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, California, Pint Glass, Port Brewing Company, Russian Imperial Stout, Snifter, Spirit-Aged Beers, United States |
A base Port Brewing Imperial Stout + Bourbon barrel = deliciousness. Seriously! It is good stuff. Some time back I had the pleasure of brewing for the day with Tim Marshall (former Senior brewer at Rock Bottom-Lombard). Before we started brewing he let me sample...
by John | Belgian Strong Dark Ale, Goblet, Lucky Bucket Brewing Company, Nebraska, Snifter, Tulip, United States, Wine Glass |
My favorite beer man is high on this newly arrived Nebraska beer. Lucky Bucket may have been around for a while but it is new to Walt’s Wine and Spirits in Oakdale, Mn. This is my first Belgian Strong Dark Ale. Technically Belgian strong dark ales are similar to...
by John | American IPA, Lucky Bucket Brewing Company, Mug, Nebraska, Pint Glass, United States |
Walt’s Wines and Spirits (www.waltswine.com) is a new wine and spirits store in our part of town. The Watson Fong family does a great job welcoming and making customers feel like they are important. Like so many locally owned businesses the staff at Walt’s...
by Tom Smillie | Beer Reviews, Genesee Brewing Company, Kölsch, New York, Stange, United States |
A good Kölsch is grassy, crisp, smooth, and has a light wheat texture. This beer has all those descriptions, but lacks a little quality. You see, not every brewery can make a great Kölsch. They may try, but only a few succeed (i.e., the breweries in the town of...
by Tom Smillie | Beer Reviews, Cascadian Dark Ale / Black IPA, Mug, Oregon, Pint Glass, United States, Widmer Brothers Brewery |
Found a single on the shelf and decided to give this one a try. Widmer’s, known more for their Hefe, has every right to brew a Black IPA as they are located in the Cascadian range of North America. While I’m not particularly found of this style, you...
by Tom Smillie | Beer Reviews, Belgian Strong Dark Ale, Colorado, Goblet, Great Divide Brewing Company, Snifter, Tulip, United States, Wine Glass |
Wow! This beer holds up to just about any Quad on the market today. Packed with wonderful flavor and boasting a hefty 11% abv it is no wonder they release it January-March (we need something to keep us warm). Allow me to explain why this beer should be one of your...