Triptych Dank Meme

Brewed By: Triptych Brewing in Savoy, Illinois  

Purchased: 64oz growler from the brewery; filled on Saturday, July 29th, 2017 

Style/ABV: New England APA, 5.0%

Reported IBUs: 45

Dank Meme ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

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Triptych are that brewery from Savoy, Illinois that no one is talking about because they are a brewery from Savoy, Illinois. It's the butthole armpit of Illinois, albeit with slightly less racism than what you'd get if you went a few clicks south. This is one of many Kickstarter breweries, but clearly one of the better executed efforts.

Dank Meme is the kid brother Pale Ale to Really Dank Meme, the brewery's amped up New England IPA. It has been and is available in cans, and I've seen distro as far North as Chicago.

In terms of appearance, this dials in juicy orange juice with very little room for interpretation. The beer kicks up solid head, and the carbonation hangs around leaving ample webs of lacing. This is very much a hazy affair, and much like prison OJ, even my brightest desk lamp is unable to penetrate.

The aroma is dialed back compared to the Really Dank Meme, and drops more of that water crest malt base. I get tons of peach and guava, pretty legit mango, some shades of red papaya, sweet pineapple, banana waffers, and light grass/hemp. It's like a Tony Magoo apparatus and channels those West Coast weed field vibes...but with more water than the West Coast has seen in the past 10 years. 

This is dialed in shit, cutting across your tongue like a juicy/wet blade of grass. Up front is a splash of hemp and peach and guava, with pineapple and green banana following. The back end bitters up with some papaya and lingering mango notes. It's so wet and drinkable the juice label is apropos. Mouthfeel is is medium-light, with good palate depth and complexity. This is not overly light or basic, and that is often the trap these New England Pale Ales fall into. This unfolds in three waves with those hemp/peach/guava notes first, followed by that green banana, and finishing with mango/papaya. It's also balanced and has nice bitterness. 

Rating: Strong Above-Average (4.0/5.0 Untappd)

Real talk, Triptych is brewing one of the best New England Pale Ale and New England IPA in Illinois. These guys are killing it. If you needed an excuse to visit the central part of the state, this is it. ISO. ISO more. MOARR. Triptych send me cans. 

Random Thought: What the foam did you just firkin say about beer, you little macro drinker? I’ll have you know I graduated top of my class in the Cicerone certification online program, and I’ve been involved in numerous bottle shares of rare beers, and I have over 300 Untappy check-ins. I am trained in home brewing and I’m the top shopper in my entire home brew supply store. You are nothing to me but just another line mule. I will passive-aggressively complain about you to my wife with precision the likes of which has never been seen before on this Earth, mark my angry forum post. You think you can get away with saying that macro swill to me over the Internet? Think again, /r/craftbeer poster. As we speak I am contacting my secret network of homebrewers across the USA and your yeast strain is being traced right now so you better prepare for the knowledge storm, pale lager drinker. The storm that wipes out the pathetic little thing you call your “beer knowledge”. Your cellar is drain poured, hipster-hater. I can be anywhere, anytime, and I can brew beer in over seven hundred ways, and that’s just with my natural body yeast. Not only am I extensively trained in beer blogging, but I have access to the entire arsenal of Garret Olive’s bees and I will use it to its full extent to make delicious bee-barelywine-ales with all the presidents, you plebian macro drinking scum. If only you could have known what unholy retribution your little “clever” comment was about to bring down upon you, maybe you would have held your craft beer a little higher. But you couldn’t, you didn’t, and now you’re paying the price, you Yinlin-chugging, Heady-Topper-drinking-from-the-can-er-er. I will downvote all your terrible beerporn posts in /r/craftbeer, and you will ruin your BCBS keg by giving it a handjob. You’re not even a level one Cicerone, bro.

Goose Island Ten Hills

Brewed By: Goose Island Beer Company in Chicago, Illinois

Purchased: 12oz bottle from a Variety Pack left in my fridge in Chicago, IL; 2015 

Style/ABV: American Pale Ale, 6.2% 

Reported IBUs: 50

Woo shelf turds. About Goose Island:

Goose Island is a Chicago-based brewery that began as a brewpub on Clybourn, which opened on May 1988. The actual brewery opened on 1995, and is located on the Southwest side of Chicago. The second brewpub, located in Wrigleyville by the Chicago Cubs, was opened in 1999. On March 28, 2011, Goose Island sold 58% of the brewery to Anheuser-Busch. The remaining 42% of the brewery is supposed to be acquired by A-B InBev in the future, and there has been much discussion about the brewery's takeover. On November 16th, founder and CEO, John Hall, announced he would be leaving Goose Island. On January 1st, 2013, Anheuser-Busch "veteran" Andy Goeler will take over Goose Island. Additionally, around the same time as John Hall's departure, resident barrel-program leader John Laffler also announced his departure from Goose Island. There have been many changes regarding Goose Island...so we will see what the future has in store for Goose Island. 

The Ten Hills is a seasonal APA released during Decemeber through March. This beer is brewed with 2-Row, Caramel 20, Caramel 40, and Munich malts, and features Perle, Cascade, and US Saaz hops. 

Goose Island Ten Hills

This pours into your typical copper, amber-body, kicking up two fingers of amber-tinged head. Blah blah, it looks like every other Pale Ale/IPA out there. The beer is well carbed with good lacing, it's basically a basic bitch beer. 

The aroma is...shock...hops. This has a faint hit of onion and garlic on the aroma, with lots of orange, citrus, pine, and big hop wallop. The malt base is unobtrusive, and hints at whole grain bread if anything.

This isn't bad...it's actually a pretty basic follow through of the aroma. You get sweet malts, caramel sugars, and lots of oranges, hints of resin, and some lingering onion/garlic. It's pretty big for its britches, and that's not a huge shock at 6.2%. This is practically an IPA. 

Again, this is a big APA and really pushes the envelope as far as the style is concerned. I'm not having any trouble getting this down at 6.2%, and the palate depth is good with good duration. This is medium-bodied, and has lower carbonation. It's not that complex. This is pretty sweet...with honey like sweetness, lots of caramel sugars, and orange candies. You get those honey-like sugars up front (it reminds me of a toned down Hopslam), with lots of juicy hops in the mids, and some caramel sugars and lingering hops in the back. It's not bad. 

Rating: Above-Average (3.5/5.0 Untappd)

I'm feeling a Light Above-Average on this. This is a nice contender from Goozie Islands. I'd buy this again to pair with a spicy dish, and I think Goose Island has their heart in the right place when they decided to release this in the colder months of the year. The malt-heavy profile and intense sweetness makes this great for slightly colder weather. I hope Goose Island keeps this as part of their rotation. 

Random Thought: Goose Island's rotation changes are pretty frustrating, actually. They've killed some good beers. 

Marz The Machine

Brewed By: Marz Community Brewing Co. in Chicago, Illinois  

Purchased: 22oz bottle/bomber bought at West Lakeview Liquors in Chicago, IL; 2015 

Style/ABV: American Pale Ale, 5.3%

Reported IBUs: ?

Something something Chicago shelf turds. About the Marz Community Brewing Company:

The Marz Community Brewing Company is a brewery based out of Chicago, Illinois. The brewery launched in 2014, and was a project started by brothers Ed and Mike Marszewski, along with a handful of professional and amateur brewers. The website credits several "members of the Colletive," including Alex Robertson, Mike Marszewski, Pete Alvarado, Johanna Wawro, Michael Freimuth, Doktor Kazys Ozelis, Eric Olson, Ed Marszewski, Mike Redwick, Malread Case, Tom Piekarz, Eli Espinoza, and Tim Lange. This is like a football team or film credit roll, and I'm sure their list of contributors will expand. The brewery's POV is that they are a collective comprised of home brewers, professional brewers, and artists, that have united to make small, artisanal batches of beer. And that's all you really need to know. For more info, check out their website or Facebook.

The Machine is an American Pale Ale, brewed with hops and malts. Wewwww. This pours into a hazy yellow body, with tight carbonation, and a bright white and fluffy head. This is very much reminiscent of a hazy pineapple, and reminds me of beaches and Chicago politics. Okay mostly the former.

Marz The Machine

Since missing out on this year's Hopslamzzmzmsmz, I've been finding reasons to complain about how little I care about that beer. The Machine is another reason. It's like...there is really no shortage of super hoppy beers in Chicago. This is bright and clean, and reminds me very much of Maine's Lunch and Another One. The aroma is lemony, with clean lines, zesty citrus, and clean resin. This dabbles with some citrus zest and black pepper, and has lemon skins and lemon leaves all over it. The malts are buried in the back, like you want with this style, and they hint at watery crackers.

This is a fantastic American Pale Ale, if only because it is fresh from the source. Seriously, this is Marz channeling their Maine Brewing...clean lines, bright lemony zest, light white pepper, citrus zest, and minimal/unobtrusive cracker malts. This is bright and vibrant, and has a light mineral quality that reminds me of a Pilsner. Just fantastic.

At 5.3% this is super drinkable. And fantastic. I'm not gonna wax poetic...this is light-bodied, has good depth and duration, is moderately complex, and nails everything about the style that I want. It's juicy and citrusy up front; and rolls into bright, clean, and zesty citrus, white pepper, and resin; the back end drops off with lingering resin, some cracker malts, and this finishes nicely. 

Rating: Above-Average (4.0/5.0 Untappd)

I'm feeling a Strong Above-Average on this. Another fantastic, hoppy beer in Chicago. Sorry Bells, but I just don't care about Hopslammzzsmzmz this year. I'd love to pair this with some nice, cheesy pizza...oh lawdy. 

Random Thought: Whiskey and Bourbon are awesome...his wallet and liver hates him. 

Deschutes Chainbreaker White IPA

Brewed By: Deschutes Brewing Company in Bend, Oregon

Purchased: 12oz bottle bought at Binny's in Chicago, IL; 2015 

Style/ABV: White IPA, 5.6%
Reported IBUs: 55

The best part about hosting a party is being left with a fridge full of shelf turds. About Deschutes:

The Deschutes Brewing Company was founded by Gary Fish on June 27th, 1988, when they opened the doors to their Bond Street Public House pub. The brewery has since expanded, growing to be one of the top craft beer producers in America. The brewery also operates a pub in Portland, and has a dedicated brewing facility overlooking the Deschutes river. For more information, check out the brewery's website; their Facebook page; their Twitter; or Wikipedia. 

The Chainbreaker White IPA is a White IPA brewed with Pilsner, Wheat, Unmalted Wheat malts; Bravo, Citra, Centennial, and Cascade hops; and also has some sweet orange and coriander thrown into the mix.

Deschutes Chainbreaker White IPA

I love White IPAs. This is such an underrated style, so disclaimers up front, this is maybe my favorite shelf turd beer from Deschutes. The Chainbreaker pours into a hazy, unfiltered, conditioned body that is a radiant yellow-orange color, with a firm white head. There is tons of lacing, carbonation, and all that good stuff.

The aroma is a fantastic blend of Belgian yeast, spice, and tons of white pepper, black pepper, and BOLD pink peppercorns. Bright, sweet citrus comes forth, with oranges, tangerines, pineapple, peach, and some mango. The aroma also has some wheat notes, with a little Belgian funk that leans towards clove. It's just a fantastic fusion of that pink peppercorn spice with those bright citrus hops and complex Belgian yeast aromas. 

This tastes as good as the aroma, if not better. You get blasted with tons of sweet hops that dial up pineapple, sweet lemon, and bright oranges. There's a ton of black pepper in the taste, almost drawing up Saison comparisons. There's a good amount of clove funk, pink peppercorns, bold yeast character, and some biscuity/bready malts in the background. The hops are the main character, and they keep the beer bold and refreshing. The peppery spice rides the mids and back part of the beer, and help to dry everything out.

This is an impressively tight package. At 5.6%, this is super drinkable, and a lot of that is thanks to the impressive hop package. This is medium-light bodied, with good palate depth and good duration. This actually ratchets up the complexity beyond the usual 1-Dimensional Deschutes' approach. Up front: tons of delicious citrus, pineapple, bright hop notes; the mids roll into fantastic peppery spice, pink peppercorns, Belgian funk, some clove, more juicy hop goodness; the back end trials off with clean hops, lingering black pepper, and then it dries out with this Saison-like finish. It's just a well-done beer. 

Rating: Above-Average (4.0/5.0 Untappd)

I'm feeling a Strong Above-Average here. This is an awesome beer, and maybe the only Deschutes beer I would seek out regularly and by the 6-pack. Fantastic stuff, really. It's veering into the land of a Saison...and to me....this is better than many of the Belgian IPAs. Really though, I would pair this with some peppery chicken/turkey. Or anything rustic. 

Random Thought: Shelf turds ftw. 

Deschutes Mirror Pond Pale Ale

Brewed By: Deschutes Brewing Company in Bend, Oregon

Purchased: 12oz bottle bought at Binny's in Chicago, IL; 2015 

Style/ABV: American Pale Ale, 5.0%
Reported IBUs: 40

The best part about hosting a party is being left with a fridge full of shelf turds. About Deschutes:

The Deschutes Brewing Company was founded by Gary Fish on June 27th, 1988, when they opened the doors to their Bond Street Public House pub. The brewery has since expanded, growing to be one of the top craft beer producers in America. The brewery also operates a pub in Portland, and has a dedicated brewing facility overlooking the Deschutes river. For more information, check out the brewery's website; their Facebook page; their Twitter; or Wikipedia. 

The Mirror Pond Pale Ale is a "northwest pale ale" brewed with Cascade hops, and Pale, NW Pale, Crystal, and Carapils malts. This pours into a hazy orange body, kicking up a finger of caramel-tinged head. The head retention is solid, and this is a lively beer with good lacing. There's suspended yeast in the body, and this is clearly an unfiltered, conditioned beer.

Deschutes Mirror Pond Pale Ale

On the aroma: really nice orange, grass, and notes that are reminiscent of a Two Hearted. The citrus notes have a really nice spice character, with some pepper, peppercorns, an almost Belgo-esque quality, and zesty white pepper. It's an inviting and clean aroma, and the hops are sweeter and softer than the Inversion IPA.

This is a delicious, well-done American Pale Ale. This has solid citrus notes, with grassy orange, appreciable hop bite, and some nice lemony and pine notes. It has just the right amount of sweetness, and it's not too bitter. The malts are generally unassuming, but hint towards caramel. This has a nice clean yeast character. In every way this is unobtrusive it is also refined and done well. 

You can't get much simpler than an American Pale Ale, so I won't wax on for long. This is light-full to medium-light bodied, with good carbonation, juicy and clean hops, and no alcohol. Depth and duration are on point, and there's little complexity. It's just a nice ride of clean orange and grass up front; some zest and spice and juicy orange in the mids; and clean bitterness with just a twinge of caramel in the back. Solid if not better than.

Rating: Above-Average (3.5/5.0 Untappd)

I'll toss this a Light Above-Average. I could see myself buying this by the 12-pack for camping or a party or just drinking on the patio in the summer. This is one of hundreds of refreshing American Pale Ale-style beers, but it pulls it off. You could pair this with anything really, but I'm feeling beer battered fish and chips.

Random Thought: I miss summer. Fuck winter. 

Blue Moon First Peach Ale

Brewed By: Miller Brewing Company (MillerCoors) in Milwaukee, Wisconsin   

Purchased: 12oz bottle from a 12-pack bought at Jewel-Osco in Chicago, IL; 2015

Style/ABV: Fruit Beer/American Pale Wheat Ale, 5.6%

Reported IBUs: 15

I like peaches. About MillerCoors aka Blue Moon:

Blue Moon was first brewed in 1995 at one of MillerCoors' R&D arms; in a sandlot, in Denver, Colorado, by Keith Villa. Keith Villa is an OG player these days. He's off judging beer, and talking about his PhD in brewing from the University of Brussels. There's a PhD for everything these days. Seriously though, it's Blue Moon. Read the Wiki. 

Aside from the kind of rapey name, the First Peach Ale is a beer brewed with caramel and wheat malts; Mittelfruh hops; and is described as a "classic Belgian sour brown ale with an American Pale Wheat Ale." This isn't sour at all, and has tenuous ties to anything that is sour, therefore we can only conclude that Kevin Villa is actually a hack and the Blue Moon website is run by penises. First peach, seriously? 

Blue Moon First Peach Ale

This pours into a light brown, reddish-body. It's filtered and not at all hazy, and screams nothing Belgian or sour. There is a nice finger of wheat-fueled, amber-hued head. The hues are endless with Blue Moon. I really don't care about taking cheap shots, but Keith Villa is apparently a BJCP judge or something. Seriously, a sour?

The aroma on this is super inviting. A lot of people are calling this "overly" peachy and "too much peach." And maybe after drinking a proper soured fruit beer that could be said to be true. This actually nails the peach thing, with pronounced peach juice, peach tea, peach currants, peach pie, and Lipton Iced Tea: Peach. The aroma briefly dabbles in the realm of Del Monte Fruit Cocktails, but beneath all the heavy peach sweetness are some hints of caramel malts, and some slight candy sugar Belgian spice. And that's all I really got for this.

The taste is a shell of the aroma, and reverts to this basic Blue Moon profile present in all their beers. Again, Keith Villa, you fucking hack. You will forever be known as the corporate shill that brews these regurgitated saccharine-sweet wheat beers with this awful extract malt profile. I'm actually quite partial to Belgian beer, so whenever Blue Moon slaps their Belgian stamp on a product it sort of triggers all sorts of angst. Again, I could not care less that Blue Moon is owned by people that have enough money to clone, kill, and cover up Keith Villa and his whacky creations. I should say this beer tastes like Peach Lipton Tea, peach juice, Del Monte Fruit Cocktail, and misguided caramel malts. There's that underlying saccharine sweetness that tastes like making out on the dance floor with strangers and bar bathroom perfume aromas. 

Blue Moon has become the de facto "crafy" brand for MillerCoors, but the veil is thin. This might as well be Miller High Life with some peach juice thrown into the mix. In some respects, I like that, but I really think this beer would benefit from being slightly more hand job crafted. You just can't reproduce the complexities of those Belgian malts and those Belgian candy sugars in some Canadian sandlot. At any rate, this beer is too sweet for 5.6%. It's medium-bodied with blunted carb. The palate depth is full in all the wrong places, and this lacks complexity. It's not bad and at 5.6% I find it enjoyable...I obviously like something about this beer since I bought a 12-pack. Ummm...yeah.

Rating: Average (3.0/5.0 Untappd)

I'm feeling a Light Average on this. This has that great peach note up front, with some Lipton Tea in the mids....it's basically a glorified wine cooler until the back end drops those disjointed and artificial caramel malts. To add insult to injury, the 12-pack design for this beer is shitty and cheap cardboard. I picked up four 12-packs at the store, and each one broke at the handle resulting in a near-disaster. I feel like Blue Moon should make right by that and release the location of Keith Villa's clone factory. 

Random Thought: A 12-pack of this shit costs $14.99. That's not terrible, but you'd be much better off grabbing a 4-pack of Festina Peche for around the same price or less. Even the Lindemans' "Faro" Pêche is FAR AND AWAY better than this. At least that beer has some malt complexity, albeit crashing against 8 pounds of added sugar. 

On the Budweiser Super Bowl advertisement that has rustled so many jimmies...I just don't care. I really don't. I thought the ad was clever and effective. It hit its mark, and craft beer shouldn't be effected. This isn't a zero sum game anymore. Craft beer has thousands of brewers, and that's just in America. Craft beer is blowing up in other countries now, including Canada, Mexico, etc. Craft beer is also seeing a Renaissance in countries like England. So what the fuck is the big deal? So what if the commercial was emasculating or portrayed the craft beer crowd as neckbeard hipsters. Go stand in a line for any beer release...you'll be shocked to discover that it is mostly neckbeard hipsters. And many of them are as annoying if not more so than the pretentious douche pianos portrayed in the commercial. 

Marz Jungle Boogie

Brewed By: Marz Community Brewing Co. in Chicago, Illinois  

Purchased: 16.9oz bottle bought at West Lakeview Liquors in Chicago, IL; 2015 

Style/ABV: American Pale Wheat Ale, 5.5%

Reported IBUs: 10

Something something Chicago shelf turds. About the Marz Community Brewing Company:

The Marz Community Brewing Company is a brewery based out of Chicago, Illinois. The brewery launched in 2014, and was a project started by brothers Ed and Mike Marszewski, along with a handful of professional and amateur brewers. The website credits several "members of the Colletive," including Alex Robertson, Mike Marszewski, Pete Alvarado, Johanna Wawro, Michael Freimuth, Doktor Kazys Ozelis, Eric Olson, Ed Marszewski, Mike Redwick, Malread Case, Tom Piekarz, Eli Espinoza, and Tim Lange. This is like a football team or film credit roll, and I'm sure their list of contributors will expand. The brewery's POV is that they are a collective comprised of home brewers, professional brewers, and artists, that have united to make small, artisanal batches of beer. And that's all you really need to know. For more info, check out their website or Facebook.

The Jungle Boogie is an American Pale Wheat Ale brewed with rooibos tea. This pours into a dark red, brownish body...the head retention is impressive, and this is hazy as you'd expect with a wheat beer. 

Marz Jungle Boogie

The aroma is absolutely fantastic. There is an explosion of bright Mosaic hops and huge Rooibos tea that culminates in an explosion of bright tropical fruits, berries, fresh tea, green tea, intense wheat, peaches, fresh pine, and steeped tea. It's an incredibly vibrant and fresh aroma, and the fusion of the tea and hops is spot on. 

This drinks more like a pale ale than an American Wheat Ale, but I see why they are calling it that. There's a lot of bright tea notes and clean wheat notes, but beneath the tea and wheat is a serious punch of Mosaic hops. The hops not only drop pine and tropical fruit, but they also blast some lemon, resinous bitterness, and a little hemp oil. The tea notes also come in on the back end adding some tea-like bitterness. You get lots of green tea, and some earthy shades of medium/black tea. The tea-hop punch really works here.

This isn't the first fusion of tea and hops, but it's definitely the most congruent example I have had. I actually enjoy this more than the Laughing Panda Green Tea IPA, and I enjoyed that beer. This is medium-bodied with fairly flat carbonation, but it is so clean and easy to drink. Palate depth is perfect, with good depth and duration. This also unravels with a fair bit of complexity. The tea and bright Mosiac hop notes up front transition into a wheat-heavy mid, with more fruity tea/hop notes. The back end trails off with the fruit and tea, and drops some earthy green tea and lemony resin. This is dropping some peach notes as I sip on it, and it's just incredibly refreshing. I hope this is around in the summer.

Rating: Above-Average (4.0/5.0 Untappd)

I'm feeling a Strong Above-Average on this. I'm tempted to bump this up to a 4.5 but I really need to camp out on another bottle. As it stands, this is maybe the best hop-tea beer I have had. I would definitely recommend this, and the food pairings are endless. I would maybe pair this with a fish dish or sushi...but that's me. 

Random Thought: These Marz guys are really coming out the gates strong.

Deschutes River Ale

Brewed By: Deschutes Brewing Company in Bend, Oregon

Purchased: 12oz bottle bought at Binny's in Chicago, IL; 2015 

Style/ABV: American Pale Ale/Session Ale, 4.0%
Reported IBUs: 28

The best part about hosting a party is being left with a fridge full of shelf turds. About Deschutes:

The Deschutes Brewing Company was founded by Gary Fish on June 27th, 1988, when they opened the doors to their Bond Street Public House pub. The brewery has since expanded, growing to be one of the top craft beer producers in America. The brewery also operates a pub in Portland, and has a dedicated brewing facility overlooking the Deschutes river. For more information, check out the brewery's website; their Facebook page; their Twitter; or Wikipedia. 

The River Ale is a "session" Pale Ale, brewed with Pale, Munich, Carapils, and Crystal malts; and Cascade, Crystal, and Nugget hops. This pours into a dense, hazy, orange body. The head retention is outstanding, and you get lots of lacing, along with ample carbonation. It's just a good looking beer and it sets the tone for the aroma. 

This is like a toned down Two Hearted Ale, with grassy hops, big peach notes, floral lemon, and tons of biscuity-cracker malts. The peach-melon sweetness is welcomed, and this begs refreshing.

Deschutes River Ale

Session Ales were a short lived fad, but this is pretty enjoyable for a 4.0% Pale Ale. It's like a toned down Two Hearted with more sweetness. I'm getting some lemon, orange, and lots of melon-peach sweetness. The hops are grassy, and the malts hint at cracker-biscuit. There is enough hop oil to give this mild resin bite. 

This is simple, drinkable, and blah blah. At 4.0% this is light-bodied, well-carbed, and you really ought to buy this in the 24-pack format. You can drink this while driving your kids to soccer practice, or while fishing, or for hydration while doing all those sports activities that your typical craft beer neckbeard does. For a light Pale Ale, this has good complexity, duration, and mouthfeel...there's a lot of bright citrus notes, melon, peach, and grass. The cracker-biscuit malts work. 

Rating: Above-Average (3.5/5.0 Untappd)

I'm feeling a Light Above-Average here. This is about as nuanced as this style gets, and I like this a lot. If this came in a 15-pack and cans like Founders All Day IPA, I would buy it on the regular. Unfortunately, I have no interest in buying this beer in a 6-pack. But never say never. Pairings: a fresh and bright salad, white fish and potatoes, fishing. 

Random Thought: Mmm shelf turds. 

Penrose Fractal

Brewed By: Penrose Brewing Company in Geneva, IL  

Purchased: 12oz bottle from a 4-pack bought at Bottles & Cans in Chicago, IL; 2014 (bottled 12/10/2014)

Style/ABV: Belgian India Pale Ale, 6.8%

Reported IBUs: 65

It's been a while since I have had anything from Penrose, and now they are bottling their beer, sooo.....about Penrose:

Penrose was founded by owner Eric Hobbs and partner/Brewmaster Tom Korder in early 2014. The duo are both former Goose Island employees, and they want to focus on brewing Belgian-inspired session ales, oak barrel-aged beer, beers that use alternative fermentation. Located in the lovely town of Geneva, Illinois, the brewery has a local element that is quaint and inviting. For more info, check out the brewery's website or their Facebook page. 

The Fractal is a Belgian IPA brewed with Columbus, Cascade, and Amarillo hops, 2-Row and Carapils malts, and Bastogne yeast.

Penrose Fractal

This is an orange-amber affair, kicking up a finger of candy orange-tinged head that leaves impressive lacing. This one doesn't look to hazy, but it's hard to say if it is filtered.

The aroma is a nice blend of citrus hops, pine, some mild onion/garlic, and lots of Belgian funk. I'm getting clove, yeasty esters, peppercorns, and some biscuity notes. It definitely smells like a Belgian IPA, fusing Belgian yeast with floral American hops. I am excite.

This is pretty solid for the style. I'm not sure where the onion/garlic hop notes are coming from. Maybe my palate is just shot for the night, but yeah. I'm getting a lot of garlic/onion. There are no Summit hops in here either, as far as I know. The good news is I love garlic and onion, and there is also a fair amount of citrus, pine, crisp hop goodness, and some Belgian clove and black pepper/pink peppercorns to go along for the ride. This has some yeasty esters, and enough funk to square it away as a Belgian IPA. It is also fairly easy-going, which I appreciate.

At 6.8%, I'm not getting any alcohol here. Palate depth is good, and this is pretty crisp and refreshing with a medium-light mouthfeel. This has good duration for the style, and has good complexity. As it warms up, it gets a little more Belgian-y, which is nice. Up front: citrus hops, onions/garlic, some burgeoning clove; the mids hit the clove and peppercorns hard, with some biscuit; the back end drives the biscuit and hops home. I actually really like this, but I'm having a hard time finding the nuances that elevate it above other stylistic examples. 

Rating: Average (3.5/5.0 Untappd)

I'm feeling a Strong Average on this beer. This is very solid, and I could see it being something I stock in my fridge semi-regularly. It's not blowing me away, however. Having said that, I think this has serious food potential. I could pair this with some buffalo wings, or maybe some pork tacos. Pretty solid stuff, all things considered, and you can't beat the price.

Random Thought: I am balls to the walls nuts. Yarrr.  

Victory Variety Pack Round-Up: Headwaters Pale Ale

Brewed By: Victory Brewing Company in Downingtown, Pennsylvania 

Purchased: 12oz bottle from Victory's Variety Pack bought at Binny's in Chicago, IL; 2014

Style/ABV: American Pale Ale, 5.1%
Reported IBUs: ?

I realize that reviewing Victory's heritage brews is like reviewing Sierra Nevada's Pale Ale or Anchor Brewing's Anchor Steam. Here's the thing. The four beers contained in this Variety Pack (PrimaPils, HopDevil, Headwaters Pale Ale, Golden Monkey) are classics in their own right. But the times, they've been a-changin'. So it reasons that what was once a classic might be viewed differently today than in retrospect. You know. Plus this is my blog/LiveJournal. If you don't like it, suck on deez nuts. But  About Victory: 

Victory Brewing Company is a brewery based out of Downingtown, Pennsylvania. The brewery was founded by Ron Barchet and Bill Covaleski, two avid brewers and lovers of beer. Although Victory opened on February 15, 1996, the duo were brewing brewing beer long before opening their own company. You can read more about their accomplishments on the brewery's about page. The brewery uses German malted barley and European and American whole flower hops (the use of whole flower hops is one unique aspect of Victory). Victory is currently working on expanding to Parkesburg. For more information about Victory, check out their website or their Facebook page. 

The Headwaters Pale Ale is brewed with Victory's typical 2-Row malt base, and whole flower American hops. Of the four beers in this variety pack, the Headwaters is the least famous. I believe this beer is also newer stock for Victory. 

Victory Headwaters Pale Ale

This one pours into a stereotypical amber/copper body, kicking up a finger of just off-white, hop-fueled head. This looks very much like an American IPA/APA, with clingy lacing leaving webs on the glass, and dots of carbonation.

The aroma here is a nice departure from a lot of the dull Session IPAs and vibrant/exotic hop Pale Ales that we have been seeing as of late. It's quite resinous and dank, with far reaching pine and sweet hemp, floral sweetness, lemons, and grassy notes. There is also a nice and prominent malt backbone, which features some cracker and biscuit. 

This is actually a very good example of a straight-forward American APA. At 5.1%, this feels a lot more full-bodied than many other examples in this style. It reaches far with its big American-style hops, and you get a lot of floral pine, lemony citrus, earthy dankness, light and sweet tobacco, and generous amounts of the gentle cracker/caramel/biscuit malt backbone. The end result is surprisingly clean and well-made.

This is medium-bodied, but well carbonated and clean. In that regard it is light. The 5.1% is surprising, as the body feels much more substantial. You don't get any booze, which is nice. In a lot of ways, this is that big and complex APA you should be looking for, but it doesn't come with any bullshit strings like an inflated ABV or the use of 10 Australian hops. Really, this unfolds with clean grassy hops, lemon zest, sweet tobacco, and floral notes up front; that rolls into more hops, with burgeoning caramel and bread; the back end stays hop-forward, but adds a touch of cracker and biscuit. The finish is dry and clean, and reminds me of beers like Bell's Two Hearted. 

Rating: Above-Average (4.0/5.0 Untappd)

I'm feeling a Strong Above-Average on this. While in many regards this beer is very much the epitome of an American Pale Ale, it also goes above and beyond in terms of execution. This is truly a sleeper APA, and I could see myself regularly stocking my fridge with a 12-pack of this for the warmer months. This would be a beer I would take camping or fishing, and it also should pair well with lightly spicy foods, warmer weather, barbecues, and certainly things like pizza. This is a fantastic entry from Victory, and it's a shame you don't hear more hype around this beer.

Random Thought: DAE Zombie Citra hurr durr Austrian hops wooo. 

5 Rabbit / Nøgne Ø Naked Rabbit (Conejo Desnudo)

Brewed By: 5 Rabbit Cerveceria in Bedford Park, IL /Nøgne Ø in Grimstad, Norway

Purchased: 750ml bottle bought at Binny's in Chicago, IL; 2014

Style/ABV: Pale Ale/Fruit Beer, 6.6%

Reported IBUs: ?

I wanted to jump on this beer sooner than later. This Pale Ale collaboration between 5 Rabbit and Nøgne Ø is brewed with "juniper and mango." That sounds great, except the weather outside has been cold and shitty. About 5 Rabbit Cerveceria: 

5 Rabbit Cerveceria is an Illinois-based craft brewery launched in 2011. The brewery has a unique perspective, focusing on Latin-themed craft beer. The company is lead by CEO Andrés Araya, Creative Director Randy Mosher, and brewmaster (and former Goose Island employee) John J. Hall. For more info about the brewery, check out their Facebook or their website. 

About Nøgne Ø:

Nøgne Ø is a brewery based out of Grimstad, Norway. The brewery was founded in 2002 by homebrewers Gunnar Wiig and Kjetil Jikiun. The name Nøgne Ø, which translates to "naked island," is a poetic term used by the poet Henrik Ibsen to describe the stark, barren landscapes visible in the rough sea off Norway's coast. The founders co-opted the term, because they felt it was symbolic for their passion to share their beer. Sort of like a flasher, only with beer and not balls. This "uncompromising brewery" loves Marris Otter malt and American hops. With a passion to show you their goods and brew bold beer, what could you complain about?  

The Naked Rabbit is a collaboration, as previously stated. The back of the bottle reads: 

"A chance encounter between our two breweries led to a realization of some common values and a collaboration was born. It turns out that juniper from the cool north and mango from the torrid south are soulmates, amplifying each other and blending perfectly in this characterful pale ale. Motueka, Pacific Jade and Hallertaue Blanc hops add to the beautiful piney, fruity aroma. 

The name is a mashup of our brewery names: Nøgne Ø means "naked island." It has been an honor to work with Norway's first and most important craft brewery."

5 Rabbit / Nøgne Ø Naked Rabbit (Conejo Desnudo)

This yields something very reminiscent to a Pale Ale: a slightly hazy, golden-orange, pale affair. The beer kicks up two fingers of fluffy, white, sustaining head. The head leaves nice lacing, is hop fueled, blah blah. The beer is carbonated nicely. 

The aroma is one note, like a baroque juniper symphony. Some Bach apologist will show up and defend the nuances of baroque, and your eyes will glaze like adult industry psychology majors with broken dreams. I was cracking this beer to protest the cold weather, but all I smell is Christmas. Juniper, pine, Christmas trees, Midwest forests, and some suggestions of mango that are otherwise held hostage by the overt juniper.

The taste is much more in line with what I was hoping for. Here the mango gets to shine, with refreshing waves of apple, apple slaw salad, mango, sweet pine, and big floral hops. This leans in the direction of mango and pine, with hints of floral and fruity juniper in the taste. This is clean with little in the way of malts. There's maybe some faint caramel sugars in the back, but this mostly rides on carbonation and hops with the fruity adjuncts brightening things up.

As far as fruited Pale Ales go, this is really solid. It's incredibly juicy and refreshing at 6.6%, with a light-full to medium-light body, tons of carbonation, juicy fruits, and good depth and complexity. I mean, you really can't ask more from this beer. While the aroma is unsettling, this does settle into something incredibly enjoyable. I'd be very happy butt chugging this in the Summer months. To recap, this opens with big refreshing pine, mango, and apple/slaw up front; that gives way to really nice hoppy notes, with floral pine, floral mango, some hints of citrus, and mild bitterness; the back end lingers with mango, apple, pine, juniper, and some faint caramel. This finishes clean and refreshing, and is actually both unique and drinkable.

Rating: Above-Average (4.0/5.0 Untappd)

I'm feeling a Decent Above-Average here. Very good for a Pale Ale. My only regret is this beer's limited availability and the price. I'd like to see this in a 6-pack on the regular. I'm going to pair this food with leftover Italian chicken with mozzarella and tomatoes, but I think you could go with some more inspired Summer dishes. Like many of 5 Rabbits beers, I think this beer would be a great food pairing vehicle. 

Random Thought: Go see Gone Girl. It was fantastic...minus some potential misogynistic implications that I am still exploring. 

Founders Mosaic Promise

Brewed By: Founders Brewing Company in Grand Rapids, Michigan

Purchased: 12oz bottle from a 6-pack bought at Binny's in Chicago, IL; 2014 

Style/ABV: American Pale Ale, 5.5%

Reported IBUs: 50

Have you heard? Mosaic is the new Citra. About Founders:

Founders is the holy grail of Michigan brewing. Based out of Grand Rapids, Michigan, Founders was founded in 1997 by Mike Stevens and Dave Engbers, and produces some of the best beer in the world. If you haven't heard of Founders...well, what are you doing? Get on that, now.

The Mosaic Promise is is a single malt, single hop beer. "Proceeds from the sale of this new ale will benefit ArtPrize, the world’s largest art competition that takes place annually in Grand Rapids, Mich." The Mosaic Promise is brewed with Golden Promise malts, and Mosaic hops, and is a limited release beer for September 2014. 

Founders Mosaic Promise

This pours into a juicy, hazy, yellow-gold body. This actually looks like a tropical fruit explosion, and the haze is my bag. I swear, this beer is trying to win me over. The beer kicks up a finger of white-tinged head that is surprisingly short lived but gives way to a great cauldron effect. The lacing and carbonation is spot on.

This beer is a grower not a shower...I was underwhelmed upon first sniff, but this is growing on me as I open the second bottle. It is clean, with watery and refreshing hops...much like a Pale Ale. I'm getting passion fruit, tropical fruits, and huge citrus. The citrus goes into dank and resinous orange...but without the peel. I'm also getting some light blueberry notes, which is a thing for Mosaic hops. There is some lemon zest in here as well.

Taste: This is watery, clean, and refreshing. The malts aren't assertive, and I appreciate that. This reminds me of Zombie Dust, and it also reminds me of Maine's Lunch and Another One. That's good company to keep. This rolls out sharp and resinous/dank lemon, cut grass, lemon zest, orange, and big tropical fruit. I'm getting some pineapple in the taste that I wasn't getting in the aroma. The finish is surprisingly bitter, but it's clean and dry. The malts give hints of cracker and stale biscuit, which is a nice backbone for this fantastic hop.

It's too bad this is a limited release, because this is a super delicious Pale Ale. It's light and refreshing at 5.5%. Light bodied, good palate depth, and good complexity for a two-note beer. This is refined: up front you get resinous citrus, tropical fruit, lemon zest, pineapple; the mids roll into more of the same, with some grassy notes and burgeoning cracker; the back end dials up the cracker/biscuit and finishes dry. This has a fairly dry/bitter/hoppy finish for just 50 IBUs, and I like it.

Rating: Above-Average (4.0/5.0 Untappd)

I'm feeling a Strong Above-Average here. This could rival your Zombie Dusts or Lunches, so it's too bad it is a limited release. I don't think it is quite as good as Another One, but yeah. This is a cute little banger, I'd recommend pairing it with a leafy burger or some rustic spinach pizza. Pretty solid shit, if you see a sixer pick this up while it's hot/fresh/etc.

Random Thought: DAE sours are the new IPA?