Oliphant Ennui’d Talus Single Hop India Pale Ale

Oliphant Ennui’d Talus Single Hop India Pale Ale.

6.5% ABV. Oliphant Brewing, Somerset, WI.

The latest in the Ennui’d series, with another inscrutable label image. “Where are my wet, white jeans?” asks the strange green creature in the sea. Why, we don’t know. No clue. It might just be nothing but silliness.

Clear, bright golden, large and lasting ivory head. 

In the nose: lemon and lime, a pinch of pineapple, a little bit of the old piney, a touch of grapefruit. 

In the mouth: citrus bomb on the palate, spilling out lemon/lime, pink grapefruit, starting slightly juicy, ending on a dry note. Lean bodied, easy drinking, moderate  bitterness, but heavy on hop flavors. This is a tasty little guy, and I can dig it. 

Boulder Hazed & Infused Pale Ale

Boulder Hazed & Infused Pale Ale.

5% ABV. Boulder Beer, Denver, CO.

The Boulder Beer Company, now out of Denver, apparently, has been distributed in Minnesota for as long as I can remember, and I’ve always been happy to show them my support. I put a keg of Mojo IPA on at Acadia as recently as the summer of 2019. Then, they went away, and returned under a new distributor with all-new, all-boring trade dress. I’ll merely say that it’s the most drastic rebranding I’ve ever seen, and not in a good way. Gone away is color, style, and imagination, in comes black and white landscape photography and the most understated typeface imaginable. Sure, why not.

So, I bought the variety pack, which included one new beer, Bubbly By Nature, since reviewed, and three that I was already familiar with, two of them, Mojo and Shake, already here in the Nib. The last one, Hazed & Infused, not only hasn’t been reviewed here, I apparently never took notes on it at all. How is this possible?

I remember when this beer was introduced in 2002 and I remember tapping it at the Blue Nile. Back then, I took notes on every beer I tapped and shared them on BeerAdvocate & RateBeer, until I started this blog. It’s not on either one of them. The closest I could find was something called Hazed Hoppy Session Ale. A beer with this named is said to have been introduced in 2017. What gives? Oh, well, let’s write new notes. 

Hazy (as per the craze these days, although this beer preceded that by more than a decade), bright golden toned, small white head. 

In the nose: bold citrus zest expression, orange, lemon, grapefruit. Quite nice.

In the mouth: more bold, more citrus. Minor bitterness, mellow malt. Hop flavors ride high, lasting through the long finish. Medium bodied, easy drinking, refreshing, and highly likable. 

Still curious, I investigated further Hazed Hoppy Session is a renaming of Hazed & Infused. To position it for marketing purposes and tie-in to the trend of session ales? And now that unfiltered, dry-Hopped IPAs are all the rage? Yep.

I would share those old notes, but I can’t remember my password right now...

BlackStack City Pages Best IPA

 BlackStack City Pages Best IPA. 7% ABV. BlackStack Brewing, St. Paul, MN.

This is a confusing beer name for people who don’t quite get the sense of humor that drives BlackStack. The larger words are typically the title of the beer and the smaller ones below are the style. Is there a style called “best IPA”? Of course not. More than one person has made the comment that it is a good IPA, but not their best. It’s just an excuse for a joke, or is it another example of self-aggrandizement? What it is is a beer in my fridge and now I’m going to drink it. 

Hazy (could it be anything else?), bright golden hue, slim, white, lace-leaving head.

In the nose: at once sweet and citrusy, largely lemony.

In the mouth: soft and mellow, minor bitterness, just a little juicy. Surprisingly dry in the end. Slightly sugary. “Best IPA”? Unless we’re turning over all of our terms and definitions, not by a long shot, buddy. 

Tasty? A little, but not exactly exciting.

I’ve yet to be convinced that beers like this are even “good “ IPAs, let alone the best of anything. I find it dull and disappointing. 

Despite our best efforts, we never got this when they were around. Hand Selected Mosaic & Mosaic Cryo with a beautiful lot of Nelson Sauvin from New Zealand. Figured since we were the only ones voting this we year, we could do the tally ourselves. Rest In Peace.

Montgomery MOAB Triple NEIPA

 Montgomery MOAB Triple NEIPA. Enigma, Strata, Citra, Hallertau Blanc, Amarillo. 

10.5 % ABV. 14 IBU. Montgomery Brewing, Montgomery, MN.

I’d like to see Montgomery Brewing do better with their label art. This is one of the worst I’ve ever seen. It’s like someone just fucking around in MS paint. Yuck.

But, on with the beer.

So, it’s hazy, pale yellow, slim white head.

In the nose: soft and citric and not much else. Pleasant-ish.

In the mouth: more soft, more citrus, landing rather glumly upon the palate. Devoid of bitterness, but contains plenty of juicy, fruity hop flavors. Disappointingly mild for a bigger beer, but the high ABV is a rumbling down the tracks. 

I expect more from IPAs, even more from doubles, and much more out of triples. I guess the bar has been lowered. 

C

Lagunitas Stereohopic Vol. 4: Lotus & Sabro

 Lagunitas Stereohopic Vol. 4: Lotus & Sabro.

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

Clear, bright golden hue, slim white head. 

In the nose: tropical notes hit first, followed by citrus. Pineapple meets lemon.

In the mouth: Sweet and citrus meets again on the palate. Clean, lean, simple and refreshing. Straight up, non-fussy (and non-fuzzy), good ol’ drinking IPA. Brisk, bitter, slipping down the throat delightfully. 

This fourth volume in our Ltd. Series of experimental hop duets shows what happens when the orange-vanilla vibrancy of Lotus meets the creamy, tropical complexity of Sabro. Combined, it’s a Copacabana-in-a-glass, full of fruity citrus stirred up with a coconut-orange-creamsicle swizzle stick, for a palate trip straight to the Tropics.

Bauhaus Brew Labs Knight Fever Munich-style Dunkel

 

Bauhaus Brew Labs Knight Fever Munich-style

5.2% ABV, 21 IBU.

Dark brown, nearly black, mostly opaque, slim tan head of foam.

In the nose: soft, creamy, cocoa and caramel, bit of coffee, too. Classically clean.

In the mouth: small bitterness up front, then all is malty and smooth. Cocoa and coffee appear again on the palate with a bit of nuttiness and a caramel, too. Medium bodied, easy drinkin, full of smooth malty flavors. I like a good dunkel and this is one.

Good day, KNIGHT FEVER Munich-Style Dunkel! The first of four featured beers in our latest Freezebox Mixed Pack, Knight Fever is a dark, malty, Bavarian-style lager with a rich, bready profile and little to no hop bitterness/aroma. Deeply toasty, with a hint of chocolate, this is a decidedly malt-balanced beer that is oh-so drinkable. Finishes clean with a slight sweetness on the palate, so much so that even Sir Ian McKellen would approve. 5.2%, 21 IBU. Find it on tap at Bauhaus and in Freezebox Mixed Packs across the state!

Whatever point or pun that they are trying to make with the name, I don’t get it. More than a Bee Gees reference? But what do German styles have to do with knights? I won’t worry about it. 

Surly Double Furious

 Surly Double Furious. Furious Whiskey Barrel aged IPA. Furious. Times. Two.

13.6% ABV. Surly Brewing, Minneapolis & Brooklyn Center, MN.

And now that this beer is out, I wish that I had saved some of that Furious whiskey. There are still bottles around, but I’m not dropping sixty bucks on a bottle of whiskey until someone drops a lot of cash on me.

Dark crimson color, near burgundy, clear, with a dark reddish head.

In the nose: rich, malty, sweet, almost barley-wine-ish. Plenty to unpack, many treasures to unfold. 

In the mouth: from the first sip, I have to restrain myself from unleashing superlatives. Whiskey barrel flavors spill out: vanilla, cherry, chocolate, caramel, oak, tobacco, and somehow you can still sense the IPA underneath. Huge, this, meant to be slowly savored before slipping into slumber. A better nightcap from a hophead I couldn’t think of. 

This is a serious concoction. The remainder of my cans will be stashed away for sharing. 

Everything you like about Furious, but twice as much of it. Robust malt, citrusy hops, and aging in Foundry Distilling Furious Whiskey barrels amplify the sweetness and strength of the original. Notes of zesty orange, caramel, and vanilla from the barrel add even more character and depth of flavor to an anniversary worth celebrating.

Ursa Minor Bearista Coffee Milk Stout

 

Ursa Minor Bearista Coffee Milk Stout. 

6% ABV, Ursa Minor Brewing, Duluth, MN.

And now for my first Ursa Minor beer, from Duluth, MN. When they first brought their beers to the retail store where I currently work, we received New England/ hazy IPAs, fruited stouts, and this beer. That’s why I am beginning with this one. 

Black, fully opaque, moderate layer of brown head above.

In the nose: bold coffee notes at the start, rich and roasty. Some cocoa just below. Nice and malty.

In the mouth: smooth, semi-sweet, clean and malty. Brief bitterness. Light creamy character. Expertly drinkable. Coffee flavors collaborate with cocoa. Quite tasty and satisfying.

I don’t often go for milk stouts, and I prefer coffee beers to be heartier, more robust, but I can’t deny it. When it works, it works. 

Brewed in collaboration with Underwood Coffee right here in Duluth, this beer was a fun one to brew! Underwood coffee roasted up some Little Arrow Blend, which contributes some wonderful coffee characteristics and perfectly complements the smooth and silky milk stout body. The coffee flavors are purposeful and not overpowering in this one! **Contains Lactose**

Arbeiter Duel City Belgian IPA

 Arbeiter Duel City Belgian IPA.

8.1% ABV, Arbeiter Brewing, Minneapolis, MN. 

I was scrolling through the social media on a Friday afternoon and learned that Arbeiter was releasing a Belgian IPA that very day. No one brews them anymore, but if there’s any one place in the world that I associate with that style, it’s 3038 Minnehaha Avenue, Minneapolis, Minnesota. I had to stop in and get a crowler, which also got you a token for a free pint of Bad Weather’s version, over at their taproom. Hence the name. Now let’s drink. 

Clouded (why?), dull golden hue, large, bright ivory head, leaving lace. (Edit: looking back at my notes on this very blog, Harriet Brewing’s West Side was initially, at least, on the hazy side.)

In the nose: Belgian yeast runs this show, giving off the nuances of a wit or a Tripel. Spicy, fruity, funky. Hoppy notes lurk below. 

In the mouth: hop bitterness starts it off, spanking the palate for a spell, with spicy, fruity flavors rushing in. Dry finish comes quick. Citrus and stone fruit flavors meld together,  combine with the light spice, mild bitterness, bread-y malt, and crisp, refreshing qualities. 

This is the beer that Arbeiter should have released last summer when Harriet owner/founder Jason Sowards passed away after a motorcycle crash. Something more along the lines of what he actually used to brew. 

Now, to cross the river and try out the Bad Weather version.

NEW BEER! NEW COLLAB!

Duel City W/ @badweatherbrew 

Dip Hopped Belgian IPA 

8.1% ABV

 A collab? A friendly competition? A collabpetition? It’s a Crosstown Classic of epic proportions. Two of your favorite breweries on either side of the Mighty Mississip’ teamed up to bring you TWO cool new beers born of the same wort! 

For our Belgian Battle, we brewed up a massive Belgian over at Bad Weather that was used for their incredible huge 10.3% Belgian Double IPA. The beer was so incredibly massive we shipped 10 barrels of unfermented wort back to Arbeiter to  make our own, massive in its own right, 8.1% Belgian IPA. Can it get any bigger? Yes. Both Belgian IPAs were dip hopped which accentuates the hop aromas and flavors!  *DROOL* 

Stone Hazy IPA

 Stone Hazy IPA. An Amazingly Hazy IPA.

6.7 % ABV, Stone Brewing, Escondido, CA. 

This is my first time buying a Stone variety pack. They always seem to be too expensive, compared to other 12-packs. This one had the right combination of beers I already know I like, new beers I’m interested in trying, and beers I don’t mind trying, but wouldn’t pick up a sixer. The Stone Hazy IPA falls in the latter category. 

Decidedly on the hazy side, bright golden color, small ivory head.

In the nose: citrus notes galore, orange and grapefruit, and fiercely fuzzy. 

In the mouth: sharp, acidic, highly Hopped. Also soft, mild and mellow. Astringency lays long on the palate, though. Bitterness is minor, for a Stone IPA, but big for a hazy. Hop flavors never quit. Pleasant. Drinkable.

I wouldn’t mind drinking this again, if I had to, but I would rather have the regular Stone IPA any ol’ day. 

When we first started brewing IPAs, they were considered an extreme style, only for hardcore beer nerds. (Like, say, us.) Today, they're the most popular style in craft beer and continuing to grow. We're proud of our role in fueling that revolution and thrilled with how the style has evolved over the years. Stone Hazy IPA comes in at an easy 6.7% and less bitter than our other IPAs, but still  blooming with bold hop flavors. El Dorado and Azacca hops showcase a myriad of citrus and fruit elements while intense Sabro highlights the tropical notes of this beer. No fruit added, yet intensely juicy. The result of this unique hop combination is a creamy citrus bomb with tons of orange, lemon, melon, mango and pineapple flavors and aromas.

Oliphant Brewing Bourbon-Barrel-Aged Blizzard of ‘91 Pecan Pumpkin Pie Ale

 Oliphant Brewing Bourbon-Barrel-Aged Blizzard of ‘91 Pecan Pumpkin Pie Ale.

Oliphant Brewing, Somerset, WI.

Mostly clear, slightly clouded, deep amber hued, slim head atop.

In the nose: big pumpkin spice, clove, allspice, cinnamon. I’m searching for bourbon barrel and coming up empty, so far. Maybe a whiff, under the spice.

In the mouth: okay, now it’s coming through, the vanilla, oak and berries, the leather and whiskey. Spice is still on top, whiskey hasn’t conquered yet. I want more. This checks me for all the times I thought that the barrel covered up too much of the base beer. And it is also the fault I have found with Oliphant bourbon barrel projects. Something in-between, perhaps. 

More flavors unfold, brown sugar, molasses, ...and just that hint of the barrel. 

As is, it’s a nice in-between balance, but worthy of $7 a can? Maybe not so much. Let it rest longer, fellas. Let the bourbon in. 

Half Acre Vallejo India Pale Ale

 Half Acre Vallejo India Pale Ale.

6.7 % ABV, Half Acre Brewing, Chicago, IL.

For a minute, I wondered why the label appears to be a paint by numbers of a seashore scene, possibly California. And then I got it. 

Clear, bright golden hue, small ivory head above.

In the nose: floral, citrus, lemon zest, orange rind, grapefruit, together in harmony. 

In the mouth: liquid sunshine explodes on the palate. Hop bitterness blasts over the tongue and down the throat. Powerful and expressive, yet balanced and palatable. Medium bodied, easily consumed, highly Hopped. Refreshing and exceptionally likable. I would never say no to another.

An India Pale Ale we brewed with coastal spirit. This hop crasher sharply dives into the very deep waters of bitter beers. 

Does this make it a West Coast style IPA? Very close, if not exactly. 

Warpigs Astral Queen Double India Pale Ale

 Warpigs Astral Queen Double India Pale Ale.

8.25 % ABV, Warpigs Brewing, USA.

Clear, amber/golden hue, large, lush creamy head atop.

In the nose: high alpha acids, prominent dankocity. Prime citrus notes, precocious pine, ridiculous resinousness.

In the mouth: starts out bitter and dry,just a little spicy, fruit coming in. Orange, lemon and grapefruit meet a pinch of pine, and a slice of apricot. Medium bodied, long bitter finish, increasing alcohol. Not the greatest DIPA in the history of the world, but not too shabby either, there. Its got the goods. 

A journey of one billion light years in the blink of an eye. To some it felt like an eternity. Her majesty has returned to claim her throne. All hail the Queen.

Yeah, that’s a good description.

Modist Teal Label West Coast IPA

 Modist Teal Label West Coast IPA .

6.3 % ABV, Modist Brewing, Minneapolis, MN.

Here we have, once again, a West Coast IPA from a brewery known mostly for its hazies. This one is named for the color of their floor. And why not?

Slightly hazy (though I would be thrilled to see crystal clear), golden hue, and slim white head.

In the nose: pungent and powerful aromatics, dankness in person. Citrus aplenty, with a slice of stone fruit on the side. Apricot and peach mingle with tangerine and grapefruit.

In the mouth: big buzz of bitterness from the start, just the way I like it. At turns dry and juicy, while remaining bitter and brittle. Medium bodied, malty mouthfeel, long hoppy finish. But too soft, a favorite word of theirs. At least there’s no marshmallows in it.

I believe this should be crisper, cleaner, brasher, bolder, but still I have to give them credit for going this far. It’s not quite a West Coast IPA, but a tasty beer nonetheless. My favorite local West Coast IPA remains Steel Toe Size 7, that’s the one that gets it done. 

WestCoast IPA brewed with Maris Otter Pale Ale malt, kettle hopped and dry hopped with our hand-selected Columbus Cryo, Simcoe, Strata & Citra.

Invictus Tyrannosaurus Press Pastry Stout

Invictus Tyrannosaurus Press Pastry Stout. Beer for the Unconquerable Soul. 

7.8 % ABV, 31 IBU, Invictus Brewing, Blaine, MN.

A note to readers. I still despise the term “pastry stout” and will not purchase any beer labeled as such. And I continue to frown on the practice of throwing cookies in the boil. But this was a free sample, and it must enter the Nib. I have spoken. 

Utter blackness, full opacity, slim brown ring above. 

In the nose: toasty, malty, cocoa. Not much else. 

In the mouth: more malt, roast, delicious darkness....some sweetness, but overall balanced. I’m not getting the cookies promised and maybe a little of the coffee. I still hate seeing breweries using the term pastry stout as if it’s a real thing. Why did that happen, and how are people still talking about like it’s a legitimate thing? 

It’s a decent stout, but the promised flavors don’t come  through.

Back from extinction! This Pastry Stout was brewed as a collaboration with our friends at T-Rex Cookies and Folly Coffee.  We brewed this up with Chocolate Chip, Salted Caramel, Caramel Chocolate Chip, Chocolate Chocolate Chip, and caramel Oreo cookies; equating to over 100 pounds of cookies from T-Rex along with 10 gallons of cold press coffee from Folly Coffee Roasters.  Black as night, a tan head, and bold aromas of coffee, chocolate, and cookies leads into a silky rich mouthfeel. Its like how T-Rex Cookies says it #SizeMatters

Surly Controlled Chaos IPA

 Surly Controlled Chaos IPA.

7.2 % ABV, Surly Brewing, Minneapolis/Brooklyn Center, MN.

Clear, bright golden hue, slim white head.

In the nose: all kinds of citrus with a splash of sweetness. Nice overall hoppiness. Quite pleasant.

In the mouth: big bite of bitterness on first sip. Orange, grapefruit, lemon and then some. Refreshing bitterness grabs the palate. Clea, brisk, drinkable. Lean bodied, long hoppy finish. Bright and beautiful. 

This is a damned tasty West Coast-ish style IPA that I would be happy to imbibe on any occasion. And once more I am wishing that I’d bought a 12-pack, as this is can 6 and I wish I had another.

West Coast hardcore took punk rock one step further. Faster, harder, and even more aggressive--drums and guitars combusting into barely controlled chaos. Stirred by that unruly sound, we bring you Controlled Chaos West Coast IPA. Double dry-hopped and heaving with a cacophony of citrusy hop flavor, Chaos finishes dry and with a touch of bitterness, just like the music that inspired it.

Clutch Straight 8 Mosaic IPA

 Clutch Straight 8 Mosaic IPA.

7% ABV, Clutc Brewing, St. Paul, MN.

This here is my third time with this beer. Time the first was in September of 2019, my first (and only, so far) visit to the brewery in the company of Ed. I might have brought home crowler, but we were biking all over St. Paul. Also I’m thinking maybe they didn’t have crowlers. Number two was sampling with colleagues at the store. And then I got my very own can, and now I will drink it.

Clear, bright golden hue, lush ivory head. Looking good.

In the nose: hoppy, fruity, citrus and berries. Light floral touch. Beautiful.

In the mouth: starts out bitter and dry, with just a little bit of juicy. Juicy increases and does a tidy fandango with the bitter. Just enough malt to hold it all together. Citrus, a pinch of pine, and a blast of blueberries dominates the flavor. Bright, bitter, and very satisfying.

This an IPA after my own heart, and we will surely meet again. 

Definitely for the IPA lover at heart. Loads of citrus, pineapple, mango, and stone fruit with a clean bitterness and  enough body to balance.

Oliphant Marzen Lager

 Oliphant Marzen Lager. 

5% ABV, Oliphant Brewing, Somerset, WI.

It’s early April, the perfect time to drink a beer released in, and named for, March. Don’t märzens normally come out in the fall? Oliphant doesn’t do normal.

Clear, amber hued, slim white head.

In the nose: clean, rich, malty. Slight sweetness, a little fruity.

In the mouth: crisp, smooth, full of warm, malty goodness. Low hops, good balance, some nuttiness to match the fruit. Medium bodied, long malty finish. A tasty one. 

Half Acre Bodem India Pale Ale

 Half Acre Bodem India Pale Ale.

6.7% ABV, Half Acre Brewing, Chicago, IL.

At long last, Half Acre is in Minnesota. At the retail store where I currently work, four of their beers appeared last week. One of them was a $20 4-pack of a DDH double version of Daisy Cutter, which I allowed other people to buy. And Daisy Cutter, which has appeared here before, after my Chicago visit of nine years ago. Third, a hazy which I will only review once I get it for free, which I haven’t, and fourth, an IPA which I did get for free, and which will appear here soon.

 

Last week, a rep from the brewery appeared at the store and we sipped those last three with him. He went out to his car to fetch three beers which would not enter our market. How I wish they could have all wound up with me. Yeah, I’m a greedy bastard, ain’t I? I got one of them and now I will drink it. 

Clear, bright golden hue, large white head.

In the nose: citrus and pine, and everything nice.Grapefruit, orange, lime. All the goodness is here.

In the mouth: a flood of hoppy deliciousness. Bitter, but none too sharp. Sharp, but smooth. Mellow, with slightly sweet malt flavors in the underflow. I’d love to know what sets this apart from other IPAs (I want to say the malts), but until I can uncover that information, I’m just enjoying it. 

I’ll be happy to see many more Half Acre beers showing up locally. I want to put my squid-owl glass to good use.

A reflection of how we're feeling about go-to IPA in today's spectrum of plants and brewing  Ripe tropical fruit flesh with soft melon and berry.

Junkyard Werewolves at Luncheon Vermont style IPA

 Junkyard Werewolves at Luncheon Vermont style IPA. With Sabro, Mosaic, and Citra.

7.2 % ABV, Junkyard Brewing, Moorhead, MN. 

As a Warren Zevon fan, I had to try this beer. But, I couldn’t buy it, for that would violate my ban on the hazies. (Vermont Style = New England style =hazy), but luckily a free sample came my way, so here we are. 

Hazy and yellow,large, fluffy, white head.

In the nose: soft, fuzzy, slightly citric. Grapefruit and lemon.Attractive.

In the mouth: citric and spicy. But sufficiently smooth. Lemon and orange lead the charge. Body is medium, but full of fuzz. No bitterness to speak of, unfortunately, but plenty of hop flavors. It’s easily consumed, but stands as a perfect example of why these beers should not be called IPAs. Where’s the bitterness, as Clara Peller might ask. (Yes, I am old and full of references from the 1980s that I lived through.)

Answer, it’s there in only the slightest way, replaced by soft and squishy. No thanks.