Craft Beer Appreciation

Reviews, recommendations, pictures, and more!

[bottleshare]

Getting ready for a pretty big share on Friday.

[bottleshare]

Braindead Brewing in Dallas (Deep Ellum) did not disappoint. I had friends who were there helping them when they first opened and I have heard nothing but good things. The beers were phenomenal and the flight had a lot of variety (a red, an export stout, a kölsch, a single-hopped wheat) and the food was on point! I am a sucker for brussel sprouts and the tempura bass sandwich had a killer sauce. I am definitely going back as soon as possible.

[bottleshare]

Mini share last night. The surprise of the evening was the Muy Bonita from Funky Buddha. A little sweet, great vanilla and cinnamon flavor. The aftertaste was also light and sweet.

[bottleshare]

When friends travel for work and still manage to bring you back some awesome beers. True friends! And it appears IPA season is full swing.

[bottleshare]

Sometimes... You just gotta shotgun.

[bottleshare]

This is definitely a case where an extra from a trade was a pleasant surprise! Lazer Raptor from Central State Brewing took me completely by surprise. It was everything a Gose should be. It was light, refreshing, just a hint of tart saltiness on the back end. The pour was a lovely rose color and the head was deliciously fruity and playful. The cranberry taste was not too bitter but subtle and lightly faded to a twist of lime at the end. A damn solid Gose and just a damn solid beer.

[bottleshare]

The Bruery comes to Texas!

[bobbycaputo]

Bernie Sanders Beer

With Super Tuesday behind us, it doesn’t appear as if all of the country is feeling the Bern. If you are a Bernie supporter, however, the beer has arrived for you to guzzle after someone else wins the presidency. Bernie Weisse, from Vermont-based Zero Gravity Craft Brewery, is a Berliner Weisse named and crafted after Bernie Sanders. Described as “a slightly sour and forward-thinking ale,” Bernie Weisse is a refreshing, tart brew that, at 3.2% ABV, won’t have you stumbling to the polls. As with all Zero Gravity beers, you’ll probably have to go to Vermont to snag some cans.

[stormyskiesahead]

Just a few lurvely American impy’s I’ve been drinking of late. Happy Sunday y’all!

[pathofbrews]

Bell’s Java Stout. If you like bitter coffee, this one is for you!

[clangoring]

Calm before what is the equivalent of herding cats (really drunk cats at that) of tomorrow pub crawl storm.

Equal balance of the apricot, mango and ginger. The IPA part stands tall enough to keep it still tasting like a beer too.

[bottleshare]

Review #1: Funky Buddha's "Last Snow" First time I got to try this beer was at a share and I was instantly impressed. I got to try 2016's batch a week or so ago when someone stopped by a bottle shop with it and so got to finish half the bottle. I decided I had to trade for one myself and it arrived yesterday. With one to myself I was finally able to make some tasting notes that are as follows: The nose consists primarily of toasted coconut with a slight caramel sweetness to it as well. The taste is slightly smoky upfront and settles into a coconut flavor with a light sweetness on the tail end. I've heard it described as a Samoa Girl Scout Cookie and after tasting it alongside them I can confirm that is true. I also had a "Death by Coconut" beside it at one of the shares and the "Last Snow" has a far stronger and better coconut flavor which I found quite impressive. All in all, I have this beer 5/5 on Untapped and believe this to be a top notch beer. If you can find one for trade get it and thank me later!

[bottleshare]

Another trade complete. Welcome to the family y'all.

[bottleshare]

Another bottle share at the Bearded Monk in Denton, Texas. Some heavy hitters showed up that night including The Bruery "5 Golden Rings", "Smoking Wood", "Chronology", and "Black Tuesday", Jester King's "RU55", "Black Metal", and "Atrial Rubicate", Revolution's "Straight Jacket", Firestone "Double DBA", Mikkeller's "Black Fist", and Jackie O's Vanilla and Coffee Bean Dark Apparition (to name just a few).

[anythingbeer]

Like I needed anymore.

[subbeerbia]

Snowy Tuesdays are good for…

[stormyskiesahead]

Cloudwater DIPA v2 (9.6% abv)

The hype train is speeding along the tracks with this one, no driver in sight, a runaway, and Denzel Washington ain’t here to stop it. Thing is, I’m good with it. This young Manchester brewery’s second special edition double IPA (see previous version) is a colossal brew, a wealth of aromatic tropical fruit and juicy citrus flavours layered over pine needles and a lurking but restrained malt base. Dank, mildly resinous, dry and bitter to finish, crazy delicious throughout and firmly cementing Cloudwater in the top tier of UK DIPA brewers. I’m already looking forward to v3. Cheers!