Monday, October 31, 2016

Beer Review: Mikkeller Mosaic Black IPA

The Mosaic Black IPA from Mikkeller proves to be yet another
pleasant surprise and pleasurable beer from the Denmark brewer. It comes in at
a 6.9% ABV and provides a nice hoppy experience from its 69 IBU. The color
poured is a nice deep black color, although toward the bottom there is a nice
reddish brown tint which illuminates the bottom nicely. The head is a nice tan
one and in my case, proved to have a nice amount of foaminess. The aroma provides
a nice amount of citrus and tropical tones, while the taste also does the same
and the finish is nice and dry with a refreshing crispness. Overall, this
medium body beer seemed to hit the spot but check out the video to see and hear
my other thoughts on this one.

Sunday, October 30, 2016

Beer Review: Mikkeller Better Half

Better Half from Mikkeller is an American IPA that comes in
at a nice 6.8% ABV along with a nice hop experience at 80 IBU. The beer poured
out a nice golden orange color and was capped with a tannish head. Aromas
presented included the normal and expected notes of an American IPA, along with
some of the hop dankness that is usually in line. A nice mouthfeel was
experienced with this one, and as expected there was the usual bitterness to be
experienced, although there seemed to be more on the finish than the initial
tasting. All in all, this proved to be a decent beer but check out the video to
see my other thoughts on this medium bodied beer.

Rod J Beer Review: Samuel Adams Longhsot Nanzer's Belgian Golden Ale

Samuel Adams teamed up with home brewers through a
competition where the three finalists were all placed into a 6 pack to form the
Longshot Series. The Longshot Nanzer’s Belgian Golden Ale is one of these
beers. Out of the mind and created by Kevin Nanzer of California, this Belgian
Golden Ale comes in at a 9.1% ABV and 18 IBU and brings with it a nice essence
of Belgian Ales. The beer itself provides a nice overall appearance as it is
golden orange in color with clarity that allows one to notice the lively
carbonation that takes place. The aroma dispenses nice notes of clove and
banana along with a slight tinge of the hops in the background that draws one
into the beer. A flavorful mouthfeel can also be expected as the taste is
Belgianesque and it proves to be pretty smooth on the finish. Check out my
video here to see my other thoughts on this somewhat well-balanced beer.

Friday, October 28, 2016

Rod J Beer Review: Lagunitas Wilco Tango Foxtrot

Lagunitas Wilco Tango Foxtrot comes in at an ABV of 7.85%
and an IBU of 64. This Limited Release Imperial Brown Ale pours a nice reddish
brown color capped nicely by a foamy tan head. Haze is little as clarity is
somewhat possible, although the dark color of the beer does make it somewhat
not as easy to see. It is a malt forward beer and you get the malt sweetness
from the aroma, which is also followed up on in the taste. This beer provides somewhat
of a nice mouthfeel as the flavors really open up, but the texture is a little thinner
than I would like for this style. All in all it is an interesting medium to
full body beer, but check out the video to gather more of my thoughts on this
adult beverage.

Thursday, October 27, 2016

Craft Beers Gone Wild: Send In The Pumpkin Beers

Hey what's happening beer world? Well, we decided to go pumpkin beers for this episode. Join us to see what the crew has chosen as some of the pumpkin beers that you may want to try.

Wednesday, October 26, 2016

Rod J Beer Review: Mikkeller Simcoe Hopped IPA

Out of Denmark comes Mikkeller and their Simcoe Hopped IPA,
a 7.3% ABV and 100 IBU beer that just pours out a nice dark amber copper color
from can to class. Once poured, the carbonation races to the top to create a
large off-white cream colored head that sits on the tip of the beer like a
foamy pillow of goodness. It’s just waiting for you to dive in and take that
first sip. It teases you with the aromas of grapefruit, orange and tangerine,
beckoning you to pick it up and drink it as you wonder what is behind that hazy
veil on the glass. But yes the taste, that’s what we want to know. How does it
taste? That is the question asked by the same reverence as when Brad Pitt asked
“What’s in the Box” in Seven. But don’t worry; this one does have a refreshing happiness
at the end of the journey. How does this journey end? Check out my video to
find out…

Tuesday, October 25, 2016

Rod J Beer Review: Samuel Adams Longshot Raspberry Berliner Weisse

Samuel Adams teamed up with home brewers through a
competition where the three finalists were all placed into a 6 pack to form the
Longshot Series. The Longshot Raspberry Berliner Weisse is one of these beers.
Out of the mind and created by Tim Thomssen of Nebraska, this Berliner Weisse
comes in at a 4% ABV and 8 IBU. It pours out a nice deep dark ruby red color
that is capped by an off-white head that carries through it some of the reddish
tone of what you see in the body. The aroma of the raspberry just climbs out of
the glass and the taste is like that of a raspberry jam without the toast,
although the tartness that follows is reminiscent of sweet tart candy. There is
some harshness to be expected on the finish from the carbonation, but nothing
too off putting. Overall, it is a decent beer, but check out my video to gather
my other thoughts on this beer.

Monday, October 24, 2016

Rod J Beer Review: Samuel Adams Longshot Neighborino

Samuel Adams teamed up with home brewers through a competition
where the three finalists were all placed into a 6 pack to form the Longshot
Series. The Longshot Neighborino Flanders Red Ale is one of these beers. Out of
the mind and created by Colin Foy of Ohio, this Flanders Red Ale brings
tartness in a 6.3% ABV and 10 IBU offering. Pouring a red amber color, the
cherry notes pretty much jump out of the glass. There are also some other berry
notes, but cherries do dominate. As far as the taste, this medium body ale does
pack some tartness and is reminiscent of a cherry lifesaver. Bitterness isn’t
as much of an issue, but it does carry high carbonation which can be felt on
the finish. However, the mouthfeel does come through pretty decent and thinness
is not an issue. Check out my video to hear more of my thoughts on this beer.

Sunday, October 23, 2016

Rod J Beer Review: Frankenmuth The Hef

The Hef is a classic type Hefeweizen and is another offering
from the Frankenmuth Brewery in Michigan. It comes in at a 5.2% ABV and 13 IBU,
and stacks up well to what is expected from this style. The beer pours a cloudy
golden amber orange color and is capped with a nice foamy white head. Aroma
notes that are quickly noticed include banana and clove, which are also a solid
part of this style. As for taste, one can expect an initial burst of flavor
creating a highly decent mouthfeel for its medium body. And on the finish,
there is a nice crisp break and a refreshing quality. The Hef is one that may
be a good fit for any fan of wheat beers, but check out my video to gather more
of my thoughts on this beer.


Rod J Beer Review: Frankenmuth Little Bavaria Pilsener

The Little Bavaria Pilsener is another offering from the
Frankenmuth Brewery, which is located in Frankenmuth, Michigan. This 5.25% ABV
and 26 IBU German Pilsener is one designed based on the German Purity Laws for
which it follows. It is a nice golden amber colored beer that is capped with a
white head that will dissipate quickly. Expected aroma is that typical of a
lager with the yeasty and breadiness notes, and the taste carries a nice medium
body feel with a good burst of flavor. Find out more of my thoughts by checking
out my review here.


Saturday, October 22, 2016

Rod J Beer Review: Frankenmuth Twisted Helles

The Twisted Helles is a Summer Lager from the Frankenmuth
Brewery located in Michigan, which is also the state’s oldest brewery. It is a
seasonal meant to capture the essence of summer and pours out very nicely as a
Helles Lager. It is a decent golden straw color in appearance, which is capped
with a nice white head. Clarity is also nice as you really get to take in the appearance
of the carbonation doing its work. Aroma jumps out rather easily and the taste
does bring some crispness. The ABV is 5.5% and the IBU is 18. Check out the
video here to see more of my other thoughts on this beer.

Friday, October 21, 2016

Craft Beers Gone Wild Explores German Style Beers

So this week, we decided to take a look at German Style Beers. So what are these styles, well, there are many and check out this link here for an extensive list and details: http://www.germanbeerinstitute.com/styles.html.

But for a quick summary:

Alkoholfreies (NA) Bier, Altbier, Alsterwasser, Berliner Weisse, Biobier, Bockbier, Dampfbier, Diätbier/"Diet Beer", Dinkelbier, Doppelbock, Doppelsticke, Dortmunder, Dunkel, Dunkelweizen, Dünnbier, Einfachbier, Eisbier, Eisbock, Emmerbier, Erntebier, Export, Festbier, G'frorns, Gose (Leipziger), Gruitbier, Hefeweizen, Helles, Helles Bock, Kellerbier, Kölsch. Kräusenbier, Kristallweizen, Lagerbier, Landbier, Latzenbier, Leichtbier/Light, Maibock, Malzbier, Märzen, Mumme, Ökobier, Oktoberfestbier, Pils/Pilsener, Porter, Radlermass, Rauchbier, Roggenbier, Russ, Schankbier, Schwarzbier, Starkbier, Steinbier, Sticke Alt, Urbock, Vollbier, Weihnachtsbier, Weissbier, Weissbierpils, Weizenbier, Weizenbock, Weizendoppelbock, Weizeneisbock, Zoiglbier, Zwickelbier

Wednesday, October 19, 2016

Rod J Beer Review: Frankenmuth Brown Hound Dunkel

The Brown Hound Dunkel Lager is an offering from Frankenmuth Brewery out of Frankenmuth, Michigan. This classic Munich Dunkel Lager comes with some good character and it takes no time to see how this has been a past medal winner. It is a five grain beer that pours a dark cherry brown color topped with a tan quickly dissipating head. At 5.1% ABV it is one that is easily sessionable and at 22 IBU, it can provide a nice malt forward experience. It is a little thin on the taste, but it can make up from that with its very appealing mouthfeel. The beer itself provides a nice roastiness that is highlighted by coffee and chocolate notes.
Check out my video to gather my other thoughts on this Michigan beer.

Tuesday, October 18, 2016

Rod J Beer Review: Talking Lagunitas Stoopid Wit

From Lagunitas Brewing comes Stoopid Wit, a Witbier that is
hopped up to another level. This limited release beer (July through September)
comes on at a 6.3% ABV and 50 IBU. Pouring a nice golden yellow color and
capped by a nice large white head, this beer comes at with you with hop
experience with a little Belgian-ish quality sprinkled on top. Aromas include a
nice citrus and floral burst with a spice kick, although the texture can be
seen as being a little thin. It is bitter, but it is not overbearing and it can
be a chuggable beer for some. For me, it proved to be an okay beer but check
out my video to catch my other views on this offering.


Monday, October 17, 2016

Rod J Beer Review: Talking Frankenmuth Batch 69 American IPA

Ah, what we do without friends? And my friends recently made a trip to Frankenmuth, Michigan, and they happened to bring me back the Batch 69 American IPA from the Frankenmuth Brewery. This IPA comes in at 6.9% ABV and 69 IBU, hence the name I am going to assume. The beer pours out a nice golden yellow-orange color that is capped by a nice foamy and rocky white head. The aroma is led by pine note and is then quickly followed up with citrus. The taste provides a mouthfeel that makes this medium body beer very thirst quenching and refreshing.

Check my video to find out more of my thoughts on this one and if it is one to be chosen.


Friday, October 14, 2016

Talking Sour Beers - Craft Beers Gone Wild

This week, Craft Beers Gone Wild looks at beers from the Sour beer style.

Sour beer styles:

While any type of beer may be soured, most follow traditional or standardized guidelines.

American wild ale

Beers brewed in America utilizing yeast and bacteria strains instead of or in addition to standard brewers yeasts tend to fall under the catch-all term American wild ale. These microflora may be cultured or acquired spontaneously, and the beer may be fermented in a number of different types of brewing vessels. American wild ales tend not to have a specific parameters or guidelines stylistically, but instead simply refer to the use of unusual yeasts.

Berliner Weisse

At one time the most popular alcoholic beverage in Berlin, this is a somewhat weaker (usually around 3% abv) beer made sour by use of Lactobacillus bacteria. This type of beer is usually served with flavored syrups to balance the tart flavor.

Flanders red ale

Descendent from English porters of the 17th century, Flanders red ales are first fermented with usual brewers yeast, then placed into oak barrels to age and mature. Usually, the mature beer is blended with younger beer to adjust the taste for consistency. The name comes from the usual color of these ales.
Gose

Gose (pronounced "go-suh") is a top-fermenting beer that originated in Goslar, Germany. This style is characterized by the use of coriander and salt and is made sour by inoculating the wort with lactic acid bacteria before primary alcoholic fermentation.

Lambic

Lambic beer is spontaneously fermented beer made in the Pajottenland region of Belgium and Brussels. Wort is left to cool overnight in the koelschip where it is exposed to the open air during the winter and spring, and then placed into barrels to ferment and mature. Most lambics are blends of several season's batches, such as gueuze, or are secondarily fermented with fruits, such as Kriek and Framboise. As such, pure unblended lambic is quite rare, and few bottled examples exist.

Oud bruin

Originating from the Flemish region of Belgium, oud bruins are differentiated from the Flanders red ale in that they are darker in color and not aged on wood. As such this style tends to use cultured yeasts to impart its sour notes.

Wednesday, October 12, 2016

Rod J Beer Review: Talking Jackie O's Mystic Mama IPA

Athens, Ohio is the home of Jackie O’s Pub & Brewery and the Mystic Mama IPA. This India Pale Ale comes in at 7% ABV and 130 IBU, that’s right, 130 IBU. But despite the high number, the beer doesn’t play out as high on the bitterness. There is that initial bitterness to be expected and there is a little harshness on the finish, but there is also a refreshing type quality with it. The beer pours out a nice golden straw color and is capped by a foamy that becomes rocky, white head. The mix of the five hops used creates a nice piney aroma that is also joined by notes of grapefruit and tangerine.

This medium to full body beer carries a nice dry texture with a very palatable amount of carbonation. It will be a winner for any hop head in my opinion, and one to definitely check out for sure. Check out my video review to gather my other thoughts.


Tuesday, October 11, 2016

Rod J Beer Review: Talking Stone IPA

The Stone IPA is an iconic IPA from Stone Brewing and is also listed in the book “1001 Beers You Must Taste Before You Die.” It comes on at a nice 6.9% ABV and 77 IBU so bitterness is to be expected. However, while it tends to present bitterness on the front, there isn’t much harshness on the finish. It displays a nice balance between the malts and hops, and sits well as a medium body beer. It may be a little too bitter for the IPA beginner, but to those that love hops it is a nice fit. When drinking it, there should be an expectation of a good duration of flavor that is highlighted by tropical and citrus notes in the aroma as well as the taste. This golden orange colored beer is definitely one of a delight and always seems to deliver.

Check out my review to gather my other thoughts on the Stone IPA.


Monday, October 10, 2016

Rod J Beer Review: Talking Samuel Adams Whitewater IPA

From Samuel Adams comes the Whitewater IPA, a hybrid of a
Wheat Ale and an India Pale Ale. This, what can be best described as an
Eclectic IPA, combines these two for what could be seen as an ale that is both crisp
and refreshing. Brewed with apricots and spices, it definitely brings some
unique characteristics that help it stand out as unique. The beer itself
provides a nice golden hue that is capped with a somewhat quick dissipating
head, but one will get the taste and aroma of the apricot as well as the pine
dankness from the hops. It sits at a nice 5.8% ABV and one should expect
bitterness, as it is also sits at 60 IBU.

Check out my review to find out more about my thoughts of
this offering from Samuel Adams.


Sunday, October 9, 2016

Rod J Beer Review: Talking Samuel Adams Got to Gose

The Got to Gose from Samuel Adams is a 4.8% ABV Sour Ale
that is brewed using salt, coriander and also cucumber. It pours out a nice
golden orange color, which is illuminated nicely when held to the light. And
although there is a slight haze, the carbonation is easy to see as it streams
upward toward the white head that caps the beer. There is a spicy quality from
the Saez Hops that are used, as well as an earthiness created in the ale. There
is some bitterness up front which is then followed by a salty pickle taste on
the finish.

Check out the video to get my view on this beer.


Rod J Beer Review: Talking Samuel Adams Heaven Or Helles

Heaven Or Helles from Samuel Adams is a 5% ABV Lager that comes in at 20 IBU, and is described as a beer highlighted by spicy floral hop notes with a compliment of honey malt sweetness in the taste. Other expectations include that of a golden straw color with a slight haze, along with a flavor profile considered to be refreshing that make the beer highly drinkable.
Check out the video to gather my thoughts on this Helles Lager and to see if I think it delivers as expected.


Saturday, October 8, 2016

Rod J Beer Review: Talking Samuel Adams Boston Lager

The Boston Lager from Samuel Adams is what I would consider a
classic in its relevance to the craft beer movement and the work of Jim Koch.
This flagship beer played an integral part in the craft movement and really did
create a surge into many of the beers that we enjoy today.

This lager features some great qualities from it clear appearance
which is highlighted by its golden amber color and streaming carbonation, to its
balanced aroma of its malts and hops as well as its flavorful taste. At 4.9%
ABV it isn’t too heavy and still carries a decent texture which does avoid
being too thin and it leaves a nice crisp and refreshing feel. Check out the
video to get my other thoughts on this classic lager and feel free to let me
know your thoughts as well.


Friday, October 7, 2016

Rod J Beer Review: Talking North Coast Old Rasputin

Here is my look at Old Rasputin from the North Coast Brewing Company which is a 9% ABV Russian Imperial Stout. It pours out a nice pretty much jet black color on appearance, and is capped by a nice foamy tan head. Notes of aroma that were present were caramel, toffee and a nice roastiness. The taste was highlighted by a nice creaminess and along with flavors of coffee bean and chocolate. The beer had a nice decadent quality, which also made it appealing as a possible dessert beer. Much more is included on my review, so check it out and let me know what you think of this beer if you have enjoyed it as well.


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Your Beer Your Style - Craft Beers Gone Wild

This week Craft Beers Gone Wild looks at somewhat of a wildcard show. Each person will look to bring a beer that best exemplifies their favorite style.

Wednesday, October 5, 2016

Rod J Beer Review: Talking Dogfish Head Romantic Chemistry IPA

Feeling a little romantic? If so then maybe the Romantic Chemistry IPA from Dogfish Head is a beer calling your name. This IPA comes in at a nice 7.2% ABV and packs a decent and not too overbearing 40 IBU.
The beer itself is highlighted by that of mangoes, apricots and ginger. It pours out a nice dark orange-copper color reminiscent of that sunset on a beach as one gazes across the ocean. Its head is a nice off white, pretty much bone color, which packs a good amount of foaminess and looks to leave a veil of lacing as it dissipates.
The notes of the aroma came out of the glass easily during my session with this ale. The mango climbed out of the glass and punched me in the nose, and was quickly followed up by the apricot. It was like a fruit bowl of notes, and then on the back end there was the dankness that I often expect from an IPA. The one thing that wasn’t as noticeable though was the ginger.
As far as the taste, I tended to really catch the Apricot that really came through. There was also some tangerine like qualities, but the apricot really stood out. There was that initial bitterness on the tongue, but the beer also offered a nice refreshing and crisp break, with no bitterness on the back end, and did have a good amount of juiciness. I also enjoyed how the flavors opened up in the mouth and the carbonation proved to be very palatable on this medium to full body beer.


Beer Review: Talking 3 Floyds Brewing Zombie Dust

From 3 Floyds Brewing Company comes the beer called Zombie
Dust, a 6.2% ABV American Pale Ale of pure goodness. This 50 IBU beer is one
that is sought after by many whenever it arrives, and I finally was able to get
my hands on a bottle. What did I think?

The beer itself poured out a nice soft golden orange color
with a slight bit of a chill haze. It’s appearance capped by a nice foamy white
head, but the aroma. Without even trying, notes of orange and grapefruit just
climbed out of the glass and drew me closer into the beer. The balance between
the notes of citrus and tropical was mesmerizing, and these were followed by a
nice dankness.

And then there was the taste, which offered a nice bouquet
of flavors on the initial mouthfeel. There was that initial bite to the tongue,
but the beer then settles down nicely ended with a crisp and refreshing break
on the back end. Harshness was nil and astringency was not an issue, it proved
to be a great medium body beer with a mouthfeel that had me wanting more. In
the end what was left was a nicely laced pint glass showing that it had once
been filled with a quality beer. This is one not to be missed for sure,
especially for any American Pale Ale lovers.


Tuesday, October 4, 2016

Talking Braxton Brewing Lumber - Video Beer Review #376

I decided to go local here with Braxton Brewing Company and introduce their Lumber. This Scotch Wee Heavy Ale is part of their Garage Series and comes in at 8.5% ABV along with a 30 IBU. 
The beer pours out a dark brown color that is capped with a nice tan head. What can be expected from the aromas is a nice sweetness that carries notes of caramel and toffee, as well as a bit of creaminess. And the taste provides a malt forward sweetness and a bit of a caramelized creamy texture. Behind that comes a well carbonated beer that is loaded with a nice duration of the flavor.


Monday, October 3, 2016

Talking Samuel Adams Belgian Session - Video Beer Review #375

From Samuel Adams comes their Belgian Session, a well-balanced
Belgian Pale Ale that is highly sessionable at its 4.3% ABV.  This beer is one that could be perfect for a
warm day or just when you want to kick back and relax. It pours out a nice amber
color with a good amount of clarity and nice foamy head. The carbonation is
easily illuminated, and the aromas just climb out of the glass. The texture of
the beer does feature some thinness, but the taste of some of the other
qualities makes it worth a try.


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