Dubble Dragon Ale Review

Dragonmead

Warren, Michigan, USA

Dragonmead.com

7.2% abv

Growler (I hate Growlers)

Just purchased yesterday

Belgian-style Dubble

Appearance: fairly clear shiny copper body with no head and no lacing

Aroma: sweet candied fruit; very light overall

Flavors: the Belgian style candi sugar shows up; canned Delmonte fruit; not much else of interest;

Mouthfeel: flavored sugar water feel; too thin; watery; no carbonation; flat; tin can aftertaste;

To the Point: forget it; not worth the purchase; no body, no substance, no character; flat out D for the grade

D-light Review

Atwater Brewery

Detroit, Michigan, USA

Atwaterbeer.com

Kolsch Style

Appearance: pale yellow, I’ll call it misty lemon juice; one finger plus white head that stays around and leaves some nice lacing on the glass; plenty of fine bubbles rise to the top

Aroma: sour dough biscuit; dusty grains;

Ribs in the slow cooker

Flavors: light lemon grass; dusty white pepper water cracker; light grains;

Mouthfeel: light carbonation with a very fine fizzy feel; refreshing; crisp; light in body;

To the Point: a very pleasing Kolsch Style; nice light flavors with a crisp mouthfeel; I would buy this again

Spear Beer Review

The One and Only Spear Beer

Right Brain Brewery

Traverse City, Michigan

Rightbrainbrewery.com

5.3% abv

$7.99 a bottle

1pt 6oz bottle

Brewed with Real Grilled Asparagus and Lemon Peel

What crazy person came up with this idea?  What crazy person said, ‘yes let’s brew it?’  What crazy person would buy this? 

I see that the beer is retired.

I bought this back in summer and I am finally brave enough to try it.  I love grilled asparagus – I hope this goes well.

Appearance: bright golden body with maybe a one finger head; don’t swirl the bottle to get any yeast sediment off the bottom

Aroma: fairly clean; light funk – I have no idea what that smell is

Flavors: bright lemon biscuit upfront; that note that I smelled that I have no idea what it is … well, it is in the taste, on the backl; I am trying to think grilled asparagus with each sip and it is not helping me to identify that smell or taste; I stay with funk;

Mouthfeel: light carbonation leaving a little fizzy feel on the palate; sweet biscuit; light touch of lemon peel;

To the Point: not all that bad; almost good but that strange taste on the back, it was okay at first but it just clings to the palate and I got tired of it; good thing they retired it; but you could go to the Empire Asparagus Festival in the spring and see if they brew it just for that festival.  

Round Barn Oronoko Cocoa Stout Review

Round Barn Brewery

Roundbarnbrewery.com

Baroda, Michigan, USA

5.8% abv

$9.99 a six pack

Appearance: black body with a big 2+ finger tan head that leaves some spotty lacing

Flavors: Coffee bean; semi-sweet chocolate; roasted barley; lactose present

Mouthfeel: strong carbonation; medium body for a stout; some roasted notes;

To the Point: too much carbonation for a stout; comes across like a black lager or Irish Stout; the carbonation overpowers the flavors; I can pass on this one

Rye Hatter Review

Rye P.A.

New Holland Brewing

Holland, Michigan, USA

Newhollandbrew.com

Cleaning out my parents house I found
this American Graffiti album

5.5% abv

52 IBUs

1pt 6oz bottle

$12.99

Appearance: soft hazy copper body with a one finger

Aroma: nice rye nose with a solid twist of citrus – the citrus reminds me of pink grapefruit

Flavors: pretty much follows the nose; sweet citrus meat; spicy rye; dry hop bitterness; caramel malt undertone;

Mouthfeel: lightly sweet; dry bitterness lingers on the aftertaste; low carbonation; flannel like in texture;

To the Point: I really like this Hatter; a good hearty rye p.a.; worth trying; a must try if you like rye ales; 

Black Hatter
Michigan Awesome Hatter IPA

White Hatter

Imperial Hatter IPA

Oak Aged Hatter IPA

Mad Hatter IPA

Black Hatter IPA Review

New Holland Brewing

Holland, Michigan, USA

Newhollandbrew.com

Black India Pale Ale

2014 Vintage

5.07% abv

67 IBUs

1pt 6oz bottle

$12.99 a bottle

Appearance: what else? It’s black with a one finger tan head that leaves some lacing on the glass

Aroma: dark roasted grains and aromatic hoppy nose – hint of floral/herbal – seems to be a hint of mineral water

Flavors: nice robust style; the dark roasted notes come through; assertive bittering from the aromatic hops;

Mouthfeel: medium-low carbonation; fine fizzy feel; firm bitterness; roasted notes early, mid, and aftertaste; lingering general bitterness;

To the Point: if you are looking for bold citrus – keep looking; nice aromatic hops with a solid robust style from the roasted grains; when the roasted grains and the aromatic hops work together Black IPAs are pretty good; they are still not a favorite in my book but, I am liking them more and more when I get a good one – and this is a very good Black IPA; 

Hatter Series – Click on the links below - (I'll add the link when posted)

White Hatter IPA
Michigan Awesome Hatter IPA

Rye Hatter IPA

Imperial Hatter IPA

Oak Aged Hatter IPA

Mad Hatter IPA

Michigan Awesome Hatter Review

New Holland Brewing

Holland, Michigan, USA

Newhollandbrew.com

Michigan grown IPA

Malts and hops grown in Michigan

5.8% abv

55 IBUs

1pt 6oz bottle

I don’t have a price

Appearance: lightly misty; deep amber body with a one finger head; good staying power; half way done and there still is a ¼ inch head floating; some lacing; an easy two finger head on the second half of the bottle

Aroma: light nose overall; lightly toasted grains and a touch of dusty citrus peal

Flavors: nice touch of bittering with a hint of citrus meat; toasted grains; and that’s it

Mouthfeel: light fine carbonation for little fizzy feel; medium body overall; moderate bittering; simple;

To the Point: an okay tasting simple IPA; I can’t say that I would look to buy this again; it is easy to drink; this beer would be good with bar food; 

Hatter Series – Click on the links below

Black Hatter IPA

White Hatter IPA

Rye Hatter IPA

Imperial Hatter IPA

Oak Aged Hatter IPA

Mad Hatter IPA

Imperial Hatter IPA Review

Imperial Hatter India Pale Ale

New Holland Brewing

Holland, Michigan, USA

Newhollandbrew.com

2014 Vintage

9.3% abv

1pt 6oz bottle

$9.99 a bottle

76 IBUs

19 plato

The High Gravity Series

Appearance: misty copper body with a one finger off white head that didn’t stick around long; spotty lacing on the first pour; good sticky lacing once I poured the rest of the bottle into the glass

Aroma: piney, citrus nose

Flavors: light sweet citrus on the front followed by a prickly pine; white grapefruit bitterness; toasted multi-grain bread;

Mouthfeel: medium-full body; fine carbonation; peppery citrus on the back and finish; prickly feel on the palate; light alcohol warmth which is surprising with a 9.3 abv

To the Point: a nice hearty Imperial IPA; this 2014 vintage seems fairly simple which is not a bad thing; nice to try

Hatter Series – Click on the links below (I'll add when they are posted)

Black Hatter IPA

White Hatter IPA

Rye Hatter IPA

Michigan Awesome IPA

Oak Aged Hatter IPA

Mad Hatter IPA

New Holland Oak Aged Hatter IPA Dinner Review

New Holland Brewing

Holland, Michigan, USA

NewHollandBrew.com

7.12% abv

62 IBUs

$4.99 a bottle

1pt 6oz bottle

Ale Aged in Oak Kentucky Barrels

Vintage 2014

Appearance: burnt amber body; copper if you will; clear; one finger off-white head; light on the lacing

the clarity started off a bit misty and then turned clear

Aroma: aromatic hops; toasted grains; faint oak; light bouquet overall

Flavors: prickly hops, pine like; light spicy hops; little oak wood; toasted grains; faint sweet grains;

Mouthfeel: seems a little thin on the delivery; hops on the mid; toasted notes on the back; light fine carbonation; very dry; moderately bitter; dry spicy toasted notes linger;

To the Point: what did they age in those Kentucky barrels? 7-up; kept waiting for the bourbon or whisky notes; just visited their website and they don’t say anything about it being bourbon or whisky – just "oak wood barrels" – then that is what I got out of it – a woody note; an interesting twist to this IPA

I paired this with an 8oz Filet Mignon medium-rare, black rice with a few applewood smoked shrimp left over from last nights dinner (Mad Hatter Dinner Review) and beans with carrots.  OHHHH so good!  I really like the black rice with a Filet. 

The Oak Aged Hatter paired nicely with my Filet.
Click here to read the Mad Hatter IPA dinner review

Hatter Series – Click on the links below

Black Hatter IPA

Michigan Awesome IPA

White Hatter IPA

Rye Hatter IPA

Imperial Hatter IPA

Mad Hatter IPA

Mt. Pleasant Crazy Train Black IPA Review

Mt. Pleasant Brewing Company

Mt. Pleasant, Michigan, USA

Mtpleasantbrew.com

6.3% abv

12oz bottle

$12.99 a six pack

Appearance: dark brown edges with a blackish brown core with maybe a one finger light tan head that leaves some spotty lacing

Aroma: light spicy hops and a slight roasted note; not much overall

Flavors: roasted grains on the front followed by a dry bitterness on the mid and a light-moderate pine bitterness on the finish;

Mouthfeel: light-moderate carbonation; a one note dry bitterness to the hops; non-descript roasted grains, dry on the mid and finish; lingering moderate bitterness; a dry grainy IPA

To the Point: not very “reviewogenic” - boring to review but, in person I want to like this ale; now I have only had two bottles of this ale before this review and back when I drunk them – I remember enjoying them;

Mt. Pleasant Train Wreck: Lunch Time Review

Mt. Pleasant Brewing Company

Mt. Pleasant, Michigan, USA

Mtpleasantbrew.com

8.2% abv

12oz bottle

Amber ale brewed with maple syrup & honey

I remember having this ale a few years ago in a bar in the town of Elkton, Michigan. I remember that sweet amber ale taste. 

Appearance: bronzy amber body, heavy mist for clarity with maybe a one finger off-white head that leaves some spotty lacing

Aroma: a sweet grainy amber ale like aroma

Flavors: grains; toasted caramel malts; the maple syrup and honey are adding to the sweetness but, I can’t say, ‘hey that’s maple syrup’ or ‘hey that’s honey;’ the hops add a prickly bite to the herbal like bitter note; dry musty white pepper likeness coming from the alcohol on the back  

Mouthfeel: prickly wool like; fine moderate carbonation; sweet on the mid; dry bitterness on the back and finish; an earthy herbal bitterness lingers; dry; full-medium; the syrup & honey must be adding some weight to the tongue;

I paired this with a Smoked Gouda and Mushroom Burger (mixed into the burger) topped it off with grilled portabella mushroom, red pepper, pinch of hickory smoked sea salt, and  Merlot sauce. 

To the Point: Train Wreck – sweetness on the front collides with the bitterness on the back; trying to have balance but, they are not melding together; I like this ale – I would buy it again; I have to say I like it better on tap than in the bottle; this ale is very good with a sandwich

Wit Dream: Review

Belgian Style Wheat Beer

Look at the shape of the cloud next to the sun
What do you think it looks like?

Mt. Pleasant Brewing Co.

Mt. Pleasant, Michigan, USA

Mtpleasantbrew.com

Okay, the label graphics are a little goofy – I just hope the beer is good.

Make sure to swirl the last inch of beer that is left in the bottle to get the sediment off the bottom of the bottle. 

Appearance: a hazy golden cream colored body with a white head that disappears too quickly.

Aroma: the nose shows a little Belgian influence with the spice, light citrus meat and wheat. 

Flavors: a light touch of clove, a twist of orange peel, and a good focus on the wheat. 

Here is my little drinking buddy. He sat by my lighter while I wrote this review.

Mouthfeel: low carbonation, a dusting of wheat coats the tongue, soft spice and orange peel lingers,

To the Point: I had one the other night and enjoyed it and I like this one today during this review.  I like the focus on the wheat and the other notes (spice and citrus) are there but, not slapping you in the face.  

Short's Brew Nicie Spicie: Review

American Wheat Ale with orange zest, lemon zest,coriander and peppercorns

Short’s Brewing Company

Elk Rapids, Michigan, USA

Shortsbrewing.com

There is a good dose of sediment in each bottle so, make sure to swirl the bottle to stir up all the goodies.

Appearance: hazy golden wheat with a white head and not much on the lacing front

Aroma: wheat stands out with a good touch of orange peel. Smells summer delicious

Flavors: good job here; tasty wheat, the lemon and orange zest is present without standing out like a sore thumb (thank goodness), there is just a touch of coriander, and like the peppercorn feel on the aftertaste.

Mouthfeel: since the citrus zest and coriander flavors where not over done it is a pleasing ale to drink.  One thing I have been complaining about for the last two months is lemon in beer – I for one – I am tired of lemon in my beer (didn’t like it much to start with for the fact), the other thing I complain about is sex … oops another discussion … American Craft brewers overdoing the spices is the actual complaint.  When the corianders and cloves are just coating the palate – it is not refreshing.  When the hops have too much of a citrus bite it is not refreshing … just had to squeeze on more complaint in.  I guess that is why I like to go back to German, English, and Belgian beers. 

Off the soapbox. 

I just plain ol’ like this ale.  The mouthfeel is pleasing and interesting at the same time.  I feel like I am drinking something without being violated.  The wheat flavors are on the front with the citrus zest following.  The peppercorns seem to be on the finish and definitely on aftertaste. 

To the Point: this is a must try.  

On my wall of beer caps

Short’s Brew Pontius Road Pilsner: Review

Short’s Brewing Company

Elk Rapids, Michigan, USA

Shortsbrewing.com

4.5% abv

18 IBU

Appearance: golden pilsner with the typical white head

Aroma: soft white bread and yeast.  I was expecting more since it is Short’s Brewing.

Flavors: soft grains and biscuit on the front; little grassy on the finish.  A right to the point pilsner. 

Mouthfeel: plenty of carbonation to keep it lively, malts on the deliver, nice light grassy hops on the aftertaste that adds a slight bitterness to this pilsner,

My Strength Rating: 2.5 – Mild on my scale. 

To the Point: if you like a light bodied pilsner without going to a ‘light beer’ – this is the one.  I may have to pick up some for this summer.  Nothing special but, it is pleasing to the taste buds on a warm summer day.  

Bell's Octoberfest Beer: Review

Bell’s Brewery, Inc.

Comstock, Michigan, USA

Bellsbeer.com

5.8% abv

12 oz bottle

$9.99 a six pack

Purchased at Super Fine Liquor and Beer – Canton, MI

Appearance: rich amber body with a fine light beige one finger head.  Nice lacing on the side of the glass that only builds with each sip.

Aroma: very light – I had to get my nose down in there and there is a light toasted malt and sweet-spice bread note.  Whatever the nose is it is just boring.

Flavors: very tasty toasted malty grains, touch of roasted caramel, firm hoppy spice and slight bitterness.  The spice and toasty malts just swirl together for a tasty Octoberfest treat.

Mouthfeel: lingering Octoberfest spice on the palate.  Low-moderate carbonation. 

My Strength Rating: 6/5.5 – the taste of this beer is exactly what I mean by Octoberfest spice. 

To the Point: Yes, very worthy of a six pack.  Strike up the Ohm-pa band and roll out the barrel for this is a classic example of an Octoberfest Lager.

Sure buy a case and enjoy yourself. 

Michigan Brewing Wheatland: Review

Wheat Beer

Michigan Brewing Company

Webberville, Michigan, USA

Michiganbrewing.com

5% abv

Appearance: hazy golden wheat

Aroma: fresh wheat, grassy,

Flavors: just like the nose – fresh wheat, grass, and a light grainy taste.  Wheatland is a pretty simple and straight forward wheat beer.  Not all that interesting to review but, I sure like to drink this one on a hot summer day. 

Mouthfeel: a mild wheat beer that is very refreshing to drink.  If you want to drink a wheat beer without a bunch of spices – this is it. 

My Strength Rating: 4 – perfect body weight for a summer day treat.  

To the Point: people say, ‘nothing special’ but, you know what is special about this wheat beer … it’s simple … it taste like wheat.  A good beer to have with a burger that is hot off the grill.