Shorts Brewery, MI
Sunday, March 08, 2009
Just opened a bottle of Short's Bellaire Brown Ale, a dark, rich and malty American Ale. The malt hits you up front but the beer does finish a little on the sweet side with hints of molasses. Its quite good and one that you could drink a few of.
Shorts is a brewery in Bellaire, MI which is up north, between your pinky and ring finger on your right hand (for all you MI folks who use your hand to give non locals a perspective. The micro brew is quite popular and has a wide range of brews. I have had a few on tap at different bars but they finally got their bottle distribution going and down here in the metro Detroit area. My local wine store Cloverleaf sent out an email on Thursday and by Saturday they had a few six packs left. A few other stores sold out the first day. I was able to pick up a Pale, IPA and Brown which I will be sampling over the next week.
The beer doesn't come close to Bells or Dogfish Head but those breweries are in a different class and very few others can compete. The beer is quite good tho and I highly recommend you try it. One of these days I will get up to the actual brewery.
http://www.shortsbrewing.com/index.htm
Posted by mardenhill 3/08/2009 10:28:00 PM 0 comments
Labels: Beer
Dogfish Head - Theobroma
Monday, February 02, 2009
Dogfish Head, you have made my day once again. The Theobroma rules, its an ale brewed with with Aztec cocoa powder, cocoa nibs , honey, chilies, and annatto (fragrant tree seeds). The recipe comes from a chemical analysis of Honduras pottery dating back to 1200 BC. Like the Midas Touch, the Theobroma looks to recreate drinks from previous civilizations. Ignore the whole cocoa flavor, there is little chocolate going on, mostly honey and chilies which provides a nice heated finish. The beer reminds me of the Rogue Chipolte Ale but is much lighter and actually has a more powerful chili flavor. This is one that I would buy again, I am impressed and highly recommend.
http://www.dogfish.com/brewings/Occasional_Rarities/Theobroma/66/index.htm
Posted by mardenhill 2/02/2009 10:41:00 PM 0 comments
Labels: Beer
Bells Third Coast Old Ale
Monday, January 12, 2009
This weekend I was over at Cloverleaf where I tend to buy much of my beer since they allow you to mix and match and price each bottle accordingly. I came across Bell's Third Coast Old Ale a barley wine that I havn't had in years. Unfortunately I only bought 2 bottles ($2.50) a piece which is really a steal and now they are gone. I guess I will be heading back over soon to pick up some more. Anyways, getting back to the beer, if you have never had an Old Ale, its quite a treat. Its not as heavy as a stout or porter but it does have some unique characteristics. For starters, it packs a punch, the beer comes in at 10% and is only served in a brandy snifter when at the brewery due to liquor laws. 2nd, the flavors are intense, right off the bat you have toasted malt with carmel and molasses. The hops take over and give you a bitter finish but it's not one that is overpowering. The heavy texture coats your tongue and gives a hint of sweetness to savor. You won't be pounding these but many Bell's beers are not meant to. Go to your local beer store and look for the Old Ale. Pick up a 6 pack and drink one now. Have a few later and save the last 2 until next year. At that point revisit and see how much has changed.
Posted by mardenhill 1/12/2009 10:24:00 PM 0 comments
Labels: Beer
Dogfish Head - Punkin Ale
Sunday, September 07, 2008
Well its that time of year again and if you do not know what I am talking about its Punkin Ale time. I was going back thru my posts and this is my 3rd Punkin Ale posting and the 3rd time I have used the same photo. Either I need to find a different photograph or Dogfish Head needs to change their website. Anyways, its the end of summer and beginning of fall which means pumpkin will be everywhere, in coffee, cakes, pie and beer. Yesterday was the beginning of the season for me, I took a trip over to Great Harvest where I had a pumpkin and chocolate chip muffin which was amazing. From there I stopped by Holiday Market to find out when the Punkin Ale would be out and low and behold it was sitting there right in front of me begging to be taken home.
The story doesn't end there and since we are still on the subject of Dogfish Head, I need to tell you about my crazy deal on the Festina Peache summer beer. This is Erika's favorite beer and last year we stocked up on a number of bottles at the end of the season courtesy of Holiday Market. This year I was able to pick up a case of Festina Peache for $39 which is a freakin steal. We are now well stocked for the winter and will be ready for more next summer. We also had some Festina Peache on tap over at the Berkley Front the other nite which is something everyone must try at least once in their lifetime.
Ok, my tangent is over and I am now back to the Punkin Ale. As usual it is a rich amber ale with hints of nutmeg, clove and other fall spices. It surpasses any pumpkin ale on the market and one I will drink for the next couple months.
http://www.dogfish.com/brewings/Seasonal_Beers/Punkin_Ale/3/index.htm
Posted by mardenhill 9/07/2008 10:38:00 PM 0 comments
Labels: Beer
Dogfish Head - Midas Touch
Sunday, August 03, 2008
This is a beer I have been wanting to try for a while but didn't want to spend the money on a 4 pack. Luckily Cloverleaf over in Royal Oak sell single beers and I was able to pick one up. The beer is made from the recipe discovered in King Midas's tomb. The beer contains barley, honey, muscat grapes and saffron and at 9% can pack a punch. It's a lighter ale with a deep golden color and smooth finish. At $12 a 4 pack, its kinda pricey but well worth it. I would definitely buy again and will add it to my list of favorite Dogfish Head beers. Right now its Festina Peche season and come September, Punkin Ale will take its turn. The Punkin Ale is one of my favorite fall pass times, some people have football and I have pumpkin ale.
Posted by mardenhill 8/03/2008 10:12:00 PM 0 comments
Labels: Beer
Dogfish Head Fort
Friday, April 18, 2008
I am still struggling how to explain this one to you. The beer is from Dogfish Head my 2nd favorite microbrew and one of the most unique beers I have ever had. Its a strong ale that is brewed over a ton of pureed raspberries. Upon opening, the smell of fruit is overpowering and can be picked up across the room. The beer itself is both sweet and tart at the same time. The sweetness hits you first but then the alcohol and finish of the raspberries tighten your mouth. Erika didn't get it but for some reason the beer smells like sushi to me. Something about the sweetness of sushi rice and this bottle have something in common. I don't expect anyone else to agree with me but just take my word for it. This isn't an everyday beer either, the bottle itself is the price of a decent bottle of wine. If you are a fan of Belgian Lambics you will find this a worthy adversary and one that should be experienced. Just brewed is the Aprihop an amazing fruit/hop beer and in a few months will be the Festina Peache, a beer that rivals Bell's Oberon.http://www.dogfish.com/brewings/Occasional_Rarities/Fort/23/index.htm
Posted by mardenhill 4/18/2008 06:12:00 PM 0 comments
Labels: Beer
Motor City Brewing Works
Sunday, October 14, 2007
Last nite we checked out the Motor City Brewing Works for a few drinks then over to Traffic Jam for dinner. I've had the beer before but it was the 1st time to the brewery. They are known for their Ghettoblaster, a mild English Ale which was pretty good. I also had the Nut Brown Ale, dark in color but not too heavy. Its not Bells but it's also a nice break from the Woodward Avenue and Royal Oak Breweries which can get bland at times. If you're ever downtown or looking for a new local beverage, check out the Motor City Brewing Works for a much deserved change.
Posted by mardenhill 10/14/2007 07:18:00 PM 0 comments
Dogfish Head Punkin Ale
Thursday, September 13, 2007
Punkin Ale
Availability: Fall
Release Date: September 1st each year
A full-bodied brown ale with smooth hints of pumpkin and brown sugar. Perfect to warm-up with, as the season cools.
7% abv
24 ibu
Tasting Notes: Malty, pumpkin, caramel, brown sugar.
Food Pairing recommendations: Turkey, roasted duck, lamb, stuffing, dessert dumplings.
Glassware recommendation: Pint
Dogfish Head Punkin Ale has approximately 230 calories per 12-ounce serving..............................
Fall is approaching and its time for one of my favorite beers of all time, Pumpkin Ale. These beers are great ambers with a bit of nutmeg, pumpkin and other flavors. There are many cheap imitations out on the market so beware when purchasing. My all time favorite was from a Kalamazoo brew pub who's name is escaping me at this time. Last year that beer was over-ruled by Bells (my favorite brewery) who put out their own Pumpkin Ale. Unfortunately they did not bottle it so you could only enjoy by the glass while sitting in the brewery itself.
We have a wedding at the end of the month in Kalamazoo where we will be making a stop before the reception to have a pint. I can't wait and hope they changed their mind on the whole no bottling.
Fine enough about Bells, I need to get back to the reason of my post and that is Dogfish Head Punkin Ale. It sells for about $9.50 a 4 pack (I know, pricy but its worth it). This beer is full of flavor and the nutmeg explodes in your mouth with each taste. This beer has become my 2nd favorite Pumpkin Ale and 2nd favorite brewery. I have had about 5 of their beers and have yet to be disappointed. So if you are not in MI and near Kalamazoo the new few months, pick up a bottle of Punkin Ale, its a great alternative and something that can be enjoyed on those chilly fall evenings.
http://www.dogfish.com/brewings/Seasonal_Beers/Punkin_Ale/3/index.htm
Posted by mardenhill 9/13/2007 07:09:00 PM 0 comments
Labels: Beer
Dogfish Head Festina Peche
Friday, August 03, 2007
While out in Delaware we went to the Dogfish Head brewery in Rehoboth Beach where we had the Festina Peche. Its a very interesting summer beer, based on an old German style this beer is tart with a bit of sweetness. The beer is cloudy and the nice thing about it is the alcohol level. Its only 4.5% and you can have a few without feeling bloated. I found the beer downriver at Discount Drinks for about $8 a 4 pack and the same beer up in Birmingham at Papa Joes for $11. Yeah its not something you will drink all the time but a few times a summer is worth it.
Its not my Bells but Dogfish is probably the 2nd best microbrew in the country. Check out their website below for the full list of styles. The 2nd link goes into detail on how the beer is made.
http://www.dogfish.com/brewings/Seasonal_Beers/Festina_Peche/56/index.htm
Posted by mardenhill 8/03/2007 10:02:00 PM 0 comments
Labels: Beer
My Day In Kalamazoo
Saturday, January 06, 2007
Erika had a baby shower to attend today in Galesburg which is a city outside of Kalamazoo. Both of us went to college at Western Michigan University which is located in Kalamazoo, one of the best cities in Michigan. I dropped Erika off at her girlfriend's house and got back on the road to head in the Kzoo. 10 minutes later I was at the Kalamazoo Brewing Company (Bells) for a beer. Bells is my favorite beer of all time, it is the best microbrew in the country and I would say the best in the world. Half my college career was spent at the brewery and I still drink their beer to this day. Unfortunately they didn't have wi-fi so I had a beer and took off. The beer I had was their Thumpin Pumpkin, by far the best pumpkin ale I have ever had. I used to think Old Penninsula, a small microbrew/restaurant in Kzoo had the best, but not anymore. Bell just started up a pumpkin ale this November and I loved it. They don't bottle it so its only at the brewery which is disappointing. Bells also has a kitchen but its open and staffed by a bunch of dirty hippies with dreads so I decided i would skip lunch.
Posted by mardenhill 1/06/2007 02:25:00 PM 0 comments
Bell's Lager
Monday, October 16, 2006
The Kalamazoo Brewing Company, Inc has now changed its name to Bell's Brewing Company, Inc after the founder Larry Bell. The beer has always been known as Bells but the brewery is located in Kalamazoo, MI hence the original name. As a brewery, it has been around for over 20 years and is the best beer on the planet hands down. No other beer can come close to the greatness that is Bells. OK, I can't really prove the last 2 statements but just take my word.
If you ever find yourself driving down 94 on your way to Chicago, get off at exit 81 and head to the brewery.
This weekend I received a 6 pack of Bell's Lager for my birthday and I was suprised on how good it was. Bells has always specialized in ales, porters and stouts but left the lagers alone. Well they decided to brew one and bottle it. Its light and crisp but carries a bit of a punch so don't think its some budweiser knockoff.
Now that summer is over, Oberon will have to wait til next year. Now its time for Amber, Best Brown, Two Hearted Ale and Kalamazoo Stout to carry us thru the winter months.
http://www.bellsbeer.com/default.asp
Posted by mardenhill 10/16/2006 10:07:00 AM 1 comments
Labels: Beer
Punkin Time......
Tuesday, October 03, 2006
I love October, not just because its my birthday month but for all that Fall brings us. You have the cider mills, changing leaves, vest wearing weather and my favorite thing, pumpkin ale. I have tried a wide range of these and the best by far is the one from Old Peninsula in Kalamazoo. They serve it on draft which makes a big difference. This year I tried Dogfish Head's Punkin Ale which has the character of an amber with a bit of spice added in. The flavor was great but I think a bit more spice could have been added to the beer. I am a pumpkin lover so give me all the clove, cinnamon and nutmeg you got. Dogfish comes from Delaware and has a great line of microbrews. If you have never had one of these great brews you are missing out. Run to your nearest good beer store and pick some up, you won't be disappointed.
http://www.dogfish.com/
Posted by mardenhill 10/03/2006 08:56:00 AM 0 comments
Labels: Beer
