I stopped in at Fountain Square Brewing Company to try their beer. The bartender recommended DANK Double Pale Ale. I’ve never had a double pale ale before and had to try this beer. It was rich. Think of a pale ale with more body than usual. It was somewhat malty, but nevertheless a pale ale. And, it was strong – 9%! You need to try it.
I stopped in at Round Town Brewery in Indianapolis, Indiana. The bartender recommended their Round Town Lager, which was a solid recommendation. Although lagers are not my typical go to (I often find them heavier than I’d prefer) this was perfect. Not heavy. Very drinkable. With just a bit more hops to give a slight bitter taste. This is a fabulous beer that you need to try. It has all the malty flavor of a typical lager plus great hop finish. Stop in and try it. Also, try their Irish Coffee Ale which tastes just like you’re drinking iced coffee. Yum!
I stopped in at Wild Mind Artisan Ales in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Saying I stopped in is really accurate because I got there just minutes before last call. I wanted to get in one more brewery stop before calling it a night. The bartender was quite helpful and suggested #4 (see list below) Sol Wild India Pale Ale. This may have been my first beer with wild yeast. It was delicious. I’ve been focusing on varieties other than IPA’s lately because I had been in an IPA rut a while back. This beer is on point. I love it. Very fresh. Citrusy without being resiny or fruity. Enough bitterness but not too much. Great beer.
And how about that tap backdrop. That’s art. Beautiful. I could have sat at the bar for hours just enjoying that and sipping all of their beers.
I stopped in at Modist Brewing Company in Minneapolis, Minnesota. What a cool place. And the beer was equally cool. The bartender recommended First Call cold press coffee lager. I’ve enjoyed a number of coffee beers lately. This was awesome. So smooth and flavorful. I wish I had time to sample some of the other beers but had to move on. They all sound delicious.
Where else would you stop for a Habanero Pork Chop and Scotch Ale? The Great Dane Pub and Brewing Company in Wausau, Wisconsin, of course! The server described this special and said it had a kick to it. My mouth was feeling that kick all the way to Minneapolis! I loved it because I like spicy, flavorful foods. The Stone of Scone Scotch Ale was a great complement in that its mildness counteracted the strong spice of the food. I enjoyed its malty smoothness before my dinner arrived. After that it was a tug of war in my mouth. Spicy – Smooth. Great food and great beer.
I stopped in at Sawmill Brewing Company in Merrill, Wisconsin. The bartender recommended the River Hog Oatmeal Stout. Excellent choice. I’d be so bold as to say this was the best oatmeal stout I’ve ever had. It was rich, smooth and delicious. Full of flavor.
I stopped at Bull Falls Brewery in Wausau, Wisconsin for a beer. The bartender recommended the Bull Falls Holzhacker Lager which had the delicious flavor of a traditional German beer – just as its description implies. It is malty and has a Munich style hop flavor. Great example of this style.
I stopped in at Red Eye Brewing Company in Wausau, Wisconsin for dinner and a beer. The food is all farm to table and they are very proud of their local ingredient partners. I enjoyed an amazing Cobb Salad. The bartender helped me with a beer selection. I enjoyed the Trail Candy – Golden APA. The beer has a complex hop character with many hop varieties. It is crisp, flavorful, and allows the drinker to taste a variety of hops. It is a complex beer.
I stopped in at Clockwerks Brewing in Minneapolis, Minnesota for a beer. After speaking with the bartender and brewmaster I enjoyed the Alt. I love the balance of malt and hops. Best of both worlds. Chatting with the brewmaster for a bit was a real treat. There’s a great vibe in this space with lots of local industrial art. Great place to hang out. Oh, and I also had a small pour of the Baltic Porter. Let’s just say that was dessert. Yum!
I stopped in at Inbound Brewco in Minneapolis, Minnesota for a beer. The bartender was really helpful and recommended the Apricot Pale Ale. I enjoy apricots, and this flavor was enough to taste but not overpowering. The beer was crisp with a hop finish. Excellent beer.
I Stop For Hops 