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For The Love Of Beer (34 items)

June 16, 2008
19:29
Short's Brewing Aorta Ale - Imperial Red Ale
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This next beer I'm going to review is from Short's Brewery in the town of Bellaire, Michigan. This beer comes from a limited edition series of 13 beers that were brewed. They are only available from the brewpub and I was lucky enough to have a good friend in beer grab me all of them. To find out more about the series surf over to: [www.shortsbrewing.com]
Now onto the brew:

750ml bottle. #199 of 780.

Pours into my glass a deep maroon red with a solid inch of creamy khaki head on top of the brew. Good clarity with patchy lacing and a head that lingers on. Aromas start with a big dose of caramel malt alongside some roasted notes. Citrusy, piney hops are quite well placed in there too. Toasty with a fruity undercurrent as well, but big on the caramel. Slightly oxidized as well.

First sip brings a caramel / toasted malt upfront that flows into fruity, somewhat doughy notes as well. It moves into citric, earthy hops, definitely Cascades, but time has taken its toll and the hops have faded quite a bit. A bit nutty as it flows down with more fruitiness and a good bit of bitterness. Finishes smooth and malty with a bit of oxidation on the end as well.

Mouthfeel brings a solid body with a nice creaminess as it flows down. Mellow carbonation throughout. Nice and chewy, it's a big red ale that also goes down smooth and is quite refreshing. Overall, it's not my favorite from the series that I've tried so far but it's still a solid, tasty brew. Wish I would have had it fresh because the hops have faded quite a bit. I've been loving trying these Imperial Series beers, cheers to Shorts!

Overall I gave this brew a rating of Enjoyable.

Check out more information on Short's Brewing by surfing over to [www.shortsbrewing.com]
June 09, 2008
21:11
New Glarus Smoke on the Porter
» ‎ For The Love Of Beer

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I'm getting back to my blog after too long of a hiatus and I'm ready to share more good beers with everyone out there! This one comes from one of my favorite Wisconsin breweries, New Glarus. Their beers are always a treat. For anyone out there, it's well worth a trip to Wisconsin just to be able to pick up some New Glarus and Tyranena brews for sure. Now onto the review:

Pours into my glass an extremely deep, dark brown that edges towards black with a inch of creamy, bubbly light tan head atop the brew. Thick patchy lacing all the way down the glass. Aromas start off with big, slightly roasted dark malts immediately swept up by a strong smoke aroma, akin to a wood smoke campfire! Visions of yummy smoked meats come to mind. Touches of chocolate and a bit of coffee lurk underneath, but the woody smoke aroma lingers on.

First sip brings a nice dark roasted malty body upfront that quickly moves into dense smoky territory. Again, wood smoke comes to mind along with smoked meats. Notes of chocolate and coffee with a mellow fruity aspect move through as the brew goes down. It finishes off with a touch of bitterness and lingering smoky aftertaste. Good stuff!

Mouthfeel is solidly medium bodied with a smooth creaminess all the way down. I found this brew really enjoyable to drink and actually quite refreshing as well. Overall, a solid, tasty smoked porter from New Glarus. I enjoy the smoked beers and this one definitely ranks up there. Would like to see more brewers take a stab at the style.

Overall I gave this one a rating of Great. Just a tasty brew all around.

Check out more New Glarus goodies at [www.newglarusbrewing.com]
April 21, 2008
20:28
Vintage Review - 2003 Great Divide Maverick Imperial Stout
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22oz bomber. 2003 Series. How is this brew doing at 5 years out?? Let's see!

Pours into my glass an inky black color that only lets a smidge of light in creating a dark brown hue around the edges. A half inch of creamy dark tan foam sits atop the brew and leaves spotting lacing in its wake. Aromas are big on dark, roasted malts with deep molasses, dark fruits and a solid bittersweet chocolate in there as well. Mild fig and licorice aromas in the background with a touch of oxidation. For the age on this one I have no complaints, still very very nice.

First sip brings a flow of dark, deeply roasted malt upfront. Strong notes of molasses and slight spiciness move in, followed by dark fruit (cherry) and a good amount of chocolate flavor as well. Light licorice and vanilla on the way down. Somewhat smoky as well. The finish brings a mellow bitterness and faint ghostly hop tones. This brew has aged nicely and is still a tasty treat!

Mouthfeel is creamy, medium bodied and somewhat viscous. Goes down pretty smooth, with a somewhat prickly carbonation. Good body overall. When all things are said and done this is a darn tasty imperial stout and it has held up to the test of time in my cellar. I'm guessing this could even go another year no problem, but if you have one it's not a bad time to drink it now!! Great Divide continually impresses me.

Overall I gave this brew a rating of Great.

As a side note this brew went on to become Yeti Imperial Stout, which you can buy now at your favorite local retailer, wherever Great Divide distributes

Check out more from Great Divide by surfing over to [www.greatdivide.com]
April 01, 2008
21:55
Struise Mikkeller
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From the bottle label:
RateBeer Special Release:
Behold the second of RateBeer.com’s Worldwide Masters Series! This request edition ale is the crafted alchemy of a party of some of Europe’s finest brewers, Mikkel Bjergsø and Kristian Keller of Mikkeller (Copenhagen, Denmark) and Urbain Coutteau, Carlo Grootaert, Phil Driessens, and Peter Braem of De Struise Brouwers (Woesten-Vleteren, Belgium).
Both breweries have attracted considerable international attention for their artful interpretations of traditional ale styles enlived by a rich sense of invention. And both are also very highly esteemed by the RateBeer.com international community of beer tasters. We hope you enjoy this unique little treasure.
Struise Mikkeller -- the product of master brewing and friendship. Celebrate this sense of camaraderie by sharing this bottle with your good friends!
- Joe Tucker, RateBeer.com

I've been excited to try this one since I picked it up. Here goes:

The bottle pours into my tulip glass a somewhat hazy amber with orange highlights. A big, frothy creamy head rises with the pour and lingers, leaving sticky lacing trails across the side of the glass. Aromas start with a good mix of citric, herbal and earthy hops. There's a nice caramel, somewhat bready malt underneath. Spiciness comes across in the nose and works well with the sweet tinge. Quite fruity as well. An interesting take on the style.

First sip brings a sweet caramel malt upfront followed by a fruitiness. The hops roll in with citric, herbal and earthy tones intermingling. As it flows down a spicy quality emerges along with yeasty tones that's quickly followed up by a solid blast of bitterness that cuts through the sweetness of the brew. The brew finishes with linger hops atop a mix of sugar and spice. Tasty.

Mouthfeel is medium bodied with a nice creaminess about it and solid moving carbonation. Goes down rather easily for a 9% brew and lends itself to being quite drinkable. The sweetness does a good job of counterbalancing the bitterness. Overall, I can't say I've had a Imperial IPA from Denmark or Belgium before, but this one hits the spot and is a tasty rendition!

Overall I gave this one a rating of Great. Quite a tasty beer!

Check out more from De Struise Brouwers by surfing over to: [struise.noordhoek.com]

Check out more from Mikkeller by going to: [www.mikkeller.dk]
February 21, 2008
21:20
Mamma Mia! Pizza Beer
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Brewed for Pizza Beer Company by Sprecher Brewing Co. Pours into my glass from the 16oz bottle a very hazy yellow orange with a half inch of creamy white head on top. No real lacing to speak of. Aromas start out with toasted grains along with a mix of kicthen spices. Oregano, basil and garlic all play a part, the pungent unmistakable garlic is playing the largest part. Light tomato in the background. It's not too bold and in your face but all the spices are there. Interesting to say the least.

First sip brings an extremely light cereal grainy maltiness upfront that's quickly met by a sharp, vegetal spiciness. Oregano, basil and garlic flow across the tongue. I get a light tomato flavor on the way down but it almost seems like an afterthought. Finishes with a light grain sweetness and lingering spices on the tongue.

Mouthfeel is on the thin side with fast moving carbonation that explodes with each sip. The body really disappointed me here as I think if it would have been fuller it would accentuated the beer much better. Overall, it's an interesting beer to try and fairly tasty being as the spicing is not overpowering. However, I can't say it leaves me wanting to run out and drink it again!

Overall I gave this one a rating of around Average.

Check out more from Pizza Beer Company by surfing to www.pizzabeer.net

Check out more from Sprecher Brewing by surfing to www.sprecherbrewing.com
February 13, 2008
18:00
Girardin Gueuze 1882 Black Label Unfiltered
» ‎ For The Love Of Beer

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B0905 on the cork. I've been sitting on this bottle for awhile and finally decided to pop it open. The Girardin Gueuze pours from the 37,5cl green bottle into my tulip glass a lovely deep golden orange with a fiercly bubbly two fingers of white head. Lots of active carbonation streams up the glass. Aromas begin with vibrant light citrus and berry tones married with a pale grain maltiness. A musty wood sourness with a hint of vinegar. Sharp, bright and tart with underlying barnyard notes. Really quite wonderful.

First sip brings a initially mouth puckering sourness that works into some citric/berry tones atop a well placed malt. Musty, old barnyard thoughts spring to mind as some vinegar flavor moves in. Flows down nice, dry and tart with fairly strong acidity. A funky, tasty gueuze that's lively and unrestrained.

Mouthfeel is light and extremely arid with a mezmerizing flow of tight bubbled carbonation. Dances across the palate and brings a sense of creaminess. A wonderful gueuze to be had here, not to be missed if you're a fan of the style. A true work of the brewer's art that this sour beer lover would sit down to anytime...this one can be held up to the best of 'em.

Overall I gave this one a rating of Amazing. A world class gueuze.

Check out more from Girardin by surfing to [www.brouwerijgirardin.com]
January 25, 2008
19:59
Russian River Brewing Co. - Temptation
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Batch 001. 375ml bottle. Pours into my tulip glass a deep golden yellow with nice clarity, fine active carbonation and a creamy white head. Aromas flow out of the glass with sun drenched grains and a fruity profile (green apple). The oak is there with a vinous aroma as well. Brett moves in with a noticeable sourness and an underlying funky, hay/barnyard aroma. Draws me in with its wonderful array of scents.

First sip brings a light sun dried malt with fruity flavors of lemon, citrus and grapes. Oak and woody tannin tones are met by a sourness that flows in. Hay, must and barnyard flavors mix in on the way down. Acidity is there but is well managed and never becomes too much. The Brettanomyces works in so well. Finishes a bit dry. Just an amazing beer.

Mouthfeel is medium to light and arid with mellow carbonation that rolls across the tongue perfectly. Incredibly refreshing and easy to drink. Just an amazing brew overall. I could easily sit down and enjoy a couple of bottles of this to myself and be in heaven. Yet another winner from Russian River, I only wish this wasn't my only bottle. Temptation is worth seeking out and enjoying.

Overall I gave this one a rating of Unbelieveable. Truly a work of art in beer form.

Check out all of the great things brewing at Russian River by surfing to www.russianriverbrewing.com
January 07, 2008
18:42
Bell's Eccentric Ale 2006
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This one is brewed by one of my favorite breweries, Bell's. It's only released once a year in limited quantities at their annual Eccentric Day party. I was lucky enough to obtain a couple of bottles.

12oz bottle. Label states "Malt beverage with vegetables, popcorn, fruit, spices, raisins, honey and malted milk balls added" I shit you not! Pours into my glass a viscous deep black with dark brown hues and a small dark tan ring of head on the top. Aromas are hard to even describe. Lots of dark, somewhat roasty malts along with a huge dose of dark fruity scents. Caramel, honey, licorice, spiciness and big chocolate in the nose as well. Each sniff brings something else. Sweetness is there along with a cooked vegetable undertone. Faint buttered popcorn as well. The aroma is seriously layered with piney hops making an appearance.

First sip brings a sweet, roasty rich dark malt upfront that's swirling in fruit tones. Spicy chocolate moves in along with some caramel and honey. There's an interestingly odd vegetal flavor midway through. It flows down with some piney hop bitterness and a touch of dark raisins and buttery sweetness. I get an odd spicy heat that travels all the way down with each sip as well. An intense experience that's definetly on the sweeter side, but not overly so.

Mouthfeel is dense and chewy with a mellow carbonation that rides along nicely. Quite smooth overall. This is just a really odd beer the likes I have never really tried before. It's actually really fun to drink as you pull out new flavors with each sip. Quite contemplative. Another feather in the hat for Bell's and Larry.

Overall I gave this one a rating of Great.

Check out more from Bell's at www.bellsbeer.com
November 21, 2007
15:50
Leinenkugel's Big Eddy Russian Imperial Stout
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Very excited to try this R.I.S. from Leinenkugel's! Bottle says 9.5% abv. Pours into my glass a viscous, dark tar black with a solid half inch of creamy dark tan head on top. No light getting through at all! Aromas begin with deep roasted malts. Dark chocolate, coffee and a slight smokiness. Dark fruits mixed in with some vanilla. There's some hops in there as well. A great aroma overall.

First sip brings big roasty malts with a rich chocolate upfront. Rolls into a hint of molasses and a wonderful dark fruity aspect. A touch of smokiness and coffee as it flows down. Bitterness on the finish with some hops as well. I enjoy the fruity, cherry aspect here. This is a robust, tasty brew.

Mouthfeel is dense and creamy, with a big body. It goes down smooth overall. A big, hearty brew that is great for a cold night. I've never been a huge fan of Leine's regular offerings, but this one just blew me away. I hope they keep up with the Big Eddy series as this is one helluva a good R.I.S. from a brewery I wouldn't have expected to brew something like this. Seek it out.

Overall I gave this brew a rating of Amazing. Check it out for yourself!

Check out more from Leinenkugel's by surfing over to [www.leinie.com]
November 17, 2007
7:56
Mikkeller Beer Geek Breakfast
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Pours a deep impenetrable black from the bottle, very viscous as well. An inch of creamy thick dark tan head rises on top of the brew. Aromas of well roasted malts along with a chocolate character. Then the coffee bean aroma comes in with a nice fresh brewed aroma. A light dark fruity undertone with some anise also.

First sip brings a smooth dark roasted maltiness with a good blast of chocolate and black coffee flavors. The oats make it very slick and smooth, a bit oily even. A slight caramel and dark fruit accent is there as well. Finishes with a good bitterness, a touch of herbal hops and is balanced overall. The bold, tasty coffee flavors linger on after each sip.

Mouthfeel has a big, creamy body. Goes down smooth and is damn tasty! Finishing the bomber is no problem here. This is a highly drinkable brew anytime of the day. Overall, a wonderful coffee stout from Mikkeller, I'm glad to see their brews around Chicagoland now and can't wait to try more.

Overall I gave this brew a rating of Amazing. Seek this one out!

Check out more from Mikkeller by surfing over to http://www.mikkeller.dk/
November 16, 2007
13:26
Three Floyds Broo Doo Harvest Ale
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22oz bottle picked up at the brewery for $7. Pours into my glass a clear copper orange hue with a half inch of bubbly, sticky white head on top of the brew. Harvest colors for a harvest ale! Aromas blast out of the glass with huge tropical, citric dank hop resins. It literally smells like rubbing a hop cone between your fingers. Wow, it's hard to stop smelling this one. Some slightly sweet caramel in the background, but this is all about the hops.

First sip brings a caramel, lightly toasted grain malt quickly run over by a rush of hops. Citrus and tropical fruit flavors along with green oily hop resins. There's a big bitterness but it never becomes too much. Sorta spicy. A hop lover's dream, this is one tasty brew.

Mouthfeel is medium bodied, smooth and creamy. Perfect carbonation, this brew is incredibly easy to drink and a bomber goes down without the blink of an eye. Another triumph in hoppy goodness from Three Floyds, this time in a lower abv beer. Pick this one up at all costs and drink it fresh. My favorite wet hopped harvest ale I've sampled this year. I need more.

Overall I gave this one a rating of Amazing. Go buy some!

Check out more from Three Floyds by heading over to www.threefloyds.com
November 12, 2007
16:04
Nine G Brewing Infidel Imperial IPA
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Here's a brew I got in Michigan from one of my buddies on Beer Advocate. This brewery is unfortunately no longer in business. Originally in South Bend, IN. They also produced a tasty porter that I had the chance of sampling. This is my last bottle and I'm guessing very little if any is left on the shelves anywhere. If you have any knowledge of the brewery or where the brewers may be now, please drop me a line or leave a comment!!

12oz bottle. Pours into my glass a crystalline deep amber orange with a half inch of white head that quickly falls to a ring atop the brew. Aromas start out with deep caramel and toffee tones. Resinous, herbal piney hops are still there in nice supply but seem to have faded a bit. Light citrus. Somewhat floral, more on the malty side of the spectrum.

First sip brings a sweet caramelized toffee malt upfront that moves into resinous, piney hop flavors. Light citrus tones as well. The hops bring some bitterness against the sweet malts, however the maltiness wins out in the finish. The hops have faded here and seem a bit dirty. Still not bad!

Mouthfeel is medium bodied and a bit slick. Good subtle carbonation. It fills the mouth well and goes down smooth. Overall, drinkability has suffered some due to age and I wish I could've had this fresh. However, it doesn't look like I'll ever be coming across this one again. It's morphing more towards a barleywine now. If you run across this beer by chance you might as well give it a shot while you can!

Overall this one got a ranking of Enjoyable.

The Nine G website is no longer in existence as the brewery is out of business, which is too bad!
November 07, 2007
15:34
New Glarus Home Town Blonde
» ‎ For The Love Of Beer

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Pours into my Sam Adams glass a clear yellow orange hue with a half inch of light bubbly white head on top. Aromas start with crisp pilsner malts that have a nice fresh graininess to them. Herbal, spicy noble hops are there in abundance with a fresh green snap. A bit of a fruity sweetness in there as well. Lovely.

First sip brings smooth, crisp lightly sweet pilsner malt upfront that has a bit of a grainy aspect to it. It flows across the tongue with a bit of fruitiness followed by just the right smack of herbal, spicy noble hops. Finishes with just a touch of bitterness on the back of the palate. This is a great pilsner!

Mouthfeel is smooth and easily drinkable with a nice creaminess to it as well. Very refreshing, this is just a perfect example of what a pilsner should be and I wish I would've picked up more of this. This one stacks up with the best of 'em. Another wonderfully brewed beer from New Glarus! Grab some if you still can.

Overall I give this on a rating of Great. A very well made pilsner!

Check out more from New Glarus by surfing over to www.newglarusbrewing.com
November 06, 2007
16:21
Founders Harvest Ale
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Founders Brewing in Grand Rapids, Michigan is easily one of my favorite midwest breweries, and with just cause. They brew some awesome beers and Mike and Dave are some of the nicest guys I've had the chance of meeting. Some of my favorites are Red's Rye, Black Rye, Breakfast Stout and Kentucky Breakfast just to name a few. Today, I have their new bottled offering, a wet hopped ale aptly named Harvest Ale. It's brewed with fresh, wet hops that were recently picked. Here goes!

12oz stubby bottle pours into my glass a quite hazy yellow orange with a couple inches of creamy, cragly white head that leaves sticky lacing on the side. Aromas of citric, tropical hop resins jump out of the glass. Peach and grapefruit mingle with some pine and green herbaceous notes. Sweet, light caramel in the background. Wow, the fresh green hop cone aroma brings a smile to my face! Somewhat floral even.

First sip brings a sweet, lightly toasted caramel malt that flows into a flow of fresh hops. Citric, slighty tropical with a big green, herbal push. The resins come through along with a perfumy, floral quality. Flows down with a bit of bitterness, but it's fairly mellow probably due to the fresh wet hops. Finish with a bit of lingering sweetness and green hop cone resin. Tasty.

Mouthfeel is medium bodied with a nice creaminess and solid carbonation. A sturdy pale ale that brings a wealth of flavor while at the same time being quite drinkable and refreshing. This is a darn tasty wet hopped brew and I'm glad to see this in bottles. Get on it and try this one while you can. Another solid brew from Founders.

Overall this one gets a rating of Great. Go get yourself some!

Check out more from Founders Brewing over at [www.foundersbrewing.com]
October 24, 2007
16:26
New Glarus Stone Soup
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Sorry, no picture this time, but I do have a beer review from one of my favorite Wisconsin brewers, New Glarus. If you're ever in Wisconsin check out the town of New Glarus and visit the brewery. It's a fun time and you can only get New Glarus beers in Wisconsin!!

12oz bottle. Pours into my glass a hazy light yellow with a fizzy inch of bubbly white head on top. Lots of active carbonation. Aromas start with a mix of banana and clove. Yeast spiciness with some crisp pale malts in the background. A touch of hops in there as well. Pretty nice.

First sip brings a pale grain malt upfront that's quickly met by a mix of banana, clove and ginger. A light fruity aspect as there as it flows down with some nice yeasty spiciness. It finishes with just a touch of hops on the way down. Tasty brew.

Mouthfeel has a solid creaminess to it with good steady carbonation. Goes down smooth, making this an easy to drink brew. Overall it's pretty tasty, but it didn't blow me away. A solid offering from New Glarus as usual.

Overall I gave this beer a rating of Enjoyable.

Check out more from New Glarus at [www.newglarusbrewing.com]
October 03, 2007
14:55
Samuel Adams Hallertau Imperial Pilsner
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Brand new 12oz bottle. Pours into my glass a quite hazy yellow orange hue with a sticky inch of creamy white head that lingers. Active carbonation rises up, this brew looks really nice in the glass. Just what I remembered from the big bottles last year. Aroma begins with sweet pale and biscuit malts with a hint of caramel in the background overridden by a bold, spicy, herbal hop blast. Pungent and green, the hop oils seep out of the glass. Somewhat floral as well. A noble hop bomb.

First sip brings a brief flash of pale, biscuity malt that is quickly overwhelmed by spicy, herbal hop flavors. A bit earthy with some floral aspects as well. The brew flows down with a nice hit of bitterness as the hops win over in the balance. Big hop resins throughout, visions of bright green hop cones come to mind. Finishes dry with a nice bitter twang and lingering hoppy goodness. Damn good!

Mouthfeel is medium bodied and creamy with the perfect carbonation that just rushes across the palate. Quite enjoyable to drink and refreshing as well. Overall, this is big tasty imperial pilsner and I'm glad to see it back. One of the only brews I know to focus on the Hallertau specifically, it's a tasty treat for a hop lover. Well worth grabbing a four pack of this.

Overall I gave this beer a rating of Great. Go check it out!!

Check out more from Sam Adams by surfing over to [www.samadams.com]
September 19, 2007
14:35
Miller Chill
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12oz green bottle. Pours into my glass an extremely light yellow color with a fizzy white head that sticks around due to lots of active carbonation. If this was much lighter it would be clear. Not looking good so far. Aromas of light cereal grains along with a somewhat artificial lime. Somewhat of a weird sweetness as well. Not much else going on though, except for some DMS.

First sip brings a light cooked grain malt upfront along with a mellow lime twang that doesn't pass as being real lime juice, but does bring in a sweet aspect. The salt is noticeable on the way down along with some more DMS flavor. Bleh, this brew doesn't do anything for me. The flavors seem artificial and just don't work.

Mouthfeel is extremely light and arid with lots of carbonation. Carbonated water is not a bad comparison at all. I can see this being refreshing, but I can think of many many more tasty beers that are equally refreshing. I bought this single because I couldn't help but try it, but for me there's not many redeeming qualities to Miller Chill. No thanks, I think it's best to avoid this one.

Overall I gave this a rating of No Thanks.

For other offerings from SAB Miller surf over to [www.millerbrewing.com]
September 17, 2007
14:32
O'Fallon 5 Day IPA
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12oz bottle picked up on a recent trip to St. Louis. Pours into my glass an amber/orange hue with a hefty inch of creamy white head on top that leaves a bit of lacing on the way down. Aromas begin with lightly toasted, caramelized biscuit malt along with a nice punch of hops. Floral, herbal and lightly citrusy. Nice.

First sip brings a mellow caramel malt upfront that has a biscuit quality to it as well. Floral hop flavors move in that have a nice herbal/citric edge as well. Flows down with a nice bitterness, but the beer gets a bit astringent in the end as well.

Mouthfeel is medium bodied with lots of fast moving carbonation. It kinda gets to be a bit too much, but I could still sit down to a few. Overall, not a bad IPA, but it doesn't really grab me. I'll stick to the Smoked Porter and get my IPA fill elsewhere.

I'm giving this beer a rating of Average. I felt it a pretty run of the mill IPA.

Check out more from O'Fallon at [www.ofallonbrewery.com]
September 04, 2007
16:33
A somber new beer review - R.I.P. Michael Jackson
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Before I start this review I would like to say I was very saddened to hear of the passing of Michael Jackson, one of the true champions of beer. He has enlightened many of us and passed his great knowledge onto countless beer lovers around the world. He will be missed and my thought go out to his family and friends. I raise this glass in his honor and say rest in peace to a one of a kind beer hunter.

Ahhh Bell's, how I miss you here in Illinois. At least Wisconsin and Indiana aren't that far from me! The Hell Hath No Fury pours into my glass a deep dark brown that is for all intensive purposes nearly black. A small tan head rises and falls to a ring atop the brew. Aromas of dark roasted malt featuring burnt coffee grounds, figs and some dark fruits. Somewhat toasty with a touch of anise, caramel and some yeasty tones as well. Interesting, but it doesn't really grab me.

First sip a somewhat burnt dark malt character that flows into a mix of smoky coffee, licorice, caramel, dark fruits, figs and some spiciness. Flows down with some yeasty qualities and only a touch of hops. Finishes dry with a bit of sweetness as well. This one just doesn't do it for me unfortunately.

Mouthfeel is actually on the light to medium side with lots of fast moving carbonation that explodes on the palate.. Goes down pretty easily. Overall, I was unable to figure out where this brew was going. If I see it again I'll probably give it another shot...but at this point it doesn't make me want to run back.

Overall I gave this brew a rating of Average. Not my favorite of the Bell's lineup.

Check out everything else Bell's and look up your batch numbers by surfing over to [www.bellsbeer.com]
August 30, 2007
16:36
Port Brewing Company - Hop 15
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22oz bomber. Love the label with the planes dropping hops as bombs! Pours into my glass a deep red orange color that's on the darker side with a nice half inch of creamy eggshell head on top that fades rather quickly. Aromas of deep sweet caramel candy malt run underneath a wall of bountiful hops. Mega grapefruit citrus aromas, like you just picked one off the tree and cut it open! Pine scents are in full force too. Can grapefruits grown on pine trees?? The dense aroma has some herbal spiciness to it as well...simply lovely. The aroma I dream about when I think of a great DIPA. This is up there with the best of the best.

First sip brings an instant smack of hops. A great amalgamation of grapefruit, citrus, tropical and piney flavors rush across the palate and bring a smile to my face. Lots of complex hop oils. It seriously takes like a fresh green hop cone. Yum! Flows down with some herbal spiciness alongside a nice caramel malt that has some candy, sugary aspects to it as well. There's just enough malt backbone here. One of the best double IPA's out there without a doubt.

Mouthfeel is dense with a nice chewiness to it as well. Just enough carbonation makes this brew almost too easy to consume. Damn good stuff. I could see myself drinking too much of this and getting in trouble real easily! I wish they would give up the secret as to what 15 hops are used in here...but ultimately they all work together to create a wonderful beer. Glad to see this bottled again, now I must get more. Thanks to KingG for the trade.

Overall I gave this a rating of Amazing. Get your hands on this beer if you can, especially if you love hops!

Check out the rest of Port Brewing's wares by surfing over to [www.portbrewing.com]
16:23
My new rating system!! A quick rundown
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I wanted to create a new rating system that relied less on numbers and more on a good description of how I felt about the beer. I've used this in my past few posts and will do so from here on out. Here's the new scale for each beer I will try:

- Unbelieveable: an incredibly amazing beer, you can't live without trying it, do so at all costs!

- Amazing: speaks for itself. Just a step below unbelieveable. This is a beer at the top of its class.

- Great: a really good beer that really hits the spot.

- Enjoyable: a brew that doesn't make you say "wow", but that is well made and a pleasure to drink

- Average: nothing special, but still is usually a well crafted brew

- Blah: a boring beer that has some obvious flaws. probably not something I would come back to again.

- No Thanks: pass on this one, it's not worth the time or the effort.
August 13, 2007
16:57
Haandbryggeriet Dark Force
» ‎ For The Love Of Beer

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1pt, .9 fl oz bottle acquired in Chicago. Awesome info label on the side states Batch 73, 9% abv, brewed Apr. 2007, best before Apr. 2010. My first brew from HaandBryggeriet pours into my glass a deep, brooding slick black with a healthy inch of creamy tan foam on top that has good staying power. No light shall pass through this one. Aromas start with creamy, roasted dark malts. A lightly smoky, burnt twist with some cocoa undertones. The graininess from the wheat gets through a bit as well. Mellow coffee with a hint of hops....licorice?

First sip brings a smooth, dark roasty malt upfront. Segues into a somewhat burnt, smoky taste. Light notes of cocoa and some burnt coffee move in. The wheat creates a nice crisp, slightly grainy aspect to the brew. Light hops on the way down, it finishes a bit dry. An interesting imperial stout, I just dunno if the wheat works that well. I look forward to more beers from these guys.

Mouthfeel is medium bodied and dense with a nice chewy aspect. Good level of carbonation. This is a nice brew that does not become overbearing at all. I'm thinking the wheat cuts through a bit and offer easier drinkability. Overall, I found this to be a tasty brew and one of my first from Norway. The price tag will keep me away except on special occasions though.

I gave this one a rating of Enjoyable. Tasty..but didn't quite wow me like I expected.

Check out more from Haandbryggeriet by surfing over to [www.haandbryggeriet.net]
August 09, 2007
15:03
Three Floyd's Munsterfest
» ‎ For The Love Of Beer

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22oz bottle pours into my glass a clear deep orange/red harvest color with a nice half inch of creamy eggshell head and lots of active carbonation rising up. Aromas of deep caramel and a touch of nuttiness. A bit roasted, with an herbal, lightly spicy hop in the background. Pretty nice.

First sip brings a sturdy caramel malt upfront along with a nice roasted nutty aspect to it as well. Flows down with some herbal, floral, spicy hops. A touch grassy with a bit of fruity flavor on the finish. Light bitterness is present. A tasty, malty oktoberfest lager.

Mouthfeel is medium bodied and smooth with ample carbonation. Goes down easy with a nice dry crispness on the finish. Quite an easy drinking oktoberfest. It doesn't really set itself apart from others in the style very much, but overall is a tasty, enjoyable oktoberfest that lives up to the style. As one of the Floyd's few bottled lagers, it's one I'd probably come back to again.

Overall I gave this brew a rating of Enjoyable. Quite the nice oktoberfest.

Check out more from Three Floyd's by surfing over to [www.threefloydspub.com]
August 07, 2007
14:44
Shlafly Kolsch - Tasty Summer Brew from St. Louis
» ‎ For The Love Of Beer

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12oz bottle pours into my glass a sunny yellow hue with a small tight bubbly head atop the brew. Aromas begin with cooked cereal grains and a herbal, grassy backbone. Light citrus tones come and go with mellow yeast spiciness. Crisp and nice.

First sip brings a smooth cereal grain malt upfront. It's met by a touch of lemon zest along with a mild grassy, herbal hop profile that carries itself on the way down. A touch of bitterness plays clean up on the finish along with a light bready yeast afterthought. An easy drinking, pretty tasty brew.

Mouthfeel is medium bodied with a slight creaminess. Good steady carbonation. This is an easy drinking summer beer that I could enjoy in larger quantities. Overall, I

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