836. New Glarus Brewing – Smoke on the Porter
Jan02

836. New Glarus Brewing – Smoke on the Porter

It’s been a weird day with New Years Day being on a Sunday this year. I’m getting things together to brew a Russian Imperial stout tomorrow. I got a 15 gallon used bourbon barrel and thought I’d age my Russian Imperial Stout in it. I got this beer at the New Glarus Brewery when my friend Steve and I roadtripped up there a few months ago. Location: Poured into a goblet style pint glass at my home in Bloomington, IL...

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295. Stone Brewing – Smoked Porter Aged in Bourbon Barrels Draft
Apr06

295. Stone Brewing – Smoked Porter Aged in Bourbon Barrels Draft

I’m still at the Stone Brewing event, as we finally get this beer here in Central Illinois.  I’ve already had (this evening) their Double Bastard and the Sublimely Self Righteous Ale, and wanted to get something that might be a little more rare than these.  When I sampled this, it had some really interesting flavors, so I capped off the evening with this one. Numbers: 6% ABV Appearance & Aroma: It was deep brown/black...

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280. Destihl Restaurant & Brew Works – Bamberg Rauchbier Draft
Feb25

280. Destihl Restaurant & Brew Works – Bamberg Rauchbier Draft

I wasn’t really planning on having a fourth beer this evening, but it’s my wife’s birthday, and she wanted to have another.  So, how could I say no.  After the Torrent Black IPA, I thought I’d try another beer from the Brewmaster’s Selections.  I really, really enjoyed the Brauerei Heller Bamberg – Hecht Schlenkerla Rauchbier Marzen I had during my Oktoberfest Challenge, so I thought I’d give...

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213. New Holland Brewing – Charkoota Rye Smoked Doppelbock Lager Draft
Oct28

213. New Holland Brewing – Charkoota Rye Smoked Doppelbock Lager Draft

After our ABNormal Brewers steering meeting, I stopped at Medici for a quick drink to get a beer which would meet my goal toward my Oktoberfest Challenge, and get another punch on my Wednesday Warriors card.  While I’m now only 2 Wednesdays away from becoming a Wednesday Warrior, I was not able to find a beer to meet my challenge for today.  While I’m again bummed about falling short in my quest, I did enjoy stumbling...

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204. Brauerei Heller Bamberg – Aecht Schlenkerla Rauchbier Marzen
Oct20

204. Brauerei Heller Bamberg – Aecht Schlenkerla Rauchbier Marzen

I was at the liquor store scouring for Marzens and Pumpkin beers to meet my Oktoberfest Challenge when I came across this beer.  I could hardley read much of the label, since it was primarily in German, but usually, when it comes to beer, that’s not a bad thing.  The back label said, “Aecht Original Schlenkerla Maerzen Smokebeer, considered the classic example in its category, has been brewed for centuries in the baroque...

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