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Tag: Reviews

Brewery Visit

Phantom Carriage Brewery Visit

March 9, 2017 By No Comments

The Setup

Standing in line is not one of my favorite things to do. And as I get older it takes a lot for me to even consider doing such a horrible thing. So it was pretty rare when Nate asked me to drive a few thousand miles and stand in line for a beer release, that I actually said yes. Especially given the fact that I have missed several local AZ Wilderness can releases which is practically down the road from me. But, after a long but fun road trip and night out at a few other breweries there I was. Standing in line, waiting for a beer. If you have never stood in a line for beer release, you should give it a try. Since you are randomly paired with those around you in line you do tend to start talking with other beer minded people and gleam some good info. One such thing was we should check out Phantom Carriage if we planned on heading toward Monkish. Continue reading

Episode Review

Episode 05 Review: Operation Wilderness

December 9, 2016 By 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 10th Anniversary of this Ale, for the Breweries 20th  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.

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  • 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.

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  • 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.

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  • 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.

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

Related articles:

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Music Credit:

Porno Galactic by Concrete Dinosaur
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Episode Review

Episode 04 Review: Operation Stoutapalooza

November 25, 2016 By No Comments

This week Brandon and Chris talk about and try some of the newly released beers to Arizona. Including Modern Times, and Prairie Artisan Ales. Then they babble on about something they call Stoutapalooza. Good times ensue!

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Music Credit: Porno Galactic by Concrete Dinosaur
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InDepth Beer Review:

  • Modern Times – Fortunate Islands
    • Rating – 3.75
    • Style – American Pale Wheat Ale
    • ABV – 5%
    • FINALLY!! Welcome to Arizona Modern Times, we can’t tell you how much we were looking forward to having MT brews available here and were surprised by the amount of beers they brought with them for their release parties. Among the specialties, were the staples and this one did not let down, a wheat beer that could pass for an IPA.  Smooth and not overly hoppy, almost like a session IPA.  Be on the lookout for this and other selections at your local bottle shop or brew pub.

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  • Modern Times – Sleepless City
    • Rating – 4
    • Style – American Coffee Brown Ale
    • ABV – 5.7%
    • One of the Special Releases that MT brought for their release at Brass Tap in Mesa was this amazing coffee brown ale, and it did not disappoint. It almost seems as though coffee beers are going the way of the pumpkin beer with most breweries dabbling in them, the good thing is that unlike most pumpkin’s being made with spices instead of actual pumpkin…coffee beers are actually brewed with coffee beans and this helps make the coffee taste just all the more delicious.  And this one is certainly that.

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  • Prairie Artisan – Bomb!
    • Rating – 4.5
    • Style – American Imperial/Double Stout
    • ABV – 13%
    • Chile Bomb, is really what it should be called…while it has a very bold chili aroma, it doesn’t leave a burning after taste. The spices just pull the chocolate notes out, providing a rich and smooth stout that is perfect for all beer connoisseurs alike.  Let these bad boys warm to room temp for the best taste.

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  • Prairie Artisan – Christmas Bomb!
    • Rating – 4.5
    • Style – American Imperial/Double Stout
    • ABV – 13%
    • This one has more of a bourbon taste were the Bomb! had the chili’s. It gives the same beer a whole new life, crazy how a subtle tweak in ingredients can make a difference in the best way.  We’re so glad that Prairie Artisans is now available here in Arizona, they have such a great line-up of beers and we will definitely enjoy exploring them.

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

Related articles:

  • http://beersmithrecipes.com/viewrecipe/230918/fortunate-islands
  • http://beersmithrecipes.com/viewrecipe/632769/sleepless-city-coffee-brown
  • http://mouthbysouthwest.com/2016/11/15/cogburns-sports-bar-taking-over-former-house-of-brews-in-gilbert-for-3rd-location/
  • http://mouthbysouthwest.com/2016/11/11/twisted-cactus-brewing-opens-today-in-former-nosh-space-in-chandler/
  • https://www.brewbound.com/news/craft-beer-guild-pays-ttb-750000-settle-pay-play-violations
  • http://www.brewbound.com/news/arizona-coyotes-partner-santan-brewing-first-ever-yotes-pale-ale
  • http://draftmag.com/13-beer-off-flavors/
  • http://www.msn.com/en-us/foodanddrink/beverages/why-are-so-many-craft-breweries-selling-their-beer-in-cans/ar-AAjcimJ?ocid=mailsignout
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