K92 Posted February 12, 2012 Author Report Share Posted February 12, 2012 Sometimes you try a highly respected beer and it's just not your cup of tea. Akronnnnnn had that experience with Taddy Porter and I just experienced the same thing with Ommegang BPA. Not that was terrible, just didn't do it for me. On the other hand, I was able to sample 2 offerings from Pennsylvania Brewing that were FANTASTIC. I had 2 of their Christmas offerings: Nut Roll Ale & St. Nickolaus Bock. Delicious. Highly Recommend. Penn Brewery Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dr Z Posted February 16, 2012 Report Share Posted February 16, 2012 All right Keener... It says "Dark Sour Ale" on the bottle. Here is one for you to try. I thought it was pretty unique tasting. I have no idea how you might get it. My friend had one bottle left, and got it directly from the band (Clutch). It's made by New Belguim. Description I'll keep my eyes peeled for it, and try to score some before September parties. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ndzeigler Posted February 16, 2012 Report Share Posted February 16, 2012 Saw a new label today in the singles section, so I bought one to try. Nice English Pale Ale here. Nothing special about it. Smooth drinking. Recommend. Speaking of brew from Great Britain... Have you ever been a fan of a certain style, then tried a certain brand that just KNOCKED YOUR SOCKS OFF? Happened to me last weekend. I have been liking porters more and more recently and thought I had a pretty good idea of what to expect when trying a label new to me. Then I tried a Samuel Smith Taddy. Wow. Perfection. I could picture myself diddy bopping into an English pub with this on tap and quaffing down about 10 pints. It is that good. Just tried the Samuel Smith Imperial Stout, it was excellent! I haven't tried the Taddy yet, but it will be soon to come. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bUAkronG Posted February 16, 2012 Report Share Posted February 16, 2012 Last week I went to Thirsty Dog on Thursday as I was tipped off to the fact that on Thursdays they have growlers for $8 instead of the usual $10. This doesn't include the $5 purchase of the growler itself. I got a growler of Old Leghumper-my gave from the 'Dog But while I was there I had a pint of their "Hoppus Maximus" IPA. It was pretty good, nothing to write home about. Just your standard IPA. But I also had a sample of their Bourbon Barrel Aged Siberian Night Russian Imperial Stout. The regular Siberian Night is a pretty strong RIS coming in at 9.7% ABV, and it hits as such, but the BBA Siberian Night is potent! I was glad I only got a sampler as a pint would have been too much for my pallette. I recommend it if you're feeling ballsy, but you can probably only get it right from the tasting room at Thirsty Dog. Does anyone know if Hoppin Frog has a tasting room? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ndzeigler Posted February 16, 2012 Report Share Posted February 16, 2012 Last week I went to Thirsty Dog on Thursday as I was tipped off to the fact that on Thursdays they have growlers for $8 instead of the usual $10. This doesn't include the $5 purchase of the growler itself. I got a growler of Old Leghumper-my gave from the 'Dog But while I was there I had a pint of their "Hoppus Maximus" IPA. It was pretty good, nothing to write home about. Just your standard IPA. But I also had a sample of their Bourbon Barrel Aged Siberian Night Russian Imperial Stout. The regular Siberian Night is a pretty strong RIS coming in at 9.7% ABV, and it hits as such, but the BBA Siberian Night is potent! I was glad I only got a sampler as a pint would have been too much for my pallette. I recommend it if you're feeling ballsy, but you can probably only get it right from the tasting room at Thirsty Dog. Does anyone know if Hoppin Frog has a tasting room? Yea, Thirsty Thursdays at Thirsty Dog are great, keep in mind that it's cash only though. I highly recommend the Maibark. 6.5 ABV and very flavorful, but easy to drink, not too extreme. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bUAkronG Posted February 16, 2012 Report Share Posted February 16, 2012 Yea, Thirsty Thursdays at Thirsty Dog are great, keep in mind that it's cash only though. I highly recommend the Maibark. 6.5 ABV and very flavorful, but easy to drink, not too extreme. That's what my buddy got that was with me. I'll have to try that next time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bUAkronG Posted February 28, 2012 Report Share Posted February 28, 2012 so my roommate had never been to the new and improved Giant Eagle on Howe Ave. We came home with 13 22oz bottles and a 4 pack lol My set: his set: In total 3 x Lager Heads Brewing Company Savage Stout (local NE Ohio Brewery, was $3.99 for a 22oz; he bought two I bought one) 2 x Avery Maharaja Imperial IPA (one for each of us) 2 x Rogue Shakespeare Oatmeal Stout (one for each of us) 1 x Green Flash Imperial IPA 1 x Stone Ruination Imperial IPA 1 x DORIS the Destroyer Double Imperial Stout 1 x 4pk North Coast Old Rasputin Russian Imperial Stout 1 x Stone Vertical Epic Ale 1 x Stone Old Guardian Barley Wine 1 x Dogfish Head Noble Rot The only one I've had is Stone Ruination. It is probably my favorite beer, and we will have to see how the other Imperial IPAs purchased match up to it. I'll report back as I try each. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bUAkronG Posted February 29, 2012 Report Share Posted February 29, 2012 I've started reviewing on BeerAdvocate so I'll just copy my reviews over here. Avery Brewing Maharaja 4.58/5 look: 4 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5 Poured from a 22oz into a pint glass. Appearance: golden orange pour with minimal white head. Smell: extreme hop scent with citrus undertones Taste: powerful, hoppy taste, not too strong for 10.39% ABV. Mouthfeel: typical IPA, a little bit of retaining in your mouth though. Overall: pretty good IPA. Would have again. North Coast Old Rasputin 4.63/5 look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5 Appearance: pours completely jet black with a two finger tan head. Very thick pour. I personally love a thick beer so this has a lot of appeal to me. Smell: Roasted malts, chocolate, a bit of vanilla maybe? Taste: this doesn't hit like some of the 9.0% beers I've had in the past. Really pleasing taste of roasted malts and hints of vanilla. Mouthfeel: as said earlier, this beer is thick. You can really feel the thickness, but it still goes down smooth. Overall: this beer is pretty good, I am going to enjoy drinking the other three in the pack. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnnyzip84 Posted February 29, 2012 Report Share Posted February 29, 2012 I've started reviewing on BeerAdvocate so I'll just copy my reviews over here. Avery Brewing Maharaja 4.58/5 look: 4 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5 Poured from a 22oz into a pint glass. Appearance: golden orange pour with minimal white head. Smell: extreme hop scent with citrus undertones Taste: powerful, hoppy taste, not too strong for 10.39% ABV. Mouthfeel: typical IPA, a little bit of retaining in your mouth though. Overall: pretty good IPA. Would have again. North Coast Old Rasputin 4.63/5 look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5 Appearance: pours completely jet black with a two finger tan head. Very thick pour. I personally love a thick beer so this has a lot of appeal to me. Smell: Roasted malts, chocolate, a bit of vanilla maybe? Taste: this doesn't hit like some of the 9.0% beers I've had in the past. Really pleasing taste of roasted malts and hints of vanilla. Mouthfeel: as said earlier, this beer is thick. You can really feel the thickness, but it still goes down smooth. Overall: this beer is pretty good, I am going to enjoy drinking the other three in the pack. Thanks for the review! I'll need to try both of them when I get the chance. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ndzeigler Posted February 29, 2012 Report Share Posted February 29, 2012 I've started reviewing on BeerAdvocate so I'll just copy my reviews over here. Avery Brewing Maharaja 4.58/5 look: 4 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5 Poured from a 22oz into a pint glass. Appearance: golden orange pour with minimal white head. Smell: extreme hop scent with citrus undertones Taste: powerful, hoppy taste, not too strong for 10.39% ABV. Mouthfeel: typical IPA, a little bit of retaining in your mouth though. Overall: pretty good IPA. Would have again. North Coast Old Rasputin 4.63/5 look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5 Appearance: pours completely jet black with a two finger tan head. Very thick pour. I personally love a thick beer so this has a lot of appeal to me. Smell: Roasted malts, chocolate, a bit of vanilla maybe? Taste: this doesn't hit like some of the 9.0% beers I've had in the past. Really pleasing taste of roasted malts and hints of vanilla. Mouthfeel: as said earlier, this beer is thick. You can really feel the thickness, but it still goes down smooth. Overall: this beer is pretty good, I am going to enjoy drinking the other three in the pack. Nice, I have been eying Rasputin for awhile but haven't picked any up yet. This review definitely makes me want it more! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bUAkronG Posted March 1, 2012 Report Share Posted March 1, 2012 Thanks for the review! I'll need to try both of them when I get the chance. definitely! Let us know when you do try them what you think of them! Nice, I have been eying Rasputin for awhile but haven't picked any up yet. This review definitely makes me want it more! yeah it's pretty good! Would recommend it. Had the Rogue Oatmeal Stout tonight. Here's my review: 4.6/5 look: 5 | smell: 4 | taste: 5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5 Poured from a 22oz bottle into a pint glass. Appearance: pours thick, black as night with a light brown finger and a half head. Smell: roasted malts and coffee! Not a very strong smell, though. Taste: strong coffee and roasted malts. Very good taste. Alcohol taste lingers at the end. Mouthfeel: thick in the mouth with a lot of carbonation Overall: the more I drink the lower the score gets, unfortunately. The carbonation is off-putting to me. Still a great beer, though. I wouldn't hesitate to get it again. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bUAkronG Posted March 13, 2012 Report Share Posted March 13, 2012 My roommate brought home a growler of Headhunter IPA from Fat Heads in North Olmsted this weekend. Here's my review: Fat Head's Head Hunter IPA 4.8/5 look: 5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4 | overall: 5 Poured from a growler purchased a few days ago from Fatheads. Appearance: golden yellow-orange color with a finger offsite off-white, thick head. The color is beautiful. Quite a bit of retainment for an IPA. Smell: strong pine and citrus smell, maybe a little too strong actually. Taste: unrealistically good taste. Great hops flavor, mild alcoholic kick. Mouthfeel: a little carbonated, probably because of the serving type. A bit dry, but it goes down smooth. Overall: without a doubt the best single IPA I've ever had. Incredible taste. I will be disappointed when the growler is empty. Also here is a link to all the beers I've reviewed: http://beeradvocate.com/user/beers?ba=BrianGaynor Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
K92 Posted March 13, 2012 Author Report Share Posted March 13, 2012 Damn, Akronnnnnn! You gots a suffisticated pallet. I can't wait to see what you bring to the Lot 9 beerfest this fall. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
K92 Posted April 1, 2012 Author Report Share Posted April 1, 2012 I just wanted to take the time to give thanks to Akronnnnnnnn for inspiring me to try and cultivate a taste for stout. I have been trying as many as I come across in the singles section and when I have a broader base to report on, I will do so. I will say to anyone who has been turned off to stout because of Guinness...STOP!! I tried Guinness on numerous occasions at bars with friends and never got the taste and naively put all stouts in that basket. Thanks to some of the reviews on here about the style, I decided to branch out and I am happy. There is a lot more to the style than Guinness. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
K92 Posted April 8, 2012 Author Report Share Posted April 8, 2012 I went to Fat Head's Brewery in North Olmstead on Friday. What a great place. I had the fish & chips for my lunch. Very tasty and pretty good sized portion. The beer was great too. I tried their Bumbleberry Honey Blueberry Ale. I don't really get into many fruit beers, but his one was pretty good. Nothing special here but not bad. I keep hoping I will find a berry beer as good as Abita Purple Haze but it hasn't happened yet. Sorcerer was labeled as a Dark Belgian. To me it tasted like a Winter Warmer. Kind of sweet with a big alcoholic punch at 9%. The Pillage Porter was a little disappointing. Not bad, but I have had many porters much better than this one. The capper of the day was the "Bean Me Up" Koffee Stout. So creamy. So silky. Such delicious coffee goodness. Wow. The bar was really cool, too. Laid out nicely with the brewery visible. They had 20 other breweries beers on tap in addition to their 11. Just a really fun place. I would choose it over Great Lakes every time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
K92 Posted April 13, 2012 Author Report Share Posted April 13, 2012 Marked one off my list tonight. As a fan of brown ale and Anchor Brewing, I was excited to try their Brekle's Brown. I first heard about it about 9 months ago but never saw it available anywhere so I figured it wasn't going to be distributed this far east. On my way home from work I stopped to get groceries and there it was! I eagerly poured a glass as soon as I got home, sure that I was in for a real treat. This is the worst brown I have ever tasted. God-awful. It's sour. Sour like it's got a shot of grapefruit in it. Avoid at all costs! Drain pour. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnnyzip84 Posted April 13, 2012 Report Share Posted April 13, 2012 Bummer on the Brekle's Brown I've been drinking some Bell's lately. I reluctantly forked over $16.99 for a six of Cherry Stout. It's a relatively strong stout with a very tart cherry bite. I'd give it solid B but it's probably not worth the price for most folks. Maybe our recent WMU fan can relate? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bobbyake Posted April 13, 2012 Report Share Posted April 13, 2012 I had Dogfish Head's 120 Minute IPA the other day, amazing!!! the 18% alcohol warms you right up. I need to get a few of these for tailgating on cold days. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
K92 Posted April 13, 2012 Author Report Share Posted April 13, 2012 I would love to try the Cherry Stout. I have enjoyed all the Bell's beers I have tried so far. Where did you find the Cherry Stout? I haven't seen that one anywhere. I haven't had 120 minute IPA, but there's nothing like a 36 proof brew to warm you up. Has anyone been to Lizardville, the Winking Lizard Whiskey Bar and beer store? Just wondered if it was worth the trip. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnnyzip84 Posted April 13, 2012 Report Share Posted April 13, 2012 I would love to try the Cherry Stout. I have enjoyed all the Bell's beers I have tried so far. Where did you find the Cherry Stout? I haven't seen that one anywhere. I bought it at "Doogie's Minute Mart" right in Canal Fulton. He usually has quite a decent selection for a small store in a small town (and he'll order beer for me if it's available through the distributor). I'll bring an extra to the spring game if you're heading there. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ndzeigler Posted April 13, 2012 Report Share Posted April 13, 2012 I had Dogfish Head's 120 Minute IPA the other day, amazing!!! the 18% alcohol warms you right up. I need to get a few of these for tailgating on cold days. Where did you get the 120 minute IPA? I've been wanting to try it but have never seen it anywhere. Just picked up some Oberon. Probably my favorite Bell's of what I have tried from them. Tough to beat for a flavorful summer beer. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bobbyake Posted April 13, 2012 Report Share Posted April 13, 2012 Where did you get the 120 minute IPA? I've been wanting to try it but have never seen it anywhere. Just picked up some Oberon. Probably my favorite Bell's of what I have tried from them. Tough to beat for a flavorful summer beer. A client from Florida helped me get my hands on one Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bobbyake Posted April 13, 2012 Report Share Posted April 13, 2012 drinking the Dogfish Head Sah'Tea right now. VERY GOOD!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
K92 Posted May 5, 2012 Author Report Share Posted May 5, 2012 Although I hated to miss the spring game, I had a really nice beer trek while on vacation in Florida. First place I went was Total Wine and they had an unbelieveable selection of singles, which I promptly made 3 sixers from. I was a little disappointed there weren't more Florida brews available, but there were quite a few labels I have never seen in Ohio, so it was nice. This store is huge. Picture a supermarket full of wine and beer, ONLY. Pretty cool. The second place I was lucky enough to visit was Mr. Beery's "a craft beer bar". I took advantage of the Monday Happy Hour Special. 3-8 P.M. All you can drink unlimited drafts for 10 bucks. Amazing! The third place was World of Beer. I wish I could have spent more time here, as it was a great experience. The bartenders are more like your own personal beer consultants. They ask a lot of questions and make suggestions. They advertised over 500 kinds of bottled beer. I didn't count them, but they did have a lot. I also got to sample some other various treats at restaurants, but these were the big 3 experiences. Now for the list from worst to first...(with the beer advocate links if any sound interesting) "Would not try again." Holy Mackerel Mack in Black Widmer Brothers Pitch Black IPA Blue Point Blueberry Ale Leavenworth Boulder Bend Dunkelweizen Full Sail Session Black Lager Fort Collins Chocolate Stout Ballast Point Barmy Ale Brooklyn Mary's Maple Porter "Solid. Would have another." Spaten Dunkel Anchor Bock Ballast Point Reef Rye Brown Red Brick Laughing Skull Amber Clown Shoes Lubrication American Black Ale Belfast Bay McGovern's Oatmeal Stout Lost Coast 8 Ball Stout Terrapin Rye Pale Ale Bell's Hell Hath No Fury Dubbel Kona Koko Brown Young's Double Chocolate Stout Mad River Serious Madness Black Ale St. Peter's Cream Stout Cigar City Cubano Style Expresso Brown Ipswich Original Ale Coronado Idiot IPA Highland Black Mocha Stout Cigar City Ligero Black Lager Blue Point Hoptical Illusion IPA Terrapin Hopsecutioner IPA Oskar Blues Old Chub Scotch Ale Terrapin Moo-Hoo Milk Stout "Deeeeeeeee-licious!" Red Brick Porter Ballast Point Sculpin IPA Cigar City Jai Alai IPA Cigar City Maduro Brown I am sure some of these may be available in Ohio, but all were new tries for me. Cigar City is in Tampa and was the most widely available craft beer where I was in Sarasota. I was told to avoid the Sarasota Brewing pub, so I skipped that. The one thing I was looking the most forward to finding was The Funky Buddah's Maple Bacon Porter, but they didn't distribute to the Gulf Coast. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnnyzip84 Posted May 6, 2012 Report Share Posted May 6, 2012 Although I hated to miss the spring game, I had a really nice beer trek while on vacation in Florida. First place I went was Total Wine and they had an unbelieveable selection of singles, which I promptly made 3 sixers from. I was a little disappointed there weren't more Florida brews available, but there were quite a few labels I have never seen in Ohio, so it was nice. This store is huge. Picture a supermarket full of wine and beer, ONLY. Pretty cool. The second place I was lucky enough to visit was Mr. Beery's "a craft beer bar". I took advantage of the Monday Happy Hour Special. 3-8 P.M. All you can drink unlimited drafts for 10 bucks. Amazing! The third place was World of Beer. I wish I could have spent more time here, as it was a great experience. The bartenders are more like your own personal beer consultants. They ask a lot of questions and make suggestions. They advertised over 500 kinds of bottled beer. I didn't count them, but they did have a lot. I also got to sample some other various treats at restaurants, but these were the big 3 experiences. Now for the list from worst to first...(with the beer advocate links if any sound interesting) This is simply outstanding field research, Keener! I'll definitely be keeping my eye out for a few of these. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.