Golden Road Berry Guava Wheat Beer Review

The Berry Guava Wheat from Golden Road Brewing and now part of the AB InBev family is a Wheat Ale that carries a 5% ABV and is infused with guava and strawberries. Now if you watch the video then you will see that I do question the appearance as they usually do all fermentation before the beer hits the can, but it came out as if either there may have been a secondary or it could have been old. I did speak with them and sent them a pic of the beer, and they said that it was still good and the flaking in the can was possible with this one. Check out the video and let me know what you think.

But away from this, the beer did present itself well as it carried a good aroma of the fruits and these notes came through well in the taste. The drinking of it though if this is the case, made it almost feel like drinking pulp infused juice with some of the flakes inside, and will be a turnoff for many. If you have had this beer before then let me know, as I would be interested if you have come across this as well.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 32^nd 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.

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.

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.