Modist Imperial Teal Label Imperial West Coast IPA

 Modist Imperial Teal Label Imperial West Coast IPA.

8.5% ABV, Modist Brewing, Minneapolis, MN. 

This sounds like all the things I like, doesn’t it? So, let’s drink some!

Partially clear, mostly hazy (points off), golden hue, slim white head. 

In the nose: citrus and pine, grapefruit and orange. Dank and hoppy. Great promise. 

In the mouth: bursts of citrusy flavors on the palate, some bitterness spreads around. Slight sweetness dallies with the dank. Alcohol creeps in. Just a little on the dry side, could be more. Booze gets more and more prominent. It’s more on the crisp and clean side, but I wish it were more so. Give it to me, don’t hold back, now. Medium bodied, and delightful to drink. 

I just want more dry, more bitter. This comes close enough. 

Imperial West Coast IPA brewed with Maris Otter Pale Ale malt, then hopped & dry hopped with our hand-selected Columbus Cryo, Simcoe, Strata & Citra

Spiral Foxtoberfest Oktoberfest Lager

 Spiral Foxtoberfest Oktoberfest Lager.

5.6 % ABV, Spiral BrewingHastings, MN. 

Clear, Amber hued, sizable ivory froth atop. 

In the nose: appropriately malty, classic aromatics.

In the mouth: smooth and slightly sweet, fills the mouth and rolls off the palate. Medium bodied and highly drinkable. Not a bad little Märzen. 

This smooth, clean beer has just enough hops bitter to balance it out, but the malt is what really comes through with each sip. This bready, malty beer is light to medium bodied and is meant to be consumed by the liter.

Badger Hill Double Traitor Double IPA

 Badger Hill Double Traitor Double IPA.

10% ABV, Badger Hill Brewing, Shakopee, MN.

Chill hazed, but clear, bright golden, with an amber tint, solid , rocky white head.

In the nose: bright, bold, dank, resins. Brash citrus and pine. Old school in the house.

In the mouth: clamorous to the point of cantankerous. Big, bustling, bitter, juicy, malty, chaotic. Has the booze, has the britches. Voluminous and violent. Yet still, surprisingly smooth. 

Bitterness rides all over the palate. Grapefruit rind, orange peel, pine sap. Boom, Boom, Boom, Boom. 

I surely dig of this. 

Steel Toe Dunkelweizen

 Steel Toe Dunkelweizen. 

5.6% ABV, Steel Toe Brewing, St. Louis Park, MN.

At last, a dunkel weizen from Steel Toe! I’ve only been waiting, like, 12 years. 

Dark amber hue, lightly clouded, large milky white. 

In the nose: soft, banana & clove, caramel tones, light sweetness. 

In the mouth: starts out lush, smooth, sweet. Caramel malt, wheat texture, fruity notes, slight spice on the palate. Excellent drinker, medium body, ending dry, with great balance. 

I love a good dunkel weizen and this is surely one of them. 

Drastic Measures So They Say West Coast IPA

 Drastic Measures So They Say West Coast IPA.

6% ABV, Drastic Measures, Brewing, Wadena, MN.

I like West Coast IPAs. If you’re a regular reader, you know that. And I try to keep up with new ones, even, or especially, from breweries that are known for the diametrically opposite style, New England/hazies. Let’s see how this one is. 

Chill haze. An attempt at clarity. Golden toned. Slim white head.

In the nose: grapefruit rind, orange peel, pinch of pine.

In the mouth: bitterness boards the palate, accompanied by a sliver of sweet. Crisp and clean,, but I want it crisper, cleaner. Medium bodied, slightly bitter finish. Easy enough drinking. Passable, but a bit too soft. 

Unfortunately, the back label copy is not in the Untappd listing, so I can’t copy and paste it from there, I’m not going to search for it elsewhere, and I’m certainly not going to write it all out, as I used to do. I’ll share this small tidbit: “…crystal clear and loaded with a hop bite that is sure to make even the most hardcore beer gangsta smile.”

Question: does every brewery think of “gangsta rap” when the subject of West Coast IPA comes up? Does the name of this beer come from a Tupac lyric? 

Maine Beer Company Little Whaleboat India Pale Ale

 Maine Beer Company Little Whaleboat India Pale Ale.

6.5% ABV, Maine Beer Company, Freeport, Maine.

Mostly clear, bright golden hue, small white head, leaving a little lace. 

In the nose: shining strong citrus, grapefruit, lemon. 

In the mouth: hoppy splash on the palate, bright, citrusy, delightful. Light bodied, easy drinking. Minor bitterness. Just enough. Perfectly pleasant. 

Notes of tropical fruit (mango, pineapple), grapefruit, pine, and floral aromas of rose and chamomile.

Little Whaleboat Islands (made up of Little Whaleboat, Nate & Tuck) are a cluster of 3 small islands and ledges in Casco Bay, a vital link in the chain of protected islands conserved by Maine Coast Heritage Trust. Protection of these islands provides sanctuary to a range of wildlife including seals, seabirds, shorebirds, and wading birds, while preserving a unique place off the coast of Maine for future generations to experience.

You know me, though. I need a little more edge, a little more bitter, a bit more bite. 

Sisyphus GSB Extra Special Bitter

 Sisyphus GSB Extra Special Bitter.

3.8% ABV, 35 IBU, Sisyphus Brewing, Minneapolis, MN. 

Clear, amber toned, small white head. 

In the nose: classic English malty aromatics, earthy, sweetish, clean, restrained fruity notes. Caramel and toast. 

In the mouth: minor bitterness, mostly malty. Slightly sweet. Low alcohol, light body. Pretty tasty, too. Goes down with the greatest of ease and flush with English character. 

It’s not what I usually drink, but it’s not too shabby there. 

Our take on a classic British style - This isn't your ordinary bitter, this is a special bitter.  Made by our especially bitter brewer - Grant.  Grant's Special Bitter is here to add a touch of British charm to your day - and help you shoot a 105 at your favorite golf course.   Our take on a classic British style - This isn't your ordinary bitter, this is a special bitter.  Made by our especially bitter brewer - Grant.  Grant's Special Bitter is here to add a touch of British charm to your day - and help you shoot a 105 at your favorite golf course.   r take on a classic British style - This isn't your ordinary bitter, this is a special bitter.  Made by our especially bitter brewer - Grant.  Grant's Special Bitter is here to add a touch of British charm to your day - and help you shoot a 105 at your favorite golf course.  

Outstate Shore Lunch Shandy

 Outstate Shore Lunch Shandy. 

4.2 % ABV, 17 IBU. Outstate Brewing, Ferguson Falls, Minnesota. 

Lightly hazed, pale gold color, slim white head. 

In the nose: lemon. Floral hops? 

In the mouth: more citrus, clean and smooth. Light bodied, easy drinking, perfect for warm weather. Hey, it’s a shandy. 

fresh, zesty lemon on the nose, and treats your mouth to a dry and bubbly citrus blast upon the first sip. best enjoyed on the beach while you sauté up your fresh caught northern over a campfire. 

Pipeworks Birdbrain India Pale Ale with Cryo Amarillo and Centennial Hops

 Pipeworks Birdbrain India Pale Ale with Cryo Amarillo and Centennial Hops.

7% ABV, Pipeworks Brewing, Chicago, Illinois. 

Clear, bright golden hue, slim white head. 

In the nose: nicely hopped, smooth and citrusy. Orange and grapefruit with a little lemon.

In the mouth: hop explosion on the palate, burst of citrus notes, and a trickle of pine. Crisp and clean, moderate bitterness, easily drinkable. Classic IPA, all the way. I am enjoying this beverage. 

Little Thistle Minn Bloom West Coast IPA

 Little Thistle Minn Bloom West Coast IPA.Collaboration with Pryes Brewing.

6.2 % ABV, 63 IBU. Little Thistle Brewing, Rochester, MN.

Clear, bright golden hue, slim white head. 

In the nose: nicely hopped, well balanced, mildly citrusy. A little tamer than I like. 

In the mouth: coming in nice and bitter. Pounces the palate, politely. Clean, crisp, delightfully smooth, This is not the style of West Coast IPA that I crave. That would require a fierce hop attack that this one lacks. But, it’s enjoyable enough for what it is.

A West Coast IPA made with CTZ, Mosaic, and Strata hops. Here you will find a classically bitter IPA, with notes of dank citrus. We made this beer in collaboration with our friends at Pryes Brewing.

De Ranke Guldenberg Belgian Abbey Ale

 De Ranke Guldenberg Belgian Abbey Ale.

8% ABV, Brouwerij De Ranke, Dottignies, Belgium. 

Moderately hazed, deep amber Hurd, sizable slab of milky froth atop. 

In the nose: bubblegum and banana. Funky, fruity Belgian yeast. Ethereal sweet maltiness.

In the mouth: full mouthfeel, full flavors. Mostly malty, minor hops.Defies categories. What kind of an “abbey ale” is this? It’s neither Tripel, dubbel, or quad. Single? At 8%, no. It is sui generics. Not too sweet, not too strong, but quite delightful. Mix between strong amber (Kwak) and a dubbel? I don’t mind it one bit. 

(This is called a Tripel on Untappd.)

Guldenberg is a high-fermenting, balanced bitter beer. The origin of the name comes from the former Guldenberg-abbey in Wevelgem where monks used to make beer. Also, Wevelgem is the birthplace of one of the brewers.

Taste: A full-bodied abbey beer that balances between sweet and bitter. It is dry-hopped with Hallertau Mittelfrüh which results in a unique soft-bitter taste and aroma. 

Ayinger Maibock

 Ayinger Maibock.

7% ABV, Brauerie Aying, Aying, Bavaria, Germany.

Lightly hazy, bright golden hue, large ivory head. 

In the nose: slightly floral, minor hops. Appealing malty notes. 

In the mouth: sweet and malty, hearty mouthfeel. Pleasant on the palate. Bold and bright. Medium bodied. Refreshing and delicious. 

Wish this was a year-round. I quite like it. 

Fulton Hop Kingdom Hazy IPA

 Fulton Hop Kingdom Hazy IPA.

6.5 % ABV, 28 IBU, Fulton Beer, Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Fulton has a new umbrella, where it keeps all of its IPAs that aren’t Sweet Child of Vine. It’s called Hop Kingdom, and all feature labels with illustrations of forest animals transformed into some kind of hop beast, drawn by the great Brent Schoonover. One of them was reviewed here in 2016 when it was just called 300. This one replaces their last hazy, Moon Howler, also reviewed here. And , yes, I’m breaking my ban on hazies, just this once. 

Moderately hazed, semi-bright golden hue, slim white head. 

In the nose: bright citrus, grapefruit and tangerine. Orange peel. 

In the mouth: soft on the palate, but still packing a degree of bitterness. Bursting with hop flavors, more citrus notes, with a touch of tropical. Medium bodied. Long hoppy finish. 

Hey, here’s a hazy I don’t hate.  

A wolf in wolf’s clothing, this alpha IPA leads the pack. Uncaged, untamed and unfiltered, the wild is calling.

Luce Line Heartland Hefeweizen

 Luce Line Heartland Hefeweizen.5.3% ABV, Luce Line Brewing, Plymouth, MN. 

Lightly hazy, straw gold color, immense ivory head. 

In the nose: big banana, touch of clove, some citrus, minor hops.

In the mouth: slightly sweet, smooth and refreshing. Small bitterness, light/medium bodied. Delightful wheat malt texture. Good beer and you can drink it. 

Oliphant Chonees Chonees Chocolate, Peanut Butter, and Honey Golden Ale

 Oliphant Chonees Chonees Chocolate, Peanut Butter, and Honey Golden Ale.

5.6% ABV, Oliphant Brewing, Somerset, Wisconsin. 

Clear, light brown/amber hue, slim white head. 

In the nose: sweet and malty, with peanut butter flavor shining on top, cocoa just below, and then there’s that little bit o’ honey. Nice. 

In the mouth: malty and smooth, every flavor well integrated, perfectly balanced. Medium bodied, long, sweet finish. Delightfully delectable.

On my first taste, can number one, I was disappointed that there wasn’t more chocolate. But this is style based on a golden ale. How much chocolate can it handle? Right about now, I think it’s pretty danged tasty. 

Chocolate, Peanut Butter, and Honey Golden Ale with Lactose.

Wooden Shop Old Man Clayton Had A Farm Farmhouse Ale

 Wooden Shop Old Man Clayton Had A Farm Farmhouse Ale. Clayton farms arugula & fresh orange peel. 5.9% ABV. 

Clear, bright golden hue, slim white head. 

In the nose: citrus and spice. Dry, yet enticing.

In the mouth: fresh and zesty. Light bitterness, refreshing, medium bodied, easy drinking. Arugula adds a touch of spice. Pepper notes pop on the palate. 

I am enjoying this.

A farmhouse ale made with Clayton Farms arugula and fresh orange peel

Green Flash Imperial West Coast IPA

 Green Flash Imperial West Coast IPA.

8.9% ABV, 

Largely clear, with some chill haze, bright golden hue, milky white froth atop.

In the nose: citrus and dank. Deep hoppy goodness. Grapefruit rind meets lupulin oil. 

In the mouth: bitterness grips the tongue as citrus and pine flavors splash the palate. Medium bodied, easy enough drinking. Slight sweet, but overwhelmingly sticky, with bitter never losing it’s hold. This one does everything right. 

Imperial West Coast IPA (8.9 % ABV), an amplified version of the classic WEST COAST IPA® beer, featuring an epic wave of hops, delivering grapefruit zest bitterness supported by notes of dark caramel and finishing easy with floral and dry woodsy hop notes. Imperial West Coast IPA is also available in 19.2-ounce cans nationally.

Warpigs Empowering Rift Stout

 Warpigs Empowering Rift Stout. 

7.2 % ABV, 61 IBU, Warpigs USA,

Just about blackness, under a rich, full cocoa head, leaving lace. Impenetrable.

In the nose: nice cocoa nose, roasty and nutty, too. Quite delightful.

In the mouth: malty mouthfeel, rich and nearly chewy. Loads of texture. Bittersweet upon the palate. Just enough bitter, just enough sweet. Presents plenty of pleasure for the stoutophile. 

We sit on the edge of oblivion, but I must be more than a witness. After hesitation, I reach out to draw from the power of the void.

Three Floyd’s Cat Date Double IPA

 Three Floyd’s Cat Date Double IPA.

9.5% ABV, 86 IBU, Three Floyds Brewing, Munster, Indiana.

Clear, bright golden hue, slim mush, milky white head. 

In the nose: a cornucopia of citrusy delights, with a healthy dose of tropical. Lemon peel meets papaya. A little bit grapefruit, a powerful pinch of passion fruit.

In the mouth: a jolt of juice with a blast of bitter. Heavy dank and a a roar of oncoming alcohol. Ripe with resin, peeling of citrus and bitter, oily hop drippings. Medium bodied and extra potent. Glides down the gullet with both menace and ease. 

This is surely my kind of a beer. I can heap on praise and it won’t be enough. 

A categorically big Double IPA brewed to honor our little friends and their clandestine meetings. Intensely bitter with notes of citrus, grapefruit, and orange marmalade.

Luce Line Hard Tail West Coast IPA

 Luce Line Hard Tail West Coast IPA. 

7.1% ABV, Luce Line Brew Co, Plymouth, MN.

And here we have the first appearance of Luce Line in the Nib. Hopefully, not the last.

Clear, bright golden hue, slim, white head. 

In the nose: pine, citrus, grapefruit peel, essence of orange.

In the mouth: bitterness abounds on the palate, lingering through the finish. Crisp, clean, snappy. Light bodied and delicious. At last, a West Coast IPA that actually tastes like one. I thoroughly enjoyed this one. 

Hard Tail IPA, a reimagining of our house West Coast IPA. Brewed with a light malt bill and hopped in the kettle with Columbus and Simcoe, Hard Tail is dry hopped over multiple stages with Simcoe, Centennial and a huge helping of Citra hops.