NRB Kadigan Blonde is a pretty good beer. As a rule, I don't care much for blondes because they're low in flavor and don't lend themselves to much creativity as a style. That's not to say all blondes are bad, but they're just far from...
I think there are mild beers and there are subtle beers. Kangaroo Killer Pale Ale was subtle in the very best way. The aroma of this sneaky little Pale Ale was super-bright and citrusy. Sitting at a subtle 5% ABV, it's crushable, and just like a tiny baby copperhead, it could get...
Pie in the Sky poured thick and dark; thicker than a lot of the porters I've had over my time. The top of the glass was laced with off-white head. The nose on Pie in the Sky was full of sweet milk chocolate and roasted pecans. One of...
Palmares RIS is a jet black beer with a tall creamy head that didn't stay along for the ride. The full-bodied rich character was bold and delicious. The mouthfeel was a tiny bit on the...
The start of this brew is extremely sweet and has an evident dry mouthfeel. There is a fresh bread style aroma that fills your nostrils as you drink, which combines quite nicely to that crisp finish. In terms of light beers this is...
Marlinspike, as well as the other can labels from New Republic, are so clean, but just kind of busy in my opinion. Marlinspike may be the least busy of the lineup though and has one of the better color combinations. A cream colored...
Oso Bueno is an American Amber Ale, which has beautiful copper hue that is accompanied with streaks of orange that hints at its tangerine like notes. There is a fine line of head that will stay constant with the drinker, which enhances the...
Even sweeter than the aroma is Bull Shark's flavor! I am not sure how they don't use sugar when brewing this wee heavy, but it is sweeter than others I've had in the past. The mouthfeel is light...
If you know your Czech brews, (which it’s okay if you don’t, I have a slight advantage since I lived in Europe for a bit) Saaz Hops is named after the Czech city Zatec or Saaz (in German). These hops make up...
This week, I decided to go back to an old reliable “safety blanket” craft brew from those hard working brew masters over at St. Arnold. Many of us have probably partaken in a St. Arnold lunch or weekend get together, so indulge me for a few moments as I word vomit my enjoyment of a faithful brew....
Running Walker Texas Reserve IPA was the second beer I had from them and the first that I really enjoyed. I had their Kölsch first, and it was alright, so I was stunned when I had this Texas Reserve! It's deee-lish-ious! The first time I'd tried Texas Reserve IPA was...
A couple buddies and I were going to watch the Astros play one afternoon, and we decided we'd meet up early for a beer at Home Plate Grill. We arrive, and the craft selection isn't too impressive. Mind you, this was almost 6 months ago, so their selection may have grown. I asked for a Hopadillo - it's all foamy, they're about to stop serving it, just like the Amber Ale beside it. SMH. "How about those Texas Beer Refinery handles," - I ask again, halfway shouting over...
The nose on Half Nelson is like a bouquet of bright flowers and citrus fruits. I was in love with it as soon as the smell wafted into my nasal cavity. Considering Mosaic and Nelson Sauvin are typically said to give amazing tropical aromas, I don’t know why...
This delicious concotion has the exact airy fragrance as any regular pilsner and even to the moment of consumption the aroma stays true. The taste though is far from just some ordinary pilsner. It starts with a hard bitter punch and smooths to a sweet finish. Blue Testament...
Copperhead Striker IPA is the first beer I had from them. I remember seeing it on the shelf late this summer and being really excited to see a new, smaller brewery on the shelf! I swear I wrote about it, but I lost the write up somehow? I've bought it a few times since then because it's daaaaaang good, but as I...
This brew was perfect for my current weekend plans, for at that very moment I was in a fierce battle of Cornhole and smoking pork belly on my charcoal grill. Boomtown Blonde, when poured, produces a fountain of golden liquid that settled with a...
Did you know that City Acre Brewing Co. sells bombers to go? Me either. I found out on a Sunday morning while trying to find a brunch spot. Lucky me, I found City Acre offers bunch. I would be making a huge mistake if I didn't take a second to tell you how good their food is. I had the Brewers plate - I think - a plate full of goo-ood food for around 10 bucks!...
The post that almost never happened: After a few weeks of gathering beer from all over town, and one long ass drive to Galveston Island, we did it. We had them all. We met up with a few other friends for a potluck meal just before Thanksgiving, and the Top 5 Best IPAs in Houston was born. None of us are official BJCP judges or cicerones (yet), as you may have read elsewhere on the site, but here's our take as consumers - just regular dudes that...
Fast forward almost two years, and I'm in the garage trying to fix my wife's headlight. I knew I wanted a beer, and when I opened up my fridge, Art Car IPA smiled at me almost as to say, "You're fixing the car, dude. I'm the one." Bingo, Art Car IPA it is. Saint Arnold Art Car IPA smells of fruity hops, and the taste...
Last time I had Derailler, it was icy-cold outside, we were at Cycler's Brewing interviewing Clay, and we had it straight from the tank. It was cold and could've benefitted from warming up a bit, but with the temperature outside, that wasn't a luxury we could afford. Despite the cold temp, the beer was delicious. This time...