Nugget Nectar vs Hopslam: Epic Royale Showdown Extreme

Nugget Slam VSLet’s clear the air upfront and ask the only question that needs asking. Why pit these popular, near mainstream craft beers against each other, especially when one is an imperial IPA and the other an imperial amber? Fair enough question, and one I ask myself every January when the pissing match among PA beer nerds over which is superior gets heated (Pro Tip: If you’re uber elite, you’ll dislike both!) I suppose it’s for that reason, and the fact that I had one of each in the fridge and already did up the graphic, that I went through the arduous task of drinking not one, but TWO beers to settle the score. My dad was also on hand to help me with this Herculean task and offer his opinion of which sweet IPA reigns supreme.

(Note: I know this whole endeavor is a subjective exercise. What follows are preference and palate based conclusions and not hard science. Let’s begin!)

Continue reading “Nugget Nectar vs Hopslam: Epic Royale Showdown Extreme”

Bell’s Brewery – Venus Review

VenusAll You Need to Know

Brewery: Bell’s Brewery
Style: Blonde
ABV: 7.5%
Cost: $3 (12oz)
Glassware: Pint
Temp: 45°F
Availability: Limited
Purchased@: Hunger-N-Thirst

Quick Take: Venus tries to take the concept of the blonde and turn it into something you’ve never experienced before. In that regard, it’s successful. In making it a beer I want to drink again, it fails miserably. There is an audience for it, but I can’t say for certain who it is. All I know is that if this is what peace tastes like, I’ll take war every time.

→Full Review

Bell’s – Black Note Review (with comparisons to KBS)

Black NoteAll You Need to Know

Brewery: Bell’s Brewery
Style: Bourbon Barrel Imperial Stout
ABV: 11.4%
Cost: ???? (12oz)
Glassware: Teku, Snifter
Temp: 55°F
Availability: Nanosecond in Jan, Feb or March
Purchased@: Beer Trade

Quick Take: You certainly don’t need me to tell you that Black Note is a fantastic beer (it is btw). It has a reputation that existed long before this blog and will for as long as Bell’s brews it. I love the combination of the typical dark, malty flavors with the tang of dark fruits that still gives you the mouth feel you want without being too sweet. It’s a top stout for me and one of the most well-balanced, layered bourbon beers I’ve had.

→Full Review

Episode 7 – Hopslam (2014)

Episode 7 of Drew’s Brews Reviews is here! The beer review show you never knew you wanted and no one needs. I get hop-slammed in this episode and take on one of the most popular beers for casual and hardcore beer drinkers alike. I had this last year on draft and bottle and it quickly became one of my favorite IPAs. A year later and a few hundred more beers under my belt and in the fatty tissue of my gut, I dive in to see if you can indeed go home again.

Continue reading “Episode 7 – Hopslam (2014)”