1735. Pax Verum Indiana Pale Ale

Part TWO of today's Double Header.

The Bengal shocked the Bills (which I'm happy about, since Cincy is the sister city to Munich).

Now, I'm rooting for my friend, who is a huge Cowboys fan.

And for the second beer, the honest truth is that I've tried this before.

Back during the Pax Verum visit, this was one of the beer we taste-tested that day.

I liked my sample that day, so I wanted to make sure to get it on the website.

One thing I enjoy about this beer, is that all of the ingredients are from Indiana. (Hence the name)

I like this pale, because it's NOT bitter, and it's not hop heavy.

37 IBUs isn't bad, and it almost has a malty-ale flavor profile.

The aroma is appealing, and the beer doesn't let down.

Again, it's not a typical pale, and hop heads will be disappointed, but it's something I enjoy.

1734. Pax Verum Tidal Rift

It's a Pax Verum Double Header today!

First up, to go along with the Bills/Bengals match up, we have a Dry Hopped New Zealand Style Pilsner.

It's blah.

Not much flavor, and it is dry.

There is a little flavor, but not enough for me to know that I'm tasting, before my mouth is just dry and wants another drink.  Sadly, it's a vicious cycle, and I my tongue never feels refreshed.

I've had way worse than this, but it's nothing I will ever seek out.

1733. Mad Anthony Ruby Raspberry Wheat Ale

This is only my second beer from Mad Anthony, and I was not impressed with their IPA back in 2013.

Ten years later, my law firm does a lot of business from Ft. Wayne, so I picked up this beer last weekend when I realized they were from Ft. Wayne.

I know I've been saying I was going to knock out my Pax Verum beers, and because I have two left - I'm going to drink one during each of the NFL games tomorrow.

Tonight, I am going fruity and celebrating the return of "SNL" and the gorgeous Aubrey Plaza hosting tonight.  

This beer is okay.

It's not bad in any way, but it also doesn't stand out as amazing.

The wheat beer aspect of the beer is tasty, it's exactly what it should taste like.

The raspberry flavor is there, but it is really subtle.  It creeps in slowly, but it's there, and it's good.

This would be a good summer, outdoors, refreshing drink.

4.2% ABV makes it able to be drank for long sessions, and 8 IBUs means it's light and goes down super easy.

Time to enjoy it, and have some laughs.

1732. Big Lug Hans Grubeer

My original plan for this week, was to indulge in Pax Verum. 

I had three beers of theirs in my fridge, and planned Wed/Thu/Fri to be Pax beer nights.

Well, last night, I just wasn't feeling like a beer - but I did meet up with my buddy Peddie and we did a beer swap.  So, since I already broke my Pax-streak last night, I decided that tonight I would enjoy the beer Peddie gave me, and save the Pax beers for American football this weekend.

First, I wish I knew about this beer back in December.  I would have definitely paired this beer with a night of watching "Die Hard".

Second, like the villain of this beer's namesake, I don't like it.

Wait.  That doesn't really work.  I love Hans Gruber as a villain.  He's amazing, Rickman is amazing.

So, like, I do like Gruber as a villain, but he's a bad guy.  He's the antagonist.  So, Hans Grubeer is the antagonist of my taste buds - and they don't like Grubeer.

It's an IPA, I didn't expect to like it - but sometimes IPAs surprise me.

Like the recent Pax Verum IPAs - some were not bad, while others were.

The beer has a nice aroma, but from the first drink - it causes trauma in my mouth, that reverts my taste buds back to 2015's West Coast IPA surge.  It's not the driest beer I've ever drank, but it makes my mouth regret drinking it - with every sip I take.  If you're an IPA person, you should like this. 

It sounds like Peddie liked it more than me.

I love the can.

I don't like the beer. 

1731. Pax Verum Expand Your View

After last week's visit to Pax Verum, my weekend trip to Total Wine saw me seeking out some of their beers to add to the website.  I really enjoyed my chat with their owner and brewer, and wanted to make sure I showed them some love on the website.

First, I LOVE THIS CAN.  The eye.  The skull.  The alien.  I think it looks really cool.   The owner of Pax Verum talked a lot about his friend who draws their cans, and his work is dope.  I specifically enjoy this piece on this can.

The can reads: "Robust porter with bourbon barrel aged chocolate malt".

So, this might be the first time that I know of hearing about this version of brewing - aging the malts before brewing?  That's what I assume this statement means.  And since the beer comes in at only 6.8% ABV - I don't believe this aging is done after the beer is brewed, it sounds like the chocolate malts themselves are barrel aged.  I wish I would have known to ask about this when I was there.  I do plan to head out there again soon, and am excited to discuss this exact process.

So, the beer.  It's good.  I dig it.  The chocolate aroma is present, and the flavor is strong when drinking the beer.  There is a subtle hint of bourbon in the drinking, and it's really enjoyable.  It's just there enough to provide some good flavor, but does not overpower the flavor of the beer.  My lips are even a little sweet with a hint of the bourbon when I lick them.  There is a brief, dry flavor in the aftertaste, but it oddly doesn't stick around very long, which is cool.  

It's halftime of the Pacers game, and we aren't looking very good tonight.

Haliburton is obviously our MVP.  I still love this team this year, and have enjoyed watching them - even when we lose.  I didn't expect much this season, and these kids have surpassed all my wants for this season.  

1730. Grand Junction My Dirty Dancer

This is my first beer from Grand Junction, I've been meaning to go check them out, but I don't know how quickly I'll be doing that now.

I bought the beer because I like the name/font.

This beer falls into my "Glorified Miller Lite" category, and there is nothing more to say it.

Drinkable.

I meant to drink this beer last night, as a celebration of not dying in my first ever indoor soccer match. I’ve never played competitive soccer in my life, and the last time I played any competitive sport was in 2006.  So, I was happy to be involved in a team sport again, and after the match, I planned to celebrate with this beer - until I was so sore that I couldn’t get off the couch, and decided the beer wasn’t that important. So, tonight, it’s my late celebration. 

1729. Untitled Art Lemon Sherbet Fruited Sour

So, I love Untitled Art.

Most likely, I would consider them my favorite brewery, despite the single-brewing/collabs that they do.  I'm still always impressed by everything I drink from them.

This is one that I might have been a little TOO excited for.

It's good.  I do enjoy this beer  lot, but I don't know if it's one of my favorites from them - and it should be.

I think my disappointment comes from the fact that this beer is NOT sour in any way, like the can led me to believe.  It's tart, mildly tart - but nothing close to sour.

The lemon flavor is really good.

And the lactose and vanilla make it nice and creamy.  It definitely attempts to make the sherbet flavor, and it succeeds overall.  The beer is tasty, and does have great lemon flavor.  I just wish it was more sour.

I'm not mad, just a little sad that I expected too much - based on the can.

The lemon flavor does linger in the back of my mouth, and that does make me happy.

I made this evening, a Lemon Evening.

My current favorite soda I'm drinking is a Warheads Lemon Soda - and it's SOUR.  Like, legit SOUR.

Like my mouth is watering as I'm typing this, remembering drinking it thirty minutes ago.  That sour makes me happy, because it literally tastes like I just shoved a warhead candy into my mouth, and I'm enjoying that sour burst.  I almost wish I still had another can of the soda - because I would mixed the end of my beer, with an equal amount of soda, to see what that would taste like...  

1728. People's Boiler Gold

I know People's the best from the Brickyard Battalion IPAs that I've been forced to drink at Indy Eleven matches.  But, I've seen this beer around for a few years, and I always wanted to drink it with my ex-brother-in-law, because he graduated from Purdue.  They have this golden ale version, and their Boiler Black beer, which is a dark ale.  I always thought they would be perfect for making Black and Tans, but I never got that chance with him.

So, when another Purdue friend decided to host a poker night, I found it to be the perfect chance to bring this beer to share.  When I arrived, I asked Snow, "Have you tried this yet?"  His response was, "I think you brought it over one time before..."

Now, he got me thinking, and trying to remember if I did ever bring it over before? According to this website, the answer is no, as it has never been documented on here.  Is Snow trying to "Girl on the Train" me?  Nonetheless, if I have drank it with him before, then I am drinking and documenting it tonight.

The beer is fine.  It's okay.  It's kind of what I expected from People's - I'm learning I'm not really a fan of theirs.  Their stuff is fine, but never good.  And their decision to make Brickyard Battalion beers as IPAs, really has me questioning them in general.  Or, maybe I'm the only person on the planet who thinks IPAs in the hot sun, does NOT quench my thirst?

So, back to this golden ale.  It's fine.  I doubt I will ever buy it again, unless I'm doing those Black and Tans I mentioned with the Boiler Black beer.

UPDATE:  I ran my mouth a lot today, and I have some incredible luck to get TWO saves on the river, when I had gone all in.  But, in the end, I was the first person knocked out.  I went all-in pre-flop with pocket Aces, and got out drawn.  I can't be mad.  I don't blame Jeff for his call - suited runners, and he hit a straight.  We both made the right moves, the cards just fell in his favor.  Still an amazing evening with some great friends.  Now, back to dealing cards for everyone else.

1727. 18th Street Brewing The Shield

On Thursday, my buddy Jon was raving about this beer that he was about to tap on Friday.  I knew I was going to be up here today, so I made sure to swing in for brunch, so I could try it. 

It’s a very flavorful and tasty Porter. 

There’s not really any outstanding flavors to this beer, but it tastes exactly like it should, and the flavors are strong and delicious.  It’s very tasty, and I am really enjoying it. 

(Even though it’s in a Goose Island glass!)

I had to steal a picture from the internet because the can is really dope:

1726. Pax Verum Dark Matter

This week, I was honored to be invited to join a group of my good friends, in meeting with the owners and brewers of Pax Verum in Lapel, Indiana - as they begin a collaboration together.  Pax Verum is going to brew an IPA for the in house beer at my friend's bar.  And while everyone knows IPAs aren't my jam, I was invited to come along, do the taste testing, and discuss some ideas for the brew.

The guys (and gal) at Pax Verum have earned a new fan, after the time I spent with them.

Previously, I had only ever tried their Møtrboat (Beer #1537), which I only bought because of the can - and really enjoyed.

So, we tasted their Pale, and four of their IPA variations.  They picked one they thought would be the best base to start with, discussed some changes, and should have a solid recipe for a beer that's going to sell really well for them.  I am beyond excited to see how it turns out.

The crew at Pax Verum, were so cool, so chill, had absolutely zero ego, and just loved talking beers.

I've had a lot of conversations with a lot of brewers in my time in the beer world - and sadly, too many of them have an ego, think their shit is the only good stuff on Earth, and are dismissive of other brewers.  That's the exact opposite of the vibe I got the entire time I was hanging out with these guys.  We chatted about home brewing roots, the evolution of their beers over the past five years, the recipes they've tweeked, and some of the challenges they've faced.  The entire time, they were nothing but positive energy, and so much to chat with.  It's about a 30 minute drive for me, but I look forward to making a somewhat regular trip up to visit their brewpub.

Aside from the IPAs, they did give us some samples of their other styles - and I feel in love with Dark Matter.  To the point that I had to buy a four-pack of cans to bring home, so I could drink it some more.  It's a perfectly creamy milk stout that goes down like chocolate milk, and while the coconut flavor isn't as huge I prefer it - the lingering coconut flavor in the aftertaste is just enough to make this beer SO enjoyable.  As I'm watching the Pacers/Hawks, I'm letting it warm up, and the warmer it gets, the stronger that coconut lingering flavor is.  This is a delicious beer, especially at this time of the year.

(They also allowed us to taste a candied-stout, and it I swear there was some maple in there too - it was amazing, and too sweet for it's 11% ABV)

1725. Platform Midnight Martian

I ordered this beer based solely on the can - and luckily I wasn't disappointed when I learned it was a sour!  Woohoo!

A few of the guys from my Fantasy Football League got together to have some beers on the last regular season Sunday of the year.  I am in Ryan Miller's bar - rooting for his Packers - while he and Garrett are both in Green Bay, at Lambeau, watching it live.

So, the beer is good and fruity - with a very nice sour kick.  It's a solid 6/10 on the sour scale, nothing crazy, but good enough to make my mouth happy.  I would never turn this beer down.

1724. The Bruery Whole Lotta Colada

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

It's my first beer of 2023!

After the eleven months of HELL I went through in 2022, I've been blessed this last month, and I haven't been able to celebrate with anyone, so I'm celebrating with myself tonight.

I've had my eyes on this beer since September, but it's tough to justify $20 for a single 16oz can.

But last night, as I was sitting around and lamenting about this hellscape of 2022, I decided I wanted to treat myself, and finally celebrate this amazing last month that has given me a new lease on life.  So, I made the decision I was finally going to treat myself to this beer, and enjoy it as the ball drops.

I had already bought myself a bottle of Sparkling Grape Juice, because that's what I've done the past few years.  Last year, I wasn't drinking, and the year before Caitlin and I had Lily, so we shared a couple of bottles of Sparkling Grape Juice.  So, that was my plan for tonight, but that changed.

The Bruery.

Coconut.

Bourbon Barrel Aged.

I have a history of these three things together.  And this time, Mango and Vanilla are in the mix.

A History Lesson:

So, back in 2013, Ryan Miller introduced my to The Bruery with BEER #353 - Mischief.  

A few weeks later, I would find a coconut beer from The Bruery, and it became BEER #392.

Around Christmas of 2019, I would find a Bourbon Barrel Coconut beer from The Bruery, but I wasn't happy with the coconut flavor of BEER #1379.

At our "Independence Day" Party of 2020, Ryan Miller found what I consider to be the BEST coconut beer, ever.  And BEER #1445 was Bourbon Barrel Aged from The Bruery.

So, how does Beer 1724 stand up to the others?

It’s really tasty - but I don’t think it tops #1445.

The aroma is sweet-bourbon. It’s very appealing. 

The mango hits hard upfront. 

Followed by the bourbon flavor. 

Then it mellows out with the coconut, and I do enjoy that. 

The coconut doesn’t linger for very long, and honestly - there’s not much after that.  Some residual bourbon-like flavor is kind of there, but strangely, all flavor is gone quickly. 

Still really tasty, and for 10% ABV, I don’t feel it. 

This could be a sneaky one.