Dark Horse Brewing Co. Plead the 5th Russian Imperial Stout

Dark Horse Brewing Co. (Marshall, MI)

For several years now I’ve been living in Ohio and always heard great things about a stout called Plead the 5th by Dark Horse Brewing. This year, before I even got to see it on any shelves, a coworker let me know that we had a case in the back room for the true Craft Beer Explorers. Without any hesitation, I grabbed a bottle and waited for the end of the work day in anticipation.

This Russian imperial stout clocks in with a big 11% ABV. Plead the 5th pours very dark, as a good stout should. I poured fairly hard to get the head to set. It created a nice caramel head about a quarter inch thick that faded quickly to half its size, and formed a solid ring around my glass. As I buried my nose in the glass, I picked up very bold aromas of sweet roasted malt and milk chocolate. With a great lack of patience, I took my first sip. I first noticed the feeling of hundreds of tiny bubbles dancing on my taste buds, opening up my palate. I picked up profound flavors of bittersweet chocolate and sweet roasted malt. The finish has a nice smooth vanilla feel.

Plead the 5th is an incredibly satisfying beer to enjoy, one small sip at a time. If you are lucky enough to find some, do not buy only one bottle as I did. Grab a case if its available! You will not be disappointed. It truly is a “bad ass beer from Marshall, MI.” Cheers to Dark Horse on another great beer.

Check your local beer store, or stop in to the brewery for a tour on Sundays from noon to 6 pm. Tastings are only $10 per person and include a tour of their brewing facilities, a pint glass, and a tasting in their VIP loft.

http://www.darkhorsebrewery.com/#about

511 S. Kalamazoo Ave.
Marshall, MI 49068

Dark Horse Taproom hours:

Monday-Thursday — 11 am – 11 pm

Friday-Saturday — 11 am – midnight

Sunday — noon – 10 pm

https://www.facebook.com/DarkHorseBrewing

The Brew Kettle ‘Kitka’ Coconut Stout.

The Brew Kettle (Strongsville, OH)

Its been quite some time since I have had a minute to myself. Today I had a few minutes to spare, so I thought I would grab myself a pint. As I walked through the brisk cold air, I knew it was a stout kind of day. I needed something warm and hearty. I immediately noticed that The Brew Kettle had ‘Kitka’ on tap. I have never tried this beer, so I quickly ordered a glass.

Upon pouring, I first notice a half inch caramel head resting on top of a black beauty of a beer. I did not pick up much coconut on the nose, but it did smell warm and roasty. A very inviting characteristic for these frigid months. As I took my first sip, coconut notes filled my mouth with a soft, yet bright carbonated feel. The coconut takes its sweet time, lingering on my taste buds. The flavor seemed to go on for several minutes. After a minute or so, a sweet milk chocolate comes in to compliment the coconut. Both flavors pair up and follow through the finish of the beer.

I definitely took my time enjoying this pint. It checks in with a 4.6% ABV. I enjoy that, because the beer is so light, yet hearty, that I could enjoy these all day.  Find them on all your favorite social media networks, and give them a like or follow. Definitely stop by the tap room if you are ever around Cleveland, OH.

8377 Pearl Rd.

Strongsville, OH 44136

Mon – Thu: 11:30 am – 11:00 pm

Fri – Sat: 11:30 am – 12:00 am

Sun: 11:30 am – 9:00 pm

http://www.thebrewkettle.com/

https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Brew-Kettle/254242136246

Terrapin Beer Co. – Wake ‘N Bake Coffee Oatmeal Imperial Stout

Terrapin Beer Co. (Athens, GA)

I regularly say that I could survive on just three beverages. 1 – Beer (obviously). 2 – Coffee (mostly because it’s not socially acceptable to drink beer at 7 am). 3 – Water (to stay alive).  When beer and coffee come together, I am especially pleased.

Wake ‘N Bake is a part of Terrapin’s “Monster Beer Tour” series of high gravity brews. W-n-B’s aroma consists mostly of (you guessed it…) coffee.  It pours jet black with a thick tan head.  The addition of flaked oats create a perfect silky mouthfeel, with a wonderful bitter, dark roasted coffee finish.

W-n-B incorporates a special blend of coffee beans from all over the world, developed by Jittery Joe’s Coffee.  They describe the blend as “full flavored… dark roasted and earthy… for those who prefer a strong, assertive cup”.  You can purchase the Wake ‘N Bake coffee blend from either Terrapin or Jittery Joe’s, perfect for those aforementioned socially unacceptable beer drinking hours.

Wake ‘N Bake is available in 12 oz. bottle 4-packs, and is a limited seasonal release so grab a couple of packs.  This beer will age well, so don’t be afraid to set a couple aside for a special occasion in a year or two and see how the flavors develop.   Also, keep an eye out for Terrapin’s “Reserve Series” spin off, Cinnamon Roll’d Wake ‘N Bake, which adds cinnamon to the brew, bringing out flavors of fresh baked cinnamon buns.

Cheers!

Terrapin Beer Co. – http://terrapinbeer.com/

Craft Beer Explorer is on Facebook

Untappd username –  BrianRuss – https://untappd.com/user/BrianRuss

Old World Brewery’s Dark Knight Porter

Old World Brewery (Phoenix, AZ.)

“Old World Ways… Old World Taste…”

Do you like dark, robust and complex ales with a touch of evil? Then Old World Brewery’s Dark Knight Porter will be right up your alley. Dark Knight is brewed in the style of English Robust Porter tradition. Bountiful amounts of dark malts were used to create smooth coffee and chocolate flavors. Earthy and somewhat woody aromas linger in the deepest chasms of the hop presence with a subtle bitterness that lurks within the shadows of the malty aftertaste. Unfortunately, the bottle I grabbed must have been dropped by a weaker man that could not handle this much darkness, as there was some overflow residue around the cap, which I did not notice at the time of purchase, leaving this ale flat without any carbonation. Without carbonation, it leaves a mouthfeel similar to that of a dark red wine, very slick on the tongue. Luckily the flavor is still in tact. Finishing off slightly sweet and incredibly smooth at 6.8% alc., this is a substantial foe to the allies of wimpy yellow beers.

Dark Knight Porter stands tall when facing it’s enemies and should be drank with the utmost respect, as it might take your head as a prize if you challenge it. Old World Brewery stands behind old world brewing traditions, churning out high quality ales that are as unique as they are delicious. I will definitely have to grab another bottle of this and see how much the flavor differs when carbonated. Overall, I still greatly enjoyed this beastly porter and think you will too. Bow down to the Dark Knight… Cheers!

Old World Brewery

334 North 25th Ave.

Phoenix, AZ. 85009

http://www.oldworldbrewery.com

https://www.facebook.com/oldworldaz

Maine Beer Company – Mean Old Tom

Maine Beer Company (Freeport, ME)

Do what’s right.

Maine Beer Company’s mantra that is plastered on all of their bottles, in a way sums up much of the  craft beer “revolution” that we speak about so often in this blog.  Maine Beer was created by two brothers who shared a love for the craft of creating (and drinking) great beer.  David and Daniel Kleban began brewing 5 gallon batches in their garage until mastering the recipe for their Peeper Ale.

Maine Beer Company has grown into a well respected craft brewery, who maintain a commitment to creating great beer without sacrificing quality for the sake of financial growth. Craft brewers across the country are joining the Kleban brothers in doing what’s right for the beer industry, and especially for us beer drinkers/snobs/nerds/connoisseurs.

Mean Old Tom is an American Stout, aged on natural vanilla beans.  The combination of roasty, dark malt flavors (chocolate/coffee) with the natural sweetness of vanilla is a match made in heaven.  The addition of flaked oats adds body and helps create a perfectly silky mouthfeel.   Mean Old Tom clocks in at 6.5% ABV, which is perfect for a drinkable stout such as this.  If you are able to, I suggest picking up more than one bottle (16.9 oz/500 ml). Trust me, you will want more!

More on Maine Beer Company

Maine Beer on Facebook

Craft Beer Explorer’s Ultimate Thanksgiving Pairing Guide

As you plan your Thanksgiving this year, don’t overlook the most important part… no, not turkey… Great craft beer!

Here are Craft Beer Explorer’s suggestions to complete your perfect Thanksgiving meal.

Aperitif –  Saison Dupont (Brasserie Dupont, Belgium)

Think champagne! This saison has just a touch of the classic Belgian funk, but is full of bright fruity flavors that open your taste buds.  It has a creamy banana mouth feel, with a dry cider like finish.  It is a little more on the bitter side, unlike most of the American made Belgian style ales that seem to be mildly sweet.  Saison Dupont would be a perfect light start to your long day of eating.

Alternatives: 

Brooklyn Sorachi Ace, The Lost Abbey Carnevale, Goose Island Sofie

Turkey Dinner – Oktoberfest (Lakefront Brewery, Wisconsin)

This beer is a great authentic American tribute to the traditional German Oktoberfest Lager.  This amber lager has a slightly nutty quality which makes it stand out from others of the style.  Most Oktoberfests will compliment turkey or honey glazed ham well, and pair nicely with semi spicy sausage stuffing.  The crispness of the lagers is a nice compliment to traditional Thanksgiving fare, but amber ales will work great as well.

Alternatives:  

New Belgium Fat Tire, Santa Fe Oktoberfest, Sam Adams Oktoberfest, Thirsty Dog Barktoberfest, Avery The Kaiser

Dessert – Pumking (Southern Tier, New York)

Pumpkin pie in a bottle.  Southern Tier has perfected the art pumpkin beer with Pumking, and this year it seems more readily available than ever before.  Pair this beer with your Pumpkin, Apple, Sweet Potato or Pecan pies for a perfect balance of sweetness and spice.  If you have not tasted “the king”, you have not truly experienced pumpkin beer.

Alternatives: 

Dogfish Head Punkin Ale, Clown Shoes Genghis Pecan, Left Hand Milk Stout, Carton Pumpkin Cream Ale

Digestif – Imperial Russian Stout (Stone Brewing, California)

What better way to finish your day than a big and boozy slow sipper?  Stone Imperial Russian Stout evokes flavors such as dark roasted coffee and dark chocolate.  The high ABV will help move that turkey right on down and leave you feeling relaxed and warm, just as you would while sipping a fine scotch to finish your holiday.  Don’t forget to use a snifter to properly release all of the complexities of these beers.

Alternatives: Sierra Nevada Narwhal, Dogfish Head Worldwide Stout, Marin Brewing Old Dipsea Barleywine

All of us at Craft Beer Explorer wish you and your families a Happy Thanksgiving.  Cheers!

Sleepy Dog Brewing’s Wet Snout Milk Stout

SLEEPY DOG BREWING CO. (Tempe/Gilbert, AZ)

Sleepy Dog Brewing Co. is a relatively new microbrewery within the Arizona craft beer scene. Opening in 2009, with a commitment to great detail in quality beer and a fun atmosphere at both Tempe and Gilbert locations. My wife and I went in for dinner at the Gilbert Brewpub location. The atmosphere was very clean and laid back with an open floor plan. Inside they feature a good sized stage where local music acts perform on various nights. The Brewpub also features a very large patio that is “Dog Friendly” for those folks that take their canine companions with them, wherever they go.

We were seated promptly, as the place only had a few other patrons sitting scattered around the pub. The one beer I was dying to try, their Scootcher Scottish Strong Ale was tapped out so I went for the Wet Snout Milk Stout instead. I received a pint glass, nearly filled to the brim with jet black stout goodness. The beer itself, had not much of a head to it but had nice aromas of chocolate, coffee and roasted malts. I took a big sip and held it in my mouth for a good 30 seconds as my wife glanced over the food menu. A silky and milky body led way to great flavors of sweet sugar, mild chocolate and roasted overtones. There was a noticeable amount of neutral hop bitterness that is not typically found in stout style ales. My wife and I ordered a sampler tray that came with their homemade fries, Red Rover Irish Ale beer battered onions rings and jalapeno slices. I’m a big fan of jalapeno’s, so after popping a few into my mouth then taking a sip of my stout, the jalapeno spiciness brought forth big flavors of rich coffee out onto my palette. The stout finished smooth and slightly dry, urging me to keep on taking in this pitch black nectar of the gods.

Sleepy Dog also features a full bar with wine, mixed drinks and other local guest craft beers. Being the big beer snob I am, I was a little miffed to see that they also offer Anheuser-Busch products. A couple girls sitting at the table behind us ordered a round of Michelob Ultra’s. I wanted to flip their table over out of anger for ordering such atrocious drinks in a Micro Brewpub, yet I refrained. I understand why Sleepy Dog offers those beers, to the less than enlightened beer drinker, it doesn’t mean I have to like it though (No hard feelings though Sleepy Dog, I still love you). Overall, my wife was pleased with her food as was I and their handcrafted ales are top notch. We both agreed we would go again, next time on a weekend night when some local bands are playing and they get more of that Scootcher Scottish Ale on tap.

Cheers to all at Sleepy Dog! We will see you again.

SLEEPY DOG BREWPUB (Gilbert location)

1451 East Williamsfield Road

Gilbert, AZ. 85295

480-963-1805

Open Daily: Mon-Wed: 11am – 11pm /Thurs- Sat: 11am-2am/Sun: 9am – 11pm

SLEEPY DOG BREWERY & TASTING ROOM (Tempe Location)

1920 E University Dr

#104 Tempe, AZ 85281

Hours:
Tuesday & Wednesday 4pm to 11 pm

Thursday and Friday 4pm to Midnight

Saturday 2pm-Midnight

Sunday & Monday Closed

www.sleepydogbrewpub.com

www.facebook.com/sleepydogpub

Sierra Nevada – Narwhal Imperial Stout

Sierra Nevada (Chico, CA)

Today we saw the first flurries of the winter in New Jersey, and to me the first bit of snow falling means it is time for BIG dark beers.  Imperial Stouts will keep you warm through the winter, and Sierra Nevada’s once a year offering Narwhal is one that I consistently look forward to.

This bold stout pours jet black with a quickly dissipating caramel tan head.  Narwhal’s aroma is that of dark roasted coffee or espresso with a hint of smoke.  The first sip is not as sweet as I would expect from a style that is typically very malt-forward.  There is a pleasant bitterness with an almost salty quality that plays perfectly off of the rich roasted malt flavors.

If you are interested in trying an Imperial Stout for the first time, I strongly suggest pouring your beer into a snifter and allowing your refrigerated beer to warm just slightly after pouring.  Bringing your beer closer to room temperature allows the many rich flavors to shine through.  Slip slowly and allow the beer to cover your entire mouth, swallow, and exhale through your mouth.  You’re welcome.

Narwhal won’t be around for much longer, it is typically only available for a short time beginning in late fall each year.  Imperial Stouts only get better with age, like a fine wine.  Buy two 4 packs and let them age in a cool dark place for a year or two… or more.

Cheers!

 

Check us out on Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/CraftBeerExplorer

Sierra Nevada Narwhal – http://www.sierranevada.com/beer/high-altitude/narwhal-imperial-stout

 

Joseph James Brewing Co.’s Hop Box Imperial IPA

Joseph James Brewing Co. (Henderson, NV)

Hear ye, Hear ye! Calling all Hop Heads. Do you like big, resinous hop flavors backed buy a smooth malt character with a high gravity? Then this Hop Box Imperial IPA is for you.

                                                                           

Immediately upon cracking the can open, I was flooded with big hop aroma without even getting my nose up close. Coming in at 88 IBU’s and pouring a medium golden color with copper hues, topped off with a big white head, the aroma really stood up and announced itself. As I held my nose over the glass and began to waft in all the hoppy goodness, I was greeted with aromas of pine, citrus, grapefruit and even honeydew melon. I was a tad concerned that this would taste like a big booze bomb from the high alcohol percentage of 9.3% but this ale is surprisingly smooth. I do not detect any alcohol heat whatsoever.

The malt structure is simple yet satisfying. Subtly sweet, almost as if a touch of honey was added to the brew which helps combat the onslaught of hoppiness. The hop flavors stand out more than bitterness largely due to bucketfuls of dry hops added during the secondary fermentation stage. Hop Box finishes fairly clean with slight lingering bitterness that is always welcomed with my palette. In regards to food pairing, I think this would pair extremely well with a Cajun Spiced Sirloin Burger topped with blue cheese, onion straws and a garlic aioli sauce or with smoked Alaskan Salmon with a side of garlic and herb long grain wild rice.

                                                                                             

It may be safe to say that this is one of the biggest beers to come out of Sin City. Had I known that this brewery existed upon previous trips to Las Vegas, I would have gone out of my way for their product and would have gladly paid the high Las Vegas prices instead of having to settle with a sub par beer or a poorly made mixed drink. I will definitely seek out their other offerings and suggest you do the same. Cheers!

Joseph James Brewing Co.

155 N. Gibson Rd.

Henderson, Nevada 89014

Phone	(702) 454-2739 (BREW)
Email	info@foxbrews.com

www.foxbrews.com

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Joseph-James-Brewing-Co-Inc/156301200364

Other Offerings:

Fox Tail – Gluten Free Ale
Craft American – Lager
Weize Guy – Hefeweizen
Citra Rye – Pale Ale
Hop Box – Imperial IPA
Red Fox – Russian Imperial Stout

Columbus Brewing Company Sohio Stout

Columbus Brewing Company (Columbus, Ohio)

Located in downtown Columbus, you can find a very popular spot called ‘The Brewery District.’ Among many of the amazing local breweries, you can find the popular Columbus Brewing Company. Columbus Brewing Company, CBC as the locals may call it, has a variety of pale ales, IPA’s, and other seasonal hoppy selections, but as the colder weather starts to creep up, they release their Sohio stout. Sohio stout is the darkest beer that they brew throughout the year. They succeed spectacularly with their pale hoppy beers, and their stout is no exception.

Sohio stout clocks in with a solid 8.5% ABV, which is very well concealed in the brew. It pours with a light creamy head, and a rich dark brown color that appears almost black. The beer opens up with a beautiful aroma of coffee and cocoa, with a slight nutty essence. Close your eyes upon the first sip, clear your mind and experience the full rush your taste buds deserve for this smooth, warming stout. The taste reminds me of a nice warm cup of a medium roast coffee with a touch of dark chocolate. Not too bitter, but bold enough to let you know that its there. It will leave a nice coating in your mouth and hold its flavors so you can savor the beer for awhile. Go ahead and bask in its glory for a minute or two before you take your next sip. Its finish is a pleasantly bright acidic coffee tone. I personally enjoyed this finish as I took another whiff of my glass to smell the fresh coffee shop aromas. If you find this beer on tap, indulge yourself. If you stop by their brewpub, I’d recommend trying this with their Cajun jambalaya. The spicy shrimp, salmon, chicken and andouille sausage will accompany this smooth stout beautifully.

 

Visit Columbus Brewing Company at

525 Short St, Columbus, OH 43215

Monday	11:00 am – 10:00 pm
Tuesday	11:00 am – 10:00 pm
Wednesday	11:00 am – 10:00 pm
Thursday	11:00 am – 10:00 pm
Friday	11:00 am – 11:00 pm
Saturday	5:00–11:00 pm

www.columbusbrewingco.com

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Columbus-Brewing-Company/76461863704