Disclaimer: I am in no way affiliated with any of the breweries or products listed below. I am simply a guy who loves great beer, and feel when I find a great one I should let other people know about it. I am not being compensated for anything I publish on this site, although I'm open to offers...
Please note most of the beers here won't be things you can commonly get in Northeast Wisconsin. If there are requests for beer comments/reviews please submit them on the contact page. Cheers!
Please note most of the beers here won't be things you can commonly get in Northeast Wisconsin. If there are requests for beer comments/reviews please submit them on the contact page. Cheers!
Dogfish Head 75 Minute IPA
My brother in law decided one day to leave Wisconsin and drive to Illinois for the sole purpose of buying beers he couldn’t get at home. He returned with a trunk full of various beers like an old bootlegger and being the nice guy he is, gave a few to me. The two I was most excited for were the 90 Minute IPA and the 75 Minute IPA, however the 75 took priority as I’ve never had it before. Don’t get me wrong, the 90 is an incredible beer, but I love trying new ones.
The 75 Minute boasts that it is bottle carbonated with maple syrup instead of force carbonated like many beers are. This gives a natural carbonation and changes the texture of the beer giving it a different personality. The hop aroma is incredible but not overbearing, and at a modest 7.5% ABV it’s not going to put you to bed despite being in essentially a wine bottle. This was a very crisp IPA that now has to be in the top 5 favorite beers of all time.
Dogfish Head is known for their unique beers and methods of brewing, and in all they have a killer lineup. Check out all their beers at www.dogfish.com and hopefully one day they'll start distributing in Wisconsin again.
The 75 Minute boasts that it is bottle carbonated with maple syrup instead of force carbonated like many beers are. This gives a natural carbonation and changes the texture of the beer giving it a different personality. The hop aroma is incredible but not overbearing, and at a modest 7.5% ABV it’s not going to put you to bed despite being in essentially a wine bottle. This was a very crisp IPA that now has to be in the top 5 favorite beers of all time.
Dogfish Head is known for their unique beers and methods of brewing, and in all they have a killer lineup. Check out all their beers at www.dogfish.com and hopefully one day they'll start distributing in Wisconsin again.
Rogue Yellow Snow IPA & Brutal IPA
I was out hunting for some seasonal beers that I knew were released but couldn't find what I was looking for. I always feel weird if I walk into a liquor store and leave without buying something so I picked up a couple bombers of IPA's by Rogue Brewing in Newport, Oregon.
The first one I had was their Yellow Snow IPA. It has a very appealing color and aroma when poured in the bottle, with the Amarillo hops shining through. It was very balanced, had a good mouthfeel and carbonation level, and was a very easy drinking beer. This is the one time where you can ignore the advice of never eating yellow snow.
The second bomber was the Brutal IPA. I assumed by the name this would be an aggressive IPA that crushes your tongue with hop bitterness and leaves you seeing double but that wasn't really the case at all. A little darker in color from the Yellow Snow this IPA had a different hop profile, which was less fruity but still quite good. It was also smooth drinking, which I didn't really expect at all.
Of the two I enjoyed the Yellow Snow better, and would definitely buy it again. Rogue has a long list of beers available as they show on their website (www.rogue.com). I would definitely recommend picking up some of their beers and giving them all a shot. I've never been disappointed with what I've had yet.
The first one I had was their Yellow Snow IPA. It has a very appealing color and aroma when poured in the bottle, with the Amarillo hops shining through. It was very balanced, had a good mouthfeel and carbonation level, and was a very easy drinking beer. This is the one time where you can ignore the advice of never eating yellow snow.
The second bomber was the Brutal IPA. I assumed by the name this would be an aggressive IPA that crushes your tongue with hop bitterness and leaves you seeing double but that wasn't really the case at all. A little darker in color from the Yellow Snow this IPA had a different hop profile, which was less fruity but still quite good. It was also smooth drinking, which I didn't really expect at all.
Of the two I enjoyed the Yellow Snow better, and would definitely buy it again. Rogue has a long list of beers available as they show on their website (www.rogue.com). I would definitely recommend picking up some of their beers and giving them all a shot. I've never been disappointed with what I've had yet.
Pick-6 Pack in Pennsylvania
So I've been out of touch lately, partly due to laziness and partly due to a broken camera phone that prohibited me from taking pictures of beers. The phone is fixed, motivation not so much though. While on the road for a few days I picked up a 6-pack variety from the Pick 6 shelf at the store. So instead of a couple reviews and pictures here's 1 shot of them all with a few comments on the beers to follow. Cheers!
Left Hand Brewing Company
Stranger American Pale Ale
Drinking this from the bottle (thanks to the hotel for no glasses and I won’t put a good beer in a crappy paper coffee cup), it’s hard to judge the aroma coming from this APA. It has a light body with a crisp carbonation level that combines with a balanced hop profile to be a very refreshing beer. This is beer #1 out of the Pick-6 Pack I just bought, and it’s a good thing there isn’t a case of 24 of these in the hotel room as I’d probably drink most of them all tonight. The website (www.lefthandbrewing.com) says among the hops there are Centennial and Cascade which explains the refreshing citrus/grapefruit notes I get when drinking it. This a great beer that I wish I could get my hands on back home.
Lancaster Brewing Company
Hop Hog IPA
Beer #2 in the 6er is Hop Hog IPA by Lancaster Brewing. I’ve got to say this is very mediocre to my taste. I prefer more of a “west coast” IPA style with lots of citrus hops, where this one is a little darker. Cloudier is the first word that came to mind, but that would lead people to think of beer clarity which isn’t what I meant. After tasting the beer I went to the website (www.lancasterbrewing.com) and they list Fuggle hops which are generally described as “earthy”. So I may not use the same terms as those fancy beer judges, but at least I can pick up the flavors correctly. All in all it’s a decent beer, just not my favorite.
Tommyknocker Brewery
Pick Axe IPA
The 3rd beer of the Pick 6 is Tommyknocker’s Pick Axe IPA. This beer is great on name alone, but pop the top and take a few gulps and you’ll know the name isn’t the only good thing about it. In the world of balance, this clearly rests on the hoppy side of things but not in an overwhelming way. The beer really isn’t bitter overly, which leads me to believe we’re drinking a beer that has the bulk of the hops added late in the boil. It’s got a good flavor and aroma, and I’ll definitely drink this one again.
Long Trail Brewing Co.
Long Trail IPA
Beer #Favre (Yes, I’m still a fan despite everything) is a mild IPA from Vermont. Even drinking it out of the bottle you can pick up a nice hoppy aroma, tending towards the citrus side. I say it’s a mild IPA because it doesn’t overwhelm you with hoppy bitterness, but it doesn’t lack the hop presence either. To my taste it’s a lighter IPA that would be best suited for a warmer afternoon where multiple bottles could be emptied. Start shipping them to Wisconsin and I’ll start buying them.
Full Pint Brewing Company
Hobnobber
Brewski #Hornung (Yes, I’m a huge Packer fan)
The back label on Hobnobber claims that the grain bill never changes but the hops always change. Pilsner, CaraPils (pilsner malts that have been caramelized for color and complexity), and cark crystal malts are combined with anything from a citrusy hop to a dark earthy hop. This particular beer seems to have an emphasis on a medium flavor hop…not bitter, not floral, not citrus. If I had to guess I’d say it was something closer to a Williamette but I could be way off (I’ve had a handful of Sam Adams Oktoberfests and beers #Favre and this one now). The take home note is it’s good not great, I’d drink it again.
Frankenmuth Brewery
Batch 69 IPA
The last beer in the Pick-6, named for being 6.9% ABV and having 69 IBU, this IPA is easy drinking and crisp. Piney hops accent this beer and work with a light mouth-feel to leave you satisfied. Like many beers you’ll find in a Pick-6 selection it’s not going to blow your mind, but it’s a solid choice if you’re looking to try a new beer, which I always am willing to do. I’d say this beer is above average but probably wouldn’t tell the tasting panel they need to try this one. I think this was a solid beer, and would gladly choose it over many of the beers I’ve previously consumed.
Left Hand Brewing Company
Stranger American Pale Ale
Drinking this from the bottle (thanks to the hotel for no glasses and I won’t put a good beer in a crappy paper coffee cup), it’s hard to judge the aroma coming from this APA. It has a light body with a crisp carbonation level that combines with a balanced hop profile to be a very refreshing beer. This is beer #1 out of the Pick-6 Pack I just bought, and it’s a good thing there isn’t a case of 24 of these in the hotel room as I’d probably drink most of them all tonight. The website (www.lefthandbrewing.com) says among the hops there are Centennial and Cascade which explains the refreshing citrus/grapefruit notes I get when drinking it. This a great beer that I wish I could get my hands on back home.
Lancaster Brewing Company
Hop Hog IPA
Beer #2 in the 6er is Hop Hog IPA by Lancaster Brewing. I’ve got to say this is very mediocre to my taste. I prefer more of a “west coast” IPA style with lots of citrus hops, where this one is a little darker. Cloudier is the first word that came to mind, but that would lead people to think of beer clarity which isn’t what I meant. After tasting the beer I went to the website (www.lancasterbrewing.com) and they list Fuggle hops which are generally described as “earthy”. So I may not use the same terms as those fancy beer judges, but at least I can pick up the flavors correctly. All in all it’s a decent beer, just not my favorite.
Tommyknocker Brewery
Pick Axe IPA
The 3rd beer of the Pick 6 is Tommyknocker’s Pick Axe IPA. This beer is great on name alone, but pop the top and take a few gulps and you’ll know the name isn’t the only good thing about it. In the world of balance, this clearly rests on the hoppy side of things but not in an overwhelming way. The beer really isn’t bitter overly, which leads me to believe we’re drinking a beer that has the bulk of the hops added late in the boil. It’s got a good flavor and aroma, and I’ll definitely drink this one again.
Long Trail Brewing Co.
Long Trail IPA
Beer #Favre (Yes, I’m still a fan despite everything) is a mild IPA from Vermont. Even drinking it out of the bottle you can pick up a nice hoppy aroma, tending towards the citrus side. I say it’s a mild IPA because it doesn’t overwhelm you with hoppy bitterness, but it doesn’t lack the hop presence either. To my taste it’s a lighter IPA that would be best suited for a warmer afternoon where multiple bottles could be emptied. Start shipping them to Wisconsin and I’ll start buying them.
Full Pint Brewing Company
Hobnobber
Brewski #Hornung (Yes, I’m a huge Packer fan)
The back label on Hobnobber claims that the grain bill never changes but the hops always change. Pilsner, CaraPils (pilsner malts that have been caramelized for color and complexity), and cark crystal malts are combined with anything from a citrusy hop to a dark earthy hop. This particular beer seems to have an emphasis on a medium flavor hop…not bitter, not floral, not citrus. If I had to guess I’d say it was something closer to a Williamette but I could be way off (I’ve had a handful of Sam Adams Oktoberfests and beers #Favre and this one now). The take home note is it’s good not great, I’d drink it again.
Frankenmuth Brewery
Batch 69 IPA
The last beer in the Pick-6, named for being 6.9% ABV and having 69 IBU, this IPA is easy drinking and crisp. Piney hops accent this beer and work with a light mouth-feel to leave you satisfied. Like many beers you’ll find in a Pick-6 selection it’s not going to blow your mind, but it’s a solid choice if you’re looking to try a new beer, which I always am willing to do. I’d say this beer is above average but probably wouldn’t tell the tasting panel they need to try this one. I think this was a solid beer, and would gladly choose it over many of the beers I’ve previously consumed.
Long Trail BrewMaster Series Double IPA
3 words….good not great. I’m met in a different state’s liquor department by a cool looking 22oz bottle with the words “Brewmaster Series” and “Double IPA” and I’m hoping for something spectacular. I’m met with an IPA that I don’t feel should have the word double in it, other than the stats in the numbers. 86 IBU and 8.6%ABV put it in the double category, but it certainly doesn’t come across that way. Very smooth, very drinkable, yet to me lacking some character.
In all fairness, the bottle does tell me “for the best experience pour slowly into a glass” but given that I’m enjoying it in a hotel that isn’t an option. In the end of the day, the label looks cool (has a silhouette of mountains on it which is pretty much my happy place), is clearly something that isn’t run of the mill, and tastes good. I’ll give it a solid 8/10.
In all fairness, the bottle does tell me “for the best experience pour slowly into a glass” but given that I’m enjoying it in a hotel that isn’t an option. In the end of the day, the label looks cool (has a silhouette of mountains on it which is pretty much my happy place), is clearly something that isn’t run of the mill, and tastes good. I’ll give it a solid 8/10.
Stoudts Brewing Company - Double IPA
I found Stoudts Double IPA while driving around aimlessly wondering why no typical stores didn't sell beer or why the local liquor store could only sell me a full case. Being on the road for only 4 days I felt a full case might (emphasis on might as I did consider picking one up) be a little aggressive for just 3 nights. I ended up finding this at a local distributor and it was already cold which was perfect as I was quite thirsty after my search.
Listed as a Double IPA, I was met with a lower carbonation level (typical) but smooth hop aroma and nice flavor. To my taste it isn't the best hop combination...not quite as high on the citrus hops that I typically enjoy, but still a very good beer. I'd give it a solid 8.5/10. It might have been an 8, but to me the 10% ABV factor earns it the extra credit.
Listed as a Double IPA, I was met with a lower carbonation level (typical) but smooth hop aroma and nice flavor. To my taste it isn't the best hop combination...not quite as high on the citrus hops that I typically enjoy, but still a very good beer. I'd give it a solid 8.5/10. It might have been an 8, but to me the 10% ABV factor earns it the extra credit.
The Brew Kettle - Ruddy Rye
So my sister and her boyfriend came home over the 4th of July holiday (USA! USA! USA!) and they bootlegged a pile of beer from their local establishments in Ohio for me to sample. This little guy really took me by surprise on a 98° humid afternoon. Slightly dark from the rye, yet refreshing like a pale ale, this was a good addition to my day while laying in the pool. I've had some Rye Pale Ales before and wasn't overly fond of them, but this one really grew on me. I'm pretty sure I drank 5 of the 6 they brought, and I'd definitely hit it up again if I were in Ohio.
Also helping me break the heat of the holiday were some beers from Columbus Brewing Company, Elevator Brewing, and New Holland. The "Three Frogs IPA" from Elevator and "Imperial Hatter" from New Holland really stuck out as wonderful beers and come highly recommended by me and my semi-professional yet well seasoned opinion.
Also helping me break the heat of the holiday were some beers from Columbus Brewing Company, Elevator Brewing, and New Holland. The "Three Frogs IPA" from Elevator and "Imperial Hatter" from New Holland really stuck out as wonderful beers and come highly recommended by me and my semi-professional yet well seasoned opinion.
Russian River Brewing - Pliny the Elder
For people who are unfamiliar with Russian River Brewing it's located in Santa Rosa, CA and are known for crafting some extremely delicious beers, including the legendary Pliny the Elder. After hearing about it for years on a homebrew forum I had to find it for myself while out for a friend's wedding. Admittedly, the level of expectation was set awfully high, and the beer didn't quite live up to the hype. Granted, it was a very good Double IPA, not being hopped to the point of killing your mouth or blasting you by a huge alcohol aroma, but it left me feeling like the kid on Christmas morning who didn't get his Red Ryder BB gun. Given the chance, I'll definitely drink it again, but I won't be paying premium dollar to have it shipped from California to Wisconsin any time soon.
On the up side, we did have the 18-beer sampler at the brewery as well, and they have many excellent beers, including another IPA that I felt was actually better than Pliny so I was able to at least be satisfied with that. Both "Blind Pig" and "Row 2 Hill 56" IPAs were my favorites of that day.
On the up side, we did have the 18-beer sampler at the brewery as well, and they have many excellent beers, including another IPA that I felt was actually better than Pliny so I was able to at least be satisfied with that. Both "Blind Pig" and "Row 2 Hill 56" IPAs were my favorites of that day.
Sierra Nevada Hoptimum
For anyone who enjoys IIPAs this is right in your wheelhouse. A very rich mouthfeel makes you want to enjoy every last drop of this strong (10.4% ABV) glass of liquid gold. Reaching the elusive 100IBU mark makes you think twice about drinking it too fast, but you wouldn't want to make this disappear any sooner than that anyway. A thick creamy head of foam settled nicely and the snifter glass really brought the hop aromas out of the beer as we sipped it.
I found this at a local brewpub as their guest tap. Unfortunately The Boss and I got the last 2 glasses out of the keg so we could only have 1, but because of that they were free! Can't beat such a great beer at that cost!
I found this at a local brewpub as their guest tap. Unfortunately The Boss and I got the last 2 glasses out of the keg so we could only have 1, but because of that they were free! Can't beat such a great beer at that cost!
Great Divide Brewing - Hercules Double IPA
Just as the name implies....strong! 10% ABV double IPA in a 22oz bottle will give anyone beer muscles. Good thing I enjoyed this in solitary confinement of yet another New York hotel. Again a very strong hop presence hits you in the mouth and renews your faith in quality craft beer.
In case you haven't figured it out yet, I'm all about big IPAs. Brew me a beer and crank up the hops. Then when you're satisfied that it's borderline extreme, add some more. But I won't bore you with only talking about pale ales, I'll make sure to get some variety in here. After all, The Boss is always saying I need to broaden my horizons!
In case you haven't figured it out yet, I'm all about big IPAs. Brew me a beer and crank up the hops. Then when you're satisfied that it's borderline extreme, add some more. But I won't bore you with only talking about pale ales, I'll make sure to get some variety in here. After all, The Boss is always saying I need to broaden my horizons!
Lagunitas Wilco Tango Foxtrot (WTF)
The label promotes this as a beer to drink when you're down on your luck. Ringing in over 7%ABV in a 22oz bottle you can see why. A nice brown ale, the malty start to the taste gives way to a smooth yet spicy hop flavor. Another slam dunk by Lagunitas out of California...look for WTF on the shelves as well as any other Lagunitas beer.
Also make sure to read the labels on Lagunitas beers. They are often clever and entertaining, and only get better as you continue to empty their bottles.
See, I told you there would be more than IIPAs on the reviews page!
Also make sure to read the labels on Lagunitas beers. They are often clever and entertaining, and only get better as you continue to empty their bottles.
See, I told you there would be more than IIPAs on the reviews page!
Breckenridge Brewing Small Batch 471
I found this IIPA while in upstate New York, not Colorado. I was searching a local store for some beers I can't find in Wisconsin and saw this sitting near the Dogfish Head 90 Minute. I can't knock DFH 90min at all as it is a fantastic beer, but I had to buy this instead as I had never seen it before, and I'm glad I did. This beer is incredible from start to finish, strong hop presence but not overbearing. Also weighing in around 9.2%ABV it's what you would expect to get yourself into for an $11 4-pack. I highly recommend this and will definitely seek it out on future road trips.
Fegley's Brewworks Hop'solutely IIIPA
I stumbled across this bottle gem in Allentown, PA in February 2012. I was having dinner at a golf course because a quick internet search told me they had the best beer around. After the meal the bartender mentioned they had mix & match 6-packs to go, so I got 2 of these along with 2 each of 2 other pale ales they had. Always Sunny Pale Ale was one and Hop Explosion was the other. Of the three the Hop'solutely was best, followed by Hop Explosion and then Always Sunny. They were each geared for a different purpose as Hop'solutely weighed in around 11%ABV, Hop Explosion around 7%, and Always Sunny around 5%. Basically they had my bases covered and made for a more enjoyable stay at the hotel.
Sly Fox 113 IPA
Named after having 113IBU (internation bitterness units) this 22oz bottle of glory will make you smile. Brewed more to a British pale ale versus American it had a strong malt base to help keep the 113IBUs in check.
Rogue Dead Guy Ale
A very malty strong ale that meets you right from the start with a strong sweet malt aroma but is well balanced and not overkill. Rogue is notorious for producing some excellent beers that are over the top in either malty profile or hoppiness, but Dead Guy Ale is a very stable beer. Definitely on the malty side, but this is a beer to be enjoyed over and over.