Last night was way over due for the Brewskies, as it's been months since our last brew tasting. We decided to make Bastone Brewery in downtown Royal Oak our last stop of 2009, and although we've been to Bastone before, they had a couple new seasonals along with a brand new menu that we had to try out. The 3 Brewskie critics consisted of Jim Miller, Patrick Kelly and myself. For moral support, we were also joined by Stephanie Casola and Kirk (MotorCityBlog). There were a few Brewskie Brothers missing from the evening, but with the holiday hoopla this week it was difficult to find a way that catered to everyone. But as they say, "drink one for me", is a request we never turn down!
I'm not really sure what it was, but the cool weather, the snow falling, the beer flowing, and everyone in good spirits, this holiday night at Bastone Brewery was everything we needed to get away from the constant Christmas commotion. What was supposed to be an 8 to 10 event turned out to be more of an 8 to close evening as we worked down the line of our beer samplers and menu items.
Although we've reviewed some of these beers before, any micro brew fan will understand that the Brewmaster at every brewery will once in a while change up the flavor giving us always another reason to come back and taste again. When ever we taste test we always bring a few people with different likings so that you can hear it from more than just one person. We believe there's a beer for everyone, and we're here to help you find it!
The first 6 beers listed here are always on their menu and the last 2 are the current seasonals Bastone has on the Menu.
Monumental Blonde
Jim - it doesn't spark the tastebuds, but it's very smooth and is perfect for someone who likes light beers.
Dave - as someone who likes a lot of flavor in his beer, this one just doesn't do it for me. However, I know quite a few people that would love it. It's very light tasting and smooth.
Patrick - from a brewery standpoint it's a weak beer, but I think it's extremely flavorful with a nice aftertaste
Main Street Pilsner
Jim - It's better than your labatt or bud. It has a good after taste and stronger than the blonde.
Dave - very similar to the the Monumental Blonde but with a very different afterrtaste. Kind of gives off an IPA flavor but not quite as strong.
Patrick - exactly what I expect out of a light brewery beer. smooth and more flavorful than a standard light beer.
Witface
Jim - very fruity, it's a good wheat beer
Dave - You can definitely taste the citrus in this one. It's smooth to taste.
Patrick - Combination was a bit much. The orange and lemon seemed to be fighting each other.
Royal IPA
Jim - not a big fan of IPA's but if you're a fan you'll like it. It's not overly hoppy or bitter/
Dave - not as strong as I remember their IPA being. I like it!
Patrick - Impressed, hoppy, yet smooth for an IPA
Dubbel Vision
Jim - I'm honored to live in a country where I can drink a Dubbel. Beer drinkers unite.
Dave - Amazing. That's all I really need to say, but here's some more words.
Patrick - Words cannot explain how good the Dubbel is.
Nectar des Dieux Triple
Jim - The Triple is better than it used to be. It's smoother than it used to be.
Dave - There's full flavor in the Triple, but it's really just a novelty drink to me because of it's reputation of having 9% of Alcohol.
Patrick - A desert beer. It's flavorfull and smooth along with a good kick.
Belgium Blonde
Jim - I can't nail down the flavors in it, but it's a distinct Belgium beer. It's not my favorite seasonal, but the next however........
Dave - unlike the Monumental Blonde, this Blonde is full of flavor and perfect beer to go with pretty much anything
Patrick - More flavorfull than the monumental but almost too bitter of an after taste to be considered a Blonde
Dopplebock
Jim - It's yummy. Can you say Growler to go??? YES PLEASE!
Dave - Full of flavor, lots of goodness, I like this beer
Patrick - extremely flavorfull and full bodied. By far their best.
During our meal we ordered the famous Pretzels and cheese sauce as well as a plate of Lobster Mac n Cheese. Bastone Brewery over the past few years has prided itself on delivering a great menu of food and beer and they really do a great job at pleasing our group. The food was a perfect fit for the drinks, but of course since this is a beer taste testing by the Brewskies, the 3 of us have to give our thoughts on the best drink of our choice. At the end of our taste test, by unanimous decision we all decided to order a pint of the Dopplebock. The full flavor and great after taste truly separated this brew from the rest. As it is a seasonal, there is a limited time to how long you'll be able to try this for yourself, so head down to Bastone Brewery in Royal Oak at 419 South Main Street.
Merry Christmas everyone!
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Atwater Brewery in Detroit
So a little change up in the Brewskies tonight, our honorary Brewskie is Andrew Robinson (yes theee Andrew Robinson) instead of Jim Miller who had a last minute adventure come up as him and his wife are in the hospital getting ready to welcome a new girl into the world :)
We will miss you Jim, but the beer must go on! Ian, the manager, has put together the drinks and is on his way to the table. We're about to get started here, so without further ado, let the taste testing begin!
D-Light 4.2%
Brother Nick - Good Body, light beer, refreshing, very easily to be confused with Bud Light. Definitely keg worthy for Frat Parties :)
Brother Andrew - A very easy beer to slam.
Brother Dave - Like Bud Light with less carbonation (which is a good thing in my book) Before I knew it...this beer was gone. I agree with Brother Andrew on this one.
Michigan Lager 4.2%
Brother Nick - Not a lot of flavor, little musky taste, would say its comparable to Budweiser American Ale.
Brother Andrew - I didn't really taste a difference between the two, but I did notice that the smell was different and I didn't like this one.
Brother Dave - I'm not a fan of this one. Kind of like the D-Light but with zero carbonation..maybe I let this one sit too long, but I probably won't take my chances on this one again.
Dirty Blonde Ale 4.2%
Brother Nick - Light bodied, good flavor with a hint of grapefruit
Brother Andrew - I prefer a little more body. Reminds me a lot of a wheat.
Brother Dave - No body, but a decent taste. Easy to drink.
Salvation IPA 5.5%
Brother Nick - I think it's a big jump from the 3 lighter beers that we tried. Typical IPA, medium body, and I like the aftertaste then the actual beer.
Brother Andrew - Throws me off at first because it doesn't smell like an IPA, but after tasting it I can recognize it. It's like a mystery flavored dum-dums, lol.
Brother Dave - Usually when I pick up an IPA the smell discourages me from wanting to drink it. This one didn't. After tasting it, it's probably the best IPA I've had on the last few places, but yet, not really my style of beer. Are the darker ones here yet?
Cherry Stout
Brother Nick - I didn't think the cherry was going to have a tart taste to it, but the tart is not a bad thing, and it allows the beer to stand out on it's own individual beer. Couldn't drink a keg, but a bottle would be nice.
Brother Andrew - I think the cherry tart IS a bad thing, but i don't like fruity flavors in any of my stouts or porters.
Brother Dave -It's not bad, not a lot cherry to it, a definite stout in it's nature. I could have a couple of these.
Dunkel Dark lager 5.2%
Brother Nick - It's a light Dunkel.
Brother Andrew - I really don't have any words for this, I feel like its missing that individual characteristic to it.
Brother Dave - One of my favorite beers is the Warsteiner Dunkel so naturally I couldn't wait to get to this beer. The Warsteiner Dunkel is really dark, and this one was more red then anything so my curiosity was way up there. This drink is smooth, and I could drink this all night long. If you're just trying out this style of beer, it's a great step to enjoying it.
Teufel Bock 10.9%
Brother Nick - I like the Bock, it was a great taste, a hybrid between a heavy and medium body. Think of a heavier Killians
Brother Andrew - Very very smooth to drink, with a harded body. (yes he said harded)
Brother Dave - This is a smooth great red beer with a great body. Seeing that it's 10.9%, I could get my self in trouble with this one ;)
Shammons Porter Bourbon Barrel Aged 5.5%
Brother Nick - AAAAAMAAAZING. Smokey taste, good aftertaste, good body, definitely growler worthy.
Brother Andrew - It was Good. I uhhhh, I typically don't like bourbon barrel beers, but that one was pretty good. Ummmm, there was nothing that was displeasant about that beer. Is displeasant a word? Wait....I mean unpleasant...I like this brew
Brother Dave - I'm really confused on this one, I like it, but the tart aftertaste is not what I like after a sip. It would take a couple to give a full review...
Voodoo Vator 9.5%
Brother Nick - It has a unique taste to it, and for the high content, you don't taste the high alcohol in it. It almost tastes like a sweeter Bock
Brother Andrew - I wouldn't have a problem drinking a lot of that at all. It's really tastey, and uh, uh, uh, who wrote the book on love?
Brother Dave - I love the color of this brew, the taste, all in all, a great beer that I will probably have at the end.
Vanilla Java Porter 10.3%
Brother Nick - I think it's a very unique beer with no similarity to any of the others we had tonight. A nice vanilla cigar would have gone great with this though.
Brother Andrew - this is a waffle a lot like....(as we all laugh)...awful a lot like an imperial porter, as far as the brevity is concerned.
Brother Dave - This is not my style of beer, but I understand why people like these type of beers, and therefore I can say it's a good beer. It definitely carries a strong coffee flavor.
So the end of the night is here. No Brewskie night goes without a food sampling with it, so to enjoy our brews, we at the Brewers Platter (German sausage with saur kraut) a Rueben Sandwich, an Atwater Cajun Chicken, and the Rivertown Burger with Cheese. All of it was amazing and complimented the beers that sat out in front of us.
Tonight we closed out with our pick of the night:
Brother Nick chose the Shammon's Bourbon Barrel
Brother Andrew chose the Teufel Bock
Brother Dave chose the Voodoo Vator
Goodnight everyone! We are done typing and going to relax with our choice brews. A huge thanks to Brother Andrew for joining us and letting us write everything he said including the "uhhhs" and "ummmms" that he spit out. We had a great time!
We will miss you Jim, but the beer must go on! Ian, the manager, has put together the drinks and is on his way to the table. We're about to get started here, so without further ado, let the taste testing begin!
D-Light 4.2%
Brother Nick - Good Body, light beer, refreshing, very easily to be confused with Bud Light. Definitely keg worthy for Frat Parties :)
Brother Andrew - A very easy beer to slam.
Brother Dave - Like Bud Light with less carbonation (which is a good thing in my book) Before I knew it...this beer was gone. I agree with Brother Andrew on this one.
Michigan Lager 4.2%
Brother Nick - Not a lot of flavor, little musky taste, would say its comparable to Budweiser American Ale.
Brother Andrew - I didn't really taste a difference between the two, but I did notice that the smell was different and I didn't like this one.
Brother Dave - I'm not a fan of this one. Kind of like the D-Light but with zero carbonation..maybe I let this one sit too long, but I probably won't take my chances on this one again.
Dirty Blonde Ale 4.2%
Brother Nick - Light bodied, good flavor with a hint of grapefruit
Brother Andrew - I prefer a little more body. Reminds me a lot of a wheat.
Brother Dave - No body, but a decent taste. Easy to drink.
Salvation IPA 5.5%
Brother Nick - I think it's a big jump from the 3 lighter beers that we tried. Typical IPA, medium body, and I like the aftertaste then the actual beer.
Brother Andrew - Throws me off at first because it doesn't smell like an IPA, but after tasting it I can recognize it. It's like a mystery flavored dum-dums, lol.
Brother Dave - Usually when I pick up an IPA the smell discourages me from wanting to drink it. This one didn't. After tasting it, it's probably the best IPA I've had on the last few places, but yet, not really my style of beer. Are the darker ones here yet?
Cherry Stout
Brother Nick - I didn't think the cherry was going to have a tart taste to it, but the tart is not a bad thing, and it allows the beer to stand out on it's own individual beer. Couldn't drink a keg, but a bottle would be nice.
Brother Andrew - I think the cherry tart IS a bad thing, but i don't like fruity flavors in any of my stouts or porters.
Brother Dave -It's not bad, not a lot cherry to it, a definite stout in it's nature. I could have a couple of these.
Dunkel Dark lager 5.2%
Brother Nick - It's a light Dunkel.
Brother Andrew - I really don't have any words for this, I feel like its missing that individual characteristic to it.
Brother Dave - One of my favorite beers is the Warsteiner Dunkel so naturally I couldn't wait to get to this beer. The Warsteiner Dunkel is really dark, and this one was more red then anything so my curiosity was way up there. This drink is smooth, and I could drink this all night long. If you're just trying out this style of beer, it's a great step to enjoying it.
Teufel Bock 10.9%
Brother Nick - I like the Bock, it was a great taste, a hybrid between a heavy and medium body. Think of a heavier Killians
Brother Andrew - Very very smooth to drink, with a harded body. (yes he said harded)
Brother Dave - This is a smooth great red beer with a great body. Seeing that it's 10.9%, I could get my self in trouble with this one ;)
Shammons Porter Bourbon Barrel Aged 5.5%
Brother Nick - AAAAAMAAAZING. Smokey taste, good aftertaste, good body, definitely growler worthy.
Brother Andrew - It was Good. I uhhhh, I typically don't like bourbon barrel beers, but that one was pretty good. Ummmm, there was nothing that was displeasant about that beer. Is displeasant a word? Wait....I mean unpleasant...I like this brew
Brother Dave - I'm really confused on this one, I like it, but the tart aftertaste is not what I like after a sip. It would take a couple to give a full review...
Voodoo Vator 9.5%
Brother Nick - It has a unique taste to it, and for the high content, you don't taste the high alcohol in it. It almost tastes like a sweeter Bock
Brother Andrew - I wouldn't have a problem drinking a lot of that at all. It's really tastey, and uh, uh, uh, who wrote the book on love?
Brother Dave - I love the color of this brew, the taste, all in all, a great beer that I will probably have at the end.
Vanilla Java Porter 10.3%
Brother Nick - I think it's a very unique beer with no similarity to any of the others we had tonight. A nice vanilla cigar would have gone great with this though.
Brother Andrew - this is a waffle a lot like....(as we all laugh)...awful a lot like an imperial porter, as far as the brevity is concerned.
Brother Dave - This is not my style of beer, but I understand why people like these type of beers, and therefore I can say it's a good beer. It definitely carries a strong coffee flavor.
So the end of the night is here. No Brewskie night goes without a food sampling with it, so to enjoy our brews, we at the Brewers Platter (German sausage with saur kraut) a Rueben Sandwich, an Atwater Cajun Chicken, and the Rivertown Burger with Cheese. All of it was amazing and complimented the beers that sat out in front of us.
Tonight we closed out with our pick of the night:
Brother Nick chose the Shammon's Bourbon Barrel
Brother Andrew chose the Teufel Bock
Brother Dave chose the Voodoo Vator
Goodnight everyone! We are done typing and going to relax with our choice brews. A huge thanks to Brother Andrew for joining us and letting us write everything he said including the "uhhhs" and "ummmms" that he spit out. We had a great time!
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Sampling the Beers at Bastone Brewery
Nick and I just got to Bastone Brewery and we're setting up. Keith Stonehouse just got here as well. We're waiting on Jim Miller and as soon as he gets here we'll be off to the sampling! :)
Jim finally got here, and so did a few other people and now the samplers are on their way! I have to say, they served us these little pretzel type things, and I can't stop eating them! Here come the samples!
Monumental Blonde 4.5%
Nick - Compliments the delicious pretzels they gave us. It has a mild taste, a bit watered down. Could pass as an early afternoon beer.
Jim - It's lite with a little bitter aftertaste. Would go great after working in your yard all day.
Dave - It's ok..has kind of a "tart" after taste to it. Doesn't taste bad, just isn't the kind of beer I usually order
Keith - A watered down version of a Coors Lite.
Gordy - Lots of flavor, but no body to it.
Main Street Pilsner 5.5%
Nick - Lite body, a little bit of a musk taste to it. Not my preferred beer and actually preferred the first one over this.
Jim - Not a huge fan of lite beers, tastes like a pilsner with a little kick. It's a smooth hardy pilsner, it doesn't bite ya.
Dave - Kind of a mix between Stella Artois and a Heineken. Not bad, and not what I expected. I would order it again.
Keith - A desert beer. I like it.
Gordy - A little on the bitter side for a Pilsner.
Witface 5.25%
Nick - A murky Miller Chill. You could sit back and drink this all night long.
Jim - I wouldn't mind sitting at the beat while the waves are rolling with this in my hand.
Dave - Not for me.
Keith - Nice lemon refreshing beer that makes me want to look at palm trees.
Gordy - This one's pretty good. Not heavy, good summer beer. Lawn chair or pontoon boat.
Royal IPA 6.75%
Nick - The IPA is a true IPA beer. Very bitter, but adding an orange perfected it.
Jim - I like the IPA. It's that middle ground between the lites and the darks.
Dave - IPA's are always interesting to me. At first taste, i'm never a fan. Halfway through, I end up wanting to order another. It's an IPA true to it's form
Keith - A bit bitter. Not a huge fan, but I could drink it.
Gordy - (passed on the IPA in the order and had a double order of the Witface)
Dubbel Vision 7.5%
Nick - It's a fantastic beer. Easily in the top 3 of all the beers I've ever had....(and I've had a lot)
Jim - The first four beers in front of the Dubbel couldn't have gone quicker. I love the Dubbel! It is yummy and classy.
Dave - I love the Dubbel. I had it first at the Ambassador Design Launch party and I will have it every time I come here :) This is my type of brew!!!
Keith - A thick and fierce cider like beer. I like it.
Gordy - Full body, mouth full of fruit, and really malty, which is a great thing in my book!
Nectar des Dieux Triple 9.0%
Nick - I think it's a really good lite beer. Nice body, definitely a beer I will come back seasonly to have.
Jim - Delicious, kind of like the Dubble turned up to an 11 on the volume scale.
Dave - Ok, with a 9.0%, and the color of this beer, I was just assuming that it wouldn't taste to my liking, but after the first sip it shocked me. This is a really good beer. I like it :)
Keith - Amazing!!!!!
Gordy - I loved it! High alcohol content, fully body, full flavor, love it!
Voodoo Brown 6.6%
Nick - This is the beer I'm taking home in a growler. Fantastic body, good flavor, nice undertone of coffee and chocolate.
Jim - Voodoo Brown is Voodoolicious. I'm a java freak and love beer and this combines it. Stellar from the Beer Cellar.
Dave - Smooth and tasty. I loved this beer from start to finish.
Keith - This is a good brew.
Gordy - Nutty, peatty, and.....it's like a wool sweater next to a campfire. Wrap me up in Voodoo Brown.
Strawberry Blonde 6.5%
Nick - One of the best ones out of the 8 tonight, good body, definitely a beer I could drink all night. A nice subtle fruit flavor to it.
Jim - More please ;) The subtle strawberry flavor pleases the pallet. I've fallen in love with the strawberry blonde
Dave - This is one of those beers that I could use an entire glass to give the full critique. but I like it.
Keith - This is a mans desert beer. (no ones know what that means)
Gordy - Sweet but not too sweet, full bodied, great desert beer.
Jim finally got here, and so did a few other people and now the samplers are on their way! I have to say, they served us these little pretzel type things, and I can't stop eating them! Here come the samples!
Monumental Blonde 4.5%
Nick - Compliments the delicious pretzels they gave us. It has a mild taste, a bit watered down. Could pass as an early afternoon beer.
Jim - It's lite with a little bitter aftertaste. Would go great after working in your yard all day.
Dave - It's ok..has kind of a "tart" after taste to it. Doesn't taste bad, just isn't the kind of beer I usually order
Keith - A watered down version of a Coors Lite.
Gordy - Lots of flavor, but no body to it.
Main Street Pilsner 5.5%
Nick - Lite body, a little bit of a musk taste to it. Not my preferred beer and actually preferred the first one over this.
Jim - Not a huge fan of lite beers, tastes like a pilsner with a little kick. It's a smooth hardy pilsner, it doesn't bite ya.
Dave - Kind of a mix between Stella Artois and a Heineken. Not bad, and not what I expected. I would order it again.
Keith - A desert beer. I like it.
Gordy - A little on the bitter side for a Pilsner.
Witface 5.25%
Nick - A murky Miller Chill. You could sit back and drink this all night long.
Jim - I wouldn't mind sitting at the beat while the waves are rolling with this in my hand.
Dave - Not for me.
Keith - Nice lemon refreshing beer that makes me want to look at palm trees.
Gordy - This one's pretty good. Not heavy, good summer beer. Lawn chair or pontoon boat.
Royal IPA 6.75%
Nick - The IPA is a true IPA beer. Very bitter, but adding an orange perfected it.
Jim - I like the IPA. It's that middle ground between the lites and the darks.
Dave - IPA's are always interesting to me. At first taste, i'm never a fan. Halfway through, I end up wanting to order another. It's an IPA true to it's form
Keith - A bit bitter. Not a huge fan, but I could drink it.
Gordy - (passed on the IPA in the order and had a double order of the Witface)
Dubbel Vision 7.5%
Nick - It's a fantastic beer. Easily in the top 3 of all the beers I've ever had....(and I've had a lot)
Jim - The first four beers in front of the Dubbel couldn't have gone quicker. I love the Dubbel! It is yummy and classy.
Dave - I love the Dubbel. I had it first at the Ambassador Design Launch party and I will have it every time I come here :) This is my type of brew!!!
Keith - A thick and fierce cider like beer. I like it.
Gordy - Full body, mouth full of fruit, and really malty, which is a great thing in my book!
Nectar des Dieux Triple 9.0%
Nick - I think it's a really good lite beer. Nice body, definitely a beer I will come back seasonly to have.
Jim - Delicious, kind of like the Dubble turned up to an 11 on the volume scale.
Dave - Ok, with a 9.0%, and the color of this beer, I was just assuming that it wouldn't taste to my liking, but after the first sip it shocked me. This is a really good beer. I like it :)
Keith - Amazing!!!!!
Gordy - I loved it! High alcohol content, fully body, full flavor, love it!
Voodoo Brown 6.6%
Nick - This is the beer I'm taking home in a growler. Fantastic body, good flavor, nice undertone of coffee and chocolate.
Jim - Voodoo Brown is Voodoolicious. I'm a java freak and love beer and this combines it. Stellar from the Beer Cellar.
Dave - Smooth and tasty. I loved this beer from start to finish.
Keith - This is a good brew.
Gordy - Nutty, peatty, and.....it's like a wool sweater next to a campfire. Wrap me up in Voodoo Brown.
Strawberry Blonde 6.5%
Nick - One of the best ones out of the 8 tonight, good body, definitely a beer I could drink all night. A nice subtle fruit flavor to it.
Jim - More please ;) The subtle strawberry flavor pleases the pallet. I've fallen in love with the strawberry blonde
Dave - This is one of those beers that I could use an entire glass to give the full critique. but I like it.
Keith - This is a mans desert beer. (no ones know what that means)
Gordy - Sweet but not too sweet, full bodied, great desert beer.
So the end of the night has come and it's time to choose our pic of the night. You're looking a group of guys that would come back anytime of the week to have the Dubbel, but tonight we've picked a different winner. The Voodoo Brown will take the cake and we will now enjoy the close to tonight's Brewskie night.
I'd like to also give a big thanks to Marvin who was our waiter tonight. Brewskie nights are always better when you have someone that delivers a great service with great beer. So, I'm going to stop typing now and present a cheers to Marvin!
Till the next time!
I'd like to also give a big thanks to Marvin who was our waiter tonight. Brewskie nights are always better when you have someone that delivers a great service with great beer. So, I'm going to stop typing now and present a cheers to Marvin!
Till the next time!
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
The Great Baraboo Fall Line-Up
Tonights taste testing is underway at the Boo and our guest blogger is Scottie too hottie from the Captain Morgan club. The 2 beers we'll be trying are the Energy Wheat and the Pumpkin Ale.
It was soo cool, when we walked in our Brewskie Sign was still on the table where we left it the last time we were here. And we're also excited to have our same rockstar waitress, the lovely Jessica!
First up,
THE ENERGY WHEAT.
This beer is 5%
Nick - "The Energy Wheat is a decent beer that resembles the typical wheat style taste, but with a hint of Ginseng." (the hint of Ginseng defines this brew as being a unique wheat beer)
Scottie Too Hottie - "This beer is a 7 out of 10, goes down smooth, but the after taste was where it lost the 3 points."
Dave - "Honestly I had a hard time putting my opinion to this brew. I have nothing to complain about, it goes down smooth. I knew it was the Ginseng that I was getting as the after taste, but how you do describe Ginseng flavor? The best I can say is if you like wheat and don't mind a little energy with it, you'll like it.
THE PUMPKIN ALE
This beer is a 6%
Nick - "I personally like the pumpkin, but I also enjoy spiced beers. I don't think it's a traditional pumpkin beer, it tastes like pumpkin pie with ginger spice."
Scottie Too Hottie - "I'm a tad bit biased, I dislike Pumpkin Pie, so what's worse then eating pumpkin pie would be drinking it."
Dave - "I wouldn't say I prefer spiced beers, but this wasn't bad. I DO like pumpkin pie (isn't pumpkin pie scent an afrodiseac for women???? [this is at least what Nick said, lol), but I thought it was ok. Honestly all, I couldn't focus because my mind was thinking about the Rasberry Wheat I was going to be having afterwards, LOL."
It was soo cool, when we walked in our Brewskie Sign was still on the table where we left it the last time we were here. And we're also excited to have our same rockstar waitress, the lovely Jessica!
First up,
THE ENERGY WHEAT.
This beer is 5%
Nick - "The Energy Wheat is a decent beer that resembles the typical wheat style taste, but with a hint of Ginseng." (the hint of Ginseng defines this brew as being a unique wheat beer)
Scottie Too Hottie - "This beer is a 7 out of 10, goes down smooth, but the after taste was where it lost the 3 points."
Dave - "Honestly I had a hard time putting my opinion to this brew. I have nothing to complain about, it goes down smooth. I knew it was the Ginseng that I was getting as the after taste, but how you do describe Ginseng flavor? The best I can say is if you like wheat and don't mind a little energy with it, you'll like it.
THE PUMPKIN ALE
This beer is a 6%
Nick - "I personally like the pumpkin, but I also enjoy spiced beers. I don't think it's a traditional pumpkin beer, it tastes like pumpkin pie with ginger spice."
Scottie Too Hottie - "I'm a tad bit biased, I dislike Pumpkin Pie, so what's worse then eating pumpkin pie would be drinking it."
Dave - "I wouldn't say I prefer spiced beers, but this wasn't bad. I DO like pumpkin pie (isn't pumpkin pie scent an afrodiseac for women???? [this is at least what Nick said, lol), but I thought it was ok. Honestly all, I couldn't focus because my mind was thinking about the Rasberry Wheat I was going to be having afterwards, LOL."
Thursday, October 9, 2008
The WAB (Woodward Avenue Brewery)
We just got here and are setting up for good ol' taste testing here as we celebrate the launch of "The Night Move!"
Rasberry Blonde - Definitely taste the Rasberry. A fruity style drink
Vanilla Porter - Thick, bitter, and a little chocolateeee
Heifweizen - A step above Gobel
Ruby Red - A typical red beer, good taste, clean finish. And would recommend the barbeque chicken sandwich with it.
Pumpkin Ale - A very tasty bevy, but honestly....tastes a bit more Christmasy...but wait, Brother Nick has something say. "I love the aftertaste"
Custom Blonde - Clean, lite, and awesome.
Pale Ale - Absolutely one of the most awful beers that I've had
Vanilla Porter - Thick, bitter, and a little chocolateeee
Heifweizen - A step above Gobel
Ruby Red - A typical red beer, good taste, clean finish. And would recommend the barbeque chicken sandwich with it.
Pumpkin Ale - A very tasty bevy, but honestly....tastes a bit more Christmasy...but wait, Brother Nick has something say. "I love the aftertaste"
Custom Blonde - Clean, lite, and awesome.
Pale Ale - Absolutely one of the most awful beers that I've had
Thursday, September 25, 2008
The Black Lotus Brewery
Bryon and I just got here, and met The Black Lotus' manager, Jason. The Samplers are being delivered and the taste testing will soon begin!!!
HEYYYYYY CHRIS RABIOR CAME OUT!!!!
The first drink up....The Pilsner. 5.0%
Bryon says it's a tasty, high quality version of Bud, with a clean finish. The taste goes in and out quickly and unfortunately...the sample glasses don't last long....a great everyday, all-purpose, all-American brew.
Next up..the Detroit Hip Hops (their IPA) 5.6%
OK, this ones going to take a bit to describe....
This brewskie was not what I expected. The first taste you recognize is black licorice. It took us a bit by surprise, but after a couple sips it became real smooth and creamy.
World Wide Wheat is next. 5.6%
This was a divide. Dave says "Not for me." Bryon says, "I like it. Subtle, Citrusy, and just a little bitter." (Dave doesn't agree, lol)
DetroitCity....we're stumped. I wouldn't probably order it because it tasted a wee bit watered down, but we would definitely say it's a sipper. Probably a perfect blend with some of the food here. (By the way, that should answer the question of whether they serve food here. Bryon says they're in the middle of remodeling their menu.
Just got confirmation on that menu thing. They're launching a new menu middle of October.
Red Tao Amber Lager 6%
This drink is a lighter version of Dos Equis Amber and seems to have a hint of lime.
Funkin A' Apricot Wheat 5.6%
This brew did not grew on us :) har har. Could have used a small amount of lemon or orange with it. Bryon says: "The apricot is extremely subtle. I was hoping for something a bit more dramatic. Typical fruit flavored brews, i.e. Rasberry Wheat's, usually have a strong representation of their namesake. This one didn't. "
We just learned a little bit of trivia. The reason why they call the jugs you can get filled "Growler" is because back in the day when you would come in to get your pail filled, they would drag it across the bar and it would make a "Growl" sound.
Enough with this learning, we must try the Monster Mash Pumpkin Ale 5.6%
Dude, that first sip changed flavors like 3 times in my mouth...crazy. This one lives up to the name sake says BRRRRRRYON. And since we have the unique privilege of trying one of the new dishes, the "Barbeque Chicken and Nachos" (AMMMAAAAZZING) this beer also is a great compliment to food.
Birthday Beer Cream Ale 5.0%
Bryon says: "Another smooth and subtle beer. Some initial zing in the middle of the tongue, finished real nice and clean."
And the end of the night here's the winners....
Dave: The Monster Mash Pumpkin Ale :)
Bryon: The People Mover :)
Overall the Black Lotus is a great hang. They have fantastic music every Tuesday and Wednesday night, the beers overall are just above average, and it's a pretty socially conscious establishment...which is always an additional reason to support a local business. In addition to beer, the Lotus also serves Free Trade Organic Tea, shows and sells local art off their walls, has vegetarian options on their small, but tasty, food menu (we had their BBQ Chicken Nachos and Grilled Chicken Panini), and something really special about this restaurant...it's a true neighborhood business. While inside the Lotus you can order out sushi from Noble Fish (located a few doors down) and it will get delivered to your table, and you can also order pizza from Green Lantern Pizza and they will also deliver to the Lotus. The staff is very laid back and help create and support the Lotus' relaxed, yet somewhat sophisticated (without being stuffy) atmosphere. Their slogan "Think Global, Drink Local" is a great mantra for all local beer lovers.
HEYYYYYY CHRIS RABIOR CAME OUT!!!!
The first drink up....The Pilsner. 5.0%
Bryon says it's a tasty, high quality version of Bud, with a clean finish. The taste goes in and out quickly and unfortunately...the sample glasses don't last long....a great everyday, all-purpose, all-American brew.
Next up..the Detroit Hip Hops (their IPA) 5.6%
OK, this ones going to take a bit to describe....
This brewskie was not what I expected. The first taste you recognize is black licorice. It took us a bit by surprise, but after a couple sips it became real smooth and creamy.
World Wide Wheat is next. 5.6%
This was a divide. Dave says "Not for me." Bryon says, "I like it. Subtle, Citrusy, and just a little bitter." (Dave doesn't agree, lol)
DetroitCity....we're stumped. I wouldn't probably order it because it tasted a wee bit watered down, but we would definitely say it's a sipper. Probably a perfect blend with some of the food here. (By the way, that should answer the question of whether they serve food here. Bryon says they're in the middle of remodeling their menu.
Just got confirmation on that menu thing. They're launching a new menu middle of October.
Red Tao Amber Lager 6%
This drink is a lighter version of Dos Equis Amber and seems to have a hint of lime.
Funkin A' Apricot Wheat 5.6%
This brew did not grew on us :) har har. Could have used a small amount of lemon or orange with it. Bryon says: "The apricot is extremely subtle. I was hoping for something a bit more dramatic. Typical fruit flavored brews, i.e. Rasberry Wheat's, usually have a strong representation of their namesake. This one didn't. "
We just learned a little bit of trivia. The reason why they call the jugs you can get filled "Growler" is because back in the day when you would come in to get your pail filled, they would drag it across the bar and it would make a "Growl" sound.
Enough with this learning, we must try the Monster Mash Pumpkin Ale 5.6%
Dude, that first sip changed flavors like 3 times in my mouth...crazy. This one lives up to the name sake says BRRRRRRYON. And since we have the unique privilege of trying one of the new dishes, the "Barbeque Chicken and Nachos" (AMMMAAAAZZING) this beer also is a great compliment to food.
Birthday Beer Cream Ale 5.0%
Bryon says: "Another smooth and subtle beer. Some initial zing in the middle of the tongue, finished real nice and clean."
And the end of the night here's the winners....
Dave: The Monster Mash Pumpkin Ale :)
Bryon: The People Mover :)
Overall the Black Lotus is a great hang. They have fantastic music every Tuesday and Wednesday night, the beers overall are just above average, and it's a pretty socially conscious establishment...which is always an additional reason to support a local business. In addition to beer, the Lotus also serves Free Trade Organic Tea, shows and sells local art off their walls, has vegetarian options on their small, but tasty, food menu (we had their BBQ Chicken Nachos and Grilled Chicken Panini), and something really special about this restaurant...it's a true neighborhood business. While inside the Lotus you can order out sushi from Noble Fish (located a few doors down) and it will get delivered to your table, and you can also order pizza from Green Lantern Pizza and they will also deliver to the Lotus. The staff is very laid back and help create and support the Lotus' relaxed, yet somewhat sophisticated (without being stuffy) atmosphere. Their slogan "Think Global, Drink Local" is a great mantra for all local beer lovers.
Friday, September 19, 2008
The Great Baraboo Brewery
We just got to the Great Baraboo Brewery here on Utica rd, and are getting set up to start taste testing some of their beers. Nothing like starting out a Friday night the right way!!!! This place is packed inside and out, obviously a great place for food as well.
Well we just finished two drinks:
the Freedom and the Rasberry Wheat
Freedom has a hint of Grapefruit to it and it's a perfect chill and drink. The Rasberry however is just flat out amazing. Nick has already put in an order to take some with him when he leaves. By the way, did I say that the waitstaff is awesome here?????
We're now tasting the Hoppy Harvest which after first taste we both agreed that it tastes almost identical to the Freedom. However, after adding a lemon, the flavor changed completely. It almost tastes like an ISB just not as thick.
I have to say, The beers are actually running pretty smooth. Sure I like some over others, but over all, I could see myself drinking any one of these brews. The next one we had had a very familiar taste. I don't know why I didn't catch it right off the bat, but the Shark Tooth resembles a bit of the dutch beverage, Heineken.
Next up....Caribou Wheat.
Dang it, Why did they serve this with a lemon??? I had half of it and it was good. Not great, but smooth and good. We thought, if it came with a lemon, we ought to try it.....ruined it. Not that it was bad tasting. Actually it didn't taste like anything at all. This is a good drink, just don't add lemon.
Last but nots least, zeee porter...
The Porter here is a good Porter. It's one of those bevy's that you could drink a bit warm as well as chilled, so it's a perfect drink if you're looking for something to sip.
We have to say, Baraboo is a worthwhile brewery. Good drinks all around and a great staff. we weren't sure whether we were going to come here or go somewhere else, but I'm glad we made this decision. Thanks to our favorite server Jessica, and Emily for hanging out and giving us the Boo experience.
Now onto the pint of the night. We both decided that the Rasberry Wheat won tonight's trophy. So we're going to kick back and enjoy. Be safe DetroitCity!
Well we just finished two drinks:
the Freedom and the Rasberry Wheat
Freedom has a hint of Grapefruit to it and it's a perfect chill and drink. The Rasberry however is just flat out amazing. Nick has already put in an order to take some with him when he leaves. By the way, did I say that the waitstaff is awesome here?????
We're now tasting the Hoppy Harvest which after first taste we both agreed that it tastes almost identical to the Freedom. However, after adding a lemon, the flavor changed completely. It almost tastes like an ISB just not as thick.
I have to say, The beers are actually running pretty smooth. Sure I like some over others, but over all, I could see myself drinking any one of these brews. The next one we had had a very familiar taste. I don't know why I didn't catch it right off the bat, but the Shark Tooth resembles a bit of the dutch beverage, Heineken.
Next up....Caribou Wheat.
Dang it, Why did they serve this with a lemon??? I had half of it and it was good. Not great, but smooth and good. We thought, if it came with a lemon, we ought to try it.....ruined it. Not that it was bad tasting. Actually it didn't taste like anything at all. This is a good drink, just don't add lemon.
Last but nots least, zeee porter...
The Porter here is a good Porter. It's one of those bevy's that you could drink a bit warm as well as chilled, so it's a perfect drink if you're looking for something to sip.
We have to say, Baraboo is a worthwhile brewery. Good drinks all around and a great staff. we weren't sure whether we were going to come here or go somewhere else, but I'm glad we made this decision. Thanks to our favorite server Jessica, and Emily for hanging out and giving us the Boo experience.
Now onto the pint of the night. We both decided that the Rasberry Wheat won tonight's trophy. So we're going to kick back and enjoy. Be safe DetroitCity!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
