beer reviews from james wenzel:

great taste of the midwest 2009 part 1

If I was to sum up the whole festival in a short precise paragraph it would be criminal. This is why I am going to have three reviews of the Great Taste. Here is part 1...

My friend and I arrived in Madison on Friday after an incredibly interesting trip from Chicago. We arrived with plans to join two to three pre-parties put on by New Holland Brewing Co., Bell’s Brewery, and Two Brothers Brewing. We first visited the New Holland party, which was outstanding. They brought a plethora of fantastic brews. I was able to meet Sam, a brewer, Phil, Isaac, and Brad, all sales reps, and Fred, a partial owner and head of marketing. Everyone from the brewery was nice and well educated on beer.

We visited the Bell’s party second thanks to Jim a sales rep from Chicago. Jim was kind enough to introduce us to some wonderful brews at the party and during the festival. While we were at the New Holland party members of the Bell’s party were coming and going. It was amazing to see how much of a family the whole craft brewing industry truly is. Everyone is out to get their piece of the pie, but they all know the pie is extremely large and there is enough for all to enjoy. At the Bell’s party I enjoyed a Bed’s Red. This offering is only available at their brewpub in Michigan. It was outstanding! Now for the best part of my weekend... I had a long conversation with Larry Bell! Larry was standing at the end of the bar cigar in mouth, beer in hand, and a glass of scotch sitting on the bar. He was just taking in everything with people snapping photos of him. I went up to him and asked what kind of scotch he was drinking. I think he was surprised I wasn’t talking about his beer and how great it is. We talked about everything from Paul McCartney to what I am doing with my life. He was truly nice and wonderful to talk with.

We left the Bell’s party to check out the Two Brothers party. The time had slipped past, we where drinking some strong brews. By the time we made it the party was finished. So my friend and I made our way back to the Bell’s and New Holland parties which were still going on. All and all the first night was amazing and worth every penny, AND I HAVEN’T EVEN MADE IT INTO THE FESTIVAL YET!

rogue yellow snow IPA

I tried a 22 ounce bottle of Rogue Yellow Snow IPA recently and was pleasantly impressed. The aroma was surprisingly light on hops. I was expecting a Dogfish Head style hop aroma, but a wonderful light citrus smell filled the glass. The colour of the beer was similar to that of a white ale, cloudy and a cream coloured head, not to be cheesy, but I actually described it as mellow yellow at first. There was nice subtle cascading while this sweet beer went down. Although the aroma lacked hops, the taste did not.

dogfish head palo santo marron

I tried a 12 ounce bottle of Palo Santo Marron brewed by Dogfish Head. As soon as I opened the bottle an overwhelming aroma of wood enticed my flavor sensors. The appearance was the same as any aged brown ale, but the aroma was absolutely incredible! The Paraguayan Palo Santo wood truly made for a unique "Holy" experience. This is yet another great beer from the definition of American Breweries, Dogfish Head. The initial almost over barring flavor of burnt sweet wood hits the tip of your tongue. Than as the alcohol starts to tingle a wonderful caramel, and vanilla flavor comes out. This beer would work perfectly with a nice steak.

brewdog ltd. punk IPA

I tried a 22 ounce bottle of Punk IPA brewed by BrewDog Ltd. The initial thought after pouring this beer was, "Where is the head and carbonation?". The appearance of this beer was that of a Bud Light, not an IPA. The hops were present during the first sip then they slowly faded away. This beer reminded me more of a very drinkable kolsh, then an outstanding IPA. By the end of it the beer had increased all around. If you do find yourself with one of these brews please let it sit out like a porter or stout.

mendocino brewing co. eye of the hawk

I tried a 12 ounce bottle of Eye of The Hawk brewed by Mendocino Brewing Co. This beer poured with a great deep red color. The initial aroma was robust and nose filling. I was excited for the first sip. At first contact the beer gently tantalized my tongue and warmed my stomach (due to its 8% alc/vol). The flavors were not too complex, straight forward, robust, rich, and flavorful. I knew what I was drinking and enjoyed it.

o'so brewing co hopdinger

I tried a 12 ounce bottle of Hopdinger brewed by O'so Brewing Co. This brewery is quickly becoming one of my favorites. They are on the smaller size, but brew with huge flavors and passion. This beer is more on the subtle side of IPAs due to its rich malty backbone. It has great initial hop flavoring and continues with a wonderful floral, earthy tones. Great all-round beer that both a novice and profound beer enthusiast will enjoy together!

o'so brewing co night train

I tried a 12 ounce bottle of Night Train brewed by O'so Brewing Co. This is my favorite beer O'so has to offer! This brew will leave you speechless from pour to last sip. The aroma of chocolate, caramel, coffee, it is just amazing! An immense amount of flavor hit your tongue all over. Yet, this porter is not to over powering. Each well thought out ingredient comes through and makes each sip memorable. GREAT PORTER!

christian moerlein brewing co over the rhine

I tried a 12 ounce bottle of Over The Rhine (O.T.R) brewed by Moerlein. Tradition, the one word I would use to describe this brew. This brewery uses the German Purity Law of 1516, and is making great beers. This Pale Ale did not disappoint. Nice deep reddish brown hue, with a great head. At first the beer seemed over carbonated, but was subdued half way through. Crisp, exact, flavors made this a joy to drink.