Tag Archives: Dark

December Beer Club: Iowa

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ridgeway-santas-butt-bottle-bowRidgeway Brewing
Santa’s Butt
English Porter
Oxfordshire, England

This special holiday porter is made for winter – rich and warming, the way they like it at the North Pole. It was inspired by this famous line from a well-loved children’s storybook: “And Santa sat on his great butt, enjoying a hardy brew…” In case you find that amusing, the brewer hastens to point out that “butt” refers to a certain sized barrel customarily used for beer, in fact, holding 108 imperial gallons. Back in the day, it was quite normal for a brewery to store its beer in a large butt.  Still snickering, eh? Get your mind out of the gutter, or Santa will be skipping your home entirely this year.

ABV: 6% alcohol / volume
IBU: N/A
Style: Porter – English
Beer Style: Dark and Roasty

ridgeway-lump-of-coal-bottle-bowRidgeway Brewing
Lump of Coal
Dark Holiday Stout
Oxfordshire, England

Yet another bummed-out holiday? Lump of Coal Dark Holiday Stout is liquid consolation. It’s a deep, rich, sweetly rewarding stout to take the edge off of that grim family gathering, that cheerless annual festival of alienation. This brew is as dark as it gets, as black as the lump of coal you’ll be getting for Christmas. Because, let’s face it, you’ve been pretty bad this year.

ABV: 7.5% alcohol / volume
IBU: 34
Style: Strong Stout
Beer Style: Dark and Roasty

ridgeway-bad-elf_bottle-bowRidgeway Brewing
Bad Elf
Winter’s Ale
Oxfordshire, England

‘Tis a heavy hand what adds the hops to this festive golden ale. Truth be told, there’s near to three pounds of fresh hops goes in every barrel of this treasured brew. Pull up a sturdy chair, let’s fill up yer best flagon with the season’s finest natural ale, and we’ll tell you a dark tale of elf and woe. ‘Ere’s to your elf!

ABV: 4.5% alcohol / volume
IBU: N/A
Style: Pale Ale
Beer Style: Malty and Sweet

ABOUT THE BREWERY:
Located in South Oxfordshire, Ridgeway Brewing was founded in 2002 by Peter Scholey, former head brewer at Brakspear and his wife, Vanda. The brewery takes its name from the ancient, long-distance footpath and trade route that passes just a few hundred yards from their front door in South Stoke. With their beers, they hope to create lasting experiences with “cutting edge tradition” – a match between heritage and modern tastes and technologies. Check them out on Untappd, or learn more about their company here.

Information © Ridgeway Brewing – All Rights Reserved.

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September Beer Club: Iowa

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split-stave-craft-beerEmpyrean Brewing Co.
Split Stave
Barrel Aged Weizenbock
Lincoln, Nebraska

Split Stave is a bourbon-barrel-aged Weizenbock flavored with cacao, then blended with a strong Vanilla Cream Ale and brewed with pineapple and cherries. This ice cream-themed treat is meant to be enjoyed year-round. No spoon required.

ABV: 8.6% alcohol / volume
IBU: 18
Style: Bock – Weizenbock
Beer Style at WineStyles: Malty

ABOUT EMPYREAN BREWING CO.:
Empyrean Brewing Co., established in 1990, is a Nebraska-based craft brewery with a rich history of crafting high-quality, innovative beers. With a commitment to community and creativity, they offer a diverse range of flavors, constantly pushing the boundaries of brewing. Their passion for exceptional beer and dedication to their local roots define their identity as a pioneering and dynamic brewery. Learn more about the their story here, and follow them on Untappd.

Photos and information © Empyrean Brewing – All Rights Reserved.

guldendraak_9000Brouwerij Van Steenberge
Gulden Draak 9000 Quadruple
Belgian Quad
Ertvelde, Belgium

An exceptional quadruple amber. The particular rich and complex taste palette and the full head are also found in the Gulden Graak 9000 Quadruple. The sweet notes of caramel are, however, reserved for the Gulden Draak Classic.

The brewery’s new recipe, based on 4 different mat varieties, gives the Gulden Draak 9000 Quadruple a deep golden-amber color and a slightly fruity aroma. Together with the soft and slightly sweet taste, this provides a beautifully rounded bouquet with notes of dried fruit.

This beer is a high fermentation beer with secondary fermentation. For the secondary fermentation use is made of a wine yeast that not only contributes to the unparalleled taste, but also ensures a long-term shelf life with taste evolution.

The legend of the Gulden Draak (gilded dragon) is centuries old.  The odyssey of this mystic beast begins in northern Scandinavia on the prow of a Viking ship, and after a long and winding journey, ends at the top of the Ghent Belfry. It has watched over the city for almost 700 years now and is an inextricable part of the Ghent identity: headstrong, unconventional, resolute, powerful and independent. Learn more >

ABV: 10.5% alcohol / volume
IBU: 25
Style: Belgian Quad
Beer Style at WineStyles: Fruity & Spicy

ABOUT BROUWERIJ VAN STEENBERGE:
Brouwerij Van Steenberge, founded in 1784, is a Belgian brewery deeply rooted in tradition and quality. Known for their diverse range of ales, including the renowned “Augustijn” and “Gulden Draak,” they combine centuries-old expertise with modern techniques. Committed to sustainability, the brewery continues to produce exceptional beers while respecting its heritage and the environment. Learn more about the their story here, and follow them on Untappd.

Photos and information © Brouwerij Van Steenberge – All Rights Reserved.

tweak_stoutAvery Brewing
Tweak
Barrel Aged Coffee Stout
Boulder, Colorado

Sweet and boozy with caramel notes in the barrel aged goodness.

ABV: 13.1% alcohol / volume
IBU: N/A
Style: Stout – Imperial / Double Coffee
Beer Style at WineStyles: Dark

ABOUT AVERY BREWING:
Avery Brewing Co., established in 1993, is a Colorado-based craft brewery celebrated for its bold and innovative beers. With a fusion of artistry and science, they craft a diverse lineup, including the iconic “White Rascal” and barrel-aged creations. Embracing creativity, sustainability, and community, Avery Brewing continues to push boundaries while staying true to their passion for exceptional beer. Learn more about the their story here, and follow them on Untappd.

Photos and information © Avery Brewing – All Rights Reserved.

Hoppin’ Frog
B.O.R.I.S. The Crusher
Oatmeal Russian Imperial Stout
Akron, Ohio

This Bodacious Oatmeal Russian Imperial Stout will crush you like no other! This is the grand-daddy of all stout styles, with an intensely deep roasted and full bodied flavor. A robust hop character adds a refreshing balance.

ABV: 9.4% alcohol / volume
IBU: 60
Style: Stout – Russian Imperial
Beer Style at WineStyles: Dark

ABOUT HOPPIN’ FROG:
Hoppin’ Frog Brewery, founded in 2006, is an Ohio-based brewery known for its commitment to crafting extraordinary beers with uncompromising quality. They offer a wide range of styles, including the popular “B.O.R.I.S. The Crusher” stout, using inventive techniques. Dedicated to flavor and innovation, the brewery has garnered numerous awards and a loyal following for its distinctive and flavorful brews.. Learn more about the team behind the beers here, and follow them on Untappd.

Photos and information © Hoppin’ Frog – All Rights Reserved.

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February Beer Club: Iowa

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BeerClubLogoEmpyrean Bottle ImageOmnipollo
Empyrean Double IPA
Sweden

A bold yet tropical Double IPA. Full of Nelson Sauvin, Galaxy and Citra hops. Soft mouthfeel, balanced bitterness but with a healthy, hearty dose of hoppiness.

BeerStyles: Hoppy
Style: Imperial IPA
ABV: 8.5% alcohol / volume
Production: Brewed at Dugges Bryggeri in Sweden
Can Artwork: Karl Grandin

Menelik BottleOmnipollo
Menelik Stout
United States

Menelik, or as it is also called, Menelik Mansplanation Stout, is a beer about listening, tuning in and being a counterweight to toxic masculinity. It has a ton of ingredients and a very difficult brew, so in a way, it is impossible to talk about without getting into some mansplaining yourself. Brewed with yellow raisins, coffee, vanilla, cocoa nibs, almonds, hazelnuts, nut mix, spice, milk chocolate and lactose sugar.

BeerStyles: Dark
Style: Imperial Stout
ABV: 11% alcohol / volume
Production: Brewed by Twelve Percent Beer Project in the USA
Can Artwork: Karl Grandin

Maz CanOmnipollo
Maz
Belgium

Omnipollo Maz (formerly Mazarin) is brewer, Henok Fentie’s take on a “thinker’s beer”. Rather than being big and indecipherably complex, Henok wanted to create something that would calm a hop yearning nerve without fuddling the brain too much. In his words, this beer is “a lavishly hopped ale with judicious ABV — an Extra Special Pale Ale, if you will”. This Pale Ale received a gold medal at the Stockholm Beer & Whisky Festival in 2013.

BeerStyles: Hoppy
Style: Pale Ale
ABV: 5.6% alcohol / volume
Production: Brewed at De Proefbrouwerij in Belgium
Can Artwork: Karl Grandin

Omnipollo Founders

ABOUT THE BREWERY:
Omnipollo® is a beer production company founded by brewer Henok Fentie and artist Karl Grandin in 2010 with a shared vision of changing the perception of beer — forever. They brew a plethora of styles to explore what beer has and can become. As a joint and equal partnership between a brewer and a graphic artist, their creative process has come to resemble the work shop of other pop cultural expressions such as music. Omnipollo® beers are always a collaborative effort and are brewed at breweries in all corners of the world. This approach means they stay curious, grounded and tuned in. Learn more here.

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January Beer Club: Iowa

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BeerClubLogoIce Creamy White Chocolate PeachOmnipollo
Ice Creamy White Chocolate Peach
United States

Triple IPA brewed with Cocoa Nibs, White Chocolate, Peach & Lactose Sugar

BeerStyles: Hoppy
Style: Imperial IPA
ABV: 10% alcohol / volume
Brewed: By Twelve Percent Beer Project in the USA

Omnipollo FoundersABOUT THE BREWERY:

Omnipollo® is a beer production company founded by brewer Henok Fentie and artist Karl Grandin in 2010 with a shared vision of changing the perception of beer — forever. They brew a plethora of styles to explore what beer has and can become. As a joint and equal partnership between a brewer and a graphic artist, their creative process has come to resemble the work shop of other pop cultural expressions such as music. Omnipollo® beers are always a collaborative effort and are brewed at breweries in all corners of the world. This approach means they stay curious, grounded and tuned in. Learn more here.

New SensationStillwater Artisanal
New Sensation
United States

A double dry-hopped IPA, but translated to “International Pale Ale” for the range of ingredients and techniques used. European malts, domestic flaked grains, and Scandinavian Ale Yeast (Kveik) come together to create a hazy lush malt. This IPA is double dry-hopped with US Citra and Sabro hops, as well as German Hallertau Blanc and Australian Galaxy hops. It is bursting with citrus, coconut, and white grape with a floral bouquet, making for an elegantly elevated IPA experience.

BeerStyles: Hoppy
Style: IPA – International
ABV: 7.6% alcohol / volume

FrutariaStillwater Artisanal
Frutaria
United States

A collaborative project with Morada Cia Etílica from Curitiba in Southern Brazil, this beer will take you on a virtual trip to South America. Frutaria is a tropical fruit Gose inspired by the fruit markets of South America. It is loaded with ripe mango, guava, pineapple and passionfruit with a touch of sea salt.

BeerStyles: Sour, Tart & Funky
Style: Gose
ABV: 6% alcohol / volume

ABOUT THE BREWERY:
Stillwater Artisanal is the nomadic ‘gypsy’ brewing venture headed by Baltimore native, Brian “Stillwater” Strumke. A former internationally renowned techno DJ and producer who rather quickly made his mark in the home-brewing community for his often odd concoctions and unconventional brewing methods. Competitions often yielded wins in the more esoteric categories and his intricate use of herbs, spices, wild yeasts, and anything else he could get his hands on often came to judges with both intrigue and enjoyment. In 2010, after about 5 years of backyard brewing, Brian has taken Stillwater Artisanal Ales to the public. Traveling the world to collaborate with various breweries hand-crafting small-batch, authentic ales.

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September Beer Club: Iowa

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BeerClubLogoUne Annee TripelUne Année
Tripel
Niles, Illinois

The Tripel is often considered the most approachable of Belgian Ales. Having an exuberant flaxen hue, with a medium body, big fruit flavors, moderate spice and hints of American hops poking through.

BeerStyles: Fruity & Spicy
Style: Tripel
ABV: 8.7% alcohol / volume

Le Seul XXVIUne Année
Le Seul XXVI
Niles, Illinois

This is an American Wild Ale with Boysenberries. Violet light pour, with light white lacing around the rim. Very light aroma. Slightly tart with a dry finish. The juicy berries are nicely balanced, but not too sweet. Lightly carbonated mouthfeel with a clean crisp finish.

BeerStyles: Sour
Style: Wild Ale
ABV: 6.5% alcohol / volume

Hubbard's CaveHubbard’s Cave
Chocolate & Blackberry Pot De Crème
Niles, Illinois

This Imperial Stout pours dark brown, almost black in color. The nose and taste are similar – malty, with flavors of sweet blackberries and smooth, dark chocolate. Showcasing a rich and full bodied mouthfeel.

BeerStyles: Dark
Style: American Imperial Stout
ABV: 12% alcohol / volume

ABOUT THE BREWERY:

UNE ANNÉE

An Independent Craft Brewery, born in 2013 near west side of Chicago, with the quest of making fine Belgian inspired ales for all beer lovers.

Founded by architect, former Marine, and Chicago native, Jerry Nelson, the brewery has since become a family operation when Jerry’s brother, Dave joined in. The name was inspired by Jerry’s architecture abroad program in Versailles, France. Une Année, meaning “One Year” in French, began with a seasonal rotation of annual Belgian beers, which have since become weekly and bi-weekly releases. 

Une Année has expanded its offerings over the years with an emphasis on fruited and unfruited American Wild Ales (read: Sour Beers) and Barrel Aged Stouts. In 2017, the brewery moved to neighboring Chicago suburb, Niles, IL, and expanded to include a taproom. The new brewery allows everyone to get home more frequently for quality time with the kids. 

Une Annee and Hubbard's Cave Brewery

Photo by Hubbard’s Cave: Une Année and Hubbard’s Cave Brewery

HUBBARD’S CAVE

In 2015, Hubbard’s Cave was developed as an alternative to Une Année’s Belgian Style Ales. Producing American Style ales, primarily imperial stouts and Hubbard’s Cave signature Fresh IIPAs, Hubbard’s Cave is a refreshing addition to the Une Année Family. Named after the Chicago Hubbard Street traffic tunnel on Interstate 90/94, next to where the brewery was born, Hubbard’s Cave has quickly grown to produce some of their most popular offerings.

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