Saturday, December 31, 2016

Beer Review: Uinta Jacked Be Nimble

Just when I think that I am done with pumpkin beers, I end
up finding Jacked Be Nimble from the Uinta Brewing Company. This pumpkin beer
is no ordinary one though, as it is an Imperial Pumpkin Ale coming in at 11%
ABV. Besides that fact, it is also a Black Pumpkin Ale aged in Bourbon Oak
Barrels, so how could I pass on it? Let’s see how it compares.

Commercial Description:

A jump from one of our seasonal favorites, this Imperial
Black Pumpkin Ale pours dark and is jacked with the taste of toasted oak and
rye. Pumpkin and spice aromas play with flickers of barrel-aged character kindling
tight bitterness and a bold caramel malt finish.

Friday, December 30, 2016

Beer Review: Arrogant Who You Callin' Wussie

Stone Brewing…Arrogant Brewing…who really knows anymore, but
this is about Who You Callin’ Wussie which is a year-round release from
Arrogant Brewing. This German Pilsner comes in at an ABV of 5.8% and 47 IBU and
is designed to bring back the nobility of the Pilsner, let’s see how it does.

Commercial Description:

For far too long the tyrannical industrialized beer
overlords have disgraced and cheapened the noble heritage of the pilsner with
their relentless multi-generational downward drive to commercialized
homogenization. Over decades, this once vaulted style has been slowly and
methodically gutted, bringing forth a soulless and anemic result, all the while
spending billions in advertising to convince the unwitting public that their
fizzy yellow end result was beer. Well, I will not have it. We are striking
back for true craft by stealing the pilsner back from their evil clutches, and
restoring it to its almighty glory. They do it cheaply. We do it right. Choose
vapidity, or choose righteousness...but whatever you do, choose wisely.

Release Date: June 27, 2016
Style: Northern German Pilsner
Alc/Vol: 5.8%
Available In: 16oz cans in six-packs
and draft
Distribution: Nationwide
Get Social: #WhoYouCallinWussie
IBUs: 47
Fresh for: 150 Days

Wednesday, December 28, 2016

Beer Review: DuClaw Funk Blueberry Citrus Wheat

If you ask if I like Wheat Ales then I will say sometimes, but if you ask if I like Pale Wheat Ales then I will say most likely. This somewhat seemingly new hybrid has become somewhat of a favorite style for me, and that has led me to try from DuClaw Brewing and their Funk Blueberry Citrus Wheat. This Pale Wheat Ale comes in at a 5% ABV and 16 IBU, so not too hoppy really. Let’s see how it compares.

Commercial Description:

The traditional American Wheat Ale serves as a solid baseline, but we couldn’t be content until we tore the roof off this sucker! Funk, our Blueberry Citrus Wheat Ale, sets the rhythm with a soulful fusion of American wheat and hops, before unleashing a stunning encore with big notes of blueberry and Meyer lemon. It’s no jive, you’ll just dig it!

Style: Blueberry Citrus Wheat Ale
Color: Light Golden
Hop Variety: Cascade, Columbus
Grains: Pale Malt, Wheat Malt, Blueberry, Meyer Lemon
Availability: 12 oz. Bottle / Keg / Seasonal 

Tuesday, December 27, 2016

Beer Review: Stone Stochasticity Project: Grainiac

So Stone Brewing decided to make a batch of beer using 9
grains and 4 hops and that mix created what is now the known result of
Grainiac. This Red Ale or American Amber is part of their Stochasticity Project
and comes in with an 8.5% ABV and 60 IBU. Let’s see how it goes and read more
about this beer under the commercial description.

Commercial Description:

This hoppy, deep amber-hued beer was created to shine a
light on rare, unexplored grains seldom used in the brewing world. In addition
to barley, wheat, rye and triticale, we added malted millet and malted
buckwheat to bring the total unique grain count to nine. The earthy, nutty
notes of granola found in this experimental multigrain malt bomb are
complemented by the citrusy, piney flavors of four classic American hops. We
dry-hopped the beer with Cascade and Centennial hops at the end, adding more
citrus notes and rounding out the grain bill’s rich, bready character.

Monday, December 26, 2016

Give Me Five With Adelbert's Brewery

Recently I had the pleasure of talking with Sarah Zomper Haney, General Manager and Marketing for Adelbert’s Brewery out of Austin, Texas about taking a look at their beers for some reviews per her asking. Those reviews can be and will be found on the site here, but we also had the chance to look at featuring the brewery for a “Give Me Five” segment which you will find here. I am pleased for the opportunity to find out more about the brewery and also bring that information to you.


Click Image For Website


1) When did the brewery become established?

The brewery was founded in late 2011.

2) How did you come about starting the brewery?

Scott Hovey was an avid home brewer who was ready to leave his former career in engineering. He went to a Craft Brewery Conference and fell in love with bottle conditioned ales.

3) What makes the brewery unique?

We use a multi-temperature decoction mash to extract more flavors from the grains. It's not something every brewery does but it creates more complex flavors that we're aiming more. We bring in all of our grain from Belgium, the UK or the Czech Republic. In addition, about 80% of our hops used are European Noble Hops. We are as authentically made to a traditional Belgian as you can get in Texas. We also propagate our own yeast at the brewery.

In regards to barrel aging, we own over 300 barrels. Some have been aging for over four years! Our barrel aging program includes red wine oak, whiskey, rum and gin barrels!

4) Where do you envision the brewery heading in the future?


We did two major changes in 2016 that will direct the future of the brewery. First, was we introduced our first canned beers, Naked Nun and Hibiscus Saison. Canning is new for us but a direction we are focusing on heavily in the future. We will be introducing more sessionable, easy drinking beers in 2017, including a Mango Wit and a Blonde Ale.

Second, we switched to a brewpub status. In Texas, that means we can now sell beer to go directly from the brewery (production breweries, which we were before, cannot). This has opened up the opportunity for us to do offer taproom only releases. Currently, we are releasing a Barrel of Love 3-Bottle pack in the taproom. It has 2015 Barrel of Love (a whiskey barrel aged quad that spent nearly a year in the barrel and a year in the bottle), 2016 Barrel of Love and Blackberry Barrel of Love (a blackberry infused version). They come in an awesome gift box too. The Blackberry Barrel of Love is only available in our taproom.

5) How many offerings does the brewery provide?

At any given time, we are cranking 11+ styles of beer! We make ten year rounds in addition to special releases and barrel aged beers. Right now we have Vintage Monks, a sour blonde aged in wine oak barrels, bottle conditioning until its release in March 2017. We are also testing several of the fruited sours as we speak. Needless to say, it’s rarely a boring week at the brewery.

Conclusion:

Adelbert’s Brewery seems to be on to something, and Austin, Texas, you seem in store for some great beer. Thanks again to Sarah for reaching out, check them out here:  http://adelbertsbeer.com/ and here are some more images from the brewery in closing. Cheers!


 





    

Beer Review: Adelbert's Travelin' Man

Austin, Texas is the home of Adelbert’s Brewery and recently
they reached out to me to take a look at some of their beers, and this is my
first look at their Travelin’ Man, which is their handcrafted Belgian IPA. Of
course, my attention was gained when I saw Belgian and then IPA right behind
it. Coming in at a 7% ABV and 55 IBU, this is one beer that I am looking to see
how it compares. Let’s check it out!

Commercial Description:

This deep golden ale possesses an aromatic nose with floral
and fruity notes. Its flavors are a blend of warm, soft biscuity malts followed
by a complex, clean finish. With this ale, we aimed to create an easy drinking,
one-of-a-kind IPA that leaves you wanting more. This beer was formerly, the
Traveler - renamed in 2015. 





THE STORY: The Travelin’ Man is homage to Del’s lifetime of
traveling. From Colombia to Kenya and everywhere in between, Del experienced
the world in ways few others ever will, and we are forever grateful for his
stories. We hope to inspire you to go out and make your own adventures.



2014 Craft Beer Awards Gold Medal

Sunday, December 25, 2016

Beer Review: Rhinegeist Hugh

Back again going local with another choice here from
Rhinegeist, and this time it is their Hugh. This Hefeweizen Ale comes in with
an ABV of 5.4% and a low IBU level of 10. Discussed with having notes of clove
and banana, let’s see how this one compares to the Bavarian Style as intended.

Commercial Description:

Hugh (5.4% | 10 IBU) is the newest brew to join
our can cadre. This traditionally brewed Bavarian-style Hefeweizen serves
light notes of clove and banana atop a creamy yet dry wheat character. Cares
drift by the roadside as Hugh leans into turns on his motorbike, passing
blurred golden wheat fields, his chuckles drowned out by the guttural groan of
his thrusting engine.
Malts: Pilsner, 2-row and
wheat
 
Hops: Magnum and
Hallertau Blanc

Beer Review: Rhinegeist Crash

A look at one of my home area breweries has produced this
look at Crash from Rhinegeist Brewery. This American Pale Ale comes in with an
ABV of 5.4% and an IBU level of 44. It has been brewed to create what seems to
be a “crashing down” of hop flavors. Let’s see how it compares.

Commercial Description:

An
explosively hoppy pale ale, Crash combines potent aromatics of Azacca, Equinox
and Cascade hope to combust with tropicality, citrus, peach, tangelo &
papaya - a kinetic & delicious hop explosion.

Saturday, December 24, 2016

Beer Review: Guinness Rye Pale Ale

Guinness is a name known throughout the world of beer, but
mainly for their varieties of stouts. But this review isn’t about those beers;
this is about their Guinness Rye Pale Ale. Yes, Guinness has joined the ranks
of providing a Pale Ale beer in what seems to be an effort to diversify their
offerings. This Rye Pale Ale comes in with an ABV of 5% and an IBU level of 18.
Let’s see how it compares.

Commercial Description:

Guinness Rye Pale ale is rustic ale with citrus notes and a
slight earthy, spicy character to the finish. The rye grain used in the brewing
process gives the ale a peppery bite that gets balanced nicely by the
grapefruit and citrus flavor from the Mosaic and Cascade hops.

MadTree Sets Grand Opening Date for New ‘2.0’ Brewery and Taproom

Who is ready for the next stage of MadTree Brewing to begin? I know that I am and the wait is almost over as recently the following news was released by the good folks at MadTree Brewing.

CINCINNATI (December 9, 2016) – MadTree Brewing announced today the date for the Grand Opening of their new state-of-the-art ‘2.0’ brewery, taproom, beer garden, and private event space. Just over a year ago, they began the project to renovate the former RockTenn building, an obsolete brownfield manufacturing facility, located at 3301 Madison Road.  They will celebrate the opening of the new location at 3301 Madison Road in conjunction with their annual Winter Bonanza anniversary party on Saturday, February 11, 2017.

“Seeing this dream become a reality still blows my mind,” said MadTree Brewing co-founder, Kenny McNutt. “Four years ago, before we opened, we couldn’t even remotely imagine doing something like this. It’s an honor to be able to invite the community that built this to share in the celebration.”

Guests can expect a full lineup of current MadTree beers along with many fan favorites from the past. Other breweries from around the region and the country will be on-hand offering beers not usually found in this market. There will be live music plus food trucks and restaurants from the Cincinnati area on-site to keep stomachs full. Additional details about the event will be shared in the coming weeks.

MadTree invested over $18M constructing the new complex, immediately bringing more than 50 jobs to the City of Cincinnati with plans to create 40 more jobs over the next three years.

So make sure you save the date...

Brewery hosting huge party to celebrate milestone with the community





Beer Review: Atwater Hop-A-Peel

From out of Detroit, Michigan, comes Atwater Brewery and
their Hop-A-Peel, an American IPA designed to come right at you with the
bitterness. It is listed at 118 IBU and features the use of orange peels. This
7.5% ABV Beer is maybe one not to be taken lightly, but let’s see how it
compares.

Commercial Description:

Atwater’s
Hop-A-Peel is a frontal assault on the American IPA style that features not
only the classic American Cascade and Chinook hops, but two of the new “Super
Cascade” varieties in both the kettle and in the dry hop. Dried and ground
orange peel is added to the whirlpool to deliver a citric bittering that sets
Hop-A-Peel apart from the masses
.

Friday, December 23, 2016

Beer Review: Highland Clawhammer Oktoberfest

Nestled away in the mountains of North Carolina is Highland
Brewing Company and here is a look at their Clawhammer Oktoberfest. This Marzen
comes in at a nice sessionable 5% ABV and an IBU level of 25. Let’s see how
this one compares.

Commercial Description:

Clawhammer
Oktoberfest is a lightly colored, but toasty, rich and full-bodied Marzen style
lager, brewed with traditional German malt and the finest noble hops. A spicy
hop finish and aroma balance out the abundance of malt flavor.






Grain: 2 Row, Munich, Vienna, Caramel & Pilsen







Hops: Hallertau Mittlefrue & German Spalt
Select

What Are Some Favorite Winter Beers (CBGW) - Holiday Edition

What beers do you like in the winter? That is the question
that we ask and try to answer this week, as we look at beers that might be more
suited for the colder weather. Forget Jack Frost, we are talking Jacked Beer!

Beer Reviewers Included:

RodJBeerVentures:
http://www.youtube.com/c/RodJBeerVentures4U

ThomasMetal75: https://www.youtube.com/user/ThomasMetal75

EricALionsFan:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5ucenf13Dhrhw9OqpCJMBA

BrooDood:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDvoZIT7EItgEhelyzScFig

Kent Beer Reviews: https://www.youtube.com/user/craigy1

Wednesday, December 21, 2016

Beer Review: Victory Festbier

Festbier is an Oktoberfest offering from Victory Brewing,
which is located in Pennsylvania. I happened to find this one at one of my
local spots and thought I would give it a shot. It comes in at an ABV of 5.6%
and an IBU level of 20. Like many of this style, it should be pretty malt
forward. Let’s crack the top and check it out.

Commercial Description:

Seductively smooth, this medium-bodied amber beauty is akin
to the great Oktoberfest beers of Munich. All German malts and whole flower
European hops make this lager true to style.


Tuesday, December 20, 2016

Beer Review: Bell's Special Double Cream Stout

My search for a latest beer had led me to Bell’s Brewery
Special Double Cream Stout, which is an American Stout that comes in with an
ABV of 6.1% and an IBU of 55. Known to be a nice creamy stout, this one will
hope to be a pleasant surprise. Let’s see how it does.

Commercial Description:

Special Double Cream Stout derives its name from its smooth,
creamy texture, not the ingredients. Completely dairy-free, this stout blends
ten different specialty malts to yield a remarkable depth of flavor. With only
a touch of burnt notes, Special Double Cream Stout focuses on the softer, cocoa
& espresso-like aspects of roasted malt.

Monday, December 19, 2016

Beer Review: Stillwater Is Nothing Big Bunny Is Everything

On this day I take a look at Stillwater Is Nothing Big Bunny
is Everything from Stillwater Artisanal Ales, which was done in collaboration
with Arizona Wilderness Brewing Company.  This Milk or Sweet Stout comes at 8% ABV and 60
IBU, let’s see what it has to offer.

Saturday, December 17, 2016

Rhinegeist Brewery: The Lost Interview (Cincy Beerfest 2016)

Twice a year Cincinnati holds Cincy Beerfest, a beer
festival to celebrate many craft breweries and to also raise funds for the Big
Joe Duskin Music Foundation, a 501-C-3 tax exempt organization dedicated to helping music
programs in underfunded elementary and junior high schools.

During
our past one that took place, I had a chance to catch up with some of the guys
from Rhinegeist and discuss some of the beers from the festival. Up until now,
that footage had seemed to be lost. However, since it is now found, here is the
video from parts of our conversation. And if you make it to Cincinnati or see
beers from Rhinegeist then I would recommend checking out some of their beers.

Thanks
to Dick Kait for shooting the video footage and you can find some good musical
things on his channel here: https://www.youtube.com/user/Dickkait.

Check
out Rhinegeist here too: http://www.rhinegeist.com

Friday, December 16, 2016

Hangout Beer Chat: CBGW Talking Local Breweries (Who You Got?)

This episode we will be discussing some of our local breweries from our respective areas. It's time to rep our cities on the beer!

Wednesday, December 14, 2016

Beer Review: Brooklyn Oktoberfest

Out of the Brooklyn Brewery comes the Brooklyn Oktoberfest,
a Marzen lager offering that is said to come in with a full malty body, bready
aroma and a light hop bitterness. The ABV on this beer is 5.5% and the IBU is
25. Let’s check it out to see how it compares.

Tuesday, December 13, 2016

Unboxing Video: Adelbert's Brewery Says Hello

Austin, Texas is the home of Adelbert's Brewery and recently
I was contacted by Sarah Haney from Adelbert’s about taking a look at some of
their beers for some beer reviews, this is the unboxing of those beers for the
upcoming reviews. As I always look to keep my beer reviews fair and honest, I
did point this out and she understood that I would as well. There was no soliciting
on my part to gain any beers, but if you think that I am going to say no when
offered to look at some…then you are cray cray, for real. I am not familiar with
the brewery, so I am honored to be asked to do some reviews for them. Watch the
video to see the beers that I have received and then check back in the future
to gather my thoughts when the reviews are completed. Did someone say they do
Belgian Ales? Oh boy, this should be fun!

Sunday, December 11, 2016

Beer Review: Abita Bourbon Street Rye Pale Ale

From the Abita Brewing Company comes the Bourbon Street Rye
Pale Ale, a beer brewed with Pale and Munich malts along with rye. This beer
comes in at an ABV of 9.5% and also uses Centennial hops to give the ale flavor
and aroma of citrus. And if that’s not enough, after fermentation the beer is
cold aged before then being bourbon barrel aged. During this part of the
process, the beer absorbs the flavors from the barrel such as vanilla, oak and bourbon.
Let’s see how all of this comes together.

Beer Review: New Belgium Accumulation

From New Belgium Brewing Company comes their Accumulation, a
6.2% ABV White IPA that is loaded with a strong wheat base and what’s said to
be a great hop profile. At 70 IBU, bitterness will be in play but in what IPA
is this not the case. Let’s see how this one does.

Cider Review: Oliver Winery Beanblossom Hard Cider

Yes, you are reading this right as I decided to take a look
at a cider this time. The Beanblossom Hard Cider from Oliver Winery comes in at
an ABV of 9% is noted as being a crisp, refreshing cider made from Indiana
apples and is seen as a perfect beverage for mulling. Let’s see how it tastes.

Saturday, December 10, 2016

Beer Review: Upright Brewing Six

I always enjoy trying a good Rye Ale, so it was nice to find
Six from Upright Brewing and see how it does compared to others that I have had
in the past. It is a 6.7% ABV ale that at 25 IBU is noted to provide spicy
notes along with a deep caramel core aroma. Let’s see how it compares.

Beer Review: Long Trail Imperial Pumpkin (Brush and Barrel)

The Long Trail Brewing Company is based in Bridgewater
Corners, Vermont, and their Imperial Pumpkin is just one more release from
their Brush and Barrel Series. This pumpkin ale comes in at a nice ABV of 8%
and an IBU level of 30. And although this beer is now no longer in production,
I was able to locate one of their bottles and this is a look at what this beer
offered.

Beer Review: Breckenridge 72 Imperial Chocolate Cream Stout (BA)

The 72
Imperial Chocolate Cream Stout (Barrel Aged) is a Sweet or Milk Stout from
Breckenridge Brewery out of Littleton, Colorado.
  This beer coming in at an ABV of 7.2% is a
small batch beer that is engineered for luxury and enjoyment as noted by
Breckenridge. There is a base version as well as the bourbon barrel aged
version which is shown here. The result should be a nice blend of chocolate, wood
and whiskey, let’s see how it does.

Talking Beer Glasses For That Malty, Hoppy, Yeasty Goodness

Ever think, what beer glass may be best for your beer? Does a beer glass really make a difference? Well tonight, we look at beer glasses under review and discuss what you need to know.

Friday, December 9, 2016

America Now Has a Record-High 5,000 Breweries and Counting | MONEY

America is still going strong with craft beer as noted by this piece from Money. How much more can be done, and is there a slowdown in sight?


 Image result for craft beer

The Ins and Outs of Shipping Beer - Homebrew Academy

Sometimes I am asked questions about beer and the shipping of it across the United States. There are definitely regulations that come into play but rather than type out a full blown piece, I thought that I would just share one that had already been completed.



shipping-beer 

photo: B Tal

Thursday, December 8, 2016

Beer Review: Blackberry Farm Saison

From out of the mountains of Tennessee comes the Classic
Saison from Blackberry Farm Brewery and this one is highlighted as being a
medium bodied Saison with a voluminous head that releases notes of lemon and
crisp spicy aroma. It comes in at an ABV of 6.3% and online it is shown with an
IBU level of 33. Let’s see how this one actually tastes, shall we?

Wednesday, December 7, 2016

Beer Review: Green Fog Organic IPA

Another trip to Trader Joe’s yielded this trial of Organic
IPA from Green Fog Brewing Company. This American IPA comes in at 6.5% ABV and
51 IBU, outside of that not much else found or to say, lol. So, let’s get into
it and see what it has to offer.

Tuesday, December 6, 2016

Beer Review: Jacob Leinenkugel IPL

The IPL from Jacob Leinenkugel Brewing Company comes in at
an ABV of 6% and an IBU level of 57. It takes what we love about ale and brings
it over to a lager, mainly the hops which come through that much more in this
hybrid. Let’s see how it compares.

Sunday, December 4, 2016

Beer Review: Schlafly Saison

The Schlafly Saison is somewhat of a unique beer in itself,
especially through its use of citrus. It is of limited availability and is
noted as being brewed only once. So, I was actually fortunate to come across
this beer it seems. The ABV is 6% and it comes in at an IBU level of 20. Let’s
see how it compares.

Beer Review Avery Brewing Twenty Two

Avery Brewing created their Twenty Two as their 2015 anniversary
celebratory ale. 100% Brettanomyces drie fermented, this dry-hopped wild ale came
in at an ABV of 6.8%. I am looking at this beer a year later, so it will be
interesting to see how it actually cellared over the time. They say it was
inspired by their trip to Belgium in 2006 and you know me, my attention was
garnered at Belgium. Let’s see how it does.

Saturday, December 3, 2016

Beer Review: Schlenkerla Aecht Schlenkerla Eiche

I decided
to check out this German Doppelbock to see what it offers. The
Aecht Schlenkerla Eiche from
Schlenkerla is an 8% ABV and 40 IBU Lager.
The malt for the
“Schlenkerla Oak Smoke” used is kilned with oak wood. The hence complex
smokiness in “Schlenkerla Oak Smoke” is paired with the multifaceted bitterness
of finest Hallertau aroma hops. It matures for months in deep brewery cellars
underneath Bamberg before becoming a special treat for smoke beer lovers. This one should be fun.


Beer Review: Three Floyds Robert The Bruce

Robert The Bruce from Three Floyds Brewing is a Scotch or Wee
Heavy Ale that features a balance of chocolate and roasted malts against the combination
of hops that are used. It comes in with an ABV of 7% and an IBU level of 30.
Let’s see how it compares.

Friday, December 2, 2016

Beer Review: Leinenkugel Oktoberfest

The Oktoberfest from Jacob Leinenkugel Brewing Company doesn’t
really fit now into the technical definition of a craft beer. But, it is a beer
and I thought that I would check it out anyway. This 5.1% ABV and 20 IBU Marzen
has been brewed for over five generations and with it featuring Munich, Pale
and Caramel Malts along with four specialty hops; they have to be doing
something right. Let’s see what it has to offer.

Beer Review: Dogfish Head Punkin Ale

I decided to check out another pumpkin beer and this time it
is the Punkin Ale from Dogfish Head Craft Brewery. I don’t usually do a lot of
pumpkin beers, but this caught my eye. It comes in with an ABV of 7% and at an
IBU level of 28. With it being brewed with real pumpkin, brown sugar, allspice,
cinnamon and nutmeg, it has all the makings of what one would want in their
pumpkin beer.

Thursday, December 1, 2016

Beer Labels: Good, Bad And Ugly with CBGW

On this night, we decide to discuss beer and their labels...

Beer Review: Ryan And The Beaster Bunny

What’s in a name? I have no idea, but Ryan And The Beaster Bunny from Evil Twin Brewing caught enough of my interest to give it a shot. This Saison Ale comes in at an ABV of 7% and here is my look at it to see how it compares to the style.

Rod J BeerVentures Swag