Pipeworks | Blood of the Unicorn

Here at Porchdrinking, Pipeworks Brewing has been mentioned numerous times over the past couple years. But somehow, showcasing a Pipeworks beer has yet to happen. Granted, they’re known for their smaller batch, one-and-done beers that would sell out quickly. So by the time a beer could be reviewed, it’d most likely already be sold out, and we’d just leave you wanting.

But that will all be changing now. Read More

Small Town Brewery | Not Your Father’s Root Beer

Average Reading Time: 2 Minutes

Root Beer, Pre-Prohibition style
ABV 5.9%

Want to know what the biggest thing since craft beer is? I mean, this stuff can’t stay on the shelves. People don’t even realize how cool this stuff is. Coney Island Brewing has done it, Sprecher Brewing is known for theirs, Abita does a non-alcoholic version of it, but none of them have taken off quite as ferociously as Small Town Brewery’s Not Your Father’s Root Beer.

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Twisted Pine Brewing Co. | Ghost Face Killah

ABV: 5.2% | IBU: 10

Although it claims Twisted Pine Brewing Co.’s Ghost Face Killah is brewed in Boulder, Colorado don’t let them fool you. This beer is a descendent … Read More

Mad Tom Unfiltered IPA | Muskoka Brewery

ABV: 6.4%
IBU: 64

Once every few years or so, my Dad will reunite with some old friends and venture north of the border to fish on the French River. They catch up on the years in between their last trip, recant stories of high school, take in the gorgeous scenery and, of course, fish. His most recent sojourn this past weekend, however, yielded more than some 4-foot muskies. My Dad, a steadfast enjoyer of Scotch whiskey, came home with a twelve pack of a beer I had never seen from a brewery I had never heard of. Naturally, I was skeptical: someone who hasn’t had a beer since college asks me to try one of his newfound imports. Though unsure, I was intrigued, and obliged to give it a taste.

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Bell’s Brewing Co. | Uranus – The Magician

Bell’s Brewing Co.

Uranus – The Magician

Black Double India Pale Ale

ABV: 9.5%

Bell’s Uranus – The Magician, is the sixth release in the Planet Series inspired by … Read More

NoDa Brewing | CAVU Blonde Ale

ABV: 4.6% | IBU: 18

From the western mountains to the eastern ocean, we’ve covered beers from all over North Carolina. We’ve been through tiny townships and out-of-the-way places. We’ve even … Read More

Coney Island Brewing Company | Mermaid Pilsner

There are few New York cultural institutions that have survived the Disneyfication of the city better then Coney Island. The injection of the money has created some updated facilities and relatively cleaner beaches, the classic Coney Island experience is still available for those willing to take the long train ride down to the bottom of Brooklyn. Whether you are looking to take advantage of the sun and swimming, gorge yourself on every carnival-type fare available, or scream your head off on roller coasters old and new, Coney Island has it all. Coney Island Brewing company has captured all of these into a nice little pilsner perfect for the summer that celebrates the emblem of the area’s greatest parade, Mermaid Pilsner.

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Barrels & Bottles Brewery | the Big LeBEERski

I’ve seen a trend in craft beer lately that includes both a.) coffee and b.) “golden” stouts. I had yet to try a beer combining both of these trendy concepts  — then I did at Barrels & Bottles Brewery last night! I never seem to get over being blown away by the fact that a beer the color of an ale or IPA could taste so roasty and chocolatey, as one the color of a traditional stout does, but that is just the case with the Big LeBEERski. Read More

Coco Loco Porter | NoDa Brewing

6.2% ABV

Newly-anointed craft beer drinkers sometimes think there are rules as to when you can drink a beer: Quads are only for Christmas! No zingy hefes if snow is on the ground!

I’m here to tell you there are no rules. You can drink whatever you want, no matter what time of year — and it’s always the season for Coco Loco Porter from Charlotte’s NoDa Brewing.

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Jolly Pumpkin Artisan Ales | Persimmon Ship

5% ABV

I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but summer is about halfway over. I only bring it up because it’s time to carpe the summer diem! All those things you said you wanted to accomplish this summer, well, time to get after it. Including that trip to the park for some good old-fashioned outdoor drinking you’ve been putting off, probably because it’s been raining so damn much (sorry California, we’d LOVE to send some your way…). If you’re a Chicagoan, that means a trip to Ravinia or checking out one of the countless free shows at the Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park (check out the summer film series!).

And while wine seems to be the drink of choice at these events, a collaboration beer between two of the Midwest’s sour powerhouses could easily convince wine drinkers to make a switch. Michigan’s Jolly Pumpkin teamed up with Indiana’s Upland to brew a Persimmon and Dragonfuit infused wild ale that ends up being very reminiscent of a sparkling white wine. But of course, there’s plenty of nuance for beer drinkers to love too. Read More

Big aLICe Brewing | Jalapeño Rye

Black IPA | ABV 7%

As one of four craft breweries in Long Island City, Big aLICe Brewing separates itself from the newly-emerging pack by specializing in nano batches of uniquely concocted brews. To date, co-owners Kyle & Scott, along with assistant brewer Jon Kielty, have developed 141 varieties over a span of 2 years. Today, I am introducing you to one wicked innovation that will open up your mind, and your sinuses.

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Southern Tier | Creme Brulee Stout

ABV: 9.5%

Late last summer as my youngest brother, Matt, was getting ready to ship out for his freshman year at Marquette University, our family had one last summer dinner at a local favorite: Beach Club Bistro in Euclid, OH. Known for their amazing pizzas and equally amazing beer selection, Beach Club has always been a great place to kick back, relax and share a meal. On this night in particular, as we gathered to celebrate Matt’s final days before school and chow on some pizza, a certain beer on Beach Club’s list caught my eye. Now, I’m normally a seasonal beer drinker: lighter seasonal ales, shandies, and IPAs in the spring and summer; porters, stouts, and darker seasonal ales in the fall and winter. It’s an M.O. I adhere to pretty consistently. But protocol had to be broken for one beer: Southern Tier’s Crème Brulee Stout. Read More

Arbor Brewing Company | Sacred Cow IPA

ABV — 6.8%

IBU — 80

I had the great pleasure of attending my friend’s bachelor party last month in Michigan. The original plan on that last Saturday in June was to go to a baseball game. Rain put an X through those plans, and we detoured to Ann Arbor instead. One of our stops was to Arbor Brewing Company, where I indulged in what is now one of my favorite beers of all time: Sacred Cow IPA.

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Event Recap | Dogfish Head Ancient Ales Beer Dinner

July 9 Dogfish Head and World of Beer LoDo hosted a night of Ancient Ales and dinner pairings. Head Chef, Nathan Hebert, indulged those in attendance with a four-course spread … Read More

Deschutes Brewery | Pinedrops IPA

ABV 6.5%
IBUs 70

In the pines, in the pines, where sun don’t ever shine, I would shiver the whole night through. —Kurt Cobain

Welcome to the affectionately-known Great Northwest, a place where craft beer rains down more often than mother nature. Read More

Lonerider Brewing | Sweet Josie Brown Ale

ABV: 6.1% | IBU: 30

To continue with the theme of canned North Carolina beers, let’s take a look at another one from Lonerider Brewing, Sweet Josie Brown Ale.
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Susquehanna Brewing Co. | Pils-Noir

One of the best parts about living in New York City in the summer is getting the eff out. I spend as much time as possible myself running away to the woodsy wonders of Northeastern Pennsylvania. The combination of plentiful lakes and rivers, scattering of small towns, apparently every single firefighter from New Jersey working volunteer service, and legal fireworks; the area is gangbusters for all you can stand Americana. To sweeten the vacation deal, the area is flush with smaller brew pubs and craft breweries that allow me to discover a new favorite beer each time I go down there. While the 4th of July day was a literal washout for the folks on Lake Wallenpaupack, it did allow me to discover this wonderful fusion of light pilsner quality with dark tastes that matched the gloomy weather.

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Smog City | Kumquat Saison

ABV:  6.0

Even before brewing at Smog City Brewing Company, head brewer Jonathan Porter has been no stranger to the Southern California brewing scene. As former brewmaster of Tustin Brewing, Porter had an award winning resume before heading out on his own—and it shows. Read More

Southampton Publick House | Double White

Spending the weekend out on Long Island, I was looking for a local brew and found this fruity lil guy. The thing about wit beers in my opinion, is that well, they’re always just sort of . . . predictable. That said, the Southampton Publick House Double White covers all its bases and is in fact, delightful. When most of your crew is tucking in with a glass of red, or a bottle (no judgment), this beer will still fit in. You get a cool, crispy drink tinged with citrus, while still staying medium-fancy. Read More

Wolaver’s | Wildflower Wheat

4.25% ABV
15 IBU

In the mood for a hot cup of tea, but craving an ice cold beer? Look no further than Wolaver’s Wildflower Wheat! Brewed with pure organic wildflower honey and organic chamomile flowers, this unfiltered wheat ale is as soothing as it is refreshing. Read More