Sunday, September 30, 2018

To Øl Santastique Beer Review

Santastique from To Øl, the Denmark brewery is Belgian Blonde Ale that is more of a spiced or herbed beer. It has an ABV of 5.6% and considered somewhat of a winter type ale, this was an interesting beer to check out. Highlighted by items designed to give a Christmas feel around the beer, it did make a nice presentation although for me there wasn’t as much pizzazz with it. The citrusy feel and spices do come through, although on the nose they were lighter than expected but did come through in the taste. Check out the video to see and hear more of my thoughts on this one, and if you have had this one before then leave a comment to let me know what you think of it.

Alliance Targets Safety in Ohio's Growing Craft Brewing Industry

Press Release: COLUMBUS, Ohio – A new partnership is elevating workplace safety in Ohio’s expanding craft brewery industry.

The 
Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) is teaming with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and Ohio’s craft brewery associations to form the Ohio Craft Brewery Alliance with the goal of raising awareness and developing safety education and training specific to the industry.

The 
Ohio Craft Brewers Association (OCBA), the Master Brewers Association of the Americas and the Brewers Association will join BWC and OSHA for a signing ceremony at 1 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 1 at Four String Brewing Company’s production facility at 660 N. Hague Ave. in Columbus. Participants in the new alliance will work together to provide education and support to brewery owners and their employees on safety and health issues specific to craft brewers, such as grain handling, keg filling, chemical exposure, and bottling, canning and delivery.

“As safety professionals, we must react quickly to meet the needs of employers in emerging industries that are still perfecting processes and learning important safety lessons as they grow,” said Dr. Abe Al-Tarawneh, chief of BWC’s Division of Safety and Industrial Hygiene. “This alliance will help employers in Ohio’s budding craft brewery industry assess their workplaces and correct hazardous conditions that have the potential to cause injury.”

BWC will connect participating breweries to the array of safety resources and programs available through its Division of Safety & Hygiene and OSHA On-Site Consultation program. The agency’s workplace safety professionals, industrial hygienists and ergonomists help businesses develop and maintain effective safety-management programs – all at no additional charge to the employer.

“In addition to safety challenges common to all manufacturers, breweries face unique risks associated with material handling and difficult working surfaces as well as exposure to scalding liquids and electrical systems in wet areas,” said Matt Stinchfield, safety ambassador for the Brewers Association. “The alliance will unify efforts to support safety in Ohio breweries and we are optimistic it will also reduce injuries and increase business efficiencies."

Stinchfield said the associations will promote safe work practices through outreach to their members, and facilitate training and education at craft breweries across the state.

“Brewery safety is of paramount importance to our growing industry,” said Mary MacDonald, OCBA’s executive director. “Providing the resources and guidance to ensure a safe working environment for employees is a big part of OCBA’s mission to empower Ohio's independent breweries to sustain and improve their craft.”

The craft beer industry is flourishing in Ohio. Ohio has 278 craft breweries with at least 65 more known to be under development. The state ranks fifth among the states in craft beer production with the craft beer industry supporting more than 15,000 jobs and an economic impact of $2.6 billion.


 



Founded in 2007, the 
Ohio Craft Brewers Association is a nonprofit guild that exists to promote, preserve and unify Ohio’s 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.

Saturday, September 29, 2018

Boston Beer Samuel Adams Octoberfest Beer Review

Oktoberfest means Oktoberfest beers and this time I decided to take a look at the Samuel Adams Octoberfest from Boston Beer Company. This Marzen comes in with an ABV of 5.3% and is a usual staple of the season. For me, this one was somewhat light with a decent malty feel and smoothness overall. The usual sweetness often associated with this style was there as well and while it didn’t stand out for me, it was a pretty much easy drinker. Check out the video to see and hear more of my thoughts on this one.

Wednesday, September 26, 2018

2018 Sierra Nevada Oktoberfest Collab Beer Review

Each year Sierra Nevada Brewing now teams up with a brewery overseas in the collaboration of its Oktoberfest beer. For 2018 they teamed up with the world’s oldest brewery known, Weihenstephan, a great Bavarian brewery. Coming in at 6% ABV and 20 IBU, this lager for me provided nice malt sweetness along with a nice feel of the grains in the taste as well as on the nose. Highlighted by a great copper color, this beer had the nice malt backbone often looked for in this style and enough hops for a good bite without overdoing it. Yeasty, bready, slightly syrupy in texture, and smooth with a caramelly flavor, this beer was solidly good in my opinion. Check out the video to see and hear more on this one from me, and if you have had it before then let me know what you thought by leaving a comment as well.

Tuesday, September 25, 2018

St. Louis Kriek Fond Tradition Beer Review

From Brouwerij Van Honsebrouck comes the St. Louis KriekFond Tradition, a Kriek Lambic that at 6.5% ABV was a cherry delight for me in the bottle. This Kriekenbier is a blend of old and young Lambics with the added presence of actual Krieken cherries and not juices or any other manufactured sweetness. For me, there was a nice dryness to the beer that played against its tartness. There was also a decent sweetness and acidity that came into play. This for me was a fine sour ale indeed, and it is one that I would recommend to any true sour ale connoisseur. Check out the video to see and hear more of my thoughts about this one, and if you have had it then leave a comment below to let me know what you thought of this ale too.

Monday, September 24, 2018

Black Cloister Brewing Montage From Visit

Here is a look back at my visit to Black Cloister Brewing and an inside look at their Brewpub in Toledo, Ohio. See more about the brewery by also checking out my interview video with their head brewer Clint about their beers.

Oktoberfest Zinzinnati 2018 Montage Of Sights

Here ’s a look back at some of the sights I saw this past weekend at Oktoberfest Zinzinnati which was the first one that I attended, and is said to be the largest Oktoberfest outside of Munich, Germany. The beer was in great supply, the food smelled and was delicious and in the end, I witnessed Joey Chestnut consume over 65 brats in 10 minutes. I wasn’t feeling too hungry after that, lol, but check out all that was seen by watching the video.

MadTree Brewing Wins Gold at Great American Beer Festival®


MadTree Brewing Awarded Gold Medal at the Great American Beer Festival®
MadTree Honored for Brewing Excellence for Happy Amber Ale

Press Release: CINCINNATI (September 24, 2018) – MadTree Brewing Company received a gold medal at the 2018 Great American Beer Festival (GABF) competition. Presented by the Brewers Association, GABF is the largest commercial beer competition in the world and recognizes the most outstanding beers produced in the United States. The top three winners in the competition’s 102 beer-style categories were announced September 22 at the Great American Beer Festival awards ceremony held at the Colorado Convention Center in Denver, Colorado. 

MadTree was recognized in the Extra Special Bitter beer-style category for its Happy Amber. This dry-hopped amber ale combines caramel and biscuit malt flavors in happy equilibrium with late addition American hops. The approachable balance is intentional although the name is a "hoppy accident." There were a total of 72 entries in this category from breweries around the country. Details on the beer, including a recipe to brew it at home, is available on the MadTree website.

“We’re beyond excited to win the gold for Happy Amber. This was one of the original three beer recipes we brewed in our basement. In typical MadTree fashion, we brewed it 30+ times to dial in the perfect balance of flavors. We’ve always stood behind Happy Amber so it’s really gratifying to see it recognized as one of the best beers in the country,” said Brady Duncan, MadTree co-founder. “Plus, it was awesome to see Ohio breweries bring home a total of 14 medals. Ohio beer drinkers are lucky to have so many great beers to choose from.”

The 2018 GABF competition winners were selected by an international panel of 293 expert judges from 8,496 entries, received from 2,404 U.S. breweries, plus 101 Pro-Am and 49 Collaboration entries.

“The 32nd edition of the GABF competition yielded a remarkable turnout of the country’s most exemplary beers,” said Chris Swersey, competition manager, Great American Beer Festival. “I’m continuously impressed by contenders’ talent and passion and would like to extend congratulations to this year’s winners for their excellence in brewing.”

For more GABF competition information, including the 2018 winners list and photos, visit GreatAmericanBeerFestival.com.


About MadTree Brewing Company

Cincinnati’s MadTree Brewing made history when they opened in 2013 by becoming the first modern craft brewery to can its beer in Ohio. When it comes to brewing, they have carved their own path. They mix. They mash. They methodically bring quality beer to life and have fun doing it. Demand from the growing community keeps MadTree motivated and moving. In return, they make nothing but the best beer and opened their new production brewery and taproom in February 2017. They are founded and continue to grow on the notion that beer builds community and community builds beer. MadTree distributes its beers throughout Ohio, Kentucky, and Middle and Eastern Tennessee. For more information about the beers, brewery, and taproom, visit madtreebrewing.com or connect with them on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Snapchat.


Sunday, September 23, 2018

Ohio Breweries Well Represented At Great American Beer Festival Once Again - Winning 14 Medals

Press Release: Ohio Brewers Win Record Number of Awards





13 breweries earn 14 total medals at annual competition.

DENVER – Ohio craft brewers reached new heights at the 2018 Great American Beer Festival (GABF), held Sep. 20-22. The Ohio delegation won a total of 14 awards at the nation’s most prestigious brewing competition.

Brink Brewing in Cincinnati paced the Ohio field this year with two medals, a gold for Moozie in the Sweet Stout or Cream Stout category, as well as a silver for Hold The Reins in the English-Style Mild Ale category. The two medals earned Brink the award for Very Small Brewing Company of the Year, the top honor given to a brewery producing under 1,000 barrels of beer in the previous calendar year.

Three Ohio beers earned repeat honors this year, including Brink’s Moozie stout, which also won gold last year. Midwest Red IPA by Masthead Brewing in Cleveland took gold in the Double Hoppy Red Ale category after winning bronze in 2017. Midnight Moonlight by Fat Head’s Brewery in Middleburg Heights took bronze in the American-Style Black Ale category, the fourth consecutive year the beer has earned an award. Fat Head’s has now won awards in 10 straight GABF competitions, earning a total of 22 medals.

Three first-time GABF entrants from northeast Ohio won medals at the competition. Lockport Brewery in Bolivar took home a gold medal for Gateway Cream Ale in the American-Style Cream Ale category. Ignite Brewing in Barberton earned silver for Cherry Blonde in the American-Style Fruit Beer category. Paradigm Shift Brewing in Massillon won bronze for Neighbor Girl in the Belgian-Style Tripel category.

Two Ohio breweries took home gold in their first GABF medal wins: MadTree Brewing in Cincinnati (Happy Amber in the Extra Special Bitter category) and Royal Docks Brewing in North Canton (Pendragon in the Herb & Spice Beer category).

Four Ohio breweries added to their trophy case: Maize Valley (Lock, Stock, and Brandy Barrel, silver in Aged Beer), Market Garden Brewery in Cleveland (Nano – OG Lager, silver in International-Style Pilsener), The Brew Kettle in Strongsville (Babee Bock, bronze in Munich-Style Dunkel or European-Style Dark Lager), Columbus Brewing Company in Columbus (Melk Stout, bronze in Sweet Stout or Cream Stout), and Lager Heads Brewing in Medina (Oktoberfest, bronze in American-Style Amber Lager).

“This record-setting year for Ohio breweries at the GABF competition goes to show that we’re making world-class beers here in the Buckeye State,” said Mary MacDonald, executive director of the Ohio Craft Brewers Association. “Some of the best beers in the country are made here, both in our big cities and small towns, by established powerhouses and new startup breweries. It’s never been a better time to be a beer drinker in Ohio.”

Since 2009, 27 Ohio craft breweries have combined to win 66 medals—22 gold—at the Great American Beer Festival.

2017 medal-winning Ohio craft beers:

Brink Brewing Co.:
• Moozie – Gold medal, Sweet Stout or Cream Stout
• Hold The Reins – Silver medal, English-Style Mild Ale

Lockport Brewery:
• Gateway Cream Ale – Gold medal, American-Style Cream Ale

MadTree Brewing Company:
• Happy Amber – Gold medal, Extra Special Bitter

Masthead Brewing Co.:
• Midwest Red IPA – Gold medal, Double Hoppy Red Ale

Royal Docks Brewing Company:
• Pendragon – Gold medal, Herb & Spice Beer

Ignite Brewing Co.:
• Cherry Blonde – Silver medal, American-Style Fruit Beer

Maize Valley:
• Lock, Stock and Brandy Barrel – Silver medal, Aged Beer

Market Garden Brewery:
• Nano - OG Lager – Silver medal, International-Style Pilsener

The Brew Kettle:
• Babee Bock – Bronze medal, Munich-Style Dunkel or European-Style Dark Lager

Columbus Brewing Company:
• Melk Stout – Bronze medal, Sweet Stout or Cream Stout

Fat Head’s Brewery:
• Midnight Moonlight – Bronze medal, American-Style Black Ale
 
Lager Heads Brewing Company:
• Oktoberfest – Bronze medal, American-Style Amber Lager

Paradigm Shift Brewing:
• Neighbor Girl – Bronze medal, Belgian-Style Tripe



Founded in 2007, the Ohio Craft Brewers Association is a nonprofit guild that exists to promote, preserve and unify Ohio’s 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.










Saturday, September 22, 2018

Don't Need Winter To Enjoy This Boulevard Beer

Snow and Tell from Boulevard Brewing Company is an Oak Aged Scotch Ale that is a seasonal release and a beer I picked up and reviewed a while back. The beer carries an ABV if 6.3% and an IBU level of 25, making it attractive to those that may not like bittering. I did find this beer to be pretty smooth and one that did go down easy, characteristics for me of the brew included a nice caramel and toffee type feel, a nice sweetness from the malts, and an overall nice smoothness. There was some of the oak that came through in the taste, although the overall aromatics of the beer were somewhat low. Nonetheless, the beer proved to be decent enough and worth the try. Check out the video to see and hear more of my thoughts on this one, and if you have had it before then leave a comment letting me know what you thought of it.

This Southern Tier Beer Puts Xmas In The Bottle

The 2XMAS Ale from Southern Tier Brewing is a beer that I looked at a while back but never posted the review of it. Therefore, here is a look at this ale that looks to place winter in the bottle. A winter warmer that at 8% ABV and 40 IBU, brings a decent amount of spice along with some dark fruit notes and a taste of orange. A good malty profile also makes this one a nice play. Check out the video to see and hear more of my thoughts on this one and if you have had it before then leave a comment to let me know what you thought of this ale.

Beer Tasting And Interview With Black Cloister Brewing Company

Spending some time in Toledo, Ohio, I was able to swing by, visit Black Cloister Brewing Company located downtown, and try some of their beer. This also led to meeting their brewer Clint and conducting an improv interview that covered some various and awesome things. Check out the video to see and hear all that we discussed.

Big thanks to Clint for taking the time to join me and discuss the brewery...

Wednesday, September 19, 2018

One Very Solid Pale Ale Beer From Trillium

Time for another beer and beer review, and this time I am going to a well-known northern brewery that is on the list of many. This is my look at the Galaxy Dry Hopped Fort Point Pale Ale from Trillium Brewing Company. This brewery and its brewers are known to put out some high-quality beer, so I was glad to have a chance to try it. It is not a beer near me, so having a friend come through makes it oh that much more special. In the craft beer world, Trillium is often seen to be one of those that sits up high on the mountain. Nevertheless, enough of that let us talk about this beer.

The beer abv of this pale ale is 6.6% and IBU was not listed on the website, although Untappd did note it as 45. However, I have found a good amount of errors on Untappd, so take that for what it is. Hazy, juicy, aromatic, citrusy, topical, resiny…blah, blah, blah, this beer is all of that for sure. There is a good presence with the beer that it just provided a great mouthfeel for me. It almost made my palate dance from all that took place with the scope of the flavors from the hops. I could have easily sat there and chugged the whole thing, and I had more than one then I may have done so. The juiciness of the ale also delivered nicely, and overall it was highly solid pale ale and the dry hopping of it was done nicely with the Galaxy hops. Again, thanks Joe for sending it my way. Check out the video to see and hear more of my thoughts on this hazy pale ale and if you did experience this or any of their other offerings or varieties of this ale then leave a comment letting me know what you thought of it.

Tuesday, September 18, 2018

Beer Review: West Sixth Brewing | Cerveza

This time I look at the Cerveza from West Sixth Brewing in this beer review. This Mexican style lager has a low ABV of 4.6% making it an easily crushable beer like many of these types of beer. West 6th is a nice growing brewery out of Lexington, Kentucky, and always enjoy checking out their beers. As far as brewers in the state, they are a favorite of many and having a few of their beers can easily show why they are a favorite one of the beer brands here in the state.

As far as this style, Mexican beer or the Mexican style of beer is not always a favorite of mine but I have come around from where I was in years past. This one matches up well for the style and it is nice finding some more lagers in the world of craft beer. Light, smooth, bright, and malty, this lager is put together nicely. And on a hot day, I can see how it can easily be a nice fit. Check out the video to see and hear more of my thought on this one, and if you have had it before then let me know your thoughts by leaving a comment on it as well.

Monday, September 17, 2018

Getting My Beer On With Valley Vineyards C.D. Eye Opener

Eye Opener from Valley Vineyards Cellar Dweller is a Hazelnut Coffee Stout that I mistakenly stumbled across at a craft beer store located inside of a BP gas station, something I did not expect. I went in for some gas and came out with a case that included a six-pack of these. Moreover, I am glad that I did as this one delivered as nicely as advertised. There were some great notes of coffee in the aroma that also came across in the taste along with the Hazelnut. Nutty, toasty, roasty and smooth, this ale provided a nice mouthcoating experience that came together nicely. This beer itself carried an ABV of 6.5% and a low IBU of 6. The updated version now being offered carries an ABV of 6% and an IBU of 24, so the recipe has changed and I wonder why because the one I had was pretty much on point. This is something to keep in mind if you decide to give it a go. But see and hear more of my thoughts by checking out the video, and if you have had this one in either version then let me know what you think of it by leaving a comment.

Sunday, September 16, 2018

Getting My Beer On With Industrial Arts Wrench NEIPA

Once again, I am looking at another beer from my buddy Joe and this time is the Wrench NEIPA from Industrial Arts Brewing located in Garnerville, New York. This hazy and juicy ale carries an ABV of 6.8% and there was no IBU listed on the can or website. Nevertheless, it is probably higher than many would think because this brew is just smooth that it pretty much slides right down the throat. Good flavor and duration highlighted this one for me, and the mouthfeel was a definite standout. There is a clear tropical and citrus feel from the hops used that I got in both the aroma and the taste. A clean NEIPA that has a slight astringency and some bitterness as expected that just stands out overall for this style. This wrench had me turning for sure…turning up and I would say that it is well worth a try for fans of this style. Check out the video to see and hear more of my thoughts on this one. And, if you have had this one previously then leave a comment to let me know what you thought of it as well.

Saturday, September 15, 2018

Getting My Beer On With 42 North Pre-Emption IPA

Another big thanks go out to my buddy Joe who was able to send me down this beer from the 42 North Brewing Company, which is located in East Aurora, New York. The Pre-Emption IPA is a New England style IPA that carries an ABV of 6.7% and an IBU level of 55, so expect some bitterness here. With the breaking down of this one, I found it to be a pretty solid offering. There was a good tropical feel from the hops and a decent juiciness as expected it from this style. There was a feel of the maltiness as well, which allowed for a nice malt backbone and balance. It does finish dry, but there was also a nice citrus sweetness in play. Overall, I would say a nice smooth beer and check out the video to see and hear more of my thoughts. Moreover, if you have had it before then let me know what you thought of it by dropping a comment below.

Ale-O-Ween Beer Festival to Haunt Dayton Again This Fall

Annual beer festival will return to the Steam Plant downtown.

DAYTON, Ohio – Promising no tricks and even more treats than last year, the 
Ohio Craft Brewers Association presents the second annual Ale-O-Ween festival at the Dayton Steam Plant on Saturday, October 20 from 6-9 p.m.

Building on the success of 2017’s inaugural Halloween-themed craft beer festival, forty Ohio craft breweries will be pouring samples of seasonal styles and popular favorites. Ale-O-Ween will also take advantage of the Steam Plant's outdoor space this year, allowing for more attendees and more participating breweries.

Early bird discount tickets will go on sale for one day only, Monday, August 20, with general admission tickets available for $30 each and 5 p.m. early admission tickets available for $40 each. Starting Tuesday, August 21, general admission tickets can be purchased in advance for $40 and early admission tickets for $50. All regular admission and early admission ticket holders will receive a souvenir glass and tasting tickets for 20 four-ounce samples.

New this year is the Ale-O-Ween Six-Pack: purchase five regular or early admission tickets, get one ticket of equal value free. Designated driver admission is also available for $15 and includes a food truck voucher. Tickets can be purchased online at 
http://www.beerfesttickets.com/aleoween2018

In addition to craft beer samples, Ale-O-Ween will feature live music by 
The AmpFibians and Team Void, food from Pa’s Pork and The Drunken Waffle, face painting, tarot card reading and a costume contest. Ohio On Tap passport app users in attendance will earn five bonus passport stamps to be used to redeem prizes from the Ohio Craft Brewers Association.

Lyft is offering discounted rides to and from Ale-O-Ween. Riders can enter promo code ALEOWEEN18 for 25% off two rides (up to a $5 discount per ride) on the day of the event.

Last year’s Ale-O-Ween was the first public event at The Steam Plant, located at 
617 E. Third Street in downtown Dayton, and will return to the venue for this year’s festivities. Built in 1907, the former Dayton Power & Light power-generating facility has been renovated for use as an event venue, carefully preserving the unique architectural features such as high ceilings, exposed beams, brick walls and iconic floor-to-ceiling windows.

This year’s participating breweries include:
Branch & Bone Artisan Ales
Carillon Brewing Company
Crooked Handle Brewing Company
The Dayton Beer Company
Devil Wind Brewing
Elevator Brewing Company
Eudora Brewing Company
Fat Head’s Brewery
Fifth Street Brewpub
Fretboard Brewing Company
Grainworks Brewing Company
Great Lakes Brewing Company
Hairless Hare Brewing Company
Heavier Than Air Brewing
Lock 27 Brewing

Lucky Star Brewery
Maumee Bay Brewing Company
Mother Stewart’s Brewing
Municipal Brew Works
North High Brewing Company
Paradigm Shift Brewing
The Phoenix Brewing Company
Platform Beer Co.
Pretentious Barrel House
Roundhouse Depot Brewing Company
Royal Docks Brewing Company
Sibling Revelry Brewing
Star City Brewing
Streetside Brewery
Urban Artifact
Warped Wing Brewing Company
Wild Ohio Brewing
Wolf’s Ridge Brewing
Yellow Springs Brewery
 
Up-to-date brewery list can be found at 
http://ohiocraftbeer.org/ale-o-ween
 

Ale-O-Ween is sponsored by Cavalier DistributingLyftMosaic Employee BenefitsPrestige GlasswareWarped Wing Brewing CompanyYellow Springs BreweryMaumee Bay BrewingThe Phoenix Brewing CompanyRoyal Docks Brewing CompanyCrooked Handle Brewing CompanyThe Dayton Beer CompanyEudora Brewing CompanyGrainworks Brewing CompanyHairless Hare Brewing CompanyLock 27 Brewing and Pretentious Barrel House.


Ale-O-Ween is a fundraiser for the 
Ohio Craft Brewers Association, a nonprofit guild that exists to promote and preserve Ohio’s unified craft brewing industry.
 


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.

Rod J BeerVentures Swag