Montgomery Suncoast West Coast IPA

 Montgomery Suncoast West Coast IPA.

6.7 % ABV, 48 IBU. Montgomery Brewing, Montgomery, Minnesota.

Clear, golden hue, large and lasting ivory head.

In the nose: fruity and floral, grapefruit and orange. Citrus notes galore. 

In the mouth: bitter bite up front, with citrus splashes throughout. Bright and lively. Light bodied, well balanced and easily consumed. Does a body good. 

I love a good ol’ IPA, with neither fuss nor muss. . And this is one. 

Introducing SunCoast West Coast IPA, a true embodiment of the sun-drenched shores and adventurous spirit of the West Coast. Crafted with a meticulous blend of Cascade, Mosaic, Idaho 7, and Strata hops, this beer offers a bold and invigorating flavor profile that is sure to captivate IPA enthusiasts.

Montgomery Brewing The Juicy Haze Experience Imperial NEIPA

Montgomery Brewing The Juicy Haze Experience Imperial NEIPA.

9.5 % ABV. Brewed and bottled by Montgomery Brewing, Montgomery, MN.

And now I have another hazy NEIPA. I didn't ask for it, I didn't pay for it. It was a gift/sample. I can't/won't say no to free beer. So, I can not blame it for what it is and shall strive to see the good in it. 

To the eye: All hazed out, dull yellow color, long lasting ivory head. 

In the nose: Soft and citric. Orange peel, lemon and fuzz. 

In the mouth: Starts out bright and juicy on the palate, with softness and fuzziness along for the ride. Contains most of the characteristics of the better hazies. Great hop flavors, very little bitterness much to my consternation), soft and smooth, with oncoming alcohol strenth. Medium bodied, big citrus flavors, lemon and orange and a twist of grapefruit, exceptionally smooth.

I just have to repeat my mantra: "It's not for me, they didn't make it for me"....

Juicy yes, Hazy, yes. Packed with Enigma and Nelson Sauvin hops.

Montgomery Brewing Company Cooper Barrel-aged Barleywine

Montgomery Brewing Company Cooper Barrel-aged Barleywine.

12.3 % ABV, 61 IBU. Montgomery Brewing, Montgomery, MN. 

Clear, dark crimson color, slim off-white head. 

In the nose: fruity, vinous, majorly malty. Beautiful barleywine expressions coming forth, with barrel aged sensibilities unfolding. Smells like brandy and bourbon had a baby. 

In the mouth: Hoppy goodness spills out first, citrus and pine, wrapped up in dark fruit, vanilla, oak and caramel. Cherries and berries mix with grapes and hoppy delights. Sweet fruit and deep, dark malt blended with the barrel. Bold and strong. And strong. Citrus flavors dominate, barrel aging creeps on in. 

Mighty fine barleywine right here. 

Montgomery Hops On Parade NE IPA

Montgomery Hops On Parade NE IPA.

8.5 % ABV, 14 IBU. Montgomery Brewing, Montgomery, MN. 

I didn't ask for this and I didn't pay for it. Because of this, I will refrain from my normal complaints about the hazies, and try to enjoy. 

Utterly impenetrable haze, golden hue, large and lasting ivory head. 

In the nose: Big citrus, lemon and grapefruit, with a touch of stone fruit, a kiss of peach, and a little tropical note (pineapple) popping in. 

In the mouth: Juicy at the start, flush with citrus hop goodness. More fruity associations flood the palate. Some bitterness, but played lightly. The softness surrounds it. Malt is kept to the background. Hop flavors abound. A delightfully hoppy number. One of the better NEs I've had in some time. 

That's what happens when I hold back my vitriol regarding the ubiquity of the hazy/NE style. Stay positive. Stay cool. But don't get me started about marshmallow pastry stouts. Gotta hold the line somewhere. 

Montgomery Yippee Ki Yay Imperial Peanut Butter Porter

Montgomery Yippee Ki Yay Imperial Peanut Butter Porter.

7.6 % ABV. 59 IBU. Montgomery Brewing, Montgomery, MN. 

So, it seems that MBC used to have an imperial peanut butter porter called Yippee Skippy, which I never tried.  And it also seems that the fine folks at Hormel, current owner of the Skippy peanut butter brand, took exception to the use of their trademark and sent a cease and desist. MBC changed to name to the iconic phrase from "Die Hard" and the new label for the new name for the old beer has scenes from the film acted out by peanuts. Because. 

And this is the second beer I got from my co-worker while she was winding down her peanut butter porter/stout phase. Told me she wasn't interested in finishing off her fourth can. I gave her a Beaver Island Sweet Miss Peanut Butter Chocolate Oatmeal Milk Stout in exchange. She liked it okay. Will I like this one? Let's find out...

I'll note before beginning that the old Yippee Skippy was 8.6 % abv, and this new one a less imperial 7.6.

Dark brown, nearly black, ultimately opaque, large brownish head that slims down soon.

In the nose: Peanut butter and chocolate come spilling out. Not too much else.

In the mouth: Slightly sweet, minor hops, well balanced, smooth and easy going. Medium bodied, bordering on full. Cocoa more than peanut butter in the flavor. Mostly malty. 

This is tasty stuff, but not especially remarkable. 

I'm kind of on the fence on this one, so I'll poll the users of untapped: 

Laurel F. says: "Wow!! This has the best peanut butter taste hands down! Smooth creamy delicious.... Yum!!"

Two exclamation points, huh...could have used an extra "a dum dum", though, to round it out. 

Says Rick F.: "Yippee-ki-yay mother effers! This is an absolutely fantastic peanut butter Porter! Very smooth on the palate, and a nice heavy peanut aftertaste. Low bitterness, and a nice sweet Loopty loo around the tongue."

Okay, Rick, I note your enthusiasm.

And now, for the first time, I see that Untappd has it as "Yippie Ki Yay." Why they or Bruce Willis left out the "Yi Yo" part from the song Bing Crosby sang in 1936's "Rhythm on the Range" no one seems to know. 

One thing I definitely notice, though, is that everyone is tasting more peanut butter than I am. Am I missing the peanut butter gene? 

Montgomery Hop Junkies Azacca

Montgomery Hop Junkies Azacca. 

Hazy New England IPA. 7.5 % ABV.

Brewed and canned by Montgomery Brewing, Montgomery, MN. 

Cloudy, bright yellow hue, slim white head. 

In the nose: Lemon and grapefruit lead the charge. Big citrus blast. Powerful aromatic emanations. 

In the mouth: More citrusy flavors blaze the palate. A slight touch of pineapple. Bitterness is moderate/low. Lightish bodied, easy drinking. Smooth sailing. Ends on a brittle, dry note, with juiciness returning with each new sip. Highly likable. 

Montgomery Oktoberfest

 Montgomery Oktoberfest.

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

Clear, amber-hued, slim white head. 

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

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

Montgomery Juicy Gem IPA

Montgomery Juicy Gem NE IPA. Featured hop Idaho Gem. 

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

Thoroughly cloudy, vastly hazy , large ivory cap. 

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

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

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

NEIPA with the featured hop Idaho Gem.

Montgomery Tiger King Juicy Hazy Double IPA

Montgomery Tiger King Juicy Hazy Double IPA. Featured Hop Sabro.
8.6 % ABV. 16 IBU.
Montgomery Brewing, Montgomery, MN.

Well, this is more like it.So many breweries these days leave the "hazy" off the label, as if you're just expecting every IPA and double IPA to come naturally hazy. You don't know what you're getting! "What, you actually care about whether your IPA is or is not "hazy/juicy" Sorry about that." No, they're probably not sorry.

On with the beer:

Absolutely hazed-up, with a dull orange color, and a thin ring of foam.

In the nose: Aburst with citrus and a touch of pine. Hop-tastic.

In the mouth: Powerful on the palate, forceful radiation of citrus hop flavors, brimming over with grapefruit, lemon and orange. Juicy, sure. And wonderfully bitter. That's the problem with the "juicy/hazy"'s, I don't know if I'll get enough bitter. And that 16 IBU...that can't be right. Bitterness flashes on the palate, then subsides. Fruity, bitter, dry, yum.

Medum bodied, with a long, bitter finish, ending dry. Citrus hop flavor never ends. Quite a tasty beer. Go out and get some.

Something tells me they wanted to call this Sabro-tooth Tiger, but then they found out Surly already had that name. Or, they just got caught up in all that Tiger King mania that was all the rage in the early part of quarantine. Glad to see it's been tamped down some, lately. Hey, maybe, just maybe, Carol Baskin didn't kill her husband, you ever think of that? How did that maniac (Joe Exotic) become popular, I wonder, and then remember that Donald Trump is president.

Montgomery Double India Pale Ale

Montgomery Double India Pale Ale.
8% ABV. 72 IBU.
Montgomery Brewing, Montgomery, MN.

Mostly clear, deep amber hue, nearing crimson in color, fine helping of ivory froth on top.

In the nose: Sweet malty notes hit first, followed by fruit, and hints of hops. Slightly buttery?

In the mouth: Hop bitterness is in command at first sip, swallowed up surely by malt flavors. Well-balanced, this, while juicy and bitter. Alcohol strength is held at bay for a bit. Bright, fresh, and hoppy. Mmm, this is tasty stuff, and here it comes, the booze arrives. Held in check by full flavors, malt and hops held equally aloft.

This is the specialty batch that was requested so often it required us to add another tap and expand our flagship lineup.
West coast style, Midwest heart. Smooth and bold at the same time. 

Montgomery Hop Junkies Citra IPA

Montgomery Hop Junkies Citra IPA.
7.2 % ABV. 61 IBU.
Montgomery Brewing, Montgomery, MN.

All hazed up. No one can help it anymore. Whether they intend to or not, whether it's called a "hazy" or it ain't, they all come out hazy now. Dull golden, large lasting ivory head.

In the nose: Big citrus explosion. Lemon, orange, and grapefruit. Quite nice. Touch of pine. Trickle of tropical.

In the mouth: Big citrusy flavors bounce on the palate. Big bitterness brings big delights. Medium bodied and easy drinking. Hops put the palate on constant alert for non-stop bitterness. Juicy, slightly sweet, utterly delectable. Bright, lively, delicious, de-lovely.

This is my kind of IPA. Too bad I'm on the last can. Better go back for more. Can't help it, I'm a hop junkie.

Montgomery Peanut Buster Porter

Montgomery Peanut Buster Porter. 6.2% ABV. 45 IBU. Contains peanuts. Montgomery Brewing, Montgomery, MN.

Thorough blackness, rich brown head of foam, completely opaque.

In the nose: peanuts, right off the bat, boom, bang, pea-nutty. Nutty 'n' sweet. Malty, naturally. Rich cocoa tones below.

In the mouth: Boom! Big ol' Peanut butter flavor dipped in chocolate. Nutty 'n' sweet. Wait....I said that already. And yet, it is still true. Delightfully malty. Yum, is a word I keep returning to, yum a dum dum. I keep returning to that, too.

So, another peanut butter beer, and, yeah, it's a beer with peanut butter in it. It's got that going on. Put Montgomery in the running for the peanut butter porter sweepstakes. Good stuff.

Dark. Peanutty. Goodness. Contains Peanuts.

Montgomery Hop Junkies Volume 1

Montgomery Hop Junkies Volume. 1 Double India Pale Ale. 9.1% ABV. 110 IBU. Brewed and bottled by Montgomery Brewing, Montgomery, MN.

Lightly hazed, deep golden hue, with crimson edges, slim, but lasting ivory froth atop.

In the nose: Citric fruit notes, caramel malt tones, piney, earthy. Interesting.

In the mouth: More malt, more hops, moderate bitterness. But, wait, moderate? With 110 IBUs? Well, yeah. Malty, spicy, earthy, and hoppy, too. And here comes the booze.

It's pretty nice. But not quite what I like. Not bad, but not ....great. Not really what I look for in a double IPA.

This was a tough one for me to write. I like the brewery, but I don't like this beer. I have to go ahead and publish it, though, to lay out the evidence against those people who say that I like everything.

Just because we're small doesn't mean we don't brew big. Volume 1 comes on strong. A classic with notes of citrus, pine, and spice. It's the beginning of our series of small batch IPAs. 

Minnesota Breweries One by One #23: Montgomery Brewing, Montgomery, with The General

I've never really heard of Montgomery, Minnesota, much. This made it all the more surprising when I heard good things about Montgomery Brewing, when it opened up in 2014. I mostly heard those things from Val and Ryan, and I believed them, naturally, for they seemed to show good taste in beer. But when was I going to visit Montgomery? And where the heck is Montgomery, anyway?

Montgomery is a city in Le Sueur County, Minnesota, in the United States, 45 miles south of Minneapolis.  I copied and pasted that from Wikipedia. Population 2, 956. 94.4% white, predominantly of Czech heritage. It's a typical small Minnesota town, and ever-so charming. And it has this brewery, and I had to go there and drink it's beers.

Our caravan left Faribault and found it's way to Montgomery and 306 2nd St. NW. This building was formerly home of, get this, Montgomery Brewing Company, from about 1880 to the 1940's. The current owners of the building, which had been other things, of course, in the intervening 75 years, thought it would be cool to revive brewing to the region, and why not do it right there and retain that historic name? They even re-use some of the beer names, (The Chief Amber Ale, in particular) and display as much memorabilia from the old brewery as they can.

Flag Street APA.

I can't help but love this space. There's something about taking a historic building and re-purposing it for it's original purpose that thrills me down to my core. I just love old buildings, even when, or maybe moreso, when they could use a paint job. The place is what it's supposed to be. It took me a while to soak it all in, look over the selection, come to terms with their use of the term "cannons" instead of crowlers, admire the decor, scan the brewing equipment within eyesight. When it came time to pick a beer, I just went with good ol' American pale ale, because I like them, and if you make a good one, you're alright with me.



Flag Street American Pale Ale. Light citric nose, floral, pleasing, nice bitterness, medium-bodied, good drinking. 42 IBU. 5.3% ABV. Everything you want from a pale ale. They describe it as such: "You don’t have to wait for a holiday to pay homage to the old red, white and blue. Flag Street is an honest pale ale that has enough integrity and resolve to be called American. This balanced ale is slightly hoppy with a hint of citrus. Come down to the street lined with flags and pay your respects."

A cross section of our beer-loving troop.

There were seven beers on tap. While I drank my pint of Flag Street, I occasionally took samples from the flights of my friends, whose number had grown for this visit. In addition to myself, Jason, Rod, Sharon, Dave, Ryan, and Val, Jason's sister Angie had arrived with Little Evie in tow, and her friend Sara. It was a mighty table by now.

Like many taprooms we've seen, a collection of growlers
from other breweries is on display, but MBC mixes it
up with memorabilia from the older brewery of the same name.

More ephemera from the original
brewery graces the walls. Find
out why you should keep their
beer in your home.

So, I sampled from Northside Blonde, The Chief Amber, Shelterbelt Brown Ale, and others. There were raves about the Redbird Rye-PA, and I tasted that one, too. They were right. I may have skipped the Zlate Pivo (more Czech!), but have notes on the Smoked Porter. I'll skip those, since I took home a crowler, I mean, Cannon, and have posted those notes already. I was impressed with the overall quality and flavor of the beers. Everything was just right.

I recall having a full pint of Redbird, but didn't take notes. I had become more interested in being there, than writing things down about the beers. In the midst of my reverie, along came one of the owners, as well as brewer Charles Dorsey, who knew Ryan and Val from their many visits. Out of the blue, Chuck whisked me away on a tour of the 1,500 square foot facility and gave me the history of the business, as well as plans for the future.  When we got back to the taproom, Chuck mentioned a bourbon barrel imperial stout, and wondered if we would like samples. Would we? Next thing we knew, an array of sample glasses of the rich, inky treasure appeared for all. And wouldn't you know it, he actually had some crowlers filled and ready to sell us.

I held on to mine for about 2 1/2 weeks, and the notes, from last night, follow:

The General: Bourbon Barrel-aged
Russian Imperial Stout. 

The General. Barrel-aged Imperial Stout. 9% ABV. 80 IBU.

Solid Stygian hue. Vast blackness, large and lasting cocoa/tan head resting comfortably above. Looking good.

Whiskey hits the nose first, vanilla and cocoa. Big time Kentucky Bourbon. Molasses, oak, char. Cherry, just a bit. Sweetness and richness together, again. Great depth. Smelling great.

I found some interesting decorations in
the mens' rooms of the taprooms of
Minnesota, but none so whimsical as
this painting of ...well, you
figure it out!

In the mouth: Immensely complex. Caramel malt and toffee tastes roar up real strong on the palate. Coconut? Toasty. Tasty. Full-bodied, rich, decadent, delicious.
Solid. Sweet, then dry. Big, then thick. Much richness. Definite decadence. I said that, right?

All in all, this is exactly what I want out of a beer like this. Good one, Montgomery! Keep 'em coming!

Cheers, Chuck!

The beers of Montgomery have begun appearing in kegs at nearby bars and restaurants, and local liquor stores in the Cannon form. To Dorsey's delight, they were even distributing as far as the Northern suburbs, as it's closer to his home. I was happy to see a small town like this really embrace a craft brewery that's doing it right. I hope I keep discovering those kinds of communities as I continue this project.

The taproom was scheduled to close at 4 pm, but as the hour went past, the staff threw that out the window, and
kept letting people in. As for us, the cheese puffs that Sharon brought just weren't doing it for nourishment, and we packed up to have dinner at a nearby pizza place.
And so endeth part two of three on March 20, with one more stop on the agenda. Farewell, Montgomery Brewing Company, and Montgomery, Minnesota! I hope to drink your beers again!

Montgomery Brewing Smoked Porter

Montgomery Brewing Company Smoked Porter. 6% ABV.

Deep, dark brown, with ruby highlights, under a slim, but staying brownish head.

Roasted malt aromatics hit the nose first, some notes of dark fruit and coffee, dry and roast. Then on comes the smoke and ash, slowly unfolding.

In the mouth, it starts out sweet, rolls into dry, with tasty/toasty malt character coming through strong. Little bit of bitterness graces the tongue, but it's mostly about the malt here. Smoked malt character is subtle in this, but it's there. Smooth and tasty stuff. Very fine, very mellow. Good beer, and I'm drinking it.