Shakopee Brewhall Daymonzee Maibock

 Shakopee Brewhall Daymonzee Maibock.

7.1% ABV, 31 IBU, Shakopee Brewhall, Shakopee, MN. 

I perhaps held off on this one for so long perhaps because I wasn’t in the mood for a maibock, or maybe the caricature on the label turned me off. I’m sure this Damon is a great guy, but that face, and that golf outfit... I don’t know, man. Let’s drink a beer....

Clear, amber/copper hue. Slim white head.

In the nose: malty sweetness, minor hops, all in a Tuetonic vein. 

In the mouth: more malty sweetness. Rich, almost buttery. Again, light hops. Smooth stuff, and tasty, too. I like a good maibock, and this is surely one of them. Bright and delicious. I’m enjoying this. 

Damon has turned the "new 40" and we are celebrating with a beer that captures the enthusiasm of a bright spring day - with its strong malt and honey backbone and balanced with hops we wonder where the pondering conversations will go.

Shakopee Brew Hall Fine, Whatever New England IPA

Shakopee Brew Hall Fine, Whatever New England IPA.

7.6 % ABV, 44 IBU, Shakopee Brew Hall, Shakopee, MN. 

And now we will drink the most indifferently named beer of all time. "Fine, Whatever"...yeah, that's going to get me excited. Trying it anyway. 

Mostly cloudy, bright golden hue, long-lasting ivory head. 

In the nose: hoppy, fruity, citric, fuzzy. 

In the mouth: Citrus notes first, orange and grapefruit, with tropical tones coming in soon after, pineapple, passionfruit. Starts sweet & fruity, ends on a dry note. Moderately bitter, medium bodied, long, hoppy finish. 

I wonder if the "don't care" attitude in the name reflects the feelings of the brewers and their intention in making this beer. It really comes across as a half-assed try at a NE/hazy IPA. They're not truly attempting to make a great one here, or even a good one. If you're a real fan of that style, I can't recommend this to you. If you prefer a beer that fails in that regard, yet strains toward a traditional IPA, like me, then it's okay. 

Fine, whatever...a brewer's lament to follow the phase or the craze. With the array of hops used this IPA is bursting with citrus flavor and aroma. Don’t let “IPA” fool you, while loaded with hops, this is a smooth pour - easy for conversation or dismissing a thought…fine, whatever.

Ah, ha, now, we get it. 

Shakopee Brewhall Highway 101 West Coast IPA

Shakopee Brewhall Highway 101 West Coast IPA.

6.8 % ABV, 65 IBU. Shakopee Brewhall, Shakopee, MN. 

Clear, golden/amber hue, large and lasting layer of milky white froth atop. 

In the nose: Citrus notes on point here. In the mouth: Nice and juicy, fresh and zesty. Moderate bitterness. Smooth, malty. Bursting with citrus notes, orange and grapefruit, a little bit of lemon, touch of tangerine. Tasty stuff. Just hoppy enough to qualify for a decent West Coast IPA, but not enough to make it a great one. As is, I'll take it. 

Whether you are on the 101 along the Pacific Ocean or the 101 in Shakopee - this West Coast IPA will have you envisioning the tropics as this beer has been hit hard with a strong citrus hop blend.