Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Wagner Valley Sled Dog Doppelbock


This one was a pretty decent for a dopplebocks.  Could definitely smell the toffee and it was malty without being overpowering.  One to try!

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

Wagner Valley Dockside Amber Lager


This beer claims to be malty.  That it was.  It was also had a distinctive peat taste to it.  It was surprisingly good and something I'd drink again.

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

Wagner Valley Mill Street Pilsner


This beer was surprisingly good for a pilsner.  It was a it on the sweeter side, but it was easy to drink and I actually enjoyed it - I normally don't like pilsners at all.  If you're a fan of the style, or even if you moderately tolerate them, definitely give this one a try.

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

Wagner Valley Grace House Honey Wheat


This beer was pretty decent for a honey wheat.  Not my favorite of beers, but it was drinkable.  Out of the beers I've had by them, it's probably my least favorite.  However, if you like the style you'll probably 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.

Founders Harvest Ale


This beer was quite hoppy and delicious.  It's definitely one to try.  Just be sure it's fresh since I imagine the wet hop wouldn't be so good after it ages.

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

Thursday, November 22, 2012

War Horse India Pale Ale


This IPA was mediocre.  It had the slight dish soap taste that I find in some IPAs.  I've been spoiled with west coast IPAs, but this one could still use some improving.

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

War Horse American Black Lager


I've had a lot of black or dark lagers and hated them.  This one tasted more like a porter or stout though.  I really enjoyed this beer and kind of wish it was a bit easier to find so I could pick it up more often!

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

War Horse Peace Bomber


This beer was definitely a lager.  I'm not really familiar with the "Vienna" style that Rate Beer has it categorized as, but whatever this beer is, it was not very good.  It was a step above your mass produced lagers, but definitely not amazing.  The brewery seems young though and hopefully they'll continue to improve their brews.

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

War Horse Riesling Ale


This is an appropriate brew considering that it's made at a winery.  Three Brothers is neat in that there are several wineries and this brewery all in the same location.  This beer itself was light and easy to drink.  I imagine if it was summer and I wanted a light, crisp beer it'd be great.  It was a crowd pleasing type of beer. Maybe not for the craft beer connoisseur, but still decent.

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

Tuesday, November 20, 2012

Smuttynose S'Muttonator


The husband and I picked this up since we had heard such great things about it.  It sat in our fridge for a while and then we finally decided to drink it.  Neither of us are huge fans of doppelbocks, but we finally decided to take the leap.  This was not like any other doppelbock we've ever had.  It was a bit sweet at the end and nearly smelled like a barley wine.  It was surprisingly delicious and I would definitely have one again.  This is one to pick up if you see it out and around!

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

Monday, November 19, 2012

Seneca Wine Trail Deck the Halls Weekend



Occassionally the husband and I do something non-beer related.  This time we did something related to wine instead.  Through a series of interesting events, we ended up with a free to us trip to a B&B at Seneca Lake and a couples ticket to the Deck the Halls weekend.  

Deck the Halls Weekend is two different weekends - one in November, one in December.  This weekend event is a great way to see the Seneca Lake Wine Trail!  We just went to the November weekend, which is the 21st year this has been done.  You start the weekend and a specific winery (stated on your ticket).  At this winery you receive a wreath and a cookbook.  Your ticket will have a listing of all the wineries participating in the weekend.  Each winery you visit will give you an ornament for your wreath, a bite-size sample of food, and a wine pairing.  Each recipe for the food you're trying can be found in the cookbook.

The tour is self-guided, but they do offer DD tickets.  There are also a lot of people using limos, vans, and some tour buses.  The participating wineries are all around the lake and it gives you a great way to see several of the wineries along Seneca Lake.  This past year there were about 31 wineries participating.  Each winery offers something a little different in style, wine offerings, and the level which they participate.  You will find some wineries that are very strict - you get your wine/food pairing and then only one or two other pre-chosen samples.  Other wineries will give you five additional tastings and let you choose from just about anything on their tasting list.  Some wineries have special areas set aside for the event, others let you intermix with the people just on general tastings.  

Overall, this a great and well organized event.  We only ended up standing in a line to get food or wine a few times during the entire weekend.  Considering the large crowds and number of tour buses out, we were quite pleasantly surprised.  If you're looking for a great way to get into the holiday spirit and experience the Finger Lakes, this a great way to do it!


Check out Seneca Lake's website for more info on this event!

Finger Lakes Vanilla Porter


I had this beer on tap at Beef 'n Brew in Geneva, NY.  It was ok.  It didn't really have any vanilla scent on the head, but there was a slight taste in the beer.  If it was just a porter, it would have been pretty solid, but the vanilla porter label was a bit of a let down.  The porter base was pretty solid and complimented my beef on weck pretty well.  I'd definitely try something else from this NY brewery if I saw it available, but I'm not hunting 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.


Thursday, November 15, 2012

BREWERY REVIEW: River North Brewery


The husband and I stopped in here on our beer tour of Denver upon the recommendation of a friend and several local bartenders and people we met at other breweries.  Since they were somewhat new, nobody was quite sure of their hours, but we decided to try anyway and luckily for us, they were open.  It was a warm day so the all the doors/windows were open and it was quite an open feel to the sidewalk.  The tasting room is somewhat small with maybe 20 seats, but that was plenty as there were only 2 other folks in there with us.  If it was a crowded day though, I could see this quickly becoming standing room only. 

The beers were listed up on a chalk board and the bartender was really well informed about the beers, the brewing process, and any other questions you may have about them.  He talked a lot of "shop" with my husband and used the big window to point out the brewing system and the changes they were doing.  The beers we sampled here were very good and both my husband and I were impressed for a newer brewery at the quality.  Overall, this is a great place to stop if you're in Denver and love beer.

Check out their website for hours and other information!


Tuesday, November 13, 2012

Southern Tier 2XMAS


I generally don't like winter beers, mostly because they're winter warmers.  I got excited by this beer because it's inspired by Glogg.  If you've never had glogg, you should try it.  It's delicious.  Anyway, this beer was like holiday in a glass.  It was spicy and full of cheer.  It's got a lot of umph for a holiday beer.  I'd say this was one to pick up and try for yourself...and maybe bring it to your next holiday party!

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

Sunday, November 11, 2012

Saranac Big Moose Ale


This one was by far not my favorite beer ever.  It's an ale that drank more light a lager.  It was overly light and boring.  I'd skip this one, unless you love lagers.

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

Saranac Black Bear Bock


I don't typically like bocks.  I didn't really like this beer.  It was just average and boring and nothing I'd really ever choose to drink again.

Check out the brewery's site for more info.
This one isn't on Rate Beer yet, so you're one your own.

Smuttynose Pumpkin Ale


This pumpkin ale, hopefully one of the last we'll have this season, did not have a ton of pumpkin flavor.  Overall, it's been a crappy year for pumpkin beers it seems and I'm going to guess it's due to the drought and a bad pumpkin crop.  Still, this beer was a bit disappointing.  It wasn't bad, just not interesting at all.  There were very few spice notes.  It's ok to drink, but I wouldn't be sad if you don't have it this year.

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

Wednesday, November 7, 2012

Saranac 4059 Porter


As far as Saranac goes, this is one of their better beers, as least to it's style.  It was a pretty standard porter, but it was exactly what you'd expect to see in a porter.  It was easy to drink and I'd definitely have it again...I'd even consider a 6 pack of 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.

Tuesday, November 6, 2012

Saranac Red IPA


This beer from Saranac was ok.  It was more of a red than IPA though.  It was a bit hoppy, but not as much as I'd like in an IPA.  If you get it in a sampler pack, it's drinkable, but not one to pick up 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.

Saranac Chocolate Lager


This is a lighter brown than I expected.  It is definitely interesting.  It's ok to drink, but not a favorite.  As far as lagers go though, it's not awful.  Just mediocre.  

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

Monday, November 5, 2012

Saranac Belgian Pale Ale


Light. Drinkable. Similar to a Hoegaarden. I like it quite a bit for the style.

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