World Beer Review: United States

[Iz Man]

Alright Gip:
I'll start with three, but there are so many quality beers available in the States now it'll be impossible to get every one I'd like to review; but I'll certainly try...
Here goes, lets start strong.....


Arrogant Bastard
Origin: California, US
Style: American Strong Ale (or an American IPA hybrid)
Alcohol: 7.6% ABV

How does one describe Stone Brewery's Arrogant Bastard......
Perhaps I'll start with the very label that adorns the bottle:
"This is an aggressive beer. You probably won't like it. It is quite doubtful that you have the taste or sophistication to be able to appreciate an ale of this quality and depth. We would suggest that you stick to safer and more familiar territory -- maybe something with a multi-million dollar ad campaign aimed at convincing you it's made in a little brewery, or one that implies that their tasteless fizzy yellow beer will give you more sex appeal. Perhaps you think multi-million dollar ad campaigns make a beer taste better. Perhaps you're mouthing your words as you read this."
This beer pours a garnet red with a thick tan head. Loads of malt flavor and TONS of hops. Chinook hops for that "citrusy" distinctly western U.S. taste.
This is one of my personal favorites. I highly recommend it to anyone looking to try something different.
If you're worthy.....


Mephistopheles' Stout
Origin: Colorado, US
Style: Imperial Stout
Alcohol: 16% ABV (2007 batch)

How do you say "This beer will knock you on your ass quick" in a nice way? That's what this one will do. The epitome of Imperial Stouts. Not only does it have one of the coolest names, but an awesome label too ! Here's a better pic:
Mephistopheles is the crafty shape shifter, the second fallen angel. Amazingly complex, coal black, velvety and liqueurish, this demon has a bouquet of vine-ripened grapes, anise and chocolate covered cherries with flavors of rum-soaked caramelized dark fruits and a double espresso finish. Mephistopheles is the final installment of "The Demons of Ale" series. The others being Samael's Oak Aged Ale (14%) and The Beast (16+%).

This one's for Koolbak:
Hair Of The Dog Adam
Style: Adam Bier
Origin: Oregon, US
Alcohol: 10% ABV

The Bulldog on the label is intended to communicate character and this tiny brewery in Portland, Oregon, specializes in extremely robust and unusual beers. Adam Bier was a style produced in Dortmund in the days when the city made strong, top-fermenting, dark brews. King Frederick William IV of Prussia is said to have guzzled a large tankard on a hot day and rendered unconscious for more than 24 hours.There is little information on the original Adam Bier, so this is a free interpretation. It is syrupy, with suggestions of chocolate, roasted peppers, and peat. A bottle-conditioned beer of astonishing complexity.

[TheProwler]

Regarding your sig...

Holy fuckin' freight train Batman!!!

Great hit!

[HapSmo19]

Sierra Nevada Pale Ale
http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h199/ ... aleAle.jpg

My favorite beer. This beer just dares you to try to drink three six-packs of it and has on at least one occasion, left me semi-conscious and urinating in the vase on the coffee table. I just found out what color it is by looking at that picture because I always drink it out of the bottle(which explode nicely when struck by projctiles). I'd definately recommend it.

[DaGip]

Sierra Nevada Pale Ale
http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h199/ ... aleAle.jpg

My favorite beer. This beer just dares you to try to drink three six-packs of it and has on at least one occasion, left me semi-conscious and urinating in the vase on the coffee table. I just found out what color it is by looking at that picture because I always drink it out of the bottle(which explode nicely when struck by projctiles). I'd definately recommend it.

So you drink beer specifically for the drunkness factor. You should really like King Cobra...

[DaGip]

Iz, it's hard for me to get those kinds of beer in my watered down beer state of America. What should I do?

I might say, that Mestipholes looks like my type of beer. It looks like one that would go good with fish and chips.

Where does the reddish colored head come from?

[Iz Man]

Iz, it's hard for me to get those kinds of beer in my watered down beer state of America. What should I do?

Seek and ye shall find....

I might say, that Mestipholes looks like my type of beer. It looks like one that would go good with fish and chips.

Where does the reddish colored head come from?

The color is a bit off in that pic. The head is actually more of a dark tan. Yielded from the dark roasted malts.
I highly recommend it if you can find it.
Chances are it'll run about $10 for a 12oz bottle.

[Backglass]

My turn...

Dogfish Head 60 Minute I.P.A.



This beer is a Hop Lovers session ale. Packed full of hoppy goodness, but goes down easy. The first thing you notice of course...are the hops...right up front. Not overpowering however (I have had some IPA's that went overboard) but a nice balance. It has a wonderful aroma and color. They also make a 90 minute I.P.A. and even a 120 minute I.P.A., but I really don't care for either as they are more "over the top" with the hops. I may get criticized by my brewing brethern, but you CAN have too many hops! <gasp!>

Now, I am partial to IPA (my favorite style), and this one is my hands down favorite. Is it the strongest? No. Is it the cheapest/most expensive? No. But there is something about it that makes it "just right".

Dogfish head makes many different brews that I like. They also make an India Brown Ale (IBA? Is that even a style?) that is very unique & tasty. I love IPA...I love Browns....what could be better! Think of a Hoppy Newcastle and this is what you have.



Dogfish Head also makes what is purported to be the earliest known fermented beverage in the world, "Midas Touch Golden Elixir". Supposedly the recipe is based on analysis of vessel remnants found in King Midas's tomb. It is a hybrid between a beer, wine and mead made with barley, white Muscat grapes, honey & saffron. Very unique, and an interesting beverage if you are a brewer or history nut...but not something you want to drink every week. It's also expensive...about $12 for a FOUR pack.




...and no. I do not work for the Dogfish Head brewery.

[Downey]

I'm a big Heineken fan.

[Iz Man]

I'm a big Heineken fan.

If its brews from The Netherlands you prefer, then perhaps you should check out this thread:
viewtopic.php?f=8&t=28926

[Iz Man]

My turn...

Dogfish Head 60 Minute I.P.A.



This beer is a Hop Lovers session ale. Packed full of hoppy goodness, but goes down easy. The first thing you notice of course...are the hops...right up front. Not overpowering however (I have had some IPA's that went overboard) but a nice balance. It has a wonderful aroma and color. They also make a 90 minute I.P.A. and even a 120 minute I.P.A., but I really don't care for either as they are more "over the top" with the hops. I may get criticized by my brewing brethern, but you CAN have too many hops! <gasp!>

Now, I am partial to IPA (my favorite style), and this one is my hands down favorite. Is it the strongest? No. Is it the cheapest/most expensive? No. But there is something about it that makes it "just right".

Dogfish head makes many different brews that I like. They also make an India Brown Ale (IBA? Is that even a style?) that is very unique & tasty. I love IPA...I love Browns....what could be better! Think of a Hoppy Newcastle and this is what you have.



Dogfish Head also makes what is purported to be the earliest known fermented beverage in the world, "Midas Touch Golden Elixir". Supposedly the recipe is based on analysis of vessel remnants found in King Midas's tomb. It is a hybrid between a beer, wine and mead made with barley, white Muscat grapes, honey & saffron. Very unique, and an interesting beverage if you are a brewer or history nut...but not something you want to drink every week. It's also expensive...about $12 for a FOUR pack.




...and no. I do not work for the Dogfish Head brewery.

I think Dogfish Head is one of the top breweries in the country personally.
I love Midas Touch, but you're right, it is expensive.
Have you tried their Imperial Pilsner, Golden Shower?

[Curmudgeonx]

I'm a big Heineken fan.

To quote Blue Velvet

Frank Booth: Heineken? f*ck that shit! Pabst Blue Ribbon!

[Backglass]

I think Dogfish Head is one of the top breweries in the country personally.
I love Midas Touch, but you're right, it is expensive.
Have you tried their Imperial Pilsner, Golden Shower?

I have not! My local beer store does have it though...I may have to make a run tomorrow.

Yup...I'm a big fan of DFH. Also Magic Hat.

Here's another odd one.

Ever had Sam Adams Black Lager? A schwartzbier basically...and not at all what you would THINK it would taste like.

[Iz Man]

Here's another odd one.

Ever had Sam Adams Black Lager? A schwartzbier basically...and not at all what you would THINK it would taste like.

Yeah, I've had it. I always thought it tasted like a roasty pilsner more than anything else.
I've only seen it in the variety 12-pack, which I buy mainly for the 2 S.A. Scotch Ales you get in there:

Technically I believe this should be called a Scottish Ale.....
Jim Koch should know better....

[luns101]

I haven't seen the Black Lager anywhere around these parts. Usually BevMo has just about everything you could ask for but not in this case. Backglass, when you get it in New York does it only come in the variety pack?

[jonesthecurl]

I'm a big Heineken fan.

When I was in Amsterdam in about 1995, I had a Heineken wheat beer, which i always hoped would make it onto the world market. It was very nice.

[dewey316]

I will play.

Represending the left coast, and the city with the most Brewery's of any city in the world! (Portland, Oregon)

First off. Dead Guy Ale - Rogue Brewing




This is what Rogue Says about it.

Tasting Notes:
In the style of a German Maibock, using our proprietary Pacman ale yeast. Deep honey in color with a malty aroma and a rich hearty flavor.

My notes: This is a very interesting beer. It has a noticable yeast profile, but it is a very clean one. Much of the flavor in this beer is malty sweetness, with a smooth hop profile. The warmer the beer gets, the sweeter and more forward the malt becomes. This beer is in some ways hard to describe, its taste really doesn't fit well, it is not a Maibock, it doesn't taste like one either, I think the Ale yeast that Rogue uses is what causes the flavor. This is a must drink beer if you have never tried it.

[JoJo123]

lmao. I saw the title and thought why would you ever do beer the United States, even though I'm from here. Why not just go to Belgium and be happy?

[Iz Man]

lmao. I saw the title and thought why would you ever do beer the United States, even though I'm from here. Why not just go to Belgium and be happy?

You may want to check out this thread:
viewtopic.php?f=8&t=44461&start=0#p1149234

[Pedronicus]

I'm a big Heineken fan.

When I was in Amsterdam in about 1995, I had a Heineken wheat beer, which i always hoped would make it onto the world market. It was very nice.

that type of beer made it onto the market. it wasn't Heineken, some other name (which escapes me right now)
Me and three mates went down the pub and they saw this big new ceramic pump and said - I'll try a pint of that.
I had 20 quid on me
after that round i had 80p
it was nice
but fucking expensive.
everyone else bought regular drinks.

[Backglass]

I haven't seen the Black Lager anywhere around these parts. Usually BevMo has just about everything you could ask for but not in this case. Backglass, when you get it in New York does it only come in the variety pack?

No, it's in a plain ole six-pack like all the other variety's.



And Rogue makes some very good brews!

[Iz Man]

A couple more.
First, from the town I grew up in, Syracuse, NY:

Dragonslayer Imperial Stout
Origin: Syracuse, NY
Style: Russian Imperial Stout
Alcohol: 9.5% ABV

From Middle Ages Brewery.
Brewed in the style of a Russian Imperial Stout. Strong, chocolaty and aggressively hopped with finest English hops (that means Fuggles & East Kent Goldings). This one will warm you up quick.
A great beer to go along with the many others Middle Ages brews including Wailing Wench, Impaled Ale, Kilt Tilter, and their popular Grail Ale; to name a few.

and now one from where I live now:

BBC Lost Sailor IPA
Origin: Deerfield, MA
Style: India Pale Ale
Alcohol: 5.5% ABV
A medium bodied India Pale Ale, dry hopped to provide a very pleasing flora, citrus aroma. Well balanced between malty sweetness and hop bitterness. A very thirst quenching IPA.Pours a nice amber color with a thick white head. Good citrus hop aroma, very floral, yet not insane. Nice hop bitterness taste with a citrus twang to it.

[DaGip]

Iz, what is your opinion on these American Beers:

Grain Belt
Blatz
Schmidt
Schlitz

at least I think they are American?

My favorite used to be Schmidtty Bigmouths! They don't sell them anymore! I don't know why, but I could down a six pack of those in just a few minutes...

[Iz Man]

Iz, what is your opinion on these American Beers:

Lets do it

Grain Belt

To be honest, I've never heard of Grain Belt . However, after a little investigation, I've come to this conclusion:
I should start with the caveat that I see the brews you've picked here are what some might consider "cheap swillers", for lack of a better term.
Nothing wrong with that, as I maintain my premise that all beers have their place in society.....even malt liquor...
The brews you've picked are now owned by the "Big Boys" now.

Grain Belt Premium
Origin: New Ulm, Minnesota
Style: Lager
Alcohol: 4.6% ABV
In 1893 Golden Grain Belt beer was introduced by Minneapolis Brewing Company, which operated from a large, castle-like brewery located along the Mississippi River in Northeast Minneapolis. ....Then in August, 2002, August Schell Brewing Company of New Ulm came forward to reclaim the Grain Belt heritage and keep the brand produced in Minnesota.
From what I've read, if you're in the Minnesota area, you're better off ordering a pitcher of Grain Belt then a BMC (remember, Bud, Miller, Coors). A cheap lager made to consume in large quantities.
Pours a bright, clear golden color; fluffy white head with decent retention and fine-bubbled lacing; solid-looking pour. Medium finish: crisp overall, showing dry toasty malts, minerals, and just a touch of floral notes and sugar; again, nicely dry and crisp throughout.
Hey, I'll try it....

Blatz

Blatz
Origin: Milwaukee, WI
Style: Lager
Alcohol: 4.89% ABV

Its probably been 15 years since I've had a Blatz.
Blatz was one of the premier Milwaukee breweries. It was founded by John Braun in 1846 and was originally called the "City Brewery". Braun's brewery produced about 150 barrels of beer annually – until 1851 when Valentine Blatz, a former employee, established a brewery of his own next door to the City Brewery. Braun died later that year and Blatz soon married his widow, thereby uniting the City Brewery and his own operation.
By 1955 only six Milwaukee breweries remained open. Of these six, Miller, Pabst and Schlitz were the biggest and most successful. Blatz was big, too, but stiff competition and skyrocketing production costs prevented it from growing further. In 1958 the brewery was sold to Pabst; however a federal court order at the time prevented Pabst from Brewing at the Blatz facilities. In 1959 this giant, Blatz, ceased all operations. Shortly there after, Pabst purchased the Blatz brands, and relaunched the brand as a craft-style beer.
Can't say I care for Blatz....Typical light lager, but with a sort of nasty-sweet corn aroma and flavor. Light yellow, clear, fizzy.
The history is great though, and no one can take away the fact that Blatz was one of the beers that made Milwaukee famous....

Schmidt

Schmidt's
Origin: Milwaukee, WI
Style: Lager
Alcohol: 4.4% ABV
In 1884, Jacob Schmidt moved to St. Paul, Minnesota and purchased a half interest in the North Star Brewery located at Commercial St. & Hudson Rd. Jacob retired in 1899, turning over the operation to his daughter and son-in-law. The following year the brewery burned to the ground and a new location was immediately found.Schmidt beer is known as the "Official Beer of the American Sportsman"...
Whatever that means....Maybe it means if you're in a duck blind for 8 hours you can drink a beer that tastes the same warm as cold.....like water...
Light gold white head and lace. Wet paper, light corn, with no malt. Light cloying flavor of sweet corn. Thin and watery.

Schlitz

Schlitz
Origin: Milwaukee, WI
Style: Lager
Alcohol: 4.6% ABV

Go For The Gusto !!In 1850 20-year old Joseph Schlitz immigrates to Milwaukee from Germany and is hired by August Krug to work as a bookkeeper in Krug's small brewery. In 1856 Krug dies and Schlitz takes over the brewery renaming it the Joseph Schlitz Brewing Company....After the Chicago fire, Schlitz sends hundreds of barrels of beer to the city, thereby earning it the reputation of "The Beer That Made Milwaukee Famous"...
How cool is that. Beer saves the day once again.
Unfortunately, it didn't do much to help adding any flavor to its beer. Although, once again, I'd order a Schlitz over a Bud any day.
Clear yellow pour with a fizzy white head. Looks like a beer. Aroma is your standard beer smell. Some grassy hops, dried corn, stale malts, and some of the can it was in, or a Frathouse...Flavor isn’t that bad. I've certainly had worse. Pretty balanced with a slight corn flavor mixed with some grass and a light touch of malts. Mostly bitter and grassy hops. Watery and drinkable.

at least I think they are American?

Yes they are. Very American.

My favorite used to be Schmidtty Bigmouths! They don't sell them anymore! I don't know why, but I could down a six pack of those in just a few minutes...

When I was stationed outside of Chicago, Mickey's Big Mouths seemed to find their way into our gullets on many occasion:


The Minnesota/Wisconsin area of the U.S. is a great place for beer. Its where all the Beer Barons hailed from.

[2dimes]

I have drank Mickeys. Not bad as far as I can recall.

I am currently consuming a Pabst Blue ribbon. I find it quite satisfactory to be honest. I will intentionally be doing this again. Yes I prefer many delicious micro brews but I find no fault with the flavour of this beer.

[Dukasaur]

I have drank Mickeys. Not bad as far as I can recall.

I am currently consuming a Pabst Blue ribbon. I find it quite satisfactory to be honest. I will intentionally be doing this again. Yes I prefer many delicious micro brews but I find no fault with the flavour of this beer.

I find it the flavour sad, to put it kindly. However, the price sometimes makes this a satisfactory acquisition on days when the exchequer is a little depressed.