste anything like an IPA.

Well, I'm glad I tried it, but I can't recommend it. I want more whiskey character, and also some IPA, too. I feel cheated. 

What happens when you take Minnesota's most balanced IPA and age it in Jameson barrels with cherries and oranges? Sweet Child Old Fashioned is what. Classic cocktailing meets complex yet approachable IPA.

Junkyard Brewstand Boogie New England Style Double IPA

Junkyard. Brewstand Boogie New England Style Double IPA.

8 % ABV, 20 IBU. Junkyard Brewing, Moorhead, MN. 

Clouded-up, hazed-out, bright golden hue, large and lasting white head. 

In the nose: Hoppy, citrusy, fuzzy. All that haze. Big orange, with a pinch of pine, and a drop of pineapple.

In the mouth: Juicy, pulpy, overflowing with citrusy flavors. Orange, lemon, grapefruit, bursting upon the palate. Alcohol starts to grow. Low bitterness, but it's there and it lingers. Medium bodied. Easily drinkable. The fuzz meets the bitter. And the alcohol continues to grow. An all-over feeling of goodness pervades. I don't alway dig the hazies, but the Junkyards always work for me. 

This New England DIPA was dry hopped with Eureka, Mosaic, El Dorado, and Azacca. Together these hops provide a big, hazy beer with a soft mouthfeel and plenty of sweet tropical fruitiness! Flavors of candied mango, hints of pineapple and dried orange, with a touch of herbal notes blend harmoniously with this beer’s dank, resinous hop character. This beer is extra special, because it was our brewer Tommy’s first beer recipe! So come grab a beer and LET’S BOOGIE!

Surly Moving Pictures Juicy IPA

Surly Moving Pictures Juicy IPA.

6.5 % ABV, Surly Brewing, Minneapolis/Brooklyn Center, MN. 

Moving Pictures is what they used to calm films, i.e., the movies. It's also a Portland, Oregon videography company, and an 80's Australian rock band (remember "What About Me?). It's a Terry Pratchett novel, and the title of Ali McGraw's autobiography. Also, some Canadian band had an album with that name. Whatever. 

Crack, goes the ...what do we call that thing? I should know...the ring? anyway, the can is open and into the glass it goes...

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

In the nose: Bold citrus and pine. Lemon, orange, and grapefruit. 

In the mouth: Yep, it's juicy. Minor bitterness. Fruity flavors, lean body, easy drinkability. Yup, it's fruity and juicy and an IPA and you can drink it. Not much more to say. 

Flavors paint pictures in our minds. Blink for a moment and they freeze—grapefruit, tangerine, mango, papaya—blink again and the frame resets. Dry-hopped with Amarillo, El Dorado, and Lotus hops, Moving Pictures IPA tells this story in each sip.

Guinness Foreign Extra Stout

Guinness Foreign Extra Stout. 7.5 % ABV. 65 IBU.

Genuine Quality Stout. St. James Gate, Dublin, Ireland. 

And now, part three. This bottle I will now consume is one I am reviewing for the first time. Why, I interrogate of myself, why? If you read part two and my 2003 notes on the Extra Stout, I was desperately in search of the African Foreign Extra Stout. I was hoping one of my African customers at the bar I ran, The Blue Nile, would bring one back for me after a trip back home, from Nigeria, or Ghana, or Cameroon, even Kenya, but that never happened. The closest I came was a friend who was returning from seeing family in Tanzania, but she couldn't do it, although she did bring me a Safari lager from that country. Not the same. 

In 2005, I finally managed to get a bottle of the stuff through a trade-chain, something called Beer It Forward, but this was a bottle from Barbados, closest I could get. It was imported to the U.S., though, but never came to our local market. I will share those notes at the end. A few years later, the Dublin brewery finally began making this beer for the African customers in the U.K., and then started to import it to the U.S. I began to stock it at the Blue Nile, but it wasn't as easy to market it to those who used to drink it back in the Caribbean and Africa, for reasons I'll never figure out. They thought it was the nitro draught stuff, that they hated? I never took notes on those bottles, because I figured that I'd already done it. 

But is Dublin different from Barbados? What a silly question. Off we go to pry off the crown and indulge in this stout that I haven't tried in many a year. 

Solid ebony appearance, complete opacity, with a full, rich, tanned head, all poured into a Lion Stout glass, because apparently I broke the Guinness Foreign Extra Stout glass that I've held onto all these years. No Guinness glasses in my house, but when was the last time I had Guiness at home? Other than last night, or the night before. 

Bottle was set out to reach room temperature. 

In the nose: Cocoa, cola, nuts, a bit of molasses, dark fruits. Moderate bitterness. Intriguing and inviting. 

In the mouth: Lightly bitter, mostly malty, full flavor. Medium to full body. Chocolate and caramel malts are king. Slightly bitter, very dry. Cocoa flavors stay on top. Smooth and flavorful. Pretty well delicious. 

This one was so good, I immediately followed it with another (an unusual occurrence in my household).

(the below ripped from Untappd): PLEASE NOTE: This is the UK and Ireland version only. This version is brewed with pale malt, flaked barley and roasted barley. This differs to the international and Nigerian variants that are brewed under license.

Foreign Extra Stout is a beer like no other. The most full-flavoured of all. Singular and striking. Uniquely satisfying.

Brewed with extra hops and roasted barley for a natural bite. Bitter and sweet. Refreshingly crisp taste. Always rewarding.

Pure beauty. Pure GUINNESS®.

And now, my notes from that Barbados bottle, from 2005: 

A bottle from Barbados, courtesy of Ninjaworm and BiF20 (thanks, Oak!)

thick, opaque, thoroughly black appearance, big, rocky, rumbling, cocoa/ tan head, leaving lace, most impressive look for a stout.

Aroma is sweetness, molasses and brown sugar, and that's about it, but rather full with those flavors...

Taste: big, and brimming with thick, viscous, luscious, sweet dark flavors...thick, and slick on the tongue, sleek, silky, dances on the palate with a light, tangy tango...wow, I'm actually feeling the difference, though...it has a little something in the malt, in the yeast,...maybe I need a bottle of the Extra Stout to compare, but it definitely stands above it. 

Sweet, but a bit complex, and a rich, delicious thing. 

Still on the hunt for the Lagos stuff, but ready to be disillusioned, or at least, understand that it's probably just as good, if not so terribly much better, than this one.

So, 16 years later, I'm still searching for Nigerian, or any African Guinness. If you can help, please call out. It would be nice to close the circle on this particular quest. 

Guinness Extra Stout

 Guinness Extra Stout. St. James Gate, Dublin, Ireland. 5.6 % ABV. 

And now, part two. I will take brief notes on this large bottle of Extra Stout, then compare them with what I first wrote eighteen years ago. Let's crack open this king-size bottle and begin. I don't remember how long it's been since I've had this old favorite, and if I have ever had it in this large bottle, with the Arthur Guinness signature embossed in the glass? And why the big, 22 ounce bottle? Because the 12 ounce bottles weren't available as singles, and I'd rather buy the one (the equivalent of 2 12 ouncers, almost) for $3 than 6 for $9? Or, do I want to feel like a big man, with a big bottle in my hand? Also, I don't have room for six more bottles in my fridge.

Solid blackness, richly roasted tan head, thoroughly opaque. 

In the nose: Cocoa, cream, nuts. dark fruits. Roasty, rich, slightly sweet, delicately bitter. 

In the mouth: Bittersweet, malty, dry. Earthy, roasted, a complex cornucopia of flavors abound on the palate, all that stuff from the nose at play. This is the exemplar of Dry Irish Stout. You might like some better (this is currently ranked only #103 out of all Dry Irish Stouts on BeerAdvocate.com.) Bold, full bodied, long, malty, bittersweet finish. I still like this, after all these years. 

So, a sidebar. I'm not sure what made me drink my first Guinness Extra Stout, but it was the right beer at the right time for me. And it was my favorite beer for a time, along with Bass Ale, until I discovered American crafter beer, and my allegiances to the ales of Ireland and Britain took a backseat. The words I'll share below were written for BeerAdvocate.com in March, 2003, when I was four years into my career as bar manager at the Blue Nile Restaurant & Lounge, and Ethiopian Restaurant, which doubled and tripled as a pan-African/American/Caribbean nightclub, offering many musical styles to delight, well, just about everyone. I grew to learn much about the drinking tastes of our clientele from Africa & the Caribbean. Guinness is second only to Heineken among Africans. 

Here are those notes: 

A personal anecdote: long ago, when I first learned to love beer, Bass and Guinness were my bottles of choice. I had a show of my drawings, some cartoony, some darkly satirical, at a coffee shop near my apartment. My older brother was in town, saw the show, and gave me a surprise visit on a Sunday morning, with bottles all over the floor, from the night before. His judgement: "They're too bitter! Like this beer! LIFE isn't BITTER!"

Ah, ha, ha! Now, I'm not a complete cynic, more a realist in the face of truth, but this example proves a prevalent opinion that divides many beer drinkers on the subject of Guinness.

Another anecdote: at my bar, we sell a ton of Extra to our African and Carribean customers, and we used to also serve it on "draught". I would tell my bartenders that if an African customers asks for Guinness, they want the bottle, and if it's an American, check whether they want tap or bottle. Once a ponytailed caucasian ordered a Guinness and the bartender asked, "Bottle or tap." After stating his preference, he turned to his mate to remark, "What a stupid question!" (It didn't take long for me to realize the draught kegs were moving too slow, and I had the nitro system taken out.)

Color as black as pitch, big, creamy, rocky tan head. Aroma is filled with sweet and roasty flavor, hints of coffee and spice. More flavors come through on the palate, dark cherries, berries, chocolate. Some bitterness, huge and flavorful malt. Long lasting and tasty finish. Bold and substantial, this classic is best consumed cool, not cold. 

Another devotee of "draught" once told me on the subject of stouts, "There's only one!", referring to Guinness. I'm glad that that's not true, but I never turn down Extra Stout.

Now, to get my hands on that African Foreign Extra that I've heard so many fables about!

Drinking this in 2021, I'm wondering how many times have I actually had it on purpose (rather than finishing off a mistakenly opened bottle, after work) in all these years. I was more interested in finding American craft brewed stouts, than continuing to support a massive international conglomerate. And there ain't nothing wrong with that. 

And now, in 2021, what do I think of it? It's not exactly yum a dum dum, but it is still satisfying. 

As deep as Guinness Extra Stout’s color is its taste. Crisp barley cuts through hops. A bite draws you in, bold flavors linger. Bitter marries sweet. A rich, refreshing taste. Brewed with skill. Built to last.

A direct descendant of our archival recipes, Guinness Extra Stout is based on a beer first brewed in 1821, when Arthur Guinness II set down precise instructions for brewing his Superior Porter. This beer has since become the precursor to every Guinness innovation you’ve ever enjoyed. Brewed at our St. James’s Gate brewery in Dublin, Guinness Extra Stout is crafted from finest quality malt, hops and Irish barley.

Sharp and crisp to the taste, it’s an entirely different experience from the smooth, creamy Guinness Draught and punchier Foreign Extra Stout, but the trademark Guinness flavors preside. We’ve come a long way since this beer was first dreamt up in the 1800s, but we’ve stuck to our values. We’re blessed with over 250 years of brewing experience, and, as Guinness moves forward, history accompanies us in the bottle still enjoyed by people all over the world.

Guinness Draught (can)

Guinness Draught (can). Irish Dry Stout.

4.2 % ABV, Guinness Ltd., St. James Gate, Dublin, Ireland, (and who the hell knows where else, all over the world. )

Well, here it is, nearly St. Patrick's Day, and the minds and appetites of beer drinkers everywhere turns to Ireland and it's stouts. Except me. Why does a guy with an Irish name practically boycott St. Paddy's day every year. I'm just naturally contrary, I guess.

It occurs to me that something is very missing from the Bitter Nib, and it is Guinness Stout. If you check entries under the Guinness name here, you'll find three beers by that brewing conglomeration, and none of them are stouts: Harp Lager, Smithwick's Irish Red Ale, and Guinness Blonde Lager. All three of these were samples given by the distributor to intice me into ordering kegs for St. Patrick's Day. It didn't work, but I did write reviews of them. 

When I check over on BeerAdvocate.com, it looks like I've had four from that company, (not counting the aforementioned three above) all of them their stouts. So, what I'm going to do, my friends, is revisit three of them (I don't know when I'll ever see the Belgian Guinness again), then look back at my old reviews, all in time for the grand Gaelic holiday. 

First, tonight, a can of the nitro-widget "draught", which I did not purchase. How did it end up in my possession? I dropped it. Accidentally, of course. And the cans fell in such a way that the tops bumped out in a convex fashion, making them ultimately un-resalable, and were offered up for grabs, so I took some home. Who am I to turn away free beer? And, while it's not my favorite, it's still an okay beer, which one can actually drink. 

One last thing, looking at my notes from a bottle in March, 2003,  I gave it a rating of 2.88/5, roughly 20% below the average. On the other hand, my review of Extra Stout, also from March, 2003, was a rating of 4.33/5, 14.9 % above the average. 

So, we crack the can open, and the cascading effect begins immediately before I can take a good picture. After it settled, we have a full ebon appearance (or is it "dark ruby"?), completely opaque, with a lush, lasting, creamy head.

In the nose: smooth, creamy blend of cocoa, coffee, cream, and dark fruits, whipped up ethereally by nitrogen. 

In the mouth: Light bitterness, lean and clean, mostly malty. But the creamy, nitrogen quality makes it much lighter than I care for, smoother than a stout should be, in my opinion. This is very popular, but I'll never understand why. For the same reason Coors Light is popular, and Miller, and Stella and such. Whatcha gonna do? 

This is the sort of thing I would drink in a social situation if offered, but only if there were no alternatives. If it were the only option on tap, maybe, probably. It certainly doesn't deliver what I look for in a stout. 

Now, those notes from 2003, several years after the initial introduction of the nitro bottles: 

Pouring the contents of this unique, innovative bottle creates the mythical creamy head and the magical flowing cascade, so favored in the pubs. Or is it just a cheap imitation?

Aroma nicely hints at coffee and cream, and a touch of chocolate, rich and luscious. Small amounts of bitterness,but exceptionally smooth on the tongue. Light body, thin texture, and far too soft for my taste.

It took me a while to understand the supreme appeal of Draught Guinness, for the Extra Stout was my bottle of choice in early days. I did a taste test between the two, and ultimately found that the draught version resembles a chocolate milkshake, or a mocha latte. It's for people who want to go beyond fizzy lagers and such, but don't really want to approach the bold flavors and bitterness in a true stout or porter.

Short and to the point. And, why not? 

Swirling clouds tumble as the storm begins to calm. Settle. Breathe in the moment, then break through the smooth, light head to the bittersweet reward.

Unmistakeably GUINNESS, from the first velvet sip to the last, lingering drop. And every deep-dark satisfying mouthful in between.

Pure beauty. Pure GUINNESS.

Guinness Draught is sold in kegs, widget cans, and bottles. The ABV varies from 4.1 to 4.3%.

Lagunitas Stereohopic IPA Vol. 1

Lagunitas StereoHopic IPA Vol. 1.

7.2 % ABV, 65 IBU, Lagunitas Brewing, Petaluma, CA, & Chicago, IL. 

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

In the nose: popping with citrus, berries and melon. Lovely stuff. 

In the mouth: Blast of bitterness blazes the palate, then mellows out and lets malt take over. Fresh, zesty, crisp and clean. Long, hoppy finish. Abundance of flavors pounce on the senses, lemon, orange, grapefruit, stone fruit, melon and more, all blended beautifully. 

Again, I consume the first five of this 6-pack with wild abandon, and saved the sixth for now. You should still be able to find some. If you do, grab it up. 

You'll experience how Nelson's catty notes of pear, honeysuckle, and lychee, align with Mosaic's dank bits of dark fruit, berries, and pine. Full-frequency, 4-D flavor in a 3-D world. Now, kick off your kicks, kick back, crack one open, tune out, turn on, and enjoy this StereoHopic Sound: Version 1. 

Big Axe Triple Double double dry-hopped triple IPA

 Big Axe Triple Double (double dry-hopped triple IPA)

10.5 % ABV, 100 IBU. Big Axe Brewing, Nisswa, MN. 

Clear, bright golden hue, slim, but lasting ivory head. 

In the nose: intense citrus, ripe lemon and grapefruit, candied orange, big and raw.

In the mouth: All that and more on the palate, citrus, tropical notes, stone fruit and then some. Orange, pineapple, apricot. Higher alcohol roars in from the start. Body is lean and light, malt is meager and mellow. High hops, big bitterness. Finishing soft and dry. 

This is damned good stuff. I would never turn one away. 

Although, I must make one criticism. Spruce up your labels, guys. If you're going to market, put something pretty on your cans. Someone at the brewery must have a cousin with design skills, or a regular at the taproom, or ...anything's better than "comic sans" taped to the front. 

Double dry hopped (DDH) New England style Triple IPA clocks in at 10.5 %ABV and is loaded with hop flavor and aroma, including intense orange, pineapple and tropical notes along with soft bitterness and mild alcohol warm.

Three Floyds Barrel-aged Blot Out the Sun Imperial Stout

Three Floyds Barrel-aged Blot Out the Sun Imperial Stout.

10.4 % ABV, 97 IBU. Three Floyds Brewing, Munster, IN. 

Black as the Dark Lord's soul, completely opaque, with a large, rich, roasted tan head. 

In the nose: Bourbon bomb, but the bones of a deep, dark, immense imperial stout stick out. Charcoal, anise, molasses, chocolate, coffee, and the toasted remains of the corpses of your vanquished foes, all holding hands and skipping to and fro ...while the cries and lamentations of their women and children ring loudly throughout the smoldering remains of their once proud land. 

In the mouth: A jolt of sweet malt, vanilla, caramel, toffee, dark fruits, coffee and cocoa.. a mellifluous melange of dark, rich flavors that accompanies the swell of joy you feel when you stride the path of destruction caused by you and your unholy horde, having just laid to waste the formerly glorious Kingdom of Karsh-Allath-Gorg-ku'um, and it's ruler, the Mighty Morgukallal, Merchant of Woe and Sire of the Unholy Bastions of Evil, the Knights of the Despoiling.

Bold and bittersweet, like the feeling you experienced as you silenced the cries of the children of Mighty  Morgukallal with your many-taloned boots, coated thickly with the blood of many conquered enemies, many deserving, none truly innocent. As full as a body can be, as your belly is at the Feast of Devastation, after having eviscerated an entire herd of demon wolves and consumed their bedeviled remains, slowly roasted at the Pit of Righteous Deflowering. 

In other words: Yum. A Dum. Dum. 

"Since the dawn of time it has been mankind’s dream to blot out the sun." -C. Montgomery Burns

(Hey, Three Floyds, hire me to write your label copy, okay? Or the descriptions on your taproom menu, when it reopens...soon, I hope...)

Pipeworks Unicorn Space Base Hazy India Pale Ale

Pipeworks Unicorn Space Base Hazy India Pale Ale. with Galaxy, Amarillo, Idaho 7 and Cryo Simcoe hops. 

7 % ABV, Pipeworks Brewing, Chicago, IL. 

All haze-ified, bright golden hue, slim white layer of foam. 

In the nose: There's the fuzz, the bold citrus and sweet tropical. 

In the mouth: Grassy, piney, and slightly tropically, but altogether citrusy. Low bitterness, of course. Lemon, orange, mango, pineapple, passionfruit. Smooth, soft, and easy drinking. Medium bodied. Nails the hazy style perfectly. If you're into that sort of thing. 

Soft, with tropical aromatic waves of pineapple, papaya, good cannabis and mango, bursting like stars out from these suds.

Hubbard's Cave Vanilla Coffee & Cakes Stout

Hubbard's Cave Vanilla Coffee & Cakes Stout. Imperial Stout with coffee, maple syrup and vanilla.

12 % ABV. Hubbard's Cave, a subsidiary of Une Anee' Brewery, Niles, IL. 

According to Untappd, this is a "Stout- Imperial / Double Pastry" It has coffee and maple syrup and vanilla, all ingredients we find in our pastries. I won't get started, I promise. I've made my feelings none previously. 

This, I must be upfront about, is not the sort of thing I'd spend my money on. I didn't have to, so it came into my possession, and because of that, I must review it. Of course, I didn't have to take it home, but then, that wouldn't be being me, would it, now? 

Ebon-hued, complete opacity, thick, lasting deep brown head. Impressive looking. 

In the nose: Coffee hits first, then vanilla rises up, followed by cocoa. No sign of maple, yet. Wait, here it is. Not too shabby. 

In the mouth: Here vanilla is king, sweetness boldly taking charge. It's all malt, no hops. And it only gets sweeter. Maple syrup charges in. Coffee lays low. Alcoholic strength starts big and stays big. I could handle this better at less than 12%, even less than 10. Right now, it's a bit much. 

Assessment: it's massive, rich and sweet, with a killer punch. Definitely a sipper, you're sitting in for the long haul, unless you've got a death wish. Coffee component remains minor compared to the other adjuncts. Tasty stuff, if a bit too outsized. So, I didn't hate it, so sue me. 

Imperial Stout with SPUTNIK Coffee and Maple Syrup finished on vanilla beans

Junkyard Fancy Footwork India Pale Ale

Junkyard Fancy Footwork India Pale Ale. 

8.1 % ABV. Junkyard Brewing, Moorhead, MN. 

Hazy as they get, bright (as they can get, amid all the murkiness) golden hue, long-lived, snow-white head. 

In the nose: Hoppy and fuzzy. Citrus, lemon, grapefruit, flashes of tropical fruit coming in from behind. 

In the mouth: Easy, breezy, boozy.  Medium bodied, full of fruity bits, mild bitterness, juicy and wet. The higher ABV comes creeping in. Just enough bitterness keep my palate happy, just enough juicy to please the rest of me. Smooth and easy drinking. I'm enjoying this delightful little number. 

Junkyard keeps making these great IPAs, and I keep drinking them. 

Guys, I'm going to let you in on a little secret though. I try to not review beers from the same brewery after one another, so I made a little rule for this blog a few years back. There must be six reviews of other breweries between two reviews from the same brewery. The last Junkyard review I did was 11 reviews ago. And I have another IPA in the fridge. And there's another IPA in the cooler at the store that I haven't picked up yet. And there will probably be more arriving this week. Do I purchase one of those stouts before they sell out, you know, the ones without marshmallow? Or keep buying the IPAs, and never drink anything but their IPAs, which I will always enjoy? 

Whatever happens, I'll keep drinking them. 

Goose Island Tropical Beer Hug DDH Double IPA

Goose Island Tropical Beer Hug DDH Double IPA. "Tropical. Smooth. Hop Explosion." 

9.9% ABV, 45 IBU. Goose Island Beer, Chicago, IL and elsewhere. 

Let us state a few factoids before beginning. I do not keep up with the Goose Island Beer Company, for various reasons, though I am not necessarily anti-Goose Island. They're just not a priority. But then along comes this new beer that I've never heard of, being released in the format of the 19.2 ounce can for $2.99. There are other DIPAs that exist in this format, from Sierra Nevada and New Belgium, among others, I am sure. But none of them are DDH DIPAs, which is the hippest, hottest style of the moment, surpassed only by for DDH TIPAs. (Where are you, DDH QIPA?)

So, though the DDH isn't really my thing, I picked it up and I'll review it, because you can't can't beat a 10% DIPA for $3, can you? In a 19 oz. can? That's like finding a DIPA 6-pack for $11, and that doesn't happen. 

Label illustration: a bear made of hops wearing sunglasses underneath palm fronds. Because, of course. 

Clear (holy moly, a DDH that's not also a hazy/NE? What?), bright golden color, large and lasting, creamy white head. 

In the nose: Citrus, pine, and hints at tropical fruits. Orange and grapefruit meet pineapple and passionfruit. 

In the mouth: Big bite of bitter at the start, turning juicy and fruity. The sting of the strength starts off quickly and attacks with a vengeance, but never gets angry, just spreads boozy joy. Juicy/fruity ultimately turns to dry and delicious. Tropical tones start to lead the domination of the palate. Getting tastier and tastier. Bright, crisp, all manner of citrus and tropical yum a dum dum. 

Is there an arms race for DIPAs in 19.2 ounce cans. It's crazy. What if there were 40 ounce bottles of DIPA for $6? Wouldn't that be insane? I'm living in a cuckoo clock! 

Breckenridge Single Hop IPA

 Breckenridge Single Hop IPA.

6.3 % ABV, Brieckenridge Brewery, Littleton, CO. 

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

In the nose: Wonderful expression of hops, sending off citrus and melon and more. 

In the mouth: Juicy and fruity from the start, with an appropriate amount of bitterness, blessing the palate. None too anything here, so far. Quite tasty. Citrus and tropical notes abound. Medium bodied, long, hoppy finish. Palate pleasing and easy drinking. 

Brewed with Strata hops. Notes of passion fruit, orange, tropical fruits, and berry. 

Collective Arts / Mikkeller Origin of Darkness Imperial Stout w/ Almond Milk & Coffee

Collective Arts / Mikkeller Origin of Darkness Bourbon barrel-aged Imperial Stout w/ Almond Milk & Coffee.

11.3 % ABV, Collective Arts Brewing, Hamilton, ON, CAN. 

Solid blackness, complete opacity. no head, not even for a second. 

In the nose: Rich, immense, bleak. Darkness personified. Over-powering bourbon barrel effects. Molasses, anise, dark fruits, charcoal. And coffee, some coffee. And, hey, am I picking up on the almond milk, too? 

In the mouth: Thick. Viscous. Powerful. Earthy. And just a little bit creamy. Milk and coffee. Full bodied. Beyond full. Powerful. Coffee is king, ultimately, barrel-aging is in the backseat. And it's increasingly delicious. I'm digging it big time. 

In an homage to their iconic Beer Geek Breakfast series, we brewed a vegan-latte inspired imperial stout. Aged in freshly emptied Kentucky Bourbon Barrels, this brew gets a jolt of caffeine from roasted coffee beans from Detour Coffee, and some smoothness from Almond Milk from Earth’s Own plant based beverage company.

Swing Barrel Cheater Hops IPA

Swing Barrel Cheater Hops New England India Pale Ale. 

7.5 % ABV. Brewed and packaged in Moorhead, MN. Swing Barrel Brewing Company is an independently owned and operated craft brewery located in Moorhead, MN, 56560. 

So, there I am minding my own business amongst the beer shelves when along comes a man who recognizes me as an employee of the retail store where I currently work, a man I've never met before, and he says, hey, I'd like to share a beer with you. It's from Moorhead, where I'm from, and I don't really drink IPAs, but maybe you'd like it. Well, that sure is nice. I'll bring it by tomorrow, he says. Oh, too bad, I tell him, I have the day off tomorrow. You know what, he says, I'll just walk down to my house and get it for you, says Greg. Some time later, my boss approaches me and hands me this crowler. Is this from Greg, I ask. Yes, it is. I don't think my boss likes IPAs. And also, it seems that he was going to bring this brewery in already, without free crowlers from Greg. And now I have a new IPA from Moorhead that's not Junkyard, and I have Greg to thank, and also John. Let's drink it...

What does "cheater hops" mean? I've only encountered this phrase before from beers out of Junkyard, also in Moorhead. Is it really cheating if you're just crafting a great recipe from the best ingredients at hand? The label seems to imply that a certain New England football team and it's quarterback may have been guilty of cheating at some point? I don't follow the sports balls. 

Thorughly hazed, with an oddly orange coloration, smack between gold and crimson, and a stable, white head. It's not quite the right look for the style, and that's setting the tone for the proceedings. 

In the nose: a fruity melange, some citrus and tropical notes, with plenty of malt back-up. 

In the mouth: Juicy, fruity, malty, plenty of hops shining through. Soft, mellow, smooth. Low bitterness. More malty. Nice, hoppy flavors, but...it's just ...missing something. Some spark that it lacks. It seems to be stuck between styles, not quite clicking. Average. Mediocre. Not really anything to talk about. Huh. Whatever. 

Is this "New England" because it's hazy, or...there's something missing in this recipe, not quite delivering on whatever the promise is...

Cheaters? Maybe. But one cannot argue with results, and Citra, Mosaic, and Simcoe hops win the day in this juicy New England Style India Pale Ale. 

It...it just doesn't work. It's an okay beer, and one can still drink it, but...sigh...

Augustiner Maximator Doppelbock

Augustiner Maximator Doppelbock.

7.5 % ABV. 

Brewed and bottled in Munich, Germany by Augustiner Brewery. 

So, there I am looking at the list of top-rated doppelbocks on BeerAdvocate and the first one that I hadn't had was this one. Had I had anything from Augustiner-Brau? I have a review of their Edelstoff lager from May of 2010 on BeerAdvocate. I didn't care for it then, so I think I'll try it again. Meanwhile, I'll try this one for the first time. We have it at the store where I work, and I talked the manager into singling them out. Not enough space in my fridge for another 6-pack of doppelbocks. (He says, though he just stuffed it with IPAs, double IPAs, and barrel-aged barleywines.)

On to the beer: 

Clear, caramel/brown-ish hue, cream-toned, short-lived head.

In the nose: Classic malty notes dominate, dark fruits, figs and raisins, caramel and toffee. Brown sugar, molasses. Sweet stuff, but well-balanced. 

In the mouth: Sticky, sweet, and ever-so tasty. Lightly roasty/toasty. Medium bodied, moderate strength, low bitterness, and richly rewarding. Flavors from the aroma arrive on the palate. Goes down nice and easy. An utter delight. 

The pleasant, dark Doppelbock of monasterial origin, especially suited for festivities during the chilly season.

Surly Periscope Pale Ale

Surly Periscope Pale Ale. 

5.5 % ABV, Surly Brewing, Minneapolis/Brooklyn Center. 

This is my last remaining can from the Mixed Messages sampler pack, and it was the only beer in that package that I'd never had before. I went through 3 Furious, 3 Grindcore, 3 Fall to Pieces, and 2 of these just to get to this moment, this can, this blog post. Will it be worth it? We shall see...

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

In the nose: Bold, assertive, hop-centric aromatics. Citrus all the way. Lemon, orange, grapefruit. 

In the mouth: Fresh, zesty, bright and beautiful. Light-bodied, refreshing, delicious. I like a good pale ale, and this is one, for sure. To use a phrase I normally despise, it's crushable. That what I will do to the can, when I'm done. And I'll figuratively "crush" the contents of this glass, as it exits the pint and fill my belly in no time flat. 

A classic pale ale, dry-hopped with Centennial hops, available exclusively in our Mixed Messages variety pack.

BlackStack DDH Sponge Bath DIPA

BlackStack DDH Sponge Bath DIPA.

8.5 % ABV, BlackStack Brewing, St. Paul, MN. 

This is the sort of beer that I do not normally purchase. I am striving to avoid 4-packs that retail at $16 and up. There's a lot of good beers out there to drink that don't push those particular limits. This one, though, was sold as single for $5 or so, and I picked one up, why not. If it were up to me, all of those "spendy" 4-packs would be on the single shelf, if only for a little while. But, it's not my call, just one of my many struggles. 

Hazy as hazy gets, bright golden coloration, slim white head. 

In the nose: Bold citrus notes, and more. Lemon, tangerine, grapefruit, mango, orange. Bright and sunny. 

In the mouth: Comes on soft and smooth, with a certain citrus spike in the flavors. All the above return on the palate. "Pillowy" mouthfeel, sure. (Who came up with that dumb phrase?) Juicy, of course. Low bitterness...the kind I hate. This succeeds spectacularly at a style I've come to despise more and more. For me, a "double IPA" should not just be higher alcohol, but also double the bitterness. Not here, no way. I get no kicks out of it, that's for sure. It tastes fine, I guess, but this style is so antithetical to what I enjoy in a real IPA, I really should avoid them altogether, except...

...except that's all anyone makes anymore. And they put them out without labeling them as such. And it's just so fucking boring...sigh...And if they make a non-hazy IPA, they have to act cutely ironic about it...

We’ve been honing our soft & squishy IPA game since we opened our doors 3 ½ years ago. Our constant pursuit of pillowy hop perfection leads us down many paths, but some combinations lather better than others. Double portions of our hand selected Citra Cryo, Mosaic, Cashmere Cryo & Strata. Soothing and refreshing, just like a sponge bath at Burning Man. Relax, Rinse & Repeat.

"Soft & Squishy" is not how I'd ever refer to a good IPA. It's the end times, people. 

Great Lakes Tripel Dog Dare Belgian Style Triple Ale

Great Lakes Tripel Dog Dare Belgian Style Triple Ale. 

9% ABV, 30 IBU. Great Lakes Brewing, Cleveland, OH. 

Clear...-ish. There are floaties about. This is not an old bottle. I purchased it in December, I believe. Or, early January. 

Color, a bright amber. Not quite the color I desire in this style, which would be a brighter gold. They can't all be Tripel Karmeliet, I guess. Slim white head. 

In the nose: Citrus and spice. Slice of funk. Banana and clove? Bubblegum. Touch of floral. 

In the mouth: Starts out pulpy and sweet. Not as clean and lean as I like from this style. Big, boisterous fruit and side of spice. ABV rises up to greet with a quickness. Bubblegum bubbles over the fruit. Much malt, minor hop bitterness. Full flavors.

This may not be the best American-brewed Belgian-style tripel, but I sure do enjoy the heck out of it. 

It’s the coup de grace of all beers! Brazenly bold with spicy clove and citrus aromas, Tripel Dog Dare is fodder for the rabble-rouser and mischief-maker in all of us.​