CRAFT BEER REVIEWS
Oskar Blues "Pinner Throwback IPA"
▪️Brewer: @OskarBlues (Longmont, CO)
▪️Beer: Pinner Throwback IPA
▪️Style: India Pale Ale
▪️Alc. Content: 4.9% ABV (35 IBU)
▪️The Verdict: "Say man, you got a joint? (Not on me) Be a lot cooler if you did." We all know the famous line from Dazed and Confused, but how many of you self proclaimed potheads know what a "Pinner" is? Not gonna lie, this one went over my head too... After checking with my trusty sources at Urban Dictionary, I found out a "Pinner" is in fact NOT an old wooden ship used in civil war times, but rather a tightly rolled joint characterized by being light on the maraweena. At 4.9% ABV, Pinner is a low alcohol session beer named after a low marijuana joint. Get it?! Okay good cause Oskar Blues isn’t much for subtlety; above the can’s logo is the question: “Can I be blunt?”
Leave it to Colorado to take advantage of the green rush and craft a brew that appeals to stoners. Oskar Blues founder, Dale Katechis, explained in his interview with The Cannabist that "the hop character and the aroma of their beers has always reminded people of cannabis. The cannabis plant and hop flower, are both in the family of cannabaceae, and the aromas are very similar.”
Pinner pours a brilliant golden color with LOUD, DANK notes of citrus and pineapple. What I enjoyed most about Pinner was how clean and smooth it was on the finish which makes it a perfect brew to "throwback" in bunches when you're GRILLING with your BUDS this summer. ▪️M&F Rating: 8.4
-akidnamedCAL
▪️Beer: Pinner Throwback IPA
▪️Style: India Pale Ale
▪️Alc. Content: 4.9% ABV (35 IBU)
▪️The Verdict: "Say man, you got a joint? (Not on me) Be a lot cooler if you did." We all know the famous line from Dazed and Confused, but how many of you self proclaimed potheads know what a "Pinner" is? Not gonna lie, this one went over my head too... After checking with my trusty sources at Urban Dictionary, I found out a "Pinner" is in fact NOT an old wooden ship used in civil war times, but rather a tightly rolled joint characterized by being light on the maraweena. At 4.9% ABV, Pinner is a low alcohol session beer named after a low marijuana joint. Get it?! Okay good cause Oskar Blues isn’t much for subtlety; above the can’s logo is the question: “Can I be blunt?”
Leave it to Colorado to take advantage of the green rush and craft a brew that appeals to stoners. Oskar Blues founder, Dale Katechis, explained in his interview with The Cannabist that "the hop character and the aroma of their beers has always reminded people of cannabis. The cannabis plant and hop flower, are both in the family of cannabaceae, and the aromas are very similar.”
Pinner pours a brilliant golden color with LOUD, DANK notes of citrus and pineapple. What I enjoyed most about Pinner was how clean and smooth it was on the finish which makes it a perfect brew to "throwback" in bunches when you're GRILLING with your BUDS this summer. ▪️M&F Rating: 8.4
-akidnamedCAL
Brooklyn "Pennant Ale '55"
▪️Brewer: @BrooklynBrewery (Brooklyn, NY)
▪️Beer: Pennant Ale '55
▪️Style: English Pale Ale
▪️Alc. Content: 5.0% ABV (24 IBU)
▪️The Verdict: I'm not gonna lie, this winter was rough on me, but with the weather finally turning, it's time to report to Spring Training. I might've shown up looking like a white, slightly more athletic Pablo Sandoval who can actually touch his toes, but that didn't stop me from polishing off a few of this week's craft beer, Brooklyn Brewery's Pennant Ale '55. This beer commemorates the Brooklyn Dodgers World Series upset over the NY Yankees in 1955. Anytime we can celebrate a Yankee's loss is good in my book. This English Style Pale Ale is solid prospect in Brooklyn's deep farm system. Pennant pours a beautiful amber color and right off the bat you get hints of caramel and a biscuity notes. The full malt flavor is balanced with a clean hop background. Pennant Ale utilizes English hops which provide moderate bitterness. The superior drinkability of this brew makes this a session-able ale that even Wade Boggs would be proud of... And if it's good enough for Wade Boggs it's good enough for me. ▪️M&F Rating: 7.6
-akidnamedCAL
Here are my Top 5 Fat Baseball Players:
▪️Beer: Pennant Ale '55
▪️Style: English Pale Ale
▪️Alc. Content: 5.0% ABV (24 IBU)
▪️The Verdict: I'm not gonna lie, this winter was rough on me, but with the weather finally turning, it's time to report to Spring Training. I might've shown up looking like a white, slightly more athletic Pablo Sandoval who can actually touch his toes, but that didn't stop me from polishing off a few of this week's craft beer, Brooklyn Brewery's Pennant Ale '55. This beer commemorates the Brooklyn Dodgers World Series upset over the NY Yankees in 1955. Anytime we can celebrate a Yankee's loss is good in my book. This English Style Pale Ale is solid prospect in Brooklyn's deep farm system. Pennant pours a beautiful amber color and right off the bat you get hints of caramel and a biscuity notes. The full malt flavor is balanced with a clean hop background. Pennant Ale utilizes English hops which provide moderate bitterness. The superior drinkability of this brew makes this a session-able ale that even Wade Boggs would be proud of... And if it's good enough for Wade Boggs it's good enough for me. ▪️M&F Rating: 7.6
-akidnamedCAL
Here are my Top 5 Fat Baseball Players:
Revolution "Anti-Hero IPA"
▪️Brewer: @RevBrewChicago (Chicago, IL)
▪️Beer: Anti-Hero IPA
▪️Style: American IPA
▪️Alc Content: 6.5% (70 IBU)
▪️The Verdict: Villains. There's just something alluring about Congressman who commit murder (House of Cards), innocent soccer moms who grow weed (Weeds) and Forensics Analysts who are serial killers (Dexter). Given the choice, I'd choose to drink a beer with Walter White over Chuck Norris any day of the week. I've always been a sucker for a good anti-hero which leads me to this week's craft beer, Revolution Brewery's Anti Hero IPA. Based out of the Windy City, Anti-Hero has become the hometown hero and drink of choice in Chicago since its inception in 2010. This brew screams American IPA. Revolution calls Anti-Hero a “Hop Assault” which, based on smell alone, is right on. This thing smells incredible. It pours a dark copper color you get strong hints of citrus, pine, and mango right off the bat. Plenty of happiness is packed into this 12 oz can that's for sure.
Anti-Hero manages to hit all the right notes in terms of what a traditional IPA should be and will definitely find its way into my summer rotation. This is a great IPA and any fan of the style owes it to themselves to try this out.
▪️M&F Rating: 8.8
P.S. Flynn is such a fucking pussy, how did Walter White breed such a flaming squid? Nothing pisses me off more than lisps and people who can't hold their booze.
-akidnamedCAL
Brooklyn "Defender IPA"
▪️Brewer: @BrooklynBrewery (Brooklyn, NY)
▪️Beer: Defender IPA
▪️Style: Red IPA
▪️Alc. Content: 6.7% ABV (67 IBU)
▪️The Verdict: Where Brooklyn at? As a borough of New York City, Brooklyn is known for its distinct culture, which has been shaped and molded by the vibrant, independent art scene. Deep within the 'concrete jungle' on 11th Street stands one of the most unheralded independent breweries on the east coast and the home of this week's craft beer, Brooklyn Brewery. Debuted in September 2015 as partnership with the famous NY Comic Con week, Defender IPA is a juicy, West Coast style IPA that takes on a reddish twist from a dash of roasted malt. In a world full of bland, tasteless beer Defender IPA is a modern day superhero, here to save your tastebuds one sip at a time. Bold, fruity hop bitterness lead the way into a dry finish that blazes the trail for your next sip. I guess not all superheroes wear capes.
▪️M&F Rating: 8.4
-akidnamedCAL
Watch the full Comic Con Trailer below!
▪️Beer: Defender IPA
▪️Style: Red IPA
▪️Alc. Content: 6.7% ABV (67 IBU)
▪️The Verdict: Where Brooklyn at? As a borough of New York City, Brooklyn is known for its distinct culture, which has been shaped and molded by the vibrant, independent art scene. Deep within the 'concrete jungle' on 11th Street stands one of the most unheralded independent breweries on the east coast and the home of this week's craft beer, Brooklyn Brewery. Debuted in September 2015 as partnership with the famous NY Comic Con week, Defender IPA is a juicy, West Coast style IPA that takes on a reddish twist from a dash of roasted malt. In a world full of bland, tasteless beer Defender IPA is a modern day superhero, here to save your tastebuds one sip at a time. Bold, fruity hop bitterness lead the way into a dry finish that blazes the trail for your next sip. I guess not all superheroes wear capes.
▪️M&F Rating: 8.4
-akidnamedCAL
Watch the full Comic Con Trailer below!
Samuel Adams "Rebel Raw Double IPA"
▪️Brewer: @SamuelAdamsBeer (Boston, MA)
▪️Beer: Rebel Raw
▪️Style: Imperial Double IPA
▪️Alc. Content: 10.0% ABV (100 IBU)
▪️The Verdict: PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT: Samuel Adams FINALLY made a beer catering to serious hop heads. If you've been around the beer culture long enough, you've probably had your share of Boston Lager's, Oktoberfest's, or Summer Ale's on your road to beer connoisseurship. We all have. Lately, Samuel Adams has been feeling the pressure to go happier and expand its portfolio to keep up with the ever evolving craft beer market, slowly adapting with offerings such as its Rebel IPA line. Although they've had some major success and have been a mainstay in the craft beer game for decades, their offerings are usually met with a tepid response from beer geeks. Rebel Raw should NOT be ignored. Rivaling legendary brews like the infamous "Heady Topper" and "Pliny Elder", it is a Double IPA with serious hop presence. Unfiltered and brewed with six varieties of hops, it’s a a frothy, dark orange brew that smells sweet and piney while tasting more of bitter citrus. Don’t let the name or the 100 IBUs fool you...despite being hoppier than Rebel Rouser’s 85 IBUs, Raw is not lip-puckeringly bitter and at 10% ABV, it’s surprisingly drinkable, especially since it comes in a 16 oz. tallboy. Unfortunately, Rebel Raw has an extremely limited, 35 day shelf life and because freshness is extremely important for Double IPA's, Samuel Adams pulls it off the shelf after 35 days. If you're a beer geek and can't get your hands on a Heady Topper, this is a viable replacement... And that is saying A LOT. Like the can says: "Keep cool. Drink NOW."
▪️M&F Rating: 8.7
▪️Beer: Rebel Raw
▪️Style: Imperial Double IPA
▪️Alc. Content: 10.0% ABV (100 IBU)
▪️The Verdict: PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT: Samuel Adams FINALLY made a beer catering to serious hop heads. If you've been around the beer culture long enough, you've probably had your share of Boston Lager's, Oktoberfest's, or Summer Ale's on your road to beer connoisseurship. We all have. Lately, Samuel Adams has been feeling the pressure to go happier and expand its portfolio to keep up with the ever evolving craft beer market, slowly adapting with offerings such as its Rebel IPA line. Although they've had some major success and have been a mainstay in the craft beer game for decades, their offerings are usually met with a tepid response from beer geeks. Rebel Raw should NOT be ignored. Rivaling legendary brews like the infamous "Heady Topper" and "Pliny Elder", it is a Double IPA with serious hop presence. Unfiltered and brewed with six varieties of hops, it’s a a frothy, dark orange brew that smells sweet and piney while tasting more of bitter citrus. Don’t let the name or the 100 IBUs fool you...despite being hoppier than Rebel Rouser’s 85 IBUs, Raw is not lip-puckeringly bitter and at 10% ABV, it’s surprisingly drinkable, especially since it comes in a 16 oz. tallboy. Unfortunately, Rebel Raw has an extremely limited, 35 day shelf life and because freshness is extremely important for Double IPA's, Samuel Adams pulls it off the shelf after 35 days. If you're a beer geek and can't get your hands on a Heady Topper, this is a viable replacement... And that is saying A LOT. Like the can says: "Keep cool. Drink NOW."
▪️M&F Rating: 8.7
Sixpoint "Bengali IPA"
▪️Brewer: @Sixpoint Brewery (Brooklyn, NY)
▪️Beer: Bengali IPA
▪️Style: India Pale Ale
▪️Alc. Content: 6.5% ABV (69 IBU)
▪️The Verdict: Sometimes in life you just stumble upon greatness, sorta like randomly coming across a #MoviesandFood post on Instagram. Well this past weekend I blindly stumbled upon this week's craft beer: Sixpoint Brewery's Bengali IPA. Unbeknownst to me at the time, I unsuspectingly discovered my new favorite IPA, dethroning a longtime favorite of mine, Ballast Point's Grapefruit Sculpin. It was love at first sip.
You know that old saying "if you come at the king, you best not miss." Sixpoint went for the jugular on this one and connected like a Connor McGregor left hook. Bengali IPA pours a blaze orange color with a thick, frothy white head and the blissful citrus aromas ignite the tastebuds immediately upon opening. It was surprisingly light for an IPA at 6.5% ABV and the big juicy tangerine flavor is refreshing as it gets. They say you can usually judge a brewery from the quality of their IPA. As a new brewery hailing from Brooklyn, Sixpoint has gained a bit of a reputation as a "hipster" brewery and you get that vibe from its sleek can, but their IPA certainly delivers here. As a small micro brewery, distribution of Sixpoint's lineup is quite limited. Luckily I live 0.2 miles from one of the few stores that carries it around Boston. Sometimes greatness just finds you...
▪️M&F Rating: 9.4
Cue one of my favorite Omar lines from The Wire!
▪️Beer: Bengali IPA
▪️Style: India Pale Ale
▪️Alc. Content: 6.5% ABV (69 IBU)
▪️The Verdict: Sometimes in life you just stumble upon greatness, sorta like randomly coming across a #MoviesandFood post on Instagram. Well this past weekend I blindly stumbled upon this week's craft beer: Sixpoint Brewery's Bengali IPA. Unbeknownst to me at the time, I unsuspectingly discovered my new favorite IPA, dethroning a longtime favorite of mine, Ballast Point's Grapefruit Sculpin. It was love at first sip.
You know that old saying "if you come at the king, you best not miss." Sixpoint went for the jugular on this one and connected like a Connor McGregor left hook. Bengali IPA pours a blaze orange color with a thick, frothy white head and the blissful citrus aromas ignite the tastebuds immediately upon opening. It was surprisingly light for an IPA at 6.5% ABV and the big juicy tangerine flavor is refreshing as it gets. They say you can usually judge a brewery from the quality of their IPA. As a new brewery hailing from Brooklyn, Sixpoint has gained a bit of a reputation as a "hipster" brewery and you get that vibe from its sleek can, but their IPA certainly delivers here. As a small micro brewery, distribution of Sixpoint's lineup is quite limited. Luckily I live 0.2 miles from one of the few stores that carries it around Boston. Sometimes greatness just finds you...
▪️M&F Rating: 9.4
Cue one of my favorite Omar lines from The Wire!
Samuel Adams "Rebel Grapefruit IPA"
▪️Brewer: @SamuelAdamsBeer (Boston, MA)
▪️Beer: Rebel Grapefruit IPA
▪️Style: American IPA
▪️Alc. Content: 6.3% ABV (52 IBU)
▪️The Verdict: The best thing about winter is absolutely nothing at all. There’s no better way to convince yourself that life will eventually have meaning again than by stuffing your face full of clementines as you wait for the sun to go down at about 4:30 at which time you can finally make yourself a whiskey grapefruit without feeling like a complete degenerate. If you suffer from SAD (seasonal affective disorder) this week's craft beer offers a glimmer of hope. Luckily, the good folks at Samuel Adams have recently begun offering vitamin c and some summertime hope in convenient beer form! Rebel Grapefruit is the newest member of their West Coast inspired line of IPAs, joining Rebel, Rebel Rouser (Double IPA), Rebel Rider Session IPA), and Rebel Raw (10 % ABV). When prescribed correctly, grapefruit can perfectly accent the natural citrus notes of many popular IPA hops. Overdose however and you end up with a shandy situation. Rebel Grapefruit has an ideal dose of extra citrus kick while remaining true to itself. Its strong, slightly sweet grapefruit aroma is balanced by a lemony pine bitterness and just enough malt, making it a very approachable IPA and the perfect temporary antidote to your seasonal depression.
▪️M&F Rating: 8.3
▪️Beer: Rebel Grapefruit IPA
▪️Style: American IPA
▪️Alc. Content: 6.3% ABV (52 IBU)
▪️The Verdict: The best thing about winter is absolutely nothing at all. There’s no better way to convince yourself that life will eventually have meaning again than by stuffing your face full of clementines as you wait for the sun to go down at about 4:30 at which time you can finally make yourself a whiskey grapefruit without feeling like a complete degenerate. If you suffer from SAD (seasonal affective disorder) this week's craft beer offers a glimmer of hope. Luckily, the good folks at Samuel Adams have recently begun offering vitamin c and some summertime hope in convenient beer form! Rebel Grapefruit is the newest member of their West Coast inspired line of IPAs, joining Rebel, Rebel Rouser (Double IPA), Rebel Rider Session IPA), and Rebel Raw (10 % ABV). When prescribed correctly, grapefruit can perfectly accent the natural citrus notes of many popular IPA hops. Overdose however and you end up with a shandy situation. Rebel Grapefruit has an ideal dose of extra citrus kick while remaining true to itself. Its strong, slightly sweet grapefruit aroma is balanced by a lemony pine bitterness and just enough malt, making it a very approachable IPA and the perfect temporary antidote to your seasonal depression.
▪️M&F Rating: 8.3
Kentucky "Bourbon Barrel Ale"
▪️Brewer: @KentuckyAle (Lexington, KY)
▪️Beer: Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Ale
▪️Style: English Strong Ale
▪️Alc Content: 8.2% (15 IBU)
▪️The Verdict: Happy FeBREWary you boozebags! If you're a good friend of Jack Daniels but are looking for something to sip on outside of the whiskey family, I've got something special for you. Award-winning Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Ale is this week's selection. Weighing in at a strong 8.2% ABV, it's a unique sipping beer with the distinctive nose of a well crafted bourbon. It's aged for up to six weeks in bourbon barrels giving it the subtle yet familiar flavors of vanilla and oak as it rests in the charred barrels. Pleasantly smooth and robust, Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Ale may also be served as an after-dinner drink. Launched in 2006, it has grown to become the flagship beer of Alltech, the premier name in barrel-aged beers. I could definitely see myself sipping one of these while puffing a fine Cubano Cigar on a cold Winters night as I ponder my next blog.
▪️M&F Rating: 8.2
▪️Beer: Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Ale
▪️Style: English Strong Ale
▪️Alc Content: 8.2% (15 IBU)
▪️The Verdict: Happy FeBREWary you boozebags! If you're a good friend of Jack Daniels but are looking for something to sip on outside of the whiskey family, I've got something special for you. Award-winning Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Ale is this week's selection. Weighing in at a strong 8.2% ABV, it's a unique sipping beer with the distinctive nose of a well crafted bourbon. It's aged for up to six weeks in bourbon barrels giving it the subtle yet familiar flavors of vanilla and oak as it rests in the charred barrels. Pleasantly smooth and robust, Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Ale may also be served as an after-dinner drink. Launched in 2006, it has grown to become the flagship beer of Alltech, the premier name in barrel-aged beers. I could definitely see myself sipping one of these while puffing a fine Cubano Cigar on a cold Winters night as I ponder my next blog.
▪️M&F Rating: 8.2
Wormtown "Be Hoppy IPA"
▪️Brewer: @WormtownBrewery (Worcester, MA)
▪️Beer: Be Hoppy IPA
▪️Style: India Pale Ale
▪️Alc. Content: 6.5% ABV (70 IBU)
▪️The Verdict: Wormtown population you bro! This week's craft beer is brought to you by Wormtown Brewery based out of Worcester, MA. Their flagship beer, "Be Hoppy IPA" will certainly put a smile on your face. Being from Massachusetts I was initially surprised that I haven't stumbled across it being that Worcester is only 35 minutes away, but being that it is one of the most coveted brews in all of Massachusetts, I'm not surprised at all. If you don't believe me, try to find it! Weighing in at 70 IBUs, this brew packs a strong hint of citrus into some intensely bitter hops. Be Hoppy is Wormtown's take on the Left Coast IPA with huge aromatics and big citrus forward flavors from the copious amount of hops used during their "double dry hop" process. Not sure exactly what that means but it sure sounds good and tastes even better! Don't worry, Be Hoppy. ▪️M&F Rating: 9.1
▪️Beer: Be Hoppy IPA
▪️Style: India Pale Ale
▪️Alc. Content: 6.5% ABV (70 IBU)
▪️The Verdict: Wormtown population you bro! This week's craft beer is brought to you by Wormtown Brewery based out of Worcester, MA. Their flagship beer, "Be Hoppy IPA" will certainly put a smile on your face. Being from Massachusetts I was initially surprised that I haven't stumbled across it being that Worcester is only 35 minutes away, but being that it is one of the most coveted brews in all of Massachusetts, I'm not surprised at all. If you don't believe me, try to find it! Weighing in at 70 IBUs, this brew packs a strong hint of citrus into some intensely bitter hops. Be Hoppy is Wormtown's take on the Left Coast IPA with huge aromatics and big citrus forward flavors from the copious amount of hops used during their "double dry hop" process. Not sure exactly what that means but it sure sounds good and tastes even better! Don't worry, Be Hoppy. ▪️M&F Rating: 9.1
Sixpoint Resin
▪️Brewer: @Sixpoint Brewery (Brooklyn, NY)
▪️Beer: Resin
▪️Style: Double IPA
▪️Alc. Content: 9.1% ABV (103 IBU)
▪️The Verdict: If you're lazy like me you like things that streamline your life, cut out the middle man, and just make life more easy. Efficiency is key. With the shitty cold weather months in full force and sunlight at a premium, you need something that is not only get you buzzed quickly, but also taste pretty damn good doing it. This week's selection, Sixpoint Brewery's "Resin" Double IPA, will do just that. I promise you.
Sixpoint introduced Resin back in 2012 and has since made it a year round offering. Weighing in at a hefty 9.1% ABV, a few of these will have you warmed up in no time. Resin is a hop forward beer that celebrates the extraction of hop resin for a concentrated yet balanced brew. The beer is simply infused with massive quantities of hop aroma and flavor, and really needs to be experienced to be believed. It truly lives up to what a double IPA should be, and then some. So next time you're snowed in, hopeless and lonely, do yourself a favor and stock up on some Resin. You'll thank me later. ▪️M&F Rating: 9.0
▪️Beer: Resin
▪️Style: Double IPA
▪️Alc. Content: 9.1% ABV (103 IBU)
▪️The Verdict: If you're lazy like me you like things that streamline your life, cut out the middle man, and just make life more easy. Efficiency is key. With the shitty cold weather months in full force and sunlight at a premium, you need something that is not only get you buzzed quickly, but also taste pretty damn good doing it. This week's selection, Sixpoint Brewery's "Resin" Double IPA, will do just that. I promise you.
Sixpoint introduced Resin back in 2012 and has since made it a year round offering. Weighing in at a hefty 9.1% ABV, a few of these will have you warmed up in no time. Resin is a hop forward beer that celebrates the extraction of hop resin for a concentrated yet balanced brew. The beer is simply infused with massive quantities of hop aroma and flavor, and really needs to be experienced to be believed. It truly lives up to what a double IPA should be, and then some. So next time you're snowed in, hopeless and lonely, do yourself a favor and stock up on some Resin. You'll thank me later. ▪️M&F Rating: 9.0
Ballast Point "Habanero Sculpin"
▪️Brewer: @BallastPointBrewing (San Diego, CA)
▪️Beer: Habanero Sculpin
▪️Style: India Pale Ale
▪️Alc. Content: 7.0% ABV (70 IBU)
▪️The Verdict: Momma always said "Life is like a box of chocolates; you never know what you're gon' get." She also said "variety is the spice of life" so that's what I'm giving you I this week's edition of #CraftBeerWedenesday. Everyone knows about Ballast Point's award winning "Sculpin IPA". Habanero Sculpin is one of two flavor variations of Ballast Point’s world famous Sculpin IPA, the other being Grapefruit, which registered a 9.4/10 back in July. It’s simply Sculpin brewed with fresh habanero peppers, with an abv of 7%. Sculpin bite, but this beer has some serious kick. You could tell this was my first pepper flavored beer when I nearly chocked on my first gulp. It pours the same copper orange color as the Sculpin IPA. The habanero peppers make a loud first impression on the nose upon opening. The habanero is present immediately and the flavor from the pepper and heat dominate, with a lingering mouthfeel. Even as a spice lover, I had a tough time downing a few of these. It's definitely a good beer, but in terms of drinkability Habanero Sculpin does not fair well. It's something to try and knock off your beer drinking bucket list, but I'd leave it at that.
▪️M&F Rating: 7.2
▪️Beer: Habanero Sculpin
▪️Style: India Pale Ale
▪️Alc. Content: 7.0% ABV (70 IBU)
▪️The Verdict: Momma always said "Life is like a box of chocolates; you never know what you're gon' get." She also said "variety is the spice of life" so that's what I'm giving you I this week's edition of #CraftBeerWedenesday. Everyone knows about Ballast Point's award winning "Sculpin IPA". Habanero Sculpin is one of two flavor variations of Ballast Point’s world famous Sculpin IPA, the other being Grapefruit, which registered a 9.4/10 back in July. It’s simply Sculpin brewed with fresh habanero peppers, with an abv of 7%. Sculpin bite, but this beer has some serious kick. You could tell this was my first pepper flavored beer when I nearly chocked on my first gulp. It pours the same copper orange color as the Sculpin IPA. The habanero peppers make a loud first impression on the nose upon opening. The habanero is present immediately and the flavor from the pepper and heat dominate, with a lingering mouthfeel. Even as a spice lover, I had a tough time downing a few of these. It's definitely a good beer, but in terms of drinkability Habanero Sculpin does not fair well. It's something to try and knock off your beer drinking bucket list, but I'd leave it at that.
▪️M&F Rating: 7.2
Guinness "Nitro IPA"
▪️Brewer: @Guinness Ltd. (Dublin, Ireland)
▪️Beer: Nitro IPA
▪️Style: English India Pale Ale
▪️Alc. Content: 5.8 %
▪️The Verdict: Gimmicks and fads are here one day, gone the next. Take the shake weight, wild cat offense and skinny jeans for example. Some things just don't have the staying power. "Going nitro" is no different. Unlike most beers which utilize carbon dioxide, nitro beers use nitrogen which means tinier bubbles with a creamier, smoother taste to it i.e. Guinness Stout. Craft outfits like Sierra Nevada Brewing, Sixpoint Brewery, and Yards Brewing Company are adding nitro to their arsenals so it wasn't a surprise that Guinness joined the party adding a Nitro IPA of their own (their first ever). It pours a copper color with the same distinct head as the infamous Guinness Stout. Upon drinking, this was not what I was expecting. Although labeled an IPA it does not have the same hoppy profile of a typical IPA. Although it did have the creamy mouthfeel of a nitro beer that you would expect, it tasted watery and flat. With the Guinness name on it I expected a lot more. Unless you like to experiment, pass on this one. This is nothing more than a novelty item; here today, gone tomorrow.
▪️M&F Rating: 6.8
▪️Beer: Nitro IPA
▪️Style: English India Pale Ale
▪️Alc. Content: 5.8 %
▪️The Verdict: Gimmicks and fads are here one day, gone the next. Take the shake weight, wild cat offense and skinny jeans for example. Some things just don't have the staying power. "Going nitro" is no different. Unlike most beers which utilize carbon dioxide, nitro beers use nitrogen which means tinier bubbles with a creamier, smoother taste to it i.e. Guinness Stout. Craft outfits like Sierra Nevada Brewing, Sixpoint Brewery, and Yards Brewing Company are adding nitro to their arsenals so it wasn't a surprise that Guinness joined the party adding a Nitro IPA of their own (their first ever). It pours a copper color with the same distinct head as the infamous Guinness Stout. Upon drinking, this was not what I was expecting. Although labeled an IPA it does not have the same hoppy profile of a typical IPA. Although it did have the creamy mouthfeel of a nitro beer that you would expect, it tasted watery and flat. With the Guinness name on it I expected a lot more. Unless you like to experiment, pass on this one. This is nothing more than a novelty item; here today, gone tomorrow.
▪️M&F Rating: 6.8
Traveler Jolly Traveler Winter Shandy
▪️Brewer: @TravelerBeer (Burlington, VT)
▪️Beer: Jolly Traveler Winter Shandy
▪️Style: Shandy
▪️Alc. Content: 4.4% (7 IBU)
▪️The Verdict: Fun Fact: According to a #MoviesandFood HR survey, 63% of workplace firings stem from getting too "loose" at holiday work parties. Well, I have no real data to back that up but I digress. Stats are for losers. At 4.4% ABV, this week's selection is a brew you can suck back in volume without getting wasted and telling your boss to go sit on a sword. Back during my Flavor of Fall Tour, I was pleasantly surprised with Traveler’s Jack-O Shandy. I’m not normally a shandy drinker – because I'm so manly of course – but the Jack-O Shandy, and before it Narragansett’s Del’s Shandy, have flipped my opinion on the style. That being said, I was curious about how Traveler's Jolly Traveler Shandy would stack up. Pours a bright copper color with red highlights and, upon opening, you get strong hints of orange and pomegranate. This blend was labeled a "winter warmer" so I was surprised that it had so much of a tropical fruit twist to it, almost candy-like. Jolly Traveler is not your typical dark, heavy seasonal winter brew. It would definitely appeal to anyone who likes to mix it up with something on the sweeter side, but doesn't enjoy the heft of a stout or porter. I could see myself drinking this around the holidays or at a Christmas party. So make the responsible decision this year, skip the spiked egg nog and pick up a sixer of Jolly Traveler instead.
▪️M&F Rating: 8.1
Rogue "Pumpkin Patch Ale"
▪️Brewer: @RogueAles (Newport, OR)
▪️Beer: Pumpkin Patch Ale
▪️Style: Pumpkin Beer
▪️Alc. Content: 5.6% (25 IBU)
▪️The Verdict: Last weekend I had the great pleasure of exploring the Craft Beer Cellar in Westford, MA. If you like beer and haven't been I feel bad for you. Highly recommend it. In honor of Columbus Day, I pillaged that place like Christopher Columbus in his prime (by pillage I mean I spent way too much money) After my indecisive self wandered around aimlessly for hours I stumbled across Rogue's Pumpkin Patch Ale. Continuing my Flavor of Fall Tour, Rogue did not disappoint with this one. Fresh pumpkin is key, and Rogue Pumpkin Patch has loads of that. Plucked from Rogue's very own pumpkin patch, the fresh pumpkin aroma jumps right out at you upon opening. It has a nice toasty, malt flavor with moderate pumpkin spice that didn't dominate the beer but rather blends nice with creamy malt flavor. This was definitely my top pumpkin style beer to date. I guess not all who wander are lost.
▪️M&F Rating: 8.8
▪️Beer: Pumpkin Patch Ale
▪️Style: Pumpkin Beer
▪️Alc. Content: 5.6% (25 IBU)
▪️The Verdict: Last weekend I had the great pleasure of exploring the Craft Beer Cellar in Westford, MA. If you like beer and haven't been I feel bad for you. Highly recommend it. In honor of Columbus Day, I pillaged that place like Christopher Columbus in his prime (by pillage I mean I spent way too much money) After my indecisive self wandered around aimlessly for hours I stumbled across Rogue's Pumpkin Patch Ale. Continuing my Flavor of Fall Tour, Rogue did not disappoint with this one. Fresh pumpkin is key, and Rogue Pumpkin Patch has loads of that. Plucked from Rogue's very own pumpkin patch, the fresh pumpkin aroma jumps right out at you upon opening. It has a nice toasty, malt flavor with moderate pumpkin spice that didn't dominate the beer but rather blends nice with creamy malt flavor. This was definitely my top pumpkin style beer to date. I guess not all who wander are lost.
▪️M&F Rating: 8.8
Narragansett "Del's Shandy"
▪️Brewer: Narraganset Beer Co. (Providence, RI)
▪️Beer: Del's Shandy
▪️Style: Lemon Shandy
▪️Alc. Content: 4.7% ABV (14 IBU)
▪️Food Pairing: Fish & Chips
▪️The Verdict: There's just something special about mashups. The concept of fusing together two completely different things, whether it be ingredients, genres, whatever to create something unique & authentic is always intriguing (Youtube Kygo x Ed Sheeran x Biggie - 'I See Fire' -- you'll thank me later). Sometimes you gotta be open to new ideas & drink outside the box. In steps this week's #CraftBeer, Naragannset's "Del's Shandy". For those unaware, a "shandy" is a beer mixed with a soft drink or carbonated lemonade, orange juice, ginger ale etc. In 2014, Narraganset, decided to partner up with Rhode Island's famous beverage company, Del's Lemonade, as part of their "Hi-Nighbor" promotion. The result was a very smooth, perfectly mixed shandy that has just the right balance of malty sweetness and citrus tartness. The two play off of each other very well making the it the ultimate summertime refresher.
▪️M&F Rating: 7.8
▪️Beer: Del's Shandy
▪️Style: Lemon Shandy
▪️Alc. Content: 4.7% ABV (14 IBU)
▪️Food Pairing: Fish & Chips
▪️The Verdict: There's just something special about mashups. The concept of fusing together two completely different things, whether it be ingredients, genres, whatever to create something unique & authentic is always intriguing (Youtube Kygo x Ed Sheeran x Biggie - 'I See Fire' -- you'll thank me later). Sometimes you gotta be open to new ideas & drink outside the box. In steps this week's #CraftBeer, Naragannset's "Del's Shandy". For those unaware, a "shandy" is a beer mixed with a soft drink or carbonated lemonade, orange juice, ginger ale etc. In 2014, Narraganset, decided to partner up with Rhode Island's famous beverage company, Del's Lemonade, as part of their "Hi-Nighbor" promotion. The result was a very smooth, perfectly mixed shandy that has just the right balance of malty sweetness and citrus tartness. The two play off of each other very well making the it the ultimate summertime refresher.
▪️M&F Rating: 7.8
Coney Island "Hard Root Beer"
▪️Brewer: @ConeyIslandBeer (Coney Island, NY)
▪️Beer: Hard Root Beer
▪️Style: Herbed/Spiced Beer
▪️Alc. Content: 5.8% ABV
▪️Food Pairing: Vanilla Bean Ice Cream
▪️The Verdict: Typically it is athletes or artists like Afroman, David Tyree, The Baha Men, & Ray Rice that come to mind when you hear the phrase "One Hit Wonder". Some get 2 game suspensions for knocking out their fiancées while others are never heard from again. It may be too early to tell but this week's craft beer could be just that. Some are calling it the "drink of the summer" but naysayers are calling it a fad that will surely pass. Whatever the case may be, it is definitely one thing: different. With the food gods blessing us with two holidays last week (National Ice Cream Day & #National Junk Food Day) I felt it was my civil duty as a blogger to branch out & give Coney Island's Hard Root Beer a shot. My first impression was that it tasted just like (...wait for ittttt) root beer! As an A&W fan growing up I am undoubtedly #teamrootbeer but I couldn't see myself indulging in more than a couple of these. Much like other "malternatives" (Twisted Tea, Mikes Hard, Angry Orchard, etc) it was overwhelmingly sweet and sugary & as a beer lover I'd much prefer a simple IPA, but it's definitely something I recommend knocking off your bucket list this summer. Classifying this as more of an after dinner "dessert drink", #MoviesandFood recommends pairing this with a few scoops of Vanilla Ice Cream & making yourself a nice, old fashioned ice cream float. ◾️M&F Rating: 7.1
▪️Beer: Hard Root Beer
▪️Style: Herbed/Spiced Beer
▪️Alc. Content: 5.8% ABV
▪️Food Pairing: Vanilla Bean Ice Cream
▪️The Verdict: Typically it is athletes or artists like Afroman, David Tyree, The Baha Men, & Ray Rice that come to mind when you hear the phrase "One Hit Wonder". Some get 2 game suspensions for knocking out their fiancées while others are never heard from again. It may be too early to tell but this week's craft beer could be just that. Some are calling it the "drink of the summer" but naysayers are calling it a fad that will surely pass. Whatever the case may be, it is definitely one thing: different. With the food gods blessing us with two holidays last week (National Ice Cream Day & #National Junk Food Day) I felt it was my civil duty as a blogger to branch out & give Coney Island's Hard Root Beer a shot. My first impression was that it tasted just like (...wait for ittttt) root beer! As an A&W fan growing up I am undoubtedly #teamrootbeer but I couldn't see myself indulging in more than a couple of these. Much like other "malternatives" (Twisted Tea, Mikes Hard, Angry Orchard, etc) it was overwhelmingly sweet and sugary & as a beer lover I'd much prefer a simple IPA, but it's definitely something I recommend knocking off your bucket list this summer. Classifying this as more of an after dinner "dessert drink", #MoviesandFood recommends pairing this with a few scoops of Vanilla Ice Cream & making yourself a nice, old fashioned ice cream float. ◾️M&F Rating: 7.1
Ballast Point "Grapefruit Sculpin"
▪️Brewer: @BallastPointBrewing (San Diego, CA)
▪️Beer: Grapefruit Sculpin
▪️Style: American IPA
▪️Alc. Content: 7.0% ABV (70 IBU)
▪️Food Pairings: Jamaican Jerk Chicken
▪️The Verdict: Have you ever bitten straight into a grapefruit? Yeah, me neither but if I did this is what I would imagine it to taste like. Named after a tasty fish with a venomous sting, the tropical Grapefruit Sculpin IPA tastes like summer. It is packed with juicy flavors of peaches, apricots, and pineapples, balanced nicely with the tarty grapefruit flavor that ties it all together...refreshing is an understatement. #MoviesandFood recommends pairing this with some Jamaican Jerk Chicken, a combo that goes together like lamb and tuna fish.(Name that movie!) This deserves to be in every IPA fans summer rotation. A sixer will run you about $13.99, a little on the pricey side, but well worth it. Alright, now stop reading and go pick one up! ▪️M&F Rating: 9.4
Cisco "Shark Tracker Light Lager"
▪️Brewer: @CiscoBrewers (Nantucket, MA)
▪️Beer: Shark Tracker Light Lager
▪️Style: American Light Lager
▪️Alc. Content: 4.8% ABV (18 IBU)
▪️The Verdict: It's safe to say that 2015 just may be the 'Year of the Shark' as they have been swallowing up the headlines all year. First we were graced with the presence of Katy Perry's "Left Shark" who stole the show at Super Bowl XLIX. Discovery Channel killed it once again with its annual Shark Week festivities. Just this week professional surfer Mick Fanning escaped the jaws of death while surfing at the JBay Open in South Africa. Tonight we have the third installment of the legendary sci-fi trilogy, Sharknado, which airs @ 9pm! Zeroing in on the hysteria & media feeding frenzy, Cisco Brewery (Brewers of the popular 'Whales Tale Pale Ale') recently released its 'Shark Tracker Light Lager.' Turning fear into fascination you can actually scan the can & live track tagged sharks via their mobile app which is pretty rad if you ask me brah. Light, crisp, & highly carbonated, the beer itself was pretty ordinary but if you're a habitual Bud or Coors abuser looking to try something new, I would recommend it. Oh yeah, $3 of every case sold goes to OCEARCH in support of their education & outreach program to study & save sharks so you won't have to feel so bad next time you hit the liquor store. Talk about a win-win.
◾️M&F Rating: 7.3
▪️Beer: Shark Tracker Light Lager
▪️Style: American Light Lager
▪️Alc. Content: 4.8% ABV (18 IBU)
▪️The Verdict: It's safe to say that 2015 just may be the 'Year of the Shark' as they have been swallowing up the headlines all year. First we were graced with the presence of Katy Perry's "Left Shark" who stole the show at Super Bowl XLIX. Discovery Channel killed it once again with its annual Shark Week festivities. Just this week professional surfer Mick Fanning escaped the jaws of death while surfing at the JBay Open in South Africa. Tonight we have the third installment of the legendary sci-fi trilogy, Sharknado, which airs @ 9pm! Zeroing in on the hysteria & media feeding frenzy, Cisco Brewery (Brewers of the popular 'Whales Tale Pale Ale') recently released its 'Shark Tracker Light Lager.' Turning fear into fascination you can actually scan the can & live track tagged sharks via their mobile app which is pretty rad if you ask me brah. Light, crisp, & highly carbonated, the beer itself was pretty ordinary but if you're a habitual Bud or Coors abuser looking to try something new, I would recommend it. Oh yeah, $3 of every case sold goes to OCEARCH in support of their education & outreach program to study & save sharks so you won't have to feel so bad next time you hit the liquor store. Talk about a win-win.
◾️M&F Rating: 7.3
21st Amendment "Hell or High Watermelon"
▪️Brewer: @21stAmendment (San Francisco, CA)
▪️Beer: Hell or High Watermelon
▪️Style: Watermelon Wheat Ale (Summer Seasonal)
▪️Alc. Content: 4.9% ABV (17 IBU)
▪️Food Pairing: Grilled Chicken Kabob
▪️The Verdict: As men, it is in our DNA to do manly things like piss on toilet seats, piss off our girlfriends & piss away our money gambling on sports all weekend (...probably all three). We wear the same pair of jeans for months on end without washing them. We laugh at vegetarians who don't appreciate the finer things in life like a tender, juicy steak. We trade war stories & embellish tall tales from our high school glory days. It's also an unwritten 'Man Law' to bust another man's balls if you catch him drinking a 'fruity' drink. But laws are meant to be broken & every rule has an exception. 21st Amendment's 'Hell or High Watermelon' is that exception. Admittedly, I'm not a huge fan of fruit beers because they tend to taste artificial and overpowering, but the watermelon flavor of Hell or High Watermelon is subtle enough that it does not dominate the beer. Made with 100% real watermelon, it is a light-bodied wheat ale with a crisp, refreshing after taste. Perfect for the dog days of summer, I could definitely see myself crushing a six pack by the pool while I even out my tan & catch up on the hottest gossip in the new issue of Vanity Fair. I guess you could consider it the Caitlyn Jenner of beer. Whatever. It takes a real man to admit that.
▪️M&F Rating: 7.9
Cue on of my all time favorite movie scenes!
▪️Beer: Hell or High Watermelon
▪️Style: Watermelon Wheat Ale (Summer Seasonal)
▪️Alc. Content: 4.9% ABV (17 IBU)
▪️Food Pairing: Grilled Chicken Kabob
▪️The Verdict: As men, it is in our DNA to do manly things like piss on toilet seats, piss off our girlfriends & piss away our money gambling on sports all weekend (...probably all three). We wear the same pair of jeans for months on end without washing them. We laugh at vegetarians who don't appreciate the finer things in life like a tender, juicy steak. We trade war stories & embellish tall tales from our high school glory days. It's also an unwritten 'Man Law' to bust another man's balls if you catch him drinking a 'fruity' drink. But laws are meant to be broken & every rule has an exception. 21st Amendment's 'Hell or High Watermelon' is that exception. Admittedly, I'm not a huge fan of fruit beers because they tend to taste artificial and overpowering, but the watermelon flavor of Hell or High Watermelon is subtle enough that it does not dominate the beer. Made with 100% real watermelon, it is a light-bodied wheat ale with a crisp, refreshing after taste. Perfect for the dog days of summer, I could definitely see myself crushing a six pack by the pool while I even out my tan & catch up on the hottest gossip in the new issue of Vanity Fair. I guess you could consider it the Caitlyn Jenner of beer. Whatever. It takes a real man to admit that.
▪️M&F Rating: 7.9
Cue on of my all time favorite movie scenes!
Samuel Adams "Rebel IPA"
▪️Brewer: @SamuelAdamsBeer (Boston, MA)
▪️Beer: Rebel IPA
▪️Style: American IPA
▪️Alc. Content: 6.50% ABV (45 IBU)
▪️Food Pairing: Freedom Fries
▪️The Verdict: In honor of America's 239th birthday last week, I thought it would be fitting to give a special #CraftBeerWednesday tribute to our forefathers & a true American patriot, Samuel Adams. Over the last few years there has been a new age American Revolution taking place in breweries nationwide. If you haven't noticed, the IPA movement has taken the craft beer industry by storm. In an effort to fortify their already diverse arsenal, Sam Adams declared its independence from their traditional, malty portfolio and launched its 'Rebel IPA' lineup in 2014, which is now a year round offering. A lighter bodied, west coast style IPA that is not overly aggressive, Rebel is a very solid, dependable IPA that goes down very easy. As our great forefathers eloquently stated: "Life, liberty & the pursuit of hoppy-ness..." And the rest was history.
▪️M&F Rating: 7.8
▪️Beer: Rebel IPA
▪️Style: American IPA
▪️Alc. Content: 6.50% ABV (45 IBU)
▪️Food Pairing: Freedom Fries
▪️The Verdict: In honor of America's 239th birthday last week, I thought it would be fitting to give a special #CraftBeerWednesday tribute to our forefathers & a true American patriot, Samuel Adams. Over the last few years there has been a new age American Revolution taking place in breweries nationwide. If you haven't noticed, the IPA movement has taken the craft beer industry by storm. In an effort to fortify their already diverse arsenal, Sam Adams declared its independence from their traditional, malty portfolio and launched its 'Rebel IPA' lineup in 2014, which is now a year round offering. A lighter bodied, west coast style IPA that is not overly aggressive, Rebel is a very solid, dependable IPA that goes down very easy. As our great forefathers eloquently stated: "Life, liberty & the pursuit of hoppy-ness..." And the rest was history.
▪️M&F Rating: 7.8