Talking Hops: Alpha Acid And Why It Matters

Ever wonder what alpha acid means and why the percentage matters as it relates to brewing? I have been asked about this from time to time and just thought that I would share a post from Wikipedia which gives a pretty good summary.

In essence though, the higher the alpha acid percentage then the higher the potential bittering effect as the new compound is created. This why hops like Simcoe and Amarillo have become key favorites for many pale ales and their variants.

Just a little beer knowledge to share and click the link here: Alpha Acid to go to the Wikipedia post for more details. Cheers!

Beer Review: Deschutes Swivelhead Red

This is my look at Swivelhead Red from Deschutes Brewery located in Bend, Oregon. This red India style ale comes in with an alcohol content of 6.5% Abv and an IBU level of 70. It is highlighted as having a nice hop aroma and a smooth caramel maltiness in flavor and taste. Check out my video here to see my thoughts on this beer and check out my Untappd if you would like to see my rating for this ale. Let’s crack it open and see what it has to offer and as always, keep drinking those good craft beers. Cheers!

Brewery Links:

Deschutes: https://www.deschutesbrewery.com/

Swivelhead Red: https://www.deschutesbrewery.com/beer/swivelhead-red/

Beer Review: Thirsty Dog Bernese Barley Wine

The Bernese Barley Wine Ale from Thirsty Dog Brewing Company out of Akron, Ohio is my latest subject here for a beerventure and beer review. This ale comes in with an alcohol content of 10.5% ABV along with an IBU level of 75, but don’t think hoppy as this one is definitely smoothed out by the malts that were used. It is also a seasonal offering available from November to March but as you can imagine, it is a beer that can be cellared and is often encouraged to do so by Thirsty Dog. It is available in four packs, although I was able to purchase as an individual.

But as for the beer itself, check out my video to catch my full details on this one. But in short, I was overall pleased with this offering and always tend to enjoy a good barley wine. The appearance, aroma and taste were all solid and did well meeting what it should for the style. For me I rated it 4.25 out of 5 and would definitely enjoy it again. Check out my video to see why and if you have had this beer then feel free to leave comments on your thoughts as well. And as always, keep drinking those good craft beers and Cheers!

Brewery Links:

Thirsty Dog Brewing: http://thirstydog.com/Merchant5/merchant.mvc?Screen=SFNT

Bernese Barley Wine: http://thirstydog.com/news/images/Barley-Wine-Ale-Sell-Sheet.jpg

Beer Review: West Sixth Transylvania Tripel

The Transylvania Tripel is a limited offering from West Sixth Brewing out of Lexington, Kentucky and there is nothing scary about this Belgian-style Tripel. Coming in with an alcohol content of 9% ABV this take on the Belgian ale style is done so in a nice way that keeps that to which we are accustomed, but also allows them to add their little twist. Good appearance, aroma and flavor all around highlighted this beer for me, but check out my video here to see and hear my thoughts in more detail. You will see why this was an easy 4.25 out of 5 for me.

Keep drinking those good craft beers, Cheers!

Brewery Links:

West Sixth Brewing: https://www.westsixth.com/#home-section

Transylvania Tripel: https://www.westsixth.com/transylvania-tripel

Beer Review: De Struise Brouwers Aestatis

Here is my look at Aestatis from De Struise Brouwers, this Imperial Saison ale comes from Belgium and was brewed in collaboration with Monks Café and Brewery. I happened to find this little dandy while on a beer run, of course, but had no idea about it because very little was given on the label. But what the label did have was an alluring look and that sold me enough because as many of you know, I enjoy finding good Belgian ales. Alcohol content on this beer is 11% ABV and IBU level is noted at 59. Now, the one that I am reviewing here is the vintage 2015 edition, and I have not seen any newer than this so it may not be in production anymore. The fact that I couldn’t find it on their site kind of makes me think this as well, if anyone else knows different then please let me know by leaving a comment.

Away from all of that stuff the beer itself played out magnificently, so much that I ended up providing a personal rating of 4.75 out 5. Check out my video here to see why and as always, keep drinking those good craft beers. Cheers!

Brewery Links:

De Struise Brouwers: https://struise.com/

Aestatis: No link on website found

Beer Review: Lagunitas Imperial Stout A Nice Malty Experience

Recently, I decided take a look at the Imperial Stout from Lagunitas Brewing Company, and see what this Russian imperial stout had to offer. Check out my YouTube video here to see what I found during my beerventure. The beer itself has an alcohol content of 9.9% ABV and although the IBU level was just over 72, this beer played out very smoothly and could easily be a dangerous one to sneak up on a person. Good appearance, aroma, flavor and texture all came together nicely on this one, which made it easy for me to rate this 4.5 out of 5 on my personal scale. But check out my video here as well to see my thoughts in more detail

Keep drinking those good craft beers and Cheers!

Brewery Links:

Lagunitas: https://lagunitas.com/

Imperial Stout: https://lagunitas.com/beers/imperial-stout