Brewery Update: Rogue Valentine's Special Releases, Irish Lager

January 19, 20133 Comments

Rogue is releasing a specially designed bottle for Valentine’s Day with their Chocolate Stout product. This beer comes in 22 oz bombers and is only available in January and February.

Press release from Rogue:

Show that special someone you love them twice as much with two special products fromRogue Ales that are just for Valentine’s Day-Chocolate Stout and Double Chocolate Stout.

ROGUE CHOCOLATE STOUT

Rogue Chocolate Stout 22oz limited release bottles are available for the holiday with a new “Valentine Red” label, making this beer a perfect gift.

These special Valentines bottles will be available nationwide in January and February only.

Rogue Master Brewer John Maier combines his World Champion Shakespeare Stout, named the “Best of 1500 Beers” by Bob Klein in the Beer Lover’s Rating Guide, with Chocolate to create Rogue Chocolate Stout. This brew has received
over 20 awards, including Gold in the 2012 World Beer Championships.

Chocolate Stout is ebony colored with a rich creamy head. 9 ingredients make up this brew: 2-Row, C-120 and Chocolate Malts; Cascade Hops; Rolled Oats; Roasted Barley; Chocolate; Free Range Coastal Water and Pacman Yeast.

Better news yet is the release of their Double Chocolate Stout which is also being released in a special release bottle, also available in January and February also. More from Rogue:

ROGUE DOUBLE CHOCOLATE STOUT
The Valentine’s Day lineup gets bolder with Rogue Double Chocolate Stout in a special limited edition red 750ml painted bottle. Find it on shelves in January and February only.

Double Chocolate Stout is an evolution of Chocolate Stout, brewed with 10 ingredients: 2-Row, C120 and Chocolate Malts; Cascade Hops; Rolled Oats; Roasted Barley; Honey; Chocolate; Free Range Coastal Water and Pacman Yeast.

Also being released in time for St. Patrick’s Day is Rogues Irish Lager. Only available in 22 oz bombers and on tap. From Rogue:

Rogue Irish Lager is back for a limited time in 2013 as the craft beer choice for St. Patrick’s Day.

Rogue Irish Lager will be available on draft and in 22oz serigraphed bottles in February and March, and makes a great alternative to the usual lineup of dark, heavy stouts found on the holiday.

Rogue Irish Lager has gained worldwide acclaim, winning a Gold at the Australian Beer Awards and 8 medals at the World Beer Championships. Judges described it as having, “…sweetish aromas, followed through with a full malty and rounded palate that finishes with a hint of hop bitters.”

“This is an Irish Lager perfect for floating Guinness, and luck had nothing to do with it.” – John Maier – Rogue Brewmaster

Rogue Irish Lager is brewed with 9 ingredients: Great Western 2-Row, Great Western Pale, Crystal -15, Wheat & Acidulated Malts; Sterling & Perle hops; Czech Pilsner Yeast, and Free Range Coastal Water.

Celebrating its second century, Rogue Ales is an Artisan Varietal Brewery founded in Oregon in 1988, as one of America’s first 50 microbreweries. Rogue has 900+ awards for taste and quality and is distributed nationally and in 32 countries.

Brewery Update: Rogue Valentine’s Special Releases, Irish Lager

January 19, 2013January 19, 20133 Comments

Rogue is releasing a specially designed bottle for Valentine’s Day with their Chocolate Stout product. This beer comes in 22 oz bombers and is only available in January and February.

Press release from Rogue:

Show that special someone you love them twice as much with two special products fromRogue Ales that are just for Valentine’s Day-Chocolate Stout and Double Chocolate Stout.

ROGUE CHOCOLATE STOUT

Rogue Chocolate Stout 22oz limited release bottles are available for the holiday with a new “Valentine Red” label, making this beer a perfect gift.

These special Valentines bottles will be available nationwide in January and February only.

Rogue Master Brewer John Maier combines his World Champion Shakespeare Stout, named the “Best of 1500 Beers” by Bob Klein in the Beer Lover’s Rating Guide, with Chocolate to create Rogue Chocolate Stout. This brew has received
over 20 awards, including Gold in the 2012 World Beer Championships.

Chocolate Stout is ebony colored with a rich creamy head. 9 ingredients make up this brew: 2-Row, C-120 and Chocolate Malts; Cascade Hops; Rolled Oats; Roasted Barley; Chocolate; Free Range Coastal Water and Pacman Yeast.

Better news yet is the release of their Double Chocolate Stout which is also being released in a special release bottle, also available in January and February also. More from Rogue:

ROGUE DOUBLE CHOCOLATE STOUT
The Valentine’s Day lineup gets bolder with Rogue Double Chocolate Stout in a special limited edition red 750ml painted bottle. Find it on shelves in January and February only.

Double Chocolate Stout is an evolution of Chocolate Stout, brewed with 10 ingredients: 2-Row, C120 and Chocolate Malts; Cascade Hops; Rolled Oats; Roasted Barley; Honey; Chocolate; Free Range Coastal Water and Pacman Yeast.

Also being released in time for St. Patrick’s Day is Rogues Irish Lager. Only available in 22 oz bombers and on tap. From Rogue:

Rogue Irish Lager is back for a limited time in 2013 as the craft beer choice for St. Patrick’s Day.

Rogue Irish Lager will be available on draft and in 22oz serigraphed bottles in February and March, and makes a great alternative to the usual lineup of dark, heavy stouts found on the holiday.

Rogue Irish Lager has gained worldwide acclaim, winning a Gold at the Australian Beer Awards and 8 medals at the World Beer Championships. Judges described it as having, “…sweetish aromas, followed through with a full malty and rounded palate that finishes with a hint of hop bitters.”

“This is an Irish Lager perfect for floating Guinness, and luck had nothing to do with it.” – John Maier – Rogue Brewmaster

Rogue Irish Lager is brewed with 9 ingredients: Great Western 2-Row, Great Western Pale, Crystal -15, Wheat & Acidulated Malts; Sterling & Perle hops; Czech Pilsner Yeast, and Free Range Coastal Water.

Celebrating its second century, Rogue Ales is an Artisan Varietal Brewery founded in Oregon in 1988, as one of America’s first 50 microbreweries. Rogue has 900+ awards for taste and quality and is distributed nationally and in 32 countries.

Brrr Fest brewery Participants

January 17, 2013Leave a comment

Here is the final list of breweries that will be at Brrr Fest in Coralville on January 26th. I have included links to their websites so you see what they might have available at Brr Fest.

Iowa Breweries

*Angry Cedar Brewing – http://www.angrycedar.com

*Backpocket Brewing – http://www.backpocketbrewing.com

*Broad Street Brewing – http://www.broadstreetbrewing.com/

*CIB – http://www.cibbrewery.com/

*Confluence Brewing – http://www.confluencebrewing.com/

*Court Avenue Brewing Company – http://www.courtavebrew.com/

*Exile – http://exilebrewing.com/brewery/

*Granite City Food & Brewery – http://www.gcfb.net/

*Great River Brewery – http://greatriverbrewery.com/age-verification

*Keg Creek Brewing – http://kegcreekbrewing.com/

*Lost Duck – http://www.duckbrewing.com/

*Madhouse Brewing Company – http://www.madhousebeer.com/

*Millstream Brewing Company – http://www.millstreambrewing.com/

*Peace Tree Brewing Company – http://www.millstreambrewing.com/

*Raccoon River Brewing Company – http://www.raccoonbrew.com/

*Rock Bottom Brewery – http://www.rockbottom.com/

*Sutliff Cider Company – http://www.sutliffcider.com/

*Third Base Brewery – http://www.3rdbasebrewery.com/

*Toppling Goliath Brewing Company – http://www.tgbrews.com/

*Twisted Vine – http://www.twistedvinebrewery.com/

*Worth Brewing Company – http://www.worthbrewing.com/

Nebraska Breweries

*Empyrean Brewing – http://www.empyreanbrewingco.com/

*Nebraska Brewing Company – http://www.nebraskabrewingco.com/main.asp

Minnesota Breweries

*Summit – http://www.summitbrewing.com/

*Crispin – http://www.crispincider.com/

*Shell – http://www.schellsbrewery.com/

*Brau Brothers – http://braubeer.com/

Wisconsin Breweries
*Potosi – http://www.potosibrewery.com/

*Stevens Point – http://www.pointbeer.com/age-check/?redirect=http://www.pointbeer.com/

*Lakefront – http://www.lakefrontbrewery.com/

*Sprecher Brewing – http://www.sprecherbrewery.com/index.php

*Baraboo Brewing -http://www.greatbaraboo.com/

Illinois Breweries
*Goose Island – http://www.gooseisland.com/

*Bent River -http://bentriverbrewing.com/

Missouri Breweries
*Schlafly – http://schlafly.com/

*O’Fallon – http://www.ofallonbrewery.com/

*Boulevard -http://www.boulevard.com/

Michigan Breweries
*Bells – http://bellsbeer.com/

*Jolly Pumpkin – http://www.jollypumpkin.com/

Kansas Breweries
*Tallgrass – http://www.tallgrassbeer.com/

Colorado Breweries

*New Belgium – http://www.newbelgium.com/glass-that-gives.aspx

*Breckenridge – http://www.breckbrew.com/agegate

*Fort Collins Brewing Co -http://www.fortcollinsbrewery.com/

Beer Release News: Widmer Brothers

January 15, 20132 Comments

Widmer brothers has announced 5 of their beers being released in the first quarter of the year. I don’t have much luck finding many of Widmer’s special release beers so if you find a spot in Eastern Iowa that is selling any of the beers listed below please send me a message letting me know where you found it. The list definitely has some intriguing beers that I would love to try. The following info is from www.beerpulse.com.

Widmer Brothers Brewing is celebrating the start of a new year with five new beer releases and some bold new packaging updates.

The releases include two brand new Widmer Brothers beers: Columbia Common Spring Ale, the new recurring spring seasonal from the brewery, and Chocolate Russian Imperial Stout ‘13, a version of KGB Russian Imperial Stout brewed with Ecuadorian cocoa nibs. Additionally, three fan favorites will return as part of the brewery’s spring lineup: O’Ryely IPA, KGB Russian Imperial Stout and Raspberry Russian Imperial Stout ‘13.

“Our team is looking forward to introducing some new beers and bringing back some old favorites to kick off the year,” said Rob Widmer, co-founder of the brewery. “The best part is that each beer has a great story. KGB has been a favorite of ours for almost 15 years; Columbia Common is a great version of the common beer style brewed with Columbia hops, a variety that was recently saved from extinction; O’Ryely IPA was so well-received in our Rotator IPA Series last year that we had to bring it back; then we have the two Brothers’ Reserve Russian Imperial Stouts, Raspberry and Chocolate, which are rich and complex takes on the style.”

Widmer Brothers has also updated its packaging with these new beers to distinguish the seasonal offerings from other beers in the lineup, and to clearly call out the different beers released throughout the year as part of the brewery’s Rotator IPA Series.

“We are really excited about the new bold, colorful and informative packaging planned for 2013,” said Lorin Gelfand, brand manager. “We’ve received a lot of helpful feedback about our packaging since early 2011, when we made some significant packaging changes, and the new look will help our fans easily identify our seasonal releases and the different Rotator IPAs we’re planning to release throughout the year.”

Coinciding with the new releases, Widmer Brothers is changing the name of Series 924 to the W Series. The W Series includes Pitch Black IPA and Nelson Imperial IPA as year-round offerings and three limited releases throughout the year, beginning with this month’s release of KGB Russian Imperial Stout. The brewery is also retiring the Alchemy Project and will release beers previously included in the Project (Raspberry Russian Imperial Stout, Old Embalmer Barleywine and Barrel Aged Brrrbon) as part of the Brothers’ Reserve Series beginning in 2013.

Columbia Common Spring Ale

The Columbia hop was near extinction when we brought it back to create this crisp, easy drinking common beer. With a rich amber hue, Columbia Common, the new spring seasonal release, has mild grassy and spicy hop notes that are complemented by a subtle fruity character and clean finish brought on by the use of Hefeweizen and lager yeasts. It’s the perfect beer for spring.

Malts: 2-Row Pale, Munich 20L, Caramel 40L, Chocolate Malt
Hops: Alchemy, Columbia, Willamette
Original Gravity: 11.75 Plato
IBU: 32
ABV: 4.7%

O’Ryely IPA

O’Ryely IPA is a big, punchy IPA with notable hoppiness and just a touch of caramel malty sweetness. Brewed with rye and Nelson Sauvin hops imported from New Zealand’s South Island, the beer features subtle rye spiciness and fruity, berry-like aroma and flavor.

Malts: Pale, Carapils, Caramel 10, Rye, Caramel Rye
Hops: Alchemy, Nelson Sauvin, Galaxy
Original Gravity: 15 Plato
IBU: 50
ABV: 6.4%

KGB Imperial Stout

Using roasted barley, chocolate malt and Midnight Wheat, KGB has a color that is as dark as a torrid past, a body as full as a well-kept dossier, and a taste as complex as a conspiracy theory. First brewed in 1998 and a longtime favorite in the Widmer Brothers Gasthaus Pub, KGB was bottled and released as the W’11 release, the brewery’s spring seasonal in 2011. KGB is the first of three limited releases in the Widmer Brothers W Series in 2013.

Malts: Pale, Roast Malt, Caramel 60L, Midnight Wheat, Chocolate Malt
Hops: Alchemy, Willamette, Zeus, Cascade
Original Gravity: 21.5 Plato
IBU: 70
ABV: 9.3%

Raspberry Russian Imperial Stout ‘13

Raspberry Russian Imperial Stout was first brewed by Widmer Brothers Brewing in 2008 for the Portland Holiday Ale Festival. In the summer of 2011, our brewers discovered a barrel of the initial batch, which was known as Babushka’s Secret, in the brewery’s cellar. After tasting the beer and realizing how well the beer aged with time, the brewing team decided to brew and release the beer once a year, beginning in 2012. The addition of raspberries during fermentation results in an almost purplish opaque color with a beautiful brown head on Raspberry Russian Imperial Stout and warm chocolate and roasty notes offer the perfect complement to the hop bitterness.

Malts: Pale, Roast Malt, Caramel 60L, Midnight Wheat, Chocolate Malt
Hops: Alchemy, Willamette, Zeus, Cascade
Original Gravity: 21.5 Plato
IBU: 70
ABV: 9.3%

Chocolate Russian Imperial Stout ‘13

We took our delicious KGB Russian Imperial Stout and put another new twist on it. Our brewers threw Ecuadorian cocoa nibs into the brew to create a decadent and complex beer that is sure to hit your sweet spot. Chocolate Russian Imperial Stout ’13 offers flavors of cocoa, roasted barley and coffee, balanced out by a unique hop profile.

Malts: Pale, Roast Malt, Caramel 60L, Midnight Wheat, Chocolate Malt
Hops: Alchemy, Willamette, Zeus, Cascade
Original Gravity: 21.5 Plato
IBU: 70
ABV: 9.3%

About Widmer Brothers Brewing

What started as a dream for two ordinary brothers who just loved beer has now become a reality for two ordinary brothers who still just love beer. Kurt and Rob Widmer helped lead the Pacific Northwest craft beer movement in 1984 when, in their 20s, they dreamed of brewing unique interpretations of traditional beer styles. In 1986, Widmer Brothers Brewing introduced the first American-style Hefeweizen; today, the unfiltered cloudy beer is the company’s signature brew and one of the best-selling wheat beers in the country. Based in Portland, Ore., the brewery currently brews a variety of beers including its Rotator IPA Series, Drifter Pale Ale, Pitch Black IPA, Nelson Imperial IPA, a high-end Brothers’ Reserve Series and a full four seasonal lineup. For more information about Widmer Brothers Brewing, visit www.widmerbrothers.com.

Beer Review #93: Revolution Anti-Hero IPA

January 14, 2013Leave a comment

With the craft beer world blowing up and breweries popping up everywhere it can be very difficult to try all the great stuff that is currently out there. Luckily, having a few friends who travel as much or more as myself to different areas in the midwest I am able to secure a few beers that aren’t available in Eastern Iowa. One such location that has a plethora of newer craft breweries is in Chicago. One such brewery is Revolution Brewing Company. Opened in 2010 and producing 50 different beers a year, Revolution is kind of the new kid on the block but they aren’t holding back. Revolution not only is making good beer but if you check the brewpub menu they are doing everything from burgers and steaks to chicken and waffles.

From the brewery:

An American hop assault for all the ambivalent warriors who get the girl in the end. “Look, I ain’t in this for your revolution, and I’m not in it for you, princess.”

For me, this was a well balanced IPA. The sweetness up front kind of turned me off for a bit but then after a few more drinks the sweetness was balanced perfectly with the hop bitterness. Coming in 12 oz cans, the artwork on the cans itself is worth checking out, but stay for the beer, it is quite good!

REVIEW

STYLE: India Pale Ale

ABV:6.5%

PURCHASED AT: Bootlegged by a friend.

Pour: Orange/amber pour with a medium white head. Lacing sticks heavily as you drink.

Aroma: Piney, citrus hop smell.

Taste: Very sweet first few drinks that are balanced with the hops; a nice IPA.

Overall: B

My Recommendation: If in the Chicagoland area and want to try something local, Revolution would be a great place to start!

Reds Alehouse Hopslam Release Party!

January 9, 20131 Comment

The following comes from Reds Alehouse newsletter:

Only one of the hoppiest, booziest, most delicious DIPAs (double India pale ale) made! And we have it before everyone else! Friday, January 18thbeginning at 10:30am…It will be the end of the world as we know it…well I mean, two HOPSLAMs and my world is over as I know it! I couldn’t ask for a more delicious ending though…

Have hit up this event for the last two years. Reds does it right when it comes to having special releases.

Top 25 Beers of 2012 (available in Eastern Iowa) the Final Chapter!

January 7, 2013Leave a comment

Will the top 25 of 2012 make it into the top 25 of 2013? With many brands hopefully on the horizon and more Iowa breweries starting to brew in 2013, I would expect a change for 2013’s top 25. Rumors of Oskar Blues, Odell, Lagunitas, and more coming to Iowa along with Toppling Goliath and Backpocket bottling, it will be a great year for beer in Eastern Iowa.

Without further ado, the last 5 beers of the Top 25 list has arrived. Would love some feedback as to what you think should be included or what should have been left off the list. Here we go!

Green Flash Imperial IPA – 9.4% – Imperial IPA – Another newer brewery to the Eastern Iowa market, Green Flash has been producing some really fantastic beers. A great balance of intense hops with malts makes this a must try IPA. From the brewery:

“San Diego-style IPA, as it has come to be known by many, is a super-hoppy, high gravity, yet highly quaffable ale. Green Flash Imperial IPA is created in this new tradition, with intense hop flavors and aromas from a unique blend of Summit and Nugget hops. It’s all about the hops!”

Sierra Nevada Torpedo Extra IPA – 7.2% – India Pale Ale – Sierra Nevada beers have been on our shelves for sometime and can be overlooked. This IPA has more of malt presence than some on the shelves but the massive hop flavor helps with the sweetness of the malts. Great stuff, now available in cans as well. From the brewery:

Torpedo is an assertive American IPA deep reddish-gold in color, with a smooth and bready malt presence and over-the-top hop aromas. The beer has a solid bitterness and a massive hop flavor, yet remains easy drinking with a pleasant dry finish.

Founders Breakfast Stout – 8.3% – Imperial Stout – One of my all-time favorite beers that, according to the label, makes it ok to drink beer for breakfast. In all reality, this would be the perfect companion to a plate of bacon and eggs. Huge coffee presence that doesn’t take away from the qualities of a stout. You still get the creaminess, chocolate bitterness, that blends perfect with the coffee flavor. Awesome beer! From the brewery:

You’ve got to love coffee to truly appreciate this phenomenal brew. Brewed with an abundance of flaked oats, bitter and sweetened imported chocolates, Sumatra and Kona coffee. We’re actually not sure if this is some type of coffee cake or a beer. Either way you can drink this ale with a fork. Breakfast Stout has an intense fresh roasted coffee nose topped with a cinnamon colored frothy head that seems to never fade and makes you wish breakfast could last forever.

Schlafly Bourbon Barrel Aged Imperial Stout – 10.5% – Imperial Stout – Huge malt presence with roasted barley that fits perfectly with a mild hop presence. Not overpowered by the bourbon aging, it’s there, but not dominating the flavor of the beer. Nice little burn from the alcohol but not over the top. A perfect beer for a cold night! From the brewery:

Around the time of the Louisiana purchase, beer was shipped in barrels. if one had been lucky enough to receive a used Bourbon barrel of Imperial Stout, this is what his/her happy taste buds would have encountered: roasty, rich, malty imperial stout with a strong dose of caramel, oak, and Bourbon character. This is the perfect beer to pair with hearty, cold weather dishes, smoked meats, and virtually any dessert.

Peace Tree Templeton Red – 7% – Sour/Wild Ale – Peace Tree, located in Knoxville, IA, has a very impressive lineup of beers. Many of them almost made the top 25. Their Blonde Fatale, Gumbo Stout, Hop Wrangler, and Hop Sutra are all excellent beers, but the one that stood out most this year was their Templeton Red. Bourbon nose with this beer and the flavor has the caramel, oak flavor that makes this beer tremendous. From the brewery:

Joe loves to experiment with barrel aged beers and was lucky enough to score 25 Templeton Red Barrels last June. Addded to these barrels was a red ale which was allowed to pick up some wild fermentaion. The result is a deliciously tart, red ale with hints of Templeton Rye Whiskey and oak. It comes in at about 7% ABV and is a very smooth drinker.

6th Annual BeerBaron Family Beerfest Results!

January 5, 2013Leave a comment

I think this is the 6th? Anyway, the baron is still winless, although the good news this year is that IPAs have finally won the gold medal. In previous years, the ladies of the beerbaron family have made it very trying to win when bringing an IPA, they just aren’t into the intense hop presence, but this year we have broken new ground and hopefully will continue to do so. Another fun night at the parents’ house, more exciting beers to try and already looking into what to bring to next years competition.

Judging is based on 4 categories: appearance, aroma, taste, and drinkability.

I did bring an IPA, Schlafly’s Tasmanian IPA to be exact, and although I felt I had the best beer of the bunch, majority rules; here are the results.

1. Mission Street IPA – 6.1% ABV – India Pale Ale – I believe this beer is available at Trader Joe’s around the country. This is a very drinkable beer, the malt presence is the initial taste followed with the pine and resin from the hops to round it out. The winner is the same guy whose beer almost made me wretch a couple of years ago. A great worst to first story. Congrats to brother-in-law Tees Dees on the victory, but now he is a marked man.

2. Samuel Adams Winter Lager – 5.6% ABV – Spice/Herb/Vegetable – the 2nd time that is has been brought to the big show and this time scored much better than the last, I believe. I think this struck a chord with the females in the family but a few of the guys thought it was lacking in the flavor department. Sam Adams usually makes a showing, but has yet to take home gold. I wonder if my brother will bring it again, or if he thinks this was its best run?

3. Schlafly Tasmanian IPA – 7.2% – India Pale Ale – Of course I thought this was the best beer of the bunch! It’s a fantastic IPA! I wish Schlafly could brew this year-round, but of course it just came up short, (actually tied for 3rd but I’m going to go ahead and put myself in the #3 spot). Two IPAs in the top 3, the tides are turning a bit and taste buds are hopefully changing for the group. Seriously though, this beer is excellent. Buy some, buy some now.

4. Well’s Banana Bread Beer – 5.2% – English Strong Ale/Fruit Beer – Brought by my sister-in-law. This is one of those beers that gets hurt in the drinkability category. You are definitely tasting banana bread and the first few sips are really good, but after it sits a bit, it almost becomes undrinkable. Drink it fast and it is a pretty refreshing fruit beer.

5. Bell’s Java Stout – 7.5% – Stout – brought by my youngest brothers’ love interest. This is an intense coffee stout, one that would really wake you up in the morning if you are a morning beer person. I really enjoy this beer, at the right time.

6. Lagunitas IPA – 6.2% – India Pale Ale – brought by Meat. Definitely thought that this beer should have placed higher. An excellent west coast ipa with hop bitterness in your face rounded out by the sweet malts. I enjoyed a few of these after the beerfest was over.

7. Big Sky Moose Drool Brown Ale – 5.1% – brown ale – brought by the 3 time defending champ, the Beer Baroness. I thought this would place higher, and am thinking this was an old six pack. It seemed really think and lacking flavor, or it could be where and when we tasted it. Nevertheless, the Baroness has been knocked off her throne and Tees Dees takes the crown.

8. Breckenridge Oatmeal Stout – 4.95% – Stout – brought by Stab, the King of the castle. Am I missing something when it comes to Breckenridge brews? Nothing they have done impresses me at all and with an oatmeal stout you would think that it would be a very drinkable, possible top 3 placing. No go here, thin, watery, lacking many qualities of what a good stout has, finishes in the bottom 2.

9. Chick Beer – 4.2% – Pale Lager – Well shit, I’m not even sure what to say about this beer. If you go to http://www.ratebeer.com and look at the scoring it got a 3 out of 100. A three! I love my mom dearly, and believe she picked it because the packaging was cool, but as the old saying goes, never judge a beer by its packaging. One of the worst damn things I’ve ever tasted and I hope it goes away forever.

What should I bring next year? Help me out.

Top 25 Beers of 2012 (available in Eastern Iowa) part 4 of 5

January 1, 2013January 1, 20132 Comments

Happy New Year everyone! Hoping everyone got their Brr Fest tickets! Looking forward to seeing fellow craft beer lovers January 26th! Moving right on with the list:

Bell’s Hopslam – 10% ABV – Imperial IPA

One of the most anticipated releases of the year and it is coming around the corner here in Eastern Iowa. This time last year Hopslam was probably of the best beers we could get our hands in Eastern Iowa and I expect the same this year. Looking forward to the release parties that accompany this brew to Eastern Iowa. Can’t wait! From the brewery:

Starting with six different hop varietals added to the brew kettle & culminating with a massive dry-hop addition of Simcoe hops, Bell’s Hopslam Ale possesses the most complex hopping schedule in the Bell’s repetoire. Selected specifically because of their aromatic qualities, these Pacific Northwest varieties contribute a pungent blend of grapefruit, stone fruit, and floral notes. A generous malt bill and a solid dollop of honey provide just enough body to keep the balance in check, resulting in a remarkably drinkable rendition of the Double India Pale Ale style.

Toppling Goliath Golden Nugget – 7.2% – India Pale Ale

For the 2nd time, a Toppling Goliath brew has hit the Top 25 list. A great accomplishment for a small Iowa brewery, and with the bottling coming in soon I can only imagine even better and bigger things from this fantastic brewery! 2013 might be the year of Toppling Goliath brewery!

This spectacularly golden, medium bodied IPA was crafted from a winning combination of Golden Promise malt and Nugget hops.

Fall in love with the big hop aroma of our Golden Nugget as it mingles with fragrances of citrus and evergreen, followed by a floral sweetness. Tropical fruit flavors entice your taste buds before immediately captivating you with a bold, hop forward taste and a pleasant bitterness that lingers in the finish.

Summit Oatmeal Stout – 4.7% – Sweet Stout

I was introduced to this beer at Stone City restaurant near Anamosa, a place where the beer selection is minimal, so I tried this and really loved it. Consistency of a Guinness with more flavor, this stout hits my list, but can be tough to find around the area. The one downfall is that it is only available on draft, no bottles. El Bait Shop in Des Moines had it on nitro tap for a while, and it was fantastic! There seems to be a lack of really good stouts on tap lines throughout the Eastern Iowa area, save for Guinness, so this would be a great addition for any bar/restaurant to have, especially during the winter months ahead. From the brewery:

While it may resemble a popular Irish Stout, our Oatmeal Stout is quite different. Most notably it’s sweeter. Chocolate, coffee and caramel flavors round out this smooth, full-bodied beer.

Goose Island Bourbon County Stout – 15% – Imperial Stout

Another highly anticipated release beer that really can pack a punch with the high ABV. A nice winter sipper and even though it is brewed by the evil AB-InBev, this is a must try brew. From the brewery:

“I really wanted to do something special for our 1000th batch at the original brewpub. Goose Island could have thrown a party. But we did something better. We brewed a beer. A really big batch of stout-so big the malt was coming out of the top of the mash tun. After fermentation we brought in some bourbon barrels to age the stout. One hundred and fifty days later, Bourbon County Stout was born-A liquid as dark and dense as a black hole with a thick foam the color of bourbon barrels. The nose is a mix of charred oak, vanilla,carmel and smoke. One sip has more flavor than your average case of beer. It overpowers anything in the room. People have even said that it’s a great cigar beer, but I haven’t yet tried a cigar that would stand up to it.” Brewmaster Greg Hall;
IBU’s 60-High Color – Midnight
Was 11% abv,
2007 and 2008 – 13% abv
2011 – 14.5% abv
2012 – 15% abv

Bells Special Double Cream Stout – 6.1% – Sweet Stout

The third stout to hit this part of the top 25 is one that is constantly available in my fridge. A great beer to accompany the cold weather and the snow Bells paints the perfect picture for what a stout should be; tan head, aroma of chocolate and coffee, and the sweet, creamy flavor that accompanies great stouts. Terrific beer! From the brewery:

Sweeter and smoother than Kalamazoo Stout. A beer for special winter occasions. Great with chocolate desserts. Available October-March.

Top 25 Beers of 2012 (available in Eastern Iowa) Part 3 of 5

December 28, 2012December 28, 20122 Comments

I hope everyone had a great Christmas and got to drink some wonderful beers. I’m hoping to get this list done by New Year’s Day so here we go with part 3 0f 5.

NEXT 5

Stone Ruination 10th Anniversary IPA – Imperial IPA – 10.8%

Yes, another Stone brewery beer is on this list. But that has to tell you how great their beers are and how lucky we are to have them on our liquor/grocery store shelves in Eastern Iowa. This beer was my favorite of the year until I ran into their Enjoy By IPA, but still an amazing beer. Huge citrus hop presence in the nose and the flavor is much the same. It was one of those beers that you were lucky to try one, but if you saw 20 bottles you should buy the whole lot. Description from the brewery:

And as Stone Ruination IPA turns 10, we thought we’d make ourselves a nice little birthday present to celebrate. But what kind of selfish jerks would we be if we didn’t share?! Behold, the Stone Ruination Tenth Anniversary IPA. (Clever name, eh? That’s why us folks in the Marketing Dept. get the big bucks!) It’s an amped-up version of Stone Ruination IPA, with a bit more malt to bring the abv up from 7.7% to 10.8%, and a very heavy dose of hops. “Classic” Ruination uses 2.5 pounds of hops per barrel–which is more than double the amount we use in any other of our core beers–but for Stone Ruination Tenth Anniversary IPA, we went double again, using an impressive 5 pounds of hops per barrel, including about a pound each of Citra and Centennial in the dry hop. (Hell. Yes.)

Suggested Pairings, provided by “Dr.” Bill Sysak
Appetizers: Kimchee, ceviche, bacon-wrapped jalapeños (or habaneros)
Entrées: Salt and pepper shrimp, jambalaya, roasted pork chops with apple sauce, pineapple curry
Desserts: Apple pie with caramel sauce, toffee bars, spiced carrot cake
Cheeses: Aged Cheddar, Parmigiano-Reggiano, Roquefort, Mimolette
Cigars: Ashton Classic Majesty, Litto Gomez Diez, Don Pepin Garcia Blue Label Invictos Corojo Robusto

Evil Twin Biscotti Break – 8.4% – Imperial Porter

A perfect beer to drink during the winter months in Iowa. Nice robust flavors of nuts, biscuits, coffee, dark chocolate, and malts. The flavor is sweet, caramel and coffee dominate with a nice bitter finish. I’ve seen mixed reviews on this one and the price tag is relatively hefty, anywhere from $15-$20 for a bottle, but definitely worth seeking and trying in my opinion. From the brewery:

Editors note: the first edition was brewed at Fanø Bryghus, Denmark for the Beer cruise Rome-Barcelona, June 2011 and held 7.5% ABV.

Porter made with espresso, vanilla and toasted almonds for the Beer cruise Rome-Barcelona, June 2011. Italy has a certain “je ne sais quoi” – fab food culture, highly decadent history of art and cool countryside. Some might argue the people are loud and flamboyant, they steal our women, and their soccer players melodramatically flop on the pitch. Listen – that’s all part of the secret Italian ingredient – keep it cool, confident, arrogant and extravagant. Forza Italia!
Malt beverage with almonds, vanilla beans and coffee added.

Founders Double Trouble – 9.4% – Imperial IPA

Another relatively new brewery in Eastern Iowa this year that has multiple beers on my list. I think it goes to show that local breweries are going to have to up their game a bit to compete for shelf space with the craft beer greats such as Founders and Stone. Powerful double IPA with strong citrus flavor. Very drinkable and be cautious as it comes in at 9.4% ABV. Great stuff, can’t wait for spring release! From the brewery:

An imperial IPA that was brewed to turn your world upside down. Hops have got you coming and going. Pungent aromatics up front paired with a malt balanced backbone and a smooth bitter finish. 86 IBUs.

Sierra Nevada Hoptimum – 10.4% – Imperial IPA

The first time I had this beer I was enjoying one with my brother. His first comment upon opening the beer is that it smelled heavily of weed, which I guess must be a good thing, because this beer blew me away. In your face hop presence in both aroma and flavor. A very aggressive beer, not for virgin craft beer drinker. From the brewery:

A group of hop-heads and publicans challenged our Beer Camp (#19) brewers to push the extremes of whole-cone hop brewing. The result is this: a 100 IBU, whole-cone hurricane of flavor. Simply put- Hoptimum: the biggest whole-cone IPA we have ever produced. Aggressively hopped, dry-hopped and torpedoed with our exclusive new hop varieties for ultra-intense flavors and aromas.

Hops, hops and more hops are the stars of this big, whole-cone Imperial IPA. Resinous ‘new-school’ and exclusive hop varieties carry the bold and aromatic nose. The flavor follows the aroma with layers of aggressive hoppiness, featuring notes of grapefruit rind, rose, lilac, cedar and tropical fruit – all culminating in a dry and lasting finish.

Beer specs:
ABV: 10.4%
Original Gravity: 22.8 Plato
Final Gravity: 4.5 Plato
Bitterness Units: 100 IBU
Color: Orange Amber
Bittering Hops: German Magnum
Aroma Hops: Simcoe & New Proprietary Variety
Dry Hops: Simcoe & New Proprietary Variety
Torpedo Hops: Citra & Chinook
Malts: Two-row Pale, Golden Promise, Munich & Wheat
Yeast: Ale

Great River Redband Coffee Stout – 6% – Stout

Brewed in the great state of Iowa used with their local coffee shops coffee beans this an intense coffee stout. Huge coffee flavor that pairs perfectly the dark chocolate and roasted malts in this stout. Nice bitter finish that lingers for a bit. A great beer, and glad to have this made in Iowa. From the brewery:

We love our local roaster’s New Orleans Iced Coffee so much we decided to use their beans in our brew. Redband Stout is made with Indonesian and Ethiopian beans using our 18-hour cold brew extraction method, resulting in a satisfying brew with intense coffee aromatics. The marriage of two of our favorite beverages.