Friday, August 31, 2012

Wallace Vindicator IPA


Once again, we picked this one up at a store in Couer d'Alene, Idaho and enjoyed it in our Super 8 hotel for the night.  This beer was gross.  It was malty and lacked any real hop flavor, which is surprising since Wallace's website claims it has 80 IBU.  It had more malty taste than hosp for sure.  I don't know if Wallace is familiar with the IPA style really.  I thought maybe we had a bad or old bottle, but it seems the folks over at Rate Beer (link below) seem to think the same as me.  This is one you should definitely try only at your own risk.

Check out the brewery's site for more info.
See if it's distributed near you and what others think at Rate Beer.

No-Li Born & Raised IPA


We enjoyed this beer at a Super 8 in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho.  We picked it up in a local supermarket.  It was pretty average.  I really like the logo and the cap (see below).  I'd drink it again, but I wouldn't be upset if I couldn't find it locally.  


Check out the brewery's site for more info.
See if it's distributed near you and what others think at Rate Beer.

Odell Myrcenary Double IPA


This beer is named for a component of the hop flower.  The beer was almost tropical and definitely quite floral.  It was a bit warm when we poured it (thanks to a hotel fridge) and it was quite foamy.  It was a good beer, but nothing to hunt down.

Check out the brewery's site for more info.
See if it's distributed near you and what others think at Rate Beer.

Icicle Bootjack IPA


We had this beer on tap at Munchen Haus in Leavenworth, Washington.  It was a pretty solid and standard IPA.  It paired really well with the kraut and German potato salad.  Definitely one to give a try if you happen to see it.

Check out the brewery's site for more info.
See if it's distributed near you and what others think at Rate Beer.

NoLi Chocolate Dunkel


This gem was had on tap at Capone's in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho.  I'm not a big dunkel fan, but considering that I'd say this was pretty darn good.  The chocolate was definitely noticeable and I enjoyed drinking it.  I would actually order this dunkel again.

Check out the brewery's site for more info.
See if it's distributed near you and what others think at Rate Beer.

Terminal Gravity IPA


This beer was also had on tap at Capones's in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho.  It was quite cloudy and unfiltered looking.  It was a good IPA.  Nothing amazing but something we'd have again.  


Check out the brewery's site for more info.
See if it's distributed near you and what others think at Rate Beer.

Wednesday, August 29, 2012

Three Skulls Buccaneer Bacon Lager


Also found in the pile of beers to drink before we move.  I imagine this was laying around since you just can't pair it with anything or drink it with a lot of other beers.  It was smokey.  And bacony.  And just grossss.  This was not my favorite bacon beer at all.

Check out the brewery's site for more info.
See if it's distributed near you and what others think at Rate Beer.

Bison Honey basil


This was in our pile of beers to finish off before the move.  This tasted like roasted chicken meets beer.  It was easy to drink.  I imagine it would pair great with delicious Italian food or rosemary dishes.

Check out the brewery's site for more info.
See if it's distributed near you and what others think at Rate Beer.

Rocky Coulee Whiteout Winter Ale


Once again, we were finishing off some beers before the move.  It had a lot of caramel notes.  It was definitely worthy trying and I imagine it would be even better near the time it was produced.  I'd pick this one up if you see it.

Check out the brewery's site for more info.
See if it's distributed near you and what others think at Rate Beer.

Ridgeway Bad Elf


We were finishing off our stored beers before the move.  This is very British and not terrible considering it was from Christmas.  It wasn't hoppy for 3 barrels.  We had the 6%, not the 4.5%, so maybe that makes a difference.  I imagine the 4.5% would be worse.

This brewery is strange.  Good luck finding them on the internet.
See if it's distributed near you and what others think at Rate Beer.

Monday, August 27, 2012

Hales O'Briens Harvest Ale


This was ok.  I had it on cask at at Slaughter County Brewing.  It was warm and not ideal. 

Check out the brewery's site for more info.
See if it's distributed near you and what others think at Rate Beer.

Westport Cohasset Cream

This one was light.  This was not as bad as the cream ales I've previously had.   I'd probably drink it again.  

This brewery doesn't seem to have a website, so check them out a number of other places.
See if it's distributed near you and what others think at Rate Beer.

Sunday, August 26, 2012

Small Break


Hello blog readers.  I've now cleared out my queue of drafts of beer posts.  Now, there will probably be a little lag in any new posts.  The husband is out of the Navy for good.  We are packing our bags and our house and moving to Albany, New York.  We're heading out this week and taking over two weeks to wind our way across the country with lots of cool stops (see our general route above).  I am not sure of how much time (or access) to the Internet there will be, so don't worry if you don't hear from me for a while.  I'm sure once we get there, we'll need to get settled for a bit too.  I will be back soon with lots of posts of beers from across the country!  Happy drinking folks!

BEER STORE REVIEW: BevMo!

With Washington's new beer and liquor laws, BevMo! decided to open up in Silverdale.  One day while shopping the husband and I decided to pop in and see their offerings.  I'd visited BevMo!'s while in Arizona, but we wanted to see what they'd have in Washington.

Really, it wasn't impressive on the beers.  It really seems they pick up close out beers and sell them at regular prices.  They had a fresh hop beer from 2011.  A few beers were seasonals from last winter/spring.  Their organization of beers is confusing and mostly by style, but not always.  

They did have an interesting selection of imports.  A few of their sale prices were good, but that's what you get for shopping at big box stores.  You can't mix and match six packs, so you're stuck buying 22s or actual six packs, which isn't always nice when you want variety.  It definitely won't replace my local beer stores.

We didn't check out the liquor, but they did have some great deals on wine.  It's worth a peek depending on what you like, but not a place to shop on a regular basis.

Check out BevMo!'s site for more info on locations and hours.

PUB REVIEW: Pike Brewing

This place is tucked away in Pike Place market. If you're coming to visit you should know the market is much more than where the flying fish and original Starbucks are. It's inside the area just south of the main touristy area

They have 3 bars in there plus a lot of seating. On a summer Saturday the place was super busy but we managed to snag a seat at one of the bar areas. They have not only their own beers as well as some guest taps.


They offer a 6 sampler of their own beers (pre-selected by them) for about $10. Pints will run you $5 and schooners $4. The schooners come in smaller pint-shaped glasses. They also do a sampler with guest and import beers.

They are decorated in all sorts of fun beer decor and items. Minus the crowds this was one pretty cool bar.

Check out Pike's website for more info on hours, location, and visiting!

PUB REVIEW: Stumbling Monk

Stumbling Monk is a tiny little bar on Capitol Hill that served as stop number six, and our last stop, along the pub crawl.  Every time I've been here (I think I'm at 4 now), there has never been any seating.  I'm actually convinced you have to show up when the bar opens to get a seat.  They have a variety of beers both on tap and in bottle.  The bar is dark and there is only one bathroom in the back corner.  It's a great place to grab a beer, but don't plan on lingering if you don't get a seat early.

Check out Stumbling Monk's facebook for the limited info they share.

PUB REVIEW: Clever Dunnes

Clever Dunnes was stop number five on the Capitol Hill beer stumble.  I have drank at this bar several times.  I don't know if I've ever really started here sober.  They have food, but honestly, I've never had it...not even the fries.  

The place is always a bit shady and dirty feeling.  There is a table in the corner by the windows that I love.  First, you can people watch as they get in and out of the cabs on the street.  Second, you can open windows on two sides of you in case you're hot.  And lastly, the little podium is not quite flush with the wall.  The chair legs can fit between the podium and the wall.  If the leg of the chair happens to slide in there while the window is open, you just may fall out.  Just what ever bar needs.  

Check out Clever Dunne's site for hours, location, and more info.

PUB REVIEW: Six Arms

This was stop number four on our Capitol Hill tour.  The place seems somewhat small inside for the side.  There are seats upstairs, but they seem infrequently used.  

They have their own brews on tap and offer it to go as well.  Not only is the beer tasty, but I love the food.  They offer Scooby Snacks, which is a giant basket of mini corn dogs with mustard.  They are delicious.  They offer tater tots as well, which is my favorite part.  Really, what more do you need in life besides Scooby Snacks and tater tots?

Check out Six Arm's site for location, hours, and details.

PUB REVIEW: The Pine Box

The Pine Box was stop number three on the beer tour of Capitol Hill.  This place used to be called The Chapel.  It was formerly a funeral home of sorts.  Bruce Lee was interred here and it is of somewhat historic note in Seattle.


My one, and possibly only, complaint about the place is the beer menu.  They have the brewer of the beer and then they have a column for beer name/type.  However, they don't always give you the style of beer which can be frustrating.  Thankfully, I was saved by the phone and could look up several beers.  


They have 33 taps and delicious looking food.  We didn't try any food, but the menu truly sounded delicious.  If we had more time in Seattle, I'd be going back to both try the food and get more beers.  It is a much nicer place than it ever used to be.  The bathrooms are still somewhat awkwardly placed by the front door, but I can overlook that.  This is definitely a place to stop on the Hill.

Check out Pine Box's site for what's on tap now, hours, and location.

PUB REVIEW: Quinn's Pub


Quinn's was stop number two on the beer tour of Capitol Hill.  They have 14 beers on tap and focus on trappist beers and Belgians it seems.  They have large selection of whiskey and bourbons available, along with lots of liquors.  Their food menu is pretty swanky and the vibe of the place is a little higher end.  I'd check them out to see what's on tap, but I don't know if I'd sit there for long.  On a high note though, it's on quite the interesting corner in the Hill and there is awesome people watching.

Check out Quinn's site for more info.

PUB REVIEW: Elysian Brewing

The husband and I (and some friends) did a little beer tour of Capitol Hill in Seattle.  Elysian was our first stop along the way.  We started with being sure to have lunch.  I went with the steak frites.  What's better than fries, steaks, and blue cheese?


Elysian offers a lot of their usual beers, some to-go in growlers and a small cooler of bottles, and lots of delicious food.  The servers are your typical Cap Hill fare of slightly stand-offish and not likely to have a conversation.  


Pictured above is the poutine the hubby ate (gravy and fries - nearly as good as steak frites).  The taps rotate frequently so stop in often to see what's good.  Oh and as a bonus, they still had Split Shot on tap and I got to enjoy it on tap!  Woohoo.  Definitely a good beer stop in my books.

Check out Elysian's site for full information on hours and location.

Avery Anniversary Nineteen


This beer was ok.  It was very Belgiany.  It was yeasty.  Not as good as some other tripel's I've had.  

Check out the brewery's site for more info.
See if it's distributed near you and what others think at Rate Beer.

Blue Moon Harvest Moon Pumpkin Ale

This was a weak pumpkin ale.  You could, once again, do much better than this beer if you're looking for a pumpkin ale.  For being mass produced and from Coors, it wasn't terrible, but definitely not ideal.  

Check out the brewery's site for more info.
See if it's distributed near you and what others think at Rate Beer.

Blue Moon Caramel Apple-Spiced Ale

Had this at a recent BBQ I went to.  It was meh at best.  It was watering tasting and didn't seem to have much flavor.  You could do much better than this.  

Check out the brewery's site for more info.
See if it's distributed near you and what others think at Rate Beer.

Slaughter County Brownasourus


This beer was definitely interesting.  The flash lightened up the beer a lot.  You couldn't see it through this beer.  It was not as light at the picture shows, but much less dark than most browns.  It was called a brown sour ale.  It was a tinge sour, but not in a bad way.  It wasn't bad but not necessarily something I'd drink all the time.  For my first taste of Slaughter County's brews, I'd say to definitely give them a try in the future.

Check out the brewery's site for more info.

Gulden Draak


Had this at Stumbling Monk.  By the time we hit this bar, I was a bit intoxicated.  It was good.  I don't remember much else except enjoying it and wanting more.

Check out the brewery's site for more info.
See if it's distributed near you and what others think at Rate Beer.

Gigantic Axes of Evil


This was surprisingly good.  It tasted like it had lots of carbonation, like I could feel it in my nose, but couldn't taste the bubbles.  Overall, it was good.  I'd drink it again for sure.  

Check out the brewery's site for more info.
See if it's distributed near you and what others think at Rate Beer.

McMenamins Terminator Stout


We had this on tap at Six Arms.  It was good and a standard stout, but nothing that stood out.  I'd drink it again if I were there, but wouldn't go out of my way for it.

Check out the brewery's site for more info.
See if it's distributed near you and what others think at Rate Beer.

New Belgium & Alpine Super IPA


We had this on tap at the pine box.  It was so hoppy and almost tasted you were drinking straight hops.  YUMMMMM!  Definitely one to try if you can get it!

See if it's distributed near you and what others think at Rate Beer.

Cascade Summer Solstice IPA


We had this on tap at Pine Box.  It wasn't very hoppy and for an IPA seemed like the hops were hiding somewhere.  And they were not hiding in the bottom of the glass, just in case you were wondering.  I'd skip it.

Check out the brewery's site for more info.
See if it's distributed near you and what others think at Rate Beer.

Double Mountain IRA (India Red Ale)


I had this on cask at the Pine Box.  I chose it because I hadn't ever had anything from Double Mountain before.  It smelled of soap.  It was boring.  The consensus at the table was that quite possibly there was a bad line or that the beer was just plain terrible.  After this one, I'd never drink this one again.  Heck, it was difficult to even finish this pint.

Check out the brewery's site for more info.
See if it's distributed near you and what others think at Rate Beer.

Ninkasi Lady of Avalon


We had this on tap at Pine Box.  It was "randalized."  The hubby ordered it solely because of the randal.  It was surprisingly good.  It was overpoweringly hoppy, but not in a bad way.  The smell was great.  Being the first time I've ever had something on a randal it was hard to tell what was from that and what was from the beer, but I enjoyed it greatly!

Check out the brewery's site for more info.
See if it's distributed near you and what others think at Rate Beer.

Evil Twin Yin & Yang


We had this on tap at Pine Box.  It had a very strong coffee flavor and was delicious.  It's definitely one I'd try.  The consensus was as you kept drinking it became almost overpowering.  I'd give it a go though, but not more than one glass.  It's one of the best IPAs I've ever had.

See if it's distributed near you and what others think at Rate Beer.

Petrus Aged Pale

The hubby had this on tap during our beer crawl at Quinn's Pub.  It was very sour.  So very sour.  I had a sip and couldn't even drink anymore...I have no idea how he finished the glass.

Check out the brewery's site for more info.
See if it's distributed near you and what others think at Rate Beer.

Elysian The Great Pumpkin


We had this on tap at Elysian as part of our little beer tour.  It didn't have a lot of pumpkin spice flavors to it.  It was a bit hoppy though considering Elysian says it's 20 IBUS.  There was a lot of pumpkin flavor.  Definitely a good one for pumpkin beer lovers.

Check out the brewery's site for more info.
See if it's distributed near you and what others think at Rate Beer.

Elysian 12 Beers of the Apocalypse #7 - Torrent Pale Beet Bock


I don't really think people should make beers with beets.  Maybe if you were a giant beet lover then this one would be good, but really just don't even bother otherwise.  Unless you're trying to finish this series, don't even think of buying this one.  It's aaawwwwwwful.

Check out the brewery's site for more info.
See if it's distributed near you and what others think at Rate Beer.

Elysian 12 Beers of the Apocalypse #6 - Wasteland Elderflower Saison


This beer is definitely interesting.  The scent is quite unique.  The first sip was a bit sour, but not enough to be really like a sour beer.  Then it turned floral.  Then it finished in a way that I wondered if it was still good beer.  Elysian is definitely doing some strange stuff with this series.

Check out the brewery's site for more info.
See if it's distributed near you and what others think at Rate Beer.

Elysian 12 Beers of the Apocalypse #8 - Maelstrom


Blood orange deliciousness.  Hoppy, but not overpoweringly so.  Interesting blend.  Good times.  Had it on tap at Elysian.

Check out the brewery's site for more info.
See if it's distributed near you and what others think at Rate Beer.

Friday, August 24, 2012

Hales Tres Fem


This was fruity, but not overpoweringly so.  I'm surprised that this is from Hale's.  At about $10 for the bottle, it was a bit steep but I'd definitely have it again.  It wasn't as sour as I expected it to be.  

From the site it is a collaboration between Hales and Der Blokken brewers - all three being females, which makes the name make more sense.  I like that.  Lady power!

Check out the brewery's site for more info.
See if it's distributed near you and what others think at Rate Beer.

Southern Tier Creme Brulee Stout


OMG.  This is amazing.  I can't even really begin to describe how great this is.  It's sweet and dark and just overall wonderful.  It smells like mocha but finishes in a whole different delicious way.  I could seriously go for a real creme brulee after drinking this.  I suggest you really pick one of these up if you see it.  It's amazing and could be a dessert all on it's own.  

Check out the brewery's site for more info.
See if it's distributed near you and what others think at Rate Beer.

Stone 16th Anniversary IPA


Holy lemons!  This beer tastes a bit like Pledge, but in a good way.  It made me crave Chinese lemon chicken.  It was delicious and fresh tasting.  Despite the lemon, it was super easy to drink.  As it warmed up, it lost of the lemon edge.  It smelled delicious and tasted just as good.  Definitely one I'd suggest you grabbing before it's gone.

Check out the brewery's site for more info.
See if it's distributed near you and what others think at Rate Beer.

Shock Top Raspberry Wheat

This one doesn't have a picture, sorry folks.

We picked this up to bring to a Navy party.  It was cheap and on base and girls were hosting the party.  Thus, we went for mass appeal.  It tastes a bit mass produced and has a slight tinge of cough syrup flavor, but it was really easy to drink.  It wasn't as overpoweringly sweet as I'd expect it to be.  For those girly girls who think they hate beer, this is a good choice possibly.  If you're a beer lover, I'd skip it, unless you're going to a party where you need large quantities of cheap beer.

Check out the brewery's site for more info.
See if it's distributed near you and what others think at Rate Beer.

Belhaven Scottish Stout


This beer so skunky.  I really think it's the clear bottles.  It tastes like Heineken made a crappy stout.  I hope it's better on tap in England than in bottles here.  Yuck.

Check out the brewery's site for more info.
See if it's distributed near you and what others think at Rate Beer.

Pike Monk's Uncle Tripel


The trend at Pike was "this beer is better on tap than in a bottle" and it held for this beer for sure.  This is almost like a different beer compared to the bottle.  Try this one tap for sure, skip it in the bottle.  It's full of banana flavor.

Check out the brewery's site for more info.
See if it's distributed near you and what others think at Rate Beer.

Pike Post Alley Porter


This was a pretty light porter and it was super easy to drink.  The sampler would usually have their stout, but they were out of it so they used this "spring seasonal" to replace it.  Considering it was slightly out of season, it was delicious.  I'd definitely drink it again.  

Check out the brewery's site for more info.
See if it's distributed near you and what others think at Rate Beer.

Pike Kilt Lifter Scotch Ale


Wow, this one is even better on tap than bottled.  It's lighter as far as scotch ales go, but still good.  After having it on tap, I don't know if I could even drink it in a bottle again.  It's so easy to drink and if you like the style, go for this one!

Check out the brewery's site for more info.
See if it's distributed near you and what others think at Rate Beer.

Pike IPA


This beer is so much better on tap than in the bottle.  I've had it in the bottle and been underwhelmed.  On tap, it was much hoppier than in the bottle.  I'd definitely give this one a try on tap, even if you've had it in a bottle.

Check out the brewery's site for more info.
See if it's distributed near you and what others think at Rate Beer.

Pike Pale Ale


This was ok.  Not very memorable.  I'd skip it.

Check out the brewery's site for more info.
See if it's distributed near you and what others think at Rate Beer.

Pike Naughty Nellie Ale


This is an organic ale.  It was ok, but probably my least favorite of our sampler that we got.  It was the lightest and easiest to sit down and drink, but was a bit average tasting.  If you're a light beer fan, you'd enjoy this one.  

Check out the brewery's site for more info.
See if it's distributed near you and what others think at Rate Beer.

Pyramid Outburst Imperial IPA


This imperial IPA tastes more like a regular IPA than an imperial to me.  It's not bad, but just not as big and bold as I'd expect for an imperial - really there are only 80 IBUs which seems low for some reason.  It's a decent beer, but a bit sweet.  

Check out the brewery's site for more info.
See if it's distributed near you and what others think at Rate Beer.

Ninkasi Total Domination IPA


This was a hoppy little beer.  It was the best out of our little Ninkasi pack we bought.  This is a good standby IPA.  Woot, I like this one!

Check out the brewery's site for more info.
See if it's distributed near you and what others think at Rate Beer.

Ninkasi Nuptiale Cream Ale


This beer was boring.  I feel like that may be a trend with how I feel toward the Ninkasi brews.  Go figure.  It was hard to drink due to how light it was.  Letting it warm up definitely did not help.  Let's leave it as I did not love this beer. 

Check out the brewery's site for more info.
See if it's distributed near you and what others think at Rate Beer.

Ninkasi Radiant Summer Ale


This beer is summery.  I guess that's why it's a summer release.  It's not a favorite and I think it's quite generic tasting.  I'd skip this one.

Check out the brewery's site for more info.
See if it's distributed near you and what others think at Rate Beer.

Ninkasi Maiden the Shade


This beer does not go well with pickles...then again what beer does?

It was ok.  I am not a fan of the prominent strain of hops in this IPA.  It just isn't among my choices of IPAs. On the other hand, the husband likes it and thinks it's a drinkable IPA.  I think you should pick one up, give it a try, and decide for yourself.

Check out the brewery's site for more info.
See if it's distributed near you and what others think at Rate Beer.