I stopped in at Troegs Independent Brewing in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania attending a work related event. I was really impressed! And I had the wonderful opportunity to sample a number of beers in one evening which was a delight. And, the food they prepared and served for the event was also great. I especially liked the chicken salad rolls and the java chip cupcakes!. But, back to the beer. Troegs HopBack Amber Ale is a great balance between hops and malt. Drinking this you get some of both and it is really easy to drink. Troegenator Double Bock is a rich brown caramelly beer that feels perfect for fall weather. And, JavaHead Stout is a tasty coffee and chocolate tasting stout. Their Perpetual IPA is a delight to drink. Not too hoppy yet flavorful enough for most IPA lovers. Although not as well-versed in Belgian beers, their Jovial is a delicious dubbel, pardon the comparison, but with some of Troegenator and some of JavaHead flavors swirling together. Although Pilsners are often too “light” for me, their Sunshine Pilsner was tasty and a beer I’d drink again for sure. The current seasonal, Hop Knife was the only beer I enjoyed a full serving of and it was well worth the full glass. Not only that, I won a six-pack at the event I was attending and am looking forward to enjoying it with family this weekend. I also had the opportunity to enjoy to “scratch” beers. The Mango India Pale Ale was delicious and reminiscent of a Mango IPA I enjoyed in Hawaii earlier this month. And, if a Harrisburg brewery can make me feel like I’m in Hawaii, that’s awesome. Finally, I enjoyed the American Style Sour Cherry. I like sour beers and I really like sour cherry. This beer reminded me of a similar one at Jolly Pumpkin in Michigan last summer. I was really tempted to bring a growler of this home with me but with a six-pack of Hop Knife and a fridge full of beer at home I passed on the opportunity. So, if you’re ever in Harrisburg, PA or even near the area do yourself a favor and stop at Troegs.
Month: September 2016
Denizens Brewing Company, Silver Spring, MD
I stopped in at Denizens Brewing Company in Silver Spring, Maryland with my daughter to enjoy some beer and dinner. I have been seeking a brewery local to my home that I could call “my brewery”. I’ve found it! Denizens has the best beers of all the nearby breweries. In fact, I’d put Denizens beers head to head with most of the 500 breweries I’ve visited. I’ll give some tasting notes on beers we sampled last night. I loved the Born Bohemian Pilsner and I’m not even a big pilsner fan. The beer tasted great, was light enough to drink easily, but flavorful and had a delicious finish. Their Bocho Gose was true to the salty taste of a gose but not too salty. It was also hoppy with a hint of lime and very refreshing. Southside Rye IPA is also delicious. Personally I didn’t get a lot of rye taste in the beer. Tasted like a very drinkable, fresh IPA to me. Not too hoppy but hoppy enough. My daughter was keen on the Summer Jam Mix DIPA. I thought it was good but this was not as outstanding as the previous beers – in my opinion. Lowest Lord ESB was so malty and delicious that I bought a four-pack to bring home. Can’t wait to have it again. Need I say more? We tried the Third Party Tripel. I need to appreciate Belgian beers more. Big Red Norm Red Ale was malty and hoppy – a good balance – and delicious. When I noticed that the Chapless Horseman Russian Imperial Stout was aged on bourbon barrels – I love anything with bourbon – I was excited. This beer did not overly impress me. It felt weak. HOWEVER. There was an experimental ‘A Petit For $400’ petit sour aged on bourbon barrels that was so good that we had to have another pour of this deliciousness. All of these beers helped wash down their pretzel and beer cheese appetizer and a burger/salad for me and a chicken sandwich/fries for my daughter. All the food was also delicious. I can’t wait to crack those ESB’s at home and to head back to Denizens with friends and family.
Czann’s Brewing Company, Nashville, TN
I stopped in at Czann’s Brewing Company in Nashville, Tennessee and enjoyed their Pale Ale and their Dunkelweizen. Both were great beers. I found the Dunkelweizen to be the better of the two. Great example of this style. Rich and delicious. Well worth stopping in for.
Yazoo Brewing Company, Nashville, TN
I stopped in at Yazoo Brewing Company in Nashville, Tennessee to try their beers. The flight did not disappoint. The Hefeweizen was crisp. Pale ale was tasty. Sly Rye Porter was spicy. The Dos Perros Mexican style was new for me but I greatly enjoyed it. Hop Perfect was a solid IPA. Gerst Amber Ale – tradition – history – a legend. Stop in and try them all!
Fat Bottom Brewery, Nashville, TN
I stopped in at Fat Bottom Brewery in Nashville, Tennessee and enjoyed a burger and beer. The burger was delicious – caramelized onions and spicy sauce. The onion rings and dipping sauce were delicious as well. The Ida Belgian Style Golden Ale was smooth and enjoyable. The 2 Hop Shakur IPA was amazing. What a great time. Great food. Great beer. Bottoms Up!
Smith & Lentz Brewing Company, Nashville, TN
I stopped in at Smith & Lentz Brewing Company in Nashville, Tennessee and enjoyed both the Pilsner and the Saison, but the Mosaic IPA was my clear favorite. Great beer. Great brewery. Great vibe. Great.
Tennessee Brew Works, Nashville, TN
I stopped in at Tennessee Brew Works in Nashville, Tennessee for dinner and a beer. Let me just say the Five Beer Burger is likely the best burger I’ve ever eaten! It paired perfectly with Basil Ryeman (a delicious farmhouse ale/saison) and Extra Easy ESB. These are delicious beers. And ending the meal with Country Roots Sweet Potato Stout was simply perfect.
Jackalope Brewing Company, Nashville, TN
I stopped in at Jackalope Brewing Company in Nashville, Tennessee to try their beers. Clearly the Bearwalker Maple Brown Ale is their leading beer. Think Maple Malty Goodness. Wow! You have to try it! I also enjoyed tastes of Casper Gose, Rompo Red Rye and Princess Wanda Breslau Style. I enjoyed stopping in and recommend you stop in also if you are in town.
Kona Brewing, Kona, Hawaii
I stopped in at Kona Brewing in Kona, Hawaii. Their flagship beers, Longboard Lager, Big Wave Golden Ale, Castaway IPA, and Fire Rock Pale Ale are no strangers and always delicious. I found that the Magic Sands Saison was a delicious mango beer and the Hanalei POG IPA was a very drinkable, flavorful IPA. But, sadly, you’ve got to fly to Kona to enjoy these. I’m glad I did. Also, the pizza was wonderful as well. Kona Brewing is an awesome stop – well worth the trip!!!
Maui Brewing Company, Maui, HI
I stopped in at Maui Brewing Company in Maui, Hawaii in order to answer the question, “What’s better than Coconut HIWA Porter?” and I found the answer: Imperial Coconut Porter! I have enjoyed Coconut HIWA Porter on the mainland in the past and while in Maui recently had the opportunity to try the Imperial Coconut Porter. This was such a big, rich beer. I totally enjoyed it. It boasts rich flavors of coconut and chocolate. If you ever have the chance to visit Maui, this brewery is a must destination and this great beer is a must taste.