I chose to give up a regular Gold as payment for muling, no biggie, still a good deal at $27/bottle overall, after mule payment.
Surly Fifteen is out, prob will buy a can. Grand Cru, which I'm always on the fence about. It could be great, it could suck. I dunno. In the biz, we call that "FOR SCIENCE!" 
When you tell somebody somethin', it depends on what part of the United States you're standin' in... as to just how dumb you are.
I chose to give up a regular Gold as payment for muling, no biggie, still a good deal at $27/bottle overall, after mule payment.
Surly Fifteen is out, prob will buy a can. Grand Cru, which I'm always on the fence about. It could be great, it could suck. I dunno. In the biz, we call that "FOR SCIENCE!"
I thought 15 was a fine effort -- kind of amazing they got their hands on Parker's Heritage Heavy Char Barrels... wish I could taste that note more, but it's a bit muddled with everything else. Very rich dark fruit, malt and sweetness. Seemed more like a big beligian/barleywine than some of the grand cru tarty things I've had. There isn't any really boozy or astringent notes that you sometimes get in that style either.
I chose to give up a regular Gold as payment for muling, no biggie, still a good deal at $27/bottle overall, after mule payment.
Surly Fifteen is out, prob will buy a can. Grand Cru, which I'm always on the fence about. It could be great, it could suck. I dunno. In the biz, we call that "FOR SCIENCE!"
I thought 15 was a fine effort -- kind of amazing they got their hands on Parker's Heritage Heavy Char Barrels... wish I could taste that note more, but it's a bit muddled with everything else. Very rich dark fruit, malt and sweetness. Seemed more like a big beligian/barleywine than some of the grand cru tarty things I've had. There isn't any really boozy or astringent notes that you sometimes get in that style either.
Everything I read is that the Grand Cru name is more because it doesn’t really fit in a category
I chose to give up a regular Gold as payment for muling, no biggie, still a good deal at $27/bottle overall, after mule payment.
Surly Fifteen is out, prob will buy a can. Grand Cru, which I'm always on the fence about. It could be great, it could suck. I dunno. In the biz, we call that "FOR SCIENCE!"
I thought 15 was a fine effort -- kind of amazing they got their hands on Parker's Heritage Heavy Char Barrels... wish I could taste that note more, but it's a bit muddled with everything else. Very rich dark fruit, malt and sweetness. Seemed more like a big beligian/barleywine than some of the grand cru tarty things I've had. There isn't any really boozy or astringent notes that you sometimes get in that style either.
Everything I read is that the Grand Cru name is more because it doesn’t really fit in a category
I thought that's why we had "American Strong Ale" as a catch all for High-ABV beers, that didn't quite meet a Barleywine. kidding, but also not...
I chose to give up a regular Gold as payment for muling, no biggie, still a good deal at $27/bottle overall, after mule payment.
Surly Fifteen is out, prob will buy a can. Grand Cru, which I'm always on the fence about. It could be great, it could suck. I dunno. In the biz, we call that "FOR SCIENCE!"
I thought 15 was a fine effort -- kind of amazing they got their hands on Parker's Heritage Heavy Char Barrels... wish I could taste that note more, but it's a bit muddled with everything else. Very rich dark fruit, malt and sweetness. Seemed more like a big beligian/barleywine than some of the grand cru tarty things I've had. There isn't any really boozy or astringent notes that you sometimes get in that style either.
Cracked it, and I agree with the above. Some Crus I have had are way too sweet, and this was not at all. Very balanced and full flavored. Definitely worth a buy.
When you tell somebody somethin', it depends on what part of the United States you're standin' in... as to just how dumb you are.
The new Dangerous Man Devil’s Food Cake Double Stout is basically chocolate flavored beer.
The new Dangerous Man Devil’s Food Cake Double Stout is basically chocolate flavored beer.
So it's similar to the KBS Mackinac Fudge? Because that KBS was DELICIOUS.
When you tell somebody somethin', it depends on what part of the United States you're standin' in... as to just how dumb you are.
The new Dangerous Man Devil’s Food Cake Double Stout is basically chocolate flavored beer.
So it's similar to the KBS Mackinac Fudge? Because that KBS was DELICIOUS.
It’s not as good as the KBS Mackinac Fudge but it’s still really good.
That KBS and the Untitled Art Fudgie Brownie Stout are on an entirely different level in my opinion
The UA FB is insane, I agree.
When you tell somebody somethin', it depends on what part of the United States you're standin' in... as to just how dumb you are.
Oliphant anniversary party on Sat...come see me.
Oliphant anniversary party on Sat...come see me.
LTD Oktoberfest on Sat. I'll pour you a beer! :giggle: (pouring 2pm-10-pm).
When you tell somebody somethin', it depends on what part of the United States you're standin' in... as to just how dumb you are.
Didn't feel like spending a mint today so rhe guy suggested Islay Gold 10 and I'm pretty happy with it. Not recommended if you don't a smokey punch up front. It's no Laphroaig but it's not shy either.
Didn't feel like spending a mint today so rhe guy suggested Islay Gold 10 and I'm pretty happy with it. Not recommended if you don't a smokey punch up front.
That's how I feel about Bowmore.
When you tell somebody somethin', it depends on what part of the United States you're standin' in... as to just how dumb you are.
I’m doing a private tasting at Vikre in Duluth tonight and they have a whiskey that is part smoky scotch, part rye, and part bourbon. As good as their gin and aquavit is the whiskey is just fantastic for a locally made spirit.
First cocktail was a mule with that whiskey and now I’m onto an Aquavit Gimlet
I’m doing a private tasting at Vikre in Duluth tonight and they have a whiskey that is part smoky scotch, part rye, and part bourbon.
NAMES!!
I’m doing a private tasting at Vikre in Duluth tonight and they have a whiskey that is part smoky scotch, part rye, and part bourbon.
NAMES!!
It’s called Honor Brand Hay and Sunshine Whiskey
The Aquavit Gimlet is really tasty too…I’ve really enjoyed most of what we have sampled
Is that Vikre's brand names, then? I have heard good things about them.
When you tell somebody somethin', it depends on what part of the United States you're standin' in... as to just how dumb you are.
Vikre is top notch!
Is that Vikre's brand names, then? I have heard good things about them.
That’s the whiskey. Everything else would carry the Vikre name.
Nearly everything we had was really good. We bought one of their types of gin and a bottle of the whiskey but I’d have bought more if it wasn’t for our stupid liquor laws. I may have to go back tomorrow as a reult
Is that Vikre's brand names, then? I have heard good things about them.
That’s the whiskey. Everything else would carry the Vikre name.
Nearly everything we had was really good. We bought one of their types of gin and a bottle of the whiskey but I’d have bought more if it wasn’t for our stupid liquor laws. I may have to go back tomorrow as a reult
A friend and I discussed the liquor laws with the Distillers' group at the Fair. It's insane. MN is archaic compared to the rest of the US. Other states have odd laws, sure, but we are becoming the worst given the progression of other states in updating laws.
When you tell somebody somethin', it depends on what part of the United States you're standin' in... as to just how dumb you are.
Vikre is top notch!
Yes - by far one of the best distilleries I’ve been to
I like the sign in Hoops Brewery in Duluth explaining the silly liquor laws for a brewery to serve cocktails.
I am the official Iowa Hawkeye football fan of GPL!
Is that Vikre's brand names, then? I have heard good things about them.
That’s the whiskey. Everything else would carry the Vikre name.
Nearly everything we had was really good. We bought one of their types of gin and a bottle of the whiskey but I’d have bought more if it wasn’t for our stupid liquor laws. I may have to go back tomorrow as a reult
A friend and I discussed the liquor laws with the Distillers' group at the Fair. It's insane. MN is archaic compared to the rest of the US. Other states have odd laws, sure, but we are becoming the worst given the progression of other states in updating laws.
At least we can get more tomorrow if we want or just buy it in the cities. One thing we do like is that the 375mL bottles are good sized for us since we tend to drink more beer and wine. That and we are trying to finish off a bunch of old cheap stuff we acquired over the year so smaller bottles take up less space
Just got word that Sam Adams' Utopias is being released Oct 11. Tremendous beer. A bit expensive (around $200 for a 24oz bottle) but it is worth it, IMO.
When you tell somebody somethin', it depends on what part of the United States you're standin' in... as to just how dumb you are.
Stopped at Mount Royal here in Duluth and they do have a pretty good selection. Found a few bottles from Warrior Brewing Company to try since their taproom isn’t open yet.
Off to a bunch of the taprooms now up here with some friends
Stopped at Mount Royal here in Duluth and they do have a pretty good selection. Found a few bottles from Warrior Brewing Company to try since their taproom isn’t open yet.
Off to a bunch of the taprooms now up here with some friends
Are you doing the three block extravaganza of Duluth Cider, Ursa Minor, and Wild State?
Then you can stumble over to OMC smokehouse, Love creamery for dessert, and fill in the cracks with some Bent Paddle!!
(Not that I’ve ever tried that all in one day before).
Stopped at Mount Royal here in Duluth and they do have a pretty good selection. Found a few bottles from Warrior Brewing Company to try since their taproom isn’t open yet.
Off to a bunch of the taprooms now up here with some friends
Are you doing the three block extravaganza of Duluth Cider, Ursa Minor, and Wild State?
Then you can stumble over to OMC smokehouse, Love creamery for dessert, and fill in the cracks with some Bent Paddle!!
(Not that I’ve ever tried that all in one day before).
We are. Started at Blacklist and now at Fitgers for
Lunch but that’s our next stop. Bent Paddle is closed because they are celebrating a wedding today though
Drekker Birthday Cake Chonk.
I muled some to a friend on the GPL Houghton trip this summer. I can see why she wanted it so badly. Wowzer. It's THICK, basically a strawberry/raspberry fruit smoothie. Delicious.
When you tell somebody somethin', it depends on what part of the United States you're standin' in... as to just how dumb you are.
Drekker Birthday Cake Chonk.
I muled some to a friend on the GPL Houghton trip this summer. I can see why she wanted it so badly. Wowzer. It's THICK, basically a strawberry/raspberry fruit smoothie. Delicious.
They’ve got some crazy good smoothie and seltzer stuff.
Had an old favorite tonight - Samuel Smith Oatmeal Stout.
Didn't feel like anything heavy tonight so I tried Unmapped Fall Lager and it's tasty but not overbearing. Will end the night around the firepit with some Auchentoshan Three Wood and a Padron 1964.
Didn't feel like anything heavy tonight so I tried Unmapped Fall Lager and it's tasty but not overbearing. Will end the night around the firepit with some Auchentoshan Three Wood and a Padron 1964.
While I have my opinions on Unmapped (and they are not good opinions), I commend you on your latter choices.
I am sipping on some Russell's Reserve Single Barrel bourbon, bottles that cannot be sold to the public, due to lack of the Surgeon General's warning label. Quite tasty. Sold to employees only.
When you tell somebody somethin', it depends on what part of the United States you're standin' in... as to just how dumb you are.
I am sipping on some Russell's Reserve Single Barrel bourbon, bottles that cannot be sold to the public, due to lack of the Surgeon General's warning label. Quite tasty. Sold to employees only.
Nice benefit. I bet Russell's has no problem finding new employees, as needed.
I am sipping on some Russell's Reserve Single Barrel bourbon, bottles that cannot be sold to the public, due to lack of the Surgeon General's warning label. Quite tasty. Sold to employees only.
Nice benefit. I bet Russell's has no problem finding new employees, as needed.
Misunderstanding: I don't work for Russell's, I have a side gig at a local (non-chain) liquor store. There was an allotment shipped to us, and about half-dozen bottles didn't have the proper labeling. The properly-labeled bottles sold out within a week or so.
There are benefits working for a store, though, you are correct.
When you tell somebody somethin', it depends on what part of the United States you're standin' in... as to just how dumb you are.
I was at a party yesterday in Wisconsin and the hosts bought a keg of Spotted Cow. I don’t love it or hate it but i think there’s a law in Wisconsin that if someone buys a keg of New Glarus you’re supposed to have some
I was at a party yesterday in Wisconsin and the hosts bought a keg of Spotted Cow. I don’t love it or hate it but i think there’s a law in Wisconsin that if someone buys a keg of New Glarus you’re supposed to have some
There is such a law. Many years ago I was given a verbal warning by a local officer when I thinking about not having a Spotted Cow. 
When you tell somebody somethin', it depends on what part of the United States you're standin' in... as to just how dumb you are.
(NSFW, language)[hide]<img class="go2wpf-bbcode" src=" https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FAONU9NX0AYXDER?format=jpg&name=mediu m" alt="">[/hide]
When you tell somebody somethin', it depends on what part of the United States you're standin' in... as to just how dumb you are.
Didn't feel like anything heavy tonight so I tried Unmapped Fall Lager and it's tasty but not overbearing. Will end the night around the firepit with some Auchentoshan Three Wood and a Padron 1964.
While I have my opinions on Unmapped (and they are not good opinions), I commend you on your latter choices.
I am sipping on some Russell's Reserve Single Barrel bourbon, bottles that cannot be sold to the public, due to lack of the Surgeon General's warning label. Quite tasty. Sold to employees only.
Unmapped is the beer of the month at Tonka Bottle Shop and I've never tried it so I gave it a shot. I thought the Fall Lager was decent but I would not go out of my way to go back to it before trying so many other beers out there that I have not yet had since moving away.
Didn't feel like anything heavy tonight so I tried Unmapped Fall Lager and it's tasty but not overbearing. Will end the night around the firepit with some Auchentoshan Three Wood and a Padron 1964.
While I have my opinions on Unmapped (and they are not good opinions), I commend you on your latter choices.
I am sipping on some Russell's Reserve Single Barrel bourbon, bottles that cannot be sold to the public, due to lack of the Surgeon General's warning label. Quite tasty. Sold to employees only.
Unmapped is the beer of the month at Tonka Bottle Shop and I've never tried it so I gave it a shot. I thought the Fall Lager was decent but I would not go out of my way to go back to it before trying so many other beers out there that I have not yet had since moving away.
Unmapped is 0-3 for me. I was hoping they'd improve, and it hasn't happened. I agree, always give something a try or two or three. One never knows. 
When you tell somebody somethin', it depends on what part of the United States you're standin' in... as to just how dumb you are.
I just wish we had more than one go to Taproom/Brewery for consistently above average beer here in the west metro. The only brewery that fits that description is Back Channel
I just wish we had more than one go to Taproom/Brewery for consistently above average beer here in the west metro. The only brewery that fits that description is Back Channel
If one is into IPAs, Steel Toe matches that description. However, I'm not into that style of IPAs, nor do I like the (lack of) atmosphere of the brewery. I've HEARD Luce Line is really solid, but I haven't had the pleasure to try them yet.
When you tell somebody somethin', it depends on what part of the United States you're standin' in... as to just how dumb you are.
I just wish we had more than one go to Taproom/Brewery for consistently above average beer here in the west metro. The only brewery that fits that description is Back Channel
If one is into IPAs, Steel Toe matches that description. However, I'm not into that style of IPAs, nor do I like the (lack of) atmosphere of the brewery. I've HEARD Luce Line is really solid, but I haven't had the pleasure to try them yet.
While Steel Toe is in a suburb, if you throw a rock moderately hard to the East it'll land in MPLS. 
I just wish we had more than one go to Taproom/Brewery for consistently above average beer here in the west metro. The only brewery that fits that description is Back Channel
If one is into IPAs, Steel Toe matches that description. However, I'm not into that style of IPAs, nor do I like the (lack of) atmosphere of the brewery. I've HEARD Luce Line is really solid, but I haven't had the pleasure to try them yet.
Ive been to Luce Line twice. They have the potential to get to that level.
I just wish we had more than one go to Taproom/Brewery for consistently above average beer here in the west metro. The only brewery that fits that description is Back Channel
If one is into IPAs, Steel Toe matches that description. However, I'm not into that style of IPAs, nor do I like the (lack of) atmosphere of the brewery. I've HEARD Luce Line is really solid, but I haven't had the pleasure to try them yet.
While Steel Toe is in a suburb, if you throw a rock moderately hard to the East it'll land in MPLS.
True.
When you tell somebody somethin', it depends on what part of the United States you're standin' in... as to just how dumb you are.
I just wish we had more than one go to Taproom/Brewery for consistently above average beer here in the west metro. The only brewery that fits that description is Back Channel
I have not been to either - does neither Excelsior nor Luce Line qualify?
I just wish we had more than one go to Taproom/Brewery for consistently above average beer here in the west metro. The only brewery that fits that description is Back Channel
I have not been to either - does neither Excelsior nor Luce Line qualify?
This is only my opinion but I’m not a huge fan of Excelsior. Like a bunch of other breweries out here they make good stuff but nothing that makes me want to go back regularly.
Luce Line is pretty new which is why I think thy have a chance to be that. I’ve been a couple times thinking if they keep improving they’ll be really good.
Lately if we are going to a tap room that isn’t too far from us it is either Dangerous Man or Back Channel. DM has been making some really good stouts over the summer on top of their other wide range of beers.
Speaking of Back Channel and crowlers we opened a Blue Bomber tonight. Rube, I think you tried this when I saw you there a couple weeks ago but the flavors just really work (Boysenberry, Plum, and Pomegranate). Their fruited Berliners aren’t usually what I go to when I’m there but this is one is excellent
My dad when to Gustavus for homecoming and they had kegs of Castle Danger and another brewery that I don't recall as both are owned by graduates.
If you could only drink from one brewery for rest of your life which one would it be? For the sake of the discussion pretend you could buy from it regularly no matter where you live.
I just wish we had more than one go to Taproom/Brewery for consistently above average beer here in the west metro. The only brewery that fits that description is Back Channel
I have not been to either - does neither Excelsior nor Luce Line qualify?
This is only my opinion but I’m not a huge fan of Excelsior. Like a bunch of other breweries out here they make good stuff but nothing that makes me want to go back regularly.
Luce Line is pretty new which is why I think thy have a chance to be that. I’ve been a couple times thinking if they keep improving they’ll be really good.
Lately if we are going to a tap room that isn’t too far from us it is either Dangerous Man or Back Channel. DM has been making some really good stouts over the summer on top of their other wide range of beers.
Speaking of Back Channel and crowlers we opened a Blue Bomber tonight. Rube, I think you tried this when I saw you there a couple weeks ago but the flavors just really work (Boysenberry, Plum, and Pomegranate). Their fruited Berliners aren’t usually what I go to when I’m there but this is one is excellent
I had the other flavor of the triple fruit. The Empress, which IIRC was raspberry, strawberry and blueberry? Something like that.
Excelsior used to be good, and they've gotten lazy. Not really a fan of them anymore, and there are multiple sources that have said they have released beer that they know isn't up to par, but rather than dump it, they sell it.
And what davescharf said about Luce.
When you tell somebody somethin', it depends on what part of the United States you're standin' in... as to just how dumb you are.
I just wish we had more than one go to Taproom/Brewery for consistently above average beer here in the west metro. The only brewery that fits that description is Back Channel
My heart breaks for you. 
I'm a craft beer lover and the closest brewery is 30 miles away (except for the one in my basement.)
If you could only drink from one brewery for rest of your life which one would it be? For the sake of the discussion pretend you could buy from it regularly no matter where you live.
Schell's
Tact is the ability to step on a man's toes without messing up the shine on his shoes - Harry S Truman