Sunday, April 30, 2017

Beer Review: Christian Moerlein Shiver Chai Porter 5.6% ABV

The Shiver Chai Spiced Porter from Christian Moerlein Brewing here in Cincinnati is definitely a different type of beer. The beer comes in at an ABV of 5.6% and IBU level of 15, so hoppiness is not a concern on this malt forward beer. Obviously, the use of chai brings a spice component to the beer which a somewhat uniqueness. A good thing about living in Cincinnati is the beer experimenting that takes place; check out my video here to see my thoughts on this beer.

Brewer Notes:

N/A from the website

Saturday, April 29, 2017

Beer Review: Sixpoint The Crisp 5.4% ABV

From the Sixpoint Brewery out of Brooklyn, New York, comes the Crisp, a German Pilsner that comes in at an ABV of 5.4% and an IBU level of 44. Talk about a beer that brings a pleasant and refreshing mouthfeel, this one definitely delivers that and leaves well a….crisp feeling. Check out my video here to see my other thoughts on this beer.

Brewer Notes:

...When the Mad Scientists emerged from underground, the quest for a new formulation went from obsession to reality.
What do you get when you fuse old world craftsmanship with new, clean, & bold flavors from right raw materials? The Crisp. It's Mad Science.

• ABV - 5.4%
• IBU - 44
• SRM - 5.9


Wednesday, April 26, 2017

Beer Me: New Belgium Voodoo Ranger 8 Hop Pale Ale 5.5% ABV

The Voodoo Ranger 8 Hop Pale Ale is yet one more offering from New Belgium Brewing out of Fort Collins, Colorado. This American Pale Ale comes in with an ABV of 5.5% and as it says on the label, eight hops. The 35 IBU makes it nice for providing the hop flavor to be highlighted, while at the same time not become too bittering. This is definitely one for those that maybe looking to transition into hoppier beers. For more on this beer, check out my video to see my other thoughts.

Brewer Notes:


Brilliantly balanced for easy drinking, this pale ale is packed with citrus and tropical fruit flavors from eight different hop varieties.

TASTING NOTES

VISUAL: Bright golden color with white foam and moderate lacing.

AROMA: Mostly pine with citrus and tropical fruits (oranges, lemons, guava), stone fruit (plum and apricot), herbal hop notes and a slight caramel backbone.

FLAVOR: Balanced. Starts sweet and moves to mild bitterness with a very subtle sourness.

MOUTHFEEL: Clean with a very slight bitter linger.

BODY: Medium-light body.

BEER FACTS

ABV: 5.5%

IBU: 35

YEAST: Ale

HOPS: Nugget, Centennial, Cascade, Nelson Sauvin, Amarillo, Mosaic, Simcoe, Citra

MALTS: Pale, Caramel 80


Tuesday, April 25, 2017

Elysian Space Dust IPA 8.2% ABV - Away We Go

Space Dust IPA is an American IPA from Seattle based Elysian Brewing Company. It comes in at an ABV of 8.2% and an IBU level of 62. Pouring a nice golden color, this is one that I have wanted to try for a while and was finally able to get that chance. Check out my video here to see my thoughts.

Brewer Notes:

A Totally Nebular IPA

STYLE: India Pale Ale

BODY: Light to Medium

TASTING NOTES: The hopping is pure starglow energy, with Chinook to bitter and late and dry additions of Citra and Amarillo.

MALTS: Great Western premium two-row, c-15 and Dextra-pils

HOPS: Chinook, Citra and Amarillo

ABV: 8.2%

IBU: 73

AVAILABILITY: Year round — 1/2 Bbl kegs, Six packs, 22 oz bottles


Saturday, April 22, 2017

Samuel Adams Rebel Juiced IPA 6.2% ABV - Hello Mango

The Samuel Adams Rebel Juiced IPA from Boston Beer Company is a mango influenced IPA through the use of mango juice, which is combines citrusy hops to create something of a juicier type IPA. The appearances itself is a very nice one on this beer, and the aroma and taste both end up being somewhat decent which for me was better this time around then when I had initially tasted it during a beer festival. Check out my video here to see and hear my other thoughts on this one.

Brewer Notes:

Swirling with ripe aromas of mango and tropical fruits, this IPA is jam-packed with juicy, citrusy hops and mango juice. It’s as if we took fresh hops and mangos and put them in a juicer.

STYLE - Tropical IPA

AVAILABILITY -Year Round - Draft, 6-pack bottles

HOP VARIETIES - Zeus, Mosaic, Mandarina

MALT VARIETIES - Samuel Adams two-row pale malt blend

SPECIAL INGREDIENTS - Mango Juice

COLOR - Golden, slightly veiled, SRM: 6

ALC. BY VOL/WT - 6.2% ABV - 4.8% ABW

IBUs - 55

CALORIES - 210

Brooklyn Scorcher IPA 4.5% ABV - Call This A Session?

The Scorcher IPA from Brooklyn Brewery is described as a session IPA that comes in with an ABV of 4.5%. Piney and grapefruity in the aroma and taste along with its solid body and mouthfeel, it is easy to forget that this one is a session IPA. Find out more of my thoughts on this beer by checking out my video here.

Brewer’s Notes:

Brooklyn Scorcher IPA is a surprisingly sessionable IPA. A floral, piney aroma strikes first, followed by a burst of mouthwatering bitterness as the hops begin their attack. Suddenly, a hint of toasty malt and a clean, lively finish burst in to leave you thirsty for more. It’s ludicrously tasty, and at a reasonable 4.5%, it’s a beer you can come back to again and again. Try it with spicy foods, salads, grilled meats, cheddar, feta or just another Scorcher IPA.

Style: Session IPA

Malts: 2-row, Carafoam, Crisp

Hops: Amarillo, Simcoe, Cascade, Bravo

Yeast: Our House Ale Yeast

Alcohol by Volume: 4.5%

Original Gravity: 10.8° Plato

Food Pairings: Spicy foods, sandwiches, salads, grilled meats, fresh cheeses, cheddars, and goat cheeses.

Availability: Year-round; Sweden, UK, Norway, and Finland only

Format: 24/12oz (333.5ml) bottles (6pk)

Wednesday, April 19, 2017

Alltech Kentucky Honey Barrel Brown Ale 10% ABV

Lexington, Kentucky is home to Alltech Lexington Brewing & Distilling Company and this is a look at their Kentucky Honey Barrel Brown Ale. This 10% ABV Imperial Brown Ale is brewed with Kentucky honey and ginger and aged in oak bourbon barrels. Check out my review here to see what I think of this newly found brew.

Brewer Notes:

As every drop of the ale is aged in fresh bourbon barrels, the caramel and vanilla flavors of the barrel are imparted upon the beer and balance with the spiciness of the ginger. At 10 percent alcohol by volume (ABV), this malty, limited release seasonal makes for a flavorful sipping beer to enjoy during the holiday season.

Saturday, April 15, 2017

What's In The Box? Craft Beer Variety Unboxing

Saturday afternoon, what to do? Well, what do you think? It’s time for a beer run and this time, I decided to go blind on what may be in the box. GreatBrewers.com has created variety craft beer boxes to showcase craft beers. Nowhere on the outside does the box tell you what’s inside, so I am truly playing what’s in the box. This should be interesting, check out my video here to see what I find.

Wednesday, April 12, 2017

Rivertown Ville De Rivere Geuze 6.2% ABV - Come Again?

Some days, I just think Cincinnati should be “Brewnati,” because we have so many different beer things happening that one cannot even keep up anymore. So here is the Ville De Rivere Geuze from our own Rivertown Brewery and Barrel House, 6.2% ABV and 8 IBU make up this 3 malt and 1 hop sour Geuze. Now if you are not familiar with the Geuze style, it is a type of Lambic that is done by blending a 1 year old Lambic with and a 2 to 3 year old Lambic, but with this brew it was a one and a three that was used and then allowed to mature in the bottle, but this was after it was already aged in oak wine barrels.

So knowing all of this, why would I not try this beer? Oak, like, wine barrels, like, Belgian style, like, sours, like…all I needed was a glass and then this review was off and going. Now, you can see the video to gather my thoughts on the beer, but the beer is definitely a pretty one from the pour and the aroma is on point for sure. But the taste did hit with more tart than I expected, which for me made it more like a tart bomb which was neither good nor bad but depending on your sour level and how much you like to pucker, it could be something to consider before trying this one. But as far as being a sour beer and of the Geuze style there was no mistaking that, it delivered, but I also think it over delivered on the tartness that was received which led to my Untappd score on this one being 3 out of 5.

Tuesday, April 11, 2017

Arrogant Lukcy Basartd Ale - Three Come Together As One

Arrogant Bastard Ale, Double Bastard Ale and Oaked Arrogant Bastard Ale, three good quality ales that alone stand as decent beers. But what happens when you take some from each and put them together in one brew? Well my friends, at that point you are a Lucky Bastard or a Lukcy Basartd as described by Arrogant Brewing.

This Special Release Ale features a dry-hopped blend of the aforementioned beers and was first released in 2010 in celebration of the 13th anniversary of Arrogant Bastard Ale. At 8.5% ABV, this beer is not one to probably be taken lightly although I didn’t have too much trouble in finishing this 22 ounce gem. It drinks more like a light Barleywine and is one to easily slide into for an easy comfortable feel. If you find it then I think that it’s definitely worth checking it out, and watch my video here to see my additional thoughts. My Untappd score on this one: 4 out of 5.

Monday, April 10, 2017

Moerlein Thousand Weiss 10% ABV - Go Ahead And Berry Me

An Imperial Hefeweizen coming in at a 10% ABV, the Thousand Weiss from Christian Moerlein is one berry filled tart treat that can definitely sneak up on you. You can drink it fresh or as mentioned by the brewer, you can also age it to smooth out the flavor more over time. The beer has the characteristics to be expected, but the tartness is a nice extra addition for sure. Check out my video review here to gather my thoughts on this one. As for my Untappd score, for me this one was 3.5 out of 5.

Sunday, April 9, 2017

Four+ Mission St. Gose - 4% ABV - Trader Joe's Beer


One of the stores that I like to check out for beers is Trader Joe’s and although their selection is small, they often get some good beers into their stores. But they also run their own branded exclusive line of beers which are the Mission St. series. In conjunction with breweries they have beers created under this brand, and this is a look at their Mission St. Gose.

This beer is done with Four+ Brewing and carries an ABV of 4%. The thing with the series is that they are very value priced as their house beer. So a beer like this which is a 22 ounce bottle costs only $2.99, and provides different styles for experimenting at a relatively low cost. Some of these beers end up tasting pretty good, but there are also some that do not. I found this Gose to actually be one that ended up being better than expected and worth the value. Check out my video to see my thought but as far as my Untappd score, this one gained from me 3 out of 5.

Friday, April 7, 2017

Talking Everyday Beers And Other Beer News

Is there a beer that you consider an everyday beer? One that you can just sit and enjoy over and over again without it losing any appeal? Well, we decided to discuss this and provide some opinions. Oh yeah, and we decided to also share some other items on what's been taking place around the beer world.

Tonight's Channel Hosts:







Wednesday, April 5, 2017

Leinenkugel Berry Weiss 4.7% ABV - Okay I'm Game

Berry, berry and more berry is what one can expect with the Berry Weiss from the Jacob Leinenkugel Brewing Company. Coming in at 4.7% ABV this beer provides a nice refreshing quality and has a subtleness of something like a flavored soda more than anything. After a few the sweetness can definitely catch up to a person, so I don’t see much with working through a six pack with this one. But as a way to break up a routine with something different, this does just that. Check out my video here to see my other thoughts on this one. My Untappd score on this one: 3 out of 5.

Tuesday, April 4, 2017

Mt. Carmel Oh My Darlin' Saisontine 7.1% ABV - Well Hello

The Oh My Darling Saisontine from Mt. Carmel Brewing Company is Saison Farmhouse ale that comes in at a little more than one would usually expect for this style of ale. The ABV on this ale is at 7.1% which is a little higher than expected and the IBU’s are at 26.5 which provide just enough of a hop kick in my opinion.

They talk about how they use a heavy dose of fruit for this beer and that does come through for sure, almost making alike an IPA in the aroma and taste, but then on the back end that familiar aroma of Saisons does emerge. The beer itself is one of their non-year round offerings and they note it as a Summer sipper, although I found it to be more suited for a late Summer feel myself or even a Fall offering.

You can see the review here to hear my more detailed thoughts on the beer, but overall I found it to be pleasing enough. It didn’t knock me back or really surprise me, but it handled itself fine enough that I would probably drink it again if need be. My Untappd score on this one: 3.25 out of 5.


#FABQ Response to Deans Beers Reviews - Nitch's Fault

Hey what's happening everybody, so I was recently tagged by Dean at Dean's Beer Reviews (Check Out His Channel) to discuss nine questions that are being posed to Beer Tubers after originating from Nitch at Tasting Nitch (Check Out Her Channel )! These are now starting to pop up it seems as my fellow beer reviewers have been contributing nicely. So this video is my response after being tagged by Dean, and I have tagged others as listed below. Check it out and make sure to check out all of the other beer reviewers!

Questions:

1) How did I get into beer and why beer?
2) What's my favorite beer?
3) If I could have one beer what would it be?
4) How can I drink so much and stay healthy?
5) Am I an alkie?
6) Do I brew?
7) What is my favorite ingredient?
8) What was my first beer?
9) Who in the beer world do I look up to?

Sunday, April 2, 2017

Boozing With Goodwood Rum Barrel Oktoberfest 7% ABV

I must admit that I am a fan of barrel aging and when seeing that Goodwood Brewing had a beer that was rum barreled well I was pretty much sold on giving it a go. The Rum Barrel Oktoberfest from Goodwood is a Marzen that comes in at 7% ABV and the idea of having that rum flavor piqued my interest.

What I found with this one was what I hoped; the rum came out nicely in the aroma as well as the taste. And it came out of the glass very easily without any issue of being able to pick it up. Is it boozy in the taste, yeah it is but you kind of expect that with some of these barrel aged beer. And with me not usually being a big Oktoberfest fan, this was something of a difference maker for me.

Not only did the rum come out in the aroma and taste, but so did the oak. These characteristics were able to add to what is the usual aroma and taste of the Oktoberfest, and for me enhance it. I still got some of the basic lager characteristics but they were taken down a notch after being replaced by the added experience. I will say though that the texture did play a little thin and watery, especially on the initial taste but by the finish, it seemed to end with a little bit of pleasantness.

Overall, I found this beer to be decent enough but unlike most lagers, I would say to let it warm up a little bit first. Doing so seemed to enhance the flavor from when it is taken right from the fridge. In the end, My Untappd score: 3.5 Out of 5.

Saturday, April 1, 2017

Beer Review: New Belgium Citradelic Exotic Lime Ale

Some days you just want a nice refreshing ale and on this day, the Citradelic Exotic Lime Ale from New Belgium got the call. Unlike its predecessor which is an IPA, this version was done as a Golden ale. Carrying a nice 5.2% ABV, this one was not one to worry about being too heavy and its 21 IBU let you know that the bitterness would be low as well. The thought of the use of Persian lime and ground coriander caught my interest due to me love of Belgian Ales, and the hint of cracked black pepper made it a little intriguing. I was looking forward to trying this one; check out my video to see how it compares.

Rod J BeerVentures Swag