Northbound Smokehouse Brewpub Doppelbock

 Northbound Smokehouse Brewpub Doppelbock.

8.5 % ABV, 18 IBU, Northbound Smokehouse Brewpub, Minneapolis, Minnesota.

It seems that it’s been almost six years since I’ve posted about a Northbound beer, even though my ol’ pal Andy is still there, making great beers day in, day out. I just never get out there, which is a habit I have to get out of.What can I say, I am a flawed individual, deeply in need of improvement.

A few weeks ago, I found myself in the neighborhood and I and my palate were witness to an embarrassment of dark, malty goodness. Took a crowler home for the first time, though, according to the label I should have opened it two days ago. Well, now’s the time!

Clear, reddish brown color, slim semi-dark head.

In the nose: caramel and toffee. Magnificent maltiness. 

In the mouth: starts out smooth and unfolds into undulating richness. More caramel and toffee, more massive malt, low hops, and the high ABV is setting’ the woods on fire. Full-bodied, fully flavored, rich, multi layered and ridiculously delicious. Also, boozy. All that said, it’s doing it for me.

This is certainly not the first time I’ve had this beer. According to Untappd, I’ve logged into this one in February of 2014 (a few months before I briefly worked there) and once in 2017, but never thought to take it home and write about it. Very glad I finally rectified that error. 

Man, there is nothing like a good, strong doppelbock to get you through a chilly winter night.

Schell’s Snowstorm 2023 Four Rye Dark Ale

 Schell’s Snowstorm 2023 Four Rye Dark Ale.

6.3% ABV, August Schell Brewing, New Ulm, Minnesota. 

And here we have this year’s, or should I say last year’s, seasonal offering from August Schell. Four Rye Dark Ale, what the blooming’ heck is that? I only bought a six pack this time for reasons too banal to relate. I’m down to the last can, so it’s note taking time.

Clear, medium mahogany hue, slim slab of cream-toned head. 

In the nose: malty richness, rye spice, pumpernickel. 

In the mouth: the palate is graced with light pepper tones, mixed with earthy, bready malt flavors. Medium bodied, long finish, quite smooth. Touch of cocoa, bit of dark fruit, coffee. A wealth of rich and delicious tastes. Warmingly wonderful.

Yum a dum dum, I say, and I mean it this time.

(Just kidding, I always mean it. From deep down in my heart.)

Lakes & Legends Local Haunt Hop Head Farms Collaboration Grungeist Lager

 Lakes & Legends Local Haunt Hop Head Farms Collaboration Grungeist Lager.  

4.2% ABV, Lakes & Legends Brewing, Minneapolis, Minnesota. 

Clear, bright golden hue, large lush ivory head. 

In the nose: floral, hoppy, alarmingly gorgeous. 

In the mouth: smooth, sleek, lightly bitter, absolutely delicious. Light-bodied, citrus flavored, supremely drinkable. Some tropical notes, as well. No ordinary lager. 

This is quite possibly the penultimate review I will pen for Lake & Legends Brewing, for they were one of several local casualties in 2023. I went to see them one final time the day before they closed and when my tab was settled, there were some rewards points coming to me,  fifteen bucks worth. I grabbed this crowler and a final pour of their BA Imperial Stout, my third of the evening. That will probably be the final review, for I had them fill a crowler for me. 

I’ll miss them, they brewed some fine beers. Wish I knew what a “grungeist “ is, though. I’ll figure it out, don’t worry about me. 

Ommegang Super Kriek

 Ommegang Super Kriek. Blend No. 003. A blend of Flemish Oud Bruin Ale and Belgian Amber Ale with cherries and natural flavors. 2020.

7% ABV, brewed and bottled by Brewery Liefmans, Oudenaatde, Belgium, imported and bottled by Brewery Ommegang, Cooperstown, New York. 

And here’s one I’ve been sitting on for too long. Maybe since 2020? Time to drink up. already. 

Deep reddish hue, clear, slim white head. 

In the nose: cherries and tart from the start, malty and brown below. Deep complexities abound. 

In the mouth: crisp and clean, funky and fruity. Growing sourness. Flowering fruit. Ripening cherries. Alternatively sweet and sour. Oaky. Ancient and refreshing at once. I did not err in aging this. 

A d Belgian Kriek Ale and American Wild Ale

An unlikely alliance of freshness and funk, this Blenderie Ommegang release combines pure Belgian kriek with barrel-aged American wild ale. Bright cherries, assertive sourness, oaky tannins and barnyard notes make Super Kriek a deeply layered, richly complex, and distinctive beer.

Boom Island Wake Up Call Blonde Ale

 Boom Island Wake Up Call Blonde Ale.Coffee. Vanilla. Lactose.

5.6 % ABV, Boom Island Brewing, Minnetonka, Minnesota. 

Clear, bright golden hue,?slim white head.

In the nose: vanilla pops up first, coffee just below. Nice. 

In the mouth: starts off smooth and creamy…and ends that way. In between, coffees on top, a little earthy/nutty. Light bodied, long, pleasant finish. Good and easy drinking. All in all, not too shabby there. 

Behind a seemingly straightforward exterior, Wake Up Call is bursting with unexpected flavor. Toasted vanilla, a blend of locally sourced light roast coffees, and lactose meld harmoniously with a blonde ale malt bill to make this beer a contradiction that makes perfect sense.

Outstate Backroad Hazy IPA

 So, I made a New Year’s Resolution to clean out the fridge of beers and also review them all. Even the hazy IPAs, you ask? Well, maybe not all of them, but I have to include one that may have been brewed by my nephew Shawn. He gave it to Nikki, who gave it to me, back in June. That’s too long to sit on it, but I’ve been sitting on others longer. We’ll get to them soon. 

For now, Outstate Backroad Hazy IPA. 

6.5 % ABV, 33 IBU. Outstate Brewing, Fergus Falls, Minnesota. 

Minor haze, just barely. Bright golden hue, slim white head.

In the nose: soft and citrusy, some melon, a touch of tropical. Nicely hoppy.

In the mouth: slightly sweet and smooth. Mild bitterness. Just enough. Light bodied and easy drinking

Not too hazy, this one, with just enough IPA character for me to like it. Enough citrus zest and hoppy buzz to keep the palate happy. 

DDH with Citra, Azacca, Cashmere and Cryo Citra hops. 

Harvieston Old Engine Oil Black Ale

 Harvieston Old Engine Oil Black Ale. Product of Scotland. 6% Alc./Vol. 40 IBU. 

Harviestoun Brewery, Clackmannashire, Scotland. 

Inky black, impenetrable, slim cream-toned head. 

In the nose: blackstrap molasses. Cocoa. Coffee. 

In the mouth: creamy, bittersweet, dark, deep, rich and full bodied. Lingers long on the palate. Beautifully balanced, smooth and delicious. Lovely roasty malt flavors. Wonderful Scottish stout. 

This beer is just the job for anyone who appreciates beautifully engineered stuff that used to be made properly. So undo the top button of your pressed pits overalls, ease into the wingback and roll out a rare taste of a truly great British beer.

Old Engine Oil is a remarkably smooth, creamy brew with a beautiful velvety mouthfeel. Enjoy flavours of coffee, slightly buttered toffee, dark chocolate and earthy hops. You may find some mild cherry fruit within the residual sweetness, neatly accompanying the roasted flavours that ride with you all the way to the finish.

This beer is just the job for anyone who appreciates beautifully engineered stuff that used to be made properly. So undo the top button of your pressed pits overalls, ease into the wingback and roll out a rare taste of a truly great British beer.

Born in 2000, this winner of the first ever Tesco Beer Challenge was always designed to have a thick, dark, gloopy appearance. We piled in the oats to smooth out the bitterness from the roast barley and laid on a super-high-temperature mash to make the wort less fermentable. The result is a really black beer that has a greater sweetness and fuller flavour than many other stouts and porters, as well as a surprisingly light texture.

HOPS: Galena, East Kent Goldings, Fuggles

MALTS: Roast barley, oats.

Luce Line Snowdrift West Coast IPA

 Luce Line Snowdrift West Coast IPA. 

6.9 % ABV, 60 IBU, Luce Line Brewing, Plymouth, Minnesota.

Clear, bright golden hue, slim white head. 

In the nose: highly hopped, citrus and pine. Grapefruit on point.

In the mouth: bracingly bitter up front, lean bodied, nice and dry, even brittle.Crisp and clean, citrus and pine abounds. Once again, Luce Line doesn’t shirk from the cause when it comes to delivering a West Coast IPA. 

Snowdrift is our winter West Coast IPA. Both fruit forward and dank, Snowdrift is generously hopped with Columbus Cryo, Mosaic, and Sultana hops which create a melange of pineapple, dank resin, berry, and subtle pine. 

Sisyphus More Than A Trace

 Sisyphus More Than A Trace. Buffalo Trace Barrel aged Imperial Stout w/ Dogwood Coffee.

13.5% ABV, 40 IBU, Sisyphus Brewing, Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Strictly ebony, absolutely opaque, slim tan ring of foam.

In the nose: big barrel effects, bulging out of the aroma. Outsized bourbon notes, char and cherry, with coffee creeping in below. Massive malt associations abound. 

In the mouth: surprisingly smooth, resplendently rich. Thick, viscous, round and full. Coffee and cocoa are king, with bourbon barrel flavors right around the side. Whole lot going on here, much more than a trace. 

I am very fond of this bottling. I may have to return for more. 

We love Buffalo Trace barrels - we think they lead to some of the best barrel aged beers we've made.  This stout was aged for 1 year in a Buffalo Trace barrel and then finished on Dogwood Coffee - Espresso beans.  You can definitely taste and smell the coffee, but it doesn't overwhelm the barrel character.  The two blend together to create a creamy, vanilla-laden flavor, with an espresso finish. 

Revolution Fistmas

Revolution Fistmas. Full festive flavors for jolly joyful jingles. 

6.5 % ABV, Revolution Brewing, Chicago, Illinois. 

All the best holiday beers have naked Santas on the label. 

Clear, reddish hue, cream-toned layer of froth.

In the nose: slightly sweet, fruity, touch of spice. 

In the mouth; citrus blasts through the palate, with spice on the side. Medium bodied, long, finish, warm and malty. Ginger and orange. Easy drinking and delightfully delicious. 

Our Holiday Red Ale is steeped with ginger root and orange peel, resulting in a beer with aromas of fresh baked bread, caramel, and stone fruits. Fistmas was brewed with specialty malts to achieve a beautiful deep red hue.

Three Floyds Backmasking Oatmeal Stout

 Three Floyds Backmasking Oatmeal Stout.

8% ABV, 35 IBU, Three Floyds Brewing, Munster, Indiana. 

I’ve never owned any heavy metal albums. But I can tell you this much: there is backmasking on Tommy James and the Shondells “Crimson and Clover” record. Turned me Satanist for a while there.

Full ebony hue, rich, creamy head, nearly opaque. 

In the nose: malty, slightly sweet, oaty. 

In the mouth: smooth, calm and comforting. Excellent balance, all parts in order, creating harmony and deliciousness. Earthy, gritty, chocolatey. Exceptionally rich, full and defiantly drinkable.

Wanted: more oatmeal stouts like this! (Found in the latest variety pack.)

Einbecker Vollmundinger Doppelbock Winter-Bock

 Einbecker Vollmundinger Doppelbock Winter-Bock.

7.5% ABV, 50 IBU,  brewed and bottled by EinbecknBrauhaus, Einbeck, Germany. 

Clear, caramel brown color, slim, cocoa-tinged head.

In the nose: sweet and malty, caramel, toffee, very inviting.

In the mouth: bright, malty, fully flavored. Medium-bodied, smooth, with moderate bitterness and major maltiness. Warm and toasty, a tasty little doppelbock. 

Einbecker Winter-Bock

»The Winter Treat«

Dark in character, full-bodied with a taste of malt.

When it's cool outside, it's time for the dark Einbecker Winter-Bock inside. Selected malts, the finest hops and a special beer yeast provide a true winter treat. With 18.2%, Einbecker Winter-Bock has the highest original wort of all Einbecker beers.

Luce Line Darkhouse Czech Dark Lager

Luce Line Darkhouse Czech Dark Lager.

4.5% ABV, 25 IBU. Luce Line Brewing, Plymouth, Minnesota.

Thoroughly dark, absolutely opaque, slim ring of cocoa foam.

In the nose: roasted malt, cocoa aromatics, minor hops. Warm and lovely. 

In the mouth: crisp, clean, dark, delicious. Dry, balanced, slightly sweet. Malty, smooth. Thoroughly delightful. Chocolate and coffee.?

I don’t drink enough Czech dark lagers. Maybe I should fix that. 

 Darkhouse is a dark but highly drinkable Czech dark lager. Brewed with 100% Czech grown malted barley and fermented with a classic Czech lager yeast strain, Darkhouse has notes of bakers chocolate and dark fruits with a crisp and clean drinkability. 

HeadFlyer Holla Day Cranberry Honey Wheat

 HeadFlyer Holla Day Cranberry Honey Wheat.

5.5% ABV, 14 IBU. Headflyer Brewing, Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Lightly hazy, deep amber color…actually looks a lot like what you’d get when you cross cranberry with honey…slim white head. 

In the nose: fruity and tart, smells like …what you’d get when you mix cranberry and honey…

In the mouth: light bodied, fairly smooth, with faint flavors of …wait for it… cranberry and honey. Plus wheat. 

It’s a decent beer and you can certainly drink it. Clearly, not for me, though. 

Holla Day is a special infusion of our Holla Honey Wheat Ale. Cranberry brings color and a slightly tart finish to the smooth, sweet honey base.

Back Channel Parody West Coast India Pale Ale

 Back Channel Parody West Coast India Pale Ale. 

6% ABV, Back Channel Brewing, Spring Park, Minnesota. 

I couldn’t find out where the name comes from, but this had better not be a parody of my favorite style. 

Clear, bright golden hue, stable ivory head. 

In the nose: pine and citrus, grapefruit and lemon.

In the mouth: floods the palate with hoppiness, crisp and clean. Nice and dry. Just enough bitterness to please this hophead. Just enough fresh, delicious flavor, too. Plenty of piney and citrus. 

(Addendum, weeks later):Okay, I’m a little embarrassed about this. Top hats, horns, records and the word Parody, what do they have in common? It can only be one thing. Minneapolis-born Barry Hansen, aka Dr. Demento.

Põhjala Cocobänger Imperial Stout with Coffee and Coconut

 Põhjala Cocobänger Imperial Stout with Coffee and Coconut.

12.5 % ABV, Product of Estonia, brewed and packaged by Põhjala, Tallinn, Estonia.

And here we have what must be, if I am not mistaken, my first Estonian beer. About damned time.

Strictly blackness, terminal opacity, slim brown ring of foam.

In the nose: rich, roasted malt, big cocoa, hints of coconut. Nutty, slightly sweet.

In the mouth: surprisingly smooth and sweet. Big boned and burly. Lots of depth and loaded with cocoa. Coconut and coffee are subtle, and that’s okay with me. They’re creeping up along the edges. Not in your faces, but gliding up right behind. Remarkably mellow for a beer this big. Not especially thick or rich, and just a little spicy.

I paid $8 for this 12 ounce bottle. I’ve spent more for less. Good job, Estonia. 

Oliphant Practitioner of Duck Arts Bourbon Barrel-aged Imperial Stout

 Oliphant Practitioner of Duck Arts Bourbon Barrel-aged Imperial Stout. 9 and 18 month barrel blend.

13.5 % ABV. Oliphant Brewing, Somerset, Wisconsin. 

Black as the darkest night, fully opaque,  tight tan head. 

In the nose: dark and rich, molasses and char, cocoa and hints of cherry. Beastly bourbon barrel business.

In the mouth: more chocolate, more thick, more viscous. Plenty of bourbon on the palate. Just sweet enough, and plenty boozy. Well-balanced and over-the-top at once. This one’s got the goods, sure way to send me off to slumber. A right good nightcap. 

This one is the real deal. I’m going back for more.

Warpigs Blinding Light Show Luminiferous India Pale Ale

 Warpigs Blinding Light Show Luminiferous India Pale Ale. Ale brewed with orange and lemon peel. 

7% ABV, 67 IBU, Warpigs Brewing, Munster, Indiana.

Slightly hazed, bright golden hue, slim white head.

In the nose: citrus explosion. Bold orange and lemon, with a touch of tangerine. 

In the mouth: just a bit of bitterness to kick things off, then it’s a fairly smooth affair. Lean-bodied, bright and lively. Refreshing IPA, I can honestly say that I enjoyed. 

A Luminiferous India Pale Ale brewed with Orange and Lemon Peels. From out of the darkness comes the light. Blinding Light Show IPA wields bold citrus and tropical flavors of illuminating refreshment. All that was hidden shall be revealed.

BlackStack Late to the Party Fest Bier

 BlackStack Late to the Party Fest Bier.

6% ABV, BlackStack Brewing, St. Paul, Minnesota.

When this came out in September, I mentioned to the brewery rep that it was not that late at all. It is compared to everyone else, he said. So, naturally, I sat on it until December. Makes sense. 

Clear, bright golden hue, short white head. 

In the nose: malty, sweet, lightly floral. Classic German lager aromatics.

In the mouth: bright, malty, and quite delicious. Excellent drinkability. Light bodied, moderately hopped. Fits the festbier profile perfectly.

I still like Märzens best, but there’s nothing like a good ol’ festbier. Cheers to Ludwig & Theresa! (Better late than never!)

More like Awk-toberfest, amirite? We actually quite enjoy drinking these types of beers into the fall, so we figured we'd release it in the first week of October... so like 2-4 months after most folks. We brewed this beer with Weyermann Malt & spunded for natural carbonation as an homage to the endlessly gulpable biers you'll find at the tents in Munich during Oktoberfest festivities. Where is everyone going? We just got here.

Cigar City Florida Man On the Moon India Pale Ale

 Cigar City Florida Man On the Moon India Pale Ale. Brewed with Galaxy, Strata and Talus hops. (Are these all astronomical references?) 

6.5% ABV, 60 IBU, Cigar City Brewing, Tampa, FL. 

Lightly hazed, bright golden, large and lasting ivory head. 

In the nose: soft and fuzzy, floral and citrusy. An intriguing melange. 

In the mouth: big, bold burst of hoppiness explodes on the palate. Just enough bitterness to keep this hophead happy. Orange and lemon meet mango and melon. Long, hoppy finish, medium bodied. 

This one was canned in the end of June, and was one of the last from the variety pack I purchased back in September. Did I sit on this too long? It definitely tasted better when fresher, but I feel this isn’t far from the first two I had. 

All in all, a zesty enterprise.

The World's Worst Superhero is going interstellar in this iteration of his namesake beer. Brewed with an astronomical amount of Galaxy hops, this IPA's bright tropical qualities are sure to send you to weird and wonderful worlds beyond the Sunshine State.