Atwater Grand Circus IPA: Review

Atwater Brewery

Detroit, Michigan, USA

Atwaterbeer.com

“Our session India Pale Ale”

4.2% abv

Appearance: deep cloudy amber body with almost a two finger bone white head that leaves some lacing behind with each sip

Aroma: faint floral grassy hops and white bread

Flavors: sort of non-descript hops and malts; I’ll do my best, citrus peel and pine bitterness, bready malts

Mouthfeel: a fine fizzy carbonation feel, soft wool like texture, musty dusty dirty aftertaste

To the Point: they do call it a ‘session’ IPA; that is true … if you don’t care about flavor but want to drink a few beers with a low abv this is it; not for me

Redd’s Apple Ale: Review

Redd’s Brewing Company

Miller Beer Product

Albany, Georgia, USA

Reddsapple.com

5% abv

Appearance: liquid crystal amber; no head, no foam

Aroma: faux apple cough drop

Flavors: sugar sweet crisp apple water

Mouthfeel: super simple, could be refreshing but the amount of sugar will need two gallons of water to refresh the sugar water taste of this ale. No carbonation, kool-aid apple water, not much on the aftertaste

To the Point: not for me, I am not a quarter of the way into this bottle and I am ready to hand it off to the wife.  Miller and Bud drinkers will be use to this amount of sugar.  Don't let the word Ale fool you - it is not an Ale.

Go buy a real hard cider from a craft brewer.  

D.O.R.I.S. the Destroyer: Review

Hoppin’ Frog D.O.R.I.S. the Destroyer

Double Oatmeal Russian Imperial Stout

Hoppin’ Frog Brewing Company

Akron, Ohio, USA

Hoppinfrog.com

1pt 6oz bottle

22oz

10.5% abv

70 IBU

Appearance: pitch black body; no head; a little dark tan rim; syrupy legs on the glass with each sip

Here is the problem I have with 22 oz bottles, or larger, all the sediment is on the bottom and it is difficult to get that sediment into the mix until you get to the last eight ounces or less.  It is then that you get to swirl the bottle good enough to get the sediment into the beer.  Look at the head now.  The mouthfeel is a little thicker.

Aroma: dark roasted notes; dark roast coffee; roasted grains, smoky, dark 70% chocolate like;

Flavors: just like the nose; the flavors come together for a great imperial stout; on their bottle they say ‘will overwhelm, satisfy, and destroy your taste buds…;’ I’ll just say that it satisfies my taste buds. 

Mouthfeel: no carbonation; the alcohol spice tingles the tongue but it is not overwhelming; nice alcohol warmth on the finish; bitterness is pleasing and under control with hint of toasted caramel in the background; oily, slightly syrupy but not overpowering; full body

To the Point: a very pleasing Double Imperial Stout; a great sipper; I was told it is not sold in Michigan so I’ll have to make a road trip to Akron and buy a case this fall.  

Cheboygan Lighthouse Amber: Review

Altbier - German Style Beer

Cheboygan Brewing Company

Cheboygan, Michigan, USA

Cheboyganbrewing.com

5.25% abv

“This Ruby Amber beer with its smooth toasted malt presence is our original brew.”

Appearance: dusty mahogany with a one and a half finger tan head that leaves no lacing

Aroma: toasted malts with a touch of hops, simple and mild

Flavors: toasted grains, sweet brown nut-fruit bread, roasted caramel, faint grassy feel,  

Mouthfeel: light carbonation, smooth, bready aftertaste with a dusting of dry hops, medium body, not too sweet, very mild to mild bitterness,

To the Point: a nice tasting altbier, I would buy this again

Delilah DeWylde-Berry Wheat: Review

Saugatuck Brewing Company

Douglas, Michigan, USA

Sbrewing.com

Fruit Beer Style

5% abv

Looking at the picture on the label I’ll guess that Delilah DeWylde is a bass player.

On the bottle: ‘A crisp and refreshing raspberry wheat.’  In smaller font at the bottom of the label: ‘Ale brewed with artificial flavor.’

Berry flavors in beer are not one of my favorite things.  They can be too sweet, too medicinal, just plain strange tasting and once in a blue moon done right.  One that I can think of was a cherry flavor from Bell’s. 

Appearance: glowing golden wheat (cloudy) with a 2 finger creamy white head that will not leave, it still has a one finger head and I poured this 15 minutes ago.  Tons of lacing clings to the glass.  On the last four ounces left in the glass there is a half  finger head still floating atop the beverage.  The appearance is beautiful. 

Aroma: medicinal berry smell; it is hard for to get past the medicinal note to notice anything else.  The ‘medicinal’ note is not strong so I’ll call it faint and it does not linger.  The nose is not appealing overall.  I am really not ready for this now.  I wish the wheat came through.

Flavors: there is a raspberry like note, it is a little medicinal tasting but not really bad – which also means not really good; the wheat flavor is pleasing

Mouthfeel: smooth, crisp, fairly clean mouthfeel, low carbonation, a berry-wheat twang on the aftertaste; no medicinal notes; actually not bad on the mouthfeel

To the Point: for a fruit beer it’s not bad, I pour out most that I try on the grass or pass them off to the wife – I did finish this one.  I would not buy one.  I would drink another one on a hot summer day if someone else was buying.   Average at best, to me, because of the slight medicinal note.  I’ll give it a C+.  Maybe use real raspberry flavor and this could be a winner.  

Frankenmuth Imperial Stout 2013 Edition: 2nd Review

Brewmaster’s Select

Russian-American Style Stout

Frankenmuth Brewing Company

Frankenmuth, Michigan, USA

Frankenmuthbrewery.com

1quart 1.8oz bottle

10% abv

I reviewed a bottle of this Stout a couple of weeks back, so it is time to open that second bottle.  The Stout was … terrible on the first bottle.  I have to admit that I am afraid to even open this bottle but, I want it out of my fridge.  If it is no good I’ll just water the grass with it. 

1313 bottles made and I have bottle number 0131.

Stouts are usually brewed as an ale but, Frankenmuth brewery made this as a lager.  They brewed it back in February of 2012 and let it sit for a year to age. 

This beer is all about the packaging.  What a great looking bottle and label.  They had three bottles left and I bought two of them. 

Appearance: black body with a two finger tan head that leaves some lacing on the glass.  The other bottle never poured better than a one finger head.

Aroma: It does not have that vinegar smell.  It does have a tartness to the overall bouquet with just a touch of roasted grains and I think I am pickup up an oaky note.  This is nothing like an Imperial Stout.

Flavors and Mouthfeel: some light roasted notes and this bottle has a tart flavor or is it a very abrasive sea grass note.  It is a very sharp tart bite that hits the mid palate; no carbonation; there is a light syrupy or oily feel; overall not pleasing

To the Point: this tastes like a sour dark beer.  The good thing – they don’t have any more of this Imperial Stout.  The only good thing here is the cool quart bottle.  I did water the grass with this beer.  

Click here to read the first review

Bob’s Your Uncle Premium Bitter: Review

RoundBarnBrewery.com

Baroda, Michigan, USA

4.8% abv

On the bottle they say that this is going to be a light body and mouthfeel.

Appearance: misty amber body with a two finger off-white head that leaves some good lacing on the glass; make sure to swirl the last inch of beer, in the bottle, to get the sediment off the bottom and pour it in your glass

Aroma: light bready, earthy yeast nose; light overall

Flavors: earthy yeast, earthy grass bitterness on the finish (very light), toasted caramel,

Mouthfeel: moderate carbonation, mild body, light dusty dirt aftertaste

To the Point: okay to good; grade C+/B-; might be a nice one to try on a crisp fall day; flavors are uninteresting, 

Saugatuck Singapore IPA: Review

India Pale Ale

Saugatuck Brewing Company

Douglas, Michigan, USA

Sbrewing.com

7% abv

72 IBU’s

$9.99 a six pack

On the bottle: “Named after the legendary Lake Michigan ghost town.”

Appearance: clear golden body with a two finger white head that leaves lots on lacing on the glass.

Aroma: herbal hops with a nice touch of citrus on the nose and a fresh biscuit note.

Flavors: white grapefruit citrus rind, nice peppery feel,

Mouthfeel: low-moderate carbonation, white grapefruit like bitterness, very dry

To the Point: rather simple, citrus front and center not much else, if you want a simple white grapefruit like IPA this is for you.  

Saugatuck Bonfire Brown Ale: Review

Saugatuck Brewing Company

Douglas, Michigan, USA

Sbrewing.com

20 IBUs

5.5% abv

Appearance: I don’t know it is all foam.  One inch of brown liquid and a four finger tan head and that was on a gentle pour.  This is one foamy beer – went to pour the last inch of beer from the bottle, once my glass was half done, and wow explosion of foam.  All over the table; the foam was pouring out of the glass like lava coming out of a volcano; it just would not stop foaming. 

Aroma: toasted grains, mild-medium roast coffee, lightly toasted sugar,

Flavors: medium roast coffee, toasted grains, roasted caramel malt, some dark chocolate likeness, and a little toasted sugar  

Mouthfeel: super fizzy carbonation (something is wrong with this ale), very dry finish, toasted grains linger on the palate  

To the Point: Toasty is the word to describe this ale.  A very nice and toasty brown ale.  I just want one with 75% less carbonation 

Right Brain Igor Imperial Brown Ale: Review

Igor Takes a Digger

Right Brain Brewery

Traverse City, Michigan, USA

Rightbrainbrewery.com

7.7% abv

22 oz bottle

$11.00 a bottle

Appearance: dark brown body with a half finger light beige head; some spotty lacing on the glass.  A one finger pour on the second half of the bottle with an aggressive pour. 

Aroma: very light bready nose; not much else; as it warms – a little more sweet malts start to show

Flavors: light yet rich malts, toasted earthy grains and caramel; nice light hop bitterness on the mid; light fig; as the ale warms the rich malts notes become a little more flavorful,

Mouthfeel: smooth, oily, no carbonation, light for an Imperial, medium body overall, easy to drink, light lingering bitterness, the alcohol is not a factor

My Strength Rating: 5.5 – medium overall

To the Point: not big; not a wow factor here; but, I like it; the flavors come together for an enjoyable experience – now, would I pay 11  bucks for another one … maybe … take my likeness off the label – I am sensitive you know … sure  

I paired this Ale with the Brazilia Box-Press cigar.  This quality earthy and spicy cigar really helps this ale.  The spice from the cigar helps to bring out the alcohol spice in the ale.  The earthy style of the cigar seems to give the ale a little more body.  These two are very good together. 

I have not smoked this cigar in a long time but, when I saw it in the humidor I thought, ‘this should be a good match for this ale.’  Yes, I do talk to myself but, I do not answer myself – okay most of the times.  This is one of my favorite cigars and I probably have 30 of them in the humidor.  I think I should do a Cigar Series Pairing with this stick.  

Right Brain Looping Owl: Review

Amber Ale Aged in Whiskey Barrels

Right Brain Brewery

Traverse City, Michigan, USA

Rightbrainbrewery.com

22 oz bottle / 1pt 6oz

6.5% abv

$11.00 a bottle

This ale is aged in Whisky barrels from the Grand Traverse Distillery.  I have had a few of their beverages; Rye, Straight Rye and Bourbon Whiskey.  I’ll have to get the Bourbon Whiskey out and have a few sips during this review. 

I purchased a variety four pack of 22 oz bottles for 45 buck at the brewery.  That is a bit pricy but they are just starting to bottle their beers. 

Appearance: rich amber body with a very little fizzy head and no lacing.  Refilled the glass with an aggressive pour and got a light beige ¼ inch head. 

Aroma: a very faint malty bready nose, I am waiting for the whiskey or oak … half way thru the bottle and still waiting for the whiskey or oak. 

Flavors: this is nice; lightly toasted grains, toasted sweet bread, touch of sweet whisky, soft herbal/grassy hop note, I’m thinking of a light pecan note – interesting because I am waiting for a strong oaky note, the light oak is more on the finish and aftertaste. 

Mouthfeel: very light fizzy carbonation, smooth, light toasted notes on the taste and aftertaste. 

To the Point: on my first sip I said, ‘this is nice’ and I’ll have to stay with that; this ale does not have that wow factor but it is very nice and enjoyable to drink.  I bought two bottles of this ale and I am glad I did. 

Just poured the Grand Traverse Whiskey and it smells like Whiskey – sweet corn Whiskey.  I wish the ale picked up some of the Whiskey aroma.  

Right Brain Northern Hawk Owl Amber Ale: Review

Right Brain Brewery

Traverse City, Michigan, USA

Rightbrainbrewery.com

5.8% abv

22oz bottle / 1pt 6oz

I bought a variety four pack of 22 oz bottles while I was at the brewery and the cost … $45.00.  Damn … this better be super great stuff.  Avery’s Maharaja is only $9.00 for a 22 oz bottle and that is super top shelf stuff.  They just started bottling so costs are high for them right now. 

I know, right off the bat, it is not super great stuff here – this is an Amber Ale – not one of my favorite styles.

Appearance: fairly clear amber body with a thin tan head and no lacing to speak of – I had to do a very aggressive pour to get some head.  Nothing worse than working to get some head. 

Aroma: smell … smell … smell again … lightly toasted white bread and not much else.  Once the ale warmed up some still no nose. 

Flavors: nice spice from the hops also a little sea grass feel, lightly toasted caramel, sweet bread – the kind that has a little fruit and nuts in it. 

Mouthfeel: thin on the delivery then opens on mid and finish; toasted bread texture, dry sea grass on the mid, very fine carbonation, spice on the finish with a touch of sweet bread, dry feel – drinking a little water along the way won’t hurt. 

To the Point: as far as amber ales go this is tasty; no bouquet; an easy session beer with a nice 5.8 abv just don’t drink too fast but, at $5.50 for an eleven ounce glass of beer - this is no session beer price wise.

Pairing: I would like to pair this with a Ruben sandwich and of course a fine cigar.  

Closure Ale: Review

Greenbush Brewing Company

5.9% abv

40 IBU

$9.99 a six pack

Greenbushbrewing.com – Grains: 2 row, Munich, Crystal 60L, Gambrinus honey malts, white wheat malt.

Apollo Hops

British-style Ale yeast

Appearance: a hazy deep amber body with a two finger head that leaves some lacing on the glass.

Aroma: overall, light to me; touch of sweetness yet earthy malts, lightly hoppy – faint floral; as the ale warms a nice tropical note appears which does not transfer to the taste

Flavors and Mouthfeel: earthy grains, sweet nondescript malts, grassy feel, light floral on the back, moderate bitterness, acidic, moderate-low fizzy carbonation, sharp sea grass aftertaste or pine needle feel, medium-full bodied Pale Ale,

To the Point: solid earthy profile with a firm bitter style with a hint of sweetness,   

Witch's Hat Under the Red Light: Review

That is the paper label they put on your
growler that is from another brewery

Witch’s Hat Brewery

South Lyon, Michigan, USA

$14 for a 64oz growler

4.6% abv

Appearance: dark brick red body with a one finger head that leaves little to no lacing on the glass

Aroma: not much, light sweet grainy malts

Flavors: someone at the brewery said it was like Killian’s.  I should have passed right then and there.  I hate Killian’s, I don’t like Irish Reds, but I love red heads with blue eyes.  One or two Killian’s and I have a headache. 

Let’s get to this beer: yes, the flavor reminds me of and Irish Red; a dirty grainy malt taste with a strange little hop note to boot.  I finally found a beer from Witch’s Hat that I really don’t care for. 

Mouthfeel: low-moderate carbonation, light in body, lingering dusty grains, typical Irish Red beer flavor.

To the Point: if you like Irish Red’s this is for you.  I can skip it.  

Founders Doom Imperial IPA

Aged in Bourbon Barrels

Founders Brewing Company

Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA

foundersbrewing.com

10% abv

1pt 9.4oz bottle

750ml bottle

$12.99 a bottle

Purchased from Lager Mill

Appearance: glowing orangy amber body; the first glass will pour a somewhat clear golden color – then swirl the bottle and get the sediment into the mix.  I don’t get much head – I know personal issue – but there is some sticky lacing … just some

Aroma: some floral mixed with some golden fruits, vanilla from the oak Bourbon barrels – smells closer to a Single Malt Scotch than a Bourbon to me. Sweet bready malts

Flavors: the vanilla oak barrel stands out front and center then the golden fruits with a touch of floral and grassy hops; slight peppery feel on the back of the palate which could be coming from the alcohol content and a little from the hoppy citrus on the finish. 

Mouthfeel: low-moderate carbonation, alcohol bite on the tongue, peppery finish and aftertaste and the sweet Bourbon notes are in on the aftertaste (fruit and vanilla), wool like texture, oily.  Don’t drink this ale ice cold get it on the warm side say 50 degrees to open the flavors and mouthfeel. 

To the Point: The bourbon notes are ruling this ale and the hops are taking a back seat.  Founders website said this is ‘hop heavy’ and ‘pungent hopped’ …

A good Bourbon Barrel IPA; better than others that had a cheap corn Bourbon taste; fun to review, interesting to taste, but would I drink it on a regular bases or look for its annual release … No.  Would I look for their Kentucky Breakfast Stout – yes.  

Frankenmuth Imperial Stout 2013: Review

Brewmaster’s Select

Russian-American Style Stout

Frankenmuth Brewing Company

Frankenmuth, Michigan, USA

Frankenmuthbrewery.com

1quart 1.8oz bottle

10% abv

76 IBU's

Review Date: 3-8-13

1313 bottles made and I have bottle number 0125.

Stouts are usually brewed as an ale but, Frankenmuth brewery made this as a lager.  They brewed it back in February of 2012 and let it sit for a year to age. 

This beer is all about the packaging.  What a great looking bottle and label.  They had three bottles left and I bought two of them. 

I have a love hate relationship with this brewery.  I love their building, the food is pretty good, and the beer … well … sometimes it is good at best and sometimes I hate it.  I do like their Pilsner.  It is very good. 

A nifty way to carry this bottle

Appearance: black body with a one finger tan head that leaves some lacing and has some legs dripping on the glass. 

Aroma: light vinegar smell and not much else.  This is nothing like an Imperial Stout.

Flavors and Mouthfeel: it is lager like, light to medium in body, thin in flavors, some light roasted notes and that vinegar taste.  I have never had an Imperial Stout that has this vinegar taste.  I am not picking up any hops.  They give it a 76 IBU rating but, it is really not in play here.  No carbonation; somewhat smooth; too clean of a feel for an Imperial; the alcohol is not a factor except maybe how I feel;

To the Point: this tastes like an Oud Bruin but no fruit.  This is pretty uninteresting and I am pretty disappointed.  I wonder if they would take the other bottle back.  But, the bottle is great looking and their building is very nice.  I am going to have to give up on this brewery.  I’ll just stay with their Pilsner.  

My dogs even fell asleep on this review.  

Sullivan’s Black Forest X-Day IPA: Review

Sullivan’s Black Forest Brew Haus & Grill

Frankenmuth, Michigan, USA

Blackforestbrewhaus.net

7% abv

60 IBU’s

$5 a pint

$12 growler refill

Sorry, no picture of the pint - I deleted both pictures by accident. 

I am enjoying a couple of pints at the Brew Haus. I have always enjoyed stopping by Sullivan's here in Frankenmuth Michigan.  

Appearance: amber body with a thin head and nice lacing on the glass.

Aroma: light-moderate citrus, reminding me of grapefruit meat,

Flavors: much stronger than the nose; white grapefruit, citrus peel bitterness, undertone of sweet malts doing their job

Mouthfeel: firm bitterness, white grapefruit like, little piney on the aftertaste with smack of grapefruit peel, the citrus bitter note lingers

To the Point: nice hop bitter bomb here that is rather simple overall but, if you like white grapefruit … this should work for you.  I enjoyed it enough to order a second one.  

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Smart Phone + Dumb Person

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Smart Phone + Dumb Person

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Smart Phone + Dumb Person

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Smart Phone + Dumb Person

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Sullivan’s Black Forest Pirate’s Porter: Review

sorry for the bad pic

Sullivan’s Black Forest Brew Haus & Grill

Frankenmuth, Michigan, USA

Blackforestbrewhaus.net

5.3% abv

25 IBU’s

$4 a pint

$10 growler refill

Frankenmuth has two local breweries, Frankenmuth Brewery and Sullivan’s, and personally … I prefer Sullivan’s.  I am sure I have mentioned that before on the blog.  The Frankenmuth Brewery is located at the north end of downtown.  Sullivan’s Brew Haus is behind Bronner’s on Weiss Street. 

While I have only reviewed two or three of their beers I have enjoyed all the ones I have drunk over the years.  Why do I prefer Sullivan’s … I really like their Porter and the variety of different stouts that they brew.  Every time I stop by they have a different stout.  I need to start reviewing these different babies.  The Pirate’s Porter has been a very good Porter and today is about time I review this sucker. This porter is a regular on their beer menu.

I am at Sullivan’s so the lighting and the atmosphere is going to be difficult for me to judge the look and aroma. 

Appearance: pretty black body with a thin tan head and no lacing

Aroma: rich roasted grains and fresh roasted coffee beans, if there is more I don’t care for I like what I smell at this point. 

Flavors: oh yes, I have always enjoyed this Porter; medium-full roasted coffee, roasted and slightly burnt grains just makes the experience even better, one could make the argument for a burnt chocolate note. 

Mouthfeel: actually, smooth for all the roasted and burnt type notes, no to low carbonation adds to the smooth texture, low bitterness (25 IBU’s), you get a coffee and/or dark chocolate like bitter style. 

To the Point: I still like the Pirate’s Porter.  This has a very good coffee and toasted grain flavor and is always a favorite of mine.  If you like porters and find yourself in Frankenmuth Michigan stop on by Sullivan’s Blackforest and enjoy a pint or two.