Ales From The Crypt

Anderson Valley - Hop Ottin' IPA

2012-01-14T15:43:00.001-05:00

Dead Soldier

Where to Dig Up More About This Beer
Hop Ottin' IPA
Anderson Valley Brewing Company
17700 Hwy 253
Boonville, CA USA
Est. 1987
www.avbc.com

Brain Damage Quotient = 7.0 % ABV
Fluid Oz. = 12.0

Postmortem Brew Review
Slightly hazy, amber color.
Pine and citrus hops nose.
Off-white, two finger frothy head. Dissipates slowly and leaves a nice sticky draped lacing on the glass.
Great biting hops, mostly citrus in taste, cling to the tongue.
Moderate carbonation.
Medium bodied. Well balanced and easy to drink.

Grim Reaper's Eulogy
Anderson Valley's lineup of beers is now available in my immediate area. The previous two reviewed were fetched from a trip to the desert, some time ago.

While the first two were enjoyable, they didn't exceed my expectations for style, but to be fair they were worthy beers in their own right. This IPA is however, an interesting and quite tasty example of what West Coast IPA's are all about. The citrus and pine notes show up well in the nose and are downright show stealers during each sip.

Do be sure to get this under your belt, soon.

Rogue Voodoo Doughnut Bacon Maple Ale

2011-12-16T19:39:00.008-05:00

Dead Soldier

Where to Dig Up More About This Beer

Voodoo Doughnut Bacon Maple Ale
Rogue Ales
2320 OSU Drive
Newport, OR USA
Est.1988
www.rogue.com
www.rogue.com/beers/voodoo-bacon-maple

Brain Damage Quotient = 5.6 % ABV
Fluid Oz. = 25.4

Postmortem Brew Review
Clear amber color with a honey colored tinge.
Distinct smokiness, bacon and maple aromas that become pronounced, then intermingle. Leans toward smoked meat on nose.
Traces of smoked malt and woody undertones.
Near white head color head that fades to a skim coat and rings the glass.
Maple flavor takes more of the lead at first and the finish has smoky malt sweetness.
Modest carbonation tingles the tongue.
Medium bodied.

Grim Reaper's Eulogy
It was the Voodoo Man that caught my attention, not the shockingly pink painted bottle. There he was, standing with a mug of suds in hand, holding (dare I say), squeezing the life out of that piglet in his ham-fisted paw. Pink maple leafs checkered the spaces in-between each little piggy. With his sullen black eyes, pork bone necklace and replete in top hat and coat, the Voodoo Man was egging The Reaper to buy the bottle. Then it struck me that I was at Whole Foods Market. Ah hah! Well, surely this little piggy went to market, so now we would both go wheee-wheee-wheee, all the way home!

Rogue gives a tip of the voodoo top hat to Tres & Cat Daddy over at Voodoo Doughnuts in Portland, OR. The ale is loosely translated from the Bacon Maple Bar that can be found in the doughnut shop. I had the good fortune to visit this past summer and can tell you that their doughnut selection is mind boggling and nothing short of awesome. Visit them at one of their three locations, but expect a line. It's worth the wait! As Voodoo Doughnuts slogan says, "The magic is in the hole!!!" The same can be said of this bottle.

As for the beer, it is a nice tribute to the creative essence that oozes from the Portland scene. Both brewmaster and baker are trend setters and at the forefront of their respective industries. I consider both the beer and the doughnuts to be fun stuff and worth a try.

Go ahead...pig out!

Sapporo Reserve Beer

2011-11-16T21:22:00.003-05:00

Dead Soldier

Where to Dig Up More About This Beer
Sapporo Reserve Beer
Sapporo Brewing Company
20-1, Ebisu 4-chrome, Shibuya-ku
Tokyo-to Tokyo-shi, Japan
Est.1876
www.sapporobeer.jp

Brewed by:
Sapporo Brewing Company
(Formerly Sleeman Breweries)
551 Clair Road West
Guelph, Ontario Canada
www.sapporobeer.com

Brain Damage Quotient = 5.2% ABV
Fluid Oz. = 22.0

Postmortem Brew Review
Fairly clear and yellow/golden color.
Grain sweetness and hops.
Tall, tightly bubbled, foaming white head with good lace.
Malt taste and hops finish.
Copious carbonation.
Light body. Clean finish. Refreshing and drinkable.

Grim Reaper's Eulogy
Premium or Reserve? They are pretty close to me, except for a .2% higher ABV and a golden colored can, I am unable to see or taste much of a difference between this Reserve and the previously reviewed Premium. Both are tasty as far as lagers go. Both have a nice malt taste with a dash of bittering hops for finish. And both come in gleaming sculpted vessels.

Be sure to take a look at the Sapporo commercial, it is like a movie trailer for the next most awesome CGI style fantasy film. Mere words cannot describe it, except to say that it will take you on a 100+ year history of the science, art and magic that has become the Sapporo brewing dynasty. It is breathtaking, beautiful, engaging and weaves a tale of the exacting standards that German-trained brewer, Seibei Nakagawa used to create this beer at Sapporo; the oldest of breweries in Japan.

詳細してください (Shōsai shite kudasai)

Brooklyn - Black Ops 2010

2011-10-14T20:12:00.014-04:00

Dead Soldier

Where to Dig Up More About This Beer
Brooklyn Black Ops 2010
Brooklyn Brewery
#1 Brewers Row
79 North 11th Street
Brooklyn , NY USA
Est. 1988
www.brooklynbrewery.com

Brain Damage Quotient = 11.3 % ABV
Fluid Oz. = 25.4

Postmortem Brew Review
Deep black color on pour.
Nose of roasted malts, leather, bourbon and oak. Deep, rich aromas pleasantly light up the nostrils.
Mocha colored, three fingered, tight bubbled head; not unlike champagne.
Great legs of lacing up and down the glass. Head will reappear easily if swirled in glass.
Tastes of bourbon, leather similar to the smell. Also noted rich (dark) fruits and dry chocolate flavors.
Soft carbonation.
Full flavored, complex tastes. Slight boozy alcohol, but not a distraction. Each sip brings you back for more.

Grim Reaper's Eulogy
Weddings are special times, and as such they call for special attention to details. From choosing the bride's wedding gown to the coat and tie for the groom, to the flower arrangements, the music selections, the dinner menu and the cake, no detail is too unimportant or overlooked. Similarly, weddings are also steeped in traditions ranging from the exchange of vows, the (in)famous "Here Comes the Bride" march to the "something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue" poem-come-rule.

Several months ago I was able to score a late season hit with a 2010 bottle of Brooklyn's Black Ops. It was squirreled away in the recesses of the beer fridge to be saved for a very special occasion. My oldest daughter was wed this past Friday and as mentioned in the first paragraph, every detail had been meticulously selected by the bride and the groom for this auspicious event. One of the details was, as father of the bride, to deliver a speech and toast to the newlyweds. A champagne toast? From her father, a beer nerd? I think not. It doesn't take long to figure out where this is going.

I couldn't have thought of a better choice. The bottle came in its own lustrous black and silver "tuxedo" label, elegantly wrapped around an equally impressive cork and caged champagne bottle. A Russian Imperial Stout with champagne yeast as a component proved to be a worthy opponent to any fine bottle of champagne. The couple were not only surprised by the gesture, but enjoyed - make that - savored it to the final drop.

Thank you Garret Oliver for making their day so very special, by creating such a fine ale.

My toast to the newlyweds:

"Here's to today, here's to tomorrow and all your tomorrows. May they be filled with health, happiness and love."

Russian River - Pliny The Elder

2011-10-12T18:09:00.073-04:00

Dead Soldier

Where to Dig Up More About This Beer
Pliny The Elder
Russian River Brewing Company
725 4th Street
Santa Rosa, CA USA
Est. 2003 (vague)
www.russianriverbrewing.com

Brain Damage Quotient = 8.0 % ABV
Fluid Oz. = 16.9

Postmortem Brew Review
Mostly golden, with slight orange tint in color.
Pine then fruity/citrus hops; powerful aroma.
Off-white, two finger frothy head. Dissipates slowly. Leaves a thin but sticky draped lace all the way down the glass.
Great pungent hops taste that start piney and then become mostly citrus in taste as it clings to the tongue.
Moderate carbonation.
Medium bodied. Complex hops from pine to citrus all well balanced. Extremely easy to drink despite the 8% ABV.

Grim Reaper's Eulogy
Yes, the mighty Pliny the Elder. And oooooh yes, I was bad, and had traded for it. Worth every snarky comment I may receive for the sacrifice, but to be sure, it was well packaged for shipment. Even the Reaper's patience was tested as the 08/18/11 dated bottle was not consumed until it's eighth week. Some may dismiss me and claim it as sacrilegious and others may ostracize me for not opening 20 seconds after it had been capped. Bullshit. This ale is brilliant.

It was as good as billed even though it went through the trials of shipping and 2 months time. And we well enjoyed it. Harrumph. Now, don't get me wrong...I fully understand the dozens of warnings on the label to the contrary that (over)state it is meant for early consumption. To be sure, this is not an ale to sit on over time. But my friend, why would you want to? They'll make more next year and you can enjoy it's harvest seasonality again. Once perchance upon your lips is not enough. No reason to doubt the raves of thousands of hopheads on this beauty.

More importantly than the ale itself, I encourage you to read their website and learn more about Russian River Brewing. Their roots are from wine, (champagne more specifically), in Sonoma County. You can learn how dedication to task and stick-to-it-tiveness ruled the day of this brewery's emergence. It is quite a story of cooperation and partner building. One of the most enjoyable brewery history/stories out there, bar none.

Mad River - Steelhead Extra Pale Ale

2011-10-04T15:13:00.002-04:00

Dead Soldier

Where to Dig Up More About This Beer
Extra Pale Ale
Mad River Brewing Company

195 Taylor Way
Blue Lake, CA USA
Est. 1989
http://www.madriverbrewing.com

Brain Damage Quotient = 5.6 % ABV

Fluid Oz. = 12.0

Postmortem Brew Review
Unfiltered golden yellow color. Yeast suspension at finish of pour.
Spicy, floral hops are present in the nose. Soft grain malts with slight grass aromas.
Two finger, near-white head on pour. Two fingers tall, then rapidly covers to a cap.

Spotted lacing (not much) on the glass.
Hops and malt are well balanced. Balanced up front with mild hops grip at the end.
Light bodied. Easy to drink.

Grim Reaper's Eulogy
Pale Ales just don't get any love. Most are cast aside as erstwhile brews, in favor of their bigger brother the India Pale Ale.

This is an American Pale ale, not an English. The malts are a bit sweeter and the hops give it just the right amount of dryness to the finish. I could easily sit here and drink several of these in a session. Going back to my opening statement, you see the thing about us Americans is that bigger is better. More, more, more. Well, sometimes less is more. And when it comes to less than an IPA, I'd put money down for this Pale Ale any day of the week. I could be happy with this Pale Ale in any surrounding. And that's coming from someone that quite enjoys a face-melting hoppy beer.

As American Pale ales are only one of three original American beer styles, this one will do just fine, thank you.

Santa Fe - Nut Brown Ale

2011-10-03T21:32:00.002-04:00

Dead Soldier

Where to Dig Up More About This Beer

Nut Brown Ale

Santa Fe Brewing Company

35 Fire Place

Santa Fe, NM USA

Est.1988

www.santafebrewing.com

Brain Damage Quotient = 5.2 % ABV

Fluid Oz. = 12.0

Postmortem Brew Review

Deep brown color that lets just the slightest amount of light through.

Pleasant caramel sweet malts up front on the nose.

One finger, caramel/tan head that hangs around, leaving some spotted lacing.

Malty sweetness without being over the top. Nice caramel flavor that only slightly overtakes the hops.
Moderate amount of carbonation.

Medium bodied. Nice clean pop at the finish.

Grim Reaper's Eulogy

Brown Ales are one of those tricky little brews that on the surface might seem easy to brew, but some fail to impress. That is NOT the situation here. Santa Fe's Nut Brown Ale was a pleasant little surprise waiting for me in the back recesses of the fridge.

Reading the label I noticed the words "Whole Flower Hops" and "Malted Barley" after the introduction that stated they only use the finest ingredients. That would explain the attention to detail the brewers at Santa Fe take in crafting this Brown Ale. And all done in the English style for a Brown. Very enjoyable and quite easy to session.

Bridgeport - Cafe' Negro Coffee Infused Porter

2011-10-02T11:02:00.006-04:00

Dead Soldier

Where to Dig Up More About This Beer
Cafe' Negro Coffee Infused Porter
Bridgeport Brewing Company
1318 N.W. Northrup
Portland, OR USA
Est. 1984
www.bridgeportbrew.com

Brain Damage Quotient = 5.5 % ABV
Fluid Oz. = 12.0

Postmortem Brew Review
Rich root beer brown body color.
Roasted malt, roast coffee, hints of chocolate on the nose.
Luxurious frothy khaki colored head. Leaves trace lacing and covers to a cap.
Sweet malt flavor with nicely delayed coffee, then hints of chocolate in the finish.
Medium bodied. Great flavor complexity.

Grim Reaper's Eulogy
Sunday morning. House to myself and flipping through the news articles online. Oh, the digital age - no crossword puzzles for me. Read the news online instead of killing a rain forest for the paper. So instead it's just some quiet time now. Time to catch up on some blogging and some beer.

As the first days of low humidity have arrived here in Hell's Kitchen, I know the snowbirds will be arriving soon, coming to roost for the winter. It's about 68 degrees this morning and so nice outside. I couldn't resist sitting outdoors, curled up with the laptop and this beauty of a porter. Better yet, I am having the Cafe' Negro just at the peak of its nominal shelf life. All those coffee and roasted malt flavors have had a chance to get to know each other real well the past few months. And if I do say so, I am digging it! Get it? That's a Reaper pun. Oh, okay. Whatever. I'm easy, like Sunday morning....

This is something I would enjoy again and again as a Sunday morning eyeopener. After all, the folks at Bridgeport went the extra mile to infuse coffee in the porter, so why not indulge in a little weekend AM luxury? Ahh, relaxation...hmmmm, what's this? Why it's a crossword puzzle app for my smartphone!

Quick...what's a nine letter word for an outstanding porter?

Cafe' Negro.

Firestone Walker - Union Jack IPA

2011-09-23T18:48:00.047-04:00

Dead Soldier

Where to Dig Up More About This Beer

Union Jack IPA
Firestone Walker Brewing Company
1400 Ramada Drive
Paso Robles, CA USA
Est. 1996
www.firestonebeer.com

Brain Damage Quotient = 7.5 % ABV
Fluid Oz. = 12.0

Postmortem Brew Review
Golden/amber color.
Lots of citrus and pine hops notes on the nose.
Near-white head that does not last too long nor does it lace much.
Heavy lingering hops flavors that turn dry. Slight paper flavor noticed.
Medium bodied, medium mouth feel.

Grim Reaper's Eulogy
This is the second Firestone Walker brew I was able to bring back from a west coast trip. As with the other (the Pale Ale) I think something was lost in translation. And I think I know what the culprit may have been. Let me explain...

I have heard and read a lot about this brewer as stated in the previous review of the Pale Ale. As I "boned" up on my homework about this IPA, I noticed the brewer's notes stated the beer was unpasteurized and was best stored at 44 degrees (Fahrenheit). Basically, it required some special handling to ensure it was as fresh a product the brewer intended it to be. I did travel with it for 24 hours without refrigeration, but I can assure you that it was not my mishandling. Looking back on it now, I purchased this and the Pale Ale from a 'big box' liquor/wine/beer chain from their assorted singles shelf, where the customers are allowed to 'mix-a-six' of their own choosing. Those shelves are out in the open and not refrigerated. And although the store had air conditioning, I can reasonably state it was not set anywhere near 44 degrees! As a result, it had a paper flavor that may have been indicative of oxidation.

So alas, fellow beer drinkers - - - I am sad to report that while it was a nice tasting beer, overall, it did not impress due to the off flavor note at the end. As a result, I am chalking it up to the retailer for not having refrigerated the product. And as for me, my selections will be more influenced by how I can better purchase and handle unpasteurized beer in the future. As is my usual course for other beers I have tried and felt may have been mishandled, I will attempt to get an ideal example of this again; likely a fresh refrigerated bottle when next in the western states. It deserves my re-examination as this IPA is a multiple award winning beer, as judged at The Great American Beer Festival.

Lessons learned and shared, so you don't have to learn them for yourself.

Rheingold Lager

2011-09-21T12:09:00.066-04:00

Dead Soldier

Where to Dig Up More About This Beer
Rheingold Lager
The Rheingold Brewing Company
372 Danbury Road - Suite 163

Wilton, CT USA
Bottled at:
The Rheingold Brewing Company
Wilkes-Barre, PA
Est. 1883
www.rheingoldbrewingcompany.com

Brain Damage Quotient = 5.0 % ABV

Fluid Oz. = 12.0

Postmortem Brew Review
Pale straw yellow color.
Sweet grainy malt and just a dash of hops in aroma.
Two finger, bubbly white head on pour, and then it's gone in 30 seconds.

No lace on the glass.
Hops are pretty indistinguishable and the copious presence of grainy malt abounds.
Very active carbonation
Light bodied.

Grim Reaper's Eulogy
Ballantine. Shaefer. Piel's. Shmidt. Yadda, yadda, yadda and the list goes on. This beer would have made a great addition to the run of Beers of Yesteryear that I ran a couple of years ago. It fits right in. I am old enough to recall Rheingold being around at the family picnics and gatherings back in the tri-state area of NY, NJ & CT.

It was the official beer of the Mets, (the Yankees had Ballantine). Rhiengold, like so many of the others mentioned above, had its heyday during the 1940's through the early 1970's. Then like most of the others, they were bought up for branding and recipe by Pabst, or swallowed whole by Anheuser Busch or put asunder by Miller and Coors. The redundancy of yellow fizzy lager beers caused the collapse and only the biggest and strongest survived. Well, this one couldn't be killed off that easily.

An investment group recently bought and reinvigorated the brand. Interestingly, they kept the same branding, logos, formulation, etc. in a hope that nostalgic lagers would become hip. After all, Pabst and Narragansett have been able to cash in on this type of success with good marketing campaigns. So now we have a beer that once hailed from New York, is now headquartered in Wilton, CT and is brewed (presumably contract) in WIlkes-Bare, PA. Is this a flag looking for a country or the other way around?

Any way you slice it, another tried and true name has been lifted off the scrap heap and is getting some air under it's wings for lift. For nostalgia's and their sake, let's hope it rises like the Phoenix out of the ashes.

This ends your history lesson for the day.

New Belgium - Trippel

2011-09-20T17:16:00.035-04:00

Dead Soldier

Where to Dig Up More About This Beer

Trippel
New Belgium Brewing
500 Linden Street
Fort Collins, CO USA
Est. 1991
www.newbelgium.com

Brain Damage Quotient = 7.8 % ABV
Fluid Oz. = 12.0

Postmortem Brew Review
Hazy bright golden color.
Lemon and spice aroma with some sweet apple notes.
Delicate foamy, bright white, one-finger head.
Slightly spotted lacing on the glass.
Light spice taste with touch of apple-like sweetness.
Moderate carbonation.
Light to medium bodied. Alcohol is masked.

Grim Reaper's Eulogy
We don't get this one around these parts, so when offered a chance to try, I couldn't pass up the opportunity to do so. New Belgium's Trippel is on the mark for the style, but not as bold or brilliant as other Belgian Tripel's that I've tried. It lacks the more typical banana note elements, but does impart a nice bouquet that includes a sweet apple fragrance. Although there is a definite spice component, it is just not as punctuated as other Belgian Tripel's I have sampled.

I have had the opportunity to enjoy a few of these at the New Belgium Brewery on a couple of occasions, in Fort Collins, CO. From the tap, this is a very refreshing and delicious Tripel. Sadly, it seems the bottle conditioned version wasn't what I remembered it to be from those past tap room experiences.

I have been spoiled by drinking too many of this style that are direct from Belgium lately. But on the other hand, the thought of how my palate has developed over the past several years has shown me how to discern the nuances. Still, this is a solid Tripel to enjoy and I would not hesitate recommending it to someone who has yet to try the style.

Cocoa Beach - 888 India Pale Ale

2011-09-19T18:59:00.010-04:00

Dead Men Don't Tell No Tales

Where to Dig Up More About This Beer
888 India Pale Ale
Cocoa Beach Brewing Company
150 N. Atlantic Avenue
Cocoa Beach, FL USA
Est. 20??

www.cocoabeachbrewingcompany.com

Brain Damage Quotient = 8.0 % ABV
Fluid Oz. = 22.0

Postmortem Brew Review
Translucent yet clear amber color.
Muted citrus hops and just a hint of sweet malt.
Off-white head. Spotted and stringed lacing. Covers to a cap.
Minimal amount of carbonation.
Hops heat comes on with each and every sip.
Malt sweetness is muted but does a good job of balancing the whole mix.
Medium body, medium mouth feel. Great hops stickiness in finish.

Grim Reaper's Eulogy
Today, September 19th, is National Talk Like A Pirate Day. Lookin' around the mortuary fridge for a beer to review, I was becomin' dismayed at the prospect of reviewin' somethin' with an "Arrrgh" (the letter R) in it. This just won't do. After all, I am the poster child for every Jolly Roger ever flown. That would be a cop out of magnanimous proportions! Besides that matey, what would Cap'n Slappy and Ol' Chumbucket think?

I took out me spyglass and spotted the booty in the back of the cold chest...888 India Pale Ale from Cocoa Beach Brewing! Bloody good luck, then. We were in business for a dead reckoning with this treasure of an ale. I plucked it out with me bony paw, arrrgh, and brought it out for a closer examination. Cool lookin' pirate flag sportin' the triple eight skulls? Check! A pirate chest on the sand filled with said pieces of eight? Check! Arrrrrrgh, this was gunna be an easy plunder. All the makin's of Davy Jones secret treasure, right there in me hand! Though it rivals its Pacific coast IPA brethren, it's an Atlantic coast IPA treasure, make no bones about that.

Ye should get yerself some of this grog, mateys. It's me favorite imbibement from all their treasures. Worth crossing the equator and prime meridian for, in search of it's holy nectar. At 8.0% ABV, this concoction will keep the saltiest of dogs satisfied and their scurvy at bay. Pieces of eight, harrrrgh! Fifteen men on a dead man's chest, yo ho ho and a bottle of.......keep yer' rum.

I'll take my share in trade of this stuff, ya' best be belivin' it!

Nimbus - Red Ale

2011-09-17T18:07:00.027-04:00

Dead Monkey

Where to Dig Up More About This Beer

Red Ale

Nimbus Brewing Company LLC

3850 E. 44th

Tucson, AZ USA

Est. 1996

www.nimbusbeer.com

Brain Damage Quotient = 5.0 % ABV

Fluid Oz. = 12.0

Postmortem Brew Review

Clear, copper color.

Great malts aromas and splashes of floral hops are present in the nose.

Two finger firm crisp white head that leaves great spiderweb lacing.
Tastes lightly sweet from the addition of four kinds of malts.

Just the right amount of carbonation.

Balanced malt and hops flavor, light bodied. Slightly watery.

Grim Reaper's Eulogy
There's that monkey again. This time e's running around with a pitcher and mug of frothy beer in his hand. He's dressed in what appears to be Roman gladiator garb, right down to the calf laced sandals. Hmmm...not sure I get the connection, but there's probably a good inside joke going on over at Nimbus.

As for the ale, it's plenty fine. There is a dry aromatic hops finish that is pleasant, not bitter in the least. My only slight is that for all the flavors and aromas in this beer, it was just a touch on the watery side. It could have used a bit more mouth feel. But is did not diminish the wonderful flavors that were present from the complex bill of malt and hops.

Hope that monkey doesn't run with scissors in his hand.

Mendocino - Black Hawk Stout

2011-09-16T17:09:00.027-04:00

Dead Soldier

Where to Dig Up More About This Beer

Black Hawk Stout

Mendocino Brewing Company

1601 Airport Road

Ukiah, CA USA

Est. 1983

www.mendobrew.com

Brain Damage Quotient = 5.2 % ABV

Fluid Oz. = 12.0

Postmortem Brew Review

Deep, near black color with ruby highlights when held up to light.

Roasted malts and chocolate notes shine through.

Caramel colored, creamy, two finger head that covers nearly to the end of the glass.

Moderate carbonation.

Nice amount of stringy lacing on glass.

Clean taste has chocolate and roast malt with hints of roasted nuttines.

Medium bodied with a clean and dry finish.

Grim Reaper's Eulogy

Let's get the pun out of the way. Black Hawk Down! Yeah, it went down alright from creamy head start to clean dry finish. The light complexity of roasted malt and chocolate notes, along with the nuttiness made for a very pleasant brew. This is an unusually crisp Stout.

An easy quaff at 5.2%ABV, so if you're a Stout lover, this is certainly for you. Once this bird is on your arm, you'll want to remember to remove the hood before drinking.

Alaskan - Amber

2011-09-15T17:18:00.055-04:00

Dead Soldier

Where to Dig Up More About This Beer

Alaskan Amber
Alaskan Brewing Company

Juneau, AK USA

Est.1985

www.alaskanbeer.com

Brain Damage Quotient = 5.3 % ABV

Fluid Oz. = 12.0

Postmortem Brew Review

Copper/brown in color.

Bready, earthy and slight spice nose. Subdued malts and brown sugar come through along with some noble hop aromas.

One finger, biege/tan colored head that leaves spotty lacing.

Taste biscuit and caramel malt with bitter nuttiness and spiced component. A bit of brown sugary sweetness in the malt evens it all out..
Medium carbonation.

Light to medium bodied. Drinks smooth; finishes clean, dry and bitter.

Grim Reaper's Eulogy

Altbier by definition falls into two categories. Dusseldorf and Northern German. Alaskan Amber is the latter, and as a Northern German Altbier goes, it matches the criteria very well. This is NOT an amber ale/red ale, so do not confuse it for that while drinking. Altbier has a very unique set of qualities all its own.

I found this to be as interesting as their White Ale. They both stick to their styles more closely than others. This certainly sets Alaskan apart from many other brewers, as it seems there is a strong adherence to the style code. As a beer drinker, I appreciate that, because it wakes up my taste buds and I do take notice.

A nice, stoic little drinker, just like the hard working fishing boat on the label.

Southampton Publick House - Biere de Mars

2011-09-14T19:00:00.027-04:00

Dead Soldier

Where to Dig Up More About This Beer

Biere de Mars
Southampton Publick House
40 Bowden Square
Southampton, NY USA
Est. 1996
www.southamptonbrewery.com

Brain Damage Quotient = 6.5% ABV
Fluid Oz. = 12.0

Postmortem Brew Review
Hazy orange/golden color.
Smells caramel and a bit nutty with faint hop notes and a hint of wheat.
Off-white two fingered head, covers to wisp.
Some lacing down the side of the glass.
Tastes of caramel malt with dried apple and grape with sour citrus component.
Medium carbonation.
Light bodied mouth feel and enjoyable to drink.

Grim Reaper's Eulogy
Is this beer from outer space? It has "Mars" on the front! No, it's not. That is the Latin word for the month of March, when it was traditionally brewed.

Biere de Mars is a French Farmhouse style ale that is fermented cool, like a lager beer. It also contains both wheat and barley. An interesting ale that will refresh the palate. Equally interesting to note is that The Publick House has been opened since the 1800's. Located in eastern Long Island, New York, it has seen it's share of historic notables between then and now. No slouch of a brewery either; Southampton has won several awards in the beer industry, including The Great American Beer Festival and World Beer Cup.

Cisco Brewers - Whale's Tale Pale Ale

2011-09-14T17:50:00.037-04:00

Dead Soldier

Where to Dig Up More About This Beer

Whale's Tale Pale Ale
Cisco Brewers
5 Bartlett Farm Road
Nantucket, MA USA
Est. 1992
www.ciscobrewers.com

Brain Damage Quotient = 5.6 % ABV
Fluid Oz. = 12.0

Postmortem Brew Review
Hazy amber to copper color.
Smells biscuit malt, slight sweetness and a scosh of hops.
White two fingered head, covers quickly to wisp.
Fair amount of lacing down the side of the glass.
Malt forward body with a nice grippy finish of hops.
Medium carbonation.
Light to medium bodied. Super enjoyable to drink.

Grim Reaper's Eulogy
American brewed, but and English Pale Ale. And a classy one to boot. The fresh tasting English malts combine nicely with the domestic American malts. A good dash of Kent Golding hops and viola'! Nice working pale ale.

I've had their Blonde Ale, which was brought back from a trip up north, closer to where it is brewed. The best part for me is that Cisco now makes it's way into my state. Now I don't have to search for it any longer. The name makes a double pronged statement. On the one hand, Nantucket was once the whaling capital of the world. On the other hand, "Whale's Tales The Prince of Wales" is an age old drinking game. Yours truly just happens to know all the sorted rules, having played it fairly extensively during ditch digging school. Back in the day. Check it out on their website and you'll see.

Whale's Tales The Prince of Wales, in a stationary court of two, calls on YOU!

Bridgeport - Hop Czar Imperial India Pale Ale

2011-09-12T19:23:00.051-04:00

Dead Soldier

Where to Dig Up More About This Beer
Hop Czar Imperial India Pale Ale
Bridgeport Brewing Company
1318 N.W. Northrup
Portland, OR USA
Est. 1984
www.bridgeportbrew.com

Brain Damage Quotient = 7.5 % ABV
Fluid Oz. = 12.0

Postmortem Brew Review
Deep orange color with a hazy body.
Big smell of citrus, mostly grapefruit but a pinch of pine hops.
Near white color, one-half finger head.
Good amount of sticky, draped lacing on glass.
The taste switches up from the aromas, where piney hops flavor dominates the citrus hops.
A little bit low on the carbonation.
Light to medium bodied.

Grim Reaper's Eulogy
Several things appealed to me about this IPA. First was the company name, as it reminds me of home. Not Portland OR, but my hometown is named Bridgeport.

The Hop Czar himself, tweeted to many of the bloggers that attended the 2011 Beer Bloggers Conference, held in Portland, OR. He was willing to pick up bloggers as they arrived at the airport, in full regalia - wearing the crown and hounds-tooth cape! Ha-ha! That is going the extra mile to impress. Alas, my flight arrived a bit too late for the royal reception.

Hop Czar is an Imperial, as the name would suggest. So what better to show on the label than an emperor, king or in this case, a czar. Is this the strongest Imperial as I have ever tasted? Well, no. But, moving up the chain of command, it leaves some room for "Hops Emperor" or "Hops King".

If you are fond of hops, it's a great beer. Give it a try.

Bear Republic - Racer 5 India Pale Ale

2011-09-12T17:09:00.029-04:00

Dead Soldier

Where to Dig Up More About This Beer

Racer 5 India Pale Ale
Bear Republic Brewing Company
345 Healdsburg Avenue
Healdsburg , CA USA
Est. 1995
www.bearrepublic.com

Brain Damage Quotient = 7.0 % ABV
Fluid Oz. = 12.0

Postmortem Brew Review
Golden to amber in color with a slight haze.
Smell of grapefruit and sweet orange citrus hops on the nose.
Off-white head, about one finger high, covers to cap.
Fair amount of lacing down the side of the glass.
Citrus tastes more like grapefruit and lemon zest. It belies the aromas.
Active carbonation.
Light to medium bodied mouth feel.

Grim Reaper's Eulogy
Here's a pretty darn good IPA. I had heard a lot oh hoopla about this one. So when a recent trip took me out west, I found a bottle to bring home to try. It is good, borderline great for an American IPA. It sure fits the qualifications for a west coast IPA. Citrusy hops smell and taste.

Once again, wish I had bought a whole six pack of this stuff. But being that I can only bring back so much in luggage, it was a one off. I liked it.

What's your take?

Laughing Dog - Dogzilla Black IPA

2011-09-09T19:18:00.064-04:00

Dead Soldier

Where to Dig Up More About This Beer

Dogzilla Black IPA
Laughing Dog Brewing Company
55 Industrial Park Road
Ponderay, ID USA
Est. 2005
www.laughingdogbrewing.com

Brain Damage Quotient = 6.9 % ABV
Fluid Oz. = 22.0

Postmortem Brew Review
Deep mahogany red on the pour. (Pour slowly/carefully)
Citrus and piney with hints of roasted malt and even less of coffee.
Billowy tan head, easily three fingers high.
Great amount of draped lacing.
Hops that last throughout the session balanced nicely with a rich malty presence.
Medium to full bodied.

Grim Reaper's Eulogy
Sixty nine IBU's go into the makeup of this Black IPA, (a.k.a. Cascadian Black Ale). A malty backbone bridges the firmament to all those hops and imparts the rich inky blackness of color. This style has come from out of the northwest and is in fast company with The Reaper. I really do enjoy a well done Black IPA.

On the whimsical side, Laughing Dog has taken some poetic license to tweak the words of "Godzilla" from Blue Oyster Cult.

With a purposeful growl and a terrible sound
He pulls the rack of kegs all down

He picks up a bottle and he throws it back down
As he walks through the kegs toward the center of town

Oh no, they say he's got to go

Go, go Dogzilla!

Humorous and true to the name Laughing Dog. If you find some, get some.

Ska - Modus Hoperandi India Pale Ale

2011-09-08T17:15:00.059-04:00

Dead Soldier

Where to Dig Up More About This Beer
Modus Hoperandi India Pale Ale
Ska Brewing Co.
225 Girard Street
Durango, CO USA
Est. 1995
www.skabrewing.com

Brain Damage Quotient = 6.8 % ABV
Fluid Oz. = 12.0

Postmortem Brew Review
Golden amber color.
Sweet malts, then a copious amount of pine hops aromas.
One and a half finger of off-white head.
Rings of sticky lacing down the glass with each sip.
Malt sweetness with citric zinging hops element.
Medium amount of carbonation.
Medium bodied, medium mouth feel with a slight oily hops finish.

Grim Reaper's Eulogy
Modus Hoperandi IPA is a bang-on pine/citrus sticky hops ale. It is very flavorful and well balanced with sweet malt that rounds it out, but rest assured the hops are there from start to everlasting sticky finish.

This is probably one of the best dozen or so west coast American IPA's that I've come across. Fun too, cause' The Reaper likes the skull dude - this time leading the pack in a snazzy suit and tie combo. As he takes the pony-tailed bobby-soxer into a dip, the words "Lip Up Fatty" are emblazoned above the dancing couple. It pays homage to the ska band "Bad Manners" which managed to bust a record into the UK charts back in 1980.

I also found many other "Easter Eggs" on the can. The word 'recycle' is listed not once, not twice but three times around the can neck. Subtle word choice such as 'walk', 'kite', 'hide', 'seek' even 'shower' are reminders to do good and have fun along the way in life. Something that this beer and brewer, seem to be all about. After all, even the name Modus Hoperandi is a play on Modus Operandi. Hops is how they roll, down in Durango. And having fun seems to be in their nature.

The best hidden word gem was found on the ingredients list. It seems the folks at Ska have found a way to get around the German Purity Law of 1516 by adding a fifth ingredient and still keeping it Reinheitsgebot. What's that fifth ingredient? Love.

No German Brewer would fault them for that brewing addition. Thanks Ska!

Cigar City - Jai Alai White Oak Aged India Pale Ale

2011-09-06T17:12:00.028-04:00

Dead Soldier

Where to Dig Up More About This Beer
Jai Alai White Oak Aged India Pale Ale
Cigar City Brewing Company
3924 West Spruce Street
Tampa, FL USA
Est.2008
www.cigarcitybeer.com

Brain Damage Quotient = 7.5 % ABV
Fluid Oz. = 12.0

Postmortem Brew Review
Cloudy, orange/amber color.
Citrus hops on the nose. White Oak adds a different nose complexity of dryness.
Off-white, two finger head that hangs around a long time.
Sticky, stringy lacing inside of the glass.
Citrus (orange) hops flavored. Woody oak tones shine through.
Moderate amount of carbonation.
Medium bodied mouth feel. Complex flavors of drying oak and citrusy hops on the tongue.

Grim Reaper's Eulogy
I've had the Humidor Series IPA aged on cedar and the standard base JaiAlai IPA's before. Here's a very interesting take on the standard JaiAlai from Cigar City Brewing. It is aged on White Oak and that imparts a new and interesting taste to the beer.

The White Oak adds a rich, pungent and dry quality to the flavor. It truly speaks to you and asks, "Why don't you sit back and just sip me?" I was quite unprepared for this version and was ready to quaff away, but after the first bold flavored sip, I knew that we were going to take some time to get acquainted. It's not that the IPA is overwhelming or strong, it is that the beer has such a complex flavor profile coming off the oak.

And, boys & girls, that is not a bad thing. Settle in and get to know this oak aged treat! Not your ordinary India Pale Ale.

Shiner Oktoberfest

2011-09-06T16:08:00.025-04:00

Dead Soldier

Where to Dig Up More About This Beer
Shiner Oktoberfest
Spoetzl Brewery
603 East Brewery Street
Shiner, TX USA
Est. 1909
www.shiner.com

Brain Damage Quotient = 5.8 % ABV
Fluid Oz. = 12.0

Postmortem Brew Review
Clear amber color.
Biscuit and bready malts, not much in the way of hops presence.
Light fluffly near-white head with very little lacing.
Abundant amount of carbonation.
Medium malt taste and slippery/slick mouth feel on the finish.
Light to medium bodied.

Grim Reaper's Eulogy
I do love a good Marzen style Oktoberfest beer. They are the beers that were a gateway into craft for me, so very long ago. I have tasted lots of them by now and it is interesting to see the American take on them versus the German take. There are usually a few variances.

For one thing, American style usually denote the word Octoberfest with the letter "c" as opposed to the letter "k" for the Germans. That's not always true, as in Shiner's case, but it is a generality that I have noticed. Another generality is the American styles are typically a bit more malt forward; that is to say they are also a bit sweeter as a result of the amount and style of malts used. German Oktoberfests are nearly perfectly balanced with hops and malts on the front end and just a touch of hop bitterness at the end. I would also say the German Marzens tend to be lighter tasting and bring you back for more. They finish cleaner, too.

As for this beer, sadly it does not impress me much. I know that Spoetzl is German in origin, but in the end it was a bit lackluster for me when it comes to an Oktoberfest beer.

21st Amendment - Brew Free! or Die IPA

2011-08-30T13:34:00.007-04:00

Dead Soldier

Where to Dig Up More About This Beer
Brew Free! or Die IPA
21st Amendment Brewery
563 2nd Street
San Francisco, CA USA
Brewed at:
Cold Spring, MN USA
Est. 1995
www.21st-amendment.com

Brain Damage Quotient = 7.0% ABV
Fluid Oz. = 12.0

Postmortem Brew Review
Beautiful deep amber color.
Piney and citrusy hops and caramel malts in aroma.
Near-white, two finger head. Nice draped lacing, good head retention.
Hops are off the charts. Malts play in the background with resiny hops taste.
Moderate amount of carbonation.
Medium bodied. Enveloping hops-play on tongue.

Grim Reaper's Eulogy
No less than six kinds of hops (70 IBU's) and two malts make up the structure of this tongue tantilizing IPA. Found in a supermarket on my trip to Portland, OR, a six-pack of the stuff was snatched up, without question. It was the only representation of 21st Amendment's offerings at this store, but a nice find indeed. And the light weight cans made it a no-brainer for packing in my travelling cooler to bring home and share. The Reaper loves the sentiment "Brew Free! or Die" on this whimsical and free spirited container. Honest Abe is bustin' out of Mt. Rushmore much to the delight of Teddy Roosevelt and concern of George Washington. Thomas Jefferson, a brewer in his own right, appears unfazed by all this calamity. Presumably, Mr. Lincoln is going to go get a sixer of these IPA's for the boys.

Everyone that's tried some has remarked how tasty it is. I still have a few tucked away, but fear they won't last long in the mortuary fridge. And when they are gone, well, we'll continue to search out more. Very nicely done west coast style American IPA.

Get some if you can.

Muahhaahaahaa!

Oxfordshire - Pride of Oxford English Ale

2011-08-29T18:42:00.023-04:00

Dead Soldier

Where to Dig Up More About This Beer
Pride of Oxford English Ale
Oxfordshire Ales
Unit 12
Pear Tree Industrial Estate
Marsh Gibbon, Bicester
Oxfordshire England
Est. 1995
www.oxfordshireales.com

Brain Damage Quotient = 4.2% ABV
Fluid Oz. = 16.9

Postmortem Brew Review
Slightly cloudy gold/orange color.
Mostly smells of malts with some hop aromas.
Near-white, two finger head. Fair amount of streaked lacing and head retention.
Malt and hops are balanced and not overpowering. Slight watery finish.
Active amount of carbonation.
Light and crisp bodied. Easily approachable and flavorful session ale.

Grim Reaper's Eulogy
A new find in the area, Oxfordshire Ales did impress. It was not the most outstanding beer ever reaped by yours truly, but it reminded me how 'small beers', (those low in ABV), can have depth of flavor. This one held my interest from start to finish. Nothing about it was over-the-top. Simply stated, it was a fine everyday ale that is approachable by even those that prefer yellow lagers. Luckily for me there is another in the bottom of the chiller.

See what you've been missing, whether you're a seasoned beer drinker or if you are in search of something bolder than your current brand of macro.

Deschutes - Black Butte Porter

2011-08-29T18:21:00.018-04:00

Dead Soldier

Where to Dig Up More About This Beer
Black Butte Porter
Deschutes Brewery
901 SW Simpson Avenue
Bend, OR USA
Est. 1988
www.deschutesbrewery.com

Brain Damage Quotient = 5.2% ABV
Fluid Oz. = 12.0

Postmortem Brew Review
Dark black with reddish hues on the edges.
Roasted malts and roasted coffee in aroma.
Deep tan, two finger head. Draped lacing with good head retention.
Coffee and malt taste, though just a bit restrained.
Moderate amount of carbonation.
Medium to full bodied. Rich, creamy, smooth and refreshing.

Grim Reaper's Eulogy
Black Butte has been hanging out in the mortuary fridge for a while. Lucky me, I recently had some of this on Tap out in Portland and took some tasting notes. While the draught version is a bit tastier and fresher, my notes were fairly similar. The only thing lacking in my bottle version was a bit more punch of malt and coffee flavors that were found in the tap pint I tried. Other than that, no complaints.

I noted the bottle neck label mention that this porter uses the Kraeusening process in which the brewer adds freshly fermenting wort to beer that is ready to bottle. This aids the fermentation process, right in the bottle up until the point it is opened to be consumed.

This is a solid porter and is so smooth and creamy. It finishes with a nice clean pop and makes you come back for another sip, over and over.

Green Flash - Hop Head Red Ale

2011-08-29T13:38:00.002-04:00

Dead Soldier

Where to Dig Up More About This Beer

Hop Head Red Ale

Green Flash Brewing Company

6550 Mira Mesa Boulevard

San Diego, CA USA

Est. ????

www.greenflashbrew.com

Brain Damage Quotient = 6.4 % ABV

Fluid Oz. = 12.0

Postmortem Brew Review

Deep amber red color tone.

Pleasant caramel malts aromas mingle with resiny pine hop scents along with fruity citrus hop notes.
Two finger near tan colored, rocky head.

Head leaves spiderwebs of lace and covers to a cap right to the bottom of the glass.
Delicious sticky Amarillo hops that are balanced by creamy caramel malt sweetness.

Nice light carbonation.

Medium flavor, medium bodied.

Grim Reaper's Eulogy
Oh, my God....OH MY GOD! This is one delicious smelling, delicious tasting Red Ale!

Where do I go from here? Back to the fridge to look for more, but alas...it was the only one of these I brought back from the west coast. Arrrrrrggggghhhhhhh!!! So sad! Marvelous little Red that packs a punch of malt and hop taste. Tremendous balance and interplay of the malts and (dry hopped) Amarillo hops.

This is a multi-award winning beer that includes these medals:

Great American Beer Festival
2009 Bronze–American Red Ale
2007 Silver–American Red Ale
World Beer Cup
2008 Gold–American Red Ale
San Diego County Fair
2011 Gold - American Red Ale

The good elf Lupulin performs a 45 IBU tango for two with Madame Malt, and uses your tongue for their dance floor! Sinfully delicious...must get more....

Avery - Eighteen 2011

2011-08-28T14:36:00.038-04:00

Dead Soldier

Where to Dig Up More About This Beer
Eighteen 2011 Dry Hopped Rye Saison
Avery Brewing
5763 Arapahoe Ave.
Boulder, Colorado USA
Est. 1993
www.averybrewing.com

Brain Damage Quotient = 8.12 % ABV
Fluid Oz. = 22.0 (4 oz. sample)

Postmortem Brew Review
Amber to orange in color.
Roasted malt and spice nose. Wet grassy aromas and orange peel/zest.
Fairly long lasting near-white head.
Some spotty lace on glass.
Malt taste, some chocolate hits. Has a dry, rye finish.
Light mouth feel. Subtle complexities throughout.

Grim Reaper's Eulogy
I was treated to a sample of this recently. It is interestingly complex. Lots going on, since it is a Saison by nature and then it has rye and hops additions. The eight percent alcohol is barely noticeable and makes for a fairly easy to approach, higher alcohol brew. If you get a chance, give it a try.

I am now looking to dig up more of this anniversary ale in my local stores.

SanTan Brewing - Epicenter Amber Ale

2011-08-23T15:31:00.004-04:00

Dead Soldier

Where to Dig Up More About This Beer

Epicenter Amber Ale

SanTan Brewing Company

8 South San Marcos Place

Chandler, AZ USA

Est. 2007

www.santanbrewing.com

Brain Damage Quotient = 5.5 % ABV

Fluid Oz. = 12.0

Postmortem Brew Review

Dark amber color with deep orange tones.

Malted sweetness and gentle hops on nose. Caramel, some honey (?) and wet grain aromas.

Two finger bone colored head that leaves rings of lacing.
Tastes candy caramel sweet at first but mellows as the hops kick in. Stronger in malt taste than hops.

Not overly carbonated.

Medium flavor, medium bodied.

Grim Reaper's Eulogy
Within the past 24 hours, two earthquakes have struck in the US. Colorado had a 5.7 magnitude around midnight Mountain Time. And just within the last couple of hours, it was reported that Washington D.C. was rocked by a 5.9 magnitude quake. Ladders shook, chandeliers swayed and even beer bottles were heard to topple in fridges throughout the region. (Okay, I made that last part up.)

It might be a good time to check the status of my chiller out back, to inspect for any damages. Mmmmm, let's see. I'm thirsty. Why yes...that one there! It was a natural - - - Epicenter. Muahahahaa, I always go for the quick pun. Epicenter was fine choice during a crisis such as this. I found the brew to be leaning much stronger on the malt side, but not as "unbalanced" as the name might imply. A great choice for a "Code Red" emergency. Though it's brewed out west, the irony prevails that I should have it on hand for such an auspicious occasion, here in the east.

All things considered, it's going to take an act of God to shake up our nation's capital, figuratively and literally. If that doesn't do it, the other part of the one-two punch is coming. Hurricane Irene is slowly sweeping up the east coast and poised at D.C. One of The Reaper's better projects.

Hang onto you beer my minions...

Pyramid - Outburst Imperial IPA

2011-08-22T22:43:00.009-04:00

Dead Soldier

Where to Dig Up More About This Beer

Outburst Imperial IPA (Seasonal)

Pyramid Brewing Company
91 S Royal Brougham Way

Seattle, WA USA

Est. 1984(Hart Brewing) 1996(Pyramid)

www.pyramidbrew.com

Brain Damage Quotient = 8.5 % ABV

Fluid Oz. = 12.0

Postmortem Brew Review

Rich, resonant orange/copper color.

Powerful pine hops nose with malts that can be slowly picked out.

Two finger firm firm off-white head that leaves great draped lacing. Settles to a cap long into the glass.
Firm hops traction after starting with a rich malt and caramel taste.
Finishes on the hoppy side. Very slightly warming tones.

Pin prickly amount of carbonation zip.

Full flavor, full bodied. No noticeable alcohol notes, save for the warmth.

Grim Reaper's Eulogy
Opening this one, before it is past prime as it's been chillin' in the examining room cooler for a few months. It is a spring seasonal, and already the brewers are sending out the fall stuff. Not to be dissuaded, I removed the skull cap during the dissection. You cannot believe the amount of hop notes that arose from that 3/4 inch opening at the top of the bottle. I hadn't even poured it and the hops aromas were leaping out, sprung like the hounds on a hunt. Oh, ho, ho! This is going to be a treat!

Though seasonal, this would be a great year round entry to their regular lineup. The 8.5% ABV made this Imperial IPA hold up well through the summer in the back of the fridge. Nothing could deter the fine flavors of this twelve ounce beauty. Now, I have examined their brews by the ounce at The Great American Beer Festival in the past, but a whole twelve ounces of this beer is, (dare I say), heaven on earth!

Did I just say heaven on earth?!? Muahahaahahaaaa!

Nimbus - Dirty Guera Blonde Ale

2011-08-22T21:31:00.003-04:00

Dead Monkey

Where to Dig Up More About This Beer

Dirty Guera Blonde Ale

Nimbus Brewing Company LLC

3850 E. 44th

Tucson, AZ USA

Est. 1996

www.nimbusbeer.com

Brain Damage Quotient = 4.0 % ABV

Fluid Oz. = 12.0

Postmortem Brew Review

Clear, bright golden/yellow color.

Pleasant floral hops nose with subdued fruity esters and hint of honey.

Two finger firm crisp white head that leaves great spiderweb lacing.
Tastes lightly fruity without being overly sweet. Very balanced malts and hops. Touch of honey.

Just the right amount of carbonation zip.

Full flavor, light bodied. Tasty yeast report at end.

Grim Reaper's Eulogy
The website says 3.5% ABV but the bottle label claims 4%. Which one is correct? Doesn't matter. This beer is very flavorful and lively. It won't weigh you down but neither will is leave you short on taste. How do those clever monkeys do it? The key may be in their slogan, "It's a natural selection." Strictly speaking, Darwin probably missed a few of these fellows.

This is my first of a handful of different Nimbus beers, from the mortuary fridge. Wish this one was sold around these parts. It would be a regular thirst quencher for our hot and humid days. A truly fine and balanced blonde.

Hey, who's that monkey in the mirror? Check out the label.

Breakside - Gin-Barrel Double Wit

2011-08-20T17:20:00.026-04:00

Dead Soldier

Ben Edmunds - Breakside Brewery

Where to Dig Up More About This Beer

Gin-Barrel Double Wit
Breakside Brewery
820 NE Dekum Street
Portland, OR USA
Est. ????
www.breaksidebrews.com

Brain Damage Quotient = 6.8 % ABV
Fluid Oz. = 12.0 (3 oz. sample)

Postmortem Brew Review
Cloudy straw/wheat color.
Smell of lemon zest, fruit esters, wheat and wood.
Tightly bubbled near white head.
Spicy coriander and lemony zest predominate. Gin and wood notes present.
Nice lacing down the side of the glass.
Good amount of carbonation.
Light bodied. Flavorful with a clean mouth feel.

Grim Reaper's Eulogy
Round #8
This blog post was done live at the 2nd Annual Beer Blogger's Conference, held in Portland, Oregon. 95 bloggers were in attendance, from over one thousand identified blogs. Luminaries of the craft beer world also attended to serve as presenters and keynote speakers for the event. A "speed round" of blogging was held by brewers, each bringing an exemplary brew to blog. Great craft beers, 12 blogging tables and 60 minutes were allotted in a fun, free-for-all session.

Oakshire - Overcast Oatmeal Espresso Stout

2011-08-20T17:10:00.020-04:00

Dead Soldier

Matt Van Wyk - Oakshire Brewing

Where to Dig Up More About This Beer

Overcast Espresso Stout
Oakshire Brewing
1055 Madera Street
Eugene, OR USA
Est. 1988
www.oakbrew.com/

Brain Damage Quotient = 5.8 % ABV
Fluid Oz. = 12.0 (3 oz. sample)

Postmortem Brew Review
Rich, black coffee color.
Smell of espresso coffee and roasted malts.
Firm tan colored head, about one finger high.
Good lacing down the side of the glass.
Coffee and cocoa notes dominate this oatmeal stout.
Medium to large bodied. Full, rich flavored mouth feel.

Grim Reaper's Eulogy
Round #7
This blog post was done live at the 2nd Annual Beer Blogger's Conference, held in Portland, Oregon. 95 bloggers were in attendance, from over one thousand identified blogs. Luminaries of the craft beer world also attended to serve as presenters and keynote speakers for the event. A "speed round" of blogging was held by brewers, each bringing an exemplary brew to blog. Great craft beers, 12 blogging tables and 60 minutes were allotted in a fun, free-for-all session.

Deschutes - Jubelale

2011-08-20T17:05:00.005-04:00

Dead Soldier

Veronica Vega - Deschutes

Where to Dig Up More About This Beer

Jubelale
Deschutes Brewery
901 SW Simpson Avenue
Bend, OR USA
Est. 1988
www.deschutesbrewery.com

Brain Damage Quotient = 6.7 % ABV
Fluid Oz. = 12.0 (3 oz. sample)

Postmortem Brew Review
Rich, deep red color.
Smell of citrus and pine hops on the nose. Good amount of caramel malt present. Some spiciness also present.
Choppy tan colored head, about one finger high.
Great lacing down the side of the glass.
Caramel toasted malt with hops in balance. Bready and earthy tastes.
Medium bodied. Full flavored mouth feel.

Grim Reaper's Eulogy
Round #6
This blog post was done live at the 2nd Annual Beer Blogger's Conference, held in Portland, Oregon. 95 bloggers were in attendance, from over one thousand identified blogs. Luminaries of the craft beer world also attended to serve as presenters and keynote speakers for the event. A "speed round" of blogging was held by brewers, each bringing an exemplary brew to blog. Great craft beers, 12 blogging tables and 60 minutes were allotted in a fun, free-for-all session.

Ninkasi - Total Domination IPA

2011-08-20T16:49:00.009-04:00

Dead Soldier

Jamie "Darth" Floyd
& his minion - Ninkasi Brewing

Where to Dig Up More About This Beer

Total Domination IPA
Ninkasi Brewing Company
272 Van Buren Street
Eugene, OR USA
Est. 2006
www.ninkasibrewing.com

Brain Damage Quotient = 6.7 % ABV
Fluid Oz. = 12.0 (3 oz. sample)

Postmortem Brew Review
Hazy orange/yellow color.
Smell of rich malts and citrus/spicy hops on the nose.
Sturdy off-white head, about one finger high.
Great lacing down the side of the glass.
Medium bodied. Full flavored mouth feel.

Grim Reaper's Eulogy
Round #5
This blog post was done live at the 2nd Annual Beer Blogger's Conference, held in Portland, Oregon. 95 bloggers were in attendance, from over one thousand identified blogs. Luminaries of the craft beer world also attended to serve as presenters and keynote speakers for the event. A "speed round" of blogging was held by brewers, each bringing an exemplary brew to blog. Great craft beers, 12 blogging tables and 60 minutes were allotted in a fun, free-for-all session.

New Planet - Off Grid Pale Ale

2011-08-20T16:43:00.006-04:00

Dead Soldier

Danielle Quatrochi - New Planet

Where to Dig Up More About This Beer

Off Grid Pale Ale
New Planet Brewery
3980 Broadway
Ste. 103 – PMB 116
Boulder, CO USA
Est. 2008
www.newplanetbeer.com

Brain Damage Quotient = 5.0 % ABV
Fluid Oz. = 12.0 (3 oz. sample)

Postmortem Brew Review
Deep amber color.
Smell of citrus and spicy hops on the nose.
Off white head, about one finger high, covers to wisp.
Minimal lacing down the side of the glass.
Gluten free. Light bodied mouth feel.

Grim Reaper's Eulogy
Round #4
This blog post was done live at the 2nd Annual Beer Blogger's Conference, held in Portland, Oregon. 95 bloggers were in attendance, from over one thousand identified blogs. Luminaries of the craft beer world also attended to serve as presenters and keynote speakers for the event. A "speed round" of blogging was held by brewers, each bringing an exemplary brew to blog. Great craft beers, 12 blogging tables and 60 minutes were allotted in a fun, free-for-all session.

Blue Moon - Vintage Blonde Ale 2011

2011-08-20T16:39:00.008-04:00

Dead Soldier

Lisa Zimmer - 12th & Blake

Where to Dig Up More About This Beer
Vintage Blonde Ale 2011
Blue Moon Brewing Company
Coors Brewing Company
13th and Ford Street
Golden, CO USA
Est.1995
www.bluemoonbrewingcompany.com

Brain Damage Quotient =8.5 % ABV
Fluid Oz. = 12.0

Postmortem Brew Review
Slightly cloudy, unfiltered golden/orange amber color.
Grapes, yeast and coriander aroma.
Wheat and dry spice taste, tastes similar to a chardonnay.
One finger, white fluffy head that leaves decent lacing.
Light body with full flavor.

Grim Reaper's Eulogy
Round #3
This blog post was done live at the 2nd Annual Beer Blogger's Conference, held in Portland, Oregon. 95 bloggers were in attendance, from over one thousand identified blogs. Luminaries of the craft beer world also attended to serve as presenters and keynote speakers for the event. A "speed round" of blogging was held by brewers, each bringing an exemplary brew to blog. Great craft beers, 12 blogging tables and 60 minutes were allotted in a fun, free-for-all session.

Karl Strauss - Boardwalk Black Rye

2011-08-20T16:35:00.012-04:00

Dead Soldier

Ryan Ross - Karl Strauss Brewing

Where to Dig Up More About This Beer

Boardwalk Black Rye
Karl Strauss
5985 Santa Fe Street
San Diego, CA USA
Est. 1986
www.karlstrauss.com

Brain Damage Quotient = 8.0 % ABV
Fluid Oz. = 12.0 (3 oz. sample)

Postmortem Brew Review
Dark black color on the pour.
Carmel and rye nose; nicely malty. Flashes of hop aromas.
Short stout head with strings of lace.
Smooth flavors of caramel, toffee and rye.
Soft carbonation. Nicely drinkable at 8%ABV.
Medium bodied, full flavored.

Grim Reaper's Eulogy
Round #2
This blog post was done live at the 2nd Annual Beer Blogger's Conference, held in Portland, Oregon. 95 bloggers were in attendance, from over one thousand identified blogs. Luminaries of the craft beer world also attended to serve as presenters and keynote speakers for the event. A "speed round" of blogging was held by brewers, each bringing an exemplary brew to blog. Great craft beers, 12 blogging tables and 60 minutes were allotted in a fun, free-for-all session.

Widmer Brothers - Prickly Pear Braggot

2011-08-20T16:28:00.004-04:00

Dead Soldier

Brothers Rob & Kurt Widmer

Where to Dig Up More About This Beer

Prickly Pear Braggot 2010
Widmer Brothers
929 N. Russell
Portland, OR USA
Est. 1984
www.widmer.com

Brain Damage Quotient = 10.0 % ABV
Fluid Oz. = 22.0 (3 oz. sample)

Postmortem Brew Review
Honey in color.
Caramel notes along with a citrus and honey aroma.
Small head with creamy bubble layer that dissipates slowly.
Slightly sweet and viscous not unlike wine.
Slight alcohol warmth in finish.
Smooth carbonation, smooth drinking.

Grim Reaper's Eulogy
Round #1
This blog post was done live at the 2nd Annual Beer Blogger's Conference, held in Portland, Oregon. 95 bloggers were in attendance, from over one thousand identified blogs. Luminaries of the craft beer world also attended to serve as presenters and keynote speakers for the event. A "speed round" of blogging was held by brewers, each bringing an exemplary brew to blog. Great craft beers, 12 blogging tables and 60 minutes were allotted in a fun, free-for-all session.

Hopworks Urban Brewery - Galactic Imperial Red Ale

2011-08-19T17:58:00.049-04:00

Dead Soldier

Where to Dig Up More About This Beer

Galactic Imperial Red Ale

Hopworks Urban Brewery

2944 SE Powell Boulevard

Portland, OR USA

Est. 2007

www.hopworksbeer.com

Brain Damage Quotient = 9.5 % ABV

Fluid Oz. = 22.0

Postmortem Brew Review

Rich deep red/brown color; almost a bit dark for a red.

Caramel malt, pine hop and citrus floral hop on the nose.

Two finger near-white head that leaves great spiderweb lacing.
Tastes earthy with a caramel malt backbone.

At 100 IBU, the hops are not aggressive.
Modest amount of carbonation.

Full flavor, medium bodied. Balance of malt and hops.

Grim Reaper's Eulogy
We are on a bus, headed to hop fields south of Portland Oregon and this is one of the beers that is brought out as we sit in Friday night rush hour. I am gobsmacked by the old-school arcade images on the painted label. As if that isn't enough, it's a 100 IBU, 9.5% ABV Imperial Red that is organic, to boot. 5000 point bonus power-up for the folks over at HUB!

From all levels, this is a kick ass brew. High in hops and nicely masked alcohol, this Imp. Red quickly got my attention. The hops and alcohol are done so well and the beer so easily drinkable, it won't be "Game Over" for your senses. Turns out they really had me hooked by the label. I have shoveled a ton of quarters into those old arcade machines in my day. I took some notes and stashed the empty bottle, so I could return it to the crypt and write this review.

Get your game on, with this one.

Lagunitas - Censored Rich Copper Ale

2011-08-16T19:25:00.042-04:00

Dead Soldier

Where to Dig Up More About This Beer

Censored Rich Copper Ale

Lagunitas Brewing Company

1280 North McDowell Boulevard
Petaluma, CA USA
Est. 1993

www.lagunitas.com

Brain Damage Quotient = 6.75 % ABV

Fluid Oz. = 12.0

Postmortem Brew Review

Clear amber with copper tones.
Smells bready with caramel malt sweetness on the nose.
Nice, fluffy, off-white head, one finger high.
Good amount of ringed lacing on the glass.

Slightly less than average amount of carbonation.
Sweet malt flavor with just a bit of hops bitter finish.

Medium bodied mouth feel.

Grim Reaper's Eulogy
Got to love the website when it reveals the ingrediatns as malt, hops, yeast and water. Really? What have I been drinking all this time? What? What?!? Whatever! Hey, I didn't start it...

"The original name of this original ale was originally derived from an origin so heinous that we cannot reveal its aboriginal oregeny. sorry. Actually, it's an easy drinking malty Copper Ale that goes easy on the hops. Whatever."

That's from their website, speaking about Censored. We will conclude with the fact that it is good. Gooood. Goooooooood. That is all...I f#ck!n' dig it.

Samuel Smith's - Organic Lager

2011-08-16T18:34:00.029-04:00

Dead Soldier

Where to Dig Up More About This Beer
Samuel Smith's Organic Lager
The Old Brewery at Tadcaster
Yorkshire, England
Est. 1758
www.samuelsmithsbrewery.co.uk

Brain Damage Quotient = 5.0 % ABV
Fluid Oz. = 12.0

Postmortem Brew Review
Clear gold color.
Toasted bread, yeast malt and grassy hops aroma.
White fluffy head. Two fingers high and leaves spotty lacing.
Toasted malt sweetness with same grassy hops taste noted in aromas.
Above average carbonation.
Light bodied mouth feel. Very easy to drink.

Grim Reaper's Eulogy
Another very nice beer from Samuel Smith's stable and listed organic, to boot. The Reaper always says, "good things come from the earth." The way it drinks and tastes, you could almost mistake it for a pale ale. This beer is decent as far as lager's go and it's worth a try.

Dig some up.

Great Divide - Rumble Oak Aged IPA

2011-08-16T17:13:00.044-04:00

Dead Soldier

Where to Dig Up More About This Beer

Rumble Oak Aged India Pale Ale
Great Divide Brewing Company
2201 Arapahoe Street
Denver, CO USA
Est. 1994
www.greatdivide.com

Brain Damage Quotient = 7.1 % ABV
Fluid Oz. = 12.0

Postmortem Brew Review
Hazy orange/honey color.
Smell of citrus hops. Nice oak aroma imparts from glass.
Firm but short lasting, off-white head.
Lace clings tightly to the side of the glass with each sip.
Oak taste and hops flavor pretty much dominate the muted malt tones and a vanilla finish.
Medium bodied and modestly complex flavors.

Grim Reaper's Eulogy
What can't Great Divide do with an India Pale Ale? It is easier to say that they can do pretty much anything. If you are an India Pale Ale fan, strap it on, because Rumble is one not to miss.

This one is a fairly sessionable IPA at a tad over 7%, unlike its big brother Hercules at 10% (yet to be obducted by yours truly.) And it's safe to say that Rumble is unlike its other sibling, Titan, a similar in ABV ale, but does not have Rumble's vanilla nor oak conditioning. Then there's the 17th Anniversary that combines more, more, more of everything as a DIPA, but that is not Rumble either. Oh yeah, there's also Belgica, Rumble's European cousin, a Belgian style IPA.

So where does this Oak Aged India Pale Ale fit in? Rumble tucks neatly in the middle of the pack, yet stands on its own. A fairly easy drinking, modest ABV India Pale Ale with an oaky and vanilla character that hits the taste buds like, well - like WHAM!

A very interesting and unusual India Pale Ale that satisfies and surprises.

SanTan Brewing - Hefeweizen

2011-08-16T12:41:00.024-04:00

Dead Soldier

Where to Dig Up More About This Beer

Hefeweizen

SanTan Brewing Company

8 South San Marcos Place

Chandler, AZ USA

Est. 2007

www.santanbrewing.com

Brain Damage Quotient = 5.0 % ABV

Fluid Oz. = 12.0

Postmortem Brew Review

Hazy/cloudy near orange color.

Banana, orange and lemon citrus zest and wheaty yeast aromas.

Two finger white head that leaves stringy lacing.
Banana, then clove and wheat with light citrus on the back end.

Modest amount of carbonation.
Light bodied. Easy to drink.

Grim Reaper's Eulogy

The next in my SanTan lineup, their Hefeweizen found it's place on yet another hot and humid Florida day. Sitting by the pool, this one didn't last long. After surveying it's looks, aromas and taste, down the hatch it went. Very refreshing and very nice.

I think this probably works equally well in the hot and dry heat of Arizona. I might trade you humidity for dryness but I will keep my SanTan Hefe. Cheers!

Oak Creek - Nut Brown Ale

2011-08-14T21:31:00.003-04:00

Dead Soldier

Where to Dig Up More About This Beer
Nut Brown Ale
Oak Creek Brewing Company
2050 Yavapai Drive
Sedona, AZ USA
Est. ????
www.oakcreekbrew.com

Brain Damage Quotient = 5.5 % ABV
Fluid Oz. = 12.0

Postmortem Brew Review
Clear reddish brown color.
Dry nut and malt aromas. Spice notes in the background.
Tan, two finger head. Dissipates fairly quickly, leaving ringed head.
Spotted lacing on glass.
Creamy malt tones and dry nut taste. Spice flavors noticed as it warms.
Light amount of carbonation.
Light bodied. A bit on the watery side at first, but eventually dries out.

Grim Reaper's Eulogy
This is a gold and bronze medal winner of the North American Brewer's Association. This beer's started out a bit watery, but eventually the spiciness and dry qualities came through. The sweet malty backbone nicely balances out the rest. This one just came down to letting the chill get out of it. Once that occurred, the flavors and body were all there.

Apparently, Oak Creek's offerings are only available in their home state of Arizona. Another road trip may be in order.

Anderson Valley - High Rollers Wheat Beer

2011-08-14T15:04:00.013-04:00

Dead Soldier

Where to Dig Up More About This Beer
High Rollers Wheat Beer
Anderson Valley Brewing Company
17700 Hwy 253
Boonville, CA USA
Est. 1987
www.avbc.com

Brain Damage Quotient = 5.3 % ABV
Fluid Oz. = 12.0

Postmortem Brew Review
Clear pale golden color.
Yeast, fresh bread aromas. Clove spice and a bit of citrus.
White, two finger frothy head. Dissipates soon, leaves yeasty skim cover.
Negligible lacing on glass.
Wheat, lemon and honey in the taste.
Moderate carbonation.
Light bodied. Easy to drink.

Grim Reaper's Eulogy
I found this bottle on a trip out west, but after being home about a month or so, it is now found on the shelves here in Florida. Hmmm, go figure. Just when I think that I have dug up something new, some distributor brings it to me. Curiously, High Rollers Wheat Beer does not show up in their website's lineup of beers. There is a listing for Summer Solstice, however that beer is a different style and does not share the characteristics of this brew. Perhaps it was dropped for some reason? Ah, well.

High Rollers Wheat beer is a fine crisp pale wheat ale, with a snap of tartness. Its dry and slightly tart finish is a great way to beat down the summer heat. "Solar Powered Brewery" is emblazoned on an image of the sun, on top of the bottle cap. According to their site, in 2006 they installed a photovoltaic array of solar panels that powers 40% of the brewery's needs. That is only one of their eco-friendly initiatives to help our mother earth.

So sorry to see that this is no longer in their lineup. Let's hope it's only a temporary thing.

Alaskan - White Ale

2011-08-13T20:38:00.003-04:00

Dead Soldier

Where to Dig Up More About This Beer

Alaskan White Ale
Alaskan Brewing Company

Juneau, AK USA

Est.1985

www.alaskanbeer.com

Brain Damage Quotient = 5.3 % ABV

Fluid Oz. = 12.0

Postmortem Brew Review

Bright gold color.

Big bready nose. Soured grass and a hint of citrus perfume also in the nose.

One finger, crisp white head that is gone in 60 seconds. No lacing.

Taste is lemony, then bready, then lemony. A little grassy.
More orange citrus taste as it warms.
Medium to lightly carbonated.

Light and slightly sweet, without being syrupy.

Grim Reaper's Eulogy

This witbier is surely different than most I've tried. Not a lot of frutiness nor spice, but instead it drinks like a fresh loaf of bread. The lemon, then bread yeast and then grass flavors keep rolling around in your mouth. The flavors pop out over and over for a few seconds after the swallow. Not bad. Quite interesting and fairly delicious. By far, this is the most pronounced bread flavored witbier I have come across. It is not quite distinctly there on all accounts, but somehow it seems to come together. The final pour reveals a yeast cloud, so be sure to roll the bottle, and all that.

But, don't let the polar bear scare you.

Samuel Adams - Rustic Saison

2011-08-13T16:10:00.003-04:00

Dead Soldier

Where to Dig Up More About This Beer

Samuel Adams Rustic Saison

Boston Beer Company

Boston, MA USA

Est.1985

www.samueladams.com

Brain Damage Quotient = 4.35 % ABV

Fluid Oz. = 12.0

Postmortem Brew Review

Clear, light yellow color.

Spice, and yeast funk with some citrusy aromas.

Two finger, creamy white head. Tight bubbles leaves some nice lacing.

Taste is not as intense as in the aroma. It is sweet and not as funky as most saisons.
Lightly carbonation and softly nucleated.

Light and tart and dry mouth feel.

Grim Reaper's Eulogy

Rustic Saison showed up in a 12 pack mixer of Sam Adams. This one was hiding out in the back of the crypt's fridge, next to the butter and eggs. Must have felt right at home.

As far as Saison or Farmhouse Ales go, this is not a home run, but it is easily a hit. I found the dryness was a little too astringent but not overly puckery. The head dissapates into a yeasty skim and as it warms in my tulip glass. There do not seem to be any pronounces esters common in Belgian Saisons. The citrus, yeast and floral components are all there, but without a lot of depth or complexity. A good effort, and all the same, I still enjoyed drinking it on a hot and humid day.

Refreshingly light and easy to drink at 4.35% ABV, those are characteristics of a Farmhouse Ale.

Dunedin Brewery - Red Head Red Ale

2011-08-12T14:33:00.001-04:00

Taps for a Dead Soldier

Where to Dig Up More About This Beer

Red Head Red Ale

Dunedin Brewing Company
937 Douglas Avenue
Dunedin, FL USA
Est. 1996

www.dunedinbrewery.com

Brain Damage Quotient = 5.0 % ABV

Fluid Oz. = 12.0 (On Tap)

Postmortem Brew Review

Pours a red/amber color.

Caramel and toffee maltiness with floral hops on the nose.
One finger of off-white head. Covers quickly to a cap.

Spotted lacing down the side of the glass.

Lightly carbonated.

Light bodied mouth feel. Easy drinker.

Grim Reaper's Eulogy

From Florida's oldest microbrewery, comes this Irish Red style. It's nicely balanced in malts and hops. Just enough sweetness and just the right traction of hops. It's all in there. A very good and very easy drinker.

It was up on tap at a local watering hole and since it's a local brewer, I had to give it a try. While the crypt is in Florida, I have yet to visit this brewer. They are up the road a piece, so we'll need to hop in the hearse and make a road trip soon.

Widmer Brothers - Citra Blonde Summer

2011-08-10T16:24:00.001-04:00

Dead Soldier

Where to Dig Up More About This Beer

Citra Blonde Summer
Widmer Brothers
929 N. Russell
Portland, OR USA
Est. 1984
www.widmer.com

Brain Damage Quotient = 4.3 % ABV
Fluid Oz. = 12.0

Postmortem Brew Review
Mostly clear yellow color.
Grassy and lemon zest notes along with a small amount of hops.
Two finger near-white head that sticks around.
Modest amounts of string and spotted lace on the glass.
Soft herbal and citrus mixed with hops. Finishes very cleanly.
Modest amount of carbonation.
Light refreshing and bright tasting body.

Grim Reaper's Eulogy
Move over American Pale Wheat Ales and other American Blondes, there's a new sheriff in town. By far this summer, this was my absolute go-to favorite refresher, hands down. I could end the post right here, but will choose to rattle off a few more 'likes' about this ale.

I think the most surprising thing was the great fresh Citra and Alchemy hops taste that mingled with the citrus. It's only 20 IBU's of strength but the mix is uniquely refreshing, and oh so tasty. Pale and Caramel malts rounded out the rest of the bill. Superbly flavorful beer.

This beer made my summer complete. Two bony thumbs up, Widmer Brothers!

New Planet - Off Grid Pale Ale

2011-08-09T21:37:00.043-04:00

Dead Soldier

Where to Dig Up More About This Beer

Off Grid Pale Ale
New Planet Brewery
3980 Broadway
Ste. 103 – PMB 116
Boulder, CO USA
Est. 2008
www.newplanetbeer.com

Brain Damage Quotient = 5.0 % ABV
Fluid Oz. = 12.0

Postmortem Brew Review
Deep amber color.
Smell of citrus and spicy hops on the nose.
Off white head, about one finger high, covers to wisp.
Minimal lacing down the side of the glass.
Gluten free.
Light bodied mouth feel.

Grim Reaper's Eulogy
The second New Planet I've tried. I must say that for gluten free, this is a fairly tasty specimen. As you may know, some people have a gluten sensitivity which does not allow them to consume foods that contain wheat barley or rye. Those with more serious and complete intolerance to gluten are usually diagnosed with Celiac disease.

To give the beer the body needed, sorghum and brown rice extract, molasses, tapioca maltodextrin and caramel color are used to replace the traditional malt. Additionally, this beer has an enjoyable hops profile. Not bad for a beer that is modified to help those seeking a gluten free alternative.

Stone Cold Fact: As with all of New Planet's beer, the name is a give away to an important cause. "Off Grid" refers to the use of alternative sources of renewable energy. New Planet donates a portion of their proceeds from the sale of Off Grid Pale Ale to non-profit organizations promoting alternative energy education.

Those of us without gluten intolerance can enjoy too!

Boulder Beer - Sweaty Betty

2011-08-09T18:27:00.050-04:00

Dead Soldier

Where to Dig Up More About This Beer
Sweaty Betty
Boulder Beer Company

2880 Wilderness Place
Boulder, CO USA
Est. 1979
www.boulderbeer.com

Brain Damage Quotient = 5.9 % ABV

Fluid Oz. = 12.0

Postmortem Brew Review
Unfiltered golden yellow color.
Some presence of clove spice, banana and wheat. Citrus aromas also present.
Two finger, off white head on pour.

Not a lot of lace in the glass.
Hops and wheat are well balanced. Clove and banana are mild and enjoyable.
Light bodied. Easy to drink.

Grim Reaper's Eulogy
Boulder Beer's Looking Glass Series, Sweaty Betty, is another of the popular American Pale Wheat Ales. This style seems to give other wheat ales such as Hefe's, a run for the money. Both are found in spring/summer as low alcohol, refreshing quenchers, but in reality, they are two completely different styles.

I have had several American Pale Wheat Ales this summer and find them curious as a style, but refreshing nonetheless. Sweaty Betty is one of those pauses that refresh, and she does so without breaking a sweat. (Didn't think I'd go for the pun?) Sweaty Betty is the fifth of the aforementioned 'Looking Glass Series' from Boulder and was introduced in 2004. She is done in the Bavarian style, according to Boulder's website.

When it's hot out, put your arm around Betty. She can handle the humidity, just fine.

Widmer Brothers - Pitch Black IPA

2011-08-09T17:54:00.043-04:00

Dead Soldier

Where to Dig Up More About This Beer

Pitch Black IPA
Widmer Brothers
929 N. Russell
Portland, OR USA
Est. 1984
www.widmer.com

Brain Damage Quotient = 6.5 % ABV
Fluid Oz. = 12.0

Postmortem Brew Review
Pitch black color, just as the name implies.
Toasted malt notes along with smooth fragrant hops.
Two finger head with creamy tan color that dissipates slowly.
Perfectly draped lace, symmetrically rings the glass.
Soft herbal and citrus hops mingle perfectly with the five malts. Finishes very cleanly.
Modest amount of carbonation.
Medium bodied. Smooth drinking.

Grim Reaper's Eulogy
Once brewed as W'10, for a 2010 annual release, this year marks Pitch Black IPA's entry into the year round production by Widmer Brothers. And we IPA fans are fortunate and grateful for the change.

All your senses will be piqued when you imbibe this brew. Pitch Black IPA is a mean looking, great smelling and fab tasting IPA. It has the creaminess, hoppiness and just about everything you could ask for in a Black IPA. Malt bitterness is erased from the black malts and smooth Cascadian hops even out the score. Five malts and two hops in all make this 65 IBU black beauty spring to life. Each sip invites you back for another. The lace factor is eye pleasing, as it totally envelops the glass with each sip. It's like a whole other sensory feel, by adding a visual appeal to the beer. Another great brew from the 'Brothers'.

Come on over to the dark side. Muaahaahaha!

Harpoon - Leviathan Imperial IPA

2011-08-09T17:21:00.045-04:00

Dead Soldier

Where to Dig Up More About This Beer

Leviathan Imperial IPA

Harpoon Brewery

306 Northern Avenue

Boston, MA USA
Est. 1986

www.harpoonbrewery.com

Brain Damage Quotient = 10.0 % ABV

Fluid Oz. = 12.0

Postmortem Brew Review

Deep clear orange color.

Mostly malt grain and trace floral hop aromas.
Off-white and yellow, one finger head. Head does not last long, but lacing goes on and on.

Sitcky hops taste with a balance of malt on the finish. Some alcohol also sneaks through.

Moderate amount of carbonation.
Medium to full bodied. Heat from alcohol and 120 IBU's of hops.

Grim Reaper's Eulogy

Leviathan Imperial IPA is a very nicely balanced Imperial that won't be a home wrecker for your mouth. The 120 IBU's of hops are lively, warming, sticky and even juicy. The 10% ABV comes along and turns the heat up just a bit more. Whoa, muaahaahahahaaaa! I like it! But do not fear. The folks at Harpoon saw fit to add a nice rescue of sweet malt in the backbone, acting as first aid for your indulgence. Hops and malts are balanced very nicely. Finishes strong, but clean.

Do you think you're up to it? This is not a beer for the timid or uninitiated. However, if you are used to life on the hoppy side, this one will not disappoint. It's a powerhouse of an Imperial IPA that lives up to the style.

Try some if you dare.

Liefmans - Fruitesse

2011-08-09T16:44:00.090-04:00

Dead Soldier

Where to Dig Up More About This Beer

Fruitesse

Brouwerij Liefmans

Aalststraat 200

9700 Oudenaarde, Belgium

Est. 1679

www.liefmans.be

Brain Damage Quotient = 4.2 % ABV

Fluid Oz. = 25.4

Postmortem Brew Review

Purple and reddish mix of color; think cranberry.

Sweet summer fruit aromas.

One-half finger, pink-ish color head. Minimal spotted lacing. Zero head remains.

Fairly sweet without bing overly syrupy. Strawberry and cherry flavors permeate.
Moderate amount of carbonation.

Light bodied mouth feel.

Grim Reaper's Eulogy

I have been on a Belgian kick for a good part of the summer. Partly due to a few promotions by Belgian producers and their distributors, but mostly due to their refreshing qualities. A light, low alcohol Belgian can hit the spot in the dog days of summer.

Having said that, Liefmans Fruitesse is perhaps a stretch for my beer quaffing abilities. While it was not detestable, it was a little too much on the fruit for my liking. Although it is not exactly like other Lambics, it was fun to try and will change some folks minds about what beer can be. It contains very summer-like fruits; raspberry, cherry and strawberry. The color is that of a fruit punch and even the head is a stunning creamy light red. A fellow sitting next to me observed that it smelled like Kool-Aid®. Not the finished drink mind you, but the aroma of a freshly opened packet of the sugar flavored concoction. I nodded in agreement.

The taste was fruity sweet and natural, of course. It was not overly syrupy and while easy enough to drink, this one didn't do it for me. I backed it up by ordering an Imperial IPA. Like a bitch slap to the taste buds!

It's all about balance.

Bell's - Oberon Ale

2011-08-05T15:25:00.056-04:00

Dead Soldier

Where to Dig Up More About This Beer

Oberon Ale

Bell's Brewery Inc.

8938 Krum Ave.
Galesburg & Comstock MI USA
Est. 1985

www.bellsbeer.com

Brain Damage Quotient = 5.8 % ABV

Fluid Oz. = 12.0

Postmortem Brew Review

Dark golden yellow color; a bit different for a wheat beer.

Wheat, orange, lemon zest and spice on the nose.

Draped lacing, tan head that simmers out to a wisp of yeast cover.

Wheat grain and lemon citrus with hops present on finish.

Pretty active carbonation.

Light bodied. Finishes just a bit tart, but clean.

Grim Reaper's Eulogy

Tending to the grounds surrounding the crypt can work up a sweat and a thirst. Bell's Oberon was sitting there among the other Pale Wheat Ales in the back of the mortuary fridge. The Mr. Sunshine face was calling me on this hot day. Slightly mesmerized by its Mona Lisa smile, I picked up the bottle and rotated the label to the back side. Reading the blurb that said, "An American wheat ale with the color and scent of a summer afternoon", I paused to contemplate as the sweat dripped down on this hazy, hot and humid afternoon.

I slammed closed the door to the refrigerator. Then lifting the magnetized church key from its resting place on the front door, I thought to myself, "This ought to be cool and refreshing." Into the glass went the ale and into the pool went I, with similar refreshing agitation of liquid. Climbing out, dripping from cranial skull cap to phalanges, I took a gulp. Ahhhhh.

That's how we chill at the crypt.

Schoenling - Little Kings Original Cream Ale

2011-08-03T18:19:00.078-04:00

Dead King

Where to Dig Up More About This Beer

Little Kings Original Cream Ale

Hudepohl-Schoenling Brewing Company

10921 Reed Hartman Highway - Suite 329

Cincinatti, OH USA

Est. 1958

www.littlekingsbeer.com

Brain Damage Quotient = 5.5 % ABV

Fluid Oz. = 7.0

Postmortem Brew Review

Pale, translucent golden color.

Grainy malt and small zip of hops in aroma.

One-half finger, fluffy white head. Foam disappears almost immediately.

Slightly sweet corn-like grain with drying hops taste in the finish.

Active carbonation.

Light and slightly sweet mouth feel.

Grim Reaper's Eulogy

What puts the "little" in these cute Little Kings? It's the seven ounce bottles. They are such a throwback to a day when beer was enjoyed by the sip. You would find this popular size at picnics, beach settings. Of course every manner of family get-togethers would have them on hand. Plenty of your aunties and uncles had the urge for, "a short one", as opposed to a whole 12 oz. bottle or can.

I spied these on the shelf of a small local package store and was intrigued. I had heard of Little Kings popularity, but had never found them, until now. I scooped up the nifty 8-pack carrier and went home to the mortuary fridge to chill them up. I figured that I could be "king for a day" with these on hand.

Cream ales were popular in the 1950's and 1960's, then sort of disappeared around the mid 1970's. A few have hung around and stood the test of time. The BJCP classification lists cream ales as a "Light Hybrid Beer." The cream ale is characterized by faint malty notes with a corn-like aroma, (check). They are pale to straw in color, (check). The flavor is described as having medium-low hop bitterness with neither malt nor hops prevailing, (check-er-oony). Mouthfeel can be summed up as light and crisp with a thirst quenching character. The BJCP goes on to even include its overall impression as, "... a flavorful American lawnmower beer."

Now that your beer style lesson is complete, see if you can find a bit of lilliputian royalty for your very own. The bottle's cuteness is matched by the Little Kings website. A bit of schlocky humor, but delightfully fun!

Dogfish Head - Theobroma (Randall Infused)

2011-08-02T18:30:00.012-04:00

Dead Soldier

Where to Dig Up More About This Beer
Theobroma
Dogfish Head Craft Brewery
6 Cannery Village Center
Milton, DE USA
Est. 1995
www.dogfish.com

Brain Damage Quotient = 9.0% ABV
Fluid Oz. = 10.0

Postmortem Brew Review
Creamy, hazed golden peach color.
Strawberry and chocolate aromas. Hint of spiciness.
One-finger off white head that dissipates quickly. Leaves scant cover.
Spots of lacing on the glass.
Chocolate dipped strawberry on the lips and front of tongue. Finish has spice warmth.
Lightly carbonated. Slightly syrupy.
Medium bodied. Interesting sweet and spice playfulness.

Grim Reaper's Eulogy
Quoted from Dogfish Head's own website:

This beer is based on chemical analysis of pottery fragments found in Honduras which revealed the earliest known alcoholic chocolate drink used by early civilizations to toast special occasions. The discovery of this beverage pushed back the earliest use of cocoa for human consumption more than 500 years to 1200 BC. As per the analysis, Dogfish Heads Theobroma (translated into 'food of the gods') is brewed with Aztec cocoa powder and cocoa nibs (from our friends at Askinosie Chocolate), honey, chilies, and annatto (fragrant tree seeds). It's light in color - not what you expect with your typical chocolate beer. Not that you'd be surpised that we'd do something unexpected with this beer!

At a recent World of Beer-Carrollwood, Dogfish Head tap-takeover, eighteen different DFH brews were featured. This one was run through a Randall of Aztec Fire Tea. It's flavors are those of chilles, strawberry and chocolate, which are in line with the ale's original taste, but the tea further enhanced the profile. The Randall imparted an up front taste of chocolate dipped strawberries and finished with a mild twang of heat. The strawberry flavor was a nice stand-in though it overpowered any of the annatto flavor. Now I must do a straight-up review on Theobroma to compare.

Interestingly unusual.

Breckenridge - Summer Bright Ale

2011-07-31T18:34:00.034-04:00

Dead Soldier

Where to Dig Up More About This Beer

Summer Bright Ale

Breckenridge Brewery
471 Kalamath Street
Denver, CO USA
Est. 1989

www.breckbrew.com

Brain Damage Quotient = 4.5 % ABV

Fluid Oz. = 12.0

Postmortem Brew Review

Straw yellow in color.
Some bitter hops, citrus zest notes and wheat.
Near white colored, one finger head. Dissipates rather quickly.
Not much lacing down the side of the glass.
Dry wheat, hops and lemon/ginger taste.
Carbonation is fairly pronounced.
Light bodied. Tart mouth feel.

Grim Reaper's Eulogy
Summer Bright is a refreshing Pale Wheat Ale. They have the hops and citrus for tartness. There is a dryness to it, not unlike ginger ale. Even though there may not be ginger in the ale, it remains crisp, dry and refreshing. A super sipper on any hot day. It is one to light up your taste buds time after time with its tight, tart finish.

Ommegang - BPA

2011-07-30T21:13:00.054-04:00

Dead Soldier

Where to Dig Up More About This Beer

BPA (Belgian-style Pale Ale)

Brewery Ommegang

656 County Highway 33

Cooperstown, NY USA

Est. 1997

www.omegang.com

Brain Damage Quotient = 6.2 % ABV

Fluid Oz. = 25.4

Postmortem Brew Review

Translucent apricot golden color.

Citrus fruit, dry yeast and caramel malt made up the aromas.

One finger, fluffy white head. Foam leaves nice spotted lacing.

Deliciously fruity but crisp and dry with a nice dry hopped finishing taste.
Balanced carbonation.

Light to medium mouth feel. Nicely complex flavors.

Grim Reaper's Eulogy

The bottle label claims "Limited Edition", however after researching their website I find it listed under their 'Year-Round Brews'. I purchased this bottle while on vacation at a natural foods store that carried an incredible beer selection. The bottle gives perfect advise for storing, serving and pouring to avoid the yeast sediment. Details such as these are what make the drinking experience produce the most enjoyable outcome possible. Also interesting to note, its a little bit European and a bit American, borrowing ingredients from both regions and combining for a spectacular Belgian-style Pale Ale.

Dry hopping and warm cellaring at the brewery are listed on the bottle's label. This shows the dedication to craft that goes into Ommegang's products. As we allowed our bottle to warm slightly from the fridge, and then again in our glasses, the aromas of the dry hops and Belgian yeasts treated our noses. Citrus and tropical fruit notes wafted up as we took a sip. This is a very nice sipping Belgian Pale Ale. And it was sweet to have found it on the shelves that day. A pure pleasure to share with a loved one on these warm summer days.

Left Hand - Wake Up Dead Imperial Stout

2011-07-29T21:28:00.079-04:00

Dead Soldier

Where to Dig Up More About This Beer

Wake Up Dead Imperial Stout

Left Hand Brewing Company
1265 Boston Avenue
Longmont, CO USA
Est. 1994

www.lefthandbrewing.com

Brain Damage Quotient = 10.2 % ABV

Fluid Oz. = 22.0

Postmortem Brew Review

Dark mahogany color. Brown with reddish tones.
Mostly chocolate, roasted coffee. Faint whiffs of oak on the nose.
Thick, two finger tan head that lasts quite a while.

Thin string lacing down the side of the glass.
Roasted malts and dashes of vanilla in the taste. Some oak, but not much.

Lightly carbonated.
Light to medium bodied. Thin and slippery mouth feel.

Grim Reaper's Eulogy
Imperial Stouts are usually a bit on the dark side. Aggressive malting will make them pour with the color spectrum of used motor oil all the way to jet black. This stout was - - - not so much. It was a dark brown, at best. On the other hand, the alcohol will be noticeable. At 10.2% ABV, Wake Up Dead was on the boozy side, so good points for that. And it did give forth a luxurious frothy head. Another point added.

Some of the flavors that you would expect in an Imperial Stout were there; roasted malts, licorice and coffee. But overall, there were some flavors that I couldn't derive. Even the oak was a bit more of a suggestion than fact. It did slowly work its way into the profile late, late, in the glass.

A good ale? Yes. An Imperial Stout? All things considered, I had high hopes for what should have been a slam dunk write-up, given my macabre nature and the name of the stout. But, my fellow pallbearers, we will have to bury this one for now. I will say that while it was enjoyable, it wasn't my expectation of an Imperial Stout.

Founders - Devil Dancer

2011-07-26T20:14:00.049-04:00

Dead Soldier

Where to Dig Up More About This Beer

Devil Dancer

Founders Brewing

235 Grandville Avenue SW

Grand Rapids, MI USA

Est. ????

www.foundersbrewing.com

Brain Damage Quotient = 12.0 % ABV

Fluid Oz. = 12.0

Postmortem Brew Review

Dark amber color.

Sweet smelling and actually reminds me of spiced ham aroma.

One-half finger, tan color head. Leaves very little lacing.

Slightly sweet and hoppy. Hops roll through each sip.
Lightly carbonated.

Medium mouth feel. Alcohol taste is masked by hops.

Grim Reaper's Eulogy

Founders has created a 112 IBU, 12% ABV beer, appropriately named Devil Dancer. There's a potent tango. If you're dancing with the devil, you know it's a calculated risk. I, The Reaper have some experience with this. Now, if only they had a "Drinking With The Stars" show. Muahaha.

Think about it for a minute. 112 IBU's are intensely strong for a hops base. They come from 10 different alpha (acid) hops varieties. That's lots of science. Then pack the 12% alcohol by volume wallop on top of that - - - if you can't do the science by now, at least you can probably do the math. Boom goes the dynamite! First in your mouth, then in your head.

I think the most interesting thing experienced, was how my olfactory senses picked up a scent of ham. It's likely a wrong pick on my part, but whoomp, there it is. It certainly didn't taste like that in any way.

Promenade over and try one, if you dare.

Lagunitas - India Pale Ale

2011-07-26T19:45:00.032-04:00

Dead Soldier

Where to Dig Up More About This Beer

India Pale Ale

Lagunitas Brewing Company

1280 North McDowell Boulevard
Petaluma, CA USA
Est. 1993

www.lagunitas.com

Brain Damage Quotient = 6.2 % ABV

Fluid Oz. = 12.0

Postmortem Brew Review

Rich gold color with copper tones.
Smell of citrusy hops and malt sweetness on the nose.
Nice, fluffy, near white head, one finger high.
Good amount of lacing on the glass.

Smooth hops up front and nicely warming in strength on the back.
Dry malt flavor coming through from start to finsih.

Medium bodied mouth feel.

Grim Reaper's Eulogy
Oooooo! Lagunitas has a nice IPA here that while bitter in hops, keeps you coming back for more. Easily sessionable at a mere 6.2%, this is a tasty take on the American India Pale Ale style.

Many of their other offerings also include hops strength, but this one is a keeper with me. The malt and hops balance is smooth and interestingly complex. Both get nicely tangled around all of your taste buds. Try some yourself and see if you agree. Visit their website if you have the time...there's a lot going on there.