Beer reviews and blog posts by Michael Larson
Michael co-founded The Beerly in 2009 with Taylor Birkey. He stumbled on to the idea of the blog after his move to Chicagoland. As he settled in to his new life, he realized he greatly missed the camaraderie of his brew-sipping buddies from the north. He wished to know what his friends all across the nation were sampling and thus, this site was born. He is currently in financial planning. Some of his current favorites are Hoppin' Frog's Pumpkin Ale, Southern Tier's Creme Brulee, and Bosteels amazing Tripel Karmeliet.
St. Bernardus Pater 6
Its confession time. I skipped church this morning, vying instead for a late wake-up call and a relaxing morning. This season, and especially this week, can be somewhat tiring and I knew looking ahead, that my wife and I wouldn’t be getting much quality time in the...
Bell’s Special Double Cream Stout
A few nights before Christmas, and all through the house, not a creature was stirring, but me with my stout. Bell’s Special Double Cream, to be exact and precise, I hadn’t had it before, it was a roll of the dice Expectations were high, it poured motor oil black...
Newcastle Brown Ale
In my limited experience, brown ales haven’t quite done much for me. Others have seemed overly thin and lacked the texture I look for in a brew. While Newcastle Brown Ale didn’t quite make me a believer, it has also piqued my curiosity, making me think that there may...
Left Hand Black Jack Porter
After hurrying in from the blustery, winter-washed city and in to a local fine dining establishment, my eyes immediately and eagerly scanned the drink menu. I was hoping for a selection of fine and craft brews, but was preparing to be let down. Wildwood of Geneva,...
Unibroue Don De Dieu
With its wonderful sister brew, La Fin Du Monde, in mind, I had high expectations for this triple wheat ale. I like wheats and I like tripels, so I thought this might just be the best possible combination for my palate. It turns out, however, that while Unibroue...
Unibroue La Fin Du Monde
For some, the end of the world is a frightful thought. Visions of destruction, chaos and death flash across their terror-filled eyes. For me, I was anticipating it, longing for it, craving “La Fin Du Monde.” In my case, though, it was simply a beer, one of...
St. Bernardus Abt 12
Sometimes one gets caught up in life. Things seem chaotic, stressful, overwhelming. You open a St. Bernardus Abt 12 with such anticipation and it sprays all over the place, spouting out the top like Old Faithful and onto your carpet, seeping in with the old yeast...
Leinenkugel’s Fireside Nut Brown Ale
Before this beer tasting adventure began, I downed ice cold brewskis with the best of ’em. Cold beer, cold mug, I was set. As my palate, knowledge and sense of adventure have increased, I have begun to notice things I didn’t before. Like beer smelling like...
Victory Moonglow Weizenbock
My most recent trip to Binny’s embodies my current beer-drinking dilemma. Too many beers and far, far too little time. As I wandered, seemingly aimless in my pursuit of what could be my next favorite brew, I was stopped by a couple of the beer experts at the...
Trader Joe’s Vintage Ale 2009
Michael: This morning, after pushing the shovel down my snow-covered driveway for the last time, I stood sweating, aching and wished it was kosher to drink beer in the morning. While I acted on my better instincts and vied instead for a piping cup of Dunkin’...
Jolly Pumpkin & Nøgne-Ø & Stone Holiday Ale
While the beer’s title may seem a bit schizophrenic, this beer knows exactly who it is. Its head stands strong, a veritable styrofoam weight, stacked four fingers high atop a coffee-brown base. It is opaque, so much so you feel like you’re going to be...
New Glarus Crack’d Wheat
I love wheats. The Wisconsin-only brewer, doesn’t disappoint. That’s right, those of you who aren’t in the state of cheese are out of luck on this one, you’ll have to grab it while driving through like I did. The refreshing brew pours a light...
Blue Moon Grand Cru 2009
Also titled: Better Than Cat Pee My cat is toilet trained. Now realize, I didn’t say ‘potty trained’ like it knows it should go in the litter box. No, that would be unimpressive and un-noteworthy. I said toilet trained because it actually goes to the...
Delirium Nocturnum Ale
This year, I went Christmas-crazy. Maybe it was for lack of much of the holiday spirit last year, I don’t know, but I have done everything. My wife and I baked Christmas cookies for eight hours straight. We put up garlands and our christmas tree and planned an...
He’Brew Messiah Bold
Ironically enough, this beer was introduced to me by my Protestant, Pastor dad. I guess he knew I’d appreciate the integration of faith and beer. Anyway, perhaps the most impressive part about this brew was not its storied past, but the way it poured. It was a...