Insight Leafy Greens West Coast IPA with terpenes

 Insight Leafy Greens West Coast IPA with terpenes. A collaboration with Venn and brewed with King Louie terpenes. Hops: Eureka, Columbus, Mosaic, Citra & Amarillo. 

7.1% ABV, Insight Brewing, Minneapolis, Minnesota. 

Clear, bright golden hue, lush ivory cap atop. 

In the nose: straight up dank, citrus notes and funky weed. Grapefruit and tangerine.

In the mouth: flood of fantastic flavors wash over the palate, hop bitterness, citrus explosions, pine aplenty. Persistent and abundant hop flavors tear along the valley of the senses and leave the mouth a scene of delights. 

I mean, good IPA and you can drink it. 

I don’t know all the words required to describe this one, but the goods it has got. Quite a funky beast here, easily drinking, but loaded with a particular character all the way through. 

I would love to try something like this again, much more refreshing than the endless parade of hazies. 

This is the beer that happens when two breweries merge their popular West Coast IPAs and add Terpenes for extra dankness. Our Dankbot + Venn’s Chronicopia come together to provide plenty of sticky, resinous, bitter hop flavor while the King Louie terpenes bring earthy, piney, and tropical notes to the party.

Indeed Tidalwave Double IPA

 Indeed Tidalwave Double IPA. 

9.1% ABV, 49 IBU, Indeed Brewing, Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Clear, bright golden hue, large ivory head. 

In the nose: citrusy, touch of tropical, a little grape or melon. 

In the mouth: popping with hops, nice bitter buzz on the palate. At turns juicy and dry, bountiful happiness explored the senses. Not altogether smooth, nor especially easy drinking, a minor challenge, studded with delights. A flavor profile unique among DIPAs, just a little sweet, appropriately bitter, and ver cool, with just enough booze to float the boat. 

I dig you, Tidalwave. 

Mango | Sweet Fruit | Dank 

Barrel Theory TV Trays West Coast India Pale Ale

 Barrel Theory TV Trays West Coast India Pale Ale

 w/ Chinook, Citra T-90, + Simcoe hops. 

6.8 %ABV, Barrel Theory Brewing, St. Paul, MN.

Clear, bright golden hue, slim layer of snowy white foam. 

In the nose: bursts of citrusy goodness, all up in your business. Grapefruit, orange plus pineapple, maybe mango. Lovely. 

In the mouth: pow! Big bitterness right off the bat, lingering on the palate. Clean, lean, dry and bitter, just like I like ‘em. Truly satisfactory WCIPA. Make more of this!

MetroNOME Squeeze Play East Coast IPA

 MetroNOME Squeeze Play East Coast IPA.

7.3 % ABV, MetroNOME Brewery, St. Paul, MN.

Is the name a baseball reference, from this music themed  (and gnome themed) brewery? Since I have to ask, you can tell I’m not a sports fan. I have to wonder why, when this heart of mine would rather see jazz pop up in beer more often. 

Also, I have to wonder what they mean by East Coast IPA. There used to be East Coast IPAs, and they were maltier than this, closer to English IPAs. And they shouldn’t be confused with New England IPAs, naturally.

Clear, golden hued, slight white head. 

In the nose: bright and fruity, floral, citrus and tropical. 

In the mouth: crisp and clean, smooth and easy drinking. None too bitter and pleasingly flavored with hoppiness. Just a little juicy, a merest touch of sweetness. An amiable beverage to while aware sixteen bars, or sixteen ounces, at a time. 

Flavor Notes: Tropical on the nose and fruity on the mouthpiece. A great low-bitter IPA for wetting the whistle before belting out a few bars of “Take Me Out To The Ballgame”

I’ll bet this description was penned by brewer and horn player Kevin Welch himself. I’m also betting this is best consumed at St. Paul Saints games. 

Wild Mind Tiger in a Trance Honey Rye Saison

 Wild Mind Tiger in a Trance Honey Rye Saison.Saison brewed with Minnesota honey, spelt and rye. 

6.5 % ABV, Wild Mind Artisan Ales, Minneapolis, MN. 

Clear, bright golden hue, slim white head.

In the nose: honey sweetness meets floral hops, with a bit of funk. 

In the mouth: honey comes forward in the flavor, matching hop bitterness. Crisp and smooth, light bodied and quite delightful. Rye and spelt’s contributions are sly and understated. There’s quite a lot of individual character in this one, and I appreciate it. 

This is can four of the first 4-pack I have purchased from Wild Mind. If all you put out is $16 hazy IPAs and fruity sours, I’m not interested. An $11 saison? That’s more like it. 

Farmhouse ale brewed with rye. Hopped with Saaz and EKG. Refermented with Minnesota wildflower honey.. 

Hammerheart Hokan’s Brown Ale

 Hammerheart Hokan’s Brown Ale.

6.5% ABV, Hammerheart Brewing, Ely, MN. 

This is can four from the second beer released from the Ely facility. But I had this first at the taproom in 2016, with my dear sweet mother, who said she’d never had a dark beer in all her 83 years (she turns 92 this year). Look up my post about that visit to see a pic of us both.

Dark brown color, opaque, slim brown ring. 

In the nose: roasted malt, slightly smoky, caramel undertones. Traces of chocolate.

In the mouth: rich and full-bodied, this is no ordinary brown ale. Chocolate and caramel trickle along the tongue, smooth and delicious. Hearty. Rewarding. A brown ale that stretches the boundaries of the style. 

Now I truly understand why this one flew off the rails after we stocked it back in July. After finishing my fourth, I long for a fifth. We’ll just have to wait until the next time they brew it, and meanwhile enjoy the next offerings…which might be even better!

Pizza Port Swami’s India Pale Ale

 Pizza Port Swami’s India Pale Ale.

6.8% ABV, 72 IBU, Pizza Port Brewing, Carlsbad, CA.

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

In the nose: highly vibrant, abuzz with hoppiness zes . Citrus and pine aplenty. Grapefruit and lemon.

In the mouth: Light-bodied but rich in hoppy flavors. Big bitterness blazes the palate. Citrus notes abound. Flavors never quit. Finish lasts forever. Quintessential West Coast IPA. I will have this one again and again. 

They’ve been making this since 1992? I certain never had a beer like this back then. We didn’t have IPAs like this around here in those days. Was SoCal keeping it all s secret? 

Another mystery is: when I visited the brewpub in 2004, did I have this? There’s no way of knowing, but, probably. I’d previously had my first Pliny at O’Brian’s. What a time for my tongue. 

Swami’s IPA was first brewed in 1992 to commemorate one of our favorite local surf breaks nestled below a spiritual enlightenment temple that sits on the cliffs above. This West Coast style IPA features a timeless American hop profile of citrus and pine with a crisp balanced finish. It’s a dream come true to be able to share so many pints over time as we all evolve together. Whatever your form of meditation is, we hope that each and every sip contributes to your own self-realization…Cheers!

Hops: Chinook, CTZ, Cascade, Centennial, Citra, & Simcoe

Nine Mile Hrbie’s Grand Slam Kolsch

 

9 Mile Hrbie’s Grand Slam Kolsch. 

5.2 % ABV, Nine Mile Brewing, Bloomington, MN. 

Clear, bright golden hue, slim white head. 

In the nose: minor hops, slightly sweet and malty, fragrant and fruity. 

In the mouth: small bitterness up front, then all is smooth and light bodied. Delicate fruitiness delights the palate throughout the drink. Slips ever so easily down the throat. 

Named for legendary ‘80’s/‘90’sTwins first baseman Kent Hrbek who once played in Bloomington in the old Met Stadium, and still lives there. And now apparently drinks there, probably ordering “my beer” whenever he stops in the brewery. I know I would. 

We've really hit it out of the park with this one, y'all. Brewed in collaboration with (and named for) Bloomington's own hometown hero, Hrbie's Grand Slam is an easy drinking kölsch perfect for sipping whether you're on the diamond or in our taproom.

A grist of pilsner, Vienna, and white wheat with a sprinkle of sour malt make up the body of this beer, creating a lightly grainy background, where a blend of Altus and Saphir hops provide balance and subtle noble floral aromas that allow the wonderfully fruity characteristics of the kölsch yeast strain to shine through. Crisp, clean, and utterly crushable, this collaboration (like its namesake) is one for the ages.

Coronado El Rollo India Pale Ale

Coronado El Rollo India Pale Ale. West-Coast style IPA. Collaboration with Pizza Port Brewing. 

7.2 % ABV, Coronado Brewing, Coronado, CA. 

Clear, bright golden hue, slim white head. 

In the nose: fragrant, zestful, Citra-tasting. Utterly lovely. Lemon alights upon grapefruit to intermingle. 

In the mouth: pow! Hop bitterness hits from the first sip. Citrus notes meet the taste of the tropical. Fresh and vibrant, delivering shock after shock of hoppy delights with each new gulp. Lean bodied and delicious. Leaning dry, with a touch of sweetness. 

I like my West Coast IPAs bone-dry and brittle, but I can also enjoy variations such as this. West Coast is surely the best coast. 

 

Off Color Beer for Fantasy Witbier with Blood Orange and Dragonfruit

 Off Color Beer for Fantasy Witbier with Blood Orange and Dragonfruit. 

5% ABV, Off Color Brewing, Chicago, IL.

Clear, pale crimson coloring, slim white head. 

In the nose:  citrus explosion. Dragonfruit and blood orange hold court, but the essence of a wit lies beneath. 

In the mouth: light bodied, with a touch of spice. Touch of tart. Essentially easy-drinking. Hits the spy on a day like today (high in the mid-90’s). 

Good fruited witbier and you can drink it. 

Dragon fruit lends hints of kiwi and bartlett pears while the blood orange puree casts a peach hue with subtle flavors of raspberry. Crack one open as you begin your next adventure and don't forget to pour one out for those lost along the way.

Falling Knife The Long Highway Cold IPA

 Falling Knife The Long Highway Cold IPA.with HBC 586 and Simcoe hops. 

7.3 % ABV, Fallible Knife Brewing, Minneapolis, MN.

I don’t review Falling Knife’s beers very much these days, for one main reason: my ban on hazies. It seems that it’s all they ever release. Well, now here’s a Cold IPA. Didn’t I ban those once, too. Let’s see if I can remember why. 

Clear, pale golden hue, slim white head.

In the nose; soft and citric. 

In the mouth: light bodied, slight bitterness, appropriate levels of hoppiness, easy-drinking and most assuredly refreshing. Some citrus, some stone fruit. Maybe a little melon? 

I think I remember why I stopped writing about Cold IPAs….there’s not much to say about them. 

Fulton Hop Kingdom American IPA

 Fulton Hop Kingdom American IPA .

5.8% ABV, 35 IBU, Fulton Beer, Minneapolis, MN.

Something new in the brand family. 

Clear, bright golden hue, slim white head.

In the nose: fresh zest, citrus notes, moderately hopped.

In the mouth: more moderation in the name of refreshment. Crisp and fairly clean. Mild and easy going, medium bodied with a good measure of hop bitterness. Sure, I can see this as a boat beer, a dock beer, even a pier beer. 

This one came as part of the latest Hop Kingdom. Variety pack, replacing Juicy IPA. 

In the land of 10,000 IPAs, this cooler beer is a real catch. Crafted for unspooling lakeside stories of lures and lore – balanced hop notes of Citra, Galaxy, and Motueka marry sweet grapefruit piths and bitter orange peel for an American IPA fit for the walleye capital of the world.

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!