"Locally Brewed" by Anna Blessing

"Locally Brewed" by Anna Blessing (2014 Agate Publishing, softcover, 7.5" x 9.5", 191 pages)

Taking a different sort of angle on the craft brewing world, "Locally Brewed" hones in on a cross-section of 20 unique and individual Midwestern America's craft brewers --- some widely known and respected (Founders, Bell's, Three Floyds, Great Lakes), and others unknown to me as of this writing (Short's, Greenbush, Steel Toe, Moody Tongue).  

Whereas other books on craft beer focus more on the dry history of the scene, "Locally Brewed" looks at the more personal side. We get some history, in the form of getting to know the owners and brewmasters themselves via photos and interviews. Granted, the text is rather brief overall, making this a quick read, but that isn't a bad thing at all. There are shit-tons of photos, shedding light on some of the breweries (and those behind the scenes) that some of us may never get to see in person.

Most fascinating to me, are the "brewers' playlists", and seeing what might well be playing on the CD players or iPods at these breweries. Folks like Three Floyds or  Surly are die-hard fans of heavy metal -- death, stoner, or black metal are all represented -- for example. Others, like Short's Brewing, lean more towards indie and alt.country rock. Others reflect classic r&b or old-school rock. Either way, it's a fascinating and more personality-oriented look at what makes some of these beer artisans tick.

"Locally Brewed" is an excellent book for craft beer fans, novice and expert alike, and shines a light on the individuals who are making our tasty brews here in the American Midwest. Prost!

Summer Craft Beer Roundup, Part 2

As the endless Summer (hopefully) winds itself down, I think it best we clear away some of these warm-weather beer reviews I've been hoarding. Here's another batch. Ratings, as ever, range from a lowly 1 to a stately 5. Drink well, but drink responsibly. And drink indie! Just say "No" to corporate beer monopolies!

WIDMER BROTHERS - CITRA BLONDE SUMMER BREW (Portland, OR) - 3.0

This clean golden-amber ale pours with an attractive fine white head of carbonation, and with a light but pleasant lace on the glass. Aroma is fruit-forward. I get nicely-sweet orange. Flavor-wise, this one is citrus-hoppy, but there's no bitterness, as it's all balanced by a prominent sweet malt profile. 

BROOKLYN SUMMER ALE (Utica, NY) - 3.0

The always-dependable Brooklyn's light summer ale pours a clean golden, with wispy lace. The taste is toasty up front, with a subtle hint of citrus hops in the middle, followed by a bready finish. Enjoyable and quite nice for hot summer days.

RED HOOK - WIT (Woodinville, WA) - 2.0

This cloudy pale amber ale pours with a minimal head and lace. The aroma is malty and spicy. Upon hitting the palate, this one hits sweet and candy-like, with a hint of ginger spicing it up. Nonetheless, I found this one to be overbearingly sweet, and tough to finish.

NEW BELGIUM - FAT TIRE (Fort Collins, CO) - 3.0

This easy-drinking amber ale is now available in 16 oz. cans, and it opens with a rich and malty taste. I get toasty bread, with only a faint hint of hops. Fat Tire remains an easy-drinking session beer, and an American craft beer classic.

More Beer, No Fear...

The craft beer revolution continues! Amidst failing global markets, failing stock markets, multi-national conglomerates, and the decimation of the "middle class", craft beer has not only sustained, but actually shown growth, while the corporate monoliths slip, slip, slip...Bravo! Scales are, as always, 1 is awful, 5 is awesome. And a one, and a two, and a here-we-go!

WIDMER BROTHERS - OKTO FESTIVAL ALE (Portland, OR) - 3.5
The dependable Widmer's entry into the Oktoberfest sweepstakes opens with a cloudy amber appearance and attractive spoke-wheel lacing on the glass. Superlative presentation! The aroma is caramel and wheat, and pretty well typical for the style. But the taste, you ask? It's sweet, with the caramel malts up front alongside hints of a nutty, even almost roasty character. Very well-done, and an enjoyable brew.

BOULEVARD BULLY! PORTER (Kansas City, MO) - 4.0
This is a perfectly-executed porter, with a deep black appearance and overwhelming carbonation that leaves some extraordinary retention on the glass. First sniff reveals a nutty, roasty character, with a chocolate or cocoa overtone. Nice! Tastes burnt, with more bittersweet cocoa at the finish that seems to sweeten up as it warms. There's absolutely nothing wrong with this one, and any fans of porters or stouts will be pleased.


SHIPYARD PUMPKINHEAD (Portland, ME) - 2.0
I wanted to like this one, being from Maine and boasting of a spooky-cool Ichabod Crane character on the label. But alas, this clear and golden ale with limited head and no lace proved disappointing. The nose seemed lagery, grainy, and thin...not very pumpkin-like at all. The flavor was also mild and bland, even. Imagine a typical adjunct lager beer with some pumpkin flavoring dropped in, and you have this unimaginative brew. Thanks, but no thanks.

SHOCK TOP PUMPKIN WHEAT (St. Louis, MO) - 1.0
This seasonal macro-posing-as-craft-beer pours a cloudy copper, with an average head and very little lace. Smells of pumpkin, rather than spice. Not bad so far. But the worst is yet to come! The flavor is metallic, with a weird artificial-tasting pumpkin-spice mix. To boot, this one's watery and thin-bodied. There's something missing here. Avoid!

Harvest-time beer reviews, continued...

More beer reviews sadly neglected last month. Most of these can be likely found in most Midwestern United States-area stores, and these are all solid craft beers. Remember the system...1 is awful, 5 is awesome. in-between, well, let's just say that 2 would be bleah, 3 drinkable, and 4 worthy. Make sense? As always, judge on your own taste buds, and give these breweries your support.

GOOSE ISLAND - HARVEST ALE (Chicago, IL) - 4.0
This Fall seasonal from Chicago's fine Goose Island pours a fittingly rusty amber, and boasts of an ample head and stunningly gorgeous spiderweb lacing. The aroma is malty - like Fall leaves and grains...robust and sturdy. Tastes well-balanced, with a biscuity malt profile at first, followed by a hoppy, sharp bitter finish. Very good, and a welcome break from the usual Fall Marzen/Oktoberfest styles.

WIDMER BROTHERS - DRIFTER PALE ALE (Portland, OR) - 3.5
Nice clean pine-amber color, with a modest head. Slight but attractive lace.
Aroma is pleasantly pine, with some orange tones.
Easy-drinking hops presence, but very well-balanced with the malts. Flavor reveals more pine and orange/citrus character. Fine and likeable, this is a superb session-worthy pale ale.

GREAT DIVIDE - HIBERNATION ALE (Denver, CO) - 4.5
This dark red/amber English-style old ale pours with a massive and lovely retention on the glass. A strong start, for sure. The aroma says roasty, peaty malts. Earthy, like wet leaves and yeast. Nice. Taste is huge - strong peat-roasted malts, followed by a dry hops sharpness. The strong 8.7% alcohol isn't too apparent, but it is there underneath all the powerful flavors. I get even more of a pungent licorice, raisin, and tobacco taste upon slight warming. A potent, heavy, and complex ale. High marks here.

GUINNESS BLACK LAGER (Dublin, Ireland) - 3.5
Deep and black (as Guinness well should be), this new brew leaves a large but erratic lace on my pint glass. Nose is grainy like most lagers, barely hinting at the flavors to follow. Tastes mildly burnt/roasty - but still light on the body, as opposed to the usual heavier stout. Very enjoyable, and though I'd rather sip on a warmed Guinness Foreign Extra Stout, this one hit the spot.

Holydaze craft beer roundup!

The time is finally here for more beer reviews. I hope to catch up and post several more months worth soon, but meantime, here are some craft brews worthy of your attention, taste buds, and hard-earned cash. My rating scale goes from 1-5, with 1 being awful and 5 being awesome. As you see, nothing here was outright crap. Support craft beer, and especially your local craft brewers. On we go...

GOOSE ISLAND - PERE JACQUES 2010 (Chicago, IL) - 3.5
This bottle-aged, living beer is a Belgian-style ale, and it pours a rusty amber (with visible sediment) and a minimal head. I get virtually no lace, either. Not really impressive. The aroma is boozy, with hints of dried fruit esters and yeast. The flavor is similar, with notes of candied fruits and crusty bread. It's pleasant but heavy on the palate, and with a strong alcohol kick (8%), this one's a sipper. I like Pere Jacques, but wonder what it would taste like with a few years of aging to smooth it all out.

BOULEVARD NUT CRACKER ALE (Kansas City, MO) - 3.5
This hazy amber ale pours with medium carbonation and only a half-finger of lace on the glass. Nothing spectacular in the presentation. The nose is spiced, malty, and rich. Not bad. Upon tasting, I get more spice, and some tones of fruit and nuts, with a slightly bitter finish. Boulevard has captured some appropriate flavors for the holidays, and this ale is solid, if unremarkable.

WIDMER BROTHERS - BRRR SEASONAL ALE (Portland, OR) - 4.0
Ah, Widmer rarely disappoints my taste buds, and this clean red/amber ale pours with an impressive head and a luxuriously thick lace on the glass. The nose is caramel malty with some definitely hoppy flair tucked in there. Impressive. The flavor seems malty at first, but with a clean hops finish that places this more in line with a pale ale. Delicious and worthy!

BELL'S WINTER WHITE ALE (Comstock, MI) - 4.0
The respected Bell's presents their venerable Winter seasonal here, and it's a Belgian-style wit beer. This one pours a hazy yellow-orange with plenty of fine, white carbonation and a little retention. The aroma is definitely spices (I get a little clove) and citrus (namely orange). The taste is balanced and mild, with sharp wheat notes and orange zest playing leisurely with a little spice for warmth. Pleasant and enjoyable.

Summer beer reviews are here!

Ah, it's been far too long, and I have several months of beer reviews to share. Here's the newest. If there are no links, it's because those are beers owned by Anheuser-Busch InBev or MillerCoors, the corporates. I don't discriminate, as this is all based on taste and taste alone. Keep in mind that my reviews are rated on a scale of 1 to 5, with 1 being craptastic and 5 being godlike. So a 3.0 score indicates an "average" beer, drinkable but not recommended. Keep it local, keep it independent (not corporate), and keep it real!

ALEXANDER KEITH'S NOVA SCOTIA STYLE LAGER (St. Louis, MO) - 2.0
Reviewed this one back in June, and I liked it better then. Pours a clean yellow-amber, with a modest foam and delicate lace. Malty sweet on the nose, kinda corny, even. Not a great start. The taste is sweet, with a caramel-honey vibe. There's no complexity whatsoever here, and I found this one-dimensional, off-balance, and needing to be fine-tuned. No, thanks.

BODDINGTON'S PUB ALE (Luton, England) 1.0
This "draughtflow system" pint can pours with a huge head of quickly-dissipating bubbles and no lace. The nose is sweet and even a bit toast-like. Flavor is mild all the way, and even watery. I'll give it points for being "creamy" and "smooth", yes, but this beer has little character or body. Thin and uninteresting, this is one to avoid.

VICTORY SUMMER LOVE (Downintown, PA) - 4.5
This nice, clean, golden ale immediately invites with a rich head of fine white foam and spotty lace on the glass. The aroma? crisp and delightful, with plenty of fresh citrus hops and even a trace of fruit. I get more of the hoppiness in the taste, but this one isn't bitter or harsh at all. There seems to be hints of citrus and even apricot in there. A delicious and palate-pleasing summer brew with tons of nuance and flavor, all the while remaining light and drinkable. Winner!

RIVERTOWN HOP BOMBER PALE ALE (Lockland, OH) - 4.0
This attractive pale ale pours a clean amber in my glass, with a thick head of bone-white foam. Decent spoke-style lacing. Olfactory-pleasing, with touches of pine and orange. The taste is mild, but distinctive and full of character. I get some citrus hops notes up front, with mostly orange peel, followed up with a malty backbone that smoothes out the hops and suppresses the bitterness. This one's a sturdy, well-balanced, and very enjoyable ale.

As Fear once said, "More beer"...

So it's already beer o'clock around Goatsden International Headquarters. This installment, there are some fine craft brews to enjoy. Remember the ratings scale? Of course you do. Higher is better. If in doubt, check previous installments (search "beer" on this site). Keep it craft, keep it indie, and keep it delicious! Cheers and prost!

WINTERHOOK (Portsmouth, NH) - 4

This seasonal winter warmer pours a gold-amber with a mountain of small-bubbled foam. Nose is caramel-biscuity, with hints of spice (clove?).
Taste is strong, very bread-like with a little hint of fruit and a slightly bitter, alcohol finish. Definitely a solid beer, with a complex flavor profile, and an easy to drink treat for a bone-chilling evening!

BOULEVARD WHEAT BEER (Kansas City, MO) - 3

I'm not too familiar with Boulevard's brew offerings, but this faintly yellow and cloudy wheat beer begins blessed with a large, creamy head of foam. There's substantial lacing involved here, and a lively nose of citrus, and indeed there is a definite heavy orange zest finish to the taste. Boulevard Wheat is smooth-drinking, light-bodied, and a solid choice, although it doesn't present itself as too distinctive nor memorable.

GOOSE ISLAND - SOFIE (Chicago, IL) - 5

A "Belgian style ale" could encompass many tastes, so the printed description here leaves some mystery as to what lurks within this attractive and ornate bottle. Well, Sofie pours a kinda ugly cloudy yellow, with few bubbles and no lace. Not a strong opening, but the game's not over. Aroma is warm and spicy, with an unquestionable orange citrus overtone, with hints of pepper and clove. Surprisingly, the taste is quite mellow, with a huge sweet orange burst, followed by a slow-burn spiciness at the finish. This is then followed by another hint of warmed citrus. Delicious and exquisite!

GREAT DIVIDE BELGICA (Denver, CO) - 3

Great Divide has been noted for some outstanding beers (Yeti, anyone?), but this isn't necessarily one of them. Belgica pours a beautiful, hazy gold, with plentiful suds and minor lacing. Next comes a fantastic aroma of spice, citrus, and floral/grapefruit hops. But Belgica loses a point with the taste. It's malty and sweet, but the wonderful hops presence (so promised with the nose) seems toned-down and scaled-back, somehow. It's bold and citrusy, with a peppery alcohol followthrough (this one's a strong 7.2% ABV), but not one I'd pursue further.

Winterbeer...

Ah, it's been too long again, sports fans. Here's another quick rundown on some cool imported and craft beer from around the world...maybe not all particularly "Winter" brews, but tasty nonetheless. Ratings range from 1 (crap beer) to 3 (decent, drinkable) to 5 (perfect and transcendent). As always, enjoy your local and craft beer, and down with corporate beer!

HOEGAARDEN WITBIER (Belgium) - 3.5
Pours a faint, pale gold, with a rich and immaculate white head. Nose is spicy sweet, with hints of citrus, coriander, and flowers. The taste is rich and spiced, but with a light body. Definitely lighter and less complex than other Belgian ales. Hoegaarden has a friendly and mild taste, is easy to drink, and is one I'd consider a good stepping stone to the more impressive Belgian Trappist ales.

STEGMAIER WINTER WARMER (Wilkes-Barre, PA) - 3.0
A clear and attractive amber brown color here, with a solid head of foam in my ale glass. I get scents of biscuits, yeasty, and a little fruit maybe. The taste is bold and malty, with an almost maple syrup followthrough. This heavily sweetened punch seems to hide the relatively high alcohol content (it's 7.2%). Good, but not outstanding.

UPLAND KOMODO DRAGON FLY BLACK IPA (Bloomington, IN) - 4.0
Nice one, here. I dig the cool artwork (a winged Komodo dragon). Pours black as pitch, with a lathery lacing. First off, the nose is rich and floral. Definitely lively and fresh, and definitely in line with a normal IPA. Tasting, however, draws a different conclusion. Sure, there's a strong hops presence, so Komodo brings the staples of an IPA -- bitter and pungent, but it also has a burnt chocolate undertone there, too, like a stout. Wickedly interesting to mash up these two distinct beer styles. Kudos to Upland for a wild left-field creation. Tasty!

BECK'S DARK (Bremen, Germany) - 3.0
Pours dark (but not black) for certain, with solid lacing. Smell is a familiar semi-skunkiness, similar to Beck's lager or Heineken (or St. Pauli Girl lager). Flavor is slightly bitter and skunky, but certainly not bad. Decent and quite drinkable, but not one I'd look for, given a choice.

December 2010 beer tastings are upon us!

Ah, the holydaze season is upon us, so like it or not...it's time to drink. Forget the malls and shopping centers. Support your local breweries, brewpubs, and independent businesses. It's been a busy time for beer, with all kinds of seasonals hitting store shelves, as well as craft beer's big "mainstream" break, the Discovery channel TV show "Brew Masters", featuring Sam Calagione of Dogfish Head. Stock up and herald the craft beer renaissance. Here are some thoughts on some recent tastings of mine. Remember that ratings run the gamut from 1 to 5, with 1 being toilet bowl dredge and 5 being holy water (and yeast, and malt, and hops!). Hut, hut, hike!

REDBRIDGE GLUTEN-FREE SORGHUM BEER (St. Louis, MO) - 3.0
Commendations to Anheuser-Busch for supporting the growing number of people with gluten (wheat or barley) allergies. However, don't let that dissuade you from trying this one, as it stands on its own merits. Pouring a nice red-amber with average lacing, this sorghum-based beer has a sweet molasses nose, and a rich and malty flavor. The hops content seems subdued, pushing this one towards an overbearing sweetness rather than a well-balanced mix. Still, an easy-to-drink beer, and certainly steps above mainstream American lagers.

NEW BELGIUM - TRIPPEL (Fort Collins, CO) - 5.0
This classic Belgian abbey-style ale with a redesigned label initially pours an unimpressive pale gold, but the thick head and dense nose brings to mind cinnamon, ripe fruity banana, and clove/coriander. The taste is a bum-rush of spice up front, followed by a mellow maltiness, then a stronger alcohol sting (it's 7.8%). A perfect example of this style, and made in America. New Belgium's Trippel is a delightful and delicious beer.

GOOSE ISLAND - MILD WINTER (Chicago, IL) - 4.0
Goose Island seems to have stepped up their brewing in the last couple of years, and this is another triumph. This rye ale is an attractive deep amber with a rich foam and a fruity, biscuity nose. So far seems enticing! Taste is a surprisingly smooth and spicy, with a hint of clove. Subtle and tasty, this one's definitely enjoyable.

SPOETZL BREWERY - SHINER HOLIDAY CHEER (Shiner, TX) - 2.5
A curiosity here - a seasonal ale flavored with peach and pecan. Odd and not necessarily a typical cold-weather brew, but Shiner's always been dependable enough for a good tasting beer. Nonetheless, I'm not overly fond of this one. The sweet flavor is followed by a nutty finish, which sounds well enough, but this is just not one I'd purchase a 6-pack of, at least this year. Maybe next year's batch will be better?

CAVE CREEK - CHILI BEER (Mexico) - 1.0
This creative beer (there is an actual whole green chili pepper inside every bottle) opens with a sickly pallid complexion and a nonexistent head. The only scent I get is, not surprisingly, jalapeno. The taste is, well, like hot sauce. The pepper far overpowers the ultra-light lager beer it's suspended in. I have to admit, it's a nice novelty for the beer fan who THINKS he/she's had it all, but this one is just not appetizing at all. I'm not one to ever waste a beer, but this one's a pourer.

KINGFISHER LIGHT LAGER (Bangalore, India) - 1.0
Pours a decent golden, with thin lacing. Smells of butter and honey, with maybe a little corn. Taste is similar, with only a heavy malt presence and no hops detectable. Seems quite drab and unremarkable. This one doesn't stand out in any way, though it does have more body than most American adjunct lagers. Still, this one isn't crisp or tasty at all. Wouldn't have another.

LEFT HAND OKTOBERFEST MARZEN LAGER (Longmont, CO) - 4.5
This attractive and arty beer (complex and creative bottle renderings) pours a deep amber with an average head. The olfactories reveal an odor of fruit and yeast. Quite appealing already! The taste is crisp and even sweet up front, followed by a slight hop zing in the followthrough. Seems stronger and heartier than most lagers, and this one was a pleasure to finish.

LAKEFRONT - RIVERWEST STEIN BEER (Milwaukee, WI) - 4.0
Pours an attractive amber-red, with average lacing. This rich all-malt lager also boasts of a lovely ripened fruit bouquet, and the first taste reveals a biscuity flavor, with a slight zip of hoppy citrus in the finish. Tasty and well-done, and a perfect example of a lager done the right way.

WEIHENSTEPHANER - HEFE WEISSBIER (Freising, Germany) - 4.5
Poured into my ale glass with a major amount of froth, this well-regarded classic makes its presence known with a slightly spicy, clean scent and a clouded golden appearance. The flavor brings to mind grains and spices, like baked bread with a followthrough of clove. Tasty, balanced, and the best hefe I've had in some time.

JOSEPHS BRAU - DUNKELWEIZEN (San Jose, CA) - 3.0
A thick, dense head on this malty Bavarian-style unfiltered hefe, with a nice scent of caramel, clove, and banana. The taste is bold and roasty with hints of buttery biscuit and clove - spicy and tangy. Not bad, but I found this one somewhat lacking in balance, with perhaps a tad too much of the spiced element.

Beervember 2010!

So we are officially into the chilly months, so some darker, heavier beers are in order. This month there are some sure-fire winners from some first-rate brewers. But don't take my word for it...try them yourself. Remember that I rate beer on a 1-5 scale, with 1 being undrinkable pisswater, and 5 being nectar of Valhalla. So, it stands to reason that a 3 or 4 will still be a solid drinking experience. Support your local breweries and drink indie!

GOOSE ISLAND 312 URBAN WHEAT ALE (Chicago, IL) - 3.0
A pleasant and cloudy gold, this wheat ale boasts of an appealing banana and biscuit scent. First taste is subtle, with a slight citrus hint, though it is fairly subdued. Like most unfiltered wheat beers, this one's rather heavy and solid. It may not be frilly or challenging, but I found this one comfortable and a fine easygoing brew.

SAMUEL ADAMS - CHERRY WHEAT (Boston, MA) - 3.5
This cloudy golden-amber ale came to me highly recommended by this very magazine's illustrious beer expert/managing editor, and he knows his brews. Not to mention the fact that Sam Adams seldom disappoints, so this one's a "can't lose". What we have here is a cloudy golden ale with a strong cherry nose -- instantly appealing and unusual. My initial taste revealed, not surprisingly, tart cherries with a smooth honey undertone. Cherry wheat is balanced on the palate, and not too sweet or artificial-tasting (as are so many fruit-infused beers). Enjoyable.

NEW BELGIUM - 1554 ENLIGHTENED BLACK ALE (Fort Collins, CO) - 4.0
This deep, dark black ale is supposedly based on a 500 year old Belgian recipe, and it's an unusual and tasty ale that doesn't easily fit into a category. I get a roasty chocolate scent, which gives way to a burnt chocolate palate -- not as spicy as a traditional Belgian abbey ale, and more akin to a softer, gentler stout. It's not snappy or hoppy, but subtle, smooth, and quite tasty. This one's a delightful brew with a unique personality.

WIDMER BROTHERS HEFEWEIZEN (Portland, OR) - 4.0
Cloudy gold, and nearly amber in color, this hefe (unfiltered wheat) ale has a fruity nose up front. That's followed by a sharp and toasty tongue and a brisk, hoppy finish. Widmer's hefeweizen is a more complex wheat beer than most, and the strong, assertive personality may not be for beginners. Excellent.

Beertober, a wee bit late...

Here we are, another month-plus has gone by, and the seasonal beers have already piled up, been finished off, and more have found their way to Goatsden HQ! But has there ever been "too much beer"? I think not. As always, reviews are rated from 1.0 (outright sewage) to 5.0 (ambrosia from Valhalla). Support indie and craft beer, stay as local as possible, and avoid the multinationals! Onwards, troops!

JACK'S PUMPKIN SPICE (St. Louis, MO) - 2.5
Michelob's entry in the growing pumpkin ale sweepstakes pours a copper/amber, and the initial nose is of nutmeg and clove. The flavor is heavy on the spice, with minimal pumpkin. In fact, I only detect pumpkin in the aftertaste. Jack's is a sweet and malty ale that isn't too complex or unique, and really seems a little overbearing on the tastebuds.

SAMUEL ADAMS OCTOBERFEST (Boston, MA) - 3.5
A nice deep amber with substantial lacing, Sam Adams Octoberfest boasts of a spicy nose and rich, hearty flavor profile. I detect hints of candy sugar in the malts, somehow. Substantial and seemingly heavy, this one's pretty well tasty.

BELL'S OCTOBERFEST (Comstock, MI) - 4.0
Bell's is a typically amber lager with a rich, malty presence, with a slight tinge of hoppiness near the finish. More complex than the other Octoberfests reviewed this issue, and less heavy. I rate this one a prime example of a traditional Octoberfest style, and a delicious brew.

MICHELOB MARZEN OKTOBERFEST STYLE (St. Louis, MO) - 3.5
A nice pale amber complexion for this one, with plenty of suds up front. I didn't get much in the initial scent impression, but first taste hinted at a soft honey flavor, almost. Definitely an easy drinking beer, with a slight hint of hops near the end. Subtle and enjoyable.

A good brew on a hot summer day! Beers of August

Hooray for beer! Where I am, the summer sun and humidity are oppressive. Beer seems to help sometimes, especially the lighter seasonals as sampled here. Keep in mind, my reviews run from 1 being outright undrinkable dysentery-causing bongwater to 5 being life-sustaining nectar of Valhalla. Remember to support your local and micro-brewers. The future lies with them, not your major corporate macro breweries. Make your beer personal and buy local. So with no further ado, let's get on with the beer reviews, shall we?

HONEY MOON SUMMER ALE (Golden, CO) - 3.5

Blue Moon's summer seasonal is a clear amber wheat ale brewed with clover honey and orange peel for added zing. The flavor is overwhelmingly sweet, and heavy on the honey, though Honey Moon feels lighter and less filling than the signature Blue Moon, so it's a better fit for those steamy summer days. Pretty tasty stuff...not too complex but refreshing just the same.

NEW BELGIUM - SKINNY DIP (Fort Collins, CO) - 4.0

This clear golden ale is New Belgium's summer seasonal, and it's among the brewery's lighter offerings. The flavor is mild and malty, with a slight hoppy character and a hint of citrus. Oddly, I place this one curiously between a traditional lager and a pale ale. It's certainly tasty, and unique. Like most of New Belgium's employee-(and Earth-) friendly brews, this one's quite satisfying.

GOOSE ISLAND - PERE JACQUES 2010 BELGIAN STYLE ALE (Chicago, IL) - 3.5

Saved this powerhouse for last, and for good reason. It's a limited edition ale that, in the grand tradition of classic Belgian ales, is bottle-fermented with active & living yeast, so aging further develops the flavor. But I'm not waiting to write this review, so off comes the bottle cap and into my glass it goes. Hmm. It's a nice opaque amber in color, with an odor of bourbon (indubitably the strong 8% alcohol content), candy sugar, and maybe grapes. The flavor is sweet, with an unmistakable muted burn. Definitely a brew to savor. The beer snob in me says to rate this one higher, but I can't help but feel it needed some time/aging to reach its full complexity. As it stands, strong and hearty, but lacking individuality.

MICHELOB - PALE ALE (St. Louis, MO) - 3.5

This attractive amber pale ale pours with good lacing. The appealing floral/hoppy aroma also bodes well for this craft macro. But that's all window-dressing. What's it taste like? Well, Michelob's Pale Ale has a brisk and balanced hoppy character, but it's not too acidic or strong (nor complex) as other pale ales. A sturdy, solid beer -- not memorable, but a good representative of the style, and a nice place to start.

Beer From The Heart of Summer

Making up for lost time in Goatsden World Headquarters? Indeed we are. Here are my periodical beer-tasting results, all rated according to my own personal judgments and (maybe) knowledge. I give the brews scores from 1 to 5, with 1 being piss water and 5 being ambrosia. As per my usual cheerleading, please support your local breweries...where the beer is freshest and created by artisans who love what they do, not by robotic marketing teams who are out to take your valuable cash money! Long live indie brewers and craft beer supporters!

GOOSE ISLAND SUMMERTIME (Chicago, IL) - 4.0
Goose Island has always been hit and miss with me, but this clear golden kolsch is really enjoyable. It's not as light as appearances would normally dictate (this one's clear and pale golden), as there's a crisp maltiness, followed by a light mix of hops and citrus. A delicious and sturdy (but not imposing) brew that's worthy of praise.

MAGIC HAT #9 NOT QUITE PALE ALE (S. Burlington, VT) - 2.5
Clear and golden with a sweet and fruity scent, this one begins innocently, but upon first tasting, a weird fruit-infusion comes through. It's overly malty and not appealing to my nose or taste buds. A hint of hoppiness peeks out a little, but the overwhelming taste I get is that of artificiality. The beer taste seems far too obscured by a strange, unnatural flavor. Nay.

BODDINGTONS PUB ALE (England) - 2.0
It's been a lot of years since my last taste of Boddingtons, and the novel "draughtflow" system (in an aluminum pint can, no less) does manage to create a strong and foamy head , but this dissipates quickly and what's left is a pale imitation of a beer. It's an amber ale with a bland taste - malty and watery without any real personality. Far too plain and uneventful for me, sorry.

SCHLAFLY HELLES-STYLE SUMMER LAGER (St. Louis, MO) - 4.0
Now this is more like it! A pale, golden appearance with strong lacing and a very fresh, almost grassy scent opens the proceedings. The taste is strong, zesty, malty, and with a brisk and sharp flavor profile. This is a tasty treat, light but brimming with flavor. Quite enjoyable, Schlafly can be relied on for some quality beers, no question!

The Mega-Summer Beer Blast!

And here we go, late but not sorry. Seriously, there's been a shitstorm of personal distractions to tend to, so here's a compiled 2+ months of new beer reviews. As you can see, it's Summertime, and lighter lagers are the order of the day. Some good stuff sampled of late. Check out the tastes. And, as always, support your local brewery (remember freshest is usually the best). And if that's not always possible, at least support the little guys. Down with corporate beer dictatorships and "pay for space" in stores. Hail the craft brewers and microbrewers! Sermon out. Off to see Mono and The Twilight Sad in Nashville.

Leinenkugel's Summer Shandy (Chippewa Falls, WI) - 2.5

The pale, cloudy appearance isn't too impressive up front for this summery lemonade-infused wheat beer. The initial citrus smell isn't bad, though, but what really counts is the taste, and here it just reminds me far too much of Pledge furniture polish. Something here seems fishy (and plastic), and I won't be picking these up anytime soon.

Upland Rad Red Amber Ale (Bloomington, IN) - 4.0

A nice, rich, amber as promised upon pouring into my ale glass, followed by a hoppy (but balanced) flavor. Rad Red's not flashy, showy, or "extreme" (by a long shot), but with hints of maple and citrus, this one's got a nice and complex flavor profile. Maybe I'm being pretentious for deciphering those flavors, but this one's unquestionably steady, sturdy, and brings joy to my palate.

Michelob - Beach Bum Blonde Ale (St. Louis, MO) - 3.0

This rich ale pours golden with medium lacing, and though it doesn't offer anything too remarkable or unique, it does shine with a crisp maltiness that walks all over the usual summer lager lineup. More than drinkable, Beach Bum would be an ideal middle-point for an inexperienced drinker (or seasoned lager fan) to be gently swayed into the wide and wonderful world of ales. Decent enough.

Landshark Lager (Jacksonville, FL) - 3.5

This light beer has all the attributes of a classic lager -- pale. golden appearance and an easygoing flavor profile that's more on the malty side. The clean, crisp taste compares more than favorably to Corona, so summer beer fans looking for a light and tasty alternative to the more mainstream "light" "beers" should find Landshark ultimately satisfying. I say give this one a chance. You may be pleasantly surprised.

Avery Brewing - The Kaiser Imperial Oktoberfest Lager (Boulder, CO) - 4.5

Cloudy copper (like a strong wheat beer) at first impression, without much lacing. I didn't get much of an olfactory reading here, maybe just me, but the taste is decidedly un-lagerlike. Rich, malty maple or molasses overtones seem present, with a hint of floral hop character upon finish. Quite delicious, and only hints at the heightened alcohol presence. A certain winner.

Pacifico Clara (Mexico) - 3.5

A nice, clean, and light lager with a satisfying smooth maltiness, Pacifico easily holds it's own against the mainstream American lager monoliths. This pale golden beer is a perfect example of a lager - drinkable and easygoing. Maybe it's not frilly or showy, but this one certainly quenches the thirst and gets the job done. Next time you're in the mood for a lighter beer, pick up these instead of the usual light beer (no names, please) and see what you think. I like it.

Negra Modelo Dark Beer (Mexico) - 4.0

Pouring a deep bourbon-brown, and tasting sweetly malty (like a brown ale), Negra Modelo is my go-to choice when frequenting Mexican restaurants. It's uncharacteristically dark, when compared to most Mexican brews (which tend to be light lagers), but nicely satisfying, especially when consumed alongside a good burrito or fish taco. A classic and favorite of mine.

Left Hand Good Juju (Longmont, CO) - 3.0

A nice pale amber ale with a nice foamy head, this ginger-spiced brew tingles the nose with it's pungent ginger zestiness. And despite ginger's natural health benefits (proven to help with nausea and digestive ailments), I'll admit that ginger beer isn't much more than a novelty at this point. I've always been a fan of Left Hand's brews, but this beer has me torn. It's among the better ginger beers I've had, for certain, and it's a nice diversion from the usual fruit or spice-laden ales, but I can't say it's one I'd pursue, either.

Sierra Nevada - Bigfoot Barleywine-Style Ale (Chico, CA) - 2.5

A deep red-amber hue and a thick head (and lacing) heralds this potent 9.6% ABV beast. First taste? Super-strong, rich, and overpowering hoppiness and syrup-y malt presence. This one packs a serious wallop and takes some dedication to finish. It's memorable, but not one to savor repeatedly.

Dogfish Head - Palo Santo Marron - (Milton, DE) - 4.5

Pours a thick oil-black with a medium head. Olfactories pick up hints of fruity esters and a sweet vanilla punch. The taste is consistent with this before a brisk burn of alcohol takes over. Fans of bourbon barrel stouts will be interested in this uncharacteristic brown ale, aged in Paraguayan Palo Santo wood vessels. Certainly a unique and delicious brew.

March Of The Beer 2010

Ah, the time is at last here again for the month's beer tastings. Findings below. Be sure to support your local craft brewers (local is always fresher), and give a small brewer a try...relying solely on corporate beer is only allowing yourself to be boxed in and marketed to. Be individual, stand out, and drink indie beer!



BLUE DAWG BREWING - WILD BLUE BLUEBERRY LAGER (Baldwinsville, NY) - 1.0
To start with, I adore blueberries. Fresh, ripe, and real blueberries, that is. Nonetheless, this Nehi grape-colored debacle may say it contains "natural flavors and colors", but beer it is not. And I question the "blueberry" content as well. Maybe the 8% ABV is meant to obscure the fact that this one commits abominable and atrocious acts on the tastebuds? It tastes like an alcoholic grape soda, with no discernable hint of hops, just a weird, artificial fruity flavor that lingers like a Wild Irish Rose version of beer. Ugh. Avoid.

SCHLAFLY No.15 ALE (St. Louis, MO) - 4.5
This nice amber wheat ale brings a frothy appearance and a fragrant spice aroma - delectable! The first impression is a well-balanced maltiness, with a hint of citrusy spice. Compares (very) favorably to it's mainstream counterpart, Blue Moon, and in fact, a source close to me (who happens to enjoy Blue Moon) rated this one better. I do, too. A wonderful beer -- not flashy or showy, just eminently enjoyable and steady. Pick of the month.

TWO BROTHERS BREWING - THE BITTER END PALE ALE (Warrenville, IL) - 4.0
A nice, sweet, and floral aroma immediately permeates the air around this one. Certainly a promising opening! Tastewise, it's a smooth and hoppy character with a well-balanced malty presence that counteracts the more acidic and bitter elements that other pale ales exhibit. A standout, and a fine example of the style. Highly enjoyable.

MICHELOB - HOP HOUND AMBER WHEAT (St. Louis, MO) - 3.0
A nicely clouded golden ale, this seasonal macro features a balanced blend of Northwest hops and sweet malts. It's an appealing combination with hints of citrus and caramel notes, and not as bitter or biting as the name suggests. Hop Hound is easygoing, and not too complex, but more than drinkable. A nice starting point for the inexperienced beer drinker.

Merry Beer-mas 2009!

Ah, we are at the end of the year, and that can only mean one thing - it's Beer-mas! Here are some selections of some brews I've sampled, and hereby report to you my findings. Remember that the "score", being from 1 to 5, gives higher marks to beers I find to be complex and deliciously unique. A "1"-rated beer would be sewage swill, a "3" would be a drinkable, if unremarkable beer, and a "5" would be a godly nectar worthy of praise and worship. And a-here we go!

GOOSE ISLAND - NUT BROWN ALE (Chicago, IL) 3.5
This brown ale gives the appearance of being almost a stout, with it's
rich and deep, almost black appearance. The initial taste heralds a
malty chocolate note, with a pleasant sweetness that's not overbearing nor artifical-tasting. Tasty and enjoyable stuff.

PYRAMID - SNOW CAP WINTER WARMER (Seattle, WA) 4.0
This dark, opaque amber ale hits the palate with a zingy citrus punch
at first, followed by a hoppy bitterness and burnt nuttiness. Quite a
unique and flavorful taste experience, this winter warmer is 7% but
the alcohol presence is fairly obscured by what I call a profound
"flavor roll", whereas different taste elements evolve on the tongue.
An invigorating and impressive beer.

MENDOCINO - IMPERIAL IPA (Saratoga Springs, NY) 3.5
An intensely floral hoppiness emanates from the bottle at once,
certainly a good opening scent. This one's a nicely amber-red in
appearance. It's "only" 7.5% ABV, but this hop-monster packs a bitter
wallop -- certainly not for beginners. Actually this is a pretty
traditional IPA, and not too fanciful or unique. Solid, but not
outstanding.


AMSTEL LIGHT (Amsterdam, Holland) 2.5
Pouring a clear pale gold (with little lacing), this unassuming and
simple lager is crisp, light, and malty. It's well-balanced and not in
the least bit challenging. A perfect example of a light lager, this
one's more on the watery side. Likeable for what it is, though not one
I'd seek out or stock at the house.

Merry Beer-mas!

It's time once again for a look at some of the season's ales, with some surprises in store. Yes, my favorite this month was from a macro! Alas, all biases aside, there is good beer to be savored everywhere. The ratings system goes from 1 being sickly swill to 5 being divine nectar. Fight the good fight, drink good beer, and support your local brewmaster(s)!

MICHELOB - RYE P.A. (St. Louis, MO) - 4.0
Deep red-amber with a rich, foamy head and nice lacing, this pale ale boasts of a fragrant hoppy aroma. Yum. Taste is a solid, bitter IPA with a strong rye spiciness - challenging and completely in line with what a sturdy IPA should be like. With the rye addition, this one's a real craft beer with higher aspirations. Superb.

SHIPYARD PRELUDE SPECIAL ALE (Portland, ME) - 3.0
Another clean amber ale, this one begins with a warm and comfortable aroma of clove and spice. The taste reflects this, with a strong spicy palate and smooth malty inclination. Unfortunately, there's little residual complexity. The sweetness is overpowering, rendering this beer decent, but not outstanding.

GREAT DIVIDE - HIBERNATION ALE (Denver, CO) - 3.5
A dark red ale with a massive foamy head and super-sweet character, this one's got a punchy, spicy taste-character that gives way to a firm, alcoholic burn (it's 8.7% ABV). This one's definitely a sipper - strong, potent, and hearty. Approach with caution.

MICHELOB - WINTER'S BOURBON CASK ALE (St. Louis, MO) - 3.0
A winter tradition at News 4U HQ, this seasonal ale pours a clean amber, and tastes smooth and sweet, with a rich, molasses-like maltiness that would be more palatable if not for the overbearing vanilla accents. Nonetheless, this is a decent and drinkable brew, not outstanding but not altogether awful, either.

Beer Books Reviewed: "World's Best Beers" and "Tasting Beer"

Talk about change. In just the past 25 years or so, the entire world
of American beer has been radically altered. What was once simply a
working-class staple, in one singular style, has boomed into a
thriving industry ripe with creativity, inventiveness, and innovation.
Brewing styles from all over the world have been integrated into an
international beer culture, with countless independent craft brewers
popping up everywhere and anywhere, each attempting to create a tasty beverage that excites the palate and ignites the imagination, or at least complements a variety of foods. Unusual and complex flavors are now commonplace in beers, as are variations in consistency, alcohol-by-volume, color, and texture. With the influx of artisan brewers, there are plenty of books out there, and it's a lot to take in. Here are a couple I found to be superior, for both the novice and experienced alike.


"World's Best Beers -- One Thousand Craft Brews From Cask To Glass"
(2009, Sterling Publishing, $29.95)

This book, written by English beer statesman Ben McFarland, is a wonderful oversize coffee table-style tome that gives a nice, and relatively deep look into the beverages that the author feels are the "1000 best" in the world. A tall task? Sure. But certainly, even the most experienced beer aficionado will find something he/she has never heard of. Kudos to the author for including some fascinating close-up articles highlighting some of the more innovative craft brewers like Duvel (of Belgium), or the San Francisco-based Anchor Steam Brewery. And McFarland includes an abundance of photos, for those of us who require some visual stimulation. The book does touch upon the basics of beer, and some food pairings, but these are merely footnotes. The photos of the ornate bottles, and concise reviews (with web links) are definitely the focus here. "World's Best Beer" is a hefty, attractive, and colorful travelogue of the world's beer, and thus would make an ideal gift for the beer lover on your list.



"Tasting Beer" (2009, Storey Publishing, $16.95)

Lovingly crafted by noted beer enthusiast and writer Randy Mosher, this handy softcover reference is a perfect introduction to just about everything about beer, from its' storied history through the ages and continents, to different styles, to how to properly taste and judge a beer. If this sounds a bit academic, don't fret. Mosher's style is very conversational and easy to read. I consider this to be a layman's starting point in brewing and brew appreciation. Really, any of the basics about beer can be found in "Tasting Beer", so this one would make a solid counterpart and accompaniment to the aforementioned "World's Best Beers".

Beer-o-ween?

The season of the witch is upon us, so that means falling leaves, the holy daze season, and some nice and strong Oktoberfest/Fall beers! Keep in mind that the ratings here are my own, and can be echoed on my BeerAdvocate site. Beers are rated from 1 (being awful) to 5 (godlike). But dare to try them yourself...and support the indie brewing culture.

BRECKENRIDGE AUTUMN ALE (Denver, CO) - 4.0
A nice and deep (almost black) opaque ale with a thick head, this one
has a spice hint at first, with an almost burnt chocolate/caramel
follow-through. It's strong and malty, but the citrus-spice zing gives
it an added dimension, and a clean finish. Attractive and tasty, this
Breckenridge's Autumn Ale is more than enjoyable, and an easygoing,
yet still uniquely creative brew.

BERGHOFF TRADITIONAL BOCK (Monroe, WI) - 2.5
A traditional bock is, by nature, highly malted. And well, this
no-nonsense beer certainly fits that description. At the same time,
the malt presence here seems to overload my taste buds at the expense of any other flavors. Pouring a deep brown/amber, Berghoff's bock initially has a simple, rich caramel taste which permeates every subsequent sip. I sense no complexity, and this one-dimensional brew just doesn't cut it with me.

GOOSE ISLAND BOURBON COUNTY STOUT (Chicago, IL) - 4.5
Ah, this one is a deep, charry black stout that pours from the bottle
like a viscous oil. The scent recalls sweet cherry, aged oak, and of
course the sting of bourbon (this is aged in bourbon barrels, thus the
residual flavoring). First tasting reveals a heavy, potent alcohol
presence (it is a goliath 13% ABV, after all). This initial palate is
followed by a smoky, rich maltiness that is simply overpowering. No
session beer here, as this one's best for sipping or sharing, unless
you're seeking a quick ticket to buzz-land. An stunningly strong beer,
and a uniquely memorable "extreme beer" experience.

BACARDI SILVER - SANGRIA (St. Louis, MO) - 2.5
If it looks like a fruit punch, but smells like a wine, which is it? I
can't tell exactly what this one is, but I can report that this light
and fizzy drink is not altogether awful. I detect flavors like berries
and grapes alongside the more astringent sulfites. I've had several
kinds of these fruity "malt beverages", and most are horribly sugary
and artificial-tasting. Sugary, yes. Artificial, sort of. But I could
down it and not make sour faces, and that alone says something.

Craft Beer is Falling!

It's offically Fall, and the beers of the season are starting to arrive, like leaves falling from the trees. For beer snobs like me, Fall means a new batch of Dogfish Head Punkin Ale. But, alas, craft brew fans, there are others out there, vying for your attention, dollars, and taste buds. Here are a few recent tastings. Ratings are on a scale of 1-5, with 1 being horse piss, 3 being decent, and 5 being life-sustaining nectar of ye godz! As you can see, not a great month!

BUD LIGHT - Golden Wheat (St. Louis, MO) - 1.0
A certain pizza company is wise to proclaim the benefits of "better ingredients", and I believe that applies to beer, as well. This one has a decent cloudy wheat appearance, but first taste reveals a soft, fuzzy, fizzy mix of coriander, citrus, and...something artificial? Maybe metallic. I dunno. I do know that this one tastes one-dimensional and cheap. Absolutely horrid.

GOOSE ISLAND - Harvest Ale (Chicago, IL) - 3.0
Mmm. Yummy hints of rich, fruitiness on the nose -- almost pumpkinlike, definitely a Fall-like scent. Nice deep amber in color, and quite attractive. But the taste? Shows some hoppy character, but the maltiness complements it well. A hearty brew, and more than drinkable, but somehow not one I'd keep on-hand.

SHIPYARD BREWING CO. - Pumpkinhead Ale (Portland, ME) - 3.0
This clean, golden ale shows a nice froth and has a deliciously spicy scent up front. Tastes hearty, with plenty of sweetness, and the pumpkin flavor is integrated well with the spice elements. Balanced and rich, this one is enjoyable, though there are better pumpkin ales out there (Dogfish Head).

LEINENKUGEL'S - Oktoberfest (Chippewa Falls, WI) - 2.0
Pours a crystal-clear amber, with a very sweet aroma. Tastes pretty sweet, too. In fact, the overly malty presence is overbearing, completely obscuring the flavor profile or the supposed "4 specialty hops". I hate to slander a "German-style Marzen", but this one blows.