JOSEPHSBRAU PLZNR

153 BOTTLES OF BEER ON THE WALL

July 31, 2012 (Tuesday)

JOSEPHSBRAU PLZNR

12 FL. OZ., ALC 5.4% BY VOL., 32 IBU's

Brewed and Bottled by Josephsbrau Brewing Co., San Jose, CA

+++

FROM THE LABEL: "Josephsbrau PLZNR (Pilsner) is a celebration of noble hops from central Europe. This style of beer was developed by German brewmaster Joseph Groll in 1840 in the town of PLZN (Pilsen) Bohemia ( modern day Czech Republic) and was the first beer to be brewed golden and clear. This beer's pin point fine bitterness is perfectly accentuated by its crisp body. Czech style lager."

FROM THE MOUTH: BOHEMIAN LAGER: Nice summer beer and I was surprised to enjoy this as much as I did.  I taste lemon and those noble hops. Pilsner beers are seldom very strong, with the alcohol strength usually around 4.5%. I think this is a good representation of a Bohemian lager- a nice strong hop presence with some citrus. Very pleasing on this hot July evening. A

FROM THE STORE: Trader Joe's

“Sometimes letting things go is an act of far greater power than defending or hanging on.”
― Eckhart Tolle

drink yer' beer

i



NEW BELGIUM TRIPPEL

154 BOTTLES OF BEER ON THE WALL

July 30, 2012 ( Monday)

NEW BELGIUM TRIPPEL- ALE BREWED WITH CORIANDER

12 FL. OZ., 7.8% BY VOL.

Brewed and Bottled by New Belgium Brewing Company, Fort Collins, CO

www.newbelgium.com

++

FROM THE LABEL: " Gracefully complex with alluring depth, our bottle - conditioned Belgian Trippel is spiced with a trace of coriander. New Belgium employee owners would love to have you stop by the brewery, 500 Linden , Fort Collins, Co 80524."

Tripel

Description: The name "Tripel" actually stems from part of the brewing process, in which brewers use up to three times the amount of malt than a standard Trappist "Simple." Traditionally, Tripels are bright yellow to gold in color, which is a shade or two darker than the average Pilsener. Head should be big, dense and creamy. Aroma and flavor runs along complex, spicy phenolic, powdery yeast, fruity/estery with a sweet finish. Sweetness comes from both the pale malts and the higher alcohol. Bitterness is up there for a beer with such a light body for its strength, but at times is barely perceived amongst the even balance of malts and hops. The lighter body comes from the use of Belgian candy sugar (up to 25% sucrose), which not only lightens the body, but also adds complex alcoholic aromas and flavors. Small amounts of spices are sometimes added as well. Tripels are actually notoriously alcoholic, yet the best crafted ones hide this character quite evil-like and deceivingly, making them sipping beers.



FROM THE MOUTH: TRIPEL: Really nice start to this beer and it gets better as it warms. First hit is a ripe banana, then some doughy malt followed by the coriander (medium), some citric hops (mild) and finishes with spicy clove. Very nice mouthfeel with a good amount of carbonation, watch out because the alcohol content is slippery. I think this is a rather fine stab at the Tripel style- smooth and drinkable -  coriander usually turns me off ( as in spitting it out) - but this surprised me. Worth giving it a try. A

FROM THE STORE : Huckleberry's

When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left, and could say, “I used everything you gave me.”
-Erma Bombeck

drink yer' beer

i

ST.PAULI GIRL LAGER

155 BOTTLES OF BEER ON THE WALL

July 29, 2012 (Sunday)

Happy Birthday George Kennedy!!!

ST.PAULI GIRL LAGER

BIER 12 FL. OZ. BEER

St. Pauli - Brauerei, Bremen, Germany

www.spauligirl.com

FROM THE LABEL: " Brewed in strict accordance with the German purity law of 1516. Brewed in Germany."

FROM THE MOUTH: LAGER: Starts out ok but ends nasty; tastes like it has been sitting in a rusty can. Not liking the aftertaste, nope ...can't do it. C

FROM THE STORE: Huckleberry's

HAPPY BIRTHDAY GEORGE- I LOVE YOU

drink yer' beer

i



BLUE MOON SUMMER HONEY WHEAT

156 BOTTLES OF BEER ON THE WALL

July 28, 2012 (Saturday)

BLUE MOON SUMMER HONEY WHEAT

22 FL. OZ., 650 (ml)., ONE PINT 6 OZ., 5.2% ALC. BY VOL.

Brewed and Bottled by Blue Moon Brewing Co., Golden , CO

FROM THE LABEL: " Wheat ale brewed with orange peel with clover honey added. Seasonal Collection." 

2010 Great American Beer Festival Gold Medal, Specialty Honey Beer.

*name change- "Summer Honey Wheat" was entered as "Summer Honey Wheat Ale."

FROM THE MOUTH: AMERICAN PALE WHEAT ALE: twist top. This is so soft and mild you almost don't  know you are drinking a beer. I suppose when the dog days of SUMMER roll around you are looking for something 'drinkable' on those scorching hot beach afternoons, if so, give this beer a go. It has a distinct aftertaste flavor - light mild honey and watered down orange- pleasing. A

FROM THE STORE: Albertsons

"Taste Responsibly"

from the label

drink yer' beer

i

WHALE'S TALE PALE ALE

157 BOTTLES OF BEER ON THE WALL

July 27, 2012 (Friday)

Happy Birthday Bryan Norquist

Happy Birthday Linda Nogales

Happy Birthday Eileen Bryne

WHALE'S TALE PALE ALE

3/4 pint., 12 fl.oz., Alc. 5.5% By Vol.

Brewed and Bottled by Cisco Brewers, Utica NY

www.ciscobrewers.com

++1/2

FROM THE LABEL: " This carefully crafted beer is brewed and bottled in small batches to ensure the freshest possible taste. Whales Tale is an English style pale ale, characterized by an abundance of fruity hops. Best served chilled. We welcome comments at 508-325-5959. cisco brewers nantucket"

FROM 'THE FROSTED MUG" : This is an English style pale ale and the company's flagship beer. Wonderfully balanced with Maris Otter malt, hints of crystal malt and generously hopped with East Kent Goldings, it has a rich honey color and fruity hop aroma. It is named in honor of Nantucket's whaling history.

FROM THE MOUTH: PALE ALE: Easy drinking and pretty much sticks to the description ( which not too many beers can do). I am really enjoying this after a hot day of standing on concrete; first one went down pretty smoothly. A

FROM THE STORE: www.amazingclubs.com

love you Bryan, love you

drink yer' beer

i

SEA DOG HAZELNUT PORTER

158 BOTTLES OF BEER ON THE WALL

July 26, 2012 (Thursday)

SEA DOG HAZELNUT PORTER

12 FL. OZ., 5.6% Alc./Vol.

Brewed and Bottled by Seadog Brewing Co., Portland, Maine

++

FROM THE LABEL: "Porter with natural flavor added. Flavored ale in Texas."

FROM 'THE FROSTED MUG': This beer is one of a kind! Four different malted barleys combine to create a distinctive, full- bodied beer with a roasted nuttiness, uniquely enhanced by a hint of hazelnuts. Smooth and creamy with the nose of the Williamette hop, this porter is a beer style unto itself.

1st Place Porter- West Coast Brewers Festival, California

FROM THE MOUTH: AMERICAN PORTER: I was a bit unerved by the artificial addition of the hazelnut but overall it is not bad. Very nutty tasting- but not overpowering- plenty of caramel malt flavor and enough log licking to satisfy those looking for the Porter in a beer. Goes down creamy and smooth. I would have this again. A

FROM THE STORE: Thank you Dad for the Amazing Clubs beers for July!!! www.amazingclubs.com

drink yer' beer

i

LAGUNITAS HOP STOOPID ALE

159 BOTTLES OF BEER ON THE WALL

July 25, 2012 (Wednesday)

LAGUNITAS HOP STOOPID ALE

Net Contents 1 Pint 6 Fluid Ounces., ALC 8% BY VOL.

O.G 1.085., 102 IBU. 4. U

Brewed and Bottled by The Lagunitas Brewing Company, Petaluma, Calif.

+++++

FROM THE WEBSITE:

COMMERCIAL DESCRIPTION:For those mornings when you have to cut right to the chase, this is the one. Sure to blast through just about anything still lingering from the night before, this mouthful of Hops and huge rich Malt has a gaurantee built right into the name!

CHECK OUT THE VIRTUAL TASTE FROM THEIR WEBSITE

http://lagunitas.com/beers/hopstoopid.html

FROM THE MOUTH: IMPERIAL/DOUBLE IPA: Very nice beer- a bit simple- not much going on other than a drum roll of hops and some orange zest or perhaps it was grapefruit- yes, more grapefruit. I would not recommend this 'for those mornings'!  The more I drink this, the more I like it....duh..ABV STOOPID! A

FROM THE STORE: Albertsons

Kennedy's Kitchen- Homemade Irish music
Great photo Katie

http://www.kennedyskitchen.com/

drink yer' beer

i

SIERRA NEVADA PALE ALE

160 BOTTLES OF BEER ON THE WALL

July 24, 2012 (Tuesday)

SIERRA NEVADA PALE ALE

12 FL. OZ., ALC 5.6% BY VOL., 37 IBU's ( not on label)

Brewed and Bottled by Sierra Nevada Brewing Co., Chico, CA

www.sierranevada.com

+++

FROM THE LABEL: " Sierra Nevada Pale Ale is a completely natural ale. There are no addictive only the finest malted barley, whole hops brewer's yeast and crystal clear water. The fine layer of yeast in each bottle is a result of the tradional bottle conditioned process that produces carbonation naturally."

FROM THE MOUTH: AMERICAN PALE ALE: Sip starts with hops and ends with hops- medium body with a good mouthful of carbonation. I am tasting perhaps some mild lemon citrus with those piney hops in the end. This is a good go to beer- refreshing and crisp- it knows what it wants to be. Don't you want to live in that label!!! A

FROM THE STORE: Huckleberry's

drink yer' beer

i

MAC AND JACK'S AFRICAN AMBER

161 BOTTLES OF BEER ON THE WALL

July 23, 2012 (Monday)

MAC & JACK'S AFRICAN AMBER

16 DRAFT- 5.2% ABV

Mac and Jack's Brewing Company, Redmont, WA

www.macandjacks.com

+1/2

FROM THE WEBSITE:

African Amber The Northwest’s original, unfiltered and dry hopped amber ale. African Amber’s pioneering and innovative style is proof that drink-abilty does not have to be achieved by sacrificing flavor. This beer erupts with a floral, hoppy taste, followed by a well rounded malty middle, finishing with a nicely organic hop flavor. Locally sourced two row grain and a blend of specialty malts give our amber its rich taste. Further complexity is achieved by leaving the beer unfiltered, providing exceptional flavor, as well as giving our amber its unique "cloudy" look. Lastly, we actually place a bag of fresh, locally grown, Yakima valley hops in each keg creating what has become the original, cult classic, northwest amber ale.                                                                                                              



FROM THE MOUTH: AMERICAN AMBER: This is officially now my favorite beer on tap, too bad it is not available in a bottle. Hoppy and bready and finishes with a  medium malt  (cherry) - perfect blend of citrus hops and hopped just to the right level. Couldnt get a more well crafted and balanced beer. Hands down one of  my go to beers after this year of blogging is over. A++

FROM THE STORE: Luigi's Italian restaurant, Spokane WA

Life isn’t about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself.
- George Bernard Shaw

drink yer' beer

i





DRIFT BOAT ALE

162 BOTTLES OF BEER ON THE WALL

July 22, 2012 (Sunday)

Happy Birthday Isaac Kennedy Winter-Barkai

16 OUNCE DRAFT

Big Sky Brewing Co., Missoula MT

+++

FROM THE MOUTH: ALE: Nicely balanced Ale- medium hopped. Will definitely have again. So nice to have my cousin Mike Coyle and his wife in for the evening. A

FROM THE STORE: Mackenzie River Pizza, Spokane, WA

"Beer was good- but company was better."

Max

drink yer' beer

i



SAMUEL ADAMS IMPERIAL WHITE

163 BOTTLES OF BEER ON THE WALL

July 21, 2012 (Saturday)

SAMUEL ADAMS IMPERIAL WHITE

12 FL. OZ., 10.3% ALC/VOL.

Brewed by the Boston Beer Company, Boston, MA

?

FROM THE LABEL: "Wheat Ale brewed with spices. Enjoy this beer now or age it to develop rich and unique flavors."

FROM THE MOUTH: WITBIER: First off- know your beer before you chug it. I was expecting lagerish and I got 'booze' in a beer. The taste starts out big, thick and VERY sweet - mainly orange/caramel. Then you get a bready yeast... mild then a boozy mouthfull. I am tasting perhaps sweet banana. WOW, so Koch (brewer) must have been thinking...I like Grand Marnier...let's make it into a beer..if we add a bunch of sweet stuff and some yeast I can have  my beer and booze. You can really taste the alcohol- it leaves that nice warm burning feeling in your throat. Don't chug- sip! I am going to agree with the label- they are pushing the Witbier and it is unique. Only one for me please! A-

FROM THE STORE: Thank you Steve > I should have known it had a high ABV.  He brought over an 11.8% on Thursday!

Let there be work, bread, water and salt for all.
Nelson Mandela

drink yer beer
i



NERO'S APECCHIO RED ALE

164 BOTTLES OF BEER ON THE WALL

July 20, 2012 (Friday)

RIP Henry Winter

NERO'S APECCHIO RED ALE

500 ML. 1 PINT, 0.9 FL. OZ., CONTAINS ALCOHOL ALC. 6.5% BY VOL.

Brewed and Bottled by Birra Amarcord, Apecchio, (PU) Italy

+

FROM THE LABEL: " Imported Italian Craft Ale. Brewed in Italy. Buona Birra, Birra Buona. Imported by Plume Ridge, Claremont, CA."

FROM THE MOUTH: AMBER ALE:  Do we not love this bottle!!! It was terribly fun to open because the top exploded off, clanked the side of the bottle and caused both of us to jump.  The bottle sold me but the beer inside will guarantee I buy it again. First of all it had a nice one finger foam pour but I am never prepared enough to photograph ( something in the background) and the foam is gone, sorry. I have had a few Italian beers and they have something in common but with this one the flavor is more full, soft malt, mild bitter finish with a biscuity toastiness. Max has given this the thumbs up and he typically has not enjoyed the 'range' of beers I have been having this year. I will have this again even though the price is a bit hefty. A

FROM THE STORE: Huckleberry's

"i love my family- you guys rock my world"

me

drink yer' beer

i

KARMA

165 BOTTLES OF BEER ON THE WALL

July 19, 2012 (Thursday)

KARMA- limited edition

12 FL. OZ., 5.4% ALC/VOL., IBU's 10 ( not on label)

Brewed and Bottled by Avery Brewing Co., Boulder, Co

FROM THE LABEL: " Inspired by the principle of Karma and the wonderful farmhouse and pale ales of Belgium, we have created a bright and estery Belgian-style ale with a beautiful amber hue. Here's to being good! Brewed with Rocky Mountain water, malted barley, imported Belgian specialty malts, hops and Belgium yeast."

Belgian Pale Ale

Description: Belgian Pales consume the Belgian brewing scene, and were initially brewed to compete with Pilseners during the WWII time frame. They differ from other regional Pale Ale varieties, by traditionally being less bitter, using aged hops for a delicate hop finish, and boasting sweetish to toasty malt overtones. They should be decanted properly, leaving the yeast in the bottle. This will showcase their brilliant color range from pale straw yellow to amber hues. Most will be crowned with thick, clinging, rocky white heads. Flavors and aromas will vary. Some have natural spice characters from yeast and hops, while others are spiced.

FROM THE MOUTH: BELGIAN STYLE PALE ALE: This beer is slick and has an oily feeling in the mouth ---in that it glides. A bit spicy; I taste plum/apricot and perhaps some cherry with a lingering afterwards of the Belgian yeast. Not really tasting the hops in this one but that might be the "delicate hop finish" they talk about. Wouldn't pass this beer up and would like to try it as a draft- BUT,  it just doesn't do it for me. B-

FROM THE STORE: Huckleberry's

"GOOD ALE HAPPENS TO GOOD PEOPLE"

FROM THE LABEL

drink yer' beer

i



HENRY WEINHARD'S CLASSIC DARK

166 BOTTLES OF BEER ON THE WALL

July 18, 2012 (Wednesday)

HENRY WEINHARD'S CLASSIC DARK

12 FL. OZ., 4.81% ABV (not on label)

The Blitz-Weinhard Brewing Company, Hood River, OR USA

Notes:
This beer is retired; no longer brewed.
+

FROM THE LABEL:" Henry Weinhard's premium beers since 1856."

FROM THE MOUTH: MUNICH DUNKEL LAGER:  Quite malty, somewhat sweet, almost too sweet with a wisp of hop flavor. There is a little hint of chocolate, some coffee but there is something missing- it is light or watery, not a good complete mouthfeel. Flavors are not strong, but not weak either. I still like it and I would have another. A-

FROM THE STORE: I received this from a good friend who does not drink but keeps beer around for those that do. I am wondering, now that I see it had been retired, how long he had had these in his cellar!!! Thanks Professor Beal- I will take the other 5 next time I visit!!!!

drink yer' beer

i

FOUNDERS DRY HOPPED PALE ALE

167 BOTTLES OF BEER ON THE WALL

July 17, 2012 (Tuesday)

FOUNDERS DRY HOPPED PALE ALE

12 FL. OZ., 5.4% ALC. BY VOL., 35 IBU'S

Founders Brewering since 1997, Grand Rapids, Michigan

+++1/2

FROM THE LABEL: BY FAR THIS IS THE MOST BEAUTIFUL LABEL I HAVE SEEN ON A BEER...............

FROM THE MOUTH: AMERICAN PALE ALE (APA): Extraordinarily easy to drink and quite refreshing, largely because this is a pretty straightforward brew. Starts with a light malt followed by medium bitterness and that is it- light  sweet meets medium bitter with no messing around with any other flavors. This is 100% Cascade hops - they are not giving 'cuts'. Wish this was a Washington beer so I could drink it more often, a very nice representation of an APA. A+

FROM THE STORE: A gift from my sister Peg back in Indiana. THANKS SISTA!

You only live once, but if you work it right, once is enough.
- Mae West

drink yer' beer

i

KBC IPA

168 BOTTLES OF BEER ON THE WALL

July 16, 2012 (Monday)

KBC IPA

12 FL. OZ., 6.2% Alc./Vol.

Brewed and Bottled by Kennebunkport Brewing Co., Portland, Maine

++1/2

Since there is nothing on the label I thought it was a good time to review what an IPA is- India Pale Ale.... because this beer doesn't quite get there, but it is still good. 

Beer 101: What is IPA?

 

Skunk Beer. If you’ve never been unfortunate enough to have had skunk beer, count yourself lucky. If you have, then you know what the British were dealing with in the early 1700′s trying to get beer south around the west of Africa, across the equator, around the Cape of Good Hope, and then back north across the Indian Ocean to the British soldiers and citizens there demanding beer in Bombay, Calcutta, and Madras. Extreme temperature changes, and long, hot storage conditions cause beer to go bad- real bad. So, in the face of such pre-refrigeration conditions, the British brewers set to work with what tools they had- namely more alcohol and more hops. Alcohol is obvious, but hops are extremely astringent and are added as an antibiotic and stabilizing agent.
George Hodgson from the Bow Brewery in East London finally came to a solution by taking his Pale Ale recipe and considerably increasing the hop and alcohol content. The result was a bitter, very alcoholic Ale that survived the trip to India and was actually drinkable at the end of the trip. Hodgson became a legend.
At about the same time, similar conditions afflicted the trade of Beer to Russia, and a similar solution was found, only this IPA stood for “Imperial Pale Ale”. Soon enough, political conditions ceased trade with Russia, and most “Imperial” brewers simply switched markets to India, making the “IPA” acronym synonymous for either brew.
Eventually, breweries opened up in Asia, and ultimately refrigeration and modern storage removed the need for the extra kick and hops, but the brew still has a following, because some people simply like the taste! Even in its heyday IPA’s rarely went above 8% ABV, and today’s popular IPA’s are less than that, usually between 5-7% ABV.

FROM THE MOUTH: AMERICAN IPA: This is a nice beer but just not what you expect from an IPA so, it is not a very memorable beer in that regard. The hops are there in the pine and citrus notes but they are weak and simple. That said, it goes down easy on a hot day, isn't complicated and is well blended-  but  beer snobs (which we are NOT), that are looking for a tradional IPA would probably want more of a hop kick, but I like it just the way it is...A

FROM THE STORE: Trader Joe's

drink yer' beer

i



ALOHA SERIES WAILUA

169 BOTTLES OF BEER ON THE WALL

July 15, 2012 (Sunday)

ALOHA SERIES WAILUA

Wheat Ale brewed with Passion Fruit

12 FL. OZ., 5.4% ABV(not on label)

Kona Brewing Co., Kona HI

www.konabrewingco.com

FROM THE LABEL: "Wailua is Hawaiian for two fresh water streams mingling. This was just the inspiration we needed for an Aloha Series wheat ale brewed with tropical passion fruit. A refreshing citrusy sun- colored ale with the cool taste is Hawaii. Since 1994 , Kona Brewing Co. has been committed to making handcrafted ales and lagers of uncompromising quality. We invite you to visit our bewery and pubs whenever you visit Hawaii. Mahola! "

FROM THE MOUTH: WHEAT ALE/FRUIT BEER:  What sets this apart from other brewskies is the fact that the Wheat Ale is actually brewed with Passion Fruit. Yep, that is Passion Fruit you are a tasting- new experience and I imagine if I were on the beach in Hawaii I would be disgustingly happy drinking this beer ice cold while watching the whales .  It’s smooth like juice sort of, but juice that has a kick and is bubbly. …and beerlike. Yummy - I am imaging myself walking into a pub in Hawaii, barefoot, windburned from sailing and ordering this on draft. A

FROM THE STORE: I think this came from Huckleberry's but maybe Trader Joe's?

“Waking up this morning, I smile. Twenty-four brand new hours are before me. I vow to live fully in each moment and to look at all beings with eyes of compassion.”
― Thich Nhat Hanh

drink yer' beer

i

 

NORTHERN ALES SMELTER'S ASH

170 BOTTLES OF BEER ON THE WALL

July 14, 2012 (Saturday)

NORTHERN ALES SMELTER'S ASH

12 FLUID OUNCES

Northern Ales, Inc., Kettle Falls, Washington 

www.northernales.com

+++

FROM THE LABEL: IMPERIAL STOUT

FROM THE MOUTH: IMPERIAL STOUT: Everything you see here is what you see on the label. Wish they would have ABV listed- then I know how slow to go! This is an unusual stout- good unusual. First sip starts strong caramel malt then goes maltly coffee then hop then bitter hop. Keep sipping, you will find much more than I can- complex- yes! It is a heavy beer, thick and pours a nice head, that flattened before I could find my camera. Lots of log licking going on here- heavy- Smelters Ash is a perfect name. Very impressed for a small Washington brewery!  A

FROM THE STORE: Thank you Matt Miller!!! You rock!

It always seems impossible until its done.
Nelson Mandela

drink yer' beer

i

BRIDGEPORT HOP CZAR

171 BOTTLES OF BEER ON THE WALL

July 13, 2012 (Friday the 13th)

BRIDGEPORT HOP CZAR

1 PINT 6 FL. OZ., 7.5 % ALC. BY VOL.. 87 IBU

OREGON'S OLDEST CRAFT BREWERY

www.bridgeportbrew.com

++++1/2

FROM THE NECK LABEL: " This robust golden monarch requires a kings ransom of hops. Brewed with over two pounds of whole leaf hop cones in each barrel."

FROM THE LABEL :

I know, I cheated- it's Friday and I want to drink instead of typing all this stuff out.

FROM THE MOUTH: AMERICAN DOUBLE/IMPERIAL IPA:  I bet this is fabulous on tap. Very hoppy with citrus flavors; the way an IPA should be. Very fresh-very nice clean beer.
Overall I would recommend and try again. A

FROM THE LABEL: Albertson's

drink yer' beer

i