Crux Fermentation Project- Impasse Saison

Crux Fermentation Project in Bend, OR claims that for this beer they were “at an impasse”—use standard fermentation techniques to have a more controlled beer and greater yield, or use the traditional Belgian style of open fermentation to produce a more unique flavor profile. In an ode to the ages-old Belgian saison style, they threw caution to the wind and went with the latter. And as the consumer, we should be glad they did!

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Flat 12 Bierworks – Walkabout APA

ABV: 5.3%
IBU: 40

Pinewood Social isn’t really a place you go to drink beer. In fact, ordering beer there always feels like a little bit of a cop-out, like I don’t understand what the restaurant does, or at least what the restaurant does best: cocktails. But, guys, sometimes I just want a beer. And I want an APA or an IPA or some combination of a PA with an IPAEDLFSOIWEUR. You know, sometimes you just want a beer?

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TRVE Brewing – Eastern Candle

TRVE Brewing – Eastern Candle (Batch #2)
ABV: 6.5%
Currently listening to: Absu – Never Blow Out the Eastern Candle

“So take thy hand and join me for elixir,
And we shall ride the portentous serpent tonight.”

In honor of the 20th anniversary of their second album, “The Sun Of Tiphareth,” TRVE Brewing has released the first of four ales dedicated to the mythological occult metal act, ABSU.

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Troegs Brewing Company- Nugget Nectar

Nugget Nectar- Imperial Amber
Troegs Brewing Company- Hershey, PA
7.5% ABV

The new year is upon us, and January can easily become a bothersome month with the lingering remnants of an unsatisfying winter. What that means for this writer is that too often does the cold weather eschew the cherished snowday reprieve but rather dampen spirits with slush, cold temps and ice. With planning consuming the month, it is not hard to lose track of what this month has to offer, except of course, when receiving a special delivery from Hershey.

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The Brew Kettle – White Rajah India Pale Ale

ABV 6.8%

Although TBK (The Brew Kettle) has been around since 1995, many of you may have not had the privilege of experiencing the brews that this place produces. Located … Read More

Dieu du Ciel ! – Aphrodite

ABV – 6.5%

Last week it was colder in Lexington, KY than it was in __________ (name a really cold place). How about Quebec? That is in the Great White … Read More

Blood & Honey American Ale – Revolver Brewing

ABV: 7.0%
IBU: 20

Flown in the checked baggage compartment and somehow managing to not shatter into a million pieces, I was gifted a bottle of this gem from a friend deep in the heart of Texas. He knows I’m a fan of beers from far and wide, and thought to bring one of his hometown favorites to grace my taste buds. And let me be the first to tell you, it did not disappoint in the slightest.

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Victory Brewing Co. – DirtWolf Double IPA

ABV: 8.7%

IBU: N/A

Now that the Holidays are over and the shopping madness is ending we can all look back at our accomplishments in getting through yet another Holiday season. It is a victory for us all. So now its time put up our feet, close our wallets, and crack open a beer. A great beer to start on is Victory Brewing Co.’s DirtWolf. Read More

Evil Twin Molotov Cocktail

Evil Twin Brewing Company – Molotov Cocktail Imperial IPA

ABV: 13%
IBU: All of Them

This is going to be a bit confusing to those of you who are not familiar with my apartment, ok, well, that makes all of you – but I can smell this beer from my kitchen. I opened it, poured it, and ran to the kitchen to grab a snack. It’s a long way from my office to my kitchen, at least 40 feet. And there are walls…like a bunch of walls, at least 2, maybe more (counting becomes difficult somewhere between the 1^st and 2^nd Molotov).

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Yazoo Brewing – Yazoo Pale Ale

ABV: 5.8%
IBU:55

Oh boy. You know that beer that you just always buy? The one that you see at the store as you promise yourself you’ll try something new, but then you still go back and buy the same trustworthy beer yet again?  Well, that is how I operate with the one and only Yazoo Pale Ale.

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Getting a Woody – River North J Marie Barreled and Bretted

Background

River North Brewery – J. Marie Barreled & Bretted Style: Farmhouse Ale Aged in Red Wine Barrels with Brett ABV: 7.5% (I think) Bottle Number: 8/360

One thing … Read More

Prairie Artisan Ales – Bomb!

Prairie Artisan Ales  – Bomb! (Batch 3 – Blue Wax)

ABV: 14%

A company started by two brothers. They didn’t start it due to a lack of good beer.  They wanted to do something that was “awesome.” Awesome is what they are doing. Prairie Bomb! is ridiculous. A venture from their customary Saison-fare in the best direction! Prairie Artisan Ales is becoming that brewery that when I try a new beer from them, I am never disappointed. This is an AWESOME thing. How awesome? This beer is like the Black Swan in my mouth. This beer is like two dragons eating rapscallions on a burning pirate ship. This beer is . . .

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Fanø Julebryg — Fanø Bryghus

ABV 7.5%

I’m a sucker for a label I can’t read; it lends an air of even greater mystery to the unknown beer I’m about to drink. Lately I’ve found myself gravitating toward the slashed O and puzzling consonant combinations of Danish beers, like Fanø Julebryg, which are showing up in greater numbers on the shelves of my neighborhood beer store in Paris. This is not really surprising, considering the rate at which craft beer has seduced the hearts and taste buds of northern Europe. Thankfully, it’s finally trickling down to France. Read More

Long Trail Brush & Barrel Series-Culmination Chocolate Porter

With an exciting Sunday showdown for NFL fans across the country, I attempted to make good on a New Year’s resolution by watching football with other people….at a bar. Imagine that. Drinking beer, hanging out, high-fiving all over the place, who does that?

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Ommegang Adoration Ale

ABV: 10%

Today we are fighting off the winter chill with the warm embrace from Ommegang rightfully called Adoration, their limited edition dark winter ale. But first, a theatrical interlude! Read More

Crooked Stave – Wild Wild Brett Violet aged with Passion Fruit

It’s easy to see why Crooked Stave has built such a huge following in such a short amount of time. Their motto “Cultured in Yeast” really tells the story, as they are known for brewing beer almost exclusively with unique and wild yeast strains. Many of their beers are fermented, at least in part, by wild strains of Brettanomyces. Other, more coveted beers, are barrel aged with souring bacteria to produce mouth-watering libations. From coast-to-coast, people are seeking out Crooked Stave’s beers and their specialty bottle release beers may as well be trade gold. Of the specialty releases, the Wild Wild Brett series of beers is the granddaddy of them all. So when the unexpecting passer-by (me) shows up at the taproom on a random Sunday night before picking up a friend from the airport and sees the chalk-board sign that reads “Wild Wild Brett Violet aged with Passion Fruit”, the bartender knew exactly what I wanted when my response to “What will you have to drink?” was “Is that some kind of joke?” Read More

Thirsty Dog Wulver

F.G. = 5.5°P, O.G. = 25°P

IBU’s = 22, 12% alc./vol.

Bourbon Barrel-Aged (BBA) Wulver along with BBA Siberian Night were first released in bottles to Akron, Ohio and neighboring … Read More

Zipline Brewing: Jack’s Pale

5.2% ABV
30 IBU

If you ever happen to find yourself in Lincoln, Nebraska, make your way to Zipline Brewing. Better yet, make your way to Bread & Cup or Jack & June’s. Not only are these delicious restaurants in a city that isn’t particularly drowned in options, but these are the only two places in town with Zipline’s Jack’s Pale on draft. In fact, besides the brewery itself, these are the only two places you can even get the beer—it’s a Zipline/Bread & Cup/Jack & June’s exclusive. And it’s delicious. Read More

Renegade Brewing Company | Black Gold Peanut Butter Cup Milk Stout

Renegade Brewing Company

925 W 9th Ave, Denver, CO

ABV: 11%

“It tastes so good once it hits your mouth”- Frank “the tank” Picard.  At least thats what I imagine Will Ferrell’s character rambunctiously proclaiming after one taste of Renegade Brewing Company’s Black Gold. Not to bury the lead, Renegade Brewing Company Black Gold is a Peanut Butter Cup Milkstout that tastes every bit as sweet tooth satisfying as it’s namesake lets on.  While the chocolate flavors play second fiddle when compared to the dominant presence of the peanut butter, the symphonic conjuring of childhood candied flavors, are undeniable.

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Southern Tier – Compass

ABV: 9%

IBU: Unavailable

2013 is almost over, and the next year is right around the corner. Whether you’re a fan of the holiday or not, New Year’s Eve brings an impetus to celebrate, and every celebration needs the perfect drink. If you want to mix up the cocktail options this December 31st, Southern Tier brings us what I consider to be the new (non-High Life) champagne of beers: Compass. Read More