New Beer Weekend #271

Thanks for getting us started @UWDAWG I was in the process of writing this weeks opening post so to not waste time spent I'm gonna post anyway

Well, here we are...Friday night, if you're here you know what that means. If you just happen upon this thread don't know what that means, you have the next 48 or so hours to share a new beer with us. Share a picture and just tell us something about the beer in your glass in any form or capacity you would like. This is the place to come let your inner beer nerd free without reservation, it is why we're all here. I'll start with a little opener this go around...

Yes, we all know it is Oktoberfest season, but don't forget it is fresh hop season!!! I'm reminded every year of this thanks to several of you friends from this here thread but here in Southern NJ Tonewood is one of the sole breweries that keeps the tradition alive every year.

So, to anyone not from the PNW how many fresh hop beers do you come across these days? A few? None?

Seems like all the national ones we used to get are long gone and that saddens me, but the beer I'm about to describe saddens me not. Without farther ado, finally a beer, this year Tonewood went collab with Forest and Main and brewed up a can conditioned pale mild, both are very talented at brewing British beer. This one is a glorious marriage of English Ale perfection and beautiful fresh hop glory, hallejuah...

Tonewood - Words Unspoken (Amarillo Fresh Hop Pale Mild 4%)



Pours cloudy; gold, shades of orange; white head, dense, creamy looking; substantial lacing.

Nose is so full bright and pungent fresh hop character; fresh citrus and citrus flesh, lime zest, rind, little bit of pine needle; way backseat is some biscuit and scone.

Taste oozes with fresh hop glory; pithy citrus, distinctly grapefruit like, sprite comes to mind; fruit flesh, mossy, sticky sap on the finish; great hop burps; shockingly exquisite.

Light body, softened and smooth carbonation; mouth coating sticky hop resin; moderate bitterness that bites and lingers, clean finish.

One of those beers I will soon not forget; this is perfect fresh hop character in a smooth soft English beer; it is hop nirvana in a form that I’ve never had before, will savor each can I have.

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See you all again later this weekend, and looking forward to what this weekend brings to all your glasses, cheers everyone

 

A New (and improved?) Pilsner

The new Pilsner from Sierra Nevada has arrived to my area. This new beer drew a fair bit of interest last spring in the thread entitled Sierra Nevada Pils:

https://www.beeradvocate.com/community/threads/sierra-nevada-pils.680449/

This beer comes in a small can (8.4 ounces) and on the back of the can is a interesting story courtesy of Brian Grossman (Chief Brewer):

“I've enjoyed beers all over the world, but there's something special about a proper Pilsner at a European pub. Crisp, refreshing, and served in a smaller glass to keep it at the ideal temperature and flavor—it's how Pils is meant to be enjoyed.”

During my two-week beercation in the Czech Republic a few years ago I had the pleasure of drinking a number of Czech Pilsners at a variety of venues (e.g., pubs, breweries, restaurants,…) and the ‘standard’ serving size there was ½ liter (16.9 ounces) mugs which is essentially two of these small cans. Below is a photo of one of those mugs at the brewery Únětický Pivovar:



I have yet to have the pleasure to drink German Pilsners in Germany but from all of my readings the ‘standard’ serving size is:

“Serving Sizes:

Common sizes for these glasses are 300 ml (11 US fl oz) or 400 ml (14 US fl oz).”

So, where did Brian come up with notion of an 8.4 ounce serving size? It would seem that perhaps it comes from Belgium; and kudos to @AZgman for posting about this in the above linked thread. I also found:

"In Belgium, you often order them in these little 25 cL glasses and knock them back like water. They are a counterpoint to the incredible local ales, which demand your attention."

https://www.beervanablog.com/beervana/2022/12/23/the-next-big-lager-belgian-pils

Nothing against the Belgians but when it comes to the concept of “a proper Pilsner at a European pub” my personal first thought is the Czech Republic with Germany a second option. I had the pleasure of enjoying Belgian beers during a business trip to Brussels and I ‘discovered’ Duvel then.

Below is how Sierra Nevada is detailed on BA:

“Bright citrus and tangerine aromas rise from the glass, balanced with a subtle touch of sweet malt.

Old world brewing meets craft innovation. Bringing together the craftsmanship of European brewing with distinctive American flavor.

Malt: PILSNER

Hops: SAPHIR & CRYSTAL LUPULIN

Yeast: LAGER”

Let’s see how “old world brewing meets craft innovation” taste like:

Served in my Polish Pilsner glass:

Appearance:

Straw yellow in color with a white head (which dissipates fairly quickly).

Aroma:

A vibrant and intriguing aroma. Mostly citrus (orange-like) but also a hint of floral and subdued bready Pilsner Malt.

Taste:

The flavor sorta follows the nose but more subdued in nature comparatively speaking. There is a low- moderate bitterness.

Mouthfeel:

Light - Medium bodied with a medium carbonation level. There is a dry finish.

Overall:

Overall this Pilsner is pretty good. The highlight of this beer for me was its aroma.

Cheers!

P.S. I am not a fan of the small can format. If I ever see this brand in the six-pack/12 ounce format I would consider buying it again.

@KOP_Beer_OUtlet @rotsaruch @RobH

 

So far the answer if none. Back in the day Victory used to brew two fresh hop beers: an APA and a Pilsner. But Victory got bought out by a business (ABV/Ulysses group) and I not longer saw fresh/wet hopped beers from them.

I have a hop plant in my backyard and earlier today I checked out the maturity of the hop cones and they still need a few more days. My preference is to harvest the hop cones when they have something like 30% browning of the hop cone 'leaves' (a tip provided to me by Stan Hieronymus who wrote 'the book' on hops). My guess is that maybe later next week (Wednesday or Thursday) the hop cones will be ready to be harvested? And then I can brew my annual batch of wet hopped beer which I 'brand' as Harvest Ale.

Cheers!

 

I'm surprised we haven't seen this beer in here much yet, I know the distribution was limited so maybe that is why. Nice write up/review for this beer @JackHorzempa.

Enjoy the smell of brew day when you brew your harvest ale

 

Thanks for getting us started. Persistence pays!

 

Tucher Festbier, 5.8% ABV;4.14 overall

Pours an effervescent & bright gold with 3 fingers of ivory colored head. Average-ish head retention & lacing

S: Bready, a little grassy, some perfumy hops once warm

T: Follows the nose, a little dry with a little bit of spicy/lemony hops up front. Grassy bitterness, breadyness & dryness as this beer warms up. Finishes dry, bready with a little lemony & grassy bitterness

MF: Medium body, fairly soft carbonation, good balance skews a little more bitter once warmer, but helps on drinkability

Nice drinkability, maybe a touch too bitter for style points? Minor deduction. Perhaps a bit too hefty, but preferred that as well

 

Greenhouse Ales/Bentonville Brewing Collab; Sundew Double Hazy IPA, 6.0% ABV with a ton of exotic hops. Krush Hyperboost, Citra Dynaboost & Elani: 3.76 overall
Pours a hazy gold with one finger of beige head. Above average head retention & lacing

S: Faint peach & citrus, peach intensifies as this warms up

T: Tangerine & pink grapefruit, fairly dry up front, some green melon. Dryness, grapefruit, cantaloupe & a little strawberry & lime once this beer warms up. Finishes dry with lime, pink grapefruit & a little sweet strawberry

MF: Medium body, subdued carbonation. Good balance

Drinks fairly easy, a little too dry perhaps. Perfect for summer

 

Opalescent Rose by Tree House


4.43/5 rDev +0.9%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Brewers notes Opalescent Rose is a Double IPA brewed with Nelson Sauvin, Waimea, and Wakatu hops, imparting notes of white grape, citrus zest, and mixed tropical fruits.

Only in the realm of imagination, where the boundaries of reality blur, lies an Opalescent Rose, a double IPA rendition of the Sapphire Rose. Its petals, an impossible myriad of colors, symbolize the allure of the unattainable. Fashioned with the captivating allure of New Zealand in mind, Opalescent Rose is a Double IPA that captures the essence of an imaginary flora. It combines the unique characteristics of Nelson Sauvin, Waimea, and Wakatu hops, each contributing to a harmonious and novel flavor profile. Nelson Sauvin hops impart the essence of white grape, Waimea adds a hint of citrus zest and woody undertones, and Wakatu hops complete the experience, bursting with the richness of mixed tropical fruits. Opalescent Rose is a journey

Chilled pint can poured into a curvy Monhegan brewing glass

Orange juice hazy liquid one finger white foam cap

Aroma is citrus orange, white wine, green grape

Taste is green grape , slight woody earthy undertones

Good beer

 

I forgot, and maybe you'll come across it but New Trail did a fresh hop IPA collab with Bale Breaker this year. Beer finder is showing it in PA, but nowhere in NJ.

 

Karlovačko Lager from Karlovačko Pivovara

Poured a 500ml can into a shaker glass. A vigorous pour produced a two finger fine white head on a clear gold. The head diminished to a layer. Minimal lacing.

Sweet, spicy malts in the nose. The taste follows the nose. Grassy. Some herbal spice. A bit thin in the flavour department. A faint metallic note. A mild, lingering semi-dry hop finish.

Medium body and carbonation. Overall and easy drinking European Pale Lager. Solid but unspectacular.

3.56/5 rDev +16.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

 

Thank you March Madness Maven @UWDAWG for your persistence and opening post, and your open @jonphisher as well. I enjoy seeking good new and returning favorite Fresh and Wet Hop beers. My new one from last week was muddled with many others and was just OK. I also plan to enjoy one of my all time favorites, 3 Floyds Broo Doo next week, and if I can find singles, Sierra Nevada's Tumbler Autumn Brown Ale is also a solid beyond local option.

Going local this weekend to close out September and baseball season, with two pregame selections from one of my favorite suburban breweries. I miss Bell's Best Brown Ale, and their other selections, after their jump a few years ago. Perhaps this one can take its place.

Art History Dance Card

4.65/5 rDev +8.6%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.75



9/27/25 - (Can - Home) (Chicago, IL) Can Notes: Purchased 9/12/25 Beer on the Wall at store temperature for $3.98 including tax. Refrigerated upon purchase. 16 oz canned on 9/3/25. 5.6% ABV, 35 IBU American Brown Ale. Keep Refrigerated below 37 F. Brewers Notes: English, Munich & Chocolate Malts deliver a rich character of biscuit, coffee and chocolate. Brewed in Geneva, Illinois.

Appearance: Poured about half the can into a shaker pint glass, yielding generous white tan creamy head which lasts several minutes before yielding generous soapy lacing and a creamy cover over the clear dark brown base with minimal carbonation. Looks sharp. 4.5

Aroma: Bold and wonderful caramel malt, fresh pumpernickel bread, toffee, fresh roast coffee. All blend very well. 4.5

Taste: Consistent with aroma, caramel, toffee, more of a rye bread and coffee playing a supporting role. Getting old school pine and citrus hops as well. Just wonderful. 4.75

Mouthfeel: Nice balance between the hops and sweet flavors consistent with my enjoyment of this style. Drinks light and easy at first, but at about the 5.6% once I settle in. Faint gentle carbonation adds slight depth to the watery light plus body, perceived sweetness adds more heft. Caramel toffee sticky finish. 4.5

Overall: This is a wonderful brown ale, perhaps my favorite. Think I found a new Fall replacement from a scarce former standby. Great full flavor, balanced, the depth of flavors work really well. Need to visit and buy more Art History now that my refrigerator has some room for beer. 4.75

Feel sort of bad I didn't save this until Prime Time Sunday, but did primarily because I have another traditional style I prioritized over. Hope it also exceeds expectations. Also submitted an ABV Beer Advocate change request, from the original 7.3% to a more fitting 5.6% from their current release.

Cheers everyone!

 

Good day BAs! Thanks @UWDAWG for hanging on and opening the bar!

Today's New Breakfast Beer:

Chai Marty from Prairie Artisan. 16 fl oz bottle picked up at Siciliano’s, Grand Rapids, MI, 23/08/25 - $ 16.20 (including tax and deposit)/$ 1.35/fl oz. Reviewed 27/09/25, review 3598. Note that I use DD/MM/YY protocol.
Printed on shoulder in yellow ink “CHAIMARTY 03/31/25.” On room temperature shelf at store, stored at home at 40 degrees F. Served at 49.2 degrees F in a hand washed and dried Jester King snifter. The final temperature is 57.2 degrees F.
Appearance – 4
First pour – Deep Brown (SRM 30), opaque.
Body – Black (SRM 40), opaque. Under direct light, same but a moderate precipitate is visible through the glass. When rear-lite, black and opaque.
Head – Small (Maximum 0.7 cm, aggressive center pour). Burnt Umber lightening to Sienna as it oxygenates, high density and fizzy, short retention, leaving a 0.3 cm crown and a thin, central island.
Lacing – None, but at 13.6% ABV none was expected.
Aroma – 4.25 – Initially a burst of bourbon as the cap is removed, no hops, no alcohol. The bourbon quickly fades leaving the spicy aroma of chai.
Flavor – 4.25 – Moderately sweet, probably from unfermented honey. Chai spiciness is followed by a bit of bourbon barrel. No hops, no alcohol (13.6 % ABV, according to the label). No dimethylsulfide or diacetyl. Moderate gastric warming. At the final review temperature, the ethanol is markedly present.
Palate – 4 – Full: Approaching syrupy: Soft but titillating carbonation.
Style: Follows the style guidelines as condensed by BA.
Final impression and summation: 4.25 Uncredited art work. Although the implication of the name “Chai Marty” along with the label showing a martini glass suggests a martini-flavored drink, this lacks any piney/ginny flavors. However, the chai works well in place of vermouth. Bourbon barrels help many a mediocre beer achieve a higher plane. An unusual brew from Prairie Artisan that (unusually) justifies the price point.
Rating 4.21, rDev – 0.9%

 

Reads like a winner of a beer @ChicagoJ seems nice they bumped the abv down too, definitely a more approachable beer I bet now.

Did I miss something, did SN rebrew Tumbler for distribution?

 

If "distribution" includes a variety pack, then the answer is yes here. It is in a pack marketed as "Fanatic Pack".

https://sierranevada.com/brews/tumbler


Cheers!

 

Ah, the Costco sold one I think, I remember that from last year. I think the only Costco to sell alcohol in NJ is up by NYC, oh well.

 

Happy NBW everyone! Starting off my new brews today with this big stout from Other Half and Horus Aged Ales:

BA Triple Drupe | Other Half Brewing - Center Street | BeerAdvocate





Recommend this one to anyone who likes stronger imperial stouts. Should have another couple beer reviews on here in a little while. Cheers!