United States Beer Reviews
Although beer existed in the United States from its birth (and before), it wasn’t until Prohibition that the state of beer in America was truly united. Today, the United States is arguably the world’s most important beer market, where brewers enjoy the most freedom to practice and advance their craft. The market is a true melting pot of brewing styles and traditions, and the beer community is as vibrant as it is diverse. While things really got started during and as a result of the Prohibition Era (1919-1933), fermented drinks pre-date the country’s founding in 1776. Hailed as a land of opportunity, huge macrobrewing enterprises like AB InBev and MillerCoors co-exist alongside a growing number of small craft beer companies. A country built by immigrants, America has heavy European brewing influences. The number of influential breweries are too great to number, and the list continues to evolve as independent brewers push innovation in the craft and give the world more and more interesting lagers and ales to explore.
by Tom Smillie | Beer Reviews, Founders Brewing Company, Imperial / Double IPA, Imperial Beers, India Pale Ale (IPA), Michigan, Mug, Pint Glass, Snifter, Tulip, United States, Wine Glass |
Fresh (2010): $22.99 for a 4 pack, but I would argue that Devil Dancer is worth it. You can enjoy one, age one, sell one, and share one. I was on my screen porch when I cracked the bottle open and poured. Even with a mild breeze outside all I could smell was a...
by Tom Smillie | Beer Reviews, Belgian IPA, Belgian Pale Ale, Goblet, Michigan, New Holland Brewing Company, Snifter, Tulip, United States, Wine Glass |
A new variation of their Mad Hatter IPA since last time I sampled a flight of them in 2010. This one incorporates an interesting Belgian yeast strain to the mix which pairs rather well with the hop profile. Do not be fooled by the old “American Gothic”...
by Taylor Birkey | American Brown Ale, Belgian Strong Dark Ale, Goblet, Jolly Pumpkin Artisan Ales, Michigan, Mug, Pint Glass, Snifter, Tulip, United States, Wine Glass |
Last night I pulled a bottle out of the cellar … one that I have been looking forward to for some time: Jolly Pumpkin’s Maracaibo Especial (Blend 5, November 2010). This bottle was gifted to me a while back and I was really anticipating it. Maracaibo...
by John | American IPA, Mug, Oregon, Pint Glass, Rogue Ales, United States |
Our 3 day beer crawl in the Napa Valley of brewers was outstanding. 3 dedicated days to tasting brews and talking with brewmasters was a highlight of the year. One of those highlights was the Rogue Ales Public House near downtown Portland. So many beers to chose from...
by Tom Smillie | Beer Reviews, English Barley Wine, Pint Glass, Snifter, Sprecher Brewery, United States, Wine Glass, Wisconsin |
Vintage 2007: More known for their sodas (which are phenomenal by the way), Sprecher also produces a wide variety of beers. This beer falls in their limited edition production. They started brewing this Barleywine in 2005 and I found myself a 2007 bottle in the...
by Tom Smillie | American IPA, Beer Reviews, Colorado, Great Divide Brewing Company, Imperial / Double IPA, Mug, Pint Glass, Snifter, Tulip, United States, Wine Glass, Wood-Aged Beers |
I kept this bomber in my fridge for a year in order to see how it would age. Would the hops fade? Will the abv turn it into more of a barleywine? What about the oak aspect? These were all questions I asked myself throughout the year as I waited 365+ days to enjoy...