Flyover Brewing Co, out of Scottsbluff, Nebraska knows how to combat thirst! Meet Hellcat Helles.
This bright golden German lager brings out those nice bready notes in a smooth-bodied beer. A malt-forward lager with a touch of sweetness greets and captivates your taste buds. At 4.8% ABV and 17 IBUs, it is sure to be a hit at any summer picnic or event!
Cheers!
A new K9 Series of beer that Pint Nine Brewing Company is helping to promote various dog charities. The Raspberry Fudge Farm Stout is in support of the MidAmerica Boston Terrier Rescue.
A light-bodied stout that has a slightly sweet chocolate note upfront. The raspberry is present throughout but not overpowering. The middle has a nice dry roastiness that finishes out with the tartness of the raspberries.
This 8% ABV stout is nice in the way the sweetness and tartness reveal themselves.
Cheers!
You know how Joe likes his coffee beers. It didn’t take long to fall in love with the Moonshot Coffee Porter from Site-1 Brewing!
Some definitions of Moonshot include longshot. This coffee porter to me wasn’t a longshot but a sure thing! Nice coffee aroma to greet you. The head is very creamy. The coffee is present but not overwhelming. It blends well with the chocolate and toffee notes in this porter. The body is soft and smooth. The finish has a nice coffee note that lingers.
Truly one beer you don’t want to miss! A nice easy drinking 6% ABV porter. If in the Omaha, Nebraska area, stop by Site-1 Brewing in the Farnam Hill neighborhood at around 25th and Farnam. Always a great selection of craft beer on tap.
Cheers!
Seward, Nebraska is well known for being one of the best small towns in the United States for the 4th of July! It is only fitting that when this brewery was created, it would be called Bottle Rocket Brewing. It has been so exciting to see them now canning and distributing their brews!
Bottle Rocket Blonde is a crisp, golden ale that is malt forward with subtle pear fruit notes. The body is on the softer side with a lower level of carbonation. A nice semi-dry finish to round out this ale!
Packed with flavor, this blonde comes in at 5.2% ABV and 20 IBUs. A beer that everyone will enjoy.
Cheers!
A perfect cold, rainy day that whispers time to enjoy a Little Betty! This imperial stout from Nebraska Brewing Company has been a favorite of mine for several years. It is the base recipe for a whole line of barrel-aged Bettys.
This dark stout has a beautiful, thick creamy head that is visually inviting to what you are about to experience. The rich chocolate notes upfront are incredible! The hint of sweetness in this full-bodied, silky imperial stout fades into a roasty balanced finish. Swirl this stout in a snifter, and you will see some amazing legs!
You would never guess this 9% ABV stout has 83 IBUs! Just an incredible brew that you must experience!
Cheers!
Beautiful deep golden orange color
Let me introduce you to Day Tripper the Milkshake Hopfenweizen from Upstream Brewing Company. Waiting, waiting … Giving you just a little time to unwind what you just read. Milkshake, hops, hefeweizen, what?
I opened the crowler and my nose picked up on this lemon and banana aroma that was oh so interesting! I was then wondering what to expect for flavor. There was a nice berry and pine note that lasted pretty much throughout. I didn’t taste any banana that you typically get from a hefeweizen.
The hop profile for this beer is Sultana, Belma, and Comet hops. Lactose, pineapple, strawberry, and vanilla added.
The Day Tripper comes in at 5.7% ABV and 25 IBUs. One tasty brew on this sunny day!
Cheers!
There is an excellent chance that after having the Haze Stings IPA from First Street Brewing Co that you will never spell Hastings, Nebraska correctly again!
This New England-styled IPA has a wonderful melon aroma that is so captivating. The frontend has stone fruit and melon notes with a touch of honey mixed in. The body is soft but has this nice carbonation in the middle to finish, bringing in that balance of hop bitterness. The deep orange color is stunning in this 6.4% ABV and 68 IBU IPA!
A must-visit if you are traveling on I-80 across Nebraska. Take a nice quick trip south of Grand Island to Hastings and stop into this incredible brewery. Every time I get to stop by, it is such a treat! The owners Nathan and Jessi Hoeft are like family! So many great styles of beer that they produce along with Kombucha tea.
See why First Street Brewing is “First in Flavor Grain to Glass.”
Cheers!
The name Continuous Wave reminds me of warm summer days driving down Nebraska's highways and seeing the fields waving in the wind. What a great name for this Cream Ale from Code Beer Company!
This light golden beauty is a product of grain and hops produced in Nebraska. The flavor is light, clean, and crisp, especially up front. The middle has a nice charge for the carbonation that shows a hint of the hops that fade to a bit of a sweet finish.
A great session beer at 5.5% ABV and only 15 IBUs for those that are not big on hops. Just one of the many great beers you will find at Code Beer in Lincoln, NE.
Cheers!
I have a wee bit of Irish in me, so to find a local Irish Red Ale, I was up for that!
My eyes were smiling as they saw this gorgeous copper red ale with a nice tan colored head fill my pint glass. This malty ale has incredible buttery caramel notes. There is a slight sweetness in the start and middle that finishes out very smoothly. The body is moderately soft with great warmth to it. The 6% ABV seems to be ideal for this beer!
This is a style of beer that seems perfect in those late winter months to me. Divots Brewery, you did an excellent job with Mollie’s Irish Red Ale. Some day you will have to introduce me to Mollie.
Cheers!
The kingdom is always looking for a new knight. One that will serve and take care of the people. This knight, Sir Bock-A-Lot, is known to put a smile on the faces of the villagers even in the coldest, darkest nights.
I had kept this Bock from a recent visit hoping to find a quiet night at home to enjoy it! For starters, the color is a very nice bronze/brown. The first thing that you will notice is an amazing caramel flavor. Upfront this is quite the attention grabber. The middle has a touch of sweetness. The body is soft and very warming. A beautiful malty lager coming in at 6.7% ABV.
Monolithic Brewing is a new brewery in the Omaha area and have been brewing up incredible beers. Recently, I was a judge at an IPA contest where Broken Hearts, a lovely hazy IPA took home the Burnt Keg Cup trophy!
Head brewer, Shane Costello is doing a wonderful job. Take time to check out all the great ones he is brewing. I would recommend a flight to get to try a few and help you decide what to take home.
Cheers!
The 80’s was the decade of Neon!
The 80’s brought all the bright colors and stars like Madonna were part of the craze. The bright colors were everywhere from workout clothes to going out on the town attire. So needless to say, these eye-catching colors would make a great beer label!
Fast forward to the year 2021 and Pint Nine Brewing releases a hazy IPA called Neon 9’s. The hops used in this IPA come from Hollingbery & Son, Inc in the Yakima Valley. The hop profile consists of Citra, Mosiac, and Strata hops.
The nose on this IPA has citrus, tropical, and herbal aromas. This is a really dank IPA and I enjoy that. My research shows that the Strata hop has been described as “where passion fruit meets pot”. For me, the fruit notes are light and the dank herbal notes are more predominant especially in the finish. The body of this IPA seems to emphasize the herbal dankness.
Very enjoyable IPA that comes in at 6.7% ABV.
Time to get your neon on!
Cheers!
Local Beer is even more special when you haven’t had a Sandhill’s Finest lately
Today’s delivery provided via dog sled… If this were a commercial that would be an accurate description as a snowstorm has been dumping snow all day!
It is hard when one of the best breweries in your state is 3.5 hours away. I enjoy every chance I get to go out to Scratchtown Brewing Company in Ord, Nebraska. One of the finest patios that I completely enjoy having a beer on a warm, sunny summer’s day.
When I found out that the Local, Beer, Patio and Kitchen had Sideburns’ Milk Stout on tap, I found my way there to get a crowler. I always love a sessionable stout. I have to admit I didn’t get the exact ABV on this one, but it is in the neighborhood of 5%.
The body of this stout is incredibly soft. Right away I get chocolate notes that last throughout each taste. There is a nice level of sweetness that makes you ready for that next sip right away!
I will take this Milk Stout any day over what the milkman has to offer!
Cheers!
Wintertime calls for a special, might you say rare beer style to warm your spirits. Back in the 18th century in Scotland, a style of beer was created that was a strong ale influenced by its malt flavors. The style “Wee Heavy” gets its name from the original pour being a small pour or just a “wee bit.” The reason being that this style typically had a higher ABV upwards of 9 to 10%.
Definitely not a style you see that often, I recently was able to find a local wee heavy by the name of Albatross Scottish Wee Heavy from Pint Nine Brewing. The aroma is interesting as it picks up the malts and has this bit of booziness you would get with a spirit such as a whisky or scotch. To me, this is very intriguing, considering this beer has not been barrel-aged!
I get caramel and a hit of toffee notes upfront. There is a slight sweetness that transitions to a bit of tartness in the middle. The backend is warming and continues for a good amount of time. The body is soft with a lower amount of carbonation and is light to medium.
A great beer to truly sip on and enjoy the complex flavors and warmth! I might say also it is a little bit sneaky in that it hides its 9.1% ABV very well! A unique beer style that I would like to experience more of.
Cheers!
This dead head has a tremendous body
Monday blahs is a real thing. Searching for something that can wake up your taste buds was my cure for the blahs!
Haze of the Dead is from Destihl Brewery in Normal, Illinois. This hazy DIPA packs 8.5% ABV and 83 IBUs. The blend of Citra and Simcoe hops gives you citrus and pine aroma. The real magic happens when you take your first taste. There is citrus and stone fruit flavor upfront that give way to the dank, earthy, and piney notes. The transition is wonderful.
It is the body of this DIPA that has me mesmerized. There are oats and wheat, which right away you think is going to be a soft body. But there is something about the carbonation and the hop punch that tends to want to dance in your mouth making the experience more than you can imagine!
Highly recommend this IPA and the other hazy IPAs from Destihl Brewery.
Give your tastebuds the excitement they are looking for!
Cheers!
A tribute to Newfields Winter Light festival
There are certain traditions about the holidays that I can’t wait for in the fall. One is getting to see all of the Christmas light displays and the other is finding new holiday craft beers!
Sun King Brewery in Indianapolis, Indiana has created a wonderful winter brew called Electric Reindeer. The nose on this beer has all those Christmas spices that you have come to love. The cinnamon, clove, and nutmeg are wrapped with the sweet aroma of molasses.
The front end has ginger, clove, and nutmeg notes. The middle to finish has a caramel light sweetness that then returns to ginger and cinnamon. This is so well balanced and flavorful throughout! The ABV is 5.5% and the IBU is 23. Truly a celebration beer for the holidays!
A very festive 6-pack box
What is really cool is that Electric Reindeer is in celebration of the Newfields Winterlights Festival at the Art Museum. A beautiful property that is illuminated in classic and contemporary light displays. There are around 1.5 million lights that greet the people as they stroll through this winter wonderland. From the Frosted Forest to the 42-foot Christmas tree made of lighted toys, you are bound to get into the spirit of Christmas!
I think it would be awesome to make a trip during the holiday season to see the lights festival and to visit Sun King Brewery!
They have a great selection of craft beer including IPAs, Cream Ales, Lagers, Coffee Porter, and many other seasonal beers.
It has been great to be able to get the Electric Reindeer in Omaha this holiday season! Looking forward to having more Sun King Brewery beers in Nebraska.
Cheers to Holiday Beers!
I hope you are not thinking bad thoughts about Santa! No, he is not stepping out on Mrs. Claus, this particular blonde that has presented a quandary is an apple brandy barrel aged Belgian Blonde Ale.
You see Santa was recently in Omaha in the Old Market and stopped by Upstream Brewing Company for a quick bite to eat and a pint. The beertender said, “Santa you look a little cold, how about something to warm you up?”. Santa was happy to oblige.
Santa said, “Oh my this beautiful beer has such nice fruit aroma especially apple.” I completely agree with Santa. As I opened my nice bottle of the Belgian Blonde the aroma was light and fruity with some hint of brandy.
Santa went on to say, “This isn’t your normal beer. It has this crisp, dry, tartness that is like no other ale I have ever had. There is slight resemblance to a dry, apple cider but that fades fast as the finish is rich and warming.”
The beertender smile and replied, “Santa I am glad you like this one. It is not your typical barrel aged craft beer; it comes in at 7.1% ABV which is lighter than most. But I still recommend having your sled parked for the night.”
Santa had this bewildered look on his face, “How am I going to deliver this wonderful brew to all of those deserving adults out there that still believe?”
The beertender said, “Santa don’t worry we have you covered. Just send them our way and we will take care of them. Happy Christmas to All and to All a Good Night!”
Santa in dismay, “Umm I think that is my line…”
Cheers!
I have been setting sipping and arguing with myself exactly over the flavor profile in this imperial stout. Your Argument is Invalid from Thunderhead Brewing in Kearney, Nebraska is a deep, dark, complex stout. I must admit my nose seems to be off a wee bit with a cold, but the aroma to me is dark fruit, chocolate, oak, and bourbon.
The longer I let this stout warm, the more the flavors are changing. The bourbon is definitely present throughout. The chocolate roastiness mixes in for me. The finish is big bourbon and some bitterness. Mouthfeel is very silky.
This is an 11.5% ABV imperial stout that was aged in bourbon barrels for 12 months. The head is thick and creamy in this bottle conditioned stout. I am not too sure how long this one has been in the bottle, but I would love to set aside one for a couple of years to see how it would turn out!
Winter calls for big beers and this is without a doubt one of them. Cheers!
Layers of amazing flavors!
December is a month where I really enjoy finding different winter ales. I am fond of the unique flavors and also the warmth of these beers.
Deschutes Brewery has created this wonderful imperial winter ale that comes in a 10.4% ABV. My nose picks up cherry, grape, and oak notes. There is a nice malt forward sweetness with dark fruit especially plum and date notes for me. Next is this tart spiciness in the backend along with a very warming finish.
Such an intriguing brew! Aged in wine, brandy, and port barrels, you will experience so many different flavors! The thoughts of a night in the woods with snow on the ground, stars in the sky, and Super Jubel in my glass would be a night to remember!
Cheers!
The emperor would be proud
I have to admit I didn’t know who Jack Herer was, but I was very intrigued about this hoppy copper colored ESB harvest ale!
A nice hop profile of Centennial, Cascade, and Amarillo hops. There is this well balanced maltiness with the piney, earthy tones throughout the front and middle. The finish has a nice spiciness to it that could be attributed to the rye malt in this beer.
This ale comes in at 6.7% ABV and 45 IBUs.
A truly wonderful ale from Sweet Water Brewing Company out of Atlanta, Georgia. I will never forget my first time having a couple of their IPAs at the airport. So glad to get to have some more of their brews!
Cheers!
No bah hum bug here
I have been waiting for a long time to get my hands on the infamous Winter Warmer known as Ebenezer by Upstream Brewing Company. When I found out there was a rye whiskey barrel aged version that was bottled, I was on a mission on the day after Thanksgiving to get a bottle!
This is a pretty complex brew. I get notes of dark fruit especially dates up front. There is this unique tartness that last throughout with the cinnamon and nutmeg present. The body is very soft. The finish has a really nice whiskey warmness which makes you realize this is an 8.8% ABV beer.
I wish I could tell you more about the aroma, but I have a cold and I just cannot smell very much at this time.
I am always in awe of the unique brews that Upstream Brewing creates! If you have the opportunity to try some of their beers do so.
Cheers!
