New Beer Sunday (Week 645)

I have returned with my next beer. Oh and @cjgiant I did forget to include that I was enjoying Hofbrä Original.

My next beer is new from 3 Sheeps out of Sheboygan WI. Fresh Coast was canned 4 days ago! It is a hazy light peach color with a nice white 2 finger of head that slowly fades quickly and leaves behind massive lacing. The scent is lovely guava and passion fruit, with other tropical and floral notes. Flavor is fruity and juicy and hits on some different tropical fruits like guava and passion fruit more so that say mangoes. Bitterness is low as is the malt which keeps it very sessionable. Nice carbonation with oily hop residue and a lighter dry finish.

 

Next up is this one from Original Gravity/Final Gravity Brewing



Decent white foamy head with persistent lacing floats atop this cloudy yellow beer. Nose is a creamy, hay or grassy dominant creature with a slightly veggie finish. Taste is immediately a strange bitter that favors a slightly tart, slightly funky yet earthy overall bitterness. Kind of tangy without being altogether tart or sour, just an oddly familiar bitter that I really can't place. After taste is a touch musty with the same flavor of bitter lingering. Not doing headstands or anything for this.

 

Feel free to save yourself some work by cutting back on the number of pictures. For example, using only the second one and dropping out all the rest would be more than some of us (like me :-) ) take the trouble to do.

 

Happy "It's 5:03 somewhere" Sunday!

Last weekend I promised to abstain this weekend. That worked until just now. The thing is -- I went beer shopping yesterday and didn't find the beer I was looking for to review next weekend, but I found this new beer at a nice price, and I got lured into drinking it after looking at NBS this morning. Shame on you. I'm trying not to feel guilty, this is what drinking in moderation is, so I should still be proud -- if you can forgive me for saying that a 4-pack of 8% beer is moderation. For me it is. (One of these days I'll stop apologizing for my drinking habits).

I'm not a fan of imperial reds, and I'm not a fan of hoppy reds, so why am I drinking this? Because I like Wichita Brewing and I had faith that I'd at least find this drinkable. I will try styles I don't like from breweries I love, if that makes sense.

Look: Beautiful. Deep opaque cinnamon amber with a frothy sea foam head that recedes to a thick film, great retention. Lacing is excellent, even better on the second pour. I like to call this World Map lacing. Imagine how a world map looks, only made of foam and different shaped continents.

Aroma: Okay, the can says RICH. CARAMEL. AROMATIC. POWERFUL. Yes. Very much so. We'll talk about hops soon, but the aroma starts out with a dose of sweet caramel and possibly a note of maple syrup. The hops rush in with spiciness and wood, lots of wood. I always associate this smell with cedar.

Taste: The taste is more layered than the 1-2 punch of the aroma. There is thick, malty caramel interwoven in lots of spicy hops and more noticeable oak wood notes. The more I drink this the more complex it becomes. A hoppy red has never been so much fun or tasty. Balance is the key, which this beer has.

Mouthfeel: Smooth, dry. A touch boozy.

Overall: Impressed. The 8% ABV is hidden well, but there's a thickness and richness with this that allows you to just enjoy it slowly. I prefer my reds to be caramel bombs. This has a nice touch of that but is dominated by spicy hops and wood. One of these days I'll take the time to learn about which hop varieties offer which taste, particularly those woody notes.

As for the heat, we had a rain storm this morning so Kansas is humid and in the upper 80s. Not too bad at all. Excellent opening by @cjgiant

 

Thanks, but if one cannot perform a task fanatically, it is not worth the effort!

 

:-)

Your call my friend. Just keep in mind that "The perfect is the enemy of the good."

I for one would prefer to continue to hear your thoughts about the beer over seeing the pictures and I'd hate to see you give up on NBS because it became too much work for you.

 

Greetings fellow NBSers! A sunny late spring (summer starts July 5th in these parts) Sunday here in the Fourth Corner, with the time/temp bank clock across the street reading 67 degrees at 12:34pm. Not much of note going on in my world of late, just working, getting out for some walks/hikes, and enjoying all the great beer my little city has on tap. I did make my first visit to the Melvin Brewing Pub here in town this week (they've been open about 3 weeks, but I always give a new place a couple weeks to get their feet under them before I check 'em out). They're not brewing on-site yet, but should be by the end of the year. I'm not the biggest Melvin fan (they seem a bit of a one-trick pony with hoppy beers to me), but the space was nice enough, and the beers, while pricey ($14 for 2 12oz pours), were solidly enjoyable. My Places review is here: https://www.beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/49599/?view=ratings&ba=beertunes#review

My first NBS eligible brew comes from a box I received from @2beerdogs : https://www.beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/23628/273404/ I wasn't impressed, but again, the AOA style is not really my jam.

 

Happy New Beer Hot Sunday!
Some real nice posts on here today starting with Mr. @cjgiant.
Thanks to him and all other posters for the entertainment!

Because of Murphy's Law I spent yesterday poolside on the water dealing with clouds, high on shore winds, a thunderstorm, a few showers and cooler temperatures. Today I'm in my shop with blazing clear sunny skys higher humidity and just a fan blowing hot air on me. I've always thought that Murphy guy is definitely an engineer, but he obviously has some relationship with Mother Nature!

My new brew is Sunnyside Dweller from Ocelot Brewing Co.


This nice German Pilsener was given to me by our fine host @cjgiant.
Thanks again!


The perfect start to my beer journey today!

4.02/5 rDev +4.4%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4

This one has a strong nose of lemon, yeast, banana and wheat that I thoroughly enjoyed. The taste was a match and very refreshing. I was thrown off a bit by my higher than average rating because this isn't a style that I'm a huge fan of. Maybe it was just the right beer for this hot day in the shop.

Whatever the case here's my story... https://www.beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/40090/199472/?ba=BJB13#review
...and I'm sticking to it!

Cheers NBS!.....and stay cool.

 

My NBS contribution for today...a belated Happy Canada Day to all our brethren to the North:

You just have to LOVE the fact that they (as well as Unibroue) employ 11.2oz screwtop bottles!

...who cares!? IMO, this stuff is world-class (BOD: 2016-12-29):

A - Pours a jet black color with a single finger of a creamy, coffee-ice-cream colored head. (5.0)

S - The label states it is a stout with coffee added and it does not lie! All kinds of chocolate (Raw Cacao, Baker's, Milk), espresso-roasted coffee and a hint of charred wood contribute to the decadent aroma. (5.0)

T - A touch of sweetness hits first followed by raw chocolate (cacao nibs) some wood char. The coffee kicks in a few seconds after each swallow making for a bold (yet pleasing), bitter finish. Each time you bring the glass to your lips, your nose and palate never forget the significant presence of espresso-roasted coffee. (5.0)

M - Medium mouthfeel and parched palate after each sip makes for extreme drinkability. The bright carbonation also contributes to a lighter drinking experience. (5.0)

O - Absolutely one of the best year-round coffee imperial stouts in the marketplace. Since any trace of alcohol goes undetected on the nose and in the flavor, this is a well attenuated beer and drinks well under it's advertised ABV. Six months since packaging and the coffee is still the main player. It is hard to imagine how intense it would be when consumed at time of bottling. I love the addition of coffee in beer (especially robust stouts) and Peche Mortel is a gorgeous example this style executed well. The cost (~$6/bottle) and limited availability in The States are the two factors that prevent me from awarding a perfect score. (4.75)

 

Good afternoon, NBS! It's not that hot in CLE at the moment (80) but my lesson for heat+beer: keep it out of the car! They are ovens! I knew that yet had an unfortunate incident a few weeks back where the car with a full growler in it got a bit warmer than I expected resulting in a leak that emptied nearly a pint and stunk the whole thing up for a while (I digress...)


Working threw a few brews I picked up visiting the PNW recently. Funny I had heard a few years back that potato chips were the one food that for the most part remained regional but beer absolutely needs to be added to that list. I had heard of MxPx & a few of their songs before though not recently and not gonna lie largely picked this one up based on the label. Kudos to 25, rare for any band to hang together that long, particularly with as tight of a lineup! At the end of the day, unfortunately the label is the most outstanding part of this beer. It pours a pleasant amber color though the aromas and palate are amber waves of grain and little more. A few hops as well. A touch sweet, certainly no flaws but little memorable unfortuantely.

Overall I've found that largely the case for the style (Steam Beer, California Common or 'Left Coast Common' in this case). I revisited my reviews and none of them (Anchor included) hit close to a 4. Anyone else have any recommendations?

 

Wandered down to Rocket Republic this afternoon for Ales and Asanas. The wife of the couple that owns the brewery is a yoga teacher and she does a class on Sunday for $12 and it includes your first beer afterwards.

This is Jet Stream and is billed as an Imperial Cream Ale

Not very complex but solid easy drinking beer that hides the ABV pretty well.



Poured on draft at the taproom.

A: Slightly hazy golden amber with a minimal head that settled immediately to a thin ring.

S: Fairly light aroma but mostly fresh bread with a honey sweetness.

T: Biscuit malts with a touch of honey.

M: Medium to full body with average carbonation. Soft and creamy texture with a sweet finish.

O: Nice cream ale. Extremely drinkable and it hides the ABV pretty well.

 

Sierra Nevada + Fuller's Beer Camp Across the World: Atlantic Style Vintage Ale.

Pours a burnt orange with a finger of off-white head that retains fairly well. No lacing left behind. Aroma is sweet, with notes of caramel, licorcise, tangerine, and molasses. Flavor profile follows suit, with a sugary sweet dose of caramel, molasses, and brown sugar. Mouth feel is medium in thickness, with a smooth moderate carbonation. Overall, a sugary sweet ale that drinks smooth, but is a little polarizing in terms of overall performance.

Score: 4 | 4 | 3.75 | 3.75 | 3.75 | BA Score: 3.83 | rDev: -0.5%

 

My first beer from this brewer. It's actually the first thing I've seen packaged from them.



Bottled 06-14-2017

Shifting Specifics

1st Republic Brewing Company
American IPA / 5.70% ABV

3.67/5 rDev -5.9% | Avg: 3.9
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75

L- pours pale yellow with a mild haze. The head is a modest one finger although retention and lacing were better than expected
S-There is a decent grapefruit nose of moderate intensity
T- The taste is similar to the nose with moderate citrus through the mid palate. Bitterness is light and does it's job balancing the beer. I'm getting just a hint of butter behind the citrus which is a little distracting from what is a solid APA.
F- Feel is light and carbonation is light but prickly. Easy to drink.
O- This was a fairly well done, easy drinking beer. It was a fairly safe choice for a first packaged beer. It is decent, but probably not remarkable enough for a rebuy. It was decently priced for those who wish to give it a shot at $6.50 a bomber.

 

One more from Rocket Republic.

This is their Tripel with cherries.

Other than having zero head, this is an enjoyable Tripel with some nice flavor combinations.



Poured on draft at the taproom.

A: Clear cherry red with zero head and no lacing.

S: Ripe cherries, banana, and clove. Belgian yeast.

T: Cherry, banana, clove, and a touch of ack pepper. I expected it to be tarter, but this leans more to the sweeter side.

M: Medium body and average carbonation.

O: I wish the head was more prominent, but otherwise a nicely executed Tripel and the cherries add an additional flavor component.

 

Good afternoon and thanks to @cjgiant for the kickoff and car story.
Hopefully you see fluid somewhere on the ground. Otherwise could be a head gasket or fluid in the transmission - if its cooled. Anyhow good luck hope that works out.
Stopped in Portland last week. Love that town. Picked this up at WF. It may be exclusive to their stores not quite sure.
Whole Lotta Lupulin DIPA
Pours a deep red/gold color with a tan head that lasts a few and leaves some decent lacing. Looks like old school DIPA.
Aroma is pine, sweet red grapefruit and tangerine and a bit of tropical overipe fruits.
Taste is slightly sweet malts, citrus, some dank and a piney bitter finish. On the darker side of a double. Not a bright citrusy beer though still tasty. Alcohol does creep in.....but it is 9.5%
Body is medium to heavier, carb is good. Malts fill the palette but there are hops and booze. The finish does dry with bitterness.
Overall its a nice effort by Smuttynose but an old school version which is a nice change of pace, for me anyway. This one should definetly be drank cold! The first I had was ice cold and I really enjoyed the fruity malts more and the booze stays away. Nice double. Enjoy your night- getting ready to throw some spicy buttermilk marinated chicken on the grill. Finished with a bourbon/pomegranate molasses glaze. Ill check in. Thanks for taking the time friends.

 

Traditionally I'm not a big Lager guy, although I do love some of the dark styles, Schwarzbier, Doppelbock and the like. I am however discovering there are some Pilseners that I find to my liking. To me a lot of lighter Lager styles have that skunky character that I'm not a fan of. The aforementioned Ocelot and this one
https://www.beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/18089/215038/?ba=BJB13#review
that I reviewed back in May for NBS aren't skunky to me.

I haven't had enough Pilsners to know whether these are good examples or a little off of the style. Either way I enjoyed them, especially the Ocelot.

 

The next new beer I picked up last month and have been a little hesitant to try. Wicked Weed Gin Barrel Aged Coolcumber. The regular Coolcumber is a light refreshing summer beer, I was worried how well the gin barrel aging would work but I think they did a good job. Bottled on 5/17/17 and clocking in at 9% they still did a pretty good job keeping it refreshing. The only complaint I have is the basil carries a touch too long and is a little strong.


Appearance 4 - Pours Slightly cloudy deep golden color with nice white cap that lasts longer than I expected. Strings of lacing all around the glass.

Aroma 4 - The cucumber stands out along with a hint of the gin. The basil works very well and compliments the aroma adding a nice herbed touch.

Taste 4 - Wow the taste is huge, tons of cucumber and gin up front, the basil comes in toward the end and may carry just a touch too long. The barrel flavor adds some complexity and is also more toward the end.

Feel 3.75 - Medium bodied well carbonated probably light side of medium the basil gives it a heavier presence in the mouth. A touch of heat from the gin on the finish.

Overall 3.98 - I think this is a really well done beer gin/rum would not work well with a lot of beers but all the flavors work well. Only complaint is the basil carries a little too long in the taste.

 

Hello, NBS compadres.

I'm frustrated. I use my work phone and it appears the server is down because I can't email photos to my computer. My new beer today is Weyerbacher's "22." It's Weyerbacher's 22nd anniversary beer: an American Strong Ale. I loved #20 but #21 was a rather pedestrian stout. I had high hopes for #22. It as a bit of a letdown: low carbonation, head that disappeared before I knew it, and the taste was nothing special. Here's my review:

4.05/5 rDev -2.4%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Bottled 6/7/2017. Poured into pint glass. It pours a medium cola color. The 3/4 finger of beige head disappeared within seconds which was disappointing. It has a fragrant aroma of cola, cherry, clove, and banana; a distinctly Belgian smell. The taste opens with fruity sweetness: a rather cloying cherry and banana, which is an unusual combination, followed by a blast of Belgian spicy funk. The finish is somewhat peppery and the aftertaste more bitter than I anticipated. It has a rich, full mouth feel for an ale, almost chewy, with a low level of combination, and the 11.1% ABV packs a wallop. Overall, this is a heavy duty American Strong Ale. Weyerbacher is proficient at brewing high ABV, high gravity ales with a Belgian twist and this one is pleasing but definitely not sessionable.

I hope you're all enjoying your new beers today. As always, I'm reading, and appreciating, your reviews!