Zymurgical Explorations

Lost Abbey Serpent's Stout | ZE Beer Review

2011-04-20T08:22:00.002-04:00

I finally review this bottle, which was sent to me by Ryan back in December. At 11% it definitely holds up to four months of aging.

Zymurgical Explorations grade: A-

Deschutes Mirror Mirror | ZE Beer Review

2011-04-09T08:50:00.004-04:00

I'm pretty sure this is my first-ever Deschutes beer. It was sent to me by Youtube beer reviewer monkeycaveman.

Go check out this channel!

Zymurgical Explorations grade: B+

Stone/Green Flash/Pizza Port Carlsbad Highway 78 Ale | ZE Beer Review

2011-04-08T08:45:00.001-04:00

Thanks to Ryan for the bottle!

Zymurgical Explorations grade: B

Green Flash West Coast IPA | ZE Beer Review

2011-04-07T08:40:00.003-04:00

The first beer sent to me by Lidney, Youtube user/beer reviewer monkeycaveman.

The last IPA I'll be doing for awhile, as I'm getting a bit bored with the style.

Zymurgical Explorations grade: A

Quilmes Stout | ZE Beer Review

2011-04-06T08:35:00.003-04:00

My friend Josh (whose family lives in Argentina) gave me a bottle of an authentic Argentinian stout to review for the channel. Who am I to say no?

Zymurgical Explorations grade: C+

Pike Brewing Monk's Uncle Tripel Ale | ZE Beer Review

2011-04-05T08:30:00.003-04:00

An American-made tripel sent to me by Jonathan AKA NYRFan4ever. Thanks for the beer, even if it isn't exactly my favorite of the style.

Zymurgical Explorations grade: B

Short's Huma-Lupa-Licious and Hangin' Frank -- A "Parallel Tasting" | ZE Beer Review

2011-03-31T09:30:00.003-04:00

I decided to try something different and do a quick compare-and-contrast on two beers of the same style produced by the same brewery. I haven't done a review of the Short's Huma-Lupa-Licious, but you can view my original review of Hangin' Frank here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=utbBO2hKPSQ

(I'll also note I didn't re-watch that video before shooting this one.)

Let me know how you like this experiment!

KBS Release Day Video at Founders

2011-03-30T09:15:00.000-04:00

Founders KBS release day this year coincided with my birthday, so I had the perfect excuse to get in line at 7:15 to get my case of KBS. Shana came with me, so I ended up getting two cases.

Yes, I lead a charmed life.

Included in this video is some footage of the line, tasting some of the special releases on tap that day, including vintage KBS and nitro-tap KBS, and a trip to famed beer bar Hopcat later in the day. All in all a great way to spend a birthday.

Vlog 2011-03-13 Growler Fill IPA Tasting and Homebrew Challenges

2011-03-29T09:00:00.000-04:00

Just what it says in the title. I take my first taste of the carbonated version of the Growler Fill IPA and I talk a bit about what I'm planning for the two homebrew challenges currently around on Youtube.

Frankenmuth Batch 69 American-style IPA | ZE Beer Review

2011-03-28T10:07:00.000-04:00

Another beer from a small Michigan brewery. Since shooting this video I learned that Frankenmuth makes both an American-style and an English-style IPA. This is the American one.

Zymurgical Explorations grade: B-

Mother Earth Silent Night Imperial Stout | ZE Beer Review

2011-03-10T07:35:00.002-05:00

Not the Mother Earth in Vista, CA, but the one in Kinston, NC. Just to clear that up.

Bottle brought to me as a gift from my friends Jenna and Jonathan. Check out her homemade jewelry here:

http://www.j2jewelry.etsy.com

Port Brewing Mongo IPA | ZE Beer Review

2011-03-07T20:09:00.001-05:00

Is there a beer worthy of being compared with the Three Floyd Arctic Panzer Wolf? I think I may have found one.

This is probably the last of this season's outdoor snowy videos.

Zymurgical Explorations grade: A

Dark Horse Double Crooked Tree IPA | ZE Beer Review

2011-03-03T08:24:00.000-05:00

Fair warning: after I recorded this review I heard reports that this beer may not be consistent from bottle to bottle. The ones I've had have been uniformly excellent, however.

Zymurgical Explorations grade: A

Fuller's London Porter | ZE Beer Review

2011-03-01T11:30:00.000-05:00

My friend Ryan (Youtube user StumpyJoeJr) and I reviewed this beer as my very last video for import month. It's one of his very favorite beers and a classic English porter.

Zymurgical Explorations grade: A

Hitachino Nest Espresso Stout | ZE Beer Review

2011-02-27T11:00:00.004-05:00

This was a request from someone, but I can't remember who it was. If you're the one who requested it send me a note and I'll update this info box with your info.

Overall, this isn't a bad beer, but it's a little bit too much coffee and not enough stout for my taste.

Zymurgical Explorations grade: B

Great Divide Old Ruffian Barleywine | ZE Beer Review

2011-02-26T09:30:00.003-05:00

One last snow video before spring sets in. I review one of my favorite barleywines, a very hoppy American-style barleywine from Great Divide.

(Note: I'm trying a new rendering/uploading method, sorry if quality drops.)

Zymurgical Explorations grade: A

Belhaven Scottish Ale | ZE Beer Review

2011-02-25T10:30:00.002-05:00

Another import beer review, of a beer that I attempted to review earlier in the month. The earlier review was the bottled version, which was too lightstruck to fairly review.

This is also another review out in the snow, for those interested in seeing me stand in the freezing outdoors.

Zymurgical Explorations grade: B

Zymurgical Explorations Vlog 2011-02-21

2011-02-24T16:57:00.000-05:00

Come have a pint with me as I bullshit my way through an unedited vlog and drink a Two-Hearted in my garage....

Propeller IPA | ZE Beer Review

2011-02-24T16:56:00.000-05:00

This is the first beer I've reviewed that was sent to me by fellow Youtube beer reviewer elharlock. Quite a nice session IPA -- I'd definitely drink it if it was local to me.

Zymurgical Explorations grade: B

Beck's Lager | ZE Beer Review

2011-02-23T10:00:00.004-05:00

I figured as long as I'm doing a month of imports, I might as well do at least one green-bottle European lager. So I picked the standard lager from one of the largest breweries in Germany. It's about what you'd expect.

Zymurgical Explorations grade: C-

BrewDog Punk IPA | ZE Beer Review

2011-02-22T08:20:00.000-05:00

Definitely clear evidence that it's best to drink an IPA as fresh as possible. I've had an old bottle of this before, and it doesn't even taste like an IPA.

Zymurgical Explorations grade: B

Lion Stout | ZE Beer Review

2011-02-21T09:30:00.003-05:00

In this episode I review a beer all the way from Sri Lanka, that actually includes a quote from the late Beer Hunter Micheal Jackson himself. If there's a such a thing as a sessionable high-gravity stout, this is it.

Zymurgical Explorations grade: A-

Founders Imperial Stout | ZE Beer Review

2011-02-20T11:11:00.000-05:00

Ho-hum, another excellent imperial stout made within easy driving distance of me. However will I survive?

Zymurgical Explorations grade: A

Harvestoun Ola Dubh 30 | ZE Beer Review

2011-02-19T09:00:00.003-05:00

This is my 150th video beer review, which is awesome. What's not so awesome is waiting ten months or so to drink this beer, which is good but not worth the incredibly high price tag I paid for it. I don't mention it in the vid, but New Holland Dragon's Milk is just about as good for a fraction of the price, and is much more widely available (at least in Michigan).

Zymurgical Explorations grade: A-

Frankenmuth Munich-style Dunkel Lager | ZE Beer Review

2011-02-18T09:03:00.000-05:00

I've decided to start reviewing more local beers, especially from smaller, lesser-known breweries. I won't be doing this as a series, but just interspersing these reviews with all the other stuff I do.

Zymurgical Explorations grade: C+

Okocim Porter | ZE Beer Review

2011-02-17T08:30:00.000-05:00

I do a beer that's basically definitive of a style -- in this case, the Baltic Porter style. Basically a Euro Dark Lager with black patent malt added to give it a dark, roasty, licorice/raisin character. Quite nice!

Zymurgical Explorations grade: B+

Three Floyds Arctic Panzer Wolf

2011-02-16T13:31:00.000-05:00

I review the last of my Three Floyds bombers, the truly phenomenal Arctic Panzer Wolf. This video is a bit more NSFW than others, simply because I couldn't resist dropping a few extra swear words in discussing how excellent this beer is.

Zymurgical Explorations grade: A

Mikkeller Monk's Brew (Monk's Elixir) | ZE Beer Review

2011-02-14T13:23:00.002-05:00

This is my edit of the collaboration video I did with Peter (TheMasterofHoppets) and Jakob (TheLordofMalts), both in Denmark. We reviewed a Mikkeller Quadrupel that purports to be authentically Trappist, but it left us all somewhat wanting.

There was a LOT of footage in the original, which I've edited down while keeping the spirit of the proceedings. I was tempted just to post the whole damn thing as an object lesson in what happens when beer reviews go astray, but I think this one works anyway.

Peter's channel: http://www.youtube.com/TheMasterofHop...
Jakob's channel: http://www.youtube.com/TheLordofMalts

Zymurgical Explorations grade: B-

Troegs Nugget Nectar | ZE Beer Review

2011-02-12T08:08:00.000-05:00

I review a highly-rated beer that I received from Chris over at BeerGeekNation. Color me slightly underwhelmed.

Zymurgical Explorations grade: B

Wells Bombardier Ale | ZE Beer Review

2011-02-10T08:21:00.000-05:00

I have to admit that I really only reviewed this because Simon of the Real Ale Guide shot a video of this being bottled, and seeing all those bottle fills gave me the psychosomatic response of wanting to drink this beer.

Simon's video of the bottling process can be found here.

Zymurgical Explorations grade: B

Alesmith Speedway Stout | ZE Beer Review

2011-02-08T08:02:00.002-05:00

In this episode I review a beer sent to me by Ryan, aka Youtube beer reviewer StumpyJoeJr, also of BeerGeekNation. This is one of the top-rated stouts in the world, and it absolutely deserves the recognition.

Zymurgical Explorations grade: A

Mikkeller Black Hole | ZE Beer Review

2011-02-06T14:27:00.000-05:00

In this episode I review a Danish Russian Imperial Stout made by Mikkeller. It's a collaborative effort with fellow BeerTuber Peter, also known as The Master of Hoppets.

Zymurgical Explorations grade: B+

We also took a few minutes to have a chat together, which we thought those interested in our channels might enjoy.

Thanks again to Peter for both the review and the conversation.

Three Floyds Dreadnaught IPA | ZE Beer Review

2011-02-06T11:39:00.000-05:00

One of the top-rated DIPAs on Planet Earth. How would I respond to it?

Zymurgical Explorations grade: A-

Brauerei Michael Plank Pilserl | ZE Beer Review

2011-02-05T14:23:00.007-05:00

In this episode I review a pilsner made by a small microbrewery in Germany, Brauerei Michael Plank. It's imported to the US by Elite Brands, which is located right in my home city of Kalamazoo, so I'm guessing I get it fresher than anywhere else in the country. A very nice pilsner, one I'd love to try on tap sometime.

Zymurgical Explorations grade: A-

Trappist Rochefort 10 | ZE Beer Review

2011-02-04T14:07:00.002-05:00

I review another Belgian Quadrupel, currently listed at number 6 on the BeerAdvocate "Best of BA" list. I originally tried this back in January 2006 and reviewed it on BA, but my palate has developed a lot since then and I'm much more able to appreciate its qualities.

The news story about the fire at the Trappist Rochefort monastery is here.

Zymurgical Explorations grade: A+

Paw Paw Brewing Two Paws IPA | ZE Beer Review

2011-02-04T12:46:00.001-05:00

In this video, Shana and I review a growler fill from a brand-new brewery a couple of towns over from us: the Paw Paw Brewing Company.

http://twitter.com/pawpawbrewery

Zymurgical Explorations grade: B+

Boddington's Pub Ale | ZE Beer Review

2011-02-03T14:06:00.001-05:00

While my grains were mashing on my brew day earlier this week, I decided to shoot a quick beer review. This one is for Boddington's Pub Ale, which is listed on BeerAdvocate as an English Pale Ale, but I've always thought of it as a bitter. Probably just me.

Zymurgical Explorations grade: B-

Three Floyds Broo Doo | ZE Beer Review

2011-02-02T14:44:00.000-05:00

So. "Broo Doo" might just be the silliest name for a beer EVER.

Nonetheless, we soldier on. This is Three Floyds' harvest ale brewed with fresh wet hops, so I was a bit reluctant to review it at such a late date. I ended up drinking it on January 3 and it was still deliciously hoppy.

Zymurgical Explorations grade: A-

Monk's Cafe Sour Ale | ZE Beer Review

2011-02-02T14:05:00.002-05:00

This was one of the very first sour ales I ever tried, and I remember really enjoying it. Would I think it was as good on a second go-around?

Zymurgical Explorations grade: B+

Zymurgical Explorations Vlog 2011-01-16

2011-02-02T14:04:00.000-05:00

That's right, a new vlog despite my semi-absence.

Channels mentioned in this vid:
www.youtube.com/monkeycaveman
www.youtube.com/elharlock
www.youtube.com/StumpyJoeJr
www.youtube.com/TheMasterofHoppets
www.youtube.com/Yuichituba
www.youtube.com/BeerichiTuba

Fuller's 1845 | ZE Beer Review

2011-02-02T14:02:00.002-05:00

In this import month entry, I review a specialty ale from Fuller's in London. A stronger-than-average pale ale made to commemorate the founding of the modern era of their brewery.

Zymurgical Explorations grade: A

Weihenstephaner Korbinian | ZE Beer Review

2011-02-02T14:01:00.002-05:00

Import month continues, with this dopplebock from the oldest continuously-operated brewery in the world.

Zymurgical Explorations grade: B+

Nøgne Ø #100 Barleywine-Style Ale | ZE Beer Review

2011-01-22T17:21:00.000-05:00

I review a bottle I've had in my cellar for a while, Nøgne Ø #100 Barleywine Style Ale. It's a nice American-style barleywine, but doesn't quite blow me away.

Zymurgical Explorations grade: B+

Should We Review Skunky Beer?

2011-01-22T17:20:00.002-05:00

I was going to review the Belhaven Scotch Ale, but due to the clear bottle it was overtly skunky. Is it fair to review beers that we know aren't in their prime? I open the question to the peanut gallery.

Zymurgical Explorations Year in Beer 2010

2011-01-22T17:19:00.000-05:00

As a little bonus for all my subscribers, I thought I'd go ahead and do a year 2010 wrap-up video. I've done a chronological countdown of some of my favorite and least favorite beers, with a bit of explanation about why I chose to leave some stuff out at the beginning.

I hope everyone had a wonderful 2010 and 2011 has gotten off to a great start.

Zymurgical Explorations Year in Beer 2010

Unertl Weizen | ZE Beer Review

2011-01-22T17:18:00.000-05:00

I thought this was a hefeweizen when I bought it, but it turned out to be a dunkelweizen. Still a nice beer, though.

Zymurgical Explorations grade: B

Mikkeller Amarillo Single Hop IPA | ZE Beer Review

2011-01-03T09:59:00.002-05:00

This is the first of my month of imports, a beer that Shana just picked up for me in Indianapolis, Mikkeller's Amarillo Single Hop IPA. I've never had an Amarillo single-hop, so this was a very cool bottle for me to try.

Zymurgical Explorations grade: B+

Beer Acquisitions 2011-01-01 or Why I Have the Best Girlfriend Ever

2011-01-03T09:57:00.002-05:00

In which I show off a bunch of beer my girlfriend bought for me when she was in Indiana right before New Year's. Lots of great stuff coming up for review soon.

Bell's Expedition Stout Vertical Tasting

2011-01-03T09:56:00.000-05:00

This will be my last review of 2010. Happy 2011, everyone!

A vertical tasting of one of my favorite Russian Imperial Stouts, between a 2008 and a 2010 bottling. Lots of fun.

Zymurgical Explorations grade: A

Stone Double Bastard Vertical Tasting

2011-01-03T09:55:00.000-05:00

I do a vertical tasting of Stone Double Bastard, between a 2005 bottle and a 2010. The hops definitely fade out on this one.

Zymurgical Explorations grade: B+

Trappist Westvleteren 12 | ZE Beer Review

2010-12-25T19:52:00.000-05:00

As a special Christmas episode, I review what has long been considered one of the best --if not the very best-- beer in the world: Trappist Westvleteren 12. I received the bottle in trade from fellow Youtube beer reviewer Chad9976. Thanks Chad!

I reviewed the beer with my girlfriend Shana. Since this is such a renowned beer, I kept my editing to a minimum here, which makes for a slightly overlong video. I figured it was reasonable to go a little long since so many of us have extremely limited access to the beer if we can get it at all, and documenting as much of the experience as possible was likely to be appreciated.

Zymurgical Explorations grade: A+

Weyerbacher Insanity | ZE Beer Review

2010-12-24T21:49:00.000-05:00

This was a bottle sent to me by Chris over at BeerGeekNation. BeerAdvocate lists this as an English Barleywine, but given that it's been aged in oak I think it's fairer to consider it a particularly potent old ale. Either way it's an excellent brew, one that I hope to be able to get again soon.

Zymurgical Explorations grade: A-

Sierra Nevada Celebration Ale | ZE Beer Review

2010-12-23T18:05:00.000-05:00

I wasn't necessarily planning on reviewing this one, but I've enjoyed this year's batch so much that I decided to give it a quick review.

I also show off the wonderful beery gifts that my girlfriend gave me for the holiday. Have I mentioned that she's awesome?

Towards the end I also comment a bit about the quality of this year's fresh hop ales.

(Sorry about the flickering towards the start of the vid. The lights above me flickered a bit but I didn't realize how prominent it'd be on camera. Damn CFLs!)

Zymurgical Explorations grade: A-

Butternuts Moo Thunder Stout | ZE Beer Review

2010-12-22T21:27:00.000-05:00

Another beer sent to me by Chad9976 in our beer trade. A milk stout that seemed fairly substandard to me.

Zymurgical Explorations grade: B-

Bell's Christmas Ale | ZE Beer Review

2010-12-21T17:54:00.000-05:00

This is Bell's seasonal Christmas beer, which is unfortunately at the time of this upload out of stock in the area. BeerAdvocate calls this a Scotch Ale, but I review it as an American Amber.

This was a requested beer from Paul, Youtube user vallsack. Thanks for the request, Paul!

Zymurgical Explorations grade: B+

Russian River Pliny the Elder | ZE Beer Review

2010-12-20T23:40:00.000-05:00

I got a couple of bottles of the famed Pliny the Elder in a trade with fellow Beer Geek Nation member Ryan (aka StumpyJoeJr). This one absolutely lived up to my expectations.

Zymurgical Explorations grade: A

Dogfish Head Burton Baton | ZE Beer Review

2010-12-18T13:00:00.002-05:00

I taste a new-to-the-area Dogfish Head Imperial IPA. It's definitely an interesting experience. I'm not sure if this rating is fair, but I think it's about the best I can do.

Zymurgical Explorations grade: B+

Beer Mail 2010-12-16

2010-12-18T12:58:00.000-05:00

Awesome beer mail from Ryan, Youtube user StumpyJoeJr. Check out his channel -- he does great beer reviews!

youtube.com/StumpyJoeJr

Samuel Adams Infinium | ZE Beer Review

2010-12-15T12:50:00.000-05:00

I review the much-hyped Sam Adams/Weihenstephan collaboration beer. It ends up being a good beer, but definitely not worth the hype or the price.

Zymurgical Explorations grade: B+

Orkney Skullsplitter Ale | ZE Beer Review

2010-12-14T12:45:00.000-05:00

I take a little trip out into the snow to review Skullsplitter ale, one of my favorite Scotch Ales, a huge malty monstrosity from Scotland. A perfect beer for a crazy person drinking in the middle of a minor blizzard.

Zymurgical Explorations grade: A

Rogue Dad's Little Helper Malt Liquor | ZE Beer Review

2010-12-13T16:06:00.000-05:00

Time for a malt liquor video! Or is it? I review Rogue Dad's Little Helper, a "craft" malt liquor. What's the point of this beer? Hopefully some of my commenters will help enlighten me.

Zymurgical Explorations grade: C

Zymurgical Explorations Beer Cellar

2010-12-13T16:05:00.000-05:00

I've gotten a few requests to show off my beer cellar. Mine isn't too impressive, but I think I've got some cool beers to show off. The vid ran very long, so I split it into two parts.

This is part one, where I show off my 22oz and 750mL bottles.

This is part two, with my 12oz bottles.

Ithaca Flower Power | ZE Beer Review

2010-12-10T14:55:00.001-05:00

This was a bottle sent to me by Youtube beer reviewer Chad9976 when he sent me the Westy. I just don't have much to say about this beer other than: watch the review!

Zymurgical Explorations grade: B+

Weyerbacher Quad | ZE Beer Review

2010-12-08T11:29:00.000-05:00

This was one of the bottles sent to me by Chris (BeerGeekNation) in a beer trade. He knows I like quads, so this was a good choice.

Ultimately this was quite a good beer, but I think I liked it just a little less since I'd had the St. Bernardus Abt 12 so recently. I'd definitely drink this again, though.

Zymurgical Explorations grade: B+

Stone India Pale Ale | ZE Beer Review

2010-12-06T10:44:00.002-05:00

This is a classic IPA, and yet I've never really thought it was a top-notch beer. As move as I love Stone, especially their Ruination DIPA, this one leaves me somewhat cold. Nonetheless, it's a solid IPA and almost the definition of a West-Coast-style IPA.

Zymurgical Explorations rating: B

Fullers ESB | ZE Beer Review

2010-12-03T11:02:00.002-05:00

My friend Jake joins me for this review. Thanks Jake!

I love English Special Bitters, and this one is pretty much the classic example of the style, one of the originators as far as I know. Jake wanted to do a beer review with me, and I let him pick the beer -- this was what he picked. Fine by me!

Zymurgical Explorations grade: A-
Jake's grade: A-/B+

St. Bernardus Abt 12 | ZE Beer Review

2010-12-01T11:04:00.000-05:00

St. Bernardus is the brewery that at one time had the contract to brew for Westvleteren. My understanding is that this beer is about as close as you can get to Westy 12 without actually drinking Westy 12.

I'd had this before, but not for a couple of years, and I believe this bottle was fresher than the bottles I'd had in the past. In any case, this was a really great experience and I think that shows on camera.

Zymurgical Explorations grade: A+

Bell's Batch 10,000 | ZE Beer Review

2010-11-29T10:33:00.000-05:00

Every thousand batches, Bell's makes a specialty-release beer that commemorates their own continued existence. For Batch 10,000, they threw in everything but the kitchen sink, and then tossed in the sink for good measure. Over a hundred types of grains and sixty types of hops went into making this massive barleywine.

Definitely not for the faint of heart.

The list of ingredients in the brew can be found here.

Zymurgical Explorations grade: A

If We Did Book Reviews the Way We Do Beer Reviews

2010-11-27T12:08:00.002-05:00

This is a parody.

Which means that I'm not REALLY reviewing the book, but doing the version that I'd do if I did book reviews the way I do beer reviews.

Beer reviewing (at least video beer reviewing) is based on the immediate impression, on what is going on at-the-moment. It's difficult, when recording a review, to really give an overall perspective on a beer.

Imagine if Siskel & Ebert had had to stop every ten minutes during a movie to record thoughts about the flick, and those thoughts had made up the overall review, to understand what it's like to try to do these videos.

Moosbacher Schwarz Weisse | ZE Beer Review

2010-11-26T13:26:00.002-05:00

Another German beer review. I've had a request from Youtube user grandilochris to do more German beers, so here goes.

This was my second attempt reviewing this bottle, as the first time I had technical issues that made the footage unusable.

Overall this is a nice dunkel weizen, even if it doesn't really stand out from the pack.

Zymurgical Explorations grade: B

St Ambroise McAuslan Oatmeal Stout | ZE Beer Review

2010-11-24T14:38:00.000-05:00

St Ambroise McAuslan Oatmeal Stout (bottle)
Montreal, Quebec
5.0 % ABV

This is one of fellow Youtube reviewer elharlock's favorite beers. Will I like it as well as he does? Guess you'll have to watch the vid to find out.

Click here's for elharlock's channel.

Zymurgical Explorations rating: B+

New Holland Beerhive | ZE Beer Review

2010-11-22T11:59:00.000-05:00

My girlfriend Shana returns for another beer review. Yay!

This is an interesting beer, possibly a nice intro to the style for those just getting into Belgian beers, but ultimately somewhat disappointing to both me (an old Belgian lover) and Shana (who was looking for more prominent flavors from the odd ingredients). It's not a terrible beer, nor a great beer, but just a good one.

(Be sure to stick around until the end for an impromptu song by Shana.)

Zymurgical Explorations grade: B+
Shana's grade: B

New Holland Hopivore | ZE Beer Review

2010-11-20T11:11:00.000-05:00

Full disclosure: I actually shot this video a couple of weeks ago. Subsequent bottles lost even more of their hoppiness, so if you see this now it'll be even more of a standard pale ale.

Zymurgical Explorations grade: B-

Newcastle Brown and Summer Ale

2010-11-17T09:53:00.000-05:00

In the interest of getting both of these beers reviewed, I decided to do to reviews in a single video. Newcastle Brown is completely common, available in all fifty states as far as I know, but the Summer Ale is a new release that was only in selected markets last summer. Chris over at BGN sent me a bottle when he pulled my name out of a hat for his 400th subscriber contest.

In the middle of this vid I also give you my method for clearing my palate between beers, if you're at all interested.

Zymurgical Explorations grade (Newcastle Brown): C
Zymurgical Explorations grade (Newcastle Summer): C+

Troegs Scratch Ale 35 (Fresh Hop Ale)

2010-11-15T08:20:00.002-05:00

This is my first Troegs beer, sent to me by Chris over at BeerGeekNation, who lives about as close to them as I do to Bell's.

This is part of their Scratch series, where their brewers make specialty one-off releases. This time it's a wet-hopped Harvest Ale.

Zymurgical Explorations grade: B+

Beer Appreciation 101 (Part 2 of 3)

2010-11-14T09:37:00.000-05:00

This is part two of an experimental series for me. I recorded a three-part series for people who are interested in pursuing the hobby, but who have no experience. In this series, I'm going to be talking about how exactly we examine, smell, and taste beer, with a final part dealing with some of the more general philosophical issues regarding rating beer.

This is not meant to be complete, and I am definitely interested in hearing people's thoughts, particularly from those new to the hobby. Suggestions for future videos are welcome.

In Part One, I detailed the way to pour properly, and talked about some of the things you can learn from looking at beer, and some general aroma notes.

In Part Two, I'm discussing issues surrounding taste, including mouthfeel and drinkability. What techniques should be used when attempting to get the most out of a beer?

Part Three will consider philosophical issues.

Oxfordshire Ales Marshmellow

2010-11-12T13:46:00.000-05:00

I review an English Real Ale from Oxfordshire Ales. This one has nothing to do with marshmallows, but is instead a pretty decent ESB.

I found this to be quite a bit sweeter than I expected, without the dry caramel notes, but still quite nice. I'm definitely interested in hearing from others who have had it.

It's also my first beer review shot via webcam. Hopefully everything turns out okay.

Zymurgical Explorations grade: B

Bell's The Oracle Vertical Tasting | ZE Beer Review

2010-11-10T11:28:00.000-05:00

My first video vertical tasting. Of a truly awesome DIPA, Bell's The Oracle. I know not a lot of you have had the chance to try this yet, but I've heard they're going to be making a lot more of it in the future and expanding distribution.

Batch 9306 was bottled on August 28, 2009.

Batch 9901 was bottled August 23, 2010.

I shot this video on November 2, 2010.

Zymurgical Explorations grade: A- (for both bottles)

Peroni Nastro Azzuro

2010-11-08T08:02:00.000-05:00

Peroni Nastro Azzuro
Roma, Italy
5.1% ABV

A Euro Pale Lager in a green bottle. I think I know how this is going to taste. I wouldn't have bothered reviewing a macroish import, except it was requested by a subscriber (WrappedInPlastic100) on my Youtube channel.

I hope this review satisfies him or her.

I've heard that the Italian craft beer scene has become fairly exciting in the last few years, but this one is neither craft nor exciting.

Zymurgical Explorations grade: C-

Beer Apprectiation 101 (Part 1 of 3)

2010-11-07T12:11:00.000-05:00

This is part one of an experimental series for me. I recorded a three-part series for people who are interested in pursuing the hobby, but who have no experience. In this series, I'm going to be talking about how exactly we examine, smell, and taste beer, with a final part dealing with some of the more general philosophical issues regarding rating beer.

This is not meant to be complete, and I am definitely interested in hearing people's thoughts, particularly from those new to the hobby. Suggestions for future videos are welcome.

In Part One, I detail the way to pour properly, and talk about some of the things you can learn from looking at beer, and some general aroma notes.

Part Two will deal with issues surrounding taste.

Part Three will consider philosophical issues.

Founders Harvest Ale

2010-11-05T11:29:00.000-04:00

Founders Harvest Ale (bottle)
Grand Rapids, MI
6.5% ABV

A quick and dirty review of Founders Harvest Ale, shot after a long day at work. Short story: I like this beer a lot; as the earthy wet hops give it a really fresh and interesting flavor.

Zymurgical Explorations grade: B+

Vlog 2010-11-03

2010-11-04T10:18:00.000-04:00

I meant for this to be quicker than it is, but hopefully it won't bore you all to death.

First I show off my new webcam, where I'll be shooting some reviews. I think the video quality will be good, and hopefully the audio is okay.

Then I reflect a bit on Bell's week, which has just finished. Awesome experience, and I'll be doing a lot more Bell's stuff this winter.

Finally, I update some things that are going on with my channel. I'm changing my rating system for beers, and I'm adjusting my posting frequency. I'm open to feedback on both of these issues, so please let me know how you feel about them.

Thanks to all those who have subscribed to my channel, and to everyone who's ever left a comment or requested a beer review. This community has been really awesome, and after 100+ videos this remains a lot of fun.

Bell's Two Hearted Ale (Bell's Week Day 8 of 8)

2010-11-03T11:32:00.000-04:00

Bell's Two-Hearted India Pale Ale
Kalamazoo, MI
7.0% ABV

This was Bell's Batch 9990 and was bottled on September 15, 2010. I shot the review on October 11.

Two Hearted is my favorite of the regular-release Bell's beers, so I saved it for last. An amazing IPA, with a great hop profile and a lot of complex malts.

I had some technical issues with the video quality in this vid, but by the time I noticed it in editing I didn't have the ability to re-shoot. Sorry.

At the end of this review I have a bit of summary on Bell's week, which may be interesting to those who have watched all of these videos.

Zymurgical Explorations rating: 9.5/10

Bell's Pale Ale (Bell's Week Day 7)

2010-11-02T09:29:00.001-04:00

Bell's Pale Ale
Kalamazoo, MI
5.2% ABV

This is Bell's batch number 9875, bottled July 12, 2010. I reviewed it on October 10.

This is a fairly hoppy pale ale, but not overly bitter. Very nice.

Zymurgical Explorations rating: 7.0/10

Bell's Kalamazoo Stout (Bell's Week Day 6 of 8)

2010-11-01T08:05:00.000-04:00

Bell's Kalamazoo Stout (bottle)
Kalamazoo, MI
6.0% ABV

This is batch number 9801, bottled June 4, 2010. I shot this review on October 8.

The Kalamazoo Stout is actually one of my favorite of Bell's regular offerings. A very nice Milk/Sweet Stout.

You'll see a slight overflow from the head on the beer as I pour, if you're amused by that sort of thing.

Zymurgical Explorations rating: 9.0/10

Bell's Lager of the Lakes (Bell's Week Day 5)

2010-10-29T10:25:00.000-04:00

Bell's Lager of the Lakes
Kalamazoo, MI
5.0% ABV

This was Bell's Batch number 9713, bottled June 23, 2010. I shot this review on October 7.

This was actually the only Bell's beer that I only tried once. Mainly because the first time I tried it I definitively disliked this beer. Would a second try prove to be better?

Zymurgical Explorations rating: 4.0/10

Bell's Porter (Bell's Week Day 4 of 8)

2010-10-28T10:01:00.000-04:00

Bell's Porter (bottle)
Kalamazoo, MI
5.6% ABV

This was batch number 9889 and was bottled on July 16, 2010. I reviewed it on October 6.

This is a quite nice American porter. Sweet, but with a nice dryness and some caramel quality. I don't drink a lot of porters, but this one isn't bad at all.

Zymurgical Explorations rating: 7.0/10

Bell's Oarsman Ale (Bell's Week Day 3 of 8)

2010-10-27T09:40:00.002-04:00

Bell's Oarsman Ale (bottle)
Kalamazoo, MI
4.0% ABV

This is Batch Number 9934, bottled on September 20, 2010, and reviewed on October 5.

Oarsman Ale is a brand-new regular release from Bell's, an American Pale Wheat Ale made with sour mash techniques. Which is fascinating, but doesn't make for a great product.

Zymurgical Explorations rating: 4.5/10

Bell's Amber Ale (Bell's Week Day 2 of 8)

2010-10-26T09:36:00.000-04:00

Bell's Amber Ale (bottle)
Kalamazoo, MI
5.8% ABV

This is day 2 of Bell's Week, Bell's Amber Ale. This is batch number 9916, which was bottled on August 22, 2010. I shot this review on October 4.

Zymurgical Explorations rating: 7.5/10

Bell's Third Coast Beer (Bells Week Day 1 of 8)

2010-10-25T11:42:00.000-04:00

Bell's Third Coast Beer
Kalamazoo, MI
4.8% ABV

This is Bell's Week Day 1 of 8. Batch number is 9888. According to Bell's website, this was bottled on July 22, 2010. I reviewed it on October 3, 2010.

Zymurgical Explorations rating: 7.5/10

Avery duganA IPA

2010-10-24T09:49:00.001-04:00

Avery duganA IPA (bottle)
Boulder, CO
8.5% ABV

A good, but basically forgettable, DIPA from Avery.

Zymurgical Explorations rating: 8.0/10

Sierra Nevada Pale Ale

2010-10-23T08:17:00.000-04:00

Sierra Nevada Pale Ale (bottle)
Chico, CA
5.8% ABV

This is one of the beers that arguably started the entire American microbrew market. And I'm reviewing it. Whee!

Sorry about the audio -- it was windier outside than I realized and by the time I got the editing it was too late.

Zymurgical Explorations rating: 7.5/10

Reissdorf Kolsch

2010-10-22T08:21:00.000-04:00

Reissdorf Kolsch (bottle)
Koln, Germany
4.8% ABV

I had a request from Youtube user grandilochris to review more German beers. Asked and answered.

I haven't had a lot of Kolschbiers, so I'm sorry if I couldn't really analyze it within style. It's quite a nice beer, though.

I'm also sorry that I can't pronounce the word "kolsch." Any German speakers who can correct me are welcome to do so.

Zymurgical Explorations rating: 7.5/10

Fullers Vintage Ale 2007

2010-10-21T18:03:00.000-04:00

Fullers Vintage Ale 2007
London, England
8.5% ABV

Beer review #100! Never thought I'd get this far. Thanks to everyone who's watched, commented, rated, and especially subscribed. We're going to be doing a lot more beer reviews.

This is an Old Ale bottled by Fullers in 2007. I checked their website, and they claimed it would be just about perfect around this time. So I made it my 100th review. Turned out to be a really very nice beer.

I end the video by thanking my subscribers and talking a bit about what to expect in the next 100.

Many thanks to all who have participated in this. Looking forward to doing another 100. Cheers!

Zymurgical Explorations rating: 9.5/10

Founders Nemesis 2010

2010-10-20T08:24:00.000-04:00

Founders Nemesis 2010 (bottle)
Grand Rapids, MI
12.0% ABV

This is video beer review number 99. Awesome.

I had the Nemesis 2009 and was somewhat less than overwhelmed. It was a really good beer, but didn't live up to the hype. The 2010 bottling, though, is amazing -- very much worth the energy needed to buy it. A great American barleywine, perfectly balanced between hop and malt, between sweet and bitter, between dry and cloying.

Zymurgical Explorations rating: 10/10

Founders KBS (Kentucky Breakfast Stout)

2010-10-19T13:04:00.001-04:00

I review one of my all-time personal favorite beers. Sorry for the spoiler, but do I really have to hide the fact that this one is awesome?

Despite the fact that I love this beer, I go on a bit of a rant about how these kinds of beers, i.e. those super-limited release beers that sell out in about twenty-three seconds, are probably not good for the craft beer industry as a whole. So I'm really not rocking the boat on this stuff at all.

Zymurgical Explorations rating: 10/10

Heavy Seas The Greater Pumpkin

2010-10-18T08:19:00.000-04:00

Heavy Seas The Greater Pumpkin (bottle)
Baltimore, MD
9.0% ABV

The Oak-Aged version of yesterday's Great Pumpkin Ale. Shot outside just because it was a beautiful fall day and I wanted to enjoy it.

I liked this one pretty much just as much as I liked the regular Great Pumpkin. Which is a lot.

Zymurgical Explorations rating: 8.5/10

Heavy Seas The Great Pumpkin

2010-10-17T09:48:00.000-04:00

Heavy Seas The Great Pumpkin (bottle)
Baltimore, MD
8.0% ABV

I know, I said I wouldn't do any more pumpkin beers. But this one is an Imperial Pumpkin, and besides there's also an oak-aged version of this beer, which I plan on reviewing tomorrow.

This is video beer review number 96. The hundredth video approaches....

Zymurgical Explorations rating: 8.0/10

Stone Vertical Epic 10.10.10

2010-10-16T09:07:00.002-04:00

The Stone Vertical Epic series is a highly-sought-after beer series, even though it's pretty available if you look for it. This year's bottling is a Tripel with some muscat grapes and Gewurztraminer added for complexity.

At first I got a whole lot of the grapes without a lot of the Belgian beer characteristics, but once it warmed I liked it a lot more. It's a good beer, but a bit hard to drink.

Zymurgical Explorations rating: 8.5/10

Cesky-Weizen Tasting

2010-10-15T17:49:00.000-04:00

Bottled it a week ago, figured I'd pop it open and give it a shot.

You can watch the brew session in which I made it if you want. Part One is here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_MhZdObmFj4

and Part Two is here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ucN3RNz1lvs