Bell’s, located in Kalamazoo, Michigan, has for years been one of the most respected breweries in the upper Midwest. They brew tons of excellent beers, but I feel that this one, HopSlam, has earned a spot near the top of the pile. HopSlam is an imperial IPA, weighing in at 10% ABV and all kinds … More Bell’s HopSlam
Surly Mild Rating: Solid There was once a time when mention of a mild would earn me quizzical looks. Not so any more – at least, not in the Twin Cities, where Great Waters, Town Hall, and now Surly have all brewed their own terrific examples of the style. Today’s milds are a reincarnation of … More Surly Mild
Breckenridge Brewery is located in Breckenridge, Colorado. I’ve seen a few of their beers around Minnesota, but tonight is the first time I’ve tried one. Breckenridge Oatmeal Stout12oz bottle, sampled from a pint glass. Breckenridge Oatmeal Stout poured black as black can be, with no hues, tints, or hints of light allowed to pass through. … More Breckenridge Oatmeal Stout
Stub & Herb’s has become one of my regular beer oases in Minneapolis. Formerly little more than a college students’ drinking bar, Stub & Herb’s changed course a few years back, in order to survive the addition of Sally’s up the street. Under the direction of John, the bar manager, S & H became a … More Stub & Herb’s – "Your Grandpa Drank Here"
August Schell Brewing Company is a small brewery in New Ulm, a little piece of Germany in southern Minnesota. I can scarcely hear the name of this brewery without thinking of the Schell’s of my youth, which I never personally tried, but heard from my parents and other adults caused headaches rather than buzzes. Sometime … More August Schell Bavarian Forest Dampfbier
Sprecher Barleywine AleServing: 16oz bottle, drunk from a goblet. Sprecher is a craft brewery located in Glendale, Wisconsin. I have always thought of them as a brewer of German-style beers, but today I was in Westsite Liquors in Brainerd, MN, and to my delight found both this barleywine and a scotch ale from them. Watch … More Sprecher Barleywine Ale
All About Beer bears the subtitle “Celebrating the World of Beer Culture,” and it does that quite well. This issue (January 2008) has a guide to specialty beers and ciders, pointers on creating a home bar, and a winners list from the Great American Beer Festival, as well as the US Beer Tasting Championship winners. … More All About Beer
Shropshire Blue is a full-fat cheese made from pasteurized cow’s milk. Its orange color sets it apart from most blues out there. It has a smooth consistency that is not quite as creamy as that of Stilton. It is strong and sharp with a pronounced salty flavor and a tangy aroma. My first inclination was … More Cheese Pairing: Shropshire Blue
Every so often when I go to the Pike Place Market, I venture into First and Pike News in search of beer magazines. Normally they carry a small assortment of beer and home brewing publications. A few days ago, however, my visit to the stand nearly ended in disappointment – none of my normal magazines … More Draft Magazine
Maximus is a Double IPA brewed by Lagunita’s Brewing Company in Petaluma, California. I purchased a 22 ounce bottle from Kiss Cafe in Ballard, Washington and drank it from a pilsner glass. This beer pours a clear copper color with a one-finger white sudsy head. The aroma was dominated by piney hops notes with a … More Maximus IPA
