354. Destihl Restaurant & Brew Works – Baldock IPA
My wife and I had a date night this evening and went and saw a movie (Planet of the Apes). After the movie we decided to stop at Destihl for dinner and a beer. We had the chicken wings, which were awesome. She had the hefeweizen, which was way, way sour and obviously contaminated. Fortunately, for me, the IPA didn’t seem to be contaminated. The menu said, “copper-colored, crisp and dry india pale ale with high floral,...
353. Flossmoor Station – Rail Splitter IPA
I’m at my homebrew club meeting tonight and decided to buy a drink before the meeting. I was looking for something I haven’t had before, and the Rail Splitter IPA caught my eye. I had no idea who made it, and another guy at the meeting and I sat there with our phones trying to figure it out (after we both ordered one). Initially, I thought it was from Triton Brewing in Indianapolis, since theirs was the only Rail...
350. Terrapin Beer Co. – Hopsecutioner IPA
This beer was given to me by my friend Joe, after his trip down south a couple of months ago. He seems to be a fan of Terrapin beers and gave me a few of them, including this one. I was looking forward to something with a good hop flavor, so I thought I’d crack this one open after dinner this evening. Location: Enjoyed the bottled beer, in a Sam Adams perfect pint glass, at home in Bloomington, IL. Numbers: 7.2% ABV, 78 IBUs,...
339. New Belgium – Ranger IPA
I’m out with my family for dinner tonight and was ready for a big beer. Fortunately, they had this freshly tapped beer to satisfy my craving for something hoppy. Location: On tap at Joe’s Station House Pizza Pub in Normal, IL. Numbers: 6.5% ABV, 70 IBUs, 14.6 OG, 2 TG, 185 Calories Ingredients: Hops: Chinook, Simcoe, Cascade; Malts: Pale, C-120. Appearance & Aroma: The beer had a Soapy head on it which left some very...
334. Square One Brewery – IPA India Pale Ale
We’ve already stopped at Urban Chestnut, Six Row, and The Stable, so our next stop on our mini tour of St. Louis microbreweries was Square One Brewery. I’ve been here a few times, and there’s something about how these tap handles line up with the arched window that I find artistic. Oh, and the beer here pretty good too. However, much like we discovered at Six Row, it seemed that the selection was limited to the...
331. Six Row Brewing – Double IPA
After having the STLIPA and Winged Nut at Urban Chestnut, my friend Joe and I headed over to Six Row in St. Louis on our “mini-micro tour” (stopping at 3-4 microbreweries today). We were bummed we missed out on their bacon infused “Porked Porter” yesterday. Additionally, their taps seemed a bit limited, as the bartender mentioned that they were preparing for the St. Louis Brewers Heritage Festival next...
330. Urban Chestnut – STLIPA (St. Louis India Pale Ale)
As I mentioned in my last post, I’m in St. Louis doing a “mini-micro tour” (hitting 3-4 microbreweries) with my friend Joe. After lunch, our first stop was Urban Chestnut brewing for a couple beers. They have a very cool set up in an old carriage garage, and both the brewery and bar are new and modern. Joe and I sat at the corner of the bar and had samples of several different beers. They are very, very generous...
311. Blackstone Restaurant & Brewery – White River IPA Draft
This is my second beer here at Blackstone Restaurant & Brewery. I started with the American Pale Ale, which wasn’t as hoppy as I had hoped, but it went pretty good with my burger. Fortunately, I don’t have to travel again until tomorrow, so I stuck around for second beer. Their porter was recommended to me by a friend on Twitter, but I had a craving for hops, and this seemed to be the best option after the American...
307. Harpoon Brewery – Harpoon IPA Draft
I had a nice weekend at home, but I’m back out on the road for work again this week. The storms throughout the Midwest have been awful, so I’m not sure we’re going to get out of DFW on time. That gave us plenty of time to have a nice dinner at Pappadeaux Seafood House in the airport. Fortunately, they had these very large glasses and this Harpoon IPA on tap to pass the time until we find out what time we’ll...
285. (512) Brewing – (512) IPA Draft
When I checked into the Downtown Austin Residence Inn for the beginning of the SXSW Interactive Festival, I got a coupon for a couple free drinks at the attached Champions bar and grill. So, my friend Robert and I headed to the bar before dinner. Fortunately, they had some local brews on tap, so I got a chance to try this local IPA. Numbers: 7% ABV, 65 IBUs Appearance & Aroma: It was a somewhat hazy brown-orange color with a...
282. Widmer Brothers – Broken Halo IPA
I’m still sitting in the Austin, Texas airport, now watching the second half of the Missouri-Kansas game in the bar just outside of security. Unfortunately, my Tigers are down, and it doesn’t look good. However, the bar was almost empty, so I could relax and enjoy sipping on this brew during the second half. After having the Shiner Bohemian Black Lager I was looking for something a bit hoppy. Numbers: 6% ABV, 45 IBUs,...
276. Ballast Point – Sculpin IPA India Pale Ale Draft
Tonight I’m at Fat Jack’s for our monthly steering meeting for the ABNormal Brewers. I like that they usually have some different beers on tap, and tonight was no exception. I felt like something hoppy, so I decided to go for one of the only IPAs on the list. Numbers: 7% ABV, 70 IBUs Appearance & Aroma: It was slightly hazy and golden-straw colored. It had a very thick, creamy, bright-white head on it, which left...
