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Category: Episode Review

Episode Review

Episode 02 Review: Operation Autumn Blaze

November 8, 2016 By No Comments

It’s only a week after Halloween, but the good thing is it’s still Fall and there’s plenty of time to still enjoy some delicious pumpkin brews, here were the one’s we sampled in the second episode. Let us know which are your favorites, which one’s you may have tried because you heard us talking about it, or even if you have suggestions for any pumpkin beers we didn’t get to you think we should try.

  • Dogfish Head – Punkin Ale
    • Rating – 3.75
    • Style – Pumpkin Ale
    • ABV – 7%
    • One of the original pumpkin brews and always a solid go-to, this ale was inspired and named after the annual “Punkin Chunkin” event and its chunks a full pumpkin flavor for sure. This pumpkin is a great choice for the beer novice and craft snobs alike. While it may be an early riser to the season, it does not lack in the pursuit of pumpkin flavor and enjoyment.

punkin

  • New Belgium – Pumpkick
    • Rating – 3.5
    • Style – Pumpkin Ale
    • ABV – 6%
    • Not just another pumpkin beer, but a hint of cranberry really makes this one pop and gives it the “kick” you’re looking for. As pumpkin’s go, it has been and always will be a true Fall staple.  It may be one of the early birds to the season isle, but its nothing worth holding against this pumpkin brew.

kick

  • Boulevard – Funky Pumpkin
    • Rating – 3.75
    • Style – Spiced Sour Ale
    • ABV – 5.8%
    • An interesting take on the pumpkin beer phenomenon, a sour pumpkin ale that is not so overly sour that is detracts from the overall pumpkin flavor, yet is just sour enough in smell and taste to let this beer stand apart from other pumpkin takes.

funky

  • Southern Tier – Pumking
    • Rating – 3.75
    • Style – Pumpkin Ale
    • ABV –8.6%
    • With a vanilla boost, this ale is a nice twist on the pumpkin game. The vanilla helps to accentuate the spice game and makes for a smooth, refreshing treat. This brew would pair great with your holiday cheese cake or s’mores by the campfire. Also available is the Blackwater Series Warlock Imperial Pumpkin Stout.

king

  • Four Peaks – Pumpkin Porter
    • Rating – 4
    • Style – Pumpkin Porter
    • ABV – 5.1%
    • A local fall staple, one of the OG pumpkin beers for the Phoenix and Arizona Craft Beer scene. A rich porter style pumpkin that holds its taste from start to finish with notes of chocolate and clove.  Also available the Imperial Double Pumpkin Porter at 8.3%…be sure to enjoy and check in on Untappd either of these two before 11/20/16 to earn your “Four Peaks Pumpkin Patch” badge.

4peaksbadge

  • Cascade – Pumpkin Smash
    • Rating – 4.5
    • Style – Northern Style Sour Ale (aged in Bourbon and Brandy Barrels)
    • ABV –11.1%
    • Cascade is known for their sour beers and this one does not disappoint. Very tart and mouthwatering. The sourness of this beer hides the 11.1% ABV way to well.  If you are not careful, this one will get away from you.  The “spices” definitely come through but not in an overwhelming fashion.  The only con for this beer and most Cascade beers is the sticker shock. But, if you love the style it is worth the money for a world class aged sour beer like this one.

smash

  • Avery – Pump(KY)n
    • Rating – 4.75
    • Style – Bourbon Barrel aged Pumpkin Porter
    • ABV – 15%
    • You had us at Bourbon…this full bodied porter has all the flavor of a bourbon barrel aged beer without taking away from the fact that it’s also a pumpkin brew. High ABV, but smooth to the finish.  Best served at more of a room temperature, which helps bring all the flavors together.  Also look for the Rumpkin, Rum Barrel aged Pumpkin ale at 18%.

ky

*All rating an average of Chris and Brandon’s Untappd ratings.

Episode Review

Episode 01 Review: Operation Merger – InDepth Beer Review

October 26, 2016 By No Comments

A little late, but better late than never. Here is a list of the beers we talked about and sampled during our first episode where we dicussed a local merger and enjoyed a couple blind taste tests.

  • Papago – Orange Blossom
    • Rating – 3.25
    • Style – Mandarin Wheat ale
    • ABV – 5%
    • A light mandarin style wheat ale that boast a strong vanilla taste, refreshing on a hot day and available in cans for your day at the pool or lake.

  • Huss – Koffee Kolsch
    • Rating – 3.75
    • Style – Kolsch
    • ABV – 4.7%
    • If you like coffee, this is the kolsch for you…light and refreshing without the lingering morning coffee breathe. Available in cans, and perfect for your early morning tailgate or pregame football parties on Saturday’s or Sunday’s.

  • Ballast Point – Cinnamon Raisin Commadore
    • Rating – 4
    • Style – American Stout
    • ABV – 6.5%
    • A cinnamon raisin stout that is the perfect complement to your holiday desserts. Almost a pumpkin style beer without the pumpkin, the use of the spices makes for a very drinkable stout that doesn’t throw too many flavors at your taste buds.

  • Iron Fist – Ken Schmidt Mint Stout
    • Rating – 4
    • Style – Russian Imperial Stout
    • ABV – 9.2%
    • This bold chocolaty-mint stout has a sweet minty bouquet, but not an overpowering mint flavor. Best, like most imperial stouts, served and drank at more room temperature to really bring out the flavor combinations. Brewed in collaboration with Ken Schmidt, the winner of the Stone Homebrew Competition in 2009 and 2012.

*All rating are an average of Chris and Brandon’s Untappd ratings.

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