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 | California, Coffee Beers, Firestone Walker Brewing Company, Pint Glass, Russian Imperial Stout, Snifter, Spirit-Aged Beers, United States |
Nectar Ales was founded in 1987 in Northern California helping to pioneer the craft beer moment in America. Since 2003, when Firestone Walker Brewing Company acquired Nectar, the brand has provided three year round beers to their line up. Recently (2009) they added...
by Tom Smillie | Colorado, Imperial / Double IPA, Oskar Blues Brewery, Snifter, Tulip, United States, Wine Glass |
I’ll be honest…I’m having the toughest time figuring out how to pronounce this beer let along what it means. I’m leaning towards it meaning Governor. Anywho, regardless of these factors it is apparent that Oskar Blues mean for this Imperial...
by Tom Smillie | American Barleywine, Beer Reviews, Delaware, Dogfish Head Craft Brewery, Pint Glass, Snifter, United States |
Wow. Olde School is one huge beer. Read the beer facts to the right and you’ll see why. One of the reasons DFH was able to get the abv so high was though the addition of pureed dates and figs during the brewing process. Sam put an old cellar man’s...
by Tom Smillie | Flute Glass, Maibock / Helles Bock, Mug, Pennsylvania, Pilsner Glass, Tröegs Independent Craft Brewery, United States |
I’ve had this in my fridge for over a year. Wow. Good thing this is a bock and probably matured a little with some cold cellaring. This, my first Tröegs brew, could not have been better. This Bock was a part of their Scratch Series where they brew various...
by Tom Smillie | American Strong Ale, California, Mug, Pint Glass, Snifter, Stone Brewing Company, United States, Wood-Aged Beers |
They, Stone, calls this the Cuvee de Bastards and rightly so. It combines and blends the 3 notable variations: Arrogant Bastard, Oaked Aged Bastard, and Double Bastard in this one-off brew that was released in November of 2010. Its release celebrated 13 years since...
by Tom Smillie | Cascadian Dark Ale / Black IPA, Michigan, Mug, New Holland Brewing Company, Pint Glass, United States |
Reflecting back on the Mad Hatter night at Bavarian Lodge I must say my appreciation for the beer has changed. Back then I found this average, but after sipping on this bomber I won me over. I guess my reason for the grade was due to the fact that I had not sampled...