#171: Shmaltz Brewing Company » He'Brew St. Lenny's (Belgian Rye DIPA)

The immaculate collaboration...

The Brewery: Shmaltz Brewing Co. (Clifton Park) &  Cathedral Square Brewery (St. Louis)
The Brew: He'Brew / Cathedral Square - St. Lenny's (Belgian-style Rye DIPA)
Availability: Bottles (Limited)
ABV:  10%
Rating:  9/10
Location: Home
Found: Fingerlakes Beverage Center

The Story? This one was an anniversary gift from my partner while we were out camping earlier this winter. I decided to save it for a few weeks for the right occasion. Repairs at the house were finally complete and having spent the day painting, relaxing after she returned from work as the house was slowly returning to normal seemed as good a time as any.

St. Lenny's is a collaboration, giving He'Brew's lauded Bittersweet Lenny's Rye Double IPA a Belgian spin from Cathedral Square Brewery out of St. Louis, MO. He'Brew's Jeremy Cowan and CSB's brewmaster are longtime friends and what better way to continue celebrating He'Brew's new brewery after 17 years than an immaculate collaboration?

The Beer? A thick, creamy cream-color head starts this one off atop a hazy, deep copper body. The nose is quite complex, full of rye, yeast, and raisin aromas. Dark and alluring.

The flavor kicks in with firm, hot hops. A beautiful blend of dark fruit slammed with smooth grapefruit. St. Lenny's reigns in the intensity of the original, still packed with hops, but in a bit more distinguished manor, with soft notes of pepper, caramel, and apple. A wonderful balance and synchronization of earth, spice, sweet fruit and bitterness. There's a nice booziness throughout with a wonderful mouthfeel of soft carbonation. Big, robust, and beautiful and never heavy.

Overall, a solid addition to the "Lenny's" line and worth going back to.

#170: Victory Brewing Co. » Helios (Belgian-style Farmhouse Ale)

Victory's funky farmhouse...

The Brewery: Victory Brewing Co. (Downington, PA)
The Brew: Helios (Belgian-style Farmhouse Ale)
Availability: Bottles & Draft
ABV: 7.5%%
Rating: 9.0/10
Location: Home
Found: Fingerlakes Beverage Center

The Story? I must have passed by this beer several dozen times. Why? I haven't the slightest. Maybe the old green/yellow/brown label just didn't strike me the right way. Victory has my trust with long-standing staples such as Golden Monkey and Storm King, plus their impeccable draft-only offerings, so again, I have no idea why this never made it to my beer basket.

Last week, I was having a few close friends over, whom I hadn't seen in months, for movies. While shopping for some session brews to share and on my way out, I saw Helios staring back at me from the cold case, rebranded and for just $4.99. I figured if nothing else, it'd be a nice way to ease into the session beers, unknowing the pleasant surprise I was in for.

The Beer? Nice and funky right out of the gate! Golden, pale yellow color with fluffy white head presentation with a complex, Belgian-style nose, prominent in wheat and yeast.

Helios is brewed up with Brettanomyces and a blend of specialty yeasts from the Victory vault, yielding a bustling, wide flavor palate of mild barnyard, basement must, soft red apple, wet hay, grass, smooth citrus, peppercorn, and lemon peel. Way too drinkable at surprising 7.5%, this year-round bomber may have just be come one of my new go-tos.

For a beer I wasn't even planning on blogging, this peaked my interest with it's lovely, smooth, and drinkable funkiness on first sip. Kudos to Victory on the new, eye-catching label too.

#169: The Bronx Brewery » Bronx Black PA

Bronx Pale joins the dark side...

The Brewery: The Bronx Brewery (Bronx, NY)
The Brew: Bronx Black PA
Availability: Draft Only (Winter Specialty)
ABV: 5.7% | IBUs: 57
Rating: 8.9/10
Location: Felicia's Atomic Lounge

The Story? I'm still stoked that Bronx Pale has been in regular rotation down at Felicia's. On my last stop, Pale moved from draft to cans to make room for this deep, dark seasonal, Bronx Black PA.

The Beer? Bronx Black serves up with a tuft of mocha head and is, as it's name implies, jet black with a smooth, roasted and hoppy nose. Sharp, dark bitter coffee flavors quickly follow suit and dominate the first gulp. Medium body and soft carbonation are consistent throughout this black pale.

The dark, dry finish is quick at first, but quickly builds to linger relentlessly. Slight black licorice flavor begins to emerge with a mild earthiness and pine notes while deep espresso takes hold.

Overall, my best analogy is a Russian Imperial Stout getting aggressively intimate with a hop cone. Complex, bitter, and damn dark. One to go back for seconds.

#168: Hopshire Farm & Brewery » Amber Glass (American Amber Ale)

Malty harvest ale from Hopshire... 

The Brewery: Hopshire Farm & Brewery (Freeville, NY)
The Brew:  Amber Glass ((Amber Ale)
Availability: Draft
ABV: 5.0% | IBUs: 35
Rating: 8.9/10
Location: Ithaca Coffee Company (Triphammer)

The Story? After a long day of last minute holiday and paint shopping, my partner and I headed over to Ithaca Coffee Company for a pick-me-up. We planned on two rounds to rejuvenate with, so I eyed Triphammer's typically hefty offerings for a starter that would still allow me to accomplish our remaining errands. 

Earlier in the season, Hopshire issued two new offerings, 'Round Yon Virgil (spiced Brown Ale) and Amber Glass - an American style Amber brewed with whole, local Willamette and Cascade hops and New York barley malt and British amber. Granted, Amber Ale's aren't my favorite, but getting a disappointing brew from Hopshire seemed unlikely. 

The Beer? Bringing my beer to the table, I'm met with a firm malt nose that is roasted with a distinct coolness. 

Right off the bat, this is a very tasty beer. It's creaming, warming and quenching with just a hint of spice. Far more complex than most 5.0% Ambers I've run across. Notes of rosehips, pepper, orange zest, rosemary abound amidst smooth malts and toasty caramel finish. 

Overall, this is undoubtedly in the Top 5 Ambers I've ever enjoyed, if not one of the best singles. Kudos to Hopshire for taking an unassuming style to new heights. 

#167: Galaxy Brewing Company » Andromeda IPA

New, awesome local brewery alert...

The Brewery: Galaxy Brewing Company (Binghamton, NY)
The Brew: Andromeda IPA
Availability: Draft Only (rotating)
ABV: 6.2%
Rating: 9.2/10
Location: The Westy

The Story? Galaxy Brewing opened their doors this summer just downstate in Binghamton, having founded in 2011. They're a father-son gastropub, dedicated to bringing quality beer and food and being a part of revitalizing the downtown area. From the looks of it, they're well on their way, already offering adventurous brews like Mint Chocolate Stout, Galaxy NY Harvest Ale, Solar Flare (Belgian-style w/ Citra hops), Honey Lemon Mate Ale, and more, Galaxy have future plans for spontaneous fermentation and barrel aging. Needless to say, I am elated.

After finishing up T"The Desolation of Smaug", my partner headed down to draft night at The Westy. Making my way through a round of Hop Sun (coming next) and one of my new go-to's, Pantius Dropus from Ellicottville, Galaxy Brewing's Andromeda IPA came on tap. Tim, my partner, the gang and I all took a sample taste. I immediately ordered a pint and started feverishly taking notes.

The Beer? Incredibly fragrant. The nose is aggressively pungent, like huffing hop cones - grapefruit, dry pine, and lemon aromas all fight for attention.

Surprisingly, Andromeda light bodied, dispute it's fearsome aroma. It goes down smooth, but it's bite is just as big as it's bark. Huge plumes of bitter hop heavy bursts through each sip. Grapefruit rind and pith, blood orange, lemon, pine flavors are all mightily present... while still walking the line of powerful, but well-balanced and any-time enjoyable. I pretty much need a growler of this. West-coast, your move.

An incredible offering for such a new brewery. Way to knock it out of the park.

#166: Victory Brewing Co. » Old Horizontal (American Barleywine)

Old Horizontal returns...

The Brewery: Victory Brewing Co. (Downington, PA)
The Brew: Old Horizontal (American Barleywine)
Availability: Bottles & Draft
ABV: 11.0%
Rating: 9.3/10
Location: Home
Found: Fingerlakes Beverage Center

The Story? After a couple years off, Victory's Old Horizontal has returned to much acclaim. This was one of my gateway barleywines towards the end of my overzealousness with IPAs. Last year, I was lucky enough to get a half-growler of their 2009 batch from our friends at Fingerlakes Beverage Center, which was literally one of the best beers I'd ever enjoyed up to that point. Let's see how this fresh new batch measures up.

The Beer? Old Horizontal pours out with a plentiful, lively manila head over a deep, reddish-amber body. Surprisingly lively for an 11%. Firm hop aromas follow up.

Burly, powerful, and hardy, this sipper is packed full of boozy goodness, but goes down silky smooth. Creamy flavors of dark fruit, caramel, and toffee are immediately apparent, with subtler notes of bitter hops, chocolate, and a touch of spice heat arrive on the follow through. A bit chewy further through. Tougher than the elegance I remember from the aged version, but still very delectable.

Overall, a solid, mediu-body barleywine with extra points for how well this one ages.

#165: Southern Tier Brewing Co. » Krampus (Imperial Helles Lager)

A lil seasonal evil for the naughty ones...

The Brewery: Southern Tier Brewing Co. (Lakewood, NY)
The Brew: Krampus (Imperial Helles Lager)
Availability: Bottles, Draft (limited)
ABV: 9.0%
Rating: 9/10
Location: Home
Found: Fingerlakes Beverage Center

The Story? After hauling out the last of the furniture from half our first floor for some refinishing, I pulled out this bottle of Krampus to join me a few hours of serenity in our big empty room. Of course, this was after I found my car battery completely dead and jogged to go pick this up. But for now, serenity, while I wait for the Autoworks guy to show up. It's been an interesting year.

The Beer? The off-white head that kicks this one off is thick and lacy with plenty of staying power atop the crystal-clear amber body. The nose is full of sweet grapefruit and other citrus notes and sugary malts.

Two of the characteristics I love the most is how utterly smooth and impeccably well-balanced Krampus is. Roasted malts, caramel, and smooth citrus flavors all working in harmony backed by a slight earthiness and touch of hop heat and spice. All wrapped up with that refreshing lager drinkability. I often forget this one kicks at 9%.

Overall, a regional seasonal I always look forward to. Accessible and original, which is a feat in itself.

Quicky!: Otter Creek Brewing / Wolaver's » Kind Ryed IPA

I picked up a mix 12-pack from Otter Creek Brewing over the weekend to clear our our living room for some renovations. They're one of my favorite hangout mix packs, I always like everything in the box and this time was no different.

The seasonal included is their new Kind Ryed IPA - big, bold spicy rye flavor packed with plenty of citrus and bitterness all wrapped up with a touch of roasted earthiness. My favorite in the box. Cheers!

#164: Matt Brewing Company » Saranac: Legacy IPA

New beer from a classic recipe....

Brewery: Matt Brewing Company (Utica)
The Brew: Saranac: Legacy IPA
Availability: 4-Pack Cans
ABV: 6.5%
Rating: 7/10
Location: Home

The Story? Originally available only on draft or in limited edition packs of Pale, White IPA, or Trail Mix, Legacy is now in four-pack tall boys. This classic IPA was born out of a recently rediscovered recipe by founder, F.X. Matt and issued as part of their 125th celebration.

The Beer? This IPA pours out a dark brass color with mildly lacy, off-white head - reasonable carbonation for a can. Not overly foamy. The nose follows up with soft, bright citrus aromas.

The taste is full of mild hops with some mineral characteristics. There's an earthy bitterness to it, somewhat reminiscent to an English IPA. Light bodied and unfortunately not too much depth or complexity to this one. It's crisp and refreshing, but a bit too mild and straightforward for my tastes.

Overall, a mild, just above session, easy drinking, tallboy IPA.

#163: Uinta Brewing Company » Anniversary Barley Wine Ale

One of my favorite styles from the always delicious, Uinta...

The Brewery: Uinta Brewing Co. (Salt Lake City, UT)
The Brew:  Anniversary Barley Wine Ale
Availability:  Bottles, draft
ABV: 10.4% // IBUs: 72
Rating: 9/10
Location: Home
Found: Fingerlakes Beverage Center

The Story? Originally released in small batches each year to commemorate their anniversary, Uinta's Anniversary Barley Wine Ale is now a year-round offering. I picked these up for post Big Day In celebration last weekend and found myself with a couple left.

The Beer? Anniversary kicks off with a far more plentiful head than your typical barleywine. The body is a deep, dark brown and nearly opaque. A few deep whiffs reveal big malt and citrus characteristics.

The flavors is quite sweet, with an earthy finish and a slight tartness woven in. Big flavors of fig, raisin, and caramel dominate while subtler notes of espresso and nuts seal the deal. This brew has definite heft to it - full bodied, dark and respectfully bitter. A great, strong hop backbone balances the sweet malt goodness that never overpowers.

Overall, a firm, strong, year-round barley wine. I'm going to age on of these for a while and see how things develop.

#162: Hill Farmstead » Grassroots Brewing Sankt Hans (Amber Saison)

Denmark / Vermont mild sour lovechild...

The Brewery: Hill Farmstead (Greensboro Bend, VT)
The Brew: Grassroots Brewing Sankt Hans (Amber Saison)
Availability: Bottles (limited)
ABV: 5.4%
Rating: 9.5/10
Location: Home
Found: Hill Farmstead Brewery

The Story? Sankt Hans is a collaboration between former Ølfabrikken brewer, Christian Skovdal Andersen, now of Beer Here and Peter Sonne of Flying Couch Brewing, both from Denmark, and Shaun Hill of Hill Farmstead, for their Grassroots Brewing line in celebration of the summer solstice. I picked this up during the Vermont haul this fall.

The Beer? Sankt Hans pours out a deep, rich amber-caramel color with a fizzy, quickly fading bright white head. The notes quickly presents firm funk and sour aromas and subtle spice notes.

This collaboration has yielded an enjoyable sour. Pleasant earthy and fruit flavors swirl around the palate. Notes of lemon, yeast, slight herbal spice, rose hips, and tea are all apparent and close with a slight funk on the finish. There's a smooth nuttiness in there as well.

Delicate, but not breakable, this saison is well-balanced, going down smooth with only mild astringency.

This Grassroots offering continues to grown in complexity with each sip and each glass, drying out into stronger influence of green apple, champagne, and black cherry flavors. Rich, tart, and funky, this unique saison continues to evolve until the final drop.

Over all, a distinguished brew that only leaves me craving more.

#161: Ellicottville Brewing Co. » Pantius Droppus (Imperial IPA)

The panty dropper...

The Brewery: Ellicottville Brewing Co. (Ellicottville, NY)
The Brew: Pantius Droppus (Imperial IPA)
Availability: Bottles / Draft (Year-Round)
ABV: 10.0%
Rating: 8.9/10
Location: The Westy

The Story? Big Day In is past and after a lazy afternoon, I figured I should at least venture out of the house once. After a 13 hour day on Saturday, it was going to take some motivation to stop watching old episodes of Avatar: The Last Airbender.

It dawned on me that it was Sunday, draft night down at The Westy. I recalled earlier in the week hearing that Ellicottville's Pantius Droppus would be on tap. Wasn't sure if it was still up, but I knew New England's Sea Hag was, which would be a fine consolation prize. Happily enough, Pantius Droppus was on and was ample recompense for leaving the house.

The Beer? Pantius Droppus serves up deep, transparent amber topped with fluffy, ivory head followed by an unassuming nose of sweet, soft hops, malt, and fruit.

Despite it's humble appearance and aroma, this IIPA is bursting with sweet, dank hops. Creamy and full bodied, it's boozy, but not so much estery. It's almost barleywine smooth with plenty of sweet honey and caramel swimming among soft lemon, pepper, and grapefruit notes. Delicious and distractedly easy to drink, I put back three of these easily while caught up in conversation. Impressive.

Overall, this sits high in the ranks of dangerously drinkable Imperial IPAs.

#160: Surly Brewing Company » Furious (American IPA)

Hops & malts get Furious...

The Brewery: Surly Brewing (Brooklyn Center, MN)
The Brew:  Furious (American IPA)
Availability: Cans & draft (Year-Round)
ABV: 6.2% | IBUs: 66
Rating: 9/10
Location: Home

The Story? Twas the night before Big Day In and all through the house, not a creature was stirring. But seriously, this is by far the earliest the evening before that I've had everything together for Ithaca Underground's pending festival. Time to sit back with a meal and a brew.

Furious is the last of the batch of Surly's that made it my way earlier in the fall and is packed with American hops and Scottish malt.

The Beer? Furious kicks off with voluminous off-white head atop dark, amber-red bubble body. The nose is full of fresh hops, tangerine, and a hint of green apple. Down the hatch it's bittersweet hop bliss. Lots of citrus, balanced by sweet toffee and caramel flavors.

Deft balance is what I find I enjoy most about all of Surly's beers. Complex, robust, but throw-back easy drinking thanks in part to Furious' soft carbonation. Further through, roasted notes build with mild hints of tea and herb.

Overall, another slammin' hoppy ale from Surly. Cheers!

#159: Founders Brewing Co. Sweet Repute (Barrel-Aged Wheatwine)

Sweet bliss...

The Brewery: Founders Brewing Co.(Grand Rapids, MI)
The Brew: Sweet Repute (Barrel-Aged Wheatwine)
Availability: Draft and bottles (limited)
ABV: 12.6%
Rating: 9.5/10
Location: Tug Hill (Cabin)
Found: Fingerlakes Beverage Center

The Story? I stopped down to Fingerlakes Beverage Center to pick up something special for our anniversary trek up to the Tug Hill Plateau. I didn't have anything particular in mind, but figured this time of year there's always something limited, outrageous, and boozy to be found. And boy, did I find it.

I always try to grab a bottle of Founders Backstage series whenever it arrives. I missed the Mango Magnifico release, so when I saw their latest, Sweet Repute, staring back, their was no hesitation. This sweet beast is one-hundred percent barrel aged in maple syrup bourbon barrels and bourbon barrels over the course of sixteen months, then blended using carefully calculated ratios for the delivered brew. Wowzah.

The Beer? Sweet Repute opens with a big nose of honey and bourbon. Subtler notes of maple and oak are present as well after a more focus whiff. There's a touch of white head atop it's hazy gold body. Enough talk... time to drink.

This is booze-candy. Straight up. This isn't even beer - angel-tears nectar maybe? Strong flavors of caramel, candy sugar, vanilla, cream soda, toffee and a hefty dose of butterscotch make for a delicious start right out of the gate. It's boozy, as the 12.6% would infer, but with a medium body and gradual mouthcoat. Excellent.

Further through, roasted toffee notes emerge in the finish and the maple and bourbon flavors build, giving it more of a bite. This is no shy beer and more full bodied than more wheatwines I've encountered. There's even a bit of spruce and herbal notes on the front end of the second glass.

Overall, a truly expert crafted beer. It won't be for everyone, but for those it's for, it's luscious euphoria. A sweet/strong benchmark.

#158: B. Nektar Meadery » Necromangocon

Defend your soul...

The Brewery: B. Nektar Meadery (Ferndale, MI)
The Brew: Necromangocon
Availability: Bottles / Draft
ABV: 6.0%
Rating: 9/10
Location: Home
Found: Ithaca Coffee Co.

The Story?  B. Nektar Meadery has been on my radar for a while now and was stoked to receive their Evil Genius IPA-style mead as a gift earlier this year. While it wasn't be best thing I've ever had, B. Nektar hadn't made it to Ithaca yet and it was still quite enjoyable. Oddly enough, literally days after posting about Evil Genius, B. Nektar started popping up all over Ithaca, including their Necromangocon which put them on my map. This adventurous mead is crafted with mango juice and pepper.

The Beer? Necromangocon starts with an enticing, fragrant nose of mango and white pepper, complimented by notes of lychee, grape, and honey. This offering is touch darker than Evil Genius, but still a pale, clear yellow as expected from a mead.

The taste is pure bliss and incredibly smooth. It's pleasantly sweet, never syrupy or sugary, showcasing the skilled subtlety of B. Nektar Meadery. Mango and white fruit flavors are abound. The wonderful pepper spice is like the best spice tones of red or white wines, with a much lighter body.

This mead is impressively tasty, with all that flavor packed in, it's still moderately clean, with great legs, and finishes up with a mellow, lingering spice. Recommended for those seeking something different.

#157: Upstate Brewing Company » I.P.W. (India-Style Pale Wheat)

Local blend of popular American styles...

The Brewery: Upstate Brewing Company (Elmira, NY)
The Brew: I.P.W. (India-Style Pale Wheat)
Availability: 4-packs cans (year-round)
ABV: 6.5%
Rating: 8.5/10
Location: Tug Hill Plateau (Camping)
Found: GreenStar Co-Op

The Story? Last week, my partner and I headed up to the Tun Hill region of the Adirondacks as a getaway for our anniversary. The house was still under renovation and my biggest event of the year, Big Day In, just around the corner. A cabin in the middle of no-cell-reception sounded like just the relaxer I needed.

We brought some of the good stuff for our one full day at the cabin and picked up a four pack of Upstate I.P.W. and Common Sense for when we rolled in late Monday night. As you can likely deduce, their I.P.W. is a merger of IPA and American Wheat beer.

The Beer? I.P.W. looks great out of the can - deep amber with a ring white head. The nose is bright, hoppy, and fully of citrus. It's light bodied, with full, soft hop flavor. Mild hop bitterness and citrus notes throughout and complimented by the smooth wheat finish. A great tall-boy for hanging out.

Recommended for anyone just getting into hoppier or those looking for a meal beer with solid character.

#156: Matt Brewing Company » Saranac: Rudy's Spiced Christmas Ale

Xmas from Saranac...

The Brewery: Matt Brewing Company (Utica)
The Brew: Saranac: Rudy's Spiced Christmas Ale
Availability: 6-packs (seasonal)
ABV: 6.0%
Rating: 7.5/10
Location: Home

The Story? It's been a while since I cracked into a pack of anything from Saranac. I remember many-a 12 packs to share of their upstate brews to parties and hangouts, but most of us moved on to other habits. I remember their Rye, Big Moose, and White IPA were pretty tasty. This Xmas Ale came my way and I figured it was worth a chat.

The Beer? Rudy's starts with a mild, bready nose, translucent, pale copper body with a bit of fluffy white head. There's a touch of mineral water and soft hops on the nose after a few sniffs as well.

On first sip, it's a very mild holiday beer. Crisp, sweet malt notes are the primary flavors, but then the winter spices begin to slowly build. Mild fruit cake, cinnamon, allspice, slight esters on the finish, plus residual caramel notes on the breath out. Better than expected!

#155: The Bronx Brewery » Rye Pale Ale

Bronx experience #2 for this blogger...

The Brewery: The Bronx Brewery (Bronx, NY)
The Brew: Rye Pale Ale
Availability: Draft Only (Fall Specialty)
ABV: 6.3% | IBUs: 58
Rating: 8.5/10
Location: Home
Found: Fingerlakes Beverage Center

The Story? There have been a handful of taps at Fingerlake Beverage that have caught my eye of late, one of which being Bronx's Rye seasonal. Their Pale Ale quickly became one of my new regular brews earlier this year, but this was the first I'd run across their rye.

Malted and flaked rye make up nearly a quarter of the grain bill for this Rye, coupled with Chinook and Crystal hops. Easy choice for the empty half-growler eagerly waiting in the car.

The Beer? Transparent amber and thin white head meet the eyes while firm aromas of rye, banana, and bread grace the nose. As expected, there's a deep, enjoyable rye bitter flavor to this Bronx. It's still wet up front, followed by esters and some sweet caramel characteristics as well. Mild white fruit, nectarine appear way in the back along with a herbal coolness. The body is fairly light with plenty of effervescence.

Overall, another solid offering from Bronx, this time with some darker, deeper complexities and a touch more bitterness for the cold months.

#154: Ithaca Beer Co. Cold Front (aged in wine barrels), South Hill Saison, Regionale

The Brewery: Ithaca Beer Company (Ithaca, NY)
Availability: Draft Only (5-Barrel Series)
Location: Ithaca Beer Taproom

The Story? My father was stopping through Ithaca on his way back from the Adirondacks and we scheduled to meet up for lunch. I'd missed the last several cask night offerings, but figured there would likely be at least a new 5-barrel series offering hanging around. Correct, though understated.

Cold Front (Belgian-style aged in red wine barrels) | ABV: 7.2% | Rating 8.8/10
I enjoy Cold Front. It's definitely one of Ithaca's stand-out 12 oz. offerings and the prospect of that robust beer in wine barrels warranted a trip on its own.

I order a half pint, which arrives as a deep, dark amber color with a touch of ruby, topped by a ring of lacy head and delivers a sweet, malty nose.

The flavor is quite earthy, commiserating with light red fruit notes and a mild tartness amidst a dense, chewy mouthfeel and body. The wine influence is notable in the nose and finish mostly. There's a slight roasted bitterness in there as well - bittersweet in fact. Notes of alcohol, coffee, dry coco begin to arise. All made quite drinkable with a smooth, soft carbonation. This rendition is enjoyable. Wet, Cold Front start and drying, red wine finish. Well done.

South Hill Saison (Farmhouse) | ABV: 6.4% | Rating: 8/10
This saison kicks off a hazy yellow, also with a ring of head. The nose is relatively transparent, mild with notes of yeast and mild citrus. A few sips though and South Hill is mildly dry, on the minerally side of things with soft carbonation. Smooth, with orange and yeast flavors peaking through. A relatively straight forward, mild Farmhouse style. Tasty and a good meal beer.

Regionale (Local-sourced Ale) | ABV: 5/7% | Rating: 8/10
This brew is brewed using all New York State grown ingredients, including lemon balm from their own Ithaca Beer garden. The aptly named Regionale serves up with a fluffy, fading head with no lace atop a clear, pale orange-amber body.

The taste is quite dry, with lots of orange presence, a touch of lemon. It's slightly sharp and minerally, but still quite pleasant. Nice one-off for those looking for a light body beer with bright character.

#153: Lagunitas Brewing Co » Brown Shugga' (Strong Ale)

Brown Shugga' returns...

The Brewery: Lagunitas Brewing Co. (Petaluma, CA)
The Brew: Brown Shugga' (Strong Ale)
Availability: 6-packs (seasonal)
ABV: 9.99%%
Rating: 9/10
Location: Home
Found: Fingerlakes Beverage Center

The Story? Brown Shugga' started life as a failed batch of Olde GnarlyWine Ale. The innovators at Lagunitas chose to experiment and salvage the batch by adding unabashed amounts of brown sugar. The result was one of their most popular beers to date and a staple of the high ABV winter American seasonals. Brown Sugar left us in 2011 due to construction-induced capacity issues (when they issued "Sucks" as a substitute), but returned last year to critical and fan acclaim.

The Beer? I could smell this beer from where I took the picture. This sweet release pours out with a voluminous, staying head of lace atop glowing, amber-copper liquid. The nose is quite sweet with notes of caramel and hoppy orange notes.

Down the hatch, Brown Shugga' is smooth like silk. It's hoppy, but not dry or bitter. Sweet brown sugar meets hop citrus and heat. I think this is the most well-balanced beer Lagunitas offers. There's notes of sweet lemon, candy sugar, toasted malts, and caramel. Sweet, dank, easy drinking bliss.

The 9.99% is well hidden for the majority of the way through the glass, but by the end, strong esters and booze are apparent, though by far not nearly it's full potency. Calling this irresponsibly drinkable is apt.

Overall, this is a must-try for any craft beer drinker and an easy stable of winter beer drinking. It's unlike anything else out there, somewhere between a Barelywine and an Imperial IPA, but very much on it's own journey.

#152: Sixpoint Brewery » Global Warmer (Winter Warmer)

The new seasonal from Sixpoint...

The Brewery: Sixpoint Brewery (Brooklyn, NY)
The Brew: Global Warmer
Availability: 12 oz can - 4-packs & draft (seasonal)
ABV: 7.0% | 70 IBUs
Rating: 9.2/10
Location: Home
Found: Fingerlakes Beverage Center

The Story? Originally brewed during their draft-only days in 2006, Global Warmer's can release launched one year to the day since Hurricane Sandy flooded Sixpoints brewhouse. Global climate and the beer climate is changing... Sixpoint nods to both in this new seasonal offering.

The Beer? Global starts off with a slight haze to its mostly transparent amber body topped with lacy, ivory head. There's plenty of inviting, spicy and citrus hops on the nose. As with most Sixpoint brews, this isn't your average winter seasonal.

It's refreshing at first, drinking smooth, but then dries way out. Surprisingly fantastic balance between hop-centric and winter spice flavors. Pine, hop oil, mild grapefruit coupled with mace, pepper, and faint red fruit makes for a unique, enjoyable brew and a pleasant change of pace.

Highly recommended for a unique, powerful beer that never gets brutal.

#151: 21st Amendment Brewery » Fireside Chat (Winter Spiced Ale)

Winter by the Fireside...

The Brewery: 21st Amendment Brewery (San Francisco, CA)
The Brew: Fireside Chat (Winter Spiced Ale)
Availability: Cans & draft (seasonal)
ABV: 7.9% | IBUs: 45
Rating: 8/10
Location: Home
Found: Fingerlakes Beverage Center

The Story? Now that it's past Thanksgiving and we've had our first winter storm advisory, I feel I can begin posting about winter seasonals. 21st Amendment's Fireside Chat was one spiced ale that stood out last year for me, but I was only able to grab one can of it, to my dismay.

With sleet, freezing rain, and snow barring down, depending where you were in town, it sounded like a good time for a night in with beers to warm us.

The Beer? Fireside Chat pours out with a deep, dark walnut body and off-white head. A big nose of allspice, clove, and nutmeg follows.

This winter warmer isn't holding back anything. The boldness of the aroma and appearance introduction continues through unabashed velvety mouthfeel and strong flavors of cinnamon and clove, closing with an arid finish. It's a bit sticky as well with subtle notes of molasses, herbs, and faint esters on the elongated finish.

Overall, not as sublime as I remember from last year, but a recommended holiday beer for sure. A great second or third beer in that will still pack a punch.

Coming soon...

Long month. Bad weather. Next two nights the house will be filled with family staying over night. Good time for a night in... I was hoping to find a one more Ithaca Box of Hops, but this is a reasonable consolation haul. Posts coming soon!

#150: Firestone Walker Brewing Co. » DBA (English Pale Ale)

Lunch time...

The Brewery: Firestone Walker Brewing Co. (Paso Robles, CA)
The Brew: DBA (English Pale Ale)
Availability: Draft and bottles (Year-Round)
ABV: 5.0% | 50 IBUs
Rating: 8.5/10
Location: Ithaca Coffee Company

The Story? After a long month of house issues and traveling, I hit a goal on Wednesday that was cause for some mild, mid-day celebration. I popped down to Ithaca Coffee Company, where I haven't been in far too long. Since I have a bottle of Firestone's Double DBA in wait, their flagship DBA would be a good next post and reasonable ABV for everything else I needed to finish that day.

This brew, Double Barrel Ale in longhand, is tribute to traditional English cask fermented ales, fermented in their Firestone Union oak barrel brewing system.

The Beer? On draft, DBA is completely transparent, amber with a cap of fluffy white head that retains a moderate lace. The nose is bright and full of caramel, biscuit, and soft hops.

As with most Firestone brews, this one goes down so smooth with a slightly silky mouthfeel. All of the flavors are mild, as with most traditional English pales - slight roasted notes, hints of vanilla and oak, soft hop oil and earthy presences.

Overall, a very subdued, beautiful pale - a session sipper, if you will. With every sip, I expected the finish to bitter, but instead, right at the threshold, it slips into a mild sweetness. Well played.

#149: Surly Brewing Company » Coffee Bender (Brown Ale)

Surly's Bender slammed with coffee...

The Brewery: Surly Brewing (Brooklyn Center, MN)
The Brew:  Coffee Bender (Brown Ale)
Availability: Cans & draft
ABV: 5.5% | IBUs: 45
Rating: 9/10
Location: Home

The Story? Fish and Chips and a Brown Ale! Well, not your typical Brown. Surly brewed this Bender with Guatemalan Finca Vista Hermosa Full City Roast and developed a cold extraction process to intensify the coffee aroma and flavor for a complex brew that still comes in at the session-level.

The Beer? This tall boy pours out dark brown with a touch of ruby color, topped with minimal off-white head up top and followed by a big nose full of malts, coffee and milk. All of the aromas come of clean, wet and eludes to a highly drinkable brew.

Coffee Bender delivers bitter, dark, and earthy flavors amidst a deluge of chocolate, finishing deep and roasty. The smooth, creamy mouthfeel and prickly carbonation is highly complimentary. This really is smack between a coffee and a Brown Ale.

Overall, thanks to Surly for making Brown Ales interesting again! I'm thoroughly enjoying this trip through their line-up and constantly impressed by the nuanced, rather than extreme, approached throughout all their offerings I've enjoyed so far.  

#148: Stone Brewing » Old Guardian Barley Wine (2012)

Stone's Old Guardian from last year emerges from the cellar...

The Brewery: Stone Brewing Co. (Escondido, CA)
The Brew:  Old Guardian Barley Wine (2012)
Availability:  Draft, 22 oz bottles (Classic, seasonal)
ABV: 11.6% | IBUs: 80
Rating: 9/10
Location: Home
Found: Fingerlakes Beverage Center

The Story? After getting a chance to see the Doctor Who' 50th Anniversary Spectacular in the theater on Monday and finally having a warm house to come home to, my partner and I were in a bit of a celebratory mood.

While I'm not as much of a fan of winter commutes as I used to be, I do look forward to one of my favorite seasonal styles - Barleywines. I grabbed this one from the cellar, let it cool a bit further and cracked into this delicious year-in-waiting brew.

The Beer? Old Guardian pours out a hazy, murky amber color with just a bit more than a ring of lacy head. Already, there's plenty of boozy raisin notes backed by big malts, an inviting earthiness, and hints of coco. This should be a great ride.

Flavor-wise, there is a straight-up honey finish, which is quite enjoyable. Smooth and chewy mouthfeel and despite the aging, has still retained pleasant hop character.

I prefer my barleywines on the English-style, less bitter side of things, which is why I aimed to age this one, that started out at an IBU of 80. And I'm glad I did.

In addition to the distinct honey notes on the finish, Old Guardian is a complex journey through golden and purple raisins, agave candy, and sugared grapefruit. Undeterred by the 11.6% ABV, the ester and booze notes are well hidden and isn't as much of a sipper as I'd imagined.

All in all, a sweet, smooth, and creamy experience all around. A creamy, malt-wallop with mild, balanced bitterness. Looking forward to the 2013 Smoked version that remains cellared.

#147: Shmaltz Brewing Co. » He'Brew - Bittersweet Lenny's R.I.P.A. on Rye

8 malts and 7 hops aged on Rye...

The Brewery: Shmaltz Brewing Company (Brooklyn, NY)
The Brew: He'Brew - Bittersweet Lenny's R.I.P.A. on Rye
Availability: Bottles
ABV:  10% | IBUs: ?
Rating:  9.2/10
Location: Home
Found: Nathaniel Square Corner Store

The Story? Bittersweet Lenny's R.I.P.A. is one of my favorite offerings from Shmaltz, who offer two variations, a Rye barrel-aged variation and St. Lenny's Belgian-style. The origianal is a fantastic palate-blaster, let's see what some time and rye do do this one.

We missed getting this one in Ithaca to the best of my knowledge, so I was stoked to pick this up passing through in Rochester.

The Beer? Huge rye aromas augmented by strong raisin notes plume from the glass even before the pour is completed. This barrel aged RIPA settles still, murky brown with just a touch of lace.

The taste? Delicious. Big malts dominate where the intense hop bitterness has softened from the non-barrel version. Loads of raisin flavors are prominent alongside smooth whiskey, rye toast, caramel, and burnt sugar. A distinctive sweetness builds with firm notes of honey, fruitcake, and fig. The mouthfeel is thick and full-bodied, but never syrupy sweet.

Overall, an excellent variation. While the hoppy, manic bitterness of the original all reserved and rolled off, R.I.P.A. on Rye still packs a hell of a punch with big malts and booziness.

#146: Dark Horse » Crooked Tree IPA

My first Dark Horse...

The Brewery: Dark Horse Brewing Co. (Marshall, MI)
The Brew: Crooked Tree IPA
Availability: 6-pack, draft
ABV: 6%
Rating: 9/10
Location: The Westy

The Story? I popped down to The Westy for Draft Night after round two of Man vs. Boiler was a favorable success. I'm usually excited for Draft Night regardless (New England's Galaxy was still on too), but a shot at a Rate Beer Bros 100 beer from a brewery I haven't sampled anything from yet, is even more cause for commotion.

The Beer? Crooked Tree kicks off with a thick, lacy white head over a hazy, amber-orange body. Plenty inviting with swirling grapefruit, pine, and floral nose.

First sip yields smooth carbonation and a big staying bitterness. Rich, drying hop flavors of grapefruit pith and rind dominate with a chewy mouthfeel. Hints of tangerine join the cast as well with a solid earthiness that keeps the fruit flavors in check.

Despite the burly, West-Coast bitterness and initial chewiness of the mouthfeel, this one drinks far faster than expected. There's a bit of a juicy nature to it halfway through as it hits stride, while never loosing it's pine and resin fueled lengthy finish.

Overall, hop-head - put this one on your radar for sure. Anyone else, proceed with caution.

#145: Southern Tier Brewing Co. » Old Man (Winter Ale)

When Old Man Winter comes a knockin'...

The Brewery: Southern Tier Brewing Co. (Lakewood, NY)
The Brew: Old Man (Winter Ale)
Availability: 6-pack, draft (Seasonal)
ABV: 7.0%
Rating: 8.5/10
Location: Home

The Story? It's Sunday, 21° outside and 48° inside. The boiler is in round two of replacement parts for the day, having been down since Friday night. After keeping myself warm, feverishly cleaning up the house in preparation for Thanksgiving guests (after earlier being showered with safety glass from a display shower door, but that's a completely different story), I figured it was time for a drink, cartoons, and a blanket.

I reached for a bottle of Old Man, Southern Tier's winter ale, which seemed terribly appropriate. I vaguely remember drinking this almost exclusively for a week or so around this time last year and have some fond memories of those festitives. It's one of my go-to winter warmers when I want a robust, drinkable seasonal, that packs a bit of a buzz and doesn't remind me of licking a holiday tree or potpourri.

The Beer? Old Man pours out a deep, amber with a finger of head, leaving a nice ring of lace. The nose is full of citrus and spices and the body goes down wet, with a mildly boozy finish. There's lots of toasted malts packed in this out with just the right touch of hop bitterness.

I like how full bodied this one is, while still being so drinkable. It starts with a creamy mouthfeel -while still refreshing - full of tangerine hop notes and caramel sweetness, all dried in the finish with herbal notes and that warming, ester finish I'm pursuing tonight.

Overall, this seasonal has great balance for a winter seasonal, firmly walking alongside Southern Tier's quality, hop-centric offerings, but packed with malts and winter spices that never gets too velvety or overspiced.

#144: Victory Brewing » Red Thunder (Baltic Porter in Red Wine Barrels)

Baltic, barreled...

The Brewery: Victory Brewing Co. (Downington, PA)
The Brew: Red Thunder (Baltic Porter aged in Red Wine Barrels)
Availability: Bottles
ABV: 8.5%
Rating: 9/10
Location: Home
Found: Fingerlakes Beverage Center

The Story? Victory's Baltic Thunder, Baltic Porter is a brew I always keep an eye out for. A style whose roots date back to the 18th century and which is enjoying some resurgence. When my partner and I visited Victory, I left a bit broken hearted as they had kicked the keg and stated they were no longer going to offer 22 oz. bottles.

I'd tried Red Thunder, Baltic Thunder's distinguished cousin, during a bottle share last year, but hadn't seen it since. Over the summer, Victory announced Red Thunder would return. I immediately put in a request down at Fingerlakes Beverage, which was happily fulfilled.

The Beer? Served in a broad wine-glass, Red Thunder is jet black with a minimal amount of mocha head - quite similar in appearance to it's unaged cousin. The nose is as well - wet, chocolate, mild alcohol, the slighted herbal notes, but all with a hint of oak and red fruit.

Down the hatch, it's creamy with a chewy mouthfeel. It's warming and quite robust. This complex ponderer is a slow burner. Red Thunder starts out cool, wet, and creamy, but a bit transparent at first. Slowly, it builds with black and green pepper notes, becoming more earthy coupled with cooling hints of licorice, followed by chocolate and milk, even finding a mild blackberry tartness in its second serving. The finish is quite long, very satisfying, and holds a bit of booze heat. A great beer for a cold night.

I'm impressed how they built on their Baltic Porter offering, enough so where you weren't just buying the same thing, but with enough balance and resolve to not loose what makes that beer so enjoyable.

Overall, a deep, wet brew with drying, velvet notes. A wonderful take on rare style for this age.

#143: Rogue Ales » Brutal IPA

A classic from Rogue...

The Brewery: Rogue Ales (Newport, OR)
The Brew: Brutal IPA (formerly Brutal Bitter Ale)
Availability: Draft & Bottles (22oz. Bombers)
ABV: 8.5% // IBU: 59
Rating: 8.5/10
Location: The Westy

The Story? Round two with Michael Stark and crew improvising and it's time for more good chats and a classic from Rogue.

The Beer? Brutal is served up as translucent, light amber with a tuft of fluffy, white head that has a bit of lace and decent staying power. Deep floral and pine aromas with malt touches are present in the nose. The whole aroma is quite raw.

For the taste, when you say "Brutal IPA", this is not what expected. Imperial Bitter or ESB seem more the case. Brutal has an old-school feel to with with plenty of complexity - strong bitterness, lots of caramel, esters, but not the citrus bomb you may expect from most "brutals" these days.

Herbal, pine, and some breadiness appear further through while the intense dryness builds along with the heavy mouthfeel. Roasted notes are in there too, but the malts never get sweet.

Overall, a classic bitter beer and a good starting point for complex intensity that isn't overhopped. Likely not a true "Brutal IPA" in most peoples books these days, but cheers to standing out.

#142: New England Brewing Co. » Galaxy Pale Ale

Brewed with a Galaxy from far, far away...

The Brewery: New England Brewing (Woodbridge, CT)
The Brew:  Galaxy Pale Ale
Availability: Draft Only
ABV: 4.8%
Rating: 9.5/10
Location: The Westy

The Story? After a lengthy work day, productive rehearsal, and another meeting about the water damage repairs at the house, it was time to meet up with my partner for a drink. My friend Michael Stark has been on residency at The Westy this fall, but I've been too swamped to catch a single solo or collaborative set.

Lucky for me, he had a special line-up this week including one of my own bandmates. An evening of good conversation, fantastic improv, and hoppy beer? Sign me up.

While I've made it through New England's Sea Hag and Gandhi Bot, this was the first time I've run across their Pale Ale. Galaxy is their first beer in a series of single hop releases, brewed exclusively with Galaxy hops from New Zealand. These NZ hops have been getting a good amount of buzz of late and for good reason.

The Beer? I'm served up a mug of Galaxy and it's a opaque, deep yellow with a thin wisp of white head. The nose wastes no time flaunting voluminous passion fruit, citrus, and tangy grapefruit aromas with lemon and orange zest. So far, this brew is quite enticing and the fist sip does not disappoint.

Galaxy is gracious on it's feet with only 4.8% and a light body and goes down easy with a plethora of hop complexity, zest, and excitement. Notes of kumquat and grapefruit are apparent throughout and close with a wonderfully dry finish and pleasant mouthcoat. I'm almost hesitant to get another beer after this. Wow!

One of the best showcases of New Zealand hops I've run across yet. Highly recommended.

#141: Rock Art Brewery » Pumpkin Imperial Spruce Stout (2012)

One last pumpkin...

The Brewery: Rock Art Brewing (Morrisville, VT)
The Brew: Pumpkin Imperial Spruce Stout (2012)
Availability: 22oz bottles
ABV:  8.0%
Rating: 8/10
Location: Home
Found: Rock Art Brewery

The Story? One last bottle remains from our visit to Rock Art earlier this fall. We made it through a handful of pumpkin beers this last year, but this one seemed to want to wait a little longer. Rock Art was offering both their 2013 and 2012 batch when we visited. I was intrigued to see how this one would age.

The Beer? This pumpkin pours out opaque, dark brown - almost black with a quickly fading, fizzy, mocha head and a mild nose of pumpkin and spruce. It appears still at first glance, but the carbonation is instead just tiny and prickly.

There's a certain bite to this one. It's dark and drying with slight esters in the finish. Taste-wise, it's more yam than pumpkin coupled with earthy herbal notes and roasted malts. Wood notes and a distinct herbal coolness builds along with a mild touch of coffee. There's a decent amount going on, but none of the flavors are particularly powerful.

Overall, a deep, bright seasonal brew. Enjoyable, but a bit unremarkable for the somewhat atypical ingredients.

#140: Green Flash Brewing Co. » Green Bullet (Triple IPA)

Green Flash 9th Anniversary offering hits seasonal rotation...

The Brewery: Green Flash Brewing Co. (San Diego, CA)
The Brew: Green Bullet (Triple IPA)
Availability: 12 oz. & 650 mL Bottles
ABV:  10.1
Rating: 9.3/10
Location: Home
Found: Fingerlakes Beverage Center

The Story? Back in 2011, Green Bullet was Green Flash's celebratory, 9th anniversary beer, which was met with fan acclaim and a bit of cult status. For 2013, this Triple IPA is available throughout the U.S., having been bottled for the first time.

The beer takes it's moniker from its namesake, one of two New Zealand hop varieties used in the brew. If you like single and double IPAs, why not keep going, right?

The Beer? I poured Green Bullet into my favorite wide-mouth wine glass (I really need to get a tulip glass) to a hazy, translucent caramel appearance and as slim amount of white head.

Bright citrus, candy sugars, lemon, and grapefruit are notable in the nose, which is more earthy than bitter. Alternatively, the taste is highly bitter. Tart, lemony, grass bitterness dominates with a parching finish.

Pungent, piney, and spicy - this triple delivers along with plenty of boozy esters that don't hide the 10.1%. All that said, it's highly enjoyable the whole way through the glass and never tiresome.

Overall, a solid hop-bomb that's worth checking out.

#139: B. Nektar Meadery » Evil Genius (IPA-Style Mead)

Mead madness...

The Brewery: B. Nektar Meadery (Ferndale, MI)
The Brew: Evil Genius (IPA-Style Mead)
Availability: Bottles / Draft
ABV: 6.0%
Rating: 7/10
Location: Home

The Story? While this blog is dedicated to beer, I do like to venture to the fringe where brewing methods blur the lines with other beverages.I'd heard about B. Nektar initially from their Necromangocon (Mango/Pepper mead), but have been without an opportunity to try anything from their line until my friend Beth gifted me a bottle from their travels to Maine.

Evil Genius is an interesting elixir, created with Chinook, Cluster, and Cascade hops in addition to local Michigan, wildflower honey. Interestingly, B. Nektar uses hop oil in addition to dry hopping for their preferred flavor profile. While I've imbibed my share of mead (including a friend's incredible basil mead creation), I'm not 100% what I'm diving into.

The Beer Mead? The nose opens, reminiscent of an ice wine with soft notes of honey, muscat grape, and mild citrus. In appearance, Evil Genius looks like what you'd expect from a mead - pale yellow and seems still.

The taste is refreshing, but dry with soft carbonation. There's a faint hop bitterness present and a touch of hop spice which grows through the glass. A well-balanced concoction, this mead never gets sweet or syrupy. Distinct lychee flavors along with subtle peach and other white fruits are notable.

Overall, a creative mead. I was expecting a bit more hops, but they seem to be more for balance than hop-flavor as we know them. Worth consuming, but not as extreme as the labeling might suggest.

Quicky! Thistly Cross Whisky Cask Cider

Thistly Cross Cider Whisky Cask (UK) 6.5%

My partner picked this one up to go with a fantastic meal in. It's aged in ex-Glengassaugh whisky casks and comes off dry and refreshing with plenty of elegant apple, vanilla, oak notes and subtle complexity.

#137: Freigeist Bierkultur » Abraxxxas (Berliner Weisse)

Old German stiles continue to be revitalized...

The Brewery: Freigeist Bierkultur
The Brew: Abraxxxas (Berliner Weisse)
Availability: Draft and bottles
ABV: 6.0%
Rating: 9/10
Location: Home
Found: Fingerlakes Beverage Center

The Story? Last year, Freigeist Bierkultur launched to critical and beer fan acclaim, even running out beer for a short time. Their line focuses on revitalizing Germany's traditional, and some times "lost", top-fermented beer recipes. I've seen their Altbier and Kolsh around, but have been the lookout for their Gose and Berliner Weisse as the place to start.

As previously mentioned, I'm a big Berliner Weisse fan and have been stoked on the number of breweries putting their spin on the classic German style. I was in to Fingerlakes Beverage to pick up something completely different and could not resist finally giving this one a shot.

The Beer? Abraxxxas rolls out with deep, unfiltered, translucent, dulled caramel coloring and minimal white head. The nose is a mild mixture of smooth smoke and slight tart grape.

On first sip, there's a pungent, puckering astringency that is wet up front coupled by a drying smoke finish and a touch of sourdough. Further through, notes of lemon, apple, mild cheese and meats emerge, coupled by golden raisin and other sweet fruits in the finish.

The sourness and prickly carbonation settles in quickly and becomes quite drinkable, in that distinctly Berliner Weisse way. An excellent paring of smoke wonderful ongoing, dry tartness. Towards the end of the bottle, the nose gets levels up the funk and yeast notes, even a hint of lime appears, for a strong, unique finish.

I'm looking forward to exploring all of Freigeist Bierkultur updated German traditional brews. This one nailed it for this blogger. Recommended.

#138 Firestone Walker Brewing Co. » Wookey Jack (Black Rye IPA)

Firestone's award-winning Black Ale...

The Brewery: Firestone Walker Brewing Co. (Paso Robles, CA)
The Brew: Wookey Jack (Black Rye IPA)
Availability: Draft and bottles (Reserve Series)
ABV: 8.3% | 80 IBUs
Rating: 9.1/10
Location: Home

The Story? For being just six months into this blog, I've felt pretty decent having discussed over 150 beers in that amount of time. But then, I back and realize some of my favorite breweries still haven't been covered yet and I know I still have a lot of ground to cover. Better start pouring!

Firestone is one of those that came to mind. I scoured my collection to see what I could post. I'm not pulling out their Double DBA, Parabola, or §ucaba anytime soon... but I found one of my birthday gift beers left, Firestone's Wookey Jack, Black Rye IPA. I used to be a sucker for a big, black bitter beer, but haven't ventured much down that road this year.


The Beer? Wookey Jack pours out jet black with a voluminous, fluffy, lacy mocha head followed by a spicy, high-resin and pine nose with slight tropical fruit notes.

For a high ABV and IBU beer, this goes down incredibly smooth, with a fantastic mouthfeel - creamy and wet up front, wrapped up with a drying, hoppy finish.

The hops are deep and spicy, but so well-balanced on Wookey Jack, settled in comfortably with mild esters, dark roasted malt, and caramelized sugar notes and low/mid level of carbonation.

Overall, this was was far more elegant than most Black IPAs and Rye IPAs I've run across. Recommended example of balance and composure in a full flavored beer.

#136: Canada Trip » Muskoka Mad Tom IPA, Great Lakes Miami Weiss, Lake Effect IPA, Winter Ale, Junction Conductors

Over the weekend, I trekked up to Ontario, Canada with my band Mouth To Mouth To Mouth for the second time this year. Last time around I had an enjoyable pass through several tastings of Canadian craft beers, but it still felt like I was missing the big flavors brews. Apart from a few moderate stand-outs, most of what I'd run across hung on the English side of drinkable, but shy on flavor.

We rolled up to Toronto on Friday night, in preparation for the fest we were playing on Saturday and were lucky enough to stay with my friends Adam and Miranda of Godstopper, who stayed with me in Ithaca less than a month prior.

During that stay, we partook in Ithaca's Box of Hops and Dogfish Punkin and Captain Lawrence's Pumpkin Ale. Afterwards, they vowed to show me the flavor-rich underbelly of Canadian craft brewing and boy, did they deliver!

Muskoka » Mad Tom IPA | ABV: 6.4% | IBU: 65 | Rating: 8.7
This IPA is on the mild side of bitter. Sweet and bitter grapefruit, smooth body, and soft carbonation makes this one an easy drinker and a great start to the evening. There's a nice touch of citrus pith in the finish as well. A solid IPA.

Great Lakes Brewery » Miami Weiss Wheat Ale (Etobicoke, ON) | ABV: 4.5% | Rating: 9/10
Miami Weiss really took the cake. This aromatic brew starts off with a big nose of passion fruit and smooth, soft hops. Great Lakes took a traditional German style and packed it full of Pacific Northwest hops for a surprisingly unique beer.

Lots of bread and fruit notes alongside firm, drinkable hop pine and resin flavors, presented with a hazy yellow body and nice mouthfeel. An easy high rating on this one.

Great Lakes Brewery » Lake Effect IPA (Etobicoke, ON) ABV: 7.0% | IBU: 70 | Rating:
This second offering from Great Lakes is packed with great, big hops. Fruity grapefruit aromas start things off, followed by a rush of big, bitter hop flavors in the taste. It's dry, with a pleasant tang in the finish.

Clean, crisp mouthfeel backed by grassy hop bitterness. This one never ventures in too fruity, staying on the darker, mature, dry side of IPAs.

Great Lakes Brewery » Winter Ale (Etobicoke, ON) | ABV: 6.2% | Rating:
I'll trust just about any winter warmer from our neighbors to the north. This special brew pours out dark ruby with a touch of white head. Elegant spices of cinnamon, orange peel, and ginger are present, along with a distinct sweetness and a touch of hop heat. It's smooth the whole way through and never succumbs to the overly-velvet or potpourri realm, which plagues many cold-weather offerings.

Junction Craft Brewery » Conductor's Craft Ale | ABV: 5.3% | Rating: 8.9/10
This tall-boy delivers a transparent amber body, topped with white head. Engaging and alluring would probably be my best two words for this one. Using 5 malts and 5 hops, Conductor's is malty and dry, but not particularly hoppy at first. Subtle, restrained hop flavors pass through pine, earth, lemon, toasted, and caramel stages further through the tastings. Mild esters and a touch of rye flavors compliment this compelling beer.

An impressive, well-crafted hybrid Pale.

#135: Founders Brewing Co. » Centennial (IPA)

I need to post more from Founders...

The Brewery: Founders Brewing Co. (Grand Rapids, MI)
The Brew: Centennial (IPA)
Availability: Draft and bottles (Year-Round)
ABV: 7.2% | 65 IBUs
Rating: 9/10
Location: Felicia's Atomic Lounge

The Story? Despite Founders being one of my favorite U.S. breweries, I've only posted about them three times prior. I'm going to remedy that.

If you somehow haven't given their line a try, I'd highly suggest anything they put out. In my book, Founders has one of the best track records for putting out consistently high-quality brews. I've never had a single beer from them that I didn't enjoy or wasn't impressed by.

This one was a pleasant draft surprise stopping into Felecia's last week. '

The Beer? An earthy nose of soft, aromatic hops starts things off for this deep-amber hued brew. The taste starts off minerally, smooth and very drinkable. There's a touch of heat in the hop bitterness as well.

Bitter grapefruit flavors dominate taste, but never become overbearing, and are complimented by citrus pith and slight boozy esters. The bitterness swells on the sides of the tongue a quarter of the way through while the sweet malts begin to creep through. Further on, broader citrus flavors arise with notes of caramel and pepper.

A superb, readily available offering that sounds out amongst the thousands of IPAs.