Quick Hits

I've had a couple tasty brews lately that I have to recommend:

O'So Brewing Night Train Porter: After finding out about this brewery in Plover earlier this year, we were finally able to get them in store a couple weeks ago. This beer definitely deserves better than some of the ratings it's getting online.  I'd put this right up there with Founders Porter (yeah, that's right) since it has the same great coffee component, but also a nice roasted malt smokiness.  There's also a nice licorice and citrus hop bite in there and overall it's very balanced. This Porter is a steal at $8.99 a six-pack.

Two Brothers Heavier Handed: There seems to be a growing group of beers that fall somewhere in between the big hop bite of an IPA and the sweet malt bomb and high ABV of an Imperial IPA, combining characteristics of both.  The 8.5% ABV Heavier Handed ($8.99, 22oz) is a version of their Washington state fresh-hop Heavy Handed IPA aged in French oak tanks called "foundres". It has the thick mouthfeel of a DIPA that I love, without the overt sweetness of some doubles. There's a great balance between the citrus and bitter hops with a touch of oak thrown in that never overpowers. Along with Left Hand Warrior IPA, Heavier Handed is one of the better IPA's I've had.

Founders Backwoods Bastard: After being dissapointed at it not being available when I was at their brewpub, I've been trying to get my hands on this one for a while.  Fans of their Dirty Bastard Scotch Ale will love this one, as it's got an absolute s**t-ton of Scotch and Bourbon flavor, with almost no alcohol burn despite the 10.2% ABV.  Combine that with the dark fruit, roasted malt and oak and you have a perfect finish that is quite an experience. I would call this the ultimate winter warmer. 

The Bruery Saison Rue: I thought I wasn't going to have a Saison that came close to the Boulevard Saison Brett I had a couple months ago.  Now I found The Bruery Saison Rue ($12.99, 750ml).  If you haven't tried anything from California's The Bruery, now is your chance.  Patrick Rue and his new brews are rocketing across the country with never before seen growth.  Barely a year old, they are already distributing to many western and midwestern states. The rye in this Saison imparts a bite that makes it for me, along with a light Brett funk and herbal notes that give it a lot of depth for a Saison.