369. Walnut Brewery – Indian Peaks Pale Ale
Aug30

369. Walnut Brewery – Indian Peaks Pale Ale

We’re on our second day of work in Boulder, Colorado, and stopped at Walnut Brewery.  I was here almost a year ago and stopped at this very same spot and had their St. James Irish Red, and their 1123 Black IPA.  This time I decided to have something a bit lighter and went for their pale ale. According to the menu’s description of this beer, “North American two-row and Pilsen malts are blended to give a pale straw...

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368. Boulder Beer – Barrel Aged Mojo IPA
Aug29

368. Boulder Beer – Barrel Aged Mojo IPA

I’m in Boulder, Colorado for work, and we’re free for the evening.  I was excited to make it back to Boulder in order to try a few beers I couldn’t get back at home in Illinois.  After a stop at Twisted Pine Brewing and trying their Hoppy Boy IPA and Bough Breaker Barleywine, it was time to get some dinner.  Right around the corner was Boulder Beer Company, which had a nice menu and some great beers. They also had a...

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367. Twisted Pine Brewing – Bough Breaker Barleywine
Aug29

367. Twisted Pine Brewing – Bough Breaker Barleywine

As I’ve mentioned, I’m in Boulder, Colorado for work and stopped at Twisted Pine Brewing for a couple of beers.  I started with their flagship IPA, Hoppy Boy, which was a fairly average IPA.  Someone had recommended I try their Barleywine, so I did. According to the brewery, “A dark ruby amber color with a big tan head. BB features a gargantuan amount of Amarillo hops. aroma is flowery, spicy, and  has a distinct orange...

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366. Twisted Pine – Hoppy Boy
Aug29

366. Twisted Pine – Hoppy Boy

I’m in Boulder, Colorado for work and wanted to try to hit a few breweries while here.  After an unsuccessful stop at Upslope Brewing, we headed out for dinner.  Before heading to our dinner location, I asked the group if we could stop at Twisted Pine Brewing for a couple of beers, since I haven’t been able to have any of their beers. According to them, “Hoppy Boy India Pale Ale is the flagship beer of Twisted Pine....

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365. Left Hand Brewing – Oktoberfest Marzen Lager
Aug29

365. Left Hand Brewing – Oktoberfest Marzen Lager

I’m in Boulder, Colorado for a couple of days for work, and I’m hoping to make the most of it by trying a few new brews.  My hotel was on the north side of Boulder and I was excited to see that Upslope Brewing was right around the corner.  I walked down to the brewery, but unfortunately, it wasn’t open.  So I walked down the street and found this little pizza place that had a few local brews available....

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364. Schmaltz Brewing – He’Brew Bittersweet Lenny’s R.I.P.A.
Aug27

364. Schmaltz Brewing – He’Brew Bittersweet Lenny’s R.I.P.A.

As I’ve mentioned in the last several reviews, I was at  Bruegala beer festival in Bloomington, IL.  I had an extra sample ticket left and was looking for something to try.  I’ve always thought Schmaltz beers were pretty solid, and I was looking for something solid and hoppy to leave the event with.  When I got to the table with this beer, I have no idea why the label was on upside down, but it was. Location: Enjoyed a 3oz...

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363. Green Flash Brewing – Hop Head Red Ale
Aug27

363. Green Flash Brewing – Hop Head Red Ale

I’m still at Bruegala beer festival in Bloomington, IL, and I’ve taken the opportunity to try a few new beers.  This is one I’ve had before, but didn’t get a chance to review it.  Ever since I got a recommendation on Twitter from@Lauren_BILLYves – who as it turns out, is Lauren Hinkley, the daughter of Green Flash Brewing founders Mike and Lisa Hinkley, I’ve tried several of their beers, including...

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362. Capital Brewing – Square Series Weizen Doppelbock
Aug26

362. Capital Brewing – Square Series Weizen Doppelbock

I’ve mentioned that I’m at  the Bruegala beer festival and they have several special release beers available.  These are beers that are tough to find around these parts (Central Illinois) and are part of a limited quantity at the event.  Ever since I was contacted by the Brewmaster at Capital Brewery, Kirby Nelson, last year, I’ve tried more of their beers.  So, when I saw this one was available at the event, I went...

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361. Southern Tier – Oak Aged Imperial Unearthly India Pale Ale
Aug26

361. Southern Tier – Oak Aged Imperial Unearthly India Pale Ale

Another special release during the Bruegala beer festival, this one sounded pretty good.  I’ve had several Southern Tier beers, and they do a pretty good job with some big flavored beers.  I made an IPA aged on oak chips once and was surprised by how good the mix of hops and oak flavor tasted.  This one was a much bigger beer, and it didn’t disappoint with an equally big flavor. Location: Enjoyed a 3oz sample, in a...

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360. Two Brothers Brewing – Askew Sour Ale
Aug26

360. Two Brothers Brewing – Askew Sour Ale

During the Bruegala beer festival, they had a few special release beers, which were a few somewhat hard to get a hold of bottles.  This one was one of those beers.  My experiences with sour beers has been mixed, so I wasn’t sure what to expect, but figured that since it was one of the featured beers, I’d give it a try. Location: Enjoyed a 3oz sample, in a sampling glass, at Bruegala in Bloomington, IL. Numbers: 6.5% ABV, ~...

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359. Firestone Walker – Nectar Ales Nectar IPA
Aug26

359. Firestone Walker – Nectar Ales Nectar IPA

As I mentioned in my last post, I’m at the Bruegala beer festival in Bloomington, Illinois.  At this festival, you buy a punch card with so many samples on it, but some beers cost 2-3 punches.  I stopped at the table with Firestone Walker, because their Double Jack was only 1 punch (it’s an incredible beer, review coming later).  While I was there, I noticed these Nectar Ales, also brewed by Firestone Walker.  I thought...

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358. Destihl Restaurant & Brew Works – Hawaii Five-Ale
Aug26

358. Destihl Restaurant & Brew Works – Hawaii Five-Ale

Tonight I’m at Bruegala , our one and only beer tasting festival in the Bloomington-Normal, Illinois area.  I’m working our Abnormal Brewers booth, and helping out Fred, our former president, and current head brewer for Destihl.  I covered his booth for an hour or so, and got a chance to have a few of their beers.  During a slow time, I thought I’d go ahead and review their Hawaii Five-Ale.  This beer came to be as...

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