Not All That Shocking

Shock Top Belgian White Ale:

Had this at Elephant and Castle. It's the beer of the month for April. Not bad. Belgian wheat ale with fair body and light flavor. If you are a fan of Belgiuan style wheat beers like Blue Moon, the citrus is already infused. I like it better than Blue Moon, actually. It tastes like what Leinenkugel's Sunset Wheat wants to be. Much less sweet and fruity. Overall, not a bad beer. Excellent for Blue Moon or Hoegaarden drinkers. Guys, don't be embarrassed. It's pretty good.

With so many good Belgians or Belgian-style wits out there, this doesn't outshine the best of these. It hangs in there, however, because of a decent drinkability. Orange essence adds, not detracts, from the experience of this newcomer to the scene. Yeah, it's ok to give this one a shot.

One thing, though -- Elephant and Castle served this puppy ice friggin' cold on tap. Hang in there and let it warm up just a tad. The flavors can be buried in the frozen tundra of an overchilled brew. These flavors are better when you wait for them to mature.

Shock Top Belgian White:

Representation: .75
Accessibility: .95
Style: .80
Personal Preference: .80



Total Score: 3.3 Flags

I Believe You Can Get Me Through the Night...

Troegs Dreamweaver Wheat:

This is a groovy interpretation of the wheat style that is becoming more and more available these days. An awesome thing: People are more and more willing to try beers with hazy opacity. Wheaty beers are more visible on taps and folks are willing to try them. If you get a chance to try a Troegs Dreamweaver Wheat, DO IT.

There are some spicy things going on in there, but all quite mellow. And by spice, I mean the kind of happy-go-lucky spices one might find in a dessert or a punch -- not like on a tamale. Picture a delicious bread that could be served with butter at dinner or with preserves at desert. Actually, breakfast may serve us best, topped with cream cheese. Yummy.

What the hell was I talking about? You see, Dreamweaver earns its name by luring us away from the ordinary. When one shys away from wheat beers, drift back with Dreamweaver. It's one of the better wheats around (Weihenstephan is still the ultimate wheat beer [though it's a German hefe-weizen] in my humble opinion). And its pleasant bready nature isn't heavy at all. It's amazingly drinkable at 4.8% abv and remember... unfiltered beers still contain lots of vitamins, aiding in defense against hangovers. So allow Dreamweaver to do its job. Unless you're driving, of course.

Troegs Dreamweaver Wheat:

Representation: .90
Accessibility: 1.0
Style: .90
Personal Preference: .95

Total Score: 3.75 Flags

Why it's OK to be Pale in the Summertime - Troegs Pale Ale

Troegs Pale Ale:

I've been thinking alot lately about the summer season coming up. The Presidential grill has just been fired up for the first time, and the upcoming barbecue season is heralded by the warm weather on its way to this great nation soon enough. Some beers are specifically designed for the summer season, like summer ales, summer fests, and farmhouse ales. But I refuse to leave out the traditional pale ale as a dynamite summer treat.

Troegs Pale Ale is a classic pale ale with just enough hops to intrigue the tastebuds. Dry enough to keep the drinker thirsty and clean enough to satisfy. Hot days stand no chance against this ghostly pale Troegs offering. "Holy-Cow" type drinkability with smooth flavor and light to medium body. 5.4 % abv won't kill you (unless you aren't properly hydrated in the heat of the summer, or on a crabbing trip. For the love of God, bring some water or Gatorade if you go crabbing!) so drink up. The folks at Troegs have even admitted that this beer is one of their flagship brews, noting that the Troegs name is incorporated into the logo, appearing smack dab in the middle of the label on this special beverage. I might even go so far as to say that Troegs Pale Ale qualifies as a "gateway" beer. If you want to enroll in Craft Beers 101, be sure to notice this one on the syllabus.

Actually, here's a thought: The Troegs variety 12 pack available in these parts contains 3 each of Pale Ale, Hop Back IPA, Rugged Trail Nut Brown Ale, and Dreamweaver Wheat; Show up to a barbecue with this assortment of easy-drinking craft beers and be a hero. Save the barbecue and convert beer drinkers into citizens of the Ferment Nation!

Troegs Pale Ale:

Representation: 1.0
Accessibility: 1.0
Style: .90
Personal Preference: .90

Total Score: 3.8 Flags

Take Me to the River

River Horse Brewer's Reserve Double Wit:

Had this one on tap at the Grey Lodge Public House recently. Get it if you can.

Not your typical wheat beer. Lots of wheaty and citrusy notes, but something else gives this beer a certain individuality. It's got a Belgian Tripel kind of sweetness and a warming alcohol bump. I first sampled this brew at the Philly Craft Beer Festival and have been awaiting its arrival for some time now. Not disappointed!

Actually, I hope to see more River Horse offerings in Philly, but especially in South Jersey -- I spoke to someone from RH at the Philly Festival and he said that they are looking to expand in NJ to fill the void of some other Jersey beers that are actively courting the Philly scene. I happen to live really close to Philly, so this turf war works out fine for me. Keep it coming, guys.

A newcomer to craft beers may want to sample some wheats first, then Belgian Tripels, so that they can appreciate the elements present in this original offering from River Horse. Yeah, Jersey!

River Horse Brewer's Reserve Double Wit:

Representation: .85
Accessibility: .90
Style: 1.0
Personal Preference: .90

Total Score: 3.65 Flags

Well Blow Me Down!

Legacy Nor'Easter Oatmeal Stout:

Oh, this is dry. Roasted flavor and a medium body score high on accessibility/drinkability chart. Nothing too outlandish here in terms of style, other than the dryness. But that alone puts Nor'Easter on any respectable beer drinker's radar. I've had Stewart's Highlander Stout a few times, and this (as best I can remember) compares pretty nicely in terms of flavor and drinkability. Highlander is nitrogen infused, but the tastes are comparable. Check out Nor'Easter if you can. It may disappear quickly from the Grey Lodge, so get there soon.

Legacy Nor'Easter Oatmeal Stout:

Representation:.90 Accessibility: 1.0
Style: .85 Personal Preference: .90

Total Score: 3.65 Flags

Paint the Town Red

Sly Fox Seamus Irish Red:

Well, top o' the mornin' to ya! Most times Irish Red isn't exactly my favorite style of beer because the body isn't very distinctive and the flavors are either too passive or too bold and carry an ethanol-type aftertaste. Seamus Irish Red conquers all these pitfalls and delivers a pleasurable and vibrant beverage, worthy of mention in the same breath as Red Biddy and Humble Patience.

Seamus Irish Red has a smoothness and body that allow for multiple rounds. It is highly drinkable at a mellow 4.9% abv. Bold enough to intrigue but mild enough to give to a newbie. Put down that lager and try one of these bad boys. This would probably be killer cask-conditioned beer if Irish Red lends itself to such a process.

I hope Buddy Love can keep up his research and challenge Seamus for bragging rights next March. Slainte.

Sly Fox Seamus Irish Red:

Representation: 1.0
Accessibility: 1.0
Style: .90
Personal Preference: .90


Total Score: 3.8 Flags

You're Gonna Taste Hops in Your Mouth... - Arcadia Hopmouth Double IPA

Arcadia Hopmouth Double IPA:

As you may have read in my review of the Grey Lodge, this double IPA rocks my world. Serious IPAs sometimes overpower the tastebuds with hoppy bitterness or a lingering aftertaste. The body is generally lighter than an ale or a stout and the mouthfeel is frequently sharp. Hopmouth, however, combines all of the elements of a stellar ale with the hoppiness advertised by its name. It even has the creamy mouthfeel one would expect from a cask-conditioned ale. What a winner!

I've sampled lots of IPAs so I sometimes pass over a whole 6-pack of IPA in favor of singles, or reach instead for an ale with well-known drinkability (like Yards or Sierra). I won't pass this one over again. I look forward to trying Hopmouth in bottles. I have a feeling it may make it to the canon and join the vaulted ranks of such dignitaries as Victory Hop Devil and Troegs Hop Back. I'll be sure to let you know.


By the way, the alcohol content is 8.1% so don't get carried away. Extremely drinkable!

Arcadia Hopmouth Double IPA:

Representation: 1.0
Accessibility: 1.0
Style: 1.0
Personal Preference: 1.0

Total Score 4.0 Flags

Grey Lodge Public House

Right in the middle of a city block on Frankfort Ave in Northeast Philly, the Grey Lodge Public House sits among normal storefronts and everyday commerce with a modest facade and a wonderful secret behind the door: a diverse selection of glorious craft beers on tap, most of which are quite local. The taps change frequently, so my first visit to the Lodge will NOT be my last.

Before delving into the selection of beers, the food needs some attention. I had the Ribeye Cheesesteak, a quality sandwich. I "shared" some of my friends' mixed-up fries, part regular and part sweet potato...awesome! Some mysterious cheesesteak appeared in our midst some time later; it seemed to be a garlic-porkroll concoction. Genius. I also had some assorted snack foods later on, but that was because I happened to be standing in the spot where some strangers had abandoned their victuals. Not one to waste fried cheese, I pounced. While I can't recall the snacks at this time, I vaguely remember thinking, "Wow! These fried things are dynamite!"

Ok, the beer. I sampled just about everything: Penn Dark Lager, Sierra ESB, Flying Fish Hopfish, Legacy Nor'Easter, Yards Love Stout, River Horse Double Wit, Brooklyn Extra Brune, Arcadia Hopmouth Double IPA, Sly Fox Seamus Irish Red, and cask-conditioned Victory Hop Devil. I think that's it. Dear God, isn't that enough?

Presidential honors go to the Arcadia Hop Mouth. Just wow. A bitter, hoppy beer as one would expect from a Double IPA, but the body and creamy smoothness tame the flavor enough to earn this beer a perfect 4.0 Flags. Where the style tends to give up some accessibility points, Hop Mouth is a giant among the typically overpowering Double IPAs. This draft beer has everything that the cask-conditioned Hop Devil seems to be searching for.

Let's discuss the Hop Devil for a moment. Bottle or draft, Victory Hop Devil is one of my favorites--a 4.0 Flag beer if ever there was one. However, the cask-conditioned version is, in a word, underwhelming. I've had Yards ESA in all formats and the cask conditioning and hand-pumping tame the flavors and add a creaminess without losing crispness. Unfortunately, Hop Devil loses its kick when poured from a cask. I had Hop Devil at Standard Tap and wasn't very impressed, but figured I'd try again. Nope. Not my favorite.

Look for more detailed reviews of the individual beers coming soon.

Over all, I was delighted by the Grey Lodge. Cool atmosphere, cool crowd, cool music. They take pride in the beers but aren't pretentious about it. The staff was patient with the FermentNational Guard as we ordered mixed-up rounds, trying to take it all in. And by the way, the men's room was the coolest bar bathroom I think I've ever seen: Tile mosaic walls sport beer-related quotes from some of history's greatest minds. This does wonders to fuel drunk conversation while business is being handled. Didn't make it to the ladies' room.

One final word: I understand that the bottled beer selection is also exceptional, but I can find many of those bottles at specialty stores for less money. It's the unique draft beers that will keep me going back again and again.

Thank God it's Spring!

Dogfish Head Aprihop:

"A serious India Pale Ale brewed with real apricots." Dude, can Dogfish Head come up with a beer that's not spectacular? I don't think they can. Aprihop is another beautiful ale with fruit essence that keep's the drinker's tastebuds guessing. There is a hint of hops evident by way of the dryness, but not so much that I would even compare it to another IPA. The apricot's soul seems to dwell in the body of the ale like a naiad inhabiting a stream. Apricots aren't that sweet to begin with, so the tartness almost lends a Flemish sour style bite. Not nearly as potent, of course, but check it out. It's in there!

I suppose the closest comparison I can make would be to Raison D'Etre, a not-so-distant cousin of Aprihop. If you love Raison, you'll love Aprihop; but that doesn't necessarily work the other way around. Aprihop is a little smoother and subtler, though no less complex.

Who should drink this beer? Anyone. Everyone. If you're a bottle baby, ice it down well before drinking. For those more "civilized" imbibers, let it open up in a glass. Actually, I kinda dig it in a chalice-style glass or even a wine glass to accent the fruity notes. But if you get a chance to taste this beauty on tap, you'll most likely get a pint glass which gives the ale qualities a chance to let loose. And it gives the ususpecting drinker a kick in the pants: 7% abv. Oh no.


Dogfish Head Aprihop:

Representation: 1.0
Accessibility: 1.0
Style: 1.0
Personal Preference: 1.0

Total Score: 4.0 Flags

Old Abominable

Stoudt's Old Abominable Barleywine-Style Ale:

Although this is a pretty darn good brew, I have to say I was mildly disappointed in Old Abominable on two levels:

1. 1. Stoudt's has proven time and time again to be a reliable brewery in its daring and boldness. Their Fat Dog Stout is among the leaders in its class. APA is downright beautiful. The Scottish Ale will blow you away. Double IPA, same thing. This Barleywine, however, doesn't quite live up to the same courageous standards.




2. I have recently gotten into Barleywines and have sampled quite a few in the past 5-6 months. Old Abominable is not the greatest among these.

On the plus side, this may be the perfect Barleywine Style Ale for someone who hasn't yet been introduced to the style. The flavors are mild and the alcohol is a bit lower than most (a mere 9% abv). Light in body, Old Abominable fairly disappears off the tongue upon swallowing. Again, this light version may be cool for people who are tentative about trying a barleywine. If you like Old Abominable, venture forth to Weyerbacher's Blithering Idiot. This is my personal favorite so far (a 4.0) but different variations include Victory Old Horizontal, Sierra Nevada Bigfoot, and Dogfish Head Olde School (check out reviews of these three in our archives). Again, this is not a bad review, but I call 'em as I drink 'em. And I've drinked better.

Stoudt's Old Abominable Barleywine Style Ale:

Representation: .80
Style: .75
Accessibility: .80
Personal Preference: .80

Total: 3.15 Flags

Dogfish Burton Baton Imperial IPA

Dogfish Head Burton Baton Imperial IPA:

Tremendous! Once again, Dogfish Head craftsmanship takes the art of brewing to a new level. So many IPAs are overcrowded with hops that they only appeal to a certain crowd. I'm a hop-head, so I enjoy the occasional smacking around of the taste buds. Generally speaking, though, the hoppy bitterness overtakes and eliminates smoothness. Not always, of course, but let's be honest with ourselves: Crazy hoppy beers aren't always the most drinkable for the long haul. But the Dogfish Head artistry has proven once again to be the stuff of legend.

Burton Baton appeals not only to hop-heads, but true ale lovers as well. Great body, clean finish, and beautiful complexity. There is a lot going on in there, but the drinker is never confused. That is, unless he or she has more than one. 10%+ abv is powerful good! Let this puppy open up in a wide-mouth glass or snifter. This also allows for adequate nose-room to get the fragrance involved. And be patient... warming it up just a tad will do a lot to release the complex flavors.

If you are not familiar with IPAs, I wouldn't recommend starting here. Work your way through the spectrum so you know your boundaries. Maybe start with Troegs Hop Back and Nugget Nectar. Check out Victory Hop Devil and Hop Wallop. Kick it up a notch with Weyerbacher Double Simcoe or Stone Ruination. Sample what you can, and then appreciate the grooviness of Burton Baton.

Dogfish Head Burton Baton Imperial IPA:

Representation: 1.0
Style: 1.0
Accessibility: .90
Personal Preference: 1.0

Total: 3.9 Flags

Palo Santo Marron

Dogfish Head Palo Santo Marron:

This intriguing brew is listed by the brewers as a "malt beverage aged on Palo Santo wood."
The handmade wooden casks are said to be the largest wooden brewing vessels built in America since before the error... um, era known as Prohibition. At 10,000 gallons, that's a lot of contraband. The Palo Santo wood comes from Paraguay and has been sought for the delicate flavors it can infuse into the beer. Dogfish Head has even included a dvd to help the drinker have a bit of backstory to go along with his or her drinking pleasure. I haven't yet seen the footage, but hopefully I can get a hold of it and share it with you soon.

This brew is extremely rare and I only managed to get a 4-pack thanks to a friendly store manager arond my way (thanks, Chris). Sooooo glad I did!

Palo Santo is exceedingly mellow. Smooth and vanilla-ish, this ale is a friendly reminder of how creative the folks at Dogfish Head can truly be. The dark, malty, dreamy potion needs to be savored on the tongue and swallowed slowly. Don't waste a drop. It's the kind of beer you'd suck off the carpet if you spilled it. But be on your guard -- the alcohol is barely detectable, even at a butt-kicking 12 % abv. I would share this one if I were you. Aside from the obvious consequences, this beer merits discussion among friends so don't be greedy.

One possible flaw is that Santo could be too mellow. It is complex and wonderful, but perhaps aging this beauty may help in releasing some of the character that lurks beneath the surface. In fact, out of the four bottles I shared one, gave one as a gift, and "cellared" the remaining two. Since it is so rare, however, don't pass up an opportunity to have one if it comes around.

Dogfish Head Palo Santo Marron:

Representation: 1.0
Style: .90
Accessibility: 1.0
Personal Preference: .90

Total Score: 3.8 Flags

Big Monday!

Greetings, citizens. This entry comes a little behind schedule, but please remember that every holiday, real or imagined, has a certain recovery period that must be observed. This particular holiday, Big Monday, was brewed up several years back when a bunch of friends (the humble beginnings of FermentNation's cabinet) gave up a bunch of stuff for Lent: fast food, soda, alcohol, meat, and various other not-so-good-for-you goodies. So the Easter holiday was celebrated with family, and the next day was the real celebration. Arby's has the biggest, meatiest, fast-foodiest sandwich on earth: The Big Montana. Big Monday...Big Montana... Big beers... And so a new tradition was forged. Now there's only one of us left who actually gives up anything for Lent, but we still celebrate his victories with him. That's the kind of friends we are. So you're welcome, Chubby.

Speaking of Chubby, the Secretary of Zymurgy has been brewing his own beer for quite awhile now. They have been getting better and better, and his batch of porter which had its unveiling on Big Monday was a true success. Without a doubt, his best effort to date. Just a little bit dry, with a malty flavor and wonderful body.

Also on the docket for Big Monday was: Dogfish Head Palo Santo Marron, Dogfish Head Burton Baton Imperial IPA, Stoudt's Old Abominable Barleywine, and one of the biggest beers I've ever had, Weyerbacher Blasphemy. What better way to wash down a Big Montana? There is no better way. We have several other made-up holidays, and I will be sure to keep you informed of the ritual libations. Keep your eyes open for Chimay Day, coming soon.

There are reviews on the way to enlighten y'all about the happenings of Big Monday. Let me know what you think.