Tuesday, October 31, 2017

Beer Review: Samuel Adams Golden Hour

The Samuel Adams Golden Hour from Boston Beer Company is a Helles Lager that was part of the Summer Variety pack offering this year. The beer itself is of the Helles Lager style and is hopped with German Noble hops to add a spicy feel to the beer and to compliment the sweetness of the malt. Alcohol content for this one comes in at 5% and IBU is noted at 20, so there should also be a light crisp bite as well. It is a seasonal so it is only available for part of the year, and I am looking forward to tasting and see what this lager has to offer.

This all being said, you know what to do. Grab a pint, click the video shown below to see and hear my thoughts, and join me to “Get Your Beer On!” Cheers!

Monday, October 30, 2017

Beer Review: Samuel Adams Berliner Weisse

I have to admit that over time I have become more of a sour beer fan and as a part of the summer variety pack from Boston Beer Company this year, they included the Samuel Adams Berliner Weisse which carries an alcohol content of 4.8% ABV. A good Berliner Weisse is one really suited for a hot summer day with its refreshing quality and usually low ABV. Even 4.8% is a little high for this style which traditionally may be more down around the 3% area, but us Americans always like to step it up. I’m looking forward to seeing how this one looks, smells and most importantly tastes.


This all being said, you know what to do. Grab a pint, click the video shown below to see and hear my thoughts, and join me to “Get Your Beer On!” Cheers!

Sunday, October 29, 2017

Basement Beer Tour: Back With More From WV Road Trip

For me, one of the fun things about making road trips is also looking to locate beers that may be available in the area. Usually this deals with mainly craft beers, but occasionally I will also pick up “crafty” beers which are craft beers that are no longer recognized as such now based on the definition of the brewers association which has been the group tasked with setting the standards of defining craft beer. Their standards tend to be arbitrary to me, but it is what it is and people have to have something to follow for a somewhat definition. Anyway, let’s get back to the trip.

Because of the way that we have a three tier distribution system in the U.S. as it pertains to beer, it definitely pays to look for local beers when in different areas to see what may be being explored by brewers. There are so many factors that go into the making of a beer that one might be able to find a nice surprise when doing so. This is what I try to seek out, and this time my trip was to Charleston, West Virginia, so my wife and mother could visit family. After a little checking around I was able to find one store that had craft beers that seemed worth a trip. That blew my mind. I am used to having a bevy of choices, but markets do matter and this seemed to be a limited one. I guess I am just spoiled by what I have here in the Cincinnati area, and thank goodness I do.

Anyway, I ended up going out to a location called The Liquor Company which I was able to locate using Yelp, although the directions from my GPS were terrible. I had to pull over in a Taco Bell parking lot and call, and the guys there were helpful in me securing the proper route which I appreciated. Once there, I was able to locate where some bottles could be purchased individually, which is what I like to do. They did have some local six packs but just didn’t want to load up on those this time. The store is a decent store by the way, and the guys were quite helpful. Funny thing is though; it had a lot of space yet to be filled. I almost felt like I was standing in a flea market, but hey, there were deals to be had for sure which you can see by checking out my video below. Let me know what you think too. Did I find any of your favorites?

This all being said, you know what to do. Grab a pint, click the video and join me to “Get Your Beer On!” Cheers!

Wednesday, October 25, 2017

Beer Review: MadTree Brewing Dreamsicle

MadTree Brewing, another one of my great local Cincinnati breweries had recently released their Dreamsicle in cans for the first time a couple of months ago, and I happened to pick up one to actually give it a swirl. Now the funny thing about this beer is that it hadn’t been planned to do so previously, but credit an April fool’s joke gone wrong as to how this came to be.

Dreamsicle was first introduced in 2014 and in previous years it was only served on tap. However, this past April a joke was made saying it was going to cans. However this was not the case, but the mention and strength of the crowd uproar was so strong that MadTree was pretty much pushed into canning it. And today, here we are with another addition to the canning line. This being said, never underestimate the power of the customers and the will of the people. Okay, so what about the beer.

Dreamsicle is a Kolsch that is highlighted in its flavor by tones of vanilla and orange, and reminiscent of those ice cream desserts that we remember as children. It has a light alcohol content of 4.7% ABV and a low smoothed out IBU of 11. I have had this previously on tap and I am just hoping the can keeps it just as delightful. Well, all this being said it’s time to see what this ale has to offer. So, you know what to do.

Grab a pint, click the video below, and join me to “Get Your Beer On!” Cheers!

Tuesday, October 24, 2017

Beer Review: Two Evil Pachamama Porter Brings Chili Peppers And Sweet Potatoes

Two Roads Brewing got together with Evil Twin Brewing and Cervecería Barbarian from Lima Peru, and the three came up with the Two Evil Pachamama Porter. A porter that is highlighted by the use of sweet potatoes, purple main & Aji Panca chili peppers. Offered in a pint can when I purchased it, the alcohol content on this beer is 6.5% ABV and the IBU level is estimated at 55. This is one that had no problem catching my attention when I noticed it in the store. From its sleek looking can and artwork to the description of the beer, it was a no-brainer to throw this one in my basket. All that’s left now is to check it out and see how it delivers. Let’s do this!

So grab a pint and click the video below to see my thoughts, and join me to “Get Your Beer On!”

Monday, October 23, 2017

Beer Review: Flash Lamp - Big And Bright With Flavor You Want

I decided to go local with this one and picked up a can of Flash Lamp from Urban Artifact here in Cincinnati, Ohio. This Witbier is highlighted as a tart white ale packed with orange marmalade, rose pedals and coriander seed. Its alcohol content is noted at 5.5% ABV but the IBU was not found for this one, although a pH of 3.2 was indicated. This all being said, I am looking forward to checking this one out as I always like enjoying the treats from of our local breweries.

So grab a pint and click the video below to see my thoughts on this one, and join me to “Get Your Beer On!”

Saturday, October 21, 2017

Basement Beer Tour: What Do I Have Hiding Away - Let's See

While I enjoy being able to review beers, any beer reviewer will probably tell you that with doing so comes the building of a beer cellar or basement. It almost seems inevitable that with looking to gather many beer, that at some point you will become over run with them. Mind you, this is not a bad thing as I have never once said that I have too much beer. I would bet that not many a reviewer has done so either. That being said, I thought that I would provide a little tour of my beer basement for you to see and know what other beers to expect for reviews.

So grab a pint, click the video below and c’mon and enjoy while you “Get Your Beer On!”

Beer Review: Blue Point Brewing Citrus Plunge

Blue Point Brewing Company out of Patchogue, New York is one more of those so-called former craft breweries to now be under ABInBev and looked upon as a macro brewery. For me as previously noted, I look at these breweries and their beers as being more of craft ones though, however, by the Brewers Association definition then macro would be the assumed definition. That being said, recently I had decided to pick-up their Citrus Plunge American IPA to look at here for another beer review. Even though it is not technically craft, it is beer and I have no problem trying those that may now be on the outside looking in when the opportunity may be presented. I don’t hunt for them but I don’t turn my nose up either.

That being said, I am looking to see what this one has to offer. The beer comes in with an alcohol content of 6.5% ABV and is marketed as being highlighted by the use of orange blossom honey and fresh blood oranges for an added sweetness to complement the citrusy hops used. Its availability is limited to March through September, but I am looking to see how this one is as I have been surprised by some of the other Blue Point offerings.

So go ahead and grab a pint and click the video below to join me, and check out this beer while you, “Get Your Beer On!” Cheers!

Friday, October 20, 2017

Beer Review: Elysian Brewing Gorillas On Bikes

Welcome back to all of you BeerVenturers old and new as I take a look at yet another beer that I am going to place under the “Crafty” label. Gorillas on Bikes is Grape IPA from Elysian Brewing Company, yes, I said grape. The beer itself is brewed with Concord grapes, Nelson Sauvin, Hallertau Blanc and Simcoe hops. Quite an interesting concoction and that along with its fun looking label is what led to me picking up this one and throwing it in the cart. The alcohol content comes in with an ABV of 6.5% and the IBU level was not listed on the bottle. I am looking forward to seeing how this one plays out.

So you know the routine, grab a pint and a seat and click the video below to hear and see my thoughts on this beer while you “Get Your Beer On.” Cheers!

Thursday, October 19, 2017

Beer Review: 10 Barrel Razz Berry IPA

Macro brewing companies buying micro brewing companies often brings with it a double edged sword. One edge is that the smaller breweries fall under the umbrella of the big breweries and could possibly look to lose their control, while with the other edge distribution for a smaller brewery becomes possibly great and allows access to markets which they may have never had. It is quite the situation, and there are emotions high on both sides. However for me, the idea of being able to try new beers is a great opportunity to try the things that previously we would only hear or read about.

10 Barrel Brewing Company is one of these companies and due to their acquisition by ABInBev; there beers are now starting to become available here in the Cincinnati area. And because of this, I was able to pick up their Razz Berry IPA. Now, this doesn’t mean that I am looking to spend a lot more time drinking these “Crafty” beers, but it does mean that I am not going to just pass over these beers either as I will try them from time to time.

That being said, the Razz Berry IPA was somewhat of an alluring beer to check out. A raspberry IPA definitely piqued my interest, and thought why not throw it in the basket. Coming in with an alcohol content of 6.8% ABV let’s see how this one plays out. Grab a pint and check out my review by clicking on the video below and join me to “Get Your Beer On.” Cheers!

Unboxing: House Of Webster Craft Beer Jellies

They put craft beer in the jelly and yes, you better believe that I am about to get my jam on. This is my unboxing of craft beer jellies that I received to review from the House of Webster out of Rogers, Arkansas.You can check out what I find by watching the video below!

Thank you to Dax McKaughan for reaching out to me through the blog and I look forward to sharing my thoughts. And also thank you to Roberto Cancel for including your information and the neat little House of Webster Infographic card.

I hope to start trying these jellies shortly so make sure to check back to see what I find. Beer is definitely part of breakfast now. All kinds of ways to Get Your Beer On!

Make sure to check out House of Webster's site as well which is: https://www.houseofwebster.com/ and they have a ton of things listed which may actually be good for around holiday time in particular. They even have racks of ribs with bbq sauce, what? Now that's just crazy, lol. Burt seriously, check them out as they have a ton of neat things for sure.

Cheers!


Tuesday, October 17, 2017

Beer Review: Sweetwater TripleTail Tropical IPA

The TripleTail Tropical IPA from Sweetwater Brewing Company was the last of my beers to enjoy while basking in the sun at Buffalo Bob’s and enjoying my cigar. If you are not familiar with Sweetwater then they are a brewery from out of Atlanta Georgia and they have put together a quite decent line of beers. And on a warm day in the seventies, what could be better than a nice tropical beer?

This beer comes in with an alcohol content of 5.5% ABV and an IBU level of 57. It is one of their seasonal brews and is currently available now through December, so if you want to try it then do not wait too long or you may miss it. But enough said, check out my video below to see what I think about this one and remember to grab a pint so you too can “Get Your Beer On!” Cheers!

Monday, October 16, 2017

Beer Review: Rhinegeist Trip Trap

A beautiful day for some beer drinking and cigar smoking, and here is a look at another one of the beers that I enjoyed while having lunch at one of our local establishments, Buffalo Bob’s. Trip Tap is one of the new brews from Rhinegeist Brewery here in Cincinnati. Funny thing is I thought it was one of the other beers at first when I received the beer and it just didn’t seem right. Luckily my spider sense was tingling and I was able to gather more details to find out that it was a different beer. Watch the video and you will see what I mean, but back to the beer.

Trip Trap is an American Pale Ale that has an alcohol content of 5.7% ABV and 48 IBU. Check out my video below to see what I thought about the beer and then become surprised to find out it is different than expected. I am glad that I did because it didn’t taste anything like the Trips, and was afraid that I was losing something, lol.

So grab a pint, turn on the video and join me while you “Get Your Beer On.” Cheers!

Sunday, October 15, 2017

Beer Review: Rhinegeist Stryker

Rhinegeist Brewery is one of our local Cincinnati breweries and one of the beers I often enjoy from them as somewhat of a favorite is their Stryker. The beer itself is a Triple IPA with an alcohol content of 9.3% ABV and an IBU level of 100, which usually plays out as nowhere close to that. With notes of citrus and resinous tones, this beer is usually a stand out especially with the passion fruit flavor which usually comes through.

The beer itself named after one of the lead brewers is offered only during a certain time of the year, so if you happen to see it then it is often best to get it before it disappears. I am looking forward to checking out the 2017 edition, so join me by watching the video below and grab a cold one so that you too can “Get Your Beer On.” Cheers!

Beer Review: Sierra Nevada Oktoberfest - Brauhaus Miltenberger

With fall comes the changing of colors, the coolness of the temps, the early darkening of the day, and oh yes, Oktoberfest. We can’t forget Oktoberfest and all the beers and of course events that are bestowed upon us at that time and all of the pleasantries that we get to enjoy. So it’s only fitting for me to enjoy a beer honoring just that.

The Oktoberfest – Brauhaus Miltenberger from Sierra Nevada Brewing is just a beer to do so. I mean Oktoberfest is right there on the can. This is the 2017 edition of their Oktoberfest and each year Sierra Nevada collaborates with an overseas brewer for the beer; this year it is Brauhaus Faust-Miltenberger that was chosen. The beer comes in with an alcohol content of 6.1% ABV and an IBU level of 30. Now this is interesting because IBU’s are usually lower for this style, so I will be looking for a little bittering kick for sure.

I am ready to see what this Festbier offers, so grab a beer and join me by checking out my video below to see what I find. And together, we will “Get Our Beer On!” Cheers!

Beer Review: Braxton Graeter's Blueberry Pie Brown Ale

I decided this past Saturday to swing by one of our local establishments, Buffalo Bob’s, and grab a bite to eat as well as grab a few beers. Up first was the Graeter’s Blueberry Pie Brown Ale from Braxton Brewing Company, this American brown ale was done in collaboration with Graeter’s Ice Cream. Yes, we have brewers that collaborate with ice cream shops and Graeter’s is a favorite here in the Cincinnati area. With an alcohol content of 7% ABV and an IBU level of 24, this is one beer that I am looking forward to checking out. So grab a pint and click below on the video to see my thoughts, and let’s “Get Our Beer On.”

Saturday, October 14, 2017

Beer Review: Urban Artifact Hippodrome

I have three rules I like to try to follow when selecting beer: 1) go local, 2) go independent and 3) go anything else after 1 and 2 can’t be met. But being that I like to pick up individuals for beer reviews that can sometimes be hard for #1, however not this time as I was able to secure a local one where I can do just that.

Hippodrome is a Wild Double IPA from one our local Cincinnati breweries, Urban Artifact. The brewery itself is also worth a visit if you come to the area as it was constructed in an old church which now seems to be more of a growing trend in parts of the country, and I can give an amen to that. The beer itself comes in with an alcohol content of 9.1% along with an IBU level of 70. And because of the wild yeast used, a sort of funkiness can be expected. I am looking forward to checking it out here, so if you have some time then click my video below to see what I find with this local brew. And if you have a beer as well then pop the top, so you can enjoy it with me and “Get Your Beer On!”

Wednesday, October 11, 2017

Beer Review: Samuel Adams Tropic of Yuzu

Check out my video here to see my look at the Samuel Adams Tropic of Yuzu American Pale Wheat Ale. This beer is noted as getting a citrusy punch from yuzu which is a Japanese fruit with the goal of adding its juicy hints to the beer which highlight notes of Mandarin orange and grapefruit. The beer itself carries an alcohol content of 6% ABV and an IBU level of 20. I have started to really enjoy the pale wheat ale style which adds a nice touch of hoppiness. This is a seasonal beer and was highlighted this year as part of their American Summer Variety Pack.

As far as ingredients, the beer uses Grains of Paradise and Yuzu juice concentrate along with Samuel Adams two-row pale malt blend and White Wheat. Hops used are Hallertau and Spalt-Spalter Noble. But enough talk about what makes it, let’s see how it all comes together. Join me and watch my video below as I take a deeper look at this beer.

Saturday, October 7, 2017

Press Release: Ohio Brewers Bring Home Gold From GABF



Seven breweries earn nine medals at annual competition.


DENVER – Ohio craft brewers celebrated another year of impressive results at the 2017 Great American Beer Festival, held Oct. 5-7.  The Ohio delegation won a total of nine awards at the nation’s most prestigious brewing competition.

The Fat Head’s breweries in Middleburg Heights and North Olmsted combined for two medals, with Alpenglow winning the gold for German-Style Wheat Ale for the second straight year and Midnight Moonlight earning bronze, the third consecutive medal for American-Style Black Ale. This marks the ninth consecutive year that Fat Head’s has taken home a medal. They have won a total of 21 awards over that span.

The BottleHouse Brewery and Meadery in Cleveland won bronze medals in the Historical Beer and Aged Beer categories. This was the first year The BottleHouse entered the Great American Beer Festival (GABF) competition.

Three Cincinnati breweries won their first gold medals at the GABF this year. Fifty West Brewing Company took top honors in the Old Ale or Strong Ale category with 10&2 Barleywine. Brink Brewing’s Hold The Reins earned them their first ever GABF medal atop the English-Style Mild Ale category. Taft’s Ale House struck gold with Gustav in the Vienna-Style Lager category.

Two Ohio breweries earned their first honors at this year’s competition. BrewDog Brewing Co. in Canal Winchester earned a bronze medal in the American-Style Fruit Beer category. Cleveland’s Masthead Brewing won the Double Red Ale bronze medal.

“The results of this year’s competition prove that Ohio continues to grow in reputation as a great craft beer state,” said Mary MacDonald, executive director of the Ohio Craft Brewers Association. “Our breweries are a tremendous point of pride for Ohioans, and these nine medals show that our world-class beers can stand toe-to-toe with the best in the country.”

Since 2009, 22 Ohio craft breweries have combined to win 52 medals—17 gold—at the Great American Beer Festival.


2017 medal-winning Ohio craft beers:

Fat Head’s Brewery:
• AlpenGlow – Gold medal, German-Style Wheat Ale
• Midnight Moonlight – Bronze medal, American-Style Black Ale

The BottleHouse Brewery & Meadery:
• Spring Gruit – Bronze medal, Historical Beer
• There Is No Quad – Bronze medal, Aged Beer

Brink Brewing Co.:
• Hold The Reins – Gold medal, English-Style Mild Ale

Fifty West:
• 10&2 Barleywine – Gold medal, Old Ale or Strong Ale

Taft’s Ale House:
• Gustav – Gold medal, Vienna-Style Lager

BrewDog Brewing Co.:
• Elvis Juice – Bronze medal, American-Style Fruit Beer

Masthead Brewing Co:
• Midwest Red IPA – Bronze medal, Double Red Ale

Founded in 2007, the Ohio Craft Brewers Association is a nonprofit guild that exists to promote and preserve Ohio’s unified craft brewing industry. We aspire to be recognized as the industry leader at both state and national levels for preserving the art of making high-quality, unique craft beer; to serve as the unified voice for craft brewers across the state; to advocate on behalf of the Ohio Craft beer industry; to contribute to systemic, local community development by driving economic and job growth, while creating experiences that bring people together; and to serve as a beacon for local production and manufacturing through craft beer, resulting in diverse choices for consumers

VinePair: The Ideal Wine For Every Kind Of Beer Lover

While beer is usually a first choice for me as an alcoholic drink of choice, often beer may not be available or the choices may be a little underwhelming. However, what may be available is that of wine and here is a handy dandy guide to seek out those wines that may be the equal for what fits your palate when beer may not on the menu that evening. Check out these comparisons and alternate choices as compiled by VinePair.



The Ideal Wine For Every Kind Of Beer Lover



The Ideal Wine For Every Kind Of Beer Lover | VinePair

NPR: Craft Breweries Pour New Life Into Small Towns

From NPR comes this piece that discussed how craft breweries are revitalizing small towns. Well worth a read, as the growth of the craft beer movement continues to hit key strides.


Tapping Rural America: Craft Breweries Pour New Life Into Small Towns : NPR

Tuesday, October 3, 2017

Blank Slate Brewing Company, A Cautionary Tale For A Brewery Lost

Blank Slate Brewing Company was one of our local breweries here in Cincinnati. For five years they were able to produce solid well-crafted beers and then one day, poof! They were gone. How does this happen? A brewery that makes well tasting and solid beers is one that many would think would be around for a long time. There are many breweries that make beer that is only half decent at best, and yet they have been around for decades. How could this happen? Well the simple answer may just be that we often take good beer for granted.

Currently across America, we have over 5,300 breweries that are now in operation and I believe the true number may be closer to now being about 5,500. Think about that number…5,500. This includes Brewpubs, Microbreweries, Regional Breweries and of course, the big boy macros. In 1981, there were 40 breweries operating…across the country. That is some massive growth my friends and at some point, some of the smaller ones are almost in a spot to inevitably face an uphill battle due to the large amount of choice now across the beer landscape.

When Blank Slate closed its doors, so many couldn’t believe it that its owner, Scott LaFollette, even released a statement to end any speculation which had begun to swirl. His response was very simple, yet telling.

“The reason for our closure is pretty simple. We ran out of money. There is no big conspiracy, no secret takeover, no legal troubles or personal issues. We simply don’t have enough cash to keep going.”

Simple and effective, to the point and addresses what may be one of the biggest obstacles for smaller breweries to face, cash flow. Without this, breweries cannot do all that is needed to keep things sustained for some. This is just basic economics, so how do we avoid this for the breweries that we love and appreciate? Here are a few of my thoughts:

·         Show and Maintain Support – We have to show up for these breweries and keep on showing up, we can never assume they are good enough to just make it.

·     Respect The Breweries – We need to be conscious to do the things that respect the brewery and avoid those that don’t. For example, not taking beer glasses that cost the breweries to replenish their stock. There is nothing wrong from buying them and they will appreciate it.

·         Spread The Word – Get others excited about the breweries by sharing their story and encouraging others to check the brewery out. One of the great things about the craft beer community has been a sense of just that, community. We can always do more of this. Also, ask stores if they are carrying the beer of breweries that you like. The more they hear it then the higher the chance of the brewery being distributed if they are set up to do so.

      Craft beer has become a highly competitive marketplace and not paying attention to one of your favorite breweries may lead to them possibly disappearing, so make sure you wave that flag of the brewery you love. Not doing so and being silent may end with you being compliant in their disappearance.  Now go Get Your Beer On and show that brewery some love!

      Cheers!


Did I miss anything? Let me know your thoughts by dropping some comments in the comment section. Feedback is always appreciated, as well as sharing with others!




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