Brew Brain Reviews By Category |
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| Brew Reviews Sorted By Brewer | ||
| Alaskan Brewing Company | ||
Alaskan Amber - Reviewed May 18, 2007 I found this beer on the shelf at my local Safeway store. I'll get pictures of all the bottles next to the beer in a mug at some point. The label on this bottle particularly appeals to me. I'm an avid fan of "Deadliest Catch" on Discovery Channel these days. It's a documentary series about the Alaskan crab fishing seasons, and it is absolutely must-see television. I've also had the good fortune to have visited Alaska on two occasions, once puking my guts out on a fishing boat in the gulf. Ah, but that is my only negative memory of that state, not that I saw anywhere close to anything but a small sliver of it.: READ MORE |
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| Anchor Brewing | ||
Anchor Steam Beer - Reviewed May 18, 2007 Anchor Steam Beer is a California Common beer that happens to be the only remaining "Steam" beer. Why is it the only one remaining? Well, because they trademarked the term, of course. There are others of the style, but they are officially called California Common. California Common/Steam beers are lagers, but are brewed at higher temperatures than other lagers.READ MORE |
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Anchor Summer Beer - Reviewed June 6, 2007 Tonight I deliver another seasonal summer brew - Anchor Summer Beer from Anchor Brewing Co. This is a wheat beer from Anchor. According to the label on the bottle, this is the “first American wheat beer in modern times”. Well, if that’s true, they’ve certainly started something, haven’t they. How did it do? READ MORE |
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| Anderson Valley Brewing Company | ||
Boont Amber Ale - Reviewed June 2, 2007 It is my pleasure to introduce Boont Amber Ale from Anderson Valley Brewing Company, Boonville, California. Check out their web site for all they offer. If you live or vacation in the area, it looks like it might be a cool place for a beer lover to spend a little time.I picked up a six-pack at the local Safeway yesterday. You can't miss the carrying case. It features grizzly bears with huge deer antlers - a curious, but cool look that catches the eye. The bottle is similar in design. If they were looking for a memorable, eye-catching package, they got it. Let's get to the beer: READ MORE |
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Poleeko Gold Pale Ale - Reviewed September 6, 2007 Anderson Valley’s Boont Amber Ale is still one of my very favorite beers. It’s just solid, and from everything I read about that particular brewery, there is lots of gold to be mined yet. I’m really hoping this is a bit of it. How did the Poleeko Gold do? READ MORE |
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| Ballast Point Brewing Company | ||
Calico Amber Ale - Reviewed August 12, 2007 This is the first of two beers from Ballast Point I picked up on my most recent binge down at the beer store. This is a new brewery for me, so I’m hoping for greatness. I really love a good amber ale. Actually, the label calls this a “California style amber ale”. California style? I’m not sure what that means. I really need to get a shipment of popular beers from the rest of the country and figure out what the differences are, if any. But I digress. How did the Calico do? READ MORE
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Yellowtail Pale Ale - Reviewed August 13, 2007 This Pale Ale is styled after the Kolsch beers of Cologne, Germany. Following up on the home run with the Calico Amber Ale from last night, I’m anxious to see how the Yellowtail fares. Let’s see… |
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| Bear Republic Brewing Company | ||
Hop Rod Rye - Reviewed July 24, 2007 Tonight I bring you something a bit different - Bear Republic Hop Rod Rye. According to the bottle, this is a Specialty Ale. Well, they’ll get plenty of complaints if they plan to stop production. That’s my prediction. Thankfully, I don’t think that’s the plan. |
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Racer 5 India Pale Ale - Reviewed August 15, 2007 For tonight’s beer review, I bring you Racer 5 IPA from Bear Republic. This is review #2 from Bear Republic, and I have another lined up for next time. The Hop Rod Rye was absolutely fantastic. I’m looking forward to more hoppy goodness with this one. How did I like the Racer 5? READ MORE |
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Red Rocket Ale - Reviewed August 16, 2007 Tonight’s beer review is #3 from Bear Republic - Red Rocket Ale. I really don’t know how to classify this one. The bottle claims it is a “bastardized Scottish style red ale packed with distinctive flavors and an aggressive hop character rivaled by none. This unfiltered, bottle-conditioned, amber colored ale, breaks all style molds.” How does it rate? |
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| Bison Brewing Company | ||
Bison Organic IPA - Reviewed July 25, 2007 Tonight’s tasting is the first from Bison Brewing of Berkeley, CA - The Organic IPA. Fortunate for me, I’m on a bit of an IPA kick right now. I have a couple more to review in the next couple nights. Bison Brewing concentrates on organic beers. According to their web site, they are losing their current building lease later this year, and have begun a cooperative with Butte Creek Brewing in Chico, CA. READ MORE |
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| The Boston Beer Company (Samuel Adams) | ||
Samuel Adams Summer Ale - Reviewed May 18, 2007 Summer Ale is a seasonal brew from Samuel Adams. The label on the bottle describes it as "refreshing, crisp and tangy". It is a wheat beer with lemon zest and Grains of Paradise, which, according to that same label, is a "mysterious brewing spice used by Renaissance brewers centuries ago". How did it do? READ MORE
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Samuel Adams Boston Lager - Reviewed June 4, 2007 This is one of six main beers offered by the Mendocino Brewing Co., and their flagship. It is a "bottle conditioned" ale. There is a bit of yeast on the bottom of the bottle, so it is best (in my opinion at least) to pour carefully so as to avoid dumping that bit into the glass. I also prefer not to drink these directly from the bottle as the yeast will become mixed into each swallow. READ MORE |
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| Butte Creek Brewing Company | ||
Butte Creek Organic IPA - Reviewed July 26, 2007 My little IPA run continues, and my second organic IPA in a row. This is one of four organic brews offered by Butte Creek. They also offer several Special and Seasonal beers, some of which look like they may need a review here soon. If you’ll recall from my last review, Butte Creek has allowed Bison to move in with them. I was interested to see how the Butte Creek Organic IPA compares with the Bison version of the style. Well, let’s see. READ MORE |
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| Coast Range Brewing Company | ||
Coast Range Scotch Ale - Reviewed July 16, 2007 For my first Scotch Ale review, I present Coast Range Brewing Co. Scotch Ale. Ah, the ol’ wee heavy. I have not tasted a whole lot of this variety of brew, so my memory of them is pretty dated. They are an interesting combination of flavors, generally with one major flavor - hops - all but left out. Growing up on west coast beers, it’s a bit difficult not to be a hop head, but I also enjoy a big malty dark beer. The wee heavy isn’t terribly dark, but is generally plenty malty. How did the Coast Range do? READ MORE |
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| Drake's Brewing Company | ||
Drake's Imperial Stout - Reviewed August 9, 2007 I feel like a stout tonight. And I’d really like to have a flip-top bottle. Oh, hey! Lookie here! Tonight’s beer review is Drake’s Imperial Stout. Drake’s Brewing Company is located in San Leandro, CA. I think this is the first Imperial Stout I’ve reviewed. It won’t be the last. I really enjoy the big ol’ malty dark beers. I’ll just tell you right now, this one is no exception. It really hit the spot tonight. How so? READ MORE |
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| Farmhouse Brewing Company | ||
Oasthouse IPA - Reviewed July 28, 2007 Tonight I bring you yet another IPA, this one from just down the road in Gilroy, CA - Oasthouse IPA. Farmhouse Brewing was established two short years ago, in the summer of 2005. They have six beers available, their labels all featuring a different barn style. READ MORE |
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| Firestone Walker Brewing Co. | ||
Firestone Pale Ale - Reviewed July 9, 2007 I decided I need to add a bunch of beer reviews before my homebrew sticks five gallons of beer in the fridge. I stopped by the beer shop on my way home tonight and went a little crazy when I saw all those 22 oz. bottles. I did buy one six pack that I'd never tried before, but was sure I'd enjoy - Firestone Pale Ale READ MORE
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| Full Sail Brewing Co. | ||
Full Sail Amber - Reviewed May 18, 2007 Full Sail Brewing is an Oregon brewery that's been crafting their brews since 1987. According to their site, they offer three "core" beers, of which the Amber is one, and four "other" beers. One or two of their "others" seem to be rotations, so who knows how many you could actually taste? One thing is for sure, after giving the Amber a shot, I'll be hunting down as many of them as I can find!So, the Amber. How did it do? READ MORE |
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Full Sail Nugget - Reviewed August 23, 2007 For tonight’s beer review, I bring you Nugget, a Brewmaster Reserve Red Ale from Full Sail. They call this a “Red Ale”. I’m not sure if there is a distinction between a “red” and an “amber”, but I’m guessing not. If there is, there can’t be much of one. Everywhere I’ve looked they seem to agree with me. If anybody can cite any real differences, please let me know. How does the Nugget do? READ MORE |
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| Gordon Biersch Brewing Company | ||
Gordon Biersch Pilsner - Reviewed June 14, 2007 My next beer review is the Gordon Biersch Pilsner. Gordon Biersch started out as a Bay Area brewery/restaurant with their first location in Palo Alto. They are probably known as much for their garlic fries around here as for their beer. Their food is really very good. They have expanded to many locations across the country, so wherever you are, you may have a shot at this place.How's the Pilsner? READ MORE |
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Gordon Biersch Marzen - Reviewed June 15, 2007 Back 2 Back Gordon Biersch. Tonight's beer review is the Marzen. I picked up three brews at the store tonight and thought comparing two Gordon Biersch lagers while the first is still fresh in my mind would be a fun thing to do. So, what did I think? READ MORE |
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| Hoppy Brewing Company | ||
Hoppy Face Amber Ale - Reviewed July 12, 2007 I remembered trying this beer probably seven or so years ago in their shop in Sac Town. I’ve been wanting to try it again ever since, and I got my chance when I found this 22 oz. bomber at BevMo. I remembered a huge over the top hop presence, so I was surprised to see it is an Amber Ale. I thought for sure it must be an IPA. Oh well, how did it do? READ MORE |
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| Kona Brewing Co. | ||
Longboard Island Lager - Reviewed June 5, 2007 I present for your consideration Longboard Island Lager from Kona Brewing Co., Kona, Hawaii. Ah, the Big Island of Hawaii. Laid back, relaxed, casual, you get the idea. If you've been there, you know. If you don't know, click on the link to the brewer's site and turn up the volume. After a hard day of snorkeling and catching some rays, a tuckered tourist needs some liquid refreshment. Does the Longboard Island Lager handle the task? READ MORE |
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| Lagunitas Brewing Company | ||
Censored Rich Copper Ale - Reviewed May 23, 2007 Introducing The Censored Rich Copper Ale from the Lagunitas Brewing Company. I'd never heard of this brewery or this brew before picking it off the shelf tonight at the neighborhood grocery store. Anybody know the "censored" word? Ha! I really like the look or attitude or whatever it is some of these smaller brewers have, and I really like trying their beers. Sometimes, however, the stuff in the bottle is not quite as memorable as the bottle itself.So, how did the Censored Rich Copper Ale do? READ MORE |
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Lagunitas IPA - Reviewed August 8, 2007 It has been a while since my first Lagunitas beer, the Censored Ale. I enjoyed that one so much I can hardly believe I waited this long to try another of their beers. Well, wait no more. Here we go: READ MORE |
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| Marin Brewing Company | ||
Point Reyes Porter - Reviewed August 21, 2007 Marin Brewing Co. is another California brewer to add to the Brew Brain list. The Point Reyes Porter label lists no fewer than 19 awards the beer has won since the early 1990’s. Pretty impressive, no? Poured from a 22 oz. bomber, here’s what I thought: READ MORE |
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| Mendocino Brewing Company | ||
Red Tail Ale - Reviewed May 20, 2007 Tonight I bring you my first offering from the Mendocino Brewing Co. - Red Tail Ale.This is one of six main beers offered by the Mendocino Brewing Co., and their flagship. It is a "bottle conditioned" ale. There is a bit of yeast on the bottom of the bottle, so it is best (in my opinion at least) to pour carefully so as to avoid dumping that bit into the glass. I also prefer not to drink these directly from the bottle as the yeast will become mixed into each swallow. READ MORE |
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| New Belgium Brewing | ||
Fat Tire Amber Ale - Reviewed May 29, 2007 This is a beer I've been looking forward to trying. Fat Tire is an offering of New Belgium Brewing of Fort Collins, Colorado. I'm seeing it around a lot lately on store signs, etc., and I know it is a popular choice for a lot of people. I picked up six bottles at Safeway on my way home from work. Take a look. Let's give this one a try. READ MORE |
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Sunshine Wheat Beer - Reviewed June 17, 2007 Today I bring you Sunshine Wheat Beer, my second selection from New Belgium Brewing. I need a pick-me-up after the brutal experience with the blueberry beer from last night. Like a closer entering the game in the ninth the day after blowing the big save the night before, New Belgium Brewing gets another shot here. The Sunshine Wheat Beer label describes this beer as "using equal portions of wheat and barley malts. It is spiced with coriander and orange peel ...". Let's see: READ MORE |
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Skinny Dip Beer - Reviewed August 7, 2007 The Skinny Dip is another summer beer with “stuff” in it. If you’ve been reading this blog very long, you know how I feel about “stuff” in my beer. It has to take a back seat and play a supporting role, letting the beer be beer. I enjoy fruits and other flavors as long as they know their place. I do not want a wine cooler. Skinny Dip has something called kaffir lime leaf in it. How did it do? READ MORE |
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| North Coast Brewing | ||
Red Seal Ale - Reviewed May 26, 2007 Allow me to present Red Seal Ale from North Coast Brewing. This is another blind pick for me - never heard of it before picking it off the shelf at the local grocery store. Another Northern California brewer’s handiwork, this one sports a symbol of sorts of the SF Bay Area - the seal. I’ve lived in the Bay Area for about 13 years now, and I’ve never seen a red seal. But if they always hang out with beers of this quality, I’ll have to track one down. I guess I’ve given my review away a bit, but here goes anyway. READ MORE |
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| Rogue Ales (Oregon Brewing Company) | ||
Rogue Dead Guy Ale - Reviewed June 11, 2007 It is my pleasure to present, from Oregon Brewing Co. of Newport, OR - Rogue Dead Guy Ale. Check out all the beers listed on that site. These guys keep busy! I had a couple friends over for an inventory reduction party and one of them brought this brew. He brought two different ales, so I’m happily stepping back to that category for a review of each. READ MORE |
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Rogue Chocolate Stout - Reviewed September 6, 2007 I need to add more dark beers to the Brew Brain roster. I have a sneaking suspicion I’ll enjoy flavored dark beers a lot more than flavored light beers. It’s just more difficult to overpower a nice chocolaty or roasted malt flavor than the lighter caramel flavors. Here’s a chance to prove my theory. How did the Rogue Chocolate Stout do? READ MORE |
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| Shmaltz Brewing Co. | ||
HE'BREW Origin Pomegranate Ale - Reviewed July 19, 2007 Okay, I said I’d never drink another fruit beer, and I certainly wouldn’t review one. Well, screw it. Fruit beers are here to stay and I wanted to know if i’d just picked bad a whole bunch of times in a row. Can this selection from Shmaltz Brewing Co. change my mind about fruit beers? READ MORE |
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| Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. | ||
Sierra Nevada Pale Ale - Reviewed May 18, 2007 For my second review, I present another beer I’m very familiar with - Sierra Nevada Pale Ale. Since graduating from mass produced beers many years ago, I’ve probably enjoyed as much of this brew as any. It is one of my frequent choices when I pass by the beer isle at the grocery store. READ MORE |
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Sierra Nevada Summerfest - Reviewed June 3, 2007 For my first in a series of lager reviews, I present the Sierra Nevada Summerfest from Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. of Chico, California. This is the second beer from Sierra Nevada I’ve tasted for Brew Brain, and the first true traditional lager - a pilsner to be exact. As the name suggests, this is a seasonal brew from Sierra Nevada. Is it worth searching out before its time expires? Let’s see: READ MORE |
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| Spanish Peaks Brewing Company | ||
Black Dog Ale - Reviewed September 7, 2007 I submit tonight’s beer review as my entry for this month’s Beer Blogging Friday, where beer bloggers the world over gather electronically to write on a topic selected by the host. Although this is Session #7, this is my first submission. The topic this month is The Brew Zoo. |
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| Stone Brewing Co. | ||
Arrogant Bastard Ale - Reveiwed July 10, 2007 “You’re Not Worthy” Those are the words at the bottom front of the bottle. This may be true. 7.2% ABV. This I know must be true. READ MORE |
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Stone IPA - Reviewed July 11, 2007 I almost reached for a different beer in the fridge, but after the Arrogant Bastard last night, I just had to try another selection from Stone Brewing, the Stone IPA. I believe this is the first IPA I’ve reviewed on my blog. How is that possible? I love IPA’s. I hope I picked a good one. READ MORE |
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Smoked Porter - Reviewed July 18, 2007 Tonight I bring to you Smoked Porter from Stone Brewing Company.. This is my third beer from Stone Brewing, which I think is the most selections so far from any one brewer. Those people over at Stone seem to know what they’re doing. I absolutely loved the Arrogant Bastard, and enjoyed the IPA maybe just a notch below that. How does the Smoked Porter rate? READ MORE |
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| Trader Joe's (Via Contract Brewers) | ||
Jumping Cow Amber Ale Tonight’s beer is Jumping Cow Amber Ale from SteinhausBrewing Co., Paso Robles, CA: This is the second ale I promised in yesterday’s review. I’ll tell you right now they went 2 for 2. While notas good as the Dead Guy Ale in my opinion, this one is a fine quality brew. Apparently, Steinhaus is a contract brewer that provides this beer for Trader Joe’s. I can’t find a proper web site. Read More |
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Josephs Brau Hopfest Pilsner The mystery that is “Trader Joe’s Brewing” continues. This cracks me up just a bit. Tonight’s installment is Hopfest Pilsner from Josephs Brau Brewing Co. Again, just like with the Jumping Cow, there is no web site to link. Why doesn’t Trader Joe’s just slap their name on the label and be done with it? Do we really care who brews the beer if it tastes good? There is nothing wrong with the Jumping Cow - I liked it. How did the Hopfest do? READ MORE |
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Stockyard Oatmeal Stout I hope everybody had a good 4th of July. I hope you all picked out a tasty beer to help you enjoy the holiday. I’m ending my day with a new-to-me brew from Trader Joe’s - Stockyard Oatmeal Stout. Alright, I either need to stop buying beer from Trader Joe’s, or I need to stop caring that I can’t easily figure out who the hell brews the beer and why. READ MORE |
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