Another Autumn Monday and believe it or not, I have a few memories to share… I was able to enjoy a few seasonal beers at Brick’s American Pub…
Widmer Brothers Brewing – Okto Festival Ale
5.3% ABV
29 IBU
A malty, sweet festival ale that is reminiscent of other Okotberfest ales. I found it to be very good and would recommend to those of you that enjoy an Oktoberfest! Widmer describes it this way: “LOOSEN YOUR LEDERHOSEN. OUR FULL-BODIED OKTO FESTIVAL ALE IS INSPIRED BY BAVARIAN OKTOBERFEST, AND WE PAY FITTING TRIBUTE WITH ITS DISTINCTIVE MALT FLAVORS, MILD FLORAL CHARACTER AND CRISP CLEAN FINISH. PROST! TO THE LAND OF THE PROST!”
UNEDUCATED BEER DORK NON-RATING: 3 out of 4 PINTS
Surly Brewing Company – SurlyFest
6% ABV
34 IBU
Surly, Surly…all I hear is how amazing their beers are, well truth be told, this isn’t one of them. To my uneducated palate I found it to be boring that had no finish. As I have found with other Surly products, the finish is quick and nearly non existent. But who am I to judge, Surly says this: “A traditional Oktoberfest bier from Surly? Nein! If you want one of those, grab your passport and head over to Munchen (bring us back some pretzels.) SurlyFest is brewed with three different types of Rye and a single variety of American Hops. Malted Rye, Flaked Rye, and Crystal Rye impart a distinctive biscuit flavor to the lush Vienna Malt body, and dry-hopping with Sterling Hops adds bright, floral hop aromas. A single hop, dry-hopped, rye lager bier? Ja!”
UNEDUCATED BEER DORK NON-RATING: 2 out of 4 PINTS
Goose Island Brewing – Minx Belgian IPA
8% ABV
N/A IBU
Here is a beer that isn’t even on their website. I found it on tap at Brick’s and couldn’t resist a try. According to the bar manager, it is a rare brew that isn’t readily available. I found it to be very tasty, sweet with subtle hints of vanilla. If you do find it give it a shot…
UNEDUCATED BEER DORK NON-RATING: 3 out of 4 PINTS
Badger Hill Brewing – Three Tree Rye
5.2% ABV
48 IBU
Found this “newbie” on tap at Chianti Grill in Roseville and said HEY, I haven’t had that before! First impression was sweet and malty with a hint if bitterness at the finish. Once again, I know nothing so here is what Badger Hill says: “A German, a Belgian and an American walk into a bar. This isn’t a joke, but a modern tale of Rye Ale making—rooted in a rich family legacy. Our brew resembles a German Roggeinbier, but is eccentric enough to skew Belgian with its seven unique malts. Seven! This crisp beer has been crafted with just the right mix of spicy rye, distinctive malt flavor, and hoppiness making it an all-American home run. Let your palate branch out with this winning ale.” Give it a try as it is a local beer from Minnetonka…I liked it very much.
UNEDUCATED BEER DORK NON-RATING: 3 out of 4 PINTS
Enjoy your week Beer North Nation, don’t cry in your beer too much for the Purple, it ruins the flavor! Remember we are still a game up on the Pack…which means life is good!!!
CHEERS!!
