Tag: iowa beer baron

Stone Enjoy By 2-14-14 Coming to Iowa 1-15-14!

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stone enjoy byMore Stone Enjoy By will be making its way to Eastern Iowa shelves with the estimated arrival date of January 15th! Here’s more from beerpulse.com:

Escondido, CA) – Stone Brewing Co. is now going big with its newest edition of Enjoy By 02.14.14 IPA.

The company is adding onto the previously announced list of several states for 02.14.14 IPA distribution with the beer now making its way to more than half of U.S. markets.

It will ship next week with availability expected to begin the following week.

Check out the full list of markets below.

 

LOCATION ETA STATUS HASHTAG
Arizona 01/15/14 Fermenting #EnjoyBy #AZ
Connecticut 01/15/14 Fermenting #EnjoyBy #CT
Delaware 01/15/14 Fermenting #EnjoyBy #DE
Florida 01/15/14 Fermenting #EnjoyBy #FL
Georgia 01/15/14 Fermenting #EnjoyBy #GA
Iowa 01/15/14 Fermenting #EnjoyBy #IA
Illinois 01/15/14 Fermenting #EnjoyBy #IL
Kansas 01/15/14 Fermenting #EnjoyBy #KS
Massachusetts 01/15/14 Fermenting #EnjoyBy #MA
Maryland 01/15/14 Fermenting #EnjoyBy #MD
Maine 01/15/14 Fermenting #EnjoyBy #ME
Michigan 01/15/14 Fermenting #EnjoyBy #MI
Minnesota 01/15/14 Fermenting #EnjoyBy #MN
North Carolina 01/15/14 Fermenting #EnjoyBy #NC
Nebraska 01/15/14 Fermenting #EnjoyBy #NE
New Hampshire 01/15/14 Fermenting #EnjoyBy #NH
New Jersey 01/15/14 Fermenting #EnjoyBy #NJ
New York 01/15/14 Fermenting #EnjoyBy #NY
Pennsylvania 01/15/14 Fermenting #EnjoyBy #PA
Rhode Island 01/15/14 Fermenting #EnjoyBy #RI
South Carolina 01/15/14 Fermenting #EnjoyBy #SC
Southern California 01/15/14 Fermenting #EnjoyBy #SoCal
Tennessee 01/15/14 Fermenting #EnjoyBy #TN
Texas 01/15/14 Fermenting #EnjoyBy #TX
Virginia 01/15/14 Fermenting #EnjoyBy #VA
Vermont 01/15/14 Fermenting #EnjoyBy #VT
Washington 01/15/14 Fermenting #EnjoyBy #WA

Best “NEW” Brew of the Year: Double IPA

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2013Continuing on with the “best of the year”posts keep in mind these are beers that I’ve had for the 1st time ever this year and we are moving onto the double/imperial  IPA category. A very tough category to pick one winner as I had quite a few brews on my list. But, after weighing each carefully I came to a conclusion that some might not agree with, especially since Pliny the Elder did not win as I enjoyed that brew for the first time this month. Now, I’m not saying Pliny isn’t a good beer, it’s actually an excellent brew, I just happened to enjoy the one I picked a bit more.

A brewery that seems to do no wrong when it comes to beers and one that is so in demand it is hard to find anything of theirs outside of Chicago, 3 Floyds Brewery has been dominating ratings, taste buds, and the IPA/Double IPA category. With fine ales such as Dreadnaught, Arctic Panzer Wolf, and the ever elusive and constantly sold out Zombie Dust, they are top-tier in this category (and others). Just when you think that they couldn’t do any better they bring to you my Double IPA of the year…….Apocalypse Cow!

The label is what catches your eye, and if you are familiar with 3 Floyds, you know they make killer labels. Now, what makes this brew a little bit different from other double IPAs, is that it is made with lactose. Lactose is what gives milk stouts their sweet, creamy richness. I was kind of apprehensive before cracking this bottle for that reason but after that first sip all of that went out the window. Sweet, but not too much, a lot orange juice flavor for me, and the creaminess from the lactose made this a wonderfully easy drink which is relatively frightening considering the 11% abv. Some negative reviews I’ve seen have knocked the sweetness, but I didn’t think it was nearly as sweet as others said. A beer to seek out to say the least. Here’s more from the brewery:

This complex double India pale ale has an intense citrus and floral hop aroma balanced by a velvety malt body which has been augmented with lactose milk sugar. With this different take on an IPA we have brewed an ale that is both pleasing to drink and, once again, “not normal.” Cheers! 100 IBU 11.0%ABV

I dont’ see this one as often, it is only a limited release during the summer, but if you see it, but it, (actually buy as many as you can), and enjoy as much as I did.

Three Floyds2013 New Imperial IPA of the Year: Three Floyds Apocalypse Cow
ABV: 11%
Ratebeer:         99
Beeradvocate: 94

BEST “NEW” Brew of the Year: Imperial Stout

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2013A friend of mine, The Beer Counselor, suggested that I post best new brews that I experience for the first time this year by category. It sounds easy enough but when I went through the list of brews I had it turned out to be quite challenging.

For the first installment I went through my list of Imperial Stouts. I’m going to do a separate entry for barrel-aged so I can automatically take them out of this category. I thought that would make things a bit easier. My list included:
*Toppling Goliath Assassin
*Dogfish Head Bitches’ Brew
*Backpocket 1st Anniversary Stout
*New Holland Dragon’s Milk
*Mikkeller Black Hole
*To Ol Goliat
*Stone Farking Wheaton WOOtstout

And then I came to the winner. It’s really hard not to pick Toppling Goliath’s Mornin’ Delight. Not only is it my winner in this category, but it might be my favorite beer of all-time. I’ll never forget the first time I had it, the release at Toppling Goliath tasting room in Decorah. I rode up with a few friends expecting to get a pretty tasty brew, but instead I was blown away by a complex, flavorful, imperial stout that I couldn’t get enough of. I said it then, and I’ll say it again, this beer is breakfast in a bottle. Coffee, chocolate, maple syrup. An amazing brew that I hope I am lucky enough to get to try again in 2014.

mornin' delightBEST NEW IMPERIAL STOUT EXPERIENCED FOR THE 1st TIME: Toppling Goliath Mornin’ Delight

New To Shelves: Evil Twin Beers

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evil twinHy-Vee on Oakland Road just sent out this message. I’m guessing these beers are going to go very fast so make sure you try to get your hands on these. Here ya go!:

We have another limited beer release for you and if you didn’t  get your hands on some bourbon county stout. This would be a great opportunity to grab a bourbon barrel aged imperial stout. This is Eviltwins Imperial Biscotti Break aged in bourbon barrels for 9 months. This would be great to drink now or sit on for several years. We also have a couple cases of Justin Blabaer, a blueberry berliner weisse. This beer is outstanding and is now retired so get some while it’s available. And as always when you buy 4 or more out of our bomber bottle doors you save 10 %.

 Eviltwin Imperial Biscotti Break Bourbon Barrel Aged 22 oz

21.99 per bottle

 Evil Twin Justin Blåbær (Brunello Wine Barrel Aged) 22 oz

11.99 per bottle

Madhouse Iowa Hops IPA Release Party Info

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madhouseJust received the following email from Madhouse Brewing. Sounds like a fantastic time and I really enjoyed the Iowa Hops IPA last year. Check it out!

It’s time to celebrate! Each December we officially release our Iowa Hops IPA beer at Jasper Winery along with their new vintage wines. Join us Thursday, December 12, 2013, from 6-9pm to celebrate with a free, open to the public, beer, wine, and food tasting experience. We’ll be releasing our 2013 Iowa Hops IPA, made with Iowa grown hops. Jasper Winery will be releasing their 2012 Iowa varietal dry reds wines, including Marquette, Noiret, and Norton. You’ll make your way through the winery visiting tasting stations where we’ll pair wine and beers with food samples from local producers and restaurants. Live music will be provided by Tony Williams. The first 100 people (beginning at 6pm) will receive a complimentary cork screw or pint glass. 

 

New this year: Everyone (21+) who attends will receive a ticket for the chance to win free wine/beer for a year! Prizes will be given including a free case of wine or beer every month for a year. Local grape and hop growers will be on hand to talk about growing these products in Iowa. Special Release Party discounts of 25% off case purchase and 10% off ½ case, night of the event only. 

Stone Enjoy By 11.12.13 hits Eastern Iowa Shelves

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stoneThe state of Iowa is lucky enough once again to be receiving Stone Brewing’s incredibly delicious Enjoy By IPA. We are one of 19 markets getting this shipment, so get it while you can and enjoy it (no pun intended). Arrival is today (Wednesday). More from Stone:

You have in your hands a devastatingly fresh double IPA. While freshness is a key component of many beers – especially big, citrusy, floral IPAs – we’ve taken it further, a lot further, in this IPA. You see, we specifically brewed it NOT to last. We’ve not only gone to extensive lengths to ensure that you’re getting this beer in your hands within an extraordinarily short window, we made sure that the Enjoy By date isn’t randomly etched in tiny text somewhere on the label, to be overlooked by all but the most attentive of retailers and consumers. Instead, we’ve sent a clear message with the name of the beer itself that there is no better time than right now to enjoy this IPA.

 

Crooked Stave Beers Hit Eastern Iowa Shelves!

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staveI was very excited to get the following information from the beer and wine manager at the Oakland Road Hy-Vee in Cedar Rapids. Crooked Stave is here! Here’s what they are getting to us:

Crooked Stave Hop Savant 375 ml

7.99 per bottle

RateBeer  99

COMMERCIAL DESCRIPTION

100% Brettanomyces Pale Ale. Dry Hopped Artisian Ale Fermented in Oak Foeders.

36% Citra, 36% Mosaic, 28% Simcoe.

 

Crooked Stave Vieille Artisanal 375 ml

7.99 per bottle

RateBeer 98

COMMERCIAL DESCRIPTION

Vieille meaning “Old” is our artisinal barrel-aged Saison, lightly dry hopped. Each batch release is a diverse blend of Vieille casks that have taken on a soft Brettanomyces character before being lightly dry hopped. Dominated by a floral, citrusy hop character, a subtle herbal note and a tart finish, Vieille’s character exemplifies artisan Saisons.

 

Crooked Stave St. Bretta (Summer) 375 ml

9.99 per bottle

RateBeer 98

COMMERCIAL DESCRIPTION

Whitebier Brewed with Blood Oranges(100% brettanomyces)

 

Crooked Stave Surette Provision Saison 375 ml

9.99 per bottle

RateBeer 98

COMMERCIAL DESCRIPTION

Brewed with traditional harvest grams. Surette is a provision Saison with a tart and vinous character from extended barrel aging.

Pumpkin Time!

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pumpkinIt’s still August and it’s hotter than hell, but we are surrounded by pumpkin beers on our shelves. The question is, which one do we choose. I just received an email from Hy-Vee outlining the many pumpkin beers they are carrying. I didn’t see O’Fallon on their yet, hopefully we get that one in the next few months. So, which is your go to? (I liked Schlafly and Sam Adams, didn’t care for New Belgiums at all).

Ace Pumpkin Cider

9.99 per 6 pack

Commercial description

We first made this cider three years ago in 2010. It has become extremely popular since then. We add cinnamon, cloves and allspice to fermented apple juice to produce a 5 per cent cider which tastes like pumpkin pie. It is orange in color with a full rich taste that makes you want more….we carbonate the cider, cold- filter it four times before we bottle and keg it. This cider is released after Labor Day and is ideal for Halloween through Thanksgiving; although some customers think we should make it year round. It is the first Pumpkin cider to be made out West. One word for ACE PUMPKIN, delicious!

Schlafly Pumpkin Ale

9.99 per 6 pack

Rate Beer 96

Commercial description

A full-bodied, deep reddish amber beer made with pumpkin and butternut squash and spiced with nutmeg, clove and cinnamon. Celebrate the bounty of harvest with this rich, malty ale and invoke the season of plenty.

Jolly Pumpkin La Parcela 750 ml

12.99 per bottle

Rate Beer 97

Commercial description

Ok, so the joke was that Jolly Pumpkin doesn’t brew a pumpkin beer. Well, now we do. Just this one. Packed with real pumpkins, hints of spice, and a gentle kiss of cocoa to liven the soul. An everyday easy way to fill your squashy quotient. Guess now folks will have to find something else to joke about…

New Belgium Pumpkick

7.99 per 6 pack

Commercial description

What’s that bite of tartness doing in a pumpkin beer? Adding the unexpected kick of cranberry juice to brighten this traditionally spiced seasonal ale. PUMPKICK is brewed with plenty of pumpkin juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice, but it’s the cranberries and touch of lemongrass that send your tastebuds sailing.

 

Rogue Pumpkin Patch 750 ml

10.99 per bottle

Rate Beer 91

Commercial description

The newest addition to the Chatoe Rogue series is Pumpkin Patch Ale, a beer made using fresh pumpkins grown in a patch that borders Rogue’s 42 acre hop yard. The pumpkins are picked, loaded into Rogue’s farm truck, driven immediately 77 miles to our brewery in Newport, quickly roasted, and pitched into the brew kettle to create a batch of Pumpkin Patch Ale.

Shipyard Smashed Pumpkin 22 oz

8.99 per bottle

Rate Beer 89

Commercial description

Smashed Pumpkin is a big-bodied beer with a light coppery orange color and pleasing aroma of pumpkin and nutmeg. The OG and final Alc./Vol. provide the structure and body. Pale Ale, Wheat and Light Munich Malts combine with the natural tannin in pumpkin and the delicate spiciness of Willamette and Hallertau Hops to balance the sweetness of the fruit. To fully enjoy all the flavors, this ale is best drunk at 55 degrees Fahrenheit. Smashed Pumpkin pairs well with sharp cheeses, nuts, lamb, hearty stews and desserts like flan or pumpkin pie. Chefs find this an excellent beer to cook with in dishes such as braised short ribs.

 

Shipyard Pumpkinhead Ale

9.99 per 6 pack

Commercial description

Shipyard Pumpkinhead Ale is a crisp and refreshing wheat ale with delightful aromatics and subtle spiced flavor

 

Point Whole Hog Pumpkin Ale

8.99 per 4 pack

Rate Beer 89

Commercial description

Ale brewed with pumpkin and spices. Handcrafed using real pumpkin and savory pumpkin pie spices and hints of all natural cinnamon and nutmeg. Perle hops balance with rich Munich, Roasted, and Caramel malts for the full-bodied taste and exceptional flavor.

Sam Adams Harvest Pumpkin

7.99 per 6 pack

Commercial description

A perennial favorite at our Brewery Halloween party, this reddish amber ale is perfect for fall. Real pumpkin adds a full body and sweetness, while deep roasted malts lend a toasty finish to this subtly spiced brew.

Lakefront Pumpkin Lager

8.99 per 6 pack

Commercial description

Pumpkin Lager is brewed with pumpkins in the mash, spices added during the boil, and lightly hopped. The rich specialty grains and lager fermentation combine to produce the taste and the texture of pumpkin pie.

Shipyard Brewing Mint Chocolate Stout hitting shelves

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mintShipyard Brewing will be releasing a new brew to their Signature Series line starting in November. A mint chocolate stout should be available in 22 oz bottles soon. I’ve seen Shipyard products sporadically on Eastern Iowa shelves so I’m not exactly sure who is going to be carrying it. I know they are distributed by Dimitri Wine and Spirits out of Davenport. Let me know if you see this brew on your shelves. More from beerpulse.com:

Portland, ME) – Shipyard Brewing Company is adding a new beer to Pugsley’s Signature Series: Shipyard Mint Chocolate Stout. More on this imperial stout below…

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ABV: 9%

Description: Mint Chocolate Stout is a dark, silky beer with aromas of chocolate and licorice. Smooth chocolate and coffee flavors upfront lead to a subtle spearmint finish. To fully enjoy all the flavors of this ale it is best drunk at 55 degrees Fahrenheit.

Malt: Pale, Flaked Barley, Chocolate, Roasted Barley, Rolled Oats, Whole Wheat, Black, Caramunich II

Hops: WGV (Whitbread Golding Variety), Perle

Yeast: Top-fermenting English

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Look for it in 22 oz. gold foil-topped bottles and draft from November through February.