When I was in college, you could get a 24-bottle case of Leinie’s for $8.99, plus deposit. Thanks to that, I’ve developed an almost Pavlovian reaction to seeing the signature Leinenkugel script – instant headache. So it was with some surprise that I discovered this craft-y looking thing on the shelves of the Ale Jail in St. Paul while back in the midwest for a visit. Could a swill regional brewery make something artisinal and tasty? Undoubtedly, yes. And I only got a little headache.
Beer Name: Big Eddy Russian Imperial Stout
Brewer: Leinenkugel
Price: N/A
Sampled: March 6, 2011
Rating: 4/5
Notes: Another cold! Hopefully this is the beer version of a toddy. Smells kind of port-y/vinuous. Not bad, actually. A little lacking in depth, but not bad at all.
ABV: 9.5% abv
IBU: N/A
OG N/A
TG N/A
Serving Type: Bottle.
Why, hello there, blog. It’s been awhile! And I have a lot of beers to write up. So you and I will be seeing each other a bit more over the next few weeks, I think. Yes, indeed. Just as soon as I get back from GABF.
Beer Name: Old Salt IPA
Brewer: Cascade
Price: $4.50
Sampled: March 5, 2011
Rating: 2/5
Notes: Smells nice. Spicy & Englis, with a peppery, big, frothy, root beer float-like head. Crazy bitter linger. Too far, in my humble opinion. Stanky linger transitions to bitter. Very dry.
ABV: 5.8% abv
IBU: 65
OG N/A
TG N/A
Serving Type: Draft.
Beer Name: Black Metal Imperial Stout
Brewer: Jester King
Price: FREE*
Sampled: March 4, 2011
Rating: 4/5
Notes: Wow, that’s nice. Very smooth, hidden alcohol … thickish, milky texture with a slightly smoky, rich quality.
ABV: 10.4% abv
IBU: 60
OG 1.108
TG 1.024
Serving Type: Bottle.
* One of my monthly deliveries from the Rare Beer Club, something I didn’t think I’d be that into, but definitely have enjoyed. Thanks Dad and Elaine!
Beer Name: Bump in the Night
Brewer: Full Sail
Price: $5.25
Sampled: March 3, 2011
Rating: 3/5
Notes: Kinda delicious – buttery sweet with a malty tingle at the end of a long, pine-y hop road. This is a CDA I could get into. Tangerine faintly.
ABV: 6.5% abv
IBU: 65
OG N/A
TG N/A
Serving Type: Draft.
Beer Name: Old Growth Imperial Stout
Brewer: Caldera
Price: $8.75
Sampled: March 2, 2011
Rating: 3/5
Notes: Pretty tasty, but quite bitter and may benefit from some sitting alone in the basement. Has a boozy, somewhat tingly, bitter finish. Good, not great, but could be.
ABV: 8.8% abv
IBU: N/A
OG N/A
TG N/A
Serving Type: Bottle.