craftbeer

KC Bier Company, Kansas City, MO

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2019-02-28 19.27.05

I recently completed the Cicerone German Beer Styles Course and I felt like KC Bier Company in Kansas City was a perfect setting and set of example beers of the major German styles.  Wish I had been able to do my studying here – i would have passed sooner.

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I pretty much tried them all.  Dunkel is rich. Hefeweizen is refreshing.  Helles and Pils are crisp. Radler – wish it was spring and I’d just come in from a long bike ride.  Maibock – yes – I feel like a monk during lent with only Maibock and no food.  And, Winterbock, warming, cozy.  Ausgezeichnet!  I think my high school German teacher would approve of that.  One of the few words I remember.

My friend, Ashton, tipped me off to this place and I’m so glad he did.  I only had one night in Kansas City and I really enjoyed the beers here and wish I had more time to hang out.

Boulevard Brewing Company, Kansas City, MO

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I stopped in at Boulevard Brewing Company in Kansas City, Missouri.  It’s been too long!  My last visit was 2011 and their tasting room and swag shop were the size of a, well, closet.  Now there’s a whole new building which is spacious and beautiful.

The Kolsch and Pils were great examples of these beer styles.  Single Wide IPA is a fabulous, easy to drink, IPA.  Hoppy enough but not too much.  I was into the Jam Band because i enjoy fruit flavors – especially when not overdone.  And, this fruit beer was vert tasty and both sweet and tart.

Just give me more Lime Gose.  This is all I need til I die.  Crisp.  Slightly sweet.  Tart.  Full of flavor.  I enjoyed the Irish Ale.  Being half Irish I can see why.  Tank 7 never disappoints!  Bourbon Barrel Quad – nothing else needs to be said.  Awesome.

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Blind Tiger Restaurant & Brewery, Topeka, KS

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I stopped in at Blind Tiger Restaurant & Brewery while in Topeka, Kansas for work.  I stopped late one evening after a night flight into town and just missed the kitchen, but the Maibock and some peanuts were a perfect late night meal.  The Maibock was everything it should be – strong, malty, filling.  The next day I enjoyed their Burnt Ends for lunch along with the Pils Vom Fass Pilsner.  Great food and great beer.  The pilsner was a great pairing with lunch and it tasted spot on for its style.  Great food and great beer.

Portneuf Valley Brewing, Pocatello, ID

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I stopped in at Portneuf Valley Brewing in Pocatello, Idaho for dinner and a beer with colleagues.  I enjoyed the Smoked Salmon Salad and I shared the Giant Salty Pretzel with a buddy.  One of my colleagues ordered a flight of all beers on tap, and honestly they were all great!  I enjoyed the Ligertown Lager.  Nice balanced malty beer.  I was hoping for more of a connection to Napoleon Dynamite, though.  I most enjoyed the Belligerent Ass Nut Brown Ale.  Deep, caramelly, malty, nutty flavor.  Great on a cold evening.  I really wanted to pick up the t-shirt but not sure that would go well back home.

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BEERWORKS Brewing Company, Boston, MA

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I stopped in at BEERWORKS Brewing Company in Boston, Massachusetts for dinner and a taste of beers.  I enjoyed the Pear and Sprout Salad with Grilled Chicken and also enjoyed a flight of beers.  Everything from Pilsner to Porter to Altbier to IPA were very good.  The beer that, hands down, captured my attention was the Blue 92 Light American  Ale with Maine blueberries.  The bartender even tosses a few fresh blueberries in the bottom of the glass.  There’s enough blueberry flavor to be significant but not too much to be overpowering.  The beer is sweet but not too sweet.  It is light and easy to drink.  Absolutely delicious!