Coming to Shelves: Left Hand, Sixpoint, Deschutes, New Holland, Central Waters, Avery, 515, Lion Bridge and much more!

February 19, 2018Leave a comment

A lot of updates of possible beers hitting Eastern Iowa shelves in the next few months on the day where Dogfish Head brewery made its way back to our shelves as well. We also got word the Central Waters was releasing a barrel-aged coconut porter. I’ve reached out to a few places but no one has gotten word on if Iowa will get any of that brew. Onto the update:

**Sixpoint Brewery**
-V Righteous Barrel-Aged w/vanilla – not sure if we will see this one or not but this comes courtesy of Sixpoint’s website:

Fire up your Sixpoint app and get ready for release news in the future on this beer. This is V Righteous from Sixpoint Brewery in Brooklyn, NY. This beer is a barrel-aged rye ale brewed with vanilla and it will be packaged in 12oz cans. This beer will hit 10.7%-AbV and remember “hoods make not monks.” Stay tuned here for on your Sixpoint app for release details coming soon.

–Power Ballad (New England Style IPA) – another one I’m not quite sure if we will get a sniff or not is their New England Style DIPA. This brew will come in at 8%, stay tuned for more on both of these releases from Sixpoint.

**Deschutes Brewery**
A ton of info on Deschutes releases for the next 3-4 months from Deschutes’ website:

SOUR SERIES
Pear Bergamot Sour
When:  Year Round 2018
What: Sour Series (draft only)
The Deschutes Sour Series is a new offering from Deschutes Brewery. An innovative and creative series of stainless, lacto soured beers that vary in the use of fruit, hops, spices and specialty ingredients, all maintain a harmonious and clean acidity ranging from mild to medium. This series combines two trends among craft beer consumers: an emerging interest in kettle sours and a movement toward fruit-flavored beers. This series delivers both in a distinctly Deschutes way that is culinary-inspired and truly unique. Pear Bergamot Sour Ale tasting notes include pear and citrus with a floral aroma. Next up this spring, Black Raspberry Sour.
Beer Geek Information:  4.3% ABV | 18 IBUs
Where: Available everywhere Deschutes is sold on draft.

RESERVE SERIES
The Ages
When: April 2018
What: Reserve Series (500ml-bottles)
A gueuze-inspired, multi-year blending shapes a wild brew brimming with fruity, spicy esters and savory, tangy pear and white pepper flavors. Deschutes’ first release in a 500ml bottle, this is a beer for the ages.
Beer Geek Information:  7.5% ABV | 15 IBUs
Where: Available everywhere Deschutes is sold.

BOND STREET SERIES
Swivelhead Red
When: February – May 2018
What: Bond Street Series (12-ounce bottles and draft)
Perfect for that St. Patrick’s Day celebration! This twist on a traditional red ale gets its herbal hop character from European varietals added in American quantities, with a light melon accent from Australian hops, all resulting in a malty brew without the roast that’s sure to turn heads wherever it’s shared. The quirky artwork on the label tells a story and represents all the characters that contributed to this brew.
The Stats:  6.5% ABV | 70 IBUs
Where: Available everywhere where Deschutes is sold.

COLLABORATIONS
Fresh Chair Northwest Pale Ale
When: March 2018
What: 30^th Anniversary Collaboration with Crux Fermentation Project (draft only)
In celebration of Deschutes Brewery’s 30^th birthday, they’ve partnered with several Deschutes Brewery alumni to collaborate on seven exciting brews. The first debut includes former brew masters Larry Sidor and Cam O’Connor now of Crux Fermentation Project, in the creation of a perfect blend of award winning Fresh Squeezed IPA and Red Chair Northwest Pale Ale. Encompassing the popular hop varieties Citra, Mosaic and Centennial, a bright and bold hop aroma compliments a drinkable malt body. All proceeds from this beer will benefit restoration of streamflow and improved water quality in the Deschutes River Basin.
Beer Geek Information: 6.5% ABV | 35 IBU
Where: Limited release in Oregon and Washington.

Humm Zinger
When: May 2018
What: Humm Kombucha Collaboration
A collaboration with Humm Kombucha, a fellow Bend, Oregon, craft pioneer, this unique kombucha radler combines Humm’s tangy grapefruit with the iconic Cascade hops and Pilsner malt that Deschutes Brewery uses in many of its beers. The finished brew is a crisp and invigorating fresh twist on a radler.
The Stats: 4.3% ABV | 12 IBUs
Where: Limited release in Oregon and Washington.

SEASONAL
Twilight Summer Ale
When: April – August 2018
What: Seasonal (12-ounce bottles and draft)
Back by unrelenting customer demand, Twilight Summer Ale hits the shelves just in time for summer this year! Originally introduced in 2004, this clever golden-hued ale pours remarkably crisp and clean. A distinctive malt body complements a refreshing hop profile led by a healthy dose of bold Amarillo hops. It’s going to be a great summer.
The Stats:  5.0% ABV | 38 IBUs
Where: Available everywhere Deschutes is sold.

Here’s the full fact sheet:

Beer news: CANS! (March); Pear Bergamot Sour (January); Swivelhead Red (February); Fresh Chair Northwest Pale Ale (March); The Ages, Twilight (April)

BEERS

Cans!

When: March

What: Fresh Squeezed IPA, Mirror Pond Pale Ale & Pacific Wonderland Lager (12oz, 6pack cans)

The weight is over! Three brands of Deschutes Brewery beer are now available in lighter, convenient packaging, more easily transported to any occasion. Fresh Squeezed IPA, Mirror Pond Pale Ale and Pacific Wonderland Lager will soon ship to distributors and land on retail shelves in 12-ounce cans. Up next,19.2-ounce single serve cans of Fresh Squeezed IPA will follow. Adventure awaits. Go-CAN-do!

Where:Available everywhere Deschutes is sold.

Introducing the Deschutes Brewery SOUR SERIES

Currently pouring: Pear Bergamot Sour

When: All year

What: Sour Series (draft only)

The Deschutes Sour Series is a new offering from Deschutes Brewery. An innovative and creative series of stainless, lacto soured beers that vary in the use of fruit, hops, spices and specialty ingredients, all maintain a harmonious and clean acidity ranging from mild to medium. This series combines two trends among craft beer consumers: an emerging interest in kettle sours and a movement toward fruit-flavored beers. This series delivers both in a distinctly Deschutes way that is culinary-inspired and truly unique. Pear Bergamot Sour Ale tasting notes include pear and citrus with a floral aroma. Next up this spring, Black Raspberry Sour.

Beer Geek Information:  4.3% ABV | 18 IBUs

Where: Available everywhere Deschutes is sold on draft.

RESERVE SERIES

The Ages

When: April Release
What: Reserve Series (500ml-bottles)

A gueuze-inspired, multi-year blending shapes a wild brew brimming with fruity, spicy esters and savory, tangy pear and white pepper flavors. Deschutes’ first release in a 500ml bottle, this is a beer for the ages.

Beer Geek Information:  7.5% ABV | 15 IBUs

Where: Available everywhere Deschutes is sold.

BOND STREET SERIES

Swivelhead Red

When: February – May
What: Bond Street Series (12-ounce bottles and draft)

Perfect for that St. Patrick’s Day celebration! This twist on a traditional red ale gets its herbal hop character from European varietals added in American quantities, with a light melon accent from Australian hops, all resulting in a malty brew without the roast that’s sure to turn heads wherever it’s shared. The quirky artwork on the label tells a story and represents all the characters that contributed to this brew.

The Stats:  6.5% ABV | 70 IBUs

Where: Available everywhere where Deschutes is sold

COLLABORATIONS

Fresh Chair Northwest Pale Ale

When: March
What: 30^th Anniversary Collaboration with Crux Fermentation Project (draft only)

In celebration of Deschutes Brewery’s 30^th birthday, they’ve partnered with several Deschutes Brewery alumni to collaborate on seven exciting brews. The first debut includes former brew masters Larry Sidor and Cam O’Connor now of Crux Fermentation Project, in the creation of a perfect blend of award winning Fresh Squeezed IPA and Red Chair Northwest Pale Ale. Encompassing the popular hop varieties Citra, Mosaic and Centennial, a bright and bold hop aroma compliments a drinkable malt body. All proceeds from this beer will benefit restoration of streamflow and improved water quality in the Deschutes River Basin.

Beer Geek Information: 6.5% ABV | 35 IBU

Where: Limited release in Oregon and Washington

Humm Zinger

When: May

What: Humm Kombucha Collaboration

A collaboration with Humm Kombucha, a fellow Bend, Oregon, craft pioneer, this unique kombucha radler combines Humm’s tangy grapefruit with the iconic Cascade hops and Pilsner malt that Deschutes Brewery uses in many of its beers. The finished brew is a crisp and invigorating fresh twist on a radler.

The Stats: 4.3% ABV | 12 IBUs

Where: Limited release in Oregon and Washington

SEASONAL

Twilight Summer Ale

When: April – August

What: Seasonal (12-ounce bottles and draft)

Back by unrelenting customer demand, Twilight Summer Ale hits the shelves just in time for summer this year! Originally introduced in 2004, this clever golden-hued ale pours remarkably crisp and clean. A distinctive malt body complements a refreshing hop profile led by a healthy dose of bold Amarillo hops. It’s going to be a great summer.

The Stats:  5.0% ABV | 38 IBUs

Where: Available everywhere Deschutes is sold

**Boulevard Brewing + Zipline Brewing Collab**

-Linkin’ Up Hot Dust IPA – here’s info on this brew courtesy of mybeerbuzz.com:

Today we get to see a new collaboration beer coming from Boulevard Brewing in Kansas City, MO. This is Linkin’ Up and it is a collaboration with Zipline Brewing in Lincoln, NE. The beer is a hop dust IPA that will hit 6.2%-AbV & 47 IBU and the beer will be packaged in 12oz bottles at Boulevard. Stay tuned for release info. We also have the Zipline Brewing double-version below called Getting’ Down hop dust DIPA (8.5%-AbV, 750ml bottles).

**Left Hand Brewing**

-Peach Beerllini Radler – a refreshing sounding brew coming soon from Left Hand. Coming in at 4.1%, this brew does not have a release date quite yet but one could expect to see it before the warmer months hit!

-Belgian Style Dubbel Nitro Cans – courtesy of mybeerbuzz.com:
This morning we have another new nitro can coming from Left Hand Brewing in Longmont, CO. This is Belgian-Style Dubbel Nitro and yep…it’s a Belgian-style Dubbel ale charged with nitrogen. The beer hits 7.9%-AbV & 30 IBU and this is the 13.675oz Ball cans. According to the Left Hand Release Calendar, this beer is a seasonal release coming in March/April.

**Odell Brewing**

-Limerence Meyer Lemon Blonde Ale – not much is known on this brew yet but it will be part of Odells Exclusive Release Series. Other than label, nothing much else is known, stay tuned for on this tasty sounding brew.

**515 Brewing**

-Castaway Porter – 515 released this brew last Thursday. If you dig a good coconut porter then this is one you’ll want to seek out.

**Lion Bridge Brewing**

-Dinner Sauce IPA – here’s what the brewery had to say about this brew

We’ve got a brand new brew for you this week! Friday we’re tapping Dinner Sauce IPA, a true everything beer. Lemony and herbal with some tropical fruit character and just enough wheat creaminess to balance out the dryness. Go ahead, have seconds, you deserve it!

-Olde No. 17 –

The official beer of the St. Patrick’s Day Parade Society and brewed to commemorate its 40th anniversary. This is the classic pub stout you know and love with a twist; 100 lbs of organic mashed potatoes were added during the brew to increase the dryness and slightly boost the alcohol. Roasty, with hints of dark chocolate, nuttiness and rich creamy mouthfeel. Slainte!

**Ballast Point**

-Aloha Sculpin

With Aloha Sculpin, we used Brux Trois yeast to turn our award-winning IPA into a tropical oasis, with bright and refreshing notes of mango, pineapple and guava, along with a slight haze and smooth mouthfeel

Boulevard 2017 Release Schedule

December 1, 2016December 1, 2016Leave a comment

Here’s a look at Boulevard’s 2017 release schedule with a few new brews that will be making their way to our shelves. A kolsch will join the year-round lineup while a new imperial stout and imperial pilsner will make it’s way to the Smokestack Series. Two new beers have been added in the sour series and a milk stout is added to the seasonal rotation. The Limited Releases will have 7 new beers so stay tuned on their releases. Here’s the full schedule:

Boulevard’s 2017 Release Calendar is Out

August 26, 2016August 26, 2016Leave a comment

Hitting Shelves: Fall Releases, Stone Oakmeal, Jubalale, BB Quad, Destihl

July 19, 2016July 19, 2016Leave a comment

Quite a few new brews will soon be hitting packaging lines and then off to distro and HOPEFULLY!…hopefully hitting our shelves. Let’s get on with the list!

**Stone Oakmeal Bourbon Barrel Stout** – this is part of Stone’s Small Batch series so I’m not sure if we will see this beer or not. According to mybeerbuzz.blogspot.com this is Stone’s bitter chocolate oatmeal stout aged in Kentucky bourbon barrels for 7 months. It will come in at 11.4% ABV and packaging will begin this month. More on this beer courtesy of Stone Brewing:

Brewed December 5, 2015
Originally inspired by the recipe of two Team Stone members, Stone 12th Anniversary Bitter Chocolate Oatmeal Stout became an instant classic. The onyx-hued beer also proved to be an ideal barrel-aging specimen, thanks to the rich, thick mouthfeel and chocolate-heavy flavors and aromatics.

**Destihl Wild Sour Series: Synchopathic** – another brew is making its way to Destihl’s popular Wild Sour Series and Synchopathic is a dry-hopped American Wild ale bursting with flavors.Here’s more on this brew courtesy of beerstreetjournal.com:

…with totally rad aromas and flavors reminiscent of grapefruit, orange, lemon, tangerine, pineapple and hints of pine, giving way to a biscuity-crackery malt back beat, low bitterness and a dry finish to bring everything in synch.

Destihil Wild Sour Synchopathic is available in 12 ounce cans and draft starting in mid-July.

Style: American Wild Ale
Availability: 12oz Cans, Draft.
Release: Mid-July, 2016

6% ABV

**Boulevard Bourbon Barrel Quad** – the 750 ml are no more for this beer as we will be getting it in 12 oz 4 packs. It will still check in at 11.8% ABV and it sounds like it will become available in October. Expect the price to be a tad higher than most other Boulevard 4 packs due to it being barrel-aged.

**Deschutes Jubalale** – the annual release from Deschutes will be available starting in October. It will once again be available in 12 oz 6 packs and check in at 6.7%. Here’s more on this beer courtesy of Deschutes’ website:

Available October – December. Warm spiciness and tradition grace this bold winter ale. Intriguing, layered flavors unfold to reveal chicory, dried fruit and toffee notes with a hoppy kick to finish. The deep garnet color pairs perfectly with holiday celebrations.

**Boulevard Cranberry Orange Radler** – something you usually consider a summer-style beer, radler, is getting fall makeover courtsey of Boulevard. Their popular lemon/ginger radler will take a backseat as the cooler months approach and be replaced by Cranberry/Orange radler. We will see this one coming in October as well. Here’s more from Boulevard:

Beginning in the fall of 2016, Cranberry Orange Radler will be available in six packs of 12-ounce cans. Using our experience from creating Ginger Lemon Radler, we’ll follow the same process, but instead of using ginger and lemon juice, we’ll add (no surprise here) orange and cranberry to the beer.

Beautifully hazy and slightly pink in color, Cranberry Orange Radler will open with an aroma of sweet blood oranges and just a hint of cranberry. The blood orange character boldly manifests in the flavor giving way to cranberry tartness. The base beer, Unfiltered Wheat Beer, contributes a slightly sweet bready flavor to the malt profile of the beer that shines with bright citrus flavor and a touch of acidity. Cranberry Orange Radler clocks in at 4.05% ABV and 12 IBUs.

– Jeremy Danner, Ambassador Brewer

Know of anymore releases? Send a message my way! Cheers!

Coralville Hy-Vee Wine & Spirits Boulevard Tasting and Meet the Brewery Rep! 5/27 @ 4 p.m.

May 20, 2016May 20, 2016Leave a comment

Come meet the Boulevard Brewery rep and enjoy some tasty Boulevard brews as well as a chance to win a Big Green Egg smoker! More below:

Coming to Shelves: Boulevard Tropical Pale Ale cans, Lagunitas Waldo’s Special Ale, Summit Pils, New Holland Sour Series, Bells Session Pale Ale

February 15, 2016February 15, 2016Leave a comment

A few news tidbits from around the web this week with some updates of beers that should be coming to Eastern Iowa at some point. Have any news? Drop me a line @benmed15@yahoo.com:

**Boulevard Brewing Tropical Pale Ale – what started as a collaboration with Cigar City is now turning into a canned version solely released by Boulevard. Tropical Pale Ale will be released in cans. No word on if there will be a recipe change from the original and no release date yet. Stay tuned for more on this one.

**Lagunitas Waldo’s Special Ale – part of Lagunitas’ One-Hitter Series returns for a brief time and release date looks to be 4/20. This is a double IPA that in past checked in around 10.8% ABV and this year will be available in 12 oz bottles. Really excited for this one in bottles!

**Summit Brewing 30th Anniversary Pils – Summit’s 30th summit Anniversary coming out and another beer they’re releasing in celebration is a Keller Pils. This unfiltered German-style pils will come in at 5.1% ABV and be available in 12 oz cans and be released late spring/summer this year.

**New Holland Mischievous – part of New Holland’s Sour Series is Mischievous. This is an American Wild Ale that is fermented with brett. This beer checks in at 5.5% abv and will be available in 22 oz bottles. Here’s more from the brewery:

Mischievous presents flavors derived from its 100% brettanomyces fermentation. This wild yeast contributes earthiness, spice, mineral-character and slight tartness.

**Bells Oatsmobile Ale – a session pale ale brewed with oats is coming from Bells this April. At 4.3% ABV, this hop-forward pale ale is dry hopped with Mosaic, citra, and amarillo, amongst others and the using malted oats to give it that unique body. Here’s more from Bells:

COMSTOCK, Mich.—Bell’s Brewery will roll out a brand new beer in April. It is the first new addition to its year-round lineup since 2010.

A hop-forward session Pale Ale brewed with oats, Oatsmobile Ale (4.3% ABV) will be available on draught and in 12 oz. bottles, packaged in six-packs across Bell’s distribution footprint.

Oatsmobile is dry-hopped with a blend of classic and modern Pacific Northwest hops, including Mosaic, Citra and Amarillo, for a pungent blend of stone fruit and tropical aromas.

“This beer is unique. Aromatics may drive it, but the signature ingredient – oats – are what really makes this beer stand apart and also where the name comes from. It’s approachable and intriguing with a fun personality,” said Bell’s Vice President, Laura Bell.

“The use of malted oats help give it a body that you don’t see in most other session Pale Ales. Once we tweaked the recipe to combine the body from the oats with those powerful hop aromas, we thought it would make a great addition to our year-round portfolio,” she said.

This 100% all-malt Pale Ale was first brewed in 2013 to explore the use of oats in a Pale Ale at Bell’s original brewery in downtown Kalamazoo. Initially Oat Ale, it was renamed Boiling Pot Pale Ale when it was released as a limited specialty draught option in select markets.

Oatsmobile launch events and additional details will be shared at bellsbeer.com and on Bell’s social media as it becomes available.

Coming to Shelves: Green Flash Porter, Boulevard Session, Crooked Stave, Ballast Point Watermelon Dorado, Lagunitas Sour

February 5, 2016February 5, 2016Leave a comment

Hoping to make my first trip to Quarter Barrel Arcade Brewery in Cedar Rapids this weekend and making a few pit stops at Lion Bridge and maybe a journey to Big Grove for a growler fill or 3. It should make for a great super bowl weekend. Some new beers will soon be gracing our shelves, some sound pretty unique and worth trying. Here we go:

cosmic *Green Flash Cosmic Ristretto – this is a baltic porter with Espresso beans and will become part of Green Flash’s new year-round lineup starting this month. It will be available in 22 oz bottles and clocks in at 8.2%. More on this brew from Green Flash:

Marvel at its rich black appearance with bruleed edges and mocha-colored beer foam. Breathe in its coffee aroma and sweet malts, and savor its smooth, espresso, chocolate flavor.

bully *Boulevard Frequent Flier Session IPA – Frequent Flier is the new name for their Pop-Up session IPA with a slight adjustment in the recipe along with new logo and its availability in cans. It checks in at 4.4% ABV.

*Crooked Stave – a ton of Crooked Stave releases upcoming. I’m not quite sure on their availability for us in Iowa but I will keep you posted with news on their releases. Lots of info on the releases of: Persica, Motif, L’Brett, Petite Sour, Salvador Cybies, Silly Cybies, Serenata Notturna, Hop Savant, Colorado Wild Sage, Surette, Nightmare On Brett at mybeerbuzz.blogspot.com here.

*Ballast Point Watermelon Dorado and Thai Chili Wahoo – two new beers from Ballast Point that sound interesting. First is Watermelon Dorado, a double IPA brewed with….you guessed it! Watermelon! It checks in at 10% and sounds pretty damn refreshing. More on this beer courtesy of Ballast Point:

This Double IPA is not one to back down from big flavors. Mash, kettle, and dry hopping blend to create a huge hop profile that is balanced with a blast of watermelon.

thai Thai Chili Wahoo is wit beer brewed with thai chili, lime and ginger and checks in at 4.5%. More on this beer from Ballast Point:

Our Thai Chili Wahoo is a favorite in our tasting rooms for its complex balance of ingredients. Citrus and spice have long been a part of our Wahoo White. In this edition, we added a dose of Thai chilies, even more head from ginger, and a counterpunch of lime. The flavors in this beer need to be experienced first-hand, so grab one and try it for yourself.

*Lagunitas Aunt Sally – last but not least is the beer I’m most looking forward to besides Crooked Stave. Aunt Sally from Lagunitas Brewing is a sour ale that is dry-hopped and comes in at 6.2%. For those wondering….I believe it’s a kettle sour…I’m still looking forward to it! Stay tuned for more on this brew!

**Anything I’m missing? Drop me a line @benmed15@yahoo.com. Love to hear from Iowa breweries as well as bars for upcoming events! Please let me know and I will post your info! Thanks!

Baron’s Best of 2015: The Final Chapter

January 12, 2016January 12, 2016Leave a comment

best of Let’s finish this drug out list off once and for all. With 2015 in the books, 2016 is starting out on a great foot as Lion Bridge’s Barrel-aged January has kicked off and the tapping of Royal Wee is a day away (Wed. 13th). Buster from Big Grove is getting released at the end of the month and Quarter Barrel has opened their doors. Lots of great things in store for Iowa in 2016.

*Big Grove Brewery Desperate Measures – this golden sour ale aged in Opus One wine barrels was released along the same time that Richard the Whale was for Big Grove. A well balanced sour that gives you that sour pucker but some fruit sweetness and bit of barrel that help this beer make the list. Would love this for a summer brew too!

*Alpine Nelson – I never had the opportunity to try any Alpine beers prior to Green Flash acquiring them but I’m guessing that Nelson couldn’t have been much better than what we got in bottles…I could be wrong but I really enjoyed this beer. The Nelson Sauvin hop shines in this beer and goes perfectly with the rye malt. Lots of flavor, excellent balance, and extremely drinkable!

*Lagunitas Born Yesterday – bottled and shipped the very same day? Yes, Lagunitas pulls this one off and the freshness of this beer really showed. Citrus and tropical fruits shine in this 6.5% beer and if it was readily available this would always be in my fridge. I hope Lagunitas releases this one again….so good.

*Lion Bridge Brewery Yard Sale – so happy to see this beer back on tap at Lion Bridge as another citra hop forward brew makes the list. I had this for the 1st time back in May and remember getting two growlers filled after my first taste. Such a great brew.

*515 Brewing The Basil Protocol – I’m a sucker for a good farmhouse/saison which this beer is, but I admittedly am not the biggest fan of basil. I like it ok, just not a bunch, so when I tried this beer I went in thinking I wouldn’t dig it. I was totally wrong. The basil is there but it meshes so well with the cucumber and pepperiness of the saison to make a wonderfully refreshing beer. Not to mention enjoying it when it was 100 degrees outside…another perfect summertime beer!

*Firetrucker Tropical Burn – might be one of the hottest (popular) beers made in Iowa right now and rightfully so. Huge mango and tropical fruits on the nose and on the palate. Galaxy and citra with fresh mangoes makes this a well-balanced double IPA. Very drinkable, but be aware of that 9.1% ABV.

*Big Grove 15 Minuteman – part of the “Citra Triad” release from Big Grove. 15 Minuteman once again showcases the citra hop. Super smooth and refreshing, this is another beer that can get you into trouble because of it’s drinkability. Minuteman and Trident made for a fun couple trips to Big Grove over the holidays!

*Bells 30th Anniversary Stout – I really loved this beer. It wasn’t barrel-aged but man, this was packed with flavor. Tons of dark chocolate, some dark fruit, and as with many stouts got better as it warmed. I wish I would have the restraint to have aged a couple but I saw them, salivated, drank them.

*Big Grove/3rd Base Que Amarillo – am I homer for Iowa beers or what? That wasn’t the intention but it’s hard not to be when so many of our local brewers are kicking out great beers and Que Amarillo is one that stood out to me. I could be wrong, but I believe this was brewed with Jim at 3rd Base Brewery…feel free to correct me if I’m wrong. A Berliner-weisse that is hopped to high hell with Amarillo hops. If you don’t like your Berliner-Weisses’ too sour, this one’s for you. Tasty and refreshing. Maybe if I ask Bill and Jim nicely they will keep brewing it?

*Boulevard The Calling – Boulevard did a major overhaul of their portofolio in 2015 and some where hits and some not so much in my opinion. One beer that they did a great job on was The Calling. I admittedly am not a huge fan of their Single-Wide IPA so when I saw that they were adding a double IPA to their Smokestack 4 pack series I was excited to try it. Oranges and pineapple with a bit pine round out this heavily hopped double.

*Central Waters Space Ghost – an imperial stout that is brewed with ghost peppers. It sounds like a one and done beer as some of these can be overwhelming with heat, but this is beautifully balanced and gives you just enough heat but not overpowering to go along with the richness from the stout.

*Big Grove Famine – I got to pour for Big Grove at an famiine event in Dubuque last spring. I got to pour Arms Race, IPA, Que Sera, and….FAMINE! What a treat that was. Introducing a community to this beer and to Big Grove was exciting and I would love to do it again. When people asked what it tasted like, Collin (fellow pourer) and I had to take a drink just to remind ourselves how good it was. Part of the Hopocolaypse series this past Spring. I hope to see a return this year as well!

Boulevard 2016 Release Calendar Updated

December 30, 2015Leave a comment

Coming to Shelves?: Sixpoint 5 Beans, Boulevard, Great Divide Barrel-Aged Yeti

November 4, 2015Leave a comment

A few new brews will hopefully be making their way to the ever-cramped Eastern Iowa shelves. So many great things out there now along with our local breweries, it’s a great problem to have in Eastern Iowa. Here are 3 more brews that should be making their way to us:

*Sixpoint 5 Beans – Thanks to Beeradvocate member Bottlecaps80 for sharing this nice bit of info on this new brew from Sixpoint.

This is an Imperial Porter with Coffee, Cocoa, Vanilla and with this release the addition of Cardamom. This beer will clock in at a big boy ABV of 10.5% and will be packaged in 12oz. cans. No word on release date yet.

*Boulevard Early Riser Porter – Boulevard continues its busy year of new releases with yet another seasonal and this one sounds tasty! A coffee porter using locally (Kansas) roasted coffee beans. Here’s more from Bottlecaps80:

This beer will come packaged in 12oz bottles and on draft and will clock in at 5.2% ABV and will be a seasonal release through the months of Jan-March 2016.

*Great Divide Barrel Aged Yeti– Great Divide’s bringing the big guns out with the release of a barrel-aged version of Yeti. Here’s more info on this brew courtesy of Great Divide Newsletter:

The elusive Barrel Aged Yeti is also making an appearance for the season, and with a new look! This unique version of our monstrous Yeti Imperial Stout is aged for at least 12 months in whiskey barrels. Barrel Aged Yeti will be out this month, get it before it’s all gone!

Coming up a review of Sauce Bistro and Need Pizzeria. Have some beers news? Drop me a line at benmed15@yahoo.com or post in comments! Have a brewery/bar/restaurant/liquor store that you would like events posted? Hit me up!