Twisted Pine - Hoppy Boy IPA

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Hoppy Boy IPA

Twisted Pine Brewing Company
3201 Walnut Street Suite A
Boulder, CO USA
Est. 1995
www.twistedpinebrewing.com

Brain Damage Quotient = ?.? % ABV

Fluid Oz. = 12.0 

Postmortem Brew Review
Amber color with murky body.
Citrus and floral hops abound in the smell.
Off white head that dissipates slowly.

Decent amount of lacing on glass.
Apple like in taste with big hops taste.
Medium bodied, not much malt.

Grim Reaper's Eulogy
Our gracious hostess Erin served up this stout brown bottle o'hops at my favorite brewpub chain in the Rockies. Just coming off the bender that was GABF, we stopped in for some sustenance and brew. This IPA leaped off their vast listing of beers and so we gave it a go.

Not bad for an IPA style. The hops are right there where you expect the flavor notes. It was a foregone conclusion that after GABF, I was already one "Hoppy Boy". Try some when you get to this neck of these twisted woods and you'll be hoppy too!

Fort Collins Brewery - Rocky mountain IPA

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Rocky Mountain IPA
Fort Collins Brewery
1900 East Lincoln Avenue
Fort Collins, CO USA
Est. ????
www.fortcollinsbrewery.com 

Brain Damage Quotient = 6.2 % ABV
Fluid Oz. = 12.0 

Postmortem Brew Review
Golden amber color.
A bit more hops than malt in the balance or the aroma.
Foamy off-white head that leaves 'dots' of lacing.
Well nucleated with an abundance of small bubbles.
Medium bodied, plenty of hops flavor.

Grim Reaper's Eulogy
A nice example of an American IPA from friendly Fort Collins, CO. I have been so close to this place, but have not yet been there to visit their facility. Perhaps next time we are out that way.

A prancing little black elephant on the otherwise blue label lets you know that this is an Indian style ale. On overall great session drink. Try one!

Gordon Biersch Fest Bier

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Gordon Biersch Fest Bier

Gordon Biersch Brewing Company
357 E. Taylor Street
San Jose, CA USA
Est. 1988
www.gordonbiersch.com 

Brain Damage Quotient = 5.6 % ABV

Fluid Oz. = 12.0 

Postmortem Brew Review
Orange tinged and dark amber color.
Malty sweet with whiffs of hops.
Caramel tan head that has some staying power.

Minimal lacing on glass.
Malty and sweet candy-like taste with just a bit of hops finish.
Light to medium bodied.

Grim Reaper's Eulogy

How can this be anything but good? It even has 'Bier' in the name.

Mmmm, dark malty goodness. Just the right splash of hops on your tongue to remind you what a Marzen is all about. These guys have a Marzen in their arsenal already, so what's the difference between that and this FestBier? The traditional Marzen it appears is brewed year round while this is a seasonal, more contemporary brew. The Marzen is also noted elsewhere to be paler, but I will let you know when I find one!

Rogue - Dead Guy Ale

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Dead Guy Ale
Rogue Ales
2320 OSU Drive
Newport, OR USA
Est.1988
www.rogue.com 

Brain Damage Quotient = 6.5 % ABV
Fluid Oz. = 12.0 

Postmortem Brew Review
Yellow orange in color.
Caramel malt taste and aroma with floral scent of hops.
Off-white head with little retention.
Light carbonation with hoppy finish.
Light to medium bodied, hearty flavor.

Grim Reaper's Eulogy
Oh! A man after my own heart...and soul! Muahaahaahaaahaaaaaa! ! ! ! !

I knew right from the start this Maibock style ale was going to exceed my expectations. But first it had to meet its maker...me. I had a chance to get some a few months ago, but it was out of stock before I arrived. Dang! Then in Colorado on a beer hunting expedition, he was in my grasp once again, but fate had a bitter twist and other beer was bagged. Well he has not escaped me this time.

A delicious ale that is recommended with pork and or spicy foods; this is a true pleasure for anyone to sample. Highly recommend it. This is the second of Rogue's craft lay to rest in the crypt, and they are fast on their way to becoming a favorite.

Bell's Octoberfest Beer

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Bell's Octoberfest Beer

Bell's Brewery Inc.
8938 Krum Ave.
Galesburg & Comstock MI USA
Est. 1985
www.bellsbeer.com 

Brain Damage Quotient = 5.5 % ABV

Fluid Oz. = 12.0 

Postmortem Brew Review
Orange/amber color.
Some maltiness and sweetness, but seemingly void of hops.
Caramel tan head that dissipates slowly.

Minimal lacing on glass.
Malty, sweet molasses taste with slight hops finish.
Light to medium bodied.

Grim Reaper's Eulogy
A close up of an autumn maple leaf turned orange graces the front label. A plain, yet distinctive harbinger of the fall season. The brew inside also helps remind you that harvest time is one of the best times to enjoy beer.

Bell's Octoberfest states on their website, two important facts that might have had an effect on my experience with this brew. The first is that they do not distribute to FL, but a local 'spirits' shop had an ample supply of their harvest liquid. The second is that the beer should be refrigerated at all times to retain its optimal taste and experience. Well...this was a one-off from the do-it-yourself six pack aisle shelves, so that wasn't happening.

Anyway, the beer survived in spite of these obstacles and I'm pleased to report it's fine in keeping with the tradition of Marzen style beers. So, my friends, ask not for whom the Bell's pours; it pours for you!

Flying Dog - Dogtoberfest Märzen

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Dogtoberfest Märzen - Seasonal
Flying Dog Brewery
Frederick, MD USA
Est. 1983
www.flyingdogales.com 

Brain Damage Quotient = 5.3 % ABV
Fluid Oz. = 12.0 

Postmortem Brew Review
Rich, amber orange color.
Roasted malt and hops smell, some fruity sweetness detected.
Caramel malt taste with tangy hops finish.
Off white, one finger head with good lacing.
Medium bodied flavor and light and refreshing mouth feel. 

Grim Reaper's Eulogy
My favorite time of year is right now. "Harvest time" for the Reaper and the goodness of Märzen/Oktoberfest brews. It's easily my favorite style of beer, and I make no bones about it! These are perfectly placed between hoppy IPA's and your standard ale. But so much more flavor with sweet caramel maltiness and hops in balance.

The brew masters at Flying Dog have crafted up a beauty here; a bit more hoppy (30 IBU's) than I am used to in a Märzen , but who's complaining? They have achieved a wonderful balance in this ale. Good dog!

The beauty of Märzen ales is they are as flavorful as any IPA, but make such a great session beer cause they are easy to drink. Especially now in September for the Fall festivals. So since it 'tis the season, stay tuned. There are more Märzen Octoberfest's in the lager dungeon to haul out for inspection in upcoming posts.

Stone Cold Fact: Märzen means 'the month of March' which is the time of year they are brewed. Lesser known, but equally important is they are cellared through the summer months then traditionally brought out in September, (not October), to celebrate the year's harvest. Of course, there is always enough made to keep drinking right through October, if you like. Me like!

Ybor Gold Amber Lager

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Ybor Gold Amber Lager
The Florida Beer Company
725 Silver Palm Avenue
Melbourne, FL USA
Est. 1994
www.floridabeer.com 

Brain Damage Quotient = 4.6 % ABV
Fluid Oz. = 12.0 

Postmortem Brew Review
Golden-red in color.
Smell of yeast, bread-like with hops aroma.
One finger near-white head that dissipated.
Medium carbonation with dry hops finish.
Light bodied and flavor.

Grim Reaper's Eulogy
Once located in the Tampa area, the Ybor City Brewing Company is no longer.  It 'lives' on in the Florida Beer Company, relocating the brewing operations to Melbourne, directly across the state on the east coast.  YCB merged with Key West Brewery and Miami Brewing Company in 2003 in an attempt to secure better distribution within "The Sunshine State."

The brew, a Vienna style lager, is an easy drinker. It is uncomplicated and profoundly better than "yellow" lager beers.  Definitely worth a try and good for whatever ales you!

Tommyknocker - Butt Head Doppelbock Lager

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Tommyknocker Butt Head Doppelbock Lager

Tommyknocker Brewery
Idaho Springs, CO USA
Est. 1997 (?)
www.tommyknocker.com 

Brain Damage Quotient = 8.2 % ABV
Fluid Oz. = 12.0 

Postmortem Brew Review
Dark brown and translucent.
Roasted malt in character with a touch of hops.
Caramel sweet smelling nose slight alcohol tinge on sip.
No head and no lacing.
Medium bodied flavor and mouth feel. 

Grim Reaper's Eulogy
Caramel roasty and sweet in smell, this one looked to be classic of doppelbock style. After tasting though, a look at the label showed this one was about 15 months past its prime. Not very carbonated, no head, no lacing and a bitter touch throughout. It poured out kind of murky.

I shall return with a live one to reap...this one was already dead by the time I got to it. It isn't fair to fully review this lager until a fresher copy has been acquired.

Michelob Honey Lager

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Michelob Honey Lager

Anheuser-Busch, Inc.

St. Louis, Missouri USA

Est. 1852

www.michelob.com 

Brain Damage Quotient = 4.9 % ABV
Fluid Oz. = 12.0 

Postmortem Brew Review
Golden yellow, 'honey' colored.
Roasted malt in character with a soft touch of hops.
Sweet smelling nose with sweet honey flavor finish.
Fair head upon pour leaving minimal lacing.
Medium bodied flavor. 

Grim Reaper's Eulogy
Just when I think I've gotten to the last of the Michelob craft series...but, no. They have introduced a Wheat and Rye-PA. Well, on to the Honey Lager.

Honey Lager is a fine beer on its own, but that touch of natural sweetness sets it apart. The honey whispers softly in the brew. The honeycomb and honeybee on the label are also there to remind you of the sweet treat inside.

It's not too ho-hmmmmmmmm but a good drinker. Neither overwhelmed or underwhelmed by the beer. And at 4.9% ABV, you won't get too buzzed. Ha-haa!

Sierra Nevada - Torpedo Extra IPA

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Torpedo Extra IPA
Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.
Chico, CA USA
Est. 1980
www.sierranevada.com

Brain Damage Quotient = 7.2 % ABV
Fluid Oz. = 12.0 

Postmortem Brew Review
Amber color.
Malt and spicy hops aroma with some citrus noted.
Hoppy tasting; pleasant floral hops bite.
Nicely foaming head with great lacing down the glass.
Medium bodied mouth feel. 

Grim Reaper's Eulogy
The second sampling from Sierra Nevada. Terrific hops spice throughout the entire glass. This is the definition of a well balanced ale and is a prime example of what IPA's are all about. Good balance of malts and hops are evident in this ale. If you like a hoppy bitter tang in your brew, then this is the one to try.

Nothing more to say...well, okay...remarkable!

Shmaltz - He'Brew Bittersweet Lenny's R.I.P.A.

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He'Brew
Bittersweet Lenny's R.I.P.A.
Shmaltz Brewing
New York, USA
Est. 1996 (5757 Hebrew Metonic Cycle)
www.shmaltzbrewing.com

Brain Damage Quotient = 10.0 % ABV
Fluid Oz. = 22.0 

Postmortem Brew Review
Rusty amber color.
Full malted barley and distinct hop aroma; definite rye taste.
Double forming, three fingered head, caramel/tan in color.
Strings of lacing throughout the glass.
Medium to heavy bodied mouth feel. 

Grim Reaper's Eulogy
This beer made home feel good this nite from work. Okay, so that was a lame attempt at an entire sentence of four lettered words...f*@k it if you can't take a joke!

What an homage Shmaltz has done for the great Lenny Bruce. Master of the open mike, open mouth and open mind. The brew lives up to the daunting task of commemorating the 40th anniversary of the great Lenny Bruce's death.

This bottle has been keeping quietly in the home crypt cooler for nearly a month now, waiting for just the right moment to be exhumed and examined. It's been gnawing away at the back of my mind...tonight was the night! Labor Day weekend. With the work whistle in the back ground, I threw down the shovel, put the hearse in overdrive for the ride home and made sure to call Mrs. Reaper to prepare Lenny for a full 22 ounce autopsy.

I could cover more puns per square inch here, but the good guys at Shmaltz have robbed the grave of some of my best material. Well, I guess it's their material. Anyway, there's a quote on the neck label from the also late, great Dick Schaap, "Finally, one last four lettered word concerning Lenny Bruce: DEAD. At 40...that's obscene."

Well, the Bittersweet R.I.P.A. (Rest in Peace-India Pale Ale mashup) is as awesome as the man. By the way, the "R" actually stands for the rye flavor. The label looks like a one-nighter marquee from one of his stand-ups. And like the man, it's setting the way for those that would imitate, copy or pretend to be. Posers, beware! This is a full hopped, 10% ass-whooping for your taste buds in the same way Lenny would have assaulted your ears. Great maltiness with hoppiness and not a lot of alcohol after-wash. In a true sense you are seeing a first hand original.

Like the man, be sure not to miss it...be sure to experience it while it lasts!

Holy Mackerel - Mack In Black Imperial Black Ale

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Holy Mackerel
Mack In Black Imperial Black Ale
Gordash Beer Company
Melbourne, FL USA
Est. 2003
www.holymackerelbeers.com

Brain Damage Quotient = 8.0 % ABV
Fluid Oz. = 12.0 

Postmortem Brew Review
Dark chocolate brown, nearly black color.
Pomegranate and malt, bittersweet taste.
Hints of chocolate flavor, lots of carbonation.
Bitter alcohol aftertaste; antiseptic.
Medium sized, brown head that dissipated slowly leaving some lacing.
Medium to heavy mouth feel; complex flavors. 

Grim Reaper's Eulogy
This one had some bitter alcohol taste throughout the glass. It was very, very dark in color; nearly black. The alcohol and pomegranate produced an unusual aftertaste, while the nose had more ester smells which were more pleasant. Interesting, but not my cup of tea.

Mack in Black also had lots of fizzy carbonation present. Their website recommends storage of this type of brew as it will keep for up to 2 years. This one was labeled as a 2008 edition, so perhaps it needed a little more keeping. Maybe it had not been handled well, prior to my purchase.

As for this review, Mack in Black, "...sleeps with the fishes". On another note,they do have second creation; a small batch "Special Golden Ale" that will definitely get a try sometime.