Beer North

I trust Beer North Nation had a FANTASTIC Labor Day Weekend! My Brother and Sister in Law were in town from Seattle, so we had a whirlwind of activities. We started on Friday night at The Muddy Pig then to The Happy Gnome and finished the evening at Sweeney’s. Over the course of the evening we enjoyed many, many fine beers which was evident on Saturday morning at the Dork household. Saturday we took 2 minivans to the St. Paul Saints game for some good old fashioned tailgating. Sunday morning we got going early to catch the train to Target Field for a tour of the stadium.

This tour was fantastic and I would recommend it to everyone, baseball fan or not. Sunday evening we had a pseudo family reunion that was filled with beers and memories. We broke off early to go to a backyard movie that the kids enjoyed. That brings us to Labor Day 2012, this was our day to relax and hang at home and get everything ready for the first day of school! Now we need to catch up on the beers I enjoyed this weekend…

Capital Brewing – Wisconsin Amber
5.2% ABV
28 IBU

I took this beer as part of my build your own 6 pack at the gas station in Wisconsin Dells. This is a good example of an amber ale, malty and lightly hopped to make it simple to drink. Capital describes it as: “Capital’s flagship, and the perfect companion beer. A moderately rich malty lager, balanced with moderate hop bittering plus a slight hop zing in the finish.” Pick one up and let me know your thoughts…

UNEDUCATED BEER DORK NON-RATING: 2 out of 4 PINTS

Stevens Point Brewery – 2012 Black Ale
5.2% ABV
9 IBU

I really enjoyed this beer that also was part of the gas station 6 pack. It was sweet, malty and YUMMY! Point describes it this way: “Thousands of years ago the ancient Mayans of Central America developed a “Long-Count” round calendar that ends ominously on December 21, 2012. Some predict this symbolizes the end of time as we know it. Inspired by this mystery, we offer Point 2012 Black Ale to help contemplate this ‘end of time’ or perhaps a ‘new beginning.’ Dark rich roasty and complex, Point 2012 Black Ale is hand-crafted with Pale, Munich, and Roasted Malts with Cluster, Saaz, and Cascade hops for the robust flavor and finish. Enjoy — while there’s still time.” Not a brewery that I normally gravitate towards, but give this one a shot…

UNEDUCATED BEER DORK NON-RATING: 3 out of 4 PINTS

Third Street Brewhouse – Lost Trout Brown Ale
4.9% ABV
N/A IBU

Another session ale that was very drinkable. My only complaint was that it was a bit light on the flavor spectrum. I will have to sample this again as I was already 4 beers into the evening. “Lost trout. It’s a real problem in these parts. Legend has it this species flowed aplenty out back in the brewery creek, while others say the trout left town years ago. Where have all the trout gone? Maybe to those fancy creeks in the city, maybe to the local fish fry, or maybe – just maybe – they’re living a life of crime on the streets. The legend of abundant trout in the creek seems a bit fishy, but know what isn’t? Lost Trout Brown Ale. Truthfully delicious.” – per Third Street’s website. Give it a try at your local watering hole…

UNEDUCATED BEER DORK NON-RATING: 2.5 out of 4 PINTS

Indeed Brewing – Day Tripper Pale Ale
5.4% ABV
N/A IBU

Once again this beer was sampled when I began losing my wits about me and my Untappd app decided it needed my password, which I didn’t have. If I remember correctly I liked the beer, I found it refreshing. Indeed describes it this way: “Regionally grown American pale malt is blended with rich European malts to produce a lighter bodied beer, bright in color, with a taut white head that keeps track of time as you sip. Then there are the hops – four pounds per barrel to be exact. Willamettes, Cascades, CTZ and Summits give this brew a citrus punch and spicy character that greets you in the nose and embraces your mouth with a clean, crisp bitterness. (ABV 5.4%)”

UNEDUCATED BEER DORK NON-RATING: 2.5 out of 4 PINTS

Brau Brothers Brewing – Hopsession Super Pale Ale
4.2% ABV
30 IBU

A beer I enjoyed in the heat of Sunday afternoon, this is a fantastic session ale. It was clean, crisp and with a perfect hop finish. I recommend this beer and as the brothers describe it: “Hopsession is intentionally designed to offer up all the flavor of and aroma of the best IPA’s and IIPA’s without the exaggerated alcohol content. Loads of late addition hops provide a terrific blend of citrus, pineapple, grassy pine, with a hint of mango in the nose.”

UNEDUCATED BEER DORK NON-RATING: 3.5 out of 4 PINTS

AND there you have it for another Monday Morning Memories, just this one is on a Tuesday for obvious reasons. Enjoy the shortened week and I’ll be back tomorrow with pertinent beer news(hopefully)!

CHEERS!!