Surly Parker’s Heavy Char Darkness Imperial Stout

 Surly Parker’s Heavy Char Darkness Imperial Stout.

12% ABV, Surly Brewing, Minneapolis/Brooklyn Center, MN.

Utterly and vastly Stygian appearance. Totally opaque. Slim, soon gone head. 

In the nose: richness, bourbon, high char, molasses, anise, chocolate, espresso…all those goodies.

In the mouth: big and thick and viscous. Rich and altogether every kind of perfect. Big time big. All sorts of whoa, and hey, hoo! Slips deliciously upon the tongue. For all that it is, it is wonderfully smooth and delicious. 

I’m going to take a long time to soak this in, well past beddy- bye time. C’est La vie. 

Our legendary Russian imperial stout aged in Parker's Heritage 10-Year Heavy Char bourbon barrels. We really don’t need to say anything else besides, “Drink this.”

Destihl Evel Knievel Imperial IPA

 Destihl Evel Knievel Imperial IPA. 

9% ABV, 60 IBU, Destihl Brewery, Normal, IL. 

Clear, bright golden hue, lush ivory head.

In the nose: bold citrus and pine. 

In the mouth: big flavor, juicy with tropical tones to match my the citrus. Orange and mango and grapefruit. High bitterness and large and in charge alcohol come roaring in. Hop bitterness lays long upon the palate and all is pleasing to this hophead. 

Can four from the 4-pack. I may go back for more. 

And now observe the beer description most filled with pins, references and word play EVER: Evel Knievel Imperial IPA is a daring West Coast-style brew that is ramped up with a thrilling burst of hoppiness, fruity aromas and perfectly balanced bitterness. Citra, Mosaic & Chinook hops take center stage, soaring through the flavor profile, while a vintage malt backdrop adds a touch of nostalgia. Cheers!

Three Floyds Turbo Reaper IPA

 Three Floyds Turbo Reaper IPA. 

7 % ABV, 47 IBU, Three Floyds Brewing,  

 Mostly clear, bright golden hue, slim white head.

In the nose: big fruit explosion, grapefruit and mango, lemon zest. 

In my mouth: bitterness blasts the palate, then all becomes smooth. Medium bodied, easy drinking India Pale Ale. Bitterness travels on the tongue, fruit follows. Quite enjoyable. Yes, I’ll have another. 

Without warning something’s dawning as our latest West Coast Style IPA awaits your defenseless thirst. As colossal hop aromas rise in harmony with tropical and citrus notes you better run for cover.  There is no other.

Bhavana Sprout Fig Dubbel

Bhavana Sprout Fig Dubbel. 

7.6 % ABV, Brewery Bhavana, Raleigh, NC.

Clear, dark burgundy hue, slim head.

 

In the nose: brown sugar, dark fruit, caramel malt. Belgian malt?

In the mouth: mild and mellow at first, swiftly unfolding into something significant. It’s a little figgy, a bit datish, but more clean and malty. Alcohol provides warmth, but doesn’t threaten brain cells. Classically composed, almost elegant. Highly enjoyable. 

Sneaky fig dubbel ale

Whole figs gives this refreshing Dubbel a tricky, sweet aroma and amber hue that belie it’s clean, dry finish.

Wandering Leaf Pils Rx Good Czech Pilsner

 Wandering Leaf Pils Rx Good Czech Pilsner. 

6.3% ABV, Wandering Leaf Brewing, St. Paul, MN. 

Clear, bright golden hue, slim white head. 

In the nose: nicely hopped. Citrus and spice. Classic. 

In the mouth: crisp and clean. Mildly malty, minor bitterness, plentiful hop flavor. Light bodied and refreshing. Tasty pilsner, well done. 

Pipeworks Bluetooth Squirrel Pale Ale with Nelson Sauvin hops

 Pipeworks Bluetooth Squirrel Pale Ale with Nelson Sauvin hops. 

5.9 % ABV, Pipeworks Brewing, Chicago, IL. 

Clear, bright golden hue, slim white head.

In the nose: citrus and white grapes. Slightly floral.

In the mouth: low bitterness, moderate hopping, clean and crisp. More flavors of fruit, finishing dry. Exquisitely easy drinking. Little bit of lemon and grapes. Light bodied and delightful.

Quite delicious, this. 

Three Floyds Interstellar Bonanza Double India Pale Ale

 Three Floyds Interstellar Bonanza Double India Pale Ale. 

9% ABV, Three Floyds Brewing / Warpigs, Munster, Indiana.

Clear, bright golden hue, large and lasting ivory head. 

In the nose: fresh and zesty, floral, citric, hoppy, lovely. 

In the mouth: big time hoppy buzz, big bitterness, yet still smooth. Citrus aplenty, stone fruit, tangerines and apricots, orange and a pinch of mango. Big and fruity and pithy and bitter and dry. Never too juicy.

Just a right on the money DIPA. And there ain’t nothing wrong with that. 

Banded together from remote galaxies, Three Floyds and Warpigs USA combined to bring you this interstellar Double IPA, featuring a West Coast payload dedicated to a single objective - the conquest of all intergalactic parties.

Unmapped Paddle North Wild Rice Cream Ale

 

Unmapped Paddle North Wild Rice Cream Ale. Intentionally simple. 

5.2% ABV, 11 IBU, Unmapped Brewing, 

Clear, golden hued, slim white head.

In the nose: malty, slight sweetness, grainy notes. Nutty.

In the mouth: light bodied, easily quaffed, cool and calm, with some character. I said “some.”  Just enough. Minimal hops, low bitterness. Fits the style perfectly. Take it to lake, sip on it while your toes dip in the water. Close your eyes and let the day drift away. 

We partnered up with our friends at Paddle North to bring you this true Minnesota brew! Paddle North is a cream ale that utilizes delicious MN-grown wild rice. It's a great local take on a classic style. Light, refreshing, and tasty!

Perennial Perpetual Waves West Coast Style IPA

 Perennial Perpetual Waves West Coast Style IPA.

6% ABV, Perennial Artisan Ales, St. Louis, MO. 

Clear, bright golden hue, large and lush ivory head. 

In the nose: intense hopping, dry, floral, bursting with botanicals. 

In the mouth: dry, brittle, full of hop bitterness. Clean, lean bodied, long, bitter finish. Fresh and lively, just a little juicy, not quite bone dry. Delicious approximation of a WCIPA. I may have to go back for more. 

West coast style IPA with burts of light citrus and a dry pine finish. Inspired by the ocean & the relentless energy of the surf, this brew captures the essence of the coast in every sip. 

Hammerheart Nordland Smoked Kviek Lager with Spruce Tips

 Hammerheart Nordland Smoked Kviek Lager with Spruce Tips.

Brewed and Canned by Hammerheart Brewing, Ely, MN.

Hammerheart returns..,

It took almost two years for the former Lino Lakes brewery to pack up, move up north and plant new roots. So glad to see them back in business, this here is the first beer I’ve had from this new facility and one of their first two beers released, both of which sold out immediately. Now we have to be patient again and wait for the next new releases.

Clear, bright golden hued, ivory head.

In the nose: malty notes, slight sweetness, kiss of the hops …and along comes some spruce. And just a whiff of smoke.

In the mouth; it’s all coming together. Crisp, clean, light bodied and delicious. Smoking and spruce are subtle. Easy drinking and elegant. I am not normally a lager drinker, but this is quite enjoyable.

A simple, mildly smoked Lutra Kviek pseudo lager using small amounts of Beechwood Smoked Barley and Oak Smoked Wheat with mild hop flavor from Hallertau Blanc and a hint of spruce tips. We brewed this beer as the first at our new facility which we nicknamed Nordland 1.

Thank you to all who have stayed with us through this journey!

Arbeiter Outlaw Barleywine

 Arbeiter Outlaw Barleywine.

10.1 % ABV, Arbeiter Brewing, Minneapolis, MN.

Barleywine is one of my favorite styles of beer. It’s a pity there aren’t more available on a regular basis. Got to grab them while you can and make them last while you wait for others to be released. 

This one came out last winter, the traditional season for the style. I had a few at the taproom a few times over several visits, back then, and picked up a 4-pack. Regretting that decision now, as I feel I should have bought three or four. It would be nice to have more on hand, though I’m amazed I made it last until summer, Once again, I’ve waited until can #4 for the notes. If they brewed it again this winter, I won’t make that mistake again. 

Clear, dark burgundy hue, rich, cream-toned head. 

In the nose: rich and malty, slightly sweet, tobacco and leather, dark fruits aplenty. Cherries, raisins, figs. Lot o’ goodness.

In the mouth: more richness, more bigness. Nearly thick and viscous, full on maltitude, somewhat smooth. Fruity associations from aroma land firmly on the palate. Fullness of body. Immensely complex, deep and rewarding. 

I truly hope Arbeiter makes this one an annual tradition.

Schneider Weisse Aventinus Weizen-Doppelbock

 Schneider Weisse Aventinus Weizen-Doppelbock.

8.2 % ABV, Schneider Weisse G. Schneider & Sohn, Kelheim, Germany. 

I must make now a terrible admission. This is one of my all-time favorite beers and it has not yet properly appeared here in the nearly fourteen years of this blog. A vintage version back in 2012, yes, but not a fresh bottle.

A case showed up today after years of me wondering why we couldn’t get it at the store. Distributor issues, I suppose. And so I bought one and I’m going to drink one. 

This beer is no-brainer for me. I love doppelbocks, I love dunkel weizen. Put ‘em together, you can’t lose. 

So, even though I wrote it about it first about twenty years ago, here are fresh notes on a favorite. 

Clear, light brown to deep amber color, voluminous head that drops down in size.

In the nose: Weizen yeast notes, some spice and dark fruit. Dates, figs, plum, raisin, with clove and coriander. A rich, heady, delightfully complex mix. 

In the mouth:Smoothness itself, super smooth followed by waves of flavors. The rich darkness and the mellow grooves, it all comes together. The best of weizen beers and doppelbocks coalesce. For me, easily the greatest Bavarian beer. If you’re looking for the simple delights of pilsners, lagers, hefe weizen, sure you can look elsewhere, but when it comes to rich and robust, this is what you want. 

Banana is here, too, to join the clove in the classic hefe weizen style, but the dark fruits and the hints up cocoa raise  it up. The high alcohol elevated other things, as well. 

I really can’t remember the last time I had this beer and it’s every bit as amazing as I remember. The glass I drink it from when I had it on tap and always in bottles at the Blue Nile so many years ago. This is a beer they should teach in school. 

This is wonderful. A quick trip to Bavarian heaven. Himmel in Bayern. Or not, don’t look at me, I never took German. 

But, I’ll be drinking more of it, to prove my point to myself,and to everyone that is one of the world’s best beers. 

Ommegang Nitro Three Philosophers Quadrupel Ale

 Ommegang Nitro Three Philosophers Quadrupel Ale.  

9.7 % ABV, Brewery Ommegang, Cooperstown, NY. 

I’ve had Three Philosophers before, beginning back in 2011, and in many variations. But now, it’s Nitro? Is that good? Let’s find out. 

Burgundy hue, fine cream-colored head. 

In the nose: Cherry’s hitting first, with Belgium malt joining in. Rich, caramel and toffee. Extraordinarily enticing. 

In the mouth: malty, smooth, creamy. Low carbonation, low bitterness. Exceptionally flavorful. Berries and cherries mix with dark fruits and sweet malts. High alcohol creeps to the fore. It’s all coming together now. 

There’s not as much Kriek in here as there is the Quad, and I like that just fine. 

Rich and complex, this tour de force blends quadruple ale and authentic Belgian kriek, with its malty depth and gentle sweetness. Enjoy the mesmerizing pour with its smooth cascade of bubbles that lends a lustrous creaminess to enhance the touch of cherry—the perfect beer for leisurely sipping and quiet contemplation.

Malt: Two-row barley, caramel malt, amber malt, Munich-20, extra special cara-20Hops: Styrian Goldings, Spalter Select 

Three Floyds Gumballhead Double India Pale Ale

 Three Floyds Gumballhead Double India Pale Ale.

8.5 % ABV. Three Floyds Brewing, Hammond, Indiana. 

Brand Families. It’s the latest trend. Gumballhead used to be an American wheat ale. Now, it is three more beers, all assembled in a variety pack. This is the only one you’ll see here in the Nib. One of them is a hazy IPA, and I don’t review those anymore. Another is a Blood Orange and Lemon Pale Ale, and that one didn’t work for me. I no longer review every single beer that comes my way. But Double IPAs, that’s my pork chops and potato salad. 

Lightly clouded, bold orange hue, frothy white head.

In the nose: grapefruit explosion. Big citrus, big pith, major levels of dank. 

In the mouth: powerful hops on the palate, bristling with bitterness and alcoholic heat. Malty and juicy, with a meaty burn. All the fruits make a heady stew. Highly diggable. 

As Gumballhead left the scene of the crime, there was only one thing left to do ... Find the imposter masquerading as a Double IPA, and mute that damn saxophone.

Great Lakes Return of the Lake Erie Monster Double India Pale Ale

 Great Lakes Return of the Lake Erie Monster Double India Pale Ale.

9.5 % ABV, 65 IBU, Great Lakes Brewing, Cleveland, Ohio. 

I’ve been enjoying Lake Erie Monster for many years, at least a dozen. It always returns, year after year. So, why the name change? What’s different? What’s new? 

Clear, bright golden hue, slim white head.

In the nose: deeply dank and citrusy, candied fruit, grapefruit galore. Tropically. Mango crush.

In the mouth: starts out big and bombastic, high alcohol reigns supreme. Fierce bitterness meets abundant hoppiness. Full body, full flavor, mega everything. Just a little juicy, but mostly dry.

What is the main difference between the the two? The original had 80 IBUs, this one shaved off 15 points. To which I say: Come on!

But, I still like it. It’s got the goods. 

Now playing: an epic remake of a cult classic Double IPA, remastered and deviously drinkable.

903 Brewers May the Stout Be With You Episode II Almond and Buttercream Flavored Stout

 903 Brewers May the Stout Be With You Episode II Almond and Buttercream Flavored Stout.

11.5% ABV, 903 Brewers, Texas. 

Deep ebony appearance, fully opaque, small brownish head. 

On the nose: sweet, creamy, dark, deep,, malty, nutty. Ever so pastry-like. Very inviting. 

In the mouth: full. Rich. Thick. Sweet and chocolatey. Decadent, dessert-like. Too much frosting. Or, maybe you like that? 

I don’t normally drink beers like this. Too sweet. But it’s Star Wars themed and was a mere $5 per the single can. I bought before 5/4 and was going to review on that day, but didn’t, and now time has marched on. Remember mere weeks ago, when we celebrated all things Star Wars? Gonk droids and Wuher (look him up!), Jedi masters and Wookiees, Jawas and Imperial bulk Star cruisers. 

And beers like this, which need more hop bitterness and much less from sweet adjuncts. Buttercream? No thanks. Frosting? What? No…

Okay, if we use beers like this to pay tribute to Star Wars, I want to see Jaxxon, the tall green rabbit from Marvel Comics issues #7-10 to be canon and no one gets to complain.

And, if you really want to taste frosting in a beer, here it is, everybody, enjoy!

In a galaxy of amazing brews, our latest imperial stout stands out with sumptuous buttercream frosting and almond flavors.  Delve into its inky abyss to unravel a decadent cosmos of dark chocolate, nutty almond, buttercream frosting and roasted malt flavors.  The aroma entices with a rich blend of vanilla and almond, echoing the whispers of distant planets that beckon adventure.  With a body this thick and chewy, this imperial stout resists the dull side and will be your chosen one.

Bhavana Vase West Coast IPA

 Bhavana Vase West Coast IPA.

6.2% ABV, Brewery Bhavana, Raleigh, North Carolina. 

Clear, bright golden hue, slim white head.

In the nose: citrus and pine. 

In the mouth: crisp and clean, lean bodied, vibrantly hoppy. Citrus notes buzz the palate. Nice and dry, easy drinking, and not too bitter. Delightfully dry. I dig this one. 

Pine-forward, dank, and transparent IPA. A simple malt bill with a touch of crystal malt, clean and clear straw golden color while traditional West Coast hops -- Amarillo, Simcoe, and Cascade -- lend resinous, citrusy flavors, with a distinctly dry finish.

Surly Outlook Good Non-Alcoholic Hoppy Pale

 Surly Outlook Good Non-Alcoholic Hoppy Pale.

Clear, bright golden hue, slim white head. 

In the nose: softly citrusy, lemon and pine. 

In the mouth: light bodied, solid citru flavors, lightly spicy. Slow finish. Not too shabby there. You’d almost think it was a real beer. 

Giesenbrau Doppel the Hutt Doppelbock

 Giesenbrau Doppel the Hutt Doppelbock.

7.8% ABV, Giesenbräu Bier Co., New Prague, MN. 

Clear, copper/bronze colored, short cream toned head.

In the nose: sweetness at first, caramel and toffee, mostly malty. 

In the mouth: bright, sweet, malty, delicious . Medium bodied, long malty finish. Bavarian complexities abound. Nicely balanced. Wonderfully warming. Quite satisfactory. 

Our doppelbock, brewed yearly on the winter solstice, is a celebration of the dark, cold winter months. Expect big maltiness, with notes of stone fruit and dark caramel.

Surly Raging Furious Imperial IPA

 Surly Raging Furious Imperial IPA.

11 % ABV, Surly Brewing, Minneapolis, Minnesota.?

Cleanish, deep ruby tint, large, lush creamy toned head. 

In the nose: sweet and malty, plus hoppy and dank. It’s a bomb bomb. Almost incredible. Everything you like in Furious, turned up several notches.

In the mouth: rich and powerful. Thick, even. Highly concentrated. Citrus and grassy notes, covered in caramel and toffee. Flavors spark a flame with every new sip. Palate is ravaged.  Pure decadence. Hop attack continues unabated, We have reached Barleywine status, people. 

I’ve got one left from the four pack and I’m going to sock it away and see what time does to it. I’ll bet it would last awhile

Our flagship IPA roars to imperial life. Doubling up on aggressive hops and malt sweetness, Raging Furious amplifies the citrus character and caramel backbone of the original, giving it a barleywine-like complexity. Rage on.