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.
Bell’s Expedition Stout
I was driving through St. Paul yesterday and found myself following a Bell’s delivery truck. For the first time in my life I wanted to hijack a truck! Rather than risk incarceration I went home and broke out a bottle of Bell’s Expedition Stout that I had...
Shipyard Barley Wine Style Ale (Pugsley’s Signature Series)
Michael: Pulgsley has been pretty good to me. Between his more than decent porter and a delightful pumpkin ale, Shipyard’s brewmaster has gained a pretty solid reputation in my book. So when I happened upon this bottle in the quaint town of Galena, Illinois, I...
Woodchuck Private Reserve Barrel Select Cider
Sometimes I take a break from reviewing craft beer and take a quick gander into the land of the cider. Without diminishing the excellence of craft beer, I believe that I can vouch for cider as a valid companion to beer. I first became interested in cider on a trip to...
Oskar Blues Mama’s Little Yella Pils
It is seldom that you come across a good Pilsner in a can. Let’s face it; most of them are mediocre macro-made brews not deserving of a pint glass pour. Thanks to Discount Liquors in Milwaukee I was able to get my hands on some Oskar Blues (their entire line-up to be...