Episode 05 Review: Operation Wilderness

December 9, 2016 By Hoppy Craftsmen No Comments

Rundown

(NSFW) Wait is that a guest host? Yup! This week Brandon and Chris talk craft beer with contributing author, for the Hoppy Craftsmen’s blog, Nate Libby. They talk about the AZBrewers Guild events, your holiday beer selections, and craft beer swag. But mostly Nate just gushes over Wilderness Brewing for 60 mins.

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InDepth Beer Reviews:

Firestone Walker – Firestone 20 (XX) Anniversary Ale
- Rating – 4.5
- Style – American Imperial Ale
- ABV – 13%
- A vibrant blend of beers aged no less than one year in a multitude of barrels and blended together by none other than the wine makers of Napa Valley to help make the rich/bold taste that is the 10^th Anniversary of this Ale, for the Breweries 20^th This limited release was brewed to be enjoyed now, or cellared for another time, while we decided to enjoy now…there’s no doubt this would have only aged well.

Deschutes – The Dissident 2016 Reserve
- Rating – 4
- Style – Belgian-style Brown Ale
- ABV – 10.9%
- The second of our two barrel aged beers for this episode, this brew was aged for 22 months with cherries in French Oak wine barrels. Making for a sweet yet tart flavor that just rolls over your tongue. While Deschutes is better known for their hoppy and stouty brews, they have really come alive lately with the specially beers, and good for them for expanding and experimenting, whether it works or not it’s fun to try new things.

diss

Arizona Wilderness – Big Guy Rye
- Rating – 3.75
- Style –Double IPA
- ABV – 8%
- Where do I start, if you live in Arizona (esp. the Phoenix area), and you’re a fan of craft beer, you know about the beards…if not, you are missing out! These guys are doing amazing things with beer! From the Refuge IPA to the Superstition Stout and everything in between, their brews knock it out of the park. If you are into supporting local, look no further, from the freshly picked fruits they use in the beers they brew, to the farm fresh veggies in their dining room…it doesn’t get much more local than Arizona Wilderness.

guy

Arizona Wilderness – Picacho Pecan Pie
- Rating – 4
- Style – English Brown Ale
- ABV – 7%
- Anything that’s brewed with full pecan pies has to be good, right? The guys at Wilderness are just breaking to mold when it comes to craft beer innovation, and they are being recognize nation and worldwide for their accomplishments. Keep up the great work gents.

pie

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

Our Guest’s Articles:

Modern Times to Distribute in AZ

Music Credit:

Porno Galactic by Concrete Dinosaur

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Episode Review

Episode 02 Review: Operation Autumn Blaze

November 8, 2016 By Hoppy Craftsmen 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.

4peaks

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%.