Tag: Craft Beer

Episode 13 – Southern Tier – Fuse Box

Posted on by Drews Brews Reviews

Episode 13 of Drew’s Brews Reviews is here! The beer review show you never knew you wanted and no one needs. I mix it up this episode by trying the “concept case” from Southern Tier called the Fuse Box. Southern Tier is essentially repackaging three of their standard beers and asking its customers to blend them together to create various concoctions. The cynical among us might see this a marketing gimmick, but I toss that aside and put my taste buds on the line by mixing an IPA, Ale, and roasty Porter with tasty results. And yes, I freakin’ nailed that pun about “mixing it up” before you even knew it was a pun. BOOM!

Ep 14 — Firestone 17th Anniversary Beer (Maybe — Footage is Blurry)

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Kiuchi Brewery – Hitachino Nest Extra High (XH) Review

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Hitachino Nest - SakeAll You Need to Know

Brewery: Kiuchi Brewery
Style: Belgian Strong Dark/Brown
ABV: 8%
Cost: $6.50 (12oz)
Glassware: Snifter, Tulip
Temp: 55°F
Availability: Year-Round
Purchased@: State Line Liquors

Quick Take: An inoffensive, but merely ok beer that doesn’t wow. For me, it’s a pretty simple, slightly bland beer that isn’t worth the money. The sake aging doesn’t add enough to justify the expense, even for craft heads.

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Evolution Brewing – Lot 6 Review

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Lot 6All You Need to Know

Brewery: Evolution Craft Brewing
Style: DIPA
ABV: 8.5%
Cost:  $3.29 (12oz)
Glassware: Tulip
Temp: 55°F
Availability: Various Times
Purchased@: Brass Rail

Quick Take: I would place this firmly in the average category. That nice, toasty resin aroma is delectable and the taste is balanced, but it isn’t enough to overcome this pedestrian DIPA’s shortcomings. The lack of assertive qualities or identity makes this a boring beer. Nothing for the fresh hop heads or bright citrus pine nuts out there to get excited about, but you can do far worse.

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Firestone Walker – Velvet Merkin Review

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Velvet MerkinAll You Need to Know

Brewery: Firestone Walker
Style: Oatmeal Stout
ABV: 8.5%
Cost: $4 (5oz)
Glassware: Snifter
Temp: 50°F
Availability: September
Purchased@: Capone’s Restaurant (Philly Beer Week)

Quick Take: What this lacks in complexity, and it is definitely lacking, it makes up for in lightness and drinkability. This is a well-blended beer that integrates the bourbon to enhance the base beer without overrunning it. Just temper your expectations, especially if your reference point for dark and delicious Firestone beers is the rich, boozy and complex Parabola.

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Uinta Brewing – Detour Double IPA Review

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Uinta DetourAll You Need to Know

Brewery: Uinta Brewing
Style: DIPA
ABV: 9.5%
Cost: $3.82 (12oz)
Glassware: Tulip
Serving Temp: 50°F
Availability: Year Round
Purchased@: Shenandoah Hops

Quick Take: The enjoyment of this beer will really depend on your tongue’s relationship with hops and malt. I can appreciate this for being a bit different, but the sweet malt ends up being crushed by the dry, floral bitter finish, making for a beer at odds with itself. For my money, I think this is an affordable IPA that doesn’t play it safe but ends up providing a confused taste.

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