Once again, I find myself with more beer in my possession than hours in a day. I have 4 cases in the garage, and a smattering of unpaired dance partners in the fridge. I have felt guilty going to the liquor store when I have an abundance of beer at my disposal. I know I can hear all of you saying, “poor baby”, “suck it up”, or “I wish I had your troubles!” Unfortunately this quandary doesn’t lend itself well to Monday Morning Memories and if you’ve been reading it for awhile this is probably the 3rd or 4th time it has occurred. What happens is I am forced into buying a 6 pack to try a new beer and then once I chronicle the beer the rest hang on in the fridge for awhile. GOAL for the week, MAKE ROOM IN the fridge for some NEW and exciting beers anyone want to help me accomplish this goal or am I on my own?
- Stevens Point Brewery – Nude Beach Summer Wheat
5.17% ABV
7 IBU
NO, that is not a typo, 7 IBU, truth be told the executive Director of Blog Demographics purchased this beer and I had a couple of swigs. The 7 IBU is no joke, it was WAY too close to water for my liking. Even said Executive said she would’ve liked more beer flavor, WHICH NEVER comes out of her mouth! For me, I have to agree, I guess I understand what Pint is trying to do, possibly reaching for non-beer drinkers. As Point describes it, “Point Nude Beach is the perfect summer pleasure. Available only during the warm months of summer, this lively and unfiltered wheat ale is well balanced using “au naturel” raw and red wheat, then delicately finished with Yakima hops. With a refreshing light flavor, Point Nude Beach is perfect while enjoying summer activities or just hanging out with friends. Clothing optional.”
UNEDUCATED BEER DORK NON-RATING: 1 out of 4 PINTS
Third Street Brewhouse – Bitter Neighbor Black IPA
6.4% ABV
N/A IBU
I chronicled this beer for National IPA Day last Thursday, look up my impressions there. However, because I am light on new beers I will give it the OLD Non Rating…
UNEDUCATED BEER DORK NON-RATING: 3.5 out of 4 PINTS
Laughing Dog Brewing – Alpha Dog Imperial IPA
8% ABV
127 IBU
This beer was a label buy as I was searching for beers to enjoy for National IPA Day last Thursday. Laughing Dog is a brewery located in Idaho and one that I have not enjoyed before. I am still surprised by the IBU count on this beer still today as it isn’t terribly overpowering. I found it to have good flavor and not tongue numbing for an Imperial IPA. “Alpha Dog Ahead Of The Pack
A True Hop Bomb Brewed plenty of Columbus and Mt Hood Hops for a Piney hop character
Premium Pale, Honey and Munich Malt make this beer a little less malty but packing plenty of hop punch.” As described by Laughing Dog’s website, if you are looking for a good Imperial IPA that isn’t going to ruin your taste buds for the rest of the evening this is the one to reach for.
UNEDUCATED BEER DORK NON-RATING: 3 out of 4 PINTS
Odell Brewing – Footprint RegionALE
9.5% ABV
N/A IBU
Another surprise as I walked into my liquor store this past week. Footprint RegionALE was released in April and I was sure it was all gone, but there it was. Footprint is an homage to the 10 states that make up Odell’s distribution network, obviously including Minnesota. Following are the 10 states contribution:
Colorado: Hops & Barley
Arizona – Prickly Pear
Idaho – Barley & Hops
Kansas – Wheat
Minnesota – Wild Rice
Missouri – Oak Barrels
Nebraska – Corn
New Mexico – Green Chilis
S. Dakota – Barley & Honey
Wyoming – Wheat
Reading this list doesn’t make one think of a good beer, however despite this, it is VERY GOOD! Once again I LOVE an Odell beer, this one was strange and as I describe it, “YUMMY!” If you have a chance pick up a bottle or you may be lucky enough to find it on tap, try it and let me know your thoughts!
UNEDUCATED BEER DORK NON-RATING: 3.5 out of 4 PINTS
AND there you have it another edition of Monday Morning Memories, enjoy the week and when you have a chance raise a pint in honor of BEER!
CHEERS!
