Founders Harvest Ale

Today I have Founder's Harvest Ale in my glass.  For what it's worth, I think I like this beer better than Surly's Wet (see previous post), but that isn't saying a ton.  The nose is full and juicy, but it's a bit thin on the palate, albeit fairly complex.  A little funk, a little juiciness, some herbal qualities, some grapefruit, and a bit of asprin on the finish.  Every year I want this to be one of the beers I most anticipate as we enter wet hop beer season, but every year I'm disappointed by it.  I'm glad other people love this beer.  I wouldn't go so far as to say that I hate it, but I feel like it's closer to good than great, and every year I want it to be great, I want to discover what I missed last time I had it, but I never seem to figure out why others are so enamored.

Surly Wet

Today, I have Surly Wet in my glass.  Unfortunately, it's not as sexy as it sounds.  I'm coming to a realization (either unfortunate or reassuring, i'm not sure which) that I'm not really into wet-hopped beers.  One of the first that I ever had, Sierra Nevada's Harvest (don't recall if it was Northern Hemisphere or Southern) was excellent.  I love the idea of drinking beer made with freshly harvested hops that are packed with juicy flavor, but so often I find myself disappointed.  Maybe I don't like this one because it uses Simcoe hops.  I'm detecting an unpleasant onion flavor with this beer that I don't care for.   I'm disappointed, especially considering I spent $5 for a pint-sized can.  If you really want to try it I recommend looking for a single, but I wouldn't recommend trying it.  Maybe if you're into Simcoe hops, I dunno.  It does have a nice, full mouth-feel, I'll grant it that, but the flavor itself doesn't do much for me, nor does the aroma.  File under "Overpriced, overrated." 

Karben4 Fantasy Factory

Today, I have Karben 4's Fantasy Factory in my glass.  Love it or hate it, this beer might be most famous for its artwork, which is typically a bad sign.  That said, in a country awash with IPAs, it's easy to notice the one with a headband-wearing, gun-toting,  unicorn-riding cat on it.  Did I mention the unicorn's glowing red eyes or the fire shooting from its nostrils?  Fortunately, Karben 4 has more going for it than eye catching artwork.  This flavorful IPA packs plenty of sweet, juicy hop flavor without overwhelming bitterness.  I recall it being better on tap than in the bottle, but this bottle is certainly not disappointing.  Fantasy Factory is probably one of my favorite beers coming out of Wisconsin at the moment, so do yourself a favor and try one if you haven't already!

Bell's 30th Anniversary Ale

Today I have Bell's 30th Anniversary Beer in my glass.  Bell's has been around for a long time.  I've been around slightly longer.  Today I am celebrating my 33rd anniversary of being alive with the beer that Bell's made to celebrate their 30th Anniversary of being, um, alive.  Anyway, it's good.  

This darker than dark Imperial Stout pours out with a very quickly settling head.  It weighs in at a full 11% ABV, but tastes notably less boozy and hot than a fresh bottle of Bell's standard Imperial Stout, Expedition.  As a rule, I would say Expedition should always be aged a few months to take the bite off, but this one is ready fresh out the gate.  There's a bit of sweet licorice and molasses in there, and a pleasant bitter hoppiness and cacao on the finish.  This one sits deceptively light on the tongue compared to my recollection of Expedition and my expectation from an 11% beer.  I'd recommend picking up a single of this beer, as I don't think it's really worth the price for a full six pack, but it's definitely worth trying.  It decorates the glass nicely with foam, and has a pleasant interplay of flavors, but ultimately I think it comes off a little too light in the body and heavy on the hops to be one of my favorite Imperial Stouts.

Founders Breakfast Stout

Today I have Founders Breakfast Stout in my glass.  Also known as "The Beer with a Baby on the Label."  At least in most states.  And it is good.  Founders Breakfast Stout has everything you need to start your day right:  chocolate, oatmeal, and of course coffee.  This one is deliciously coffee forward with plenty of dark chocolate riding through to a slightly hoppy finish countered with creamy oatmeal and, you guessed it, more chocolate and coffee.  Look up "perennial classic" in the dictionary and you might see a picture of this (though you're more likely to see a beer from Perennial Artisan Ales, or perhaps a flower.)  I recommend making sure you have a reasonably fresh bottle of it, as it's not a beer that ages well.  

Lakefront Brewery Tom

Today I have Tom from Lakefront Brewery in my glass.  Wait, that came out wrong.  Today I have Lakefront Brewery's Tom in my glass.  Uhh...Tom is the fifteenth beer in Lakefront's "My Turn" series where a random Lakefront employee gets to decide what they're brewing as a one-off bottling.  Tom is a sweet, Citra hopped IPA bottled at an easy going 6% which makes him, I mean it, very approachable.  For the time being Tom is a good alternative if you can't find or afford Zombie Dust or Pseudosue, but you'll have to act fast since it is a one-time deal.  Oh yeah, I should probably describe how it tastes or something.  Tom is light and crisp with some good juicy Citra flava.  Give it a shot if you like your IPAs sweet and tasty.

Lagunitas Citrusinensis One Hitter

Today I have Lagunitas Citrusinensis in my glass.  Wow, this is a tasty beer.  I really want to get more of this.  I really wish this wasn't a one off beer.  Damn.  Lagunitas.  Blood Orange.  I'm going to buy so much more of this.  If I can find it.  And write incomplete sentences.  Everything is here.  Citrus.  Blood Orange.  Hops.  Yes.  I'm going to buy as much of this as I can before you can get it.  Read this.  Share it.  I love you.  Share it.  Read it.  Share it.  Love it.  Share it.  Share it.  Share it.  Love.