BlackStack Foresight DDH Double IPA

BlackStack Foresight DDH Double IPA. Brewed in collaboration with 8th State Brewing. Citra, Strata and Nelson. 

8.5 % ABV, Brewed and packaged by BlackStack Brewing, St. Paul, MN. 

All kinds of hazy. Dull gold color. Large white head. 

In the nose: Expressive aromatics. Bold citrus with a side of stone fruit. That's what the DDH is all about. 

In the mouth: Juicy, soft, and creamy. Almost obscenely so. Modicum of hop bitterness. Dances daintily upon the palate. Finds a happy place in the mouth and plays around with some semblance of restraint. Just a little dry at the end. 

This is for you people who like this sort of stuff. I supposed it's pretty good if you're one of them. I remain unmoved. 

The first installment of a collaboration in 3 parts with Cam & the rest of our buds at The Eighth State Brewing in Greenville, SC. Featuring fortuitously large portions of our hand selected Strata, Citra & New Zealand Nelson Sauvin on a smooth & creamy base, courtesy of Oats, Wheat & Spelt.

The back label descriptions continue to sound like the writing of someone well and truly baked. In this context, I feel the need to alert them that "fortuitously" does not mean what you think it does. 

Clutch Barnstomp Biere de Garde

 Clutch Barnstomp Biere de Garde. 

7 % ABV, 25 IBU. Clutch Brewing, St. Paul, MN. 

And here we have the first appearance in the Nib of the Clutch Brewery of St. Paul. I've had their beers once before, my first and so far only visit to their taproom, back in 2019. I didn't take anything home with me because they were only doing glass growlers at the time, and Ed and I were traveling by bike. I learned a long time ago not to bike with glass growler, unless they're well protected. And now look, they've got cans. So, let's drink one. 

A biere de garde? No one puts out those! Maybe they'll brew one, but you don't see many packaged. 

Clear, reddish-brown, large and lasting beige head of foam.

In the nose: Slightly sweet, malty, herbal. Light hops, minor spice. 

In the mouth: Tasty stuff from the first sip, and not a typical beer in the slightest. Toffee sticks out first among the flavors, joined by dark fruits, Medium body. Good balance. Minor hop bitterness, mostly malty, Caramel, touc
h of coca, whiff of coffee, then it's back to the berries. 

Very enjoyable. I hope they have success with this. It's nice to see a brewery not merely putting out NE IPAs and fruited sours. 

This malty ale brewed with French Strisselspalt hops has hints of black currant atop a wave of biscuit and toast character. Fermented with a lager yeast, this clean finishing farmhouse style ale is the perfect blend of lager and Ale.

Lvivske 1715 Premium Lager

 Lvivske 1715 Premium Lager.

4.7 % ABV. Carlsberg Ukraine, Kyiv, Ukraine. 

I decided that tonight would be a good time to drink a Ukrainian beer, thinking of those people, hoping for peace and their safety. 

Crystal clear, bright yellow, large white head. 

In the nose: typical green glass skunk. Grainy, lightly floral, maybe some corn coming through. 

In the mouth: Light, smooth, inoffensive. Lacks character and body. Goes down without a care. It's a Euro Lager. And you can drink it. Not too shabby in the end, there. 

Also: Fuck Putin.

«Львівське 1715» — світле пиво бездоганної якості, заснованої на трьохсотлітніх традиціях та ще давніших таємницях львівських броварів. З вуст у вуста, від батька до сина передавалися секрети стародавнього рецепту. Легкий хмільний напій з чистим солодовим ароматом і неповторним смаком стане справжнім відкриттям для усіх любителів класики та стародавніх традицій.«Львівське 1715» — світле пиво бездоганної якості, заснованої на трьохсотлітніх традиціях та ще давніших таємницях львівських броварів. З вуст у вуста, від батька до сина передавалися секрети стародавнього рецепту. Легкий хмільний напій з чистим солодовим ароматом і неповторним смаком стане справжнім відкриттям для усіх любителів класики та стародавніх традицій.

Clown Shoes Royal Standard Wee Heavy Ale

Clown Shoes  Royal Standard Wee Heavy Ale.

8% ABV, Clown Shoes Beer, Boston, MA. 

Mostly clear, amber hued, slim, white head, not long for this world. 

In the nose: Malty, slightly sweet, with a nice deployment of fruity associations, citrus, apple, melon. Little touch of hops. 

In the mouth: Big malt, big sweet, more fruit, and here comes the booze. Lacks carbonation. Should have fuller body. Doesn't taste like any Wee Heavy I've ever had. Is it an Imperial Scottish Ale, maybe? 

This is the last one from the 12 Beers of Christmas pack, and I'm a bit disappointed. I expect Wee Heavies to be a bit darker and richer. 

This ain't bad, but it ain't what I wanted. 

Our oatmeal stout revisits the classic British style. Roasted barley and flaked oats combine for a smooth, smoky lusciousness. Notes of chocolate and roasted coffee lie beneath a velvety foam head to cap it all off. Cheers!

Bent Paddle Oatmeal Stout

Bent Paddle Oatmeal Stout.

6.4 % ABV, 25 IBU, Bent Paddle Brewing, Duluth, MN.

My final can from the current (or is it now former?) Adventure Pack. Time to take some notes. 

Absolute ebony, complete opacity, slim, but staying, ring of brown foam. 

In the nose: Roasty, nutty, bittersweet. Cocoa and coffee. Warm and inviting. 

In the mouth: Chocolate and coffee dominate the flavors from the start, bittersweet notes pleasing the palate. Exceptional balance and exceptionally smooth. This feels richer and maltier than the typical oatmeal stout, and I can appreciate that. I would like to enjoy this more often. Tasty little drinker and easy going down the gullet. Make more, please! 

Our oatmeal stout revisits the classic British style. Roasted barley and flaked oats combine for a smooth, smoky lusciousness. Notes of chocolate and roasted coffee lie beneath a velvety foam head to cap it all off. Cheers!

Weltenburger Kloster Asam Bock

Weltenburger Kloster Asam Bock. 

7.3 % ABV. Klauster Brauwerei Welternburger, Weltenburg, Bavaria, Deutschland.

Dark, nearly black, with ruby highlights, clear, creamy-toned head resting above. Looking good.

In the nose: Roasty-toasty, nutty malts. Slightly sweet. Caramel notes. 

In the mouth: Malt sweetness hits the lips first, and coats over the palate. Caramel, nuts, and lightly burnt toast in the flavors. Medium bodied, long malty finish. Classically clean. Hearty, and deliciously drinkable. Notes of chocolate emerge.

Very enjoyable. I love a good doppelbock, and this is definitely one. 

Der Weltenburger Asam Bock verdankt seinen Namen dem genialen, barocken Maler und Baumeister Cosmas Damian Asam. Der malzbetonte Bock verströmt leichte Röstaromen, die eine Kaffeenote erahnen lassen. Freunde und Kenner schätzen ihn besonders wegen seines kräftig-süßen, sehr aromatischen und bis zum Abgang anhaltenden Geschmacks. Mit seinen 6,9 % Alkoholgehalt ist es der stärkste Gerstensaft aus der Weltenburger Familie.

612 Basic Instinct West Coast IPA

612 Basic Instinct West Coast IPA. Dank. Citrus. Pine.

Proudly brewed and canned by 612 Brew in Northeast Minneapolis, MN. 

Here we have the sixth entry for 612 Brew in seven years. I've said it before, I'm just not keen on this brand. Now, here they are with a new beer, replacing the Mill City Pilsner, and it's one of my favorite styles. Often, if I feel that I can trust a brewery, I'll just go ahead and buy a six- or 4-pack of a West Coast IPA. If I'm not so sure that I'll like the product, I'll do what I did this time, and wait until a can breaks and the remaining five go on the singles shelf.  Two bucks for a single, that's not much of a gamble. Let's see what's inside. 

Clear, bright golden color, huge white head. Looks the part. 

In the nose: Expressive aromatics, spilling out appropriate amounts of citrus and pine. Pretty much right on the money. 

In the mouth: Highly hopped, intensely bitter, in all the right ways, just enough bite for a hophead like me. Dank, resinous, bitter, brittle, and dry. It hits all the right notes. Medium bodied, long hoppy finish. Never-ending hop bitterness upon the palate. Travel well down the gullet. Quite tasty, and very satisfying.. 

And now I feel the fool, wishing I had five more of these. 

Oliphant Swamp Thang Smoked Wee Heavy

Oliphant Swamp Thang Smoked Wee Heavy. A Collaboration with 9 Mile Brewing.

9 % ABV, Oliphant Brewing, Somerset, WI. 

I had to wade through my Oliphant reviews to find out if I'd had this beer. It looks like I have, if this is the same beer. But that one was a smoked Scottish Ale, not a Wee Heavy. Those should be two different things. Also it was 8, not 9% ABV, and it wasn't a collaboration with 9 Mile. (A collaboration seems perfectly natural, since 9 Mile brewer John Leingang worked for many years at Dangerous Man, where Oliphant co-owner Matt Wallace also once was employed.) 9 Mile's version was on tap for their opening, but I did not try it, for I did not want to stand in line another half hour for a beer. 

Of course, there was also Swamp Thing, the unsmoked Scotch Ale, but it doesn't  seem like I ever came across that one. 

Dark brown color, nearly opaque, large creamy tan head on top. 

In the nose: Smoked malt up front, sweet malty notes coming in from behind. Toffee and cocoa are tops in this game, with smoke flavors wafting through out. Bacon meets the sweet treats. 

In the mouth: Rich and sweet, clean and smooth. Full body. Delicious. Smoke flavor is much milder on the palate, but it's there. Chocolate and toffee flavors again take command. No hops or bitterness to be found anywhere. Malt is master here, and the sweetness is still held in check. There's bound to be someone to find this "too sweet", but they are lost souls who cannot be saved. The smoke is there to reign it in. It ends with a twist of dryness, but with sweet right by it's side. 

A wonderful beer. Keep on making great beers like this, guys, and I'll keep drinking them. 

A collaboration with Nine Mile Brewing. Peat- and beechwood-smoked scotch ale.

Founders Velvet Rush Imperial Brown Ale

 

 

Founders Velvet Rush Imperial Brown Ale. Brewed with Coffee, Chocolate, Vanilla Extract and Milk Sugar Aged in Bourbon Barrels. 2021 Release. (Bottled on 07.20.21)

11.1 % ABV, 30 IBU, Founders Brewing, Grand Rapids, MI. 

To the eye:  rich brown color, nearly opaque, large creamy/milky head. Looking good. 

In the nose: Rich chocolate pops out first, soon wrapped up in vanilla.  Coffee appears on the side. . Not much from bourbon barrel, yet. Whole lot of sweetness going on. 

In the mouth: Rich, lush, malty, sweet, delicious.  All the parts are here, in good balance. Very dessert-like, and I applaud Founders for not calling it a "pastry stout". It is a sign of intelligence and maturity. 

Borrowing elements from both high-end craft cocktails and moody jazz clubs, Velvet Rush takes the bourbon barrel-aged brown ale up an octave with free-flowing notes of coffee, chocolate and vanilla extract. Milk sugar aids in weaving together this complex tapestry of flavors to create a unique sipping experience that really ties the room together.

Elysian Night Owl Pumpkin Ale

Elysian Night Owl Pumpkin Ale.

6.7 % ABV, Elysian Brewing, Seattle, WA. 

One more out of season seasonal. Maybe it's the last? We'll see. 

Hazy, muddy, murky, small head. 

In the nose: all pumpkin-y, accompanied by appropriate spice, allspice, nutmeg, etc. Cinnamon? Maybe. 

In the mouth: Smooth, medium-bodied, malt forward, little hop bitterness. All pumpkinny. Spices play lightly on the palate. Just a little juicy. Here comes a bit of bitterness to balance the spice. Not too shabby  of a pumpkin ale. Not too shabby at all. 

Night Owl Pumpkin Ale :: Our Original Pumpkin Ale.

Night Owl is brewed with over 7 lbs. of pumpkin per barrel and includes seven different malt varieties, green and roasted pumpkin seeds, and pumpkin in the mash, boil and fermenter. Bittered with Magnum hops and spiced in conditioning with nutmeg, clove, cinnamon, ginger and allspice. 5.9% ABV.

BlackStack DDH Wavy DDH IPA

BlackStack DDH Wavy IPA.

7.2 % ABV, BlackStack Brewing, St. Paul, MN. 

Thick, impenetrable haze, naturally. Dull yellow.  Large and luminous ivory head. .with citrusy hop 

In the nose: Beautiful. My hats off to you, BlackStack, this is lovely stuff. Uncommonly fresh hop notes, loads of citrusy flavors, nothing but pure, raw hoppiness. 

In the mouth: On the palate, even brighter and shinier, bursting with orange, lemon, grapefruit. Tropical tones start to edge their way in. Hop bitterness is very low, but exists, in some small fashion. Medium bodied, soft mouthfeel, but not as thick and gauze-like as the the kind I hate. Exceptionally pleasant, for a hazy. Smooth, well-balanced, slightly sweet. 

Saturated salutations to all you silver surfers out there. Double doses of Mosaic & Sultana (The hop formerly known as Denali, formerly known as Experimental #06277, formerly known as Nugzilla... why didn't we stick with Nugzilla?) on an oat heavy base. Free Max B.

Are they trying to sound like stoner hipsters, or is this a natural voice? More questions...who are they referring to as "silver surfers"? BlackStack fans who drink from silver cans, or Norrin Radd from Zenn La wielding the power cosmic? Why isn't Sultana still Denali? Who the heck is Max B? Also, why should I care? Send me your answers. Don't make me Google. 

Junkyard Ugly Ted's Buffalo Brown Ale

Junkyard Ugly Ted's Buffalo Brown Ale.

8.4 % ABV, 30 IBU, Junkyard Brewing, Moorhead, MN. 

And here we have the last crowler from Junkyard. Or, maybe not. I might have one more around here somewhere.

And I have to wonder what a Buffalo Brown Ale is...and what it has to do with our 26th president who was born in New York City and died in Oyster Bay. 

Brown toned. Fully opaque. Slim head. 

In the nose: Malty. Nutty. Good dose of cocoa. 

In the mouth: Much heavier and richer than one would expect from a Brown ale. Full body. Long, malty finish. More cocoa, more nuts. Low bitterness. Nearly non-existent hop presence. Good balance. A bit boozy for a brown, but tasty, that is a fact. 

Something about this one didn't sit well with me, actually. A bit too big boned for a brown. I didn't actually finish the thing, a rarity for me. 

Mobcraft IPA

MobCraft IPA. 

6.5% ABV, 60 IBU, MobCraft Brewing, Milwaukee, WI. 

I didn't really know much about the MobCraft Brewery of Milwaukee, Wisconsin until their 24-beer Advent Calendar gift boxes arrived at the store. Forty of them at $75 each, a number probably not arrived at independently by the beer buyer, but suggested to him by a price break. When the Christmas season came to a close, the unsold boxes were busted up and the remaining cans went on sale as singles. Naturally, the first one I chose to buy out of all the interesting and diverse styles was their American IPA. Because that's how I do it. (I'll get to some of the others soon.

Clear, bright golden hue, modest layer of whitish foam. 

In the nose: Bold and expressive. Loads of citrus and a ton of pine. Malt isn't hiding, either. 

In the mouth: Hoppy fruit notes rush on the palate, accompanied by brash bitterness. Citrus (orange and grapefruit) dominates the flavors, again prickly pine shines on the side. Does a tasty little jitterbug upon the tongue. Blasts bitterness and slips on citrus. Medium bodied, long hoppy finish, 

Nearly note perfect rendition of American IPA. We don't encounter those often enough. 

MobCraft IPA is a classic India Pale Ale. Aromas of ripe citrus and resinous pine are abundant while pleasant malt character fills your palate. Brewed with Wisconsin grown hops, this IPA is a proud product of Brew City.

Voodoo Brewing Big Black Voodoo Daddy Russian Style Imperial Stout

Voodoo Brewing Big Black Voodoo Daddy Russian Style Imperial Stout.

12 % ABV. Voodoo Brewing, Meadville,  PA. 

Pitch black, complete opacity, slim to no head. 

In the nose: Rich and malty, cocoa and caramel, molasses and dark fruits. Deep.

In the mouth: Dark and delicious, without reaching heights (depths) of richness and viscosity. A bit light bodied for a full bodied beer. Finish is a bit on the quick side, although malt remains king and the flavor persists. Cocoa, caramel, and toffee are here, but it begs for more. It's an RIS that doesn't quite go all the way. Leaves us wanting. Alas. Color me disappointed. 

Omni Iron Lotus New England IPA

Omni Iron Lotus New England IPA.

6.2 % ABV. Omni Brewing, Maple Grove, MN. 

My ban on the hazies stands. Paying for them with my own money, that is. Once again, a hazy has been thrust upon me. And when I have a beer in my possession, it must go into the Nib. (Except when I get them for free because they are old. Those I drink without review.) Let us open and evaluate. 

Clouded, bright yellow coloring, large, luminous ivory head. 

In the nose: Big citrus coming through, powerful lemon and grapefruit, with a dose of pineapple on the side. Surrounded by the soft and fuzzy. 

In the mouth: More citrus and tropical notes leading up a hop explosion on the palate. Moderate bitterness, just enough to keep my tongue happy. Still, soft and smooth the folks like these. Juicy malt engages the senses. Tongue is hard at work, lapping up the hoppy deliciousness. I'm liking this much more than I thought I would. 

This one has many of the things that I like about an American IPA and few of the things I hate about New England IPAs. It's pretty much yum a dum dum. 

Our latest new england is loaded with wheat, making the brew a little sticky to pull off, kind of like "The Iron Lotus". This is our first brew with Lotus hops which give orange and vanilla notes. This rendition is a real thirst quencher. 

Clown Shoes Li'l Crispy Crisp Ale

Clown Shoes Li'l Crispy Crisp Ale.

4.8 % ABV, 30 IBU. Clown Shoes Beer, Boston, MA. 

From the 12 Beers of Christmas Pack. 

"Crisp Ale"? What the *&%$ is a Crisp Ale? Untappd calls it an American Pale Ale. But that's not quite as cute as crisp ale. 

Clear, golden hued, slim white head. 

In the nose: Popping with hops, citrus notes abound. 

In the mouth: More citrusy hop deliciousness on the palate. Medium bodied, easy drinking, nice and refreshing. Moderate hop bitterness, long lasting hop flavors, eternal finish. Extremely likable. 

They fashioned a pitch perfect pale ale in this one. Not sure about  the need for the deception. 

Firestone Walker Hopical Crush IPA

Firestone Walker Hopical Crush IPA. Double Dry Hopped with Tropical Notes. 

6.2 % ABV, 25 IBU. Firestone Walker Brewing, Paso Robles, CA. 

From a variety pack that I didn't buy. (Free sample.)

Hazy. Because. Dull yellow color, large, bright white head. 

In the nose: Hoppy, sweet, tropical. Pineapple and guava. 

In the mouth: A little juicy, then a little dry. Lean bodied, light and drinkable. Full of tropical notes without being overly sweet. Lacking bitterness, but leaning on the dry side. 

I'm a fly on the wall in the marketing meeting: "It's tropical...and hoppy...and, uh, crushable? I've got it! Hopical Crush!"Sure, that's a name. 

I don't mind this, but it does belong to the category that does nothing for me and that I am utterly tired of. 

A double dry hopped explosion of tropical Mai Tai inspired flavors, including pineapple and orange. Exclusively in our Tropical Hazy Mixed Pack.

Arbeiter Rye Whiskey Barrel Roggen Stickum

Arbeiter Rye Whiskey Barrel Roggen Stickum.

8.5 % ABV. Arbeiter Brewing, Minneapolis, MN. 

Here's a beer that I picked up two weeks ago for the 1st anniversary celebration. Why not drink it now? I can't think of a reason why not, so here we go. 

Dark brown/burgundy hue, some clarity, but mostly opaque, large cream-toned head, drifts down swiftly, leaving lace. Looking very good. 

In the nose: Nicely spicy and mostly malty. Arresting aromatics, flush with the flavors of the barrel. Whiskey, vanilla, spice, oak, and more. 

In the mouth: Bold, brash, and a little hot. Comes on the palate with full force. Rye whiskey barrel flavors are not shy here. The flavors of the rye sticke alt are mostly covered over, but also complemented. Strong, powerful, full bodied. Whiskey flavors are thick and rich in this one. Sweetness to match the spice. Many layers of delicious. 

Utepils Minnator Doppelbock

Utepils Minnator Doppelbock. 

7.2 % ABV. 20 IBU. Utepils Brewing, Minneapolis, MN. 

It's no secret that I love a good doppelbock. Will this be one? There's no suspense, really, I have a good deal of faith in Utepils. 

Clear, tawny, caramel-toned hue, slim beige head. 

In the nose: Malt is way ahead on this one. Caramel and toffee aplenty.  Sweet, but balanced. 

In the mouth: rich and hearty. More malty deliciousness. Brown sugar, toffee and caramel, lightly toasty. Full bodied and fully flavored. Warm, rich, nearly a meal in itself. Classic, well-done Doppelbock in every way. Good job, Utepils. I will be back for more. 

Introducing “Minnator”. A delicious, 7.8% Doppelbock that will be at our Taproom, Beer Garden and our Winter Variety Pack.

Boulder Bubbly By Nature IPA

 

Boulder Bubbly By Nature IPA. The Bubbly IPA. India Pale Ale. Lively. Tropical. Sunshiney. 

4.5% ABV. Boulder Brewing, Boulder, CO.

From the recent Boulder Variety Pack. Three beers I've had before, and one that is new to me. This one. And the dreadful packaging of their colorless rebranding. Ugh. 

A "Brut IPA", eh? I didn't know anyone was still making them. Thought that this style proved itself unnecessary and an unwanted experiment. Was I wrong? Let's find out.

Crystal clear, pale yellow hue, slim white head. 

In the nose: Crisp, fruity (apples, pear, grape), and a little funky. I'm anticipating something tart and dry appearing on the palate. 

In the mouth: My expectations have been founded. Crisp, clean, slightly tart, and very dry. I'm getting little from hops and wonder why it's even called an IPA. Marketing? Light bodied, effervescent. Minor hop bitterness, if any. Brisk and a little refreshing. 

I certainly don't taste anything close to an IPA. While I can certainly drink it, it's not the sort of thing that I enjoy. 

Tropical and juicy like an IPA, sunshiny like a lager, yet lively and bright like a hard seltzer. This curious intersection of brewing techniques creates its own naturally bubbly style.

I'm thinking that whoever wrote that had a different beer than I did. Not tropical or juicy in the least. And are those really the attributes of an IPA, or just the hazy style? I'm glad they still make Mojo. A pity there were only three in the box. Got one more of these left. Alas. 

Bauhaus Snow Motion West Coast-style IPA

Bauhaus Snow Motion West Coast-style IPA.

7.2 % ABV, 90 IBU. Bauhaus Brewlabs, Minneapolis, MN. 

From the Freezebox Variety Pack. 

Clouded (why? A West Coast shouldn't be), dull golden color, slim white head. So far, not so good.

In the nose: Soft and fuzzy. Slightly citric. Doesn't pop with the hops. 

In the mouth: Not crisp, not clean, not clear. A muddy, fuzzy mess. Someone done lost their fool minds over at Bauhaus when they drew up the label. Citrus is coming on strong now, though, orange and grapefruit. Bitterness rises up, little bit of pine on the palate. 

I would have expected better from Bauhaus. This is more of a mix of an American IPA with some elements of the hazy style. But, not a West Coast style. I remain a proponent and a stickler. 

Surly Double Bladed Axe Man Double IPA

Surly Double Bladed Axe Man Double IPA. Danker. Hoppier. Louder. 

10.8 % ABV. 

Once more, I find it curious that the imagery of Axe Man focuses only the axe of weaponry, but not the other meaning. That of the nickname for a guitar. The original beer, Todd the Axe Man, was created by Denmark's Amager Bryghus as an homage to original Surly brewer Todd Haug and his renown as a heavy metal guitarist. With Todd gone from the brewery, his name has been left off of the beer. But references to music remain, if not in the label art. (See above, "Danker, Hoppier, Louder.") Or maybe the loudness refers to the crunching of skulls, the slashing of blades, the lamentation of their women...

Clear, but slightly clouded, deep amber hue to nearly crimson, under a slim, off-white head. 

In the nose: High dankosity. Massive resinence. Super sticky. Overflowing burst of bright citrus and tropical tones. Hell of a lot going on here. 

In the mouth: It all comes together on the palate. All the vast display of fruit, the big, fat bitterness, the deep dank and the chewy, resiny mouthfeel of a true double IPA hop blast. Big stuff, powerful. Some certain trend-chasing breweries would call one like this a triple IPA. And it actually tastes like one. A real one.

Make more of this, Surly. Not year-round, or anything, just more. It's good to dip into something like this once in a while. 

BREWED FOR THE MIDNIGHT SUN AND FLOWING HOT SPRINGS

Mountains crumble. Stars fall. Rivers run backwards. The gods shudder.

Fear not.

Double Bladed Axe Man guides your journey to IPA Valhalla with a mighty swing of Citra and Mosaic hops. The extraordinary flavor and aromatics of one of America’s most acclaimed IPAs, doubled. Drink deep. Glory awaits.

DOUBLE IPA

COLOR Golden

HOPS Warrior Citra Mosaic

MALT Golden Promise 2-Row

OG

YEAST English Ale

IBU High

ABV 10.8%

SURLY MN USA

Destihl Dosvidanya Banana Bread Russian Imperial Stout

Destihl Dosvidanya Banana Bread Russian Imperial Stout. Bourbon Barrel-aged Russian Imperial Stout with Thai Banana and Cassia Bark. 

14.6 % ABV, 84 IBU. Destihl Brewing, Normal, IL. 

Dark black body, complete opacity, rich, lingering brown-tinged head.

In the nose: Banana notes spill out of this one with ease, mixed with spices and cocoa. Vanilla and caramel come up next, mingled with the deep whiskey barrel flavors. An intriguing blend, with captivating sweetness. 

In the mouth: Banana begins it again, mixed with spice, and the traditional flavors found in the Imperial Stout. Coffee, cocoa, molasses, et al. The sweet, thick viscosity of the bourbon barrel-aging pokes in for a bit, but the banana and the bark dominates. What is the purpose of this Cassia bark, I wonder? What even is it? "Chinese cinnamon", you say? And why is it being used to make this beer resemble banana bread? Do they put cinnamon, or spices like it, in banana bread? Not sure, but I like it. Don't mind it one bit. 

Full-bodied, rich, but not overly so. Rather easy on the palate for a beer of this kind. Wait, hold on. 14 +% ABV? Okay, time for bed...whoa. 

One drawback, though...it tastes of banana, but not really banana bread. 

Like a Russian Matryoshka or ʻnestingʼ doll, the secret of Dosvidanya Russian Imperial Stout lies locked deep within her dark, mysterious and elaborate wooden layers. We said Dosvidanya, or ʻgoodbyeʼ, to the hidden soul of this bourbon barrel-aged beer for several months before now revealing its rich, robust and roasty maltiness. This stout features flavors & aromas of sweet banana, bourbon, oak, vanilla & cinnamon, with a dry finish. 

Modist Reptilian Elite Double Dry-hopped West Coast Double IPA

Modist Reptilian Elite Double Dry-hopped West Coast Double IPA.

8.5 % ABV, Modist Brewing,  Minneapolis, MN. 

I like a West Coast IPA, and I like a Double West Coast IPA even more. But, is a West Coast Double IPA served well by double dry-hopping? Isn't that tiresome trick antithetical to the nature of that beast? And can a brewery best known for its hazies do this style justice? I didn't like the last two tries, so...try, try again...

Nearly clear, but not quite. Deep amber/golden hue. Slim white head. 

In the nose: lively fruit associations. Stone & Citrus. Exceptionally dank. Apricot & peach bump up against grapefruit & orange. A lot going on here and I do like it. 

In the mouth: Big hoppiness at the start, with an early reveal of high alcohol. More dankness and leaning hard towards deliciousness. Lacks completely the bitterness that West Coast style demands. Full bodied, full flavored. I'm actually enjoying this, but I can't help but feel cheated. When I hear West Coast, there are still some things I expect. Should I expect them from this brewery? Can they do bitter, brittle and dry? Do they even want to? I want a true example from these guys, but am I wrong to expect it? Did they do one once and I missed it? 

Here's what's really weird. I went looking through reviews on Untappd, as I often do, and found this from Louis L: "Slightly sweet. Touch of marshmallow. Touch of sweet citrus. Almost very good, but just not an upper tier west coast." 3.25/5.

See what you started, Modist Brewing? People are now finding marshmallow where there is none! Do you see what happens, Modist? Do you see what happens? 

Touch of marshmallow? SMDFH...

West Coast Double IPA brewed with Golden Promise and pale ale barley malts. Kettle hopped and double dry hopped with our hand selected Columbus Cryo, Simcoe, Strata, Amarillo and Talus

Old Nation Boss Tweed Double India Pale Ale

 Old Nation Boss Tweed Double India Pale Ale. New Orthodox India Pale Ale Series. Keep Cold and Drink Fresh. Haze Is Good. (Uh-oh.) 

9.3 % ABV, IBU 68. Brewed and canned by Old Nation Brewing Company, Williamston, MI.   

To the eye: All hazed up. Bright golden hue. Large,  lush, pure white head. 

In the nose: Bold, vibrant citrusy goodness. Lemon, grapefruit and orange, with a splash of pineapple & guava. Mighty nice. 

In the mouth: Sunshiney! Big ol' hops, with minimal bitterness. As I've said many, many times, not my favorite way to do a double IPA. If you're gonna have bigger alcohol and higher hops, bring on the bitterness, too. I feel cheated by beers like this. "but, it's so soft and fuzzy" you say. Ah, nix that nonsense. 

Weighing in at 9.3%, Boss Tweed is a double New England IPA with an aroma of peach, mango, tangerine. A nice pilsner malt backbone with a touch of Vienna provides balance and a lingering sweetness on the back end. 

Clown Shoes One Man Holiday Belgian style Quadrupel Ale

Clown Shoes One Man Holiday Belgian style Quadrupel Ale.

8 % ABV, Clown Shoes Beer, Boston, MA. 

Another from the 12 Beers of Christmas 12-pack.

Clear, deep amber, nearly burgundy hued,  no head to speak of.

In the nose: bubblegum and brandy. Very vinous, ultra fruity, plums, raisins, hint of banana. 

In the mouth: Mostly malty, minimal hops.  Smooth and sweet. Cornucopia of fruit sensations deployed upon the palate. Dark fruits run amok. Plums, dates and raisin run this game. For 8%, exceptionally drinkable and wonderfully deep and delicious. Increasing alcohol warmth adds to the pleasure. 

Rich, malty, and full of dark/ripe fruit sweetness. Unlike most beers in the pack you’ll be hard-pressed to find any hop flavor here!

More Brewing West Coast Double Dusty IPA

More Brewing West Coast Double Dusty IPA.Notes

8.3% ABV, More Brewing, Huntley, IL. 

Clear, with slight chill haze, bright golden hue, large and lasting cloud-white head. 

In the nose: Hops, hops, hops. Big time lemon and lime, orange and grapefruit. 

In the mouth: Crisp, and clean....and not. Lacks proper crispness, fails in the clean department, if the truth be told. And that's all I'm here for, telling the truth. There's something off in the mouthfeel and it carries through in the finish. Something that doesn't mesh. Is this another case of a brewery that traffics in hazies and tries out a West Coast, then messes it all up? 

(I'll note here that I did enjoy my last More beer, and it was not a hazy, so I may be incorrectly characterizing this brewery.)

This falls flat where it should shine. Not pleasant. Dreadful, even. 

Well, they can't all be good. 

Actually, toward the end, it redeemed itself. Those weird flavors I found at first went away, and the crisp and the clean that I wanted seemed to survive. So, take the first 80% of this post with a grain of salt. 

A West Coast Double IPA version of our all-Citra Pale Ale, "Dusty"

Elysian Dark o' the Moon Pumpkin Stout

Elysian Dark o' the Moon Pumpkin Stout.

6.5 % ABV, 20 IBU. Elysian Brewing, Seattle, WA. 

So, here I am again having a beer several months after the intended season. It's from the Pumpkin Patch variety pack and it was only recently entered into my possession. But, hey, any time is a good time to enjoy the flavors of fall, even the dead of winter. Maybe not the heat of summer, though. That's the time for lemonade and nothing but. 

Solid blackness, utter opacity, slim ring of brown head. 

In the nose: Pumpkin spices, nutmeg, cinnamon, clove, preside over any other aromatic. 

In the mouth: There they are again, smooth and spicy, tickling the tongue. Of pumpkin flavor, there may be some, somewhere, but it's hidden, engulfed. Stout flavors? We got some roasted malt, some cocoa, maybe a bite of coffee, but the spice rules here. Medium bodied, fairly easy drinking. Slightly bittersweet. I quite like this. 

Dark o' the Moon Pumpkin Stout :: Spookily smooth and chocolatey. A perennial favorite and 2010 Silver medalist in the Great American Beer Festival Field Beer category, Dark o' the Moon is brewed with Great Western pale, Crisp 77° Crystal, Munich, Cara-Vienne, roasted, chocolate and Special B malts with roasted pumpkin seeds in the mash. Pumpkin in the mash, kettle and fermenter. Bittered with Magnum and finished with Saaz and crushed cinnamon.

Able Soul Saver American IPA

Able Soul Saver American IPA.

6.3 % ABV. Able Seedhouse + Brewery, Minneapolis, MN. 

Crystal clear, bright golden hue, large and long-lasting ivory head. Looking great, so far, so good. 

In the nose: Exceptional aromatics. Spills out citrus, floral notes, a trickle of pine. Beautiful. 

In the mouth: First comes the bitter, crisp, brisk, and welcome. Hop sensations flood the mouth. Just the right amount of bitter hangs on the palate, with a kick of down and dirty dank, flashes of sunshiney citrus and a twang of knotty pine. This is all hops, with minimal malt, and it's all delicious. This is going down far too easy. 

Able finally released a beer that I can really get behind. Too bad we won't be seeing much of them here anymore. 

This is the 17th appearance by Able here in the Bitter Nib. Two of those beers were samples provided by a rep years ago. Three of the posts were beers bought by me with my own money, twice at the taproom and once at a store. Twelve of them were sample cans given to me by their current and now, I guess, former rep John Bailey, who announced a day or two after giving me this can that the brewery has announced that they will cease distributing cans to stores and focus on the taproom. Here's to John, I hope he moves on to greener pastures. 

So, if you're into old school IPAs like me, get this before it's gone. 

SOUL SAVER // Meet the newest edition to our core beer lineup. This brew has a west coast hop profile on top of a balanced malt bill. A little dank and a little floral with a subtle bitterness. One sip of this classic IPA will leave your soul feeling refreshed and revived!

Deschutes The Abyss Barrel Aged Imperial Stout Reserve Series

 Deschutes The Abyss Barrel Aged Imperial Stout Reserve Series.

11.7 % ABV. Deschutes Brewery, Bend, OR. 

Absolute ebony. Terminal opacity. Rich tan head rests above.

In the nose: Boom. There's the bourbon, there's the barrel. Charcoal, smoke, molasses. Deep rivers of chocolate. I could sniff this for days. 

In the mouth: richness and hugeness, together at last. Full bodied, deep, swimming in chocolate, molasses, espresso. Slightly sweet, a touch of  bitter, altogether deep, vast, abyssmal. This is the sort of beer that I love to climb into and stay with for a very long time. Luxuriate and meditate. Dip me in and cover me up. Let it all roll over and surround me. Let in seep in every corner and satisfy my soul. I want to live in it, not just drink it. I need it to surround me, capture me, give me strength. It makes me say all kinds of meaningless, archly poetic kind of pretentious crap that most folks encourage in their rock lyrics but mock in their beer descriptions. 

All that aside, this is about as good as it gets.

Oh, wait, no, it would be better with marshmallows. Yeah, add marshmallows. And cookies! Throw in some cookies. And what else? Oh, this crap I scraped off of my shoe, that would be tasty, let's throw that in ....ooo, yeah, ...um, needs more...shoelace! Get it nice and lacey, oh, yeah....my old leather belt! That would add some texture, sure...oh, we're on a roll, now! 

Brewed with black strap molasses, licorice and dry-spiced with both cherry bark and vanilla beans. In addition, 50 percent of the beer was aged in oak bourbon, oak wine and new American oak barrels

Three Floyds The 50 Million Dollar Man Double India Pale Ale

Three Floyds The 50 Million Dollar Man Double India Pale Ale.

9 % ABV. Three Floyds Brewing, Munster, IN. 

Uncharacteristically hazy, with numerous floaties...(why?), bright golden color, large white head. 

In the nose: A blast of citrus, bold and bright. Orange, grapefruit, and lemon with a sliver of pine on the side. 

In the mouth: Smooth stuff at the start. Hop delivery is prompt, persistent and powerful. Juicy on the palate. Bitterness is a touch more muted than I prefer. But, I can't argue with the results. Tasty as heck. Indomitable hop presence, just plain delicious. 

After diligently battling evil on behalf of The Order of The Black Phoenix, our hero Michael San Antonio has returned after a harrowing journey in need of an upgrade to his robotic body parts. Previously hailed as the 25 Million Dollar Man, San Antonio's upgrade has made him an even more formidable foe to evildoers. Juicy, bright tropical fruit amidst a cloud of haze is his new calling card, coupled with a 9% ABV - BEHOLD, THE 50 MILLION DOLLAR MAN!

Arbeiter Moneymaker Imperial Stout

Arbeiter Moneymaker Imperial Stout.

12.6 % ABV. 58 IBU. Arbeiter Brewing, Minneapolis, MN. 

Pitch black, completely opaque, rich and round head of foam resting atop. Looks great. 

In the nose: Roasted malt, cocoa, coffee. Bold and bittersweet.

In the mouth: Rich and full. Roasty and toasty. Cocoa and coffee are king. Luxurious mouthfeel. Warm. And getting warmer. Chock full o' malty goodness. I'm liking this one a lot. 

An intense, boozy, strong stout with notes of chocolate, raisin, and espresso.

Moneymaker is the big daddy to our Side Hustle Milk Stout. Both beers we born of the same brew day but there was so much worth going around, we made two beers from it.

Arbeiter’s BIGGEST beer yet! 

AROMA |

Subdued and pleasant candied orange hop Bold and boozy aromas of chocolate-covered raisin with underlying roasted malt and cocoa.

FLAVOR |

Light-bodied and smooth; velvety semisweet Intense semi-sweet chocolate, date, and prune flavors with a lovely finish of chocolate-covered espresso bean. As an imperial stout should, the sip is very warming with alcohol.

Leinenkugel's Juicy Peach

 Leinenkugel's Juicy Peach. Refreshing and Tart with Natural Peach Flavors.

4.4 % ABV, 10 IBU. Leinenkugel Brewing Company, Chippewa Falls, WI. 

I don't go to the Leinenkugel's well very often. Only when I get a free sample. Well, it happened again. 

Crystal clear, bright golden tone, crisp white head. 

In the nose: Ooo, peachy!  And nothing but. 

In the mouth: Hey, now! It's peachy AND juicy, now! Light bodied, exceptionally smooth and easy drinking. Not that much tart, though. Merely slightly. A bitter summery refresher than their Shandy, but here it is in the winter. Not too shabby, though. Utterly inoffensive. And actually quite tasty. 

Modist Intergalactic Sofa Ghost Double Dry Hopped New England IPA

Modist Intergalactic Sofa Ghost Double Dry Hopped New England IPA.

7.2 % ABV, Modist Brewing, Minneapolis, MN. 

When I am spending my own money on beer, I steer clear of anything labeled Hazy or New England.  If it's a gift or a sample, then I shall review it, even if I know going in that it's not my favorite style. And I will try to be objective. I've said it over and over, I'm bored with them and they don't give me what I'm usually looking for in an IPA. They should just drop IPA and call them New England Ales. I'll jump off my soapbox and begin the drinking. 

To the eye: Hazy for sure, dull yellow color, slim white head. 

In the nose: Lemony, citrusy, grapefruit meets pineapple. 

In the mouth: Soft, smooth, medium bodied. Negligible bitterness. Mild and muted. Citrusy notes play quietly on the palate. I can get a hint of some distant deliciousness that lurks just below the surface and never gets a chance to shine. Once again, I'm bored. It's a beer, and I'll drink it, but the thrill is gone. It's clearly not brewed with me in mind. I need much more than this. 

If you like an "IPA" that's "soft" and "pillowy" and boring, this may be for you.

New England IPA brewed with flaked oats, malted wheat, malted oats and pale ale malt. Hopped & double dry hopped with our hand-selected Citra, Strata, Cryo Citra and Sabro.

Brauerei Bischofshof Altvater Weissbierbock

 Brauerei Bischofshof Altvater Weissbierbock. Regensburger Braukunst. 

7.1 % ABV, Brewed and bottled by Brauerei Bischstof, Regensburg, Germany. 

I've made not secret of the fact that I love a good weizenbock. And I sure look forward to finding out if this is one. 

Clouded, golden hue, large white head. 

In the nose: Wheat and yeast going on in here. Light emanations of banana & clove, but with a whiff of something else, something sweeter. A little caramel? A hint of darker fruits, perhaps. A brace of funk. 

In the mouth: Smooth wheat texture, splash of citrus. Higher alcohol gives itself away quickly. Darker malts reveal their flavors. Picking up plum, and a touch of raisin. Practically no bitterness, but all kinds of tasty. 

This is a lighter version, a step down from the true kings of the style, like Aventinus. Then again, there are two legitimate versions, the light and the dark styles. I shouldn't be too disappointed when they pour out pale. I'm just always wanting more depth and darkness. Tradition trifft Fortschritt. Vollendeter Weissbiergenuss mit 7,1% vol Alkohol. Der vollmundig fruchtige Geschmack mit feiner Hefe-Note zaubert ein einzigartiges Geschmackserlebnis. Süffig und Stark! Neu eingebraut von der Brauerei Bischofshof als Hommage an 500 Jahre Reinheitsgebot von 1516. Damals wie heute ein ganz besonderes Bier mit besonderer Historie.