Greenbush Anger IPA: Review

Black India Pale Ale

Greenbush Brewing Company

Sawyer, Michigan, USA

Greenbushbrewing.com

85 IBU

7.6% abv

Appearance: black body with a tan two finger head that leaves some lacing.

Aroma: I could smell the piney hops when I popped the cap;

Flavors: nice hoppy spice for a black IPA; roasted grains mix it up with some citrus and pine

Mouthfeel: good bitterness, medium-full body, mild-moderate fizzy carbonation feel, pine on the aftertaste, very dry

To the Point: I have had several black IPAs and this one does have a little attitude with the bitterness compared to the other ones.  If you like to have an IPA with a little black lager – this is it; if you want a black lager with a little IPA then search the blog for the other ones.  This ale got a 90% on Beer Advocate with 118 reviews.  Personally, that is a little high for me.  I’d give it a B/B+; let me call it 86%.

Distorter Porter: Review

The Porter

Distorter Porter

Greenbush Distorter Porter

Greenbush Brewing

Sawyer, Michigan, USA

GreenbushBrewing.com

7.2% abv

50 IBUs

On the bottle: A stout-ish porter with a touchof porter-ish stout.  …a robust porter blurring the lines between a porter and a stout. 

Appearance: dense black body with a rich two finger tan head that is leaving some lacing on the glass.

Aroma: roasted grains, roasted coffee, light smoky feel, some chocolate in the mix, there is an interesting note under the roasted notes and I had to go into the house to pick it up a little better – it’s like a cherry cola or a cherry-vanilla cola; overall all a terrific bouquet.  

Flavors: toasted grains, campfire, dark roasted coffee, dark Swiss chocolate, there is a toasted cola caramel-ish note on the edges, there is a little sweet toasted sugar note floating around – almost like a well roasted campfire marshmallow but, it fades in and out on the palate.  

Mouthfeel: low-moderate carbonation, smooth, almost creamy feel, burnt grains on the finish, nice bitterness to me. 

To the Point: I missed the boat on this one.  I only bought one bottle to give it a try.  I’ll be back for more as soon as I can.  I really like this Porter.  This is no thin wimpy stuff here. 

The Cigar

I enjoyed the second half of this beer with a CAO Amazon Brazilia Cigar.  Oh, this Distorter is meant to be consumed while smoking a fine cigar and I thought of this one right away so I made my way to the humidor

and picked one out.  The Brazilia Amazon has a nice roasted coffee and dark chocolate profile itself.  The Amazon also has a little spice that reminds me of white and green peppercorn. 

The spiciness of the cigar seems to transfer over to the Porter.  When I drink the Porter first and then puff on the cigar, the smooth and almost creamy mouthfeel seems to transfer over to the cigar for a pleasing experience.  This two are sharing their strengths – how niceJ. 

I was worried that the rich toasted and campfire wood-like notes of the Ale when mix with a cigar might be too much of the same thing.  Well … no.  I think the cigar actually soothes the Ales toasted and slightly burnt notes. 

The coffee and chocolate notes mingle well.  This is a very nice medium-full bodied pairing.  I am going to remember this one for sitting by the campfire up north next weekend.   

Hitachino Nest Beer XH: Review

XH = Extra High

Kiuchi Brewery

Kodawari.cc

Product of Japan

Aged in Sake Casks

Strong Belgian Brown Style Ale

“Matured in Oak Casks which was used for maturation of Shocyu.”  - on the bottle

7% abv marked on the bottle

I don’t know a damn thing about Sake.  It has to be 25 years ago since I had Sake. 

Appearance: deep rich amber body with a fine little tan head the disappeared before my eyes.

Aroma: faint but there is a rich malty note and stone fruit.  Nice earthy tone. I do not pick up any boozy tone on the nose but, when I drink it I do.  

Flavors: light sweet grainy malt, rich stone fruit and wood, with each sip I pick up a little boozy note from the aroma and taste, oak spice on the finish

Mouthfeel: tangy on the tongue, no to low carbonation, slight bitterness on the mid and late palate, sharp cheddar like bit on the finish.   

To the Point: an interesting beer, I am not going out to look for it but I would buy one if I saw it and wanted something different.  

Green Flash Double Stout Black Ale: Review

The Stout

Green Flash Double Stout Black Ale

Green Flash Brewing Company

San Diego, California, USA

8.8% abv

Appearance: beautiful black body with a toasty tan 2-1/2 finger head that leaves tons of lacing on the glass.

Aroma: toasted grains, little hint of coffee, and a touch of hoppy spice

Flavors: dark roasted coffee with a nice acidic bite, dry 90% dark chocolate like bitterness, nice herbal/grass hops, toasted and lightly burnt grains, some alcohol peppery feel on the finish,  

Mouthfeel: solid bitter style, scratchy wool like feel, low carbonation, almost syrupy so, let’s call it oily, lingering sharp bitter bite on the palate, full body

To the Point: this is not for the faint of heart, if you like stouts that are big and bold this is for you and this one is for me, I don’t like that thin dark ale like stout

The Cigar

CAO Brazilia Amazon

This is a big 6 x 60 stick.  This cigar is meant to be consumed with a quality Stout or a robust Porter.  The flavors profile is fairly simple; dark roast coffee with a nice touch of chocolate, toasted tobacco leafs and a dash of pepper mill mix. 

This is a very good full bodied pairing.  The hoppy bitter style of the Double Stout blends well with the white and green peppercorn notes of the cigar.  I thought it might be too much but it is just right for my palate.  The dark roasted acidic coffee and dark chocolate like bitterness of the Stout really picks up the rich coffee like note in the cigar.    

This pairing is not for the novice.  Only real Stout lovers and experienced cigar smokers need to apply.  

He’Brew Hop Manna IPA: Review

Dry Hopped with Centennial, Cascade and Citra

Shmaltz Brewing Company

Shmaltzbrewing.com

Saratoga Springs, New York, USA

1pt 6oz bottle

$5.99

65 IBU’s

6.8% abv

Malts: 2-row, wheat, Munich, Vienna, CaraMunich 40

Hops: Warrior, Casade, Citra, Amarillo, Crystal, Centennial

Appearance: hazy amber with light caramel highlights; finger and a half off white head that leaves plenty of lacing on the glass.

Aroma: light nose; citrus spice

Flavors: solid citrus notes with grapefruit salad coming to mind – white grapefruit leading the way with a little pink and red grapefruit in the mix, spicy citrus-pepper and pine, nice hoppy bitterness, dry dust earthy tone, very light on the sweet, malts must be doing their job to keep the bitterness in check for it is not overly bitter. 

Mouthfeel: medium citrus bitterness, moderate carbonation, sticky oily hops, medium body, lingering citrus twang

To the Point: a nice dry hopped ale, if you like citrus/pine this is for you, I would buy this again.  

Reunion Ale ‘12: Review

Shmaltz Brewing Company

and

Terrapin Beer Company

shmaltzbrewing.com

Dark Imperial Ale Brewed with Cocoa Nibs, Cinnamon, Vanilla, and Natural Flavors

Benefiting the Institute for Myeloma & Bone Cancer Research

1pt 6oz bottle

8% abv

$7.99 a bottle

Appearance: black body with a half finger tan head

Aroma: their inspiration to make this beer was a dessert and it smells like a tasty one at that.  To me I am thinking – cheese cake with some vanilla, chocolate and cinnamon on top – oh, maybe tiramisu.  Whichever it smells very good. 

Flavors: just as tasty as the nose, nice chocolate with a touch of coffee, roasted vanilla bean, dusty cinnamon, lightly toasted malts, a hint of hops on the back of the tongue – light spice

Mouthfeel: low carbonation, almost creamy, sweet but not in your face sweet, lingering cinnamon and light bitterness

To the Point: very interesting, liquid dessert beer style, I could not handle the Sweet 16 but this I would buy again because it is unique.  One and done  

Odd Side Citra Pale Ale: Review

Odd Side Ales

Grand Haven, Michigan, USA

Oddsideales.com

5.75% according to BA

As they say on their web site, ‘this is not quite a pale ale nor is it an IPA.’

A few years ago they had a Peanut Stout from Odd Side and it was great.  It was like you were eating a handful of peanuts with a stout ale.  This past winter they had a stout from Odd Side at a local bar and I don’t remember the name ‘peanut butter cup?’ but, it was weak.

Appearance: burnt orange body with a one finger bone white head that leaves some nice sticky lacing.  Make sure to get that little bit of sediment off the bottom of the bottle.  

Aroma: pink grapefruit big time with a touch of fruit in the back

Flavors: nice citrus flavors up front, grapefruit, lemon rind; under the citrus I am picking up pear, apple and a little pineapple swirling around, a touch of pine and white grapefruit on the finish along with a touch of pineapple, the pineapple note is very settle.   

Mouthfeel: mild-moderate carbonation, somewhat oily from the hops, medium to medium-full body, sweet-bitter pink grapefruit like feel on the front and mid with a touch of white grapefruit like bitterness on the finish and aftertaste along with a little pine like note – this makes for a dry finish.    

To the Point: a tasty whatever you want to call it - pale ale or IPA.  If some IPAs are too strong for you but, you like citrus, maybe this pale ale would do the trick. Come to think of it this could be a good introductory ale before trying a full bodied IPA.

I just checked Beer Advocate and this ale has a 94 rating with 102 reviews. 

Would I buy a six pack of this ale again?  Yes.  

He'Brew Jewbelation Sweet 16: Review

16^th Anniversary Ale

He’Brew the Chosen Beer

Shmaltz Brewing Company

Saratoga Springs, New York, USA

Shmaltzbrewing.com

16 Malts / 16 Hops

Click here to see the different hops and malts

16% abv

1pt 6oz bottle

$10.99

I have never had this ale before and I have to admit that I am not looking forward to reviewing this one.  I just have that perception that it is going to be on the sweet side, too sweet side, for me.  But, it may contrast well with this medium-full cigar that has a nice dose of pepper. 

Appearance: coffee black body with a two finger dark tan head; leaves some sticky lacing on the glass with each sip

Aroma: rich sweet malts, roasted malts, just a touch of alcohol, not as boozy as I thought it would be, let’s see what happens as it warms up, fig, chocolate syrup, coffee; the nose has that boozy tone as it warms. 

Flavors: this has a very rich style, the kind that can become too much for me, rich sweet  malts followed by some toasted grains, burnt sugars, dark chocolate covered caramel, a squirt of Hershey mild chocolate syrup, hoppy spice or is it the alcohol,

Mouthfeel: a bit syrupy, thick and chewy is a good way to look at it, rich toasted and slightly burnt notes cover the palate, sweet on the front and mid palate, hoppy spice and alcohol peppery feel on the finish with the sweet note swirling around, low carbonation feel,

My Strength Rating: 8.5 – full bodied

To the Point: as they say on the bottle, ‘this is about cupcakes and unicorns’ and I feel like I just ate three too many cupcakes and I am only halfway through this bottle.  This is a sipper.  Would I buy another one? … No.  If you like bold and rich malts … this is for you. 

And by the way ... I still could not finish this beer. 

Round Barn Wood Oaked IPA: Review

Oaked India Pale Ale

the Round Barn brewery

Baroda, Michigan, USA

Roundbarnbrewery.com

6.75 abv

$9.99 a six pack

I have to say that I am really looking forward to trying this beer for the first time.  An Oaked IPA – sound good to me and it sounds like it should go good with a fine cigar.

Appearance: cloudy, deep golden-tangerine body with a half finger bone white head that leaves some lacing on the glass with each sip but does not stick.

Aroma: light overall, some oak, citrus-floral in the mix

Flavors: the mild-moderate oak flavor seems to mix well with some muted hops, mild citrus at best with a little pine on the finish.   

Mouthfeel: moderate carbonation, dry, oak spice that is reminding me of my oak sea salt that I use in cooking, piney on the finish and aftertaste along with the oak, nothing overpowering

To the Point: IPA fans or Hop Heads might be disappointed or a little disappointed but, I like the touch of oak.  For someone who likes cigars and some cigars have oaky notes … well this would be worth buying and enjoying with a fine cigar.  Look forward to a few reviews on my cigar blog with this beer. 

Worthy to try … ahrrr … interesting to try? Yes.  For the cigar smoker it is a must pairing.  I paired it with a Liga Privada #9 and it was a very pleasing pairing. 

Round Barn Summer Wheat Beer: Review

the Round Barn brewery

Baroda, Michigan, USA

Roundbarnbrewery.com

Summer Wheat is not on their web site yet

I’ll guess it’s around 5.5% abv
$9.99 a six pack

Appearance: a fine hazy pale yellow body with a one finger head (if that) and there is no lacing on the glass.

Aroma: oh, coriander right off the bat with a little wheat in the back ground

Flavors: fresh cut wheat then a nice touch of coriander (opposite of the nose), light grassy note, fruity – okay, no distinct notes, if I had to make a call on the ‘tropical fruit’ according to the bottle – I’ll say, mango and apricot but, it is not strong at all.  I don’t pick up any citrus just coriander spice. 

Mouthfeel: light body and carbonation, light coriander spice on the aftertaste, refreshing feel yet dry.

To the Point: an okay Wheat Beer.  Nothing to run out and get right away.  Would I buy a six pack?  Maybe; I’ll go for their Kolsch Style Beer before this one, personally.  Should be refreshing on a summer day with its simple profile.  

Round Barn Kolsch Style Beer: Review

the Round Barn brewery

Baroda, Michigan, USA

Roundbarnbrewery.com

5.2% abv
$9.99 a six pack

I have never heard of Round Barn Brewery or Baroda Michigan.   Baroda is located in the south western corner of the State, just below Benton Harbor.  Their web site says they have been ‘fermenting’ for 30 years.  They make wine, beer and spirits.  Gee, it sounds like my kind of place. 

Appearance: steamy golden yellow that just seems to glow.  A pure white head that delivers a fine two-finger crown and leaves some nice sheets of lacing on the glass.

Aroma: dusty grains, soft floral, and a touch of lemon biscuit.

Flavors: a mild malty tone of fresh picked dusty grains, white bread, hard water; just a hint, of a twist, of lemon rind.

Mouthfeel: fresh, crisp, soft refreshing flavors, moderate carbonation, mild body,

To the Point: I have reviewed 3 different Kolsch style beers now in the past 10 months and I have enjoyed each one.  See: Shorts Kolsch 45 and Witch’s Hat ThreeKords.  I think I may have a new summertime favorite brewing here. I did say 'summertime favorite'  - I did not say a favorite style of mine.   

I am going to have to find eight different breweries that make a Kolsch style and do an elite eight bracket.  This style of beer is not that popular so, it may be hard to find eight. 

The Round Barn seems to have a pretty true to style Kolsch beer here. 

Avery Hog Heaven: Review

the Holy Trinity of Ales

Dry-Hopped Barleywine-Style Ale

Avery Brewing

Boulder, Colorado, USA

averybrewing.com

104 IBU’s

9.2% abv

$7.99 a bottle

22 oz bottle

Appearance: dusty caramel body with a light beige head that leaves some sheets of lacing on the glass.  The lacing clings to the glass though-out the whole bottle. 

Aroma: aromatic hops with a nice floral touch and light red grapefruit; sweet caramel malt; lightly toasted grains; overall very nice bouquet

Flavors: sweet red grapefruit with a hint of orange and a touch of floral hops, nice earthy yeast, lightly toasted grains, faint caramel, marble bread – wheat and rye,

Mouthfeel: light carbonation, light rye spice and toasted grains linger on the palate, somewhat sweet with the dry hops adding a good balance, smooth feel, the alcohol was not a big factor – maybe adding some spice but, it was not boozy. 

My Strength Rating: 6.5 – medium-full

To the Point: a very tasty Dry-Hopped Barleywine-Style Ale if that is what you want to call it.  This is easy to drink – I need to slow up

As they say on their web site, ‘this is a serious beer for serious beer aficionados.’

This Ale would be nice to pair with a nice earthy style cigar, which I did on the second half of the bottle.  

Avery 2011 Eighteen: Review

A Dry Hopped Rye Saison Ale

Anniversary Edition

Avery Brewing Company

Boulder, Colorado, USA
averybrewing.com

1pt 6oz bottle

$8.50 a bottle

Bottled May 2011

Retired – no longer made

8.12% abv

I never reviewed this ale before so I don’t know how it has aged.  Let’s see what it is like today. 

Appearance: hazy deep caramel colored body with a one finger beige colored head that leaves some lacing on the glass. 

Aroma: very faint, touch of caramel malts, earthy yeast, sweet yet spicy grains, a little fruity note as it warms up; reminds me of apple and pear

Flavors: much better than the nose, spicy rye, earthy notes, toasted caramel note, undertone of over-ripped stone fruit, dry grassy hops, herbal like,

Mouthfeel: moderate carbonation, nice fizzy feel, moderate bitterness, dry on the back and finish; is it the rye or the dry grassy hops on the finish?  The alcohol did not really come into play. 

To the Point: it’s okay to good; I won’t be running out to buy out the rest; if you find it and want something a little different try it – otherwise I’ll skip it.  I did enjoy it a little more when I didn’t think about it.    

Avery Anniversary Ale Fifteen: Review

Ale Brewed with Spices, Herbs and Figs

Avery Brewing Company

Boulder, Colorado, USA

Averybrewing.com

22 oz bottle

$7.99 a bottle

7.68% abv

RETIRED

I have not had the Fifteen before so, I have no frame of reference to see how it is aging.  The bottle is marked Bottled in April of 2008.

Appearance: pretty golden-orange body with a white head on top; now I got some of the sediment off the bottom of the bottle pouring the second half of the bottle and the body is a hazy orangie light amber with a solid one finger white head.

Aroma: a light tart apple note hits the nose first followed by some fruity notes, light floral

Flavors: light-moderate sour-tart bite that reminds me of lemon meat and tart apple; herbal biscuit, golden fruity notes with a musty white pepper and light earthy yeast

Mouthfeel: firm carbonation, tartness on the mid and finish,

To the Point: I would buy another bottle of this.  This is a good example that beer can be aged.  If you find a bottle still around it is worthy of buying. 

Avery The Maharaja Imperial IPA: Review

Dictator Series

Avery Brewing Company

Boulder, Colorado, USA

averybrewing.com

Batch no. 13

March 2011

1pt 6oz bottle

$8.99

102 IBU’s

10.54% abv

Appearance: deep copper-ish caramel body? Amber burnt orange? Damn what is it … it is mesmerizing … it almost glows in the light.  If I made up names for a paint company I would call it copper glow. Just sheets of lacing hanging on the glass. 

Aroma: the glass has to be a foot and a half away from my nose and I can smell from here.  Let’s get up close and personal; I was expecting a hop blast to the nose but, I pick up fruit first; mango, peach, orange, a touch of pineapple; then a whiff of rich caramel malt; then some ruby red grapefruit meat

Flavors: the malts are sure in the picture here for a 102 IBU (international bittering units) ale.  What is going on here for it is almost hypnotic.  Sweet on delivery, rich caramel and earthy grains hit the mid, then some hoppy bitterness mix in the mid and hold on thru the finish – the fruit reminds me of pink and red grapefruit mixed in with some mangos, and then there is a dusty bitterness on the long lingering aftertaste

Mouthfeel: somewhat thick, almost creamy, sticky oily hops, low-moderate carbonation – on the low side, earthy yeast on the front, grapefruit like bitterness on mid and finish, the alcohol was not a factor in this 10% abv – no boozy feel to me. 

My Strength Rating: 8.5 –full

To the Point: a super DIPA, I can think of two others that I like better.  This is the first beer out of 540 reviews on my blog that I have used the words ‘mesmerizing’ and ‘hypnotic’ during the review.  If you are a hophead what do you think?  If you have not tried it get to the store.  Leave a comment by clicking on the comment button below.   

Batch 13 March 2011 on the bottle; it is aging just fine