Beer(s) Review #109: Deschutes Mirror Pond, Black Butte, Chainbreaker

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deschutesWelcome to Iowa Deschutes! For the next few weeks Deschutes Brewing (www.deschutesbrewery.com) will be all over Eastern Iowa with multiple release parties. If you are in Des Moines, Iowa City, Cedar Rapids, or North Liberty check out my link here for dates and times. I was contacted by a Deschutes Rep about the events and the possibility of attending a few and they were kind enough to send a few bottles of their beers to my place to try out. So, for the first time ever you are getting a triple beer review! Hooray!

I’ve had Deschutes multiple times, enjoyed it a bunch while I was in California last summer and since they started distributing to Illinois I hit up Family Beer and Liquor for some of their products. The only special release of theirs today I’m just focusing on the beer that was sent to my doorstep. A little bit less wordy than most of my reviews, but here we go:

mirrorMirror Pond Pale Ale
Style: Pale Ale
ABV: 5%
Ratebeer.com: 90
Beeradvocate: 88

Pale Ales seem to be getting closer and closer to just being IPAs lately. With 3 Floyds Zombie Dust and Toppling Goliath pseudoSue dominating the style and our palates, anything less just seems an afterthought. Mirror Pond however, holds its own. The citrus from the cascade hops shines through and is balanced perfectly with the malts. Maybe a bit sweet, but the bitterness from the hops is a great contrast to that. At 5%, this a perfectly sessionable pale ale and with the sweetness from the malts could make for a nice transition beer for the non-hopheads.

From the brewery:

This is base camp, where any craft brew exploration begins. A distinct hop nose and hop-forward flavor make Mirror Pond the quintessential Pale Ale. It is aromatically complex, multi-layered, and unmistakably “right.”

OVERALL: B

black butteBrew #2: 
Black Butte Porter
Style: Porter
ABV: 5.2%
Ratebeer.com: 97
Beeradvocate.com: 94
Along with the Mirror Pond this is the beer that put Deschutes on the map. A nice mix of roasted malts, coffee, chocolate. Not overally sweet, a nice balance between the bitterness and the sweetness. Maybe a bit thin on the mouthfeel, but this isn’t a stout either. A bit of tobacco on the aftertaste. This is a great, straightforward example of a terrific porter.

OVERALL: A-

From the brewery:

With a dark beer as our first and flagship brand, Black Butte defined Deschutes as a radical player. A slight hop bitterness up front enhances the distinctive chocolate and roasted finish. It’s prized for its creamy mouthfeel and intense complex flavors.

white ipaBrew #3
Chainbreaker White IPA
Style: White IPA
ABV: 5.6%
Ratebeer.com: 88
Beeradvocate.com: 83

This is a style that I haven’t been to fond of in the past, but this beer has given me a bit of hope. Take the citrus from IPA style beers, add the Belgian yeast from your favorite hefe, white ale, or saison, put them together and you get this refreshing white IPA! Neither the hops, nor the yeast overpower you. The blend is perfectly done, which makes this another sessionable brew from Deschutes.

Overall: B

From the brewery:

Brewed with wheat and pilsner malt; this IPA displays beautiful citrus aromas from Cascade and Citra hops that meld with the esters of Belgian yeast. Think thirst quenching hopped-up wit beer with enough IBUs to warrant the IPA name.

Iowa Beer Review #108: Confluence Brewing Des Moines IPA

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des moines ipaAs the state of Iowa starts getting more breweries opening up and more breweries bringing their beer from outside states in, the competition for shelf space becomes harder and harder. Luckily, there are a bunch of Iowa breweries holding their own in the craft beer world, and one of those is Confluence Brewing Company (www.confluencebrewing.com). Located in Des Moines, Confluence is right in the middle of the ever-expanding craft beer movement with the likes of Exile, Raccoon River, Court Avenue, and 515. From the brewery:

As the capital of Iowa, Des Moines constantly surprises first-time visitors with its mix of expected agrarian heritage and influences and unanticipated cosmopolitan flare. So too, with Des Moines IPA, an American take on a world beer: India Pale Ale (IPA). Iowa’s steady, well balanced nature is reflected in this IPA with its mix of medium body, lighter color and plenty of malt flavor to balance the massive hop impact. Citrusy and piney hops from the Pacific Northwest offset the robust malt flavor of the two-row barley and medium crystal malts. Des Moines IPA proudly represents the Hawkeye State in the category of American IPA, a favorite of beer connoisseurs all across the country.

As I finished my shopping at the downtown Cedar Rapids farmer’s market, I decided to hit up Benz Beverage Depot to grab a few brews. As much as I would love to see Confluence come in six packs, I think the quart bottles kick ass. A unique, refreshing look that stands out on the shelves, and that is what sucked me in.

confluence quartsI’ve heard mention of their Des Moines IPA from people of twitter and facebook, so that’s what I decided my first Confluence beer would be. Upon returning back home, I sat on my deck, opened up the quart jug and shared with my brother-in-law. Not knowing what to expect, the first impression that I got was the tropical fruit aroma that made way into the wonderful bitter, pineapple taste. The quart didn’t last long, and we both were really impressed at the balance and drinkability this beer presented.

I haven’t had any other offerings from Confluence yet, but if their IPA is a sign of their other offerings, I think it’s safe to say that this brewery can be a major playing the craft beer game, I’m just trying to figure out a time to visit the brewery to see what else they have in store. Awesome beer as the Hawkeye state slowly continues to find its niche in the craft beer world! Find this beer and enjoy!

REVIEW

STYLE: IPA

ABV: 6.8%

PURCHASED AT: Benz Beverage Depot; Cedar Rapids

POUR: Hazy yellow, thick white head

AROMA: Tropical fruit aroma is clear, as well as the hop presence.

TASTE: Pineapple shines and is rounded out nicely by the hops and malts.

Ratebeer.com rating: 81

Beeradvocate raing: N/A

Overall: B+

My recommendation: Very impressive offering and happy that this is an Iowa brewed beer. Get out and buy a quart, support the state, and get yourself a fantastic beer!

 

Deschutes Iowa Launch Parties Dates and Times

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deschutesAccording to the Deschutes’ website (www.deschutesbrewery.com), the list below is where and when you will find the launch party as the brewery prepares to enter the Iowa markets. If you make any of these dates I would love to hear your experience!

DES MOINES
El Bait Shop
Friday July 19th, 5-7 p.m.

Downtown Des Moines Pub Crawl
Friday July 19th, 8-11 p.m.

Cityview Brewfest
Saturday July 20th, 3-7 p.m.

Official Brewfest Afterparty
The Keg Stand
Saturday July 20th, 8-11 p.m.

Meet, Greet, Sample
Zombie Burger
Monday July 22, 11:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.

Meet the Brewer
Court Avenue Brewery
Monday July 22, 5 – 6:30 p.m.

MEET, GREET, SAMPLE
Tue, Jul 23, 11 am – 6 pm
Wellman’s Pub, Gateway Market , Whole Foods, Saints Pub and Patio, Dublin Bay, The Point Des Moines & Surrounding Areas, IA

BEER-LESQUE: TASTINGS AND TASSELS!
Wed, Jul 24, 9 pm – 11 pm
The Gramercy Tap
400 Walnut St.
Des Moines, IA 50309
(515) 288-9606
www.gramercytap.com

Thu, Jul 25, 7 pm – 10 pm
Red’s Alehouse

405 N. Dubuque St

North Liberty , IA 52317

(319) 626-2100
Fri, Jul 26, 6 pm – 9 pm
Blackstone

503 Westbury Drive #1

Iowa City, IA 52245

(319) 338-1770

Update on Deschutes

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deschutesWith Deschutes brewing coming to Iowa in late July, many people have been asking what beers can we expect. I’ve been talking to quite a few people about this and it sounds like their regular lineup is what they will start with and then slowly incorporate seasonals and special releases. In fact, http://www.beerpulse.com just posted an update on future Deschutes releases, when to look for them and where:

Deschutes Green Monster

When: August/September (one time release, VERY limited)

What: Reserve Series (22-ounce bottles)
Here at Deschutes Brewery, we’re always on the lookout for a chance to create something new for our fans. In short, we don’t leave well-enough alone. That’s why, more than two years ago, our brewers decided to pack up some extra beer in French oak barrels, infect it with Brettanomyces, and then wait for the transformation. Dubbed affectionately around the brewhouse as “Green Monster”, the name stuck. At the end of this experimentation story, you will find a monstrously fantastic, brand-new sour beer, with slight cherry and barnyard scents and dried fruit aroma. In fact, the only scary thing about this beer is that it is so darned limited and will never be brewed again.

Where: You’ll be lucky to find this at all.

Beer Geek Information:
~7% Alcohol by Volume (ABV)

Deschutes Jubelale Winter Ale 2013Deschutes Jubelale – A Festive Winter Ale

When: September-December

What: Winter Seasonal (6-packs, 12-packs and draft)
We often hear that nothing starts off the brisk fall season quite like seeing Jubelale show up on the shelves and on tap for the first time. Dark and malty, layered flavors unwrap to reveal chicory and earth notes and a hoppy kick to finish. Hints of the holidays are in every sip of Jubelale – to beer lovers, it’s like a cozy fireplace gathering. Almost as exciting as taking your first sip of this festive brew is seeing what creation a local artist has come up with to grace the label and packaging. This year’s label features a mysterious owl in an illustration by Avlis Leumas, a Bend Oregon artist who was excited to be selected to create this year’s artwork.

Where: Available in all 21 states where Deschutes is sold

Beer Geek Information:
6.7% Alcohol by Volume (ABV)
60 IBUs

Deschutes Chasin’ Freshies Fresh Hop IPADeschutes Chasin’ Freshies Fresh Hop IPA

When: October until it’s gone

What: Bond Street Series (22-ounce bottles and draft)
Born in a ski town, Deschutes Brewery knows what it’s like to be endlessly in pursuit of untouched perfection – chasing pristine powder slopes on mountain flanks. In similar fashion, Deschutes Brewery will chase down Gamache Farms’ famed fresh Amarillo hops for this year’s vintage. Chasin’ Freshies, which first appeared in the Bend pub and came out in its bottle debut last fall featuring heirloom Cascade hops, is a nod to the snow and hop enthusiasts we’ve entertained for the last 25 years at our downtown gathering spot. You’ll most definitely want to seize the moment and enjoy the bold, juicy aroma and flavor that comes but once a year.

Where: Available in most states where Deschutes is sold

Beer Geek Information:
7.2% Alcohol by Volume (ABV)
65 IBUs

Deschutes Hop Trip Bottle LabelDeschutes Hop Trip Fresh Hop Pale Ale

When: October until it’s gone

What: Bond Street Series (6-packs and draft)
We know we’re lucky to be located right in the heart of hop-growing country. And the beer that ensues from this proximity is big and bold. When the Crystal hops at Sodbuster Farms are ready for harvest, our crew gets in the truck to go pick them, bag them, load them and dump the freshly harvested jewels into the brew kettle – all in just a few hours. The results of this hurried journey? A pale ale with a uniquely bright citrus punch to the nose. Worth the trip, every time.

Where: Available in most states where Deschutes is sold

Beer Geek Information:
5.5% Alcohol by Volume (ABV)
38 IBUs

Deschutes The Abyss Imperial Stout 2013Deschutes The Abyss

When: November

What: Reserve Series (22-ounce wax-dipped bottles and draft)
It’s hard to believe our brewers have been lovingly creating this magical liquid for eight years now. That’s right, 2013 marks the eighth time that beer fanatics have been able to crack open the wax-dipped tops of these bottles and fall right into the complexity that is The Abyss. This imperial stout is the heart and soul of Deschutes Brewery’s Reserve Series beers, with an endless crevasse of flavor that reveals itself each November (or, if you are the patient sort, whenever this brew is uncellared and dusted off for consumption).

Where: Available in most states where Deschutes is sold

Beer Geek Information:
11% Alcohol by Volume (ABV)
70 IBUs

Beer Review #107: Goose Island Sofie Paradisi

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sofieWhen AB-InBev bought Goose Island a few years back, I vowed to stay away from their beers solely on the basis of any trying to support craft breweries. It hasn’t been all that difficult to do, except for the occasional Bourbon County Stout, Matilda, or Sofie. But now, after trying Sofie Paradisi, the task may prove to be more daunting than originally thought.

I know  many of you will scoff at the idea of not drinking Goose Island just because InBev owns it now, and that’s fine, to each his own. But when a beer gets this much pub and chatter about it, you just have to get your hands on it. Well, I wasn’t able to find this beer anywhere in Iowa, but on a recent trip up north to Madison my wife and I stopped and ate at the Craftsman Table and Tap (http://www.craftsmantableandtap.com/) in Middleton, WI.  A really great beer menu to go along with some fantastic food (I recommend the pulled brisket sandwich and a side order of cheese curds) my eyes darted right to where the listing for Sofie Paradisi was. YES! Finally!

The difference between Goose Island Sofie and Goose Island Sofie Paradisi uses grapefruit instead of orange peel. The grapefruit is definitely in the nose along with the earthiness that accompanies a saison style brew. Along with grapefruit rind you get yeast, grassiness, and a little hop bitterness. Overall, a highly drinkable beer. More from the brewery:

60% Ale Aged in barrels with grapefruit rind and juice, 40% Ale (Base Sofie)

Now the question is…which one is better? If you’ve had both feel free to cast your vote below. I’m still up in the air, I would love to have Paradisi a few more times before giving my final verdict.

REVIEW

Style: Fruit Beer/Saison

ABV: 6.7%

Purchased at: Craftsman Table and Tap; Middleton, WI

Pour: Golden pour with a thick pillowy head.

Aroma: Yeast, grapefruit, earthiness

Flavor: A bit of oak, grapefruit, yeast, a bit peppery

Ratebeer.com rating: 97

Beeradvocate rating: 95

Overall: A-

My recommendation: A perfect summer beer. Really would love to get my hands on a few bottles of this. Terrific brew!

New to Shelves: Rubeus, Stone Ruin 10, Point Beyond the Pale

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rubaeusSome old news and some newer news for Eastern Iowa beer lovers this week. Talking with some sources it seems some of you have been able to get your hands on Founders Rubaeus whereas others are still waiting for it to hit their market. If you haven’t been able to get it yet it should be available Eastern Iowa wide by next week.

Also, Stone Ruin 10 is available and is always a must try brew.

Now, I know that Point Brewery beers haven’t really been thought of as must try beers, and rightfully so, but they appear to see the writing on the wall and have now released Point Beyond the Pale IPA. All galaxy hopped IPA. I haven’t had it yet, but am willing to give it a go. Here’s the break down of all three brews:

Founders Rubaeus:
ABV: 6.9%
Ratebeer: 91
Beeradvocate: 88

ruintenStone RuinTen IPA
ABV: 10.8%
Ratebeer: 100
Beeradvocate: 97
Point Beyond the Pale IPA
ABV: 6.5%
Ratebeer: N/A
Beeradvocate: 85

**Also is going to come in at an affordable $6-$7 six pack.

point beyond

If you spot any new beers on your shelves please drop me a line and spread the knowledge! Cheers!

Iowa Beer Review #106: Great River Dirty Blonde

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dirty blondeKeeping the theme of Iowa beers this week, we move on down the Mississippi to Davenport, IA to review a brew from Great River Brewing Company (www.greatriverbrewery.com). One of their beers is already a mainstay in my fridge and that is the Redband Coffee Stout which packs a huge coffee punch and is also remarkably smooth, but we are going to focus on one of their newer releases, their Dirty Blonde Chocolate Ale.

When one thinks of chocolatey beers, you go right into stouts and porters, but with this brew, you are getting a lighter beer with subtle hints of chocolate. The six-pack design is poised to sell just from looks alone but if you are a beer drinker who is in to pilsners, blondes, or even mass-produced BMC, this might be a perfect companion to your summer days/nights.

You got a faint hint of bittersweet chocolate on the nose once the can is cracked. The first sip is where you get the chocolate, and if you forgot their would be chocolate in this blonde ale, this first sip might take you aback a bit. After the first chocolate flavor, the subtleness and refreshing qualities of a blonde ale took over. It was easy to put down a six-pack of this and I’m looking forward to grabbing another one of these off the shelves.

Like the Peace Tree Sidekick Kolsch, this isn’t going to be a beer that knocks your socks off like some Imperial IPAs or barrel aged stouts, or anything like that. It’s just an easy drinking, perfect for the summer months, unique blonde ale that anyone can enjoy.

 REVIEW

Style: Blonde ale

ABV: ?

Purchased at: Hy-Vee; Marion, IA

Pour: Light yellow pour, drank from the can or pour.

Aroma: Nice smell of chocolate initially.

Flavor: Chocolate flavor right away and then mellows into a nice blonde.

Ratebeer.com rating: 32

Beeradvocate.com rating: 85

Overall: C+

My recommendation: Very enjoyable and unique. If you want something easy drinking this is a great choice.

Madhouse Brewing Belgian Golden Ale releases next week!

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madhouseThe next part of the successful Madhouse Brewing (www.madhousebeer.com) Venture Series is due to hit Eastern Iowa shelves next week. Their summer seasonal Belgian Golden Ale will be making its way to Eastern Iowa. From the Madhouse Brewing Facebook page:

This Belgian Golden Ale features the Nelson Sauvin hop from New Zealand. This hop variety is named for its aromatic similarity to Sauvignon Blanc wines. This creates a complex aroma which mixes the spice and clove from the Belgian yeast with tropical fruit and citrus from the hops. This beer finishes clean and crisp to make it the perfect summer release. 

I’m really excited for this release as I’ve been exploring more Belgian style brews lately. Also, if you haven’t had their Maple nut-brown, I’ve seen some bombers still on the shelves. I really enjoyed that beer, give it a shot! Support Iowa craft beer!

Distribution News: Horny Goat Brewing Heading to Iowa

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horny goatI’m not sure who’s going to get excited for this, but according to http://www.beerpulse.com, Horny Goat brewery out of Milwaukee, WI will started distributing their beers to Eastern Iowa shelves in the 2nd Quarter of 2013. I’ve had a few of their offerings, and the only thing I can say is that I hope they get a hell of a lot better and a name change might do them good as well. But anyway, the following news comes from beerpulse.com:

(Milwaukee, WI) – Horny Goat Brewing Company is starting their 4th year in the craft industry with new brews and new distribution. Located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Horny Goat prides itself on creating delicious beers that are both traditional and different. This summer marks the second year Watermelon Wheat, their best selling seasonal, will be available in markets. With real watermelon added during the fermentation stage this wheat ale is a great beer to enjoy during the summer. They are also perfecting new brews in preparation for mass distribution at their Milwaukee Brew Pub. Horny Goat Brewing Company is expanding its reach to many additional markets in the United States in the near future.

RECENT ADDITIONAL MARKETS
3rd and 4th Quarter 2012:
Texas, Nebraska, Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee

1st Quarter 2013
Arizona, Indiana, Kansas, Missouri

2nd Quarter 2013
Iowa

Horny Goat Brewing Company currently serves 19 states. Horny Goat was founded in 2009 on the idea that craft beer should be fun and not so pompous. Horny Goat Brewing Company’s line includes a wide variety of flavors both traditional and unique: Exposed Cream Ale, Hopped UP ‘N Horny IPA, Horny Blonde Lager, Baby Got Bock, Watermelon Wheat, HornyCopia Pumpkin Ale, Oktoberfest, Stacked Milk Stout, Brownie Porter, and Chocolate Cherry Stout.