Frankenmuth Christmas Town Ale: Review

Frankenmuth Brewery

Frankenmuth, Michigan, USA

Frankenmuthbrewery.com

German Style Seasonal Lager

6% abv

27 IBUs

$29.00 a case at the Brewery

I visited the brewery last week for the introduction of the Christmas Town Ale.  The place was packed and a lot of cases were being sold and you got a free Christmas Town 16oz glass with that case.  I only bought a six pack to go.

Appearance: misty dark copper body with a little beige colored head; no lacing

Aroma: sweet toasted malts and a nice brown spice profile

Flavors: sweet toasted malty notes; grains; Christmas brown spice bread with grated orange peel in the mix; the brown spice reminds me of Allspice;

Mouthfeel: low moderate carbonation; light fizzy feel; light brown spice lingers on the palate; light-moderate body for a winter ale;

To the Point: a nice winter ale; I was expecting a little heavier body weight; the first time I tried it I just thought it was okay; after having a couple more since last Thursday – I like it a little more – let me call it pretty good and now I can say that I like it.   I’ll pick up another six to give it another try - 

Frankenmuth Oktoberfest: Review

Frankenmuth Brewery

Frankenmuth, Michigan, USA

Frankenmuthbrewery.com

German Style Seasonal Lager

5.27% abv
27 IBUs

$29.00 a case at the Brewery

A little late doing this Oktoberfest review but, I kept on drinking the six packs and never reviewing a beer.  But, it is not too late to get to the brewery to pick some up they had plenty on hand last week.

Appearance: misty copper body with a little beige colored head; no lacing

Aroma: Oktoberfest type sweet toasted malts and light spice

Flavors: sweet malty notes; light-moderate toasted grains; rye bread on the back and aftertaste with a little pink peppercorn

Mouthfeel: a nice medium body Oktoberfest; moderate carbonation; nice fizzy feel; sweet toasted malts up front; Oktoberfest like spice on the finish; and rye on the aftertaste

To the Point: easy to drink; I like the Oktoberfest type spice – it’s not too light and it is not too much; Maybe I’ll head up to the Frankenmuth Brewery and pick up a case of this tasty beer, pick up some Willy’s Sausage and strike up my own late in the fall Oktoberfest party.  

Game Six of the World Series is tonight and I'll say, Boston win the game 7 to 1 to win the World Series.

Mayan Mocha Stout: Review

Odd Side Ales

Grand Haven, Michigan, USA

Oddsideales.com

Stout with Coffee, Cinnamon, Nutmeg and Habaneros

Habaneros! Yes – you saw that right – Habaneros

6% abv

$12.99 a six pack

Appearance: pitch black coffee with a little thin dark tan head

Aroma: dark roasted coffee and lightly toasted grains

Flavors: the chocolate coffee comes to the center with the brown spices in the mix; the habaneros show up on the finish and more so on the aftertaste

Mouthfeel: smooth up front with the habanero heat on the finish and aftertaste; the warmth or the heat builds with each sip; not particularly creamy or syrupy; very low carbonation

To the Point: a very interesting stout; I like the chocolate coffee note with the brown spices and the spicy habanero adds an interesting twist; I don’t think I could drink two bottles back to back

Zingiberene Ale: Review

Schmohz Brewery

Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA

Schmohz.com

Ale Brewed with Ginger Root

5.3% abv

I like ginger.  Ginger Ales Sodas, fresh ginger on food, and candied ginger.  I am expecting something good here, but their other beers have not impressed yet.

Appearance: a hazy dirty orange colored body with little to no head

Aroma: light biscuit; light ginger (hoped for more); just light overall

Flavors: a nice ginger note with some sweet malts in the mix; I personally would like the ginger to be stronger but, I think more people would like this  

Mouthfeel: light to moderate carbonation; dusty grains; dirty water (not a bad thing here); light ginger taste;

To the Point: not bad here; good for something different; just wish the ginger was bolder; Grade: B-

Atwater Decadent Dark Chocolate Ale

Atwater Block Brewery

Detroit, Michigan, USA

Atwaterbeer.com

Malt Beverage Brewed with Chocolate

5.5% abv

11 IBUs

6 pack of 12 oz bottles

$

Appearance: dark dark brown almost black body with a ½ finger tan head and no lacing

Aroma: Oh yes, it is chocolate; second sniff – still chocolate; lightly roasted malts

Flavors: nice sweet and semi-sweet chocolate; hint of nut; grainy feel; light roasted malts on the finish;

Mouthfeel: light carbonation; medium body ale; lightly roasted notes; with an 11 IBU it is not sweet; very simple – chocolate with an ale backbone;

To the Point: very pleasing; easy to drink; I think this will be perfect to drink sitting around the campfire this fall; 

Atwater Double Down Imperial Amber Ale: Review

Atwater Block Brewery

Detroit, Michigan, USA

Atwaterbeer.com

7.5% abv

90 IBUs

4 pack of 12 oz bottles

$10.99

Appearance: muddy brown body with a half-finger tan head that leaves some spotty lacing

Aroma: I can smell the rich malty aroma just popping the cap to the bottle; rich malty Amber Ale notes; toasted caramel, almost molasses like, grains, just a hint of hops

Flavors/Mouthfeel: big rich malts on the palate; toasted caramel, burnt sugars; firm yet moderate bittering from the hops; medium-full feel on the palate; low carbonation; flavor notes not all that discernable

To the Point: I am not a fan of Amber Ales but, I sure like this one;  if you want an Amber Ale that is a little bolder and richer if flavor and mouthfeel, well this is for you; I would buy this again; if I was going to give this a grade … I’ll say … B/B-

Schwartz: Review

Schmohz Brewery

Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA

Schmohz.com

Schwarzbier Black Lager

5.6% abv

$11.99 a six pack

No date on the bottle

This beer was not kept properly in the party store.  It was on the shelf and not in the cooler.  You can see the label (above) and it says, 'Keep Refrigerated' on the bottom right.  I wrote to Schmohz about their Pilsner being suspect and they replied right away, even on a Sunday.  Chas was very helpful.

I am watching a Detroit Lion football game here on this Sunday afternoon and I thought I would try the Schwartz by Schmohz Brewing today for some reason.

Appearance: Okay, this company must use Champagne carbonation – I poured a glass of the John T. Pilsner last night and that beer had a four finger head that just would not go away – today I pour this one and I get a 3 finger head on a very light and easy pour.  Dark cola like body with a mountain of butter pecan colored saving cream textured head.  10 minutes later I can now try to take a drink without getting a nose full of foam.  No it is not breweries fault - it is the stores fault for not properly storing the beer.  Their beers are unpasteurized and when not stored properly (in the cooler) this is what you get.    

Aroma: dark roasted malts;

Flavors: slightly burnt toasted grains; tart burnt cranberry dark chocolate; 

I would like to try this fresh

Mouthfeel: over-zealous carbonation; the fizz just dominates the palate – I think it takes away from the flavors; lightly bitter on the mid and it has a bitter burnt note on the finish;  

Damn, I poured this bitch at the start of half time and now they are 8:00 minutes into the third quarter and there is still a one to two finger head sitting on top of the beer.   By the way: Packers 6; Detroit 3.  The high powered offense is showing – Can I take a nap now. 

To the Point: I think this Schwartz beer is just like the Schwartz coach of the Detroit Lions – I just don’t know if I like either one of them.  Damn, I bought a six pack of this beer.  I guess I’ll have to drink one of these beers during the next five Lions games.  This way I’ll have a legit reason to have a bitter taste in my mouth.  I’ll skip this one.  For 12 bucks a six pack you can do a lot better than this.  Grade: C- even for uncared for beer - When I get a fresh one I'll do a new posting.  

This beer did teach me one thing: It's not all about head.  Damn.

Also, for us customers, when buying beers off the shelf we need to check their labels.  

Atwater Teufel: Review

Atwater Block Brewery

Detroit, Michigan, USA

Atwaterbeer.com

10.9% abv

20 IBUs

Style: Weizen Dopplebock

Four pack of 12 oz bottles

$10.99

Appearance: brown copper with some bronzy highlights; one finger – if that – bone white head that leaves some lacing; rather clear for the style

Aroma: basic malts with a dusting of wheat bread

Flavor: sweet brown fruit bread – you know the kind that has some raisins and other fruits along with some walnuts and a hint of spice; lightly toasted wheat; dusty grains; I was ready for a stronger sweet note, the sweetness is rather mild on the nose;

Mouthfeel: sweet, but only on the mild side of medium sweet; the alcohol is not really playing a role here to me; lightly roasted grains linger; sweet malts with a mild nut shell bitter note on the finish; medium body for a Dopplebock;

To the Point: Dopplebocks are not one of my favorite styles but, I like them; interesting enough is that a German Weizen Eisbock and Wheat Dopplebock are in my top five favorite beers; Teufel is a very pleasing Weizen Dopplebock with a nice 10% abv; the sweetness is not in your face; it is semi-complex; if I was grading this beer I would give it a B … naw … let me give it a B+.

Had a second Teufel with a Hemingway Classic Cigar and it was just perfect.  

Stone Ruin Ten IPA: Review

Stone Brewing Company

Escondido, San Diego County, California

Stonebrewing.com/RuinTen

10.8% abv
110 IBUs

Drink by: 9-16-13

1pt 6oz bottle

$6.99 a bottle

Appearance: amber-honey body with a one finger bone white head

Aroma: grapefruit peel with a malty backbone

Flavors: touch of caramel malts, soda cracker and grains and then wham!!! It is like I am chewing on a white grapefruit rind; the grapefruit taste and piney bite are powerful and the alcohol warmth just adds to this IPA bomb. 

Mouthfeel: medium-full body; low carbonation; big time bitterness; alcohol warmth; the grapefruit note lingers on the palate until you are tired of tasting grapefruit; this is the mouthfeel I expect out of a DIPA and one that is called Ruin Ten

To the Point: yes, this will ruin your palate; I never thought Ruination ‘ruined’ my palate but, Ruin Ten – yes.  Not many full-bodied cigars will pair well with this.  Look for an earthy cigar.  I smoked a Romeo y Juilieta Habana Reserve and it was a great pairing with this IPA Bomb.  If you smoke a spicy cigar forget it. 

The faint of heart, the weak, meek, need not bother with this one.  

Three Philosophers: Review

Ommegang Brewery

Cooperstown, New York, USA

Ommegang.com

98% Ale; 2% Ale with Cherries added

Belgian-style Quad

9.7% abv

1pt 9.4oz bottle

$10.99 a bottle

I have not had this Ale since the old white label. From what I can remember is that I really liked this Quad.  They recommend ‘to not disturb the yeast sediment,’ when pouring.   

Appearance: brownish-copper color body with a two finger light tan head that leaves some sticky lacing; sheets of lacing with each sip that leaves spotty lacing on the glass

Aroma: rich sweet malts; dry dark fruits; touch of cherry; Belgian yeast

Flavors: follows the nose with the rich sweet malts; dark sweet fruits – sweetened raisins; touch of cherry to cut the sweetness; earthy yeast; hint of nuts – pecan meat and shell; nice alcohol spice – not boozy to me;

Mouthfeel: slight creamy feel; light syrupy feel; thick chewing brown bread; firm carbonation; sweet but not overbearing; light bitterness; nice complexity; moderate alcohol warmth; this is a sipper

Sneaky Pete Imperial IPA: Review

Laughing Dog Brewing

Ponderay, Idaho, USA

laughingdogbrewing.com

Style: Imperial IPA

22oz bottle

10% abv

Free sample from The Super Fine Wine and Liquor in Canton

Appearance: amber blood orange body with a one finger, if that, bone white head and little to no lacing

Aroma: citrus and grassy hops, little fruity – mango like, very aromatic, lightly toasted grains, steady sweetness almost honey like

Flavors: rich caramel malts; floral honey; toasted sweet grains; a solid combination of grapefruit, little pine, and sweet pink peppercorn;  the mix of sweet yet bitter is fine

Mouthfeel: fine fizzy carbonation feel, almost creamy, sticky hops, nice bitterness, balanced with an earthy sweetness, nice alcohol warmth, pink peppercorn and red grapefruit on the finish, full-medium body,  

To the Point: this is a very nice Imperial IPA; it gets better as it warms up; this is a must try; and I am personally feeling the 10%

Heavenly Feijoa Tripel: Review

New Belgium Brewing

Fort Collins, Colorado, USA

Newbelgium.com

Collaboration with Dieu du Ciel

Lips of Faith Series

Brasserie Dieu du Ciel

Heavenly Feijoa Tripel

Ale Brewed with Feijoa and Hibiscus

1pt 6oz bottle

9% abv

Appearance: misty amber golden body with a one finger white head that some lacing on the glass.

Aroma: now that is unique; white wine like for sure; I don’t know what Feijoa fruit smells like but, the fruity smell is sweet yet tart; swirl of floral; very aromatic; if Faith’s lips smelled like this when I kiss her – I would be a happy man;

Flavors: Yes, flavored lipstick; very fruity – once again it must be the Feijoa fruit; tropical sweetness with a tart note on the finish; pineapple, mango, guava, white grapes, apple, peach; the tartness reminds me of a green apple and cranberry mix; there is also a touch of dusty white pepper on the finish; white wine like of the flavor as well;

Mouthfeel: sweet upfront; tart on the mid and finish; linger tart notes with a lip smacking sweetness; low carbonation with a very fine fizz to the feel; the tart feel seems to clash with the sweet fruit on the aftertaste; semi-dry on the finish; the alcohol really did not come into play;

To the Point: not everybody; first couple of sips I did not like it and my wife liked it on her first couple of sips; halfway thru – I am starting to like this and she did not like it; if I was blindfolded and tasting this I would guess it was a white wine; the only give away would be the body weight is a little heavier than a white wine; if this was a flavored lip stick – I sure would like to kiss Faith’s Lips. 

New Belgium Rampant Imperial IPA: Review

New Belgium Brewing

Fort Collins, Colorado, USA

Newbelgium.com

Imperial India Pale Ale

8.5% abv

1pt 6oz bottle

$4.99

Appearance: fairly clear orange body with a one finger (if that) white head that leaves lots of lacing on the glass.

Aroma: very aromatic; citrus – pink grapefruit and orange; hint of pine; touch of malts

Flavors: aromatic tropical flavors with a nice touch of herbal; grapefruit salad with a piece of pineapple and orange; some dusty malts

Mouthfeel: bitter grapefruit; pine; sweet grapefruit; fine fizzy carbonation; slight alcohol warmth on the finish; bitter tropical notes linger on the aftertaste

To the Point: a pleasing Imperial IPA; nice tasty bitter/aromatic hops; 

Hoppy Bock Lager and Surrogates Bone Crusher Cigar: Review

Hoppy Bock Lager

New Belgium Brewing

Fort Collins, Colorado, USA

Newbelgium.com

Hop Kitchen

Style: Maibock

1pt 6oz bottle

6.9% abv

$4.99 a bottle

Left over from spring time – I put some bottles in the cellar and they never made it the beer fridge back then.  Maibock is a spring seasonal brew.  I always joke that it the leftover Oktoberfest beer that they did not sell and they just repackage it. 

Anyways, this is not a true Maibock; it is a blend obviously.  This is what I like about the beer industry today.  The craft brewers are willing to try anything to be different. 

Appearance: golden body with a big white as snow head – easy 2 finger; good lacing – took me by surprise on the appearance – bocks are usually dark

Aroma: crisp fresh hops with a sweet malty back drop

Flavors: you get the feel for the Bock style; a little bit of toasted malts, a little nut, and then the hops kick in and you are left thinking this is not a bock beer; nice grassy hops;

Mouthfeel: a little sweet – a little bitter; semi-dry yet refreshing; smooth feel; light carbonation; pleasing to drink

To the Point: to me this is a surprise; I was not expecting myself to like this one; guess what? … I like it.  I would buy more.  I like the fresh crisp hops with that malty back drop that is on the aroma and the palate.  Don’t overthink this beer just enjoy it. 

The Cigar

Surrogates Bone Crusher

Size: 5.25 x 54

Profile: full dark roasted coffee; rich compost with toasted fall leaves; a nice full earthy style; light to moderate spice; the mid-point has a musty white peppery note; very meaty and heavy on the palate and the sinuses; somewhat bitter on the mouthfeel

The Pairing

This ended up being a good pairing.  The hops in the beer are not overly bitter so it worked with the slight bitter style of the cigar.  An IPA bomb and the Bone Crusher would kill your palate for a day or two.  The toasted malts and nuts of the ale mixed well with the earthy style of the cigar.  The grassy hops of the ale blended in with the spice and white peppery notes of the cigar. 

These two played well together.  I am sure glad I did not try this cigar at the cigar store – for water is not enough to drink with this bold cigar.  I’ll bet this cigar would be great with the right red wine.