Two Guys On Beer

Episode 119 - Great Lakes Dortmunder Gold

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 18:47:47 +0000

We end our journey with Great Lakes Brewing Company with their original - and flagship - brew. Once called "The Heisman" and now lovingly referred to as Dortmunder Gold, this is a unique lager style beer from the Dortmund region of Germany. Since 1990, this beer has won 14 Gold and 1 Silver medal from the Great American Beer Fest and World Beer Championships. Is it worth the gold it's been receiving? Oh, oh my yes.

Episode 118 - Great Lakes Eliot Ness

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 23:31:56 +0000

The Eliot Ness is a Vienna style lager - a lager that maintains crispness while at the same time allowing some darker malts to make their way in to the beer. (Sam Adams Boston Lager is the most widely known Vienna style lager in the US.) This particular lager is named after Eliot Ness, the famous leader of The Untouchables, and it is both ironic and fitting. While Ness spent much of his career enforcing prohibition, he was also well known to appreciate a libation or two. As if that weren't enough of a reason to put him on a bottle, the mother of the owners of Great Lakes was Eliot Ness's stenographer! What's that? How's the beer? It would make Eliot Ness proud, we think.

Episode 117 - Great Lakes Commodore Perry

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 17:15:04 +0000

One of our "Great Lakes Brewing" series, we examine the Commodore Perry IPA. The beer celebrates an epic battle fought by Commodore Perry and his men on Lake Erie during the war of 1812. This IPA actually presents a nice malt nose, which doesn't necessarily accompany all IPAs, and that helps this beer along its journey to becoming an incredible beer. Wonderfully complex and balanced, yet still ending with a traditional IPA bitter, this beer scores quite high with both of us.

Episode 116 - Great Lakes Burning River

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 23:41:17 +0000

We're starting a series of four episodes dedicated to the wonderful liquid coming out of the Great Lakes Brewing Company, in Cleveland, Ohio. Mark Weinmann from Great Lakes was kind enough to drop a bunch of beer on us to try, so we're going to bring it to you. Today, we have their Burning River Pale Ale, a good beer to start with. Certainly high in the hops - almost to an IPA level - it still remains decently balanced. Check it out.

Episode 115 - Birra del Borgo Genziana

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 22:37:17 +0000

We're both pizanos, so we're always excited to try a beer out of Italy. The Genziana from Birra del Borgo is made with Gentain, a bitter root. Even though it only spends 2 minutes in the boil, it makes a big impact on the flavor. The bottle conditioning is huge here. The best thing we can say is, you HAVE to go try this beer! It's surprising, new, different, and will put a smile on your face!

Episode 114 - Arcadia Jaw-Jacker

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 17:17:49 +0000

We've loved just about everything we've tried from Arcadia Brewing Company in Battle Creek, Michigan. Turns out, the Jaw-Jacker is no exception. Although this steps slightly to the side of an actual "Pumpkin Ale" (because it has no pumpkin, a mistake many people make) it does use the spices you would expect, and is in fact a Spiced Beer. Cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice - it's all there in a fantastic tribute to Pumpkin Pie. A 95 from Johnny and a 92 from Dave means you have to go try this!

Episode 113 - Bateman's Combined Harvest Ale

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 20:50:22 +0000

Although the fall season is dominated by Marzen and Oktoberfest style beers, the sleeper seasonal is the Harvest Ale. A fantastic style, it celebrates the final harvest of the season. The Bateman's Combined Harvest Ale, from the George Bateman & Sons company and the Salem Bridge Brewery, really goes after the grain, including barley, oats, wheat, and rye! We often only get a single grain, let alone four! Despite that, it's only 4.7% ABV. Brewed in the Burton-Upon-Trent style, using hard water to enhance flavor, this impressed Dave and really impressed Johnny.

Episode 112 - Slaghmuylder Witkap Pater Tripel

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 22:08:38 +0000

Family owned since 1860, this beer was rated the #8 best beer in the world by the New York Times, and is often called a "gourmet beer." An abbey style triple, this beer has specific pouring instructions, where you are supposed to pour gently so as to NOT get any sendiment in your glass. It's triple-fermented, although it only ends up at 7.5% ABV. Do we agree with the NY Times that this is one of the top ten beers in the world? You'll have to watch to find out ;)

Episode 111 - Sam Adams Imperial White

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 18:23:00 +0000

Sam Adams launched their Imperial line of beers this year. The Imperial White is a Whitbier (wheat beer), but this one boasts a 10.3% ABV, which is enormous for a wheat. Brewed with ale yeasts, the beer can be brewed at higher temperatures. While maintaining some of the hints of a traditional wheat - smooth, banana like flavors and hints of citrus, this one reminds us of a Belgian double or triple with its amber color and noticeable caramel notes and high-level heat. The resulting mixed-style of this beer is actually fantastic, and we are fans. Go find and try this beer!

Episode 110 - Flying Fish Exit 1 Oyster Stout - Pre-release!

Tue, 20 Oct 2009 16:08:10 +0000

Casey Hughs, the brewmaster at Flying Fish in New Jersey, invited us to the bottling of their new NJ Turnpike Series "Exit 1" beer, an Oyster Stout. We got to taste the beer fresh out of the tank, and Casey was kind enough to send us home with a bottle of the Exit 1 Oyster Stout. Although we were certainly excited to visit the brewery, we can say without bias that this is a fantastic beer. The Exit 1 will be officially released October 28th, so look for it!

Episode 109 - Koningshoven Trappist Tripel

Fri, 16 Oct 2009 17:44:46 +0000

From the only beer producing Trappist monastery in the Netherlands, Koningshoven Trappist Tripel is their entry in to the ever popular Belgian Tripel market. It's a good attempt, with some nice flavors. We put it in the high 80s. It doesn't rank among the best, but it's no slacker either.

Episode 108 - Estrella Damm Lager

Thu, 15 Oct 2009 14:45:16 +0000

From the Damm Group in Barcelona, Spain, Estrella Damm is their flagship beer - the first they ever produced, and still the most popular today. This is brewed in the American Adjunct Lager style, which means the barley is cut with something, in this case, rice. This combination of rice and barley gives the macro-brewed light lager beer its character. Unfortunately, despite a decent head and a floral scent, the flavor falls off as is typical with adjunct lagers.

Episode 107 - Dundee Oktoberfest

Tue, 13 Oct 2009 16:15:41 +0000

From Dundee Ales and Lagers, part of Dundee Brewing Co. (used to be the J.W. Dundee brand), from Genesse Brewing Co., from High Falls Brewing Co., the company that is now the owner of the incredibly popular Honey Brown Lager from the 90s, has an Oktoberfest from their Dundee line of beers. Unfortunately, the brewery seems to have a bit of an identity crisis, and this beer just doesn't hold up to other fest beers from this season.

Episode 106 - Sunner Kolsch

Fri, 09 Oct 2009 15:13:40 +0000

From Cologne (Koln), Germany, the Sunner Kolsch by Gebr Sunner, the Sunner Kolsch is a traditional, German Kolsch style beer. Founded in the 1830s, it's the oldest family-run brewery in Cologne. This Kolsch uses Hallertau hops for a unique, earthy, bread-like flavor. We loved this Kolsch.

Episode 105 - Brasserie Dieu du Ciel - Rosee D'Hibiscus

Mon, 05 Oct 2009 18:44:24 +0000

The Brasserie Dieu du Ciel, located in Montreal, Quebec, in Canada, is one of our favorite breweries. They put out amazing flavors in spice beers, or "gruit" beers. This beer, the Rosee D'Hibiscus, is a wheat beer. It is blood orange in color and is brewed with hibiscus flowers. The combination of the citrus from the wheat and the hibiscus flower makes for an amazing flavor.

Episode 104 - Georg Schneider's Wiesen Edel Weisse

Tue, 29 Sep 2009 14:06:24 +0000

The weizen, or Weissbier variety of beers were originally served at Oktoberfest - when the festival was still in October. A little higher in ABV than the Marzen, they were meant to warm the drinkers. The Wiesen Edel Weisse from Georg Schneider is a Certified Organic weissenbeir. Georg Schneider suffered losses during WWII, but came back to continue the tradition of brewing Weissbier, and are credited with saving the style. This particular wheat beer scores nice and high.

Episode 103 - Einbecker Mai-Urbock

Wed, 23 Sep 2009 15:14:32 +0000

Einbeck, Germany, its citizen brewers, and the resulting Einbecker Brewery are responsible for the creation of the Bock style of beers. This beer, the Einbecker Mai-Urbock, is insanely good. Martin Luther himself, in 1521, said "The best drink known to man in called Einbeck beer," and we're close to agreeing with him. Watch the episode - or don't - but you must try this beer.

Episode 102 - Cantillon Classic Gueuze Lambic

Thu, 17 Sep 2009 18:05:08 +0000

Welcome to one of Johnny's favorite beers - a Cantillon Gueuze. A Gueuze is a blended aged Lambic beer, particularly noteworthy for its fruit notes and intense sour flavor. Tom Peters of Monk's Cafe gave us a proper education on lambic beers a while back, and ever since, Johnny has been in pure love. This one scores wickedly high - and deservedly so.

Episode 101 - Bear Republic Hop Rod Rye

Wed, 16 Sep 2009 14:41:27 +0000

We're back after our big 100th party, and we're bringing you a big beer. The Hop Rod Rye, a rye-infused beer from Bear Republic from Healdsburg, CA - the home of other big hitter beers - is made with 20% rye grain and is very hoppy. Rye beers have a very long history, and was an important ingredient in beer up until the 5th century AD. Also called a Roggenbier, Rye Ales are still new to the American public, but something worth some serious consideration.

Episode 100 - Awesome party with Flying Dog's Dogtoberfest!

Mon, 07 Sep 2009 22:48:30 +0000

We filmed the 100th episode live during the TGOB 100th episode/IndyHall 2 year anniversary party! It was a rocking good time, and Flying Dog was kind enough to sponsor the event by providing us with some awesome Dogtoberfest. We reviewed the Dogtoberfest during the party, and it's a really decent American version of the veritable Oktoberfest favorite, Marzen beer. Check out the vid, check out Flying Dog, and try the Dogtoberfest and let us know what you think!

TGOB Special ? An Interview with Sam Calagione from Dogfish Head

Fri, 28 Aug 2009 14:46:15 +0000

Since our 100th episode is up next, we thought we would dip in to our bag of awesome and release our long-awaited interview with Sam Calagione, the founder of Dogfish Head. Filmed during Philly Beer Week 2009, Sam is the man Jim Koch told us - on camera, no less - was the #1 brewing rockstar in the country. Check out our brief time with Sam, hear a new twist to a beer story legend, and find out why he REALLY started a brewery.

Episode 099 - Orval Trappist Ale

Thu, 27 Aug 2009 19:33:35 +0000

Founded by Italian monks in the year 1070, the Orval monastary in Belgium has probably produced beer their entire history. For the past several hundred years, the Orval monastary made their money making and selling cheese and bread. The modern brewery, started in 1931 and employing all lay-people, still takes all procedes to pay their employees, upkeep of the monastary itself, or charitable causes. To be called a Trappist beer, a monastary cannot make a profit on the sale of their beer, and therefore charitable organizations benefit. Orval, using dry hopping and infusion brewing, is a lot of fun to drink.

Episode 098 - Jever Original Friesland Pils

Thu, 27 Aug 2009 18:23:57 +0000

Diedrich Konig founded the Jever brewery, or the "Friesisches Brauhaus zu Jever" over 160 years ago, in 1848. Fast forward to 2009, and they are perhaps the most modern brewery on the planet. The Jever pilsner has extra hops added to it to increase the bitter profile, and its flavor gets two slightly different opinions from the two of us. Watch to see how this one plays out!

Episode 097 - Hitachino XH

Wed, 26 Aug 2009 17:46:04 +0000

The Hitachino Nest line of beers from the Kiuchi Brewery in Japan has yet to disapoint either of us and the Hitachino XH, an American style Strong Ale (XH stands for "Xtra High") keeps up the reputation. Matured in "shochu" casks, a distilled alcohol common in Japan (slightly higher in ABV and character than sake) this brew is earthy and wonderful, and scores high - especially from Johnny.

Episode 096 - Kelpie Seaweed Ale

Mon, 24 Aug 2009 17:53:38 +0000

400 plus years ago, cereal crops in parts of Scotland were grown in Bladderwrack seaweed beds, which lent grains like barley a unique flavor. Now Strathaven Ales and the Craighill Brewery are trying to recapture that uniqueness in their Kelpie Seaweed Ale. They add seaweed and organic barley to the mash tun, and create a Scottish gruit beer. It turns out the beer is very good and easy to drink, but any unique flavor from the seaweed is just a bit too subdued.

Episode 095 - Stone Levitation Ale

Sun, 23 Aug 2009 13:58:13 +0000

Stone, founded in 1996, is pretty well known for their hoppy beers. Their Levitation Ale - technically an American Red/Amber Ale - has some nice floral overtones, which are eventually subdued by the "big hoppy characteristic..." A good overall hopped American Amber, great for the summer, Stone has another winner on their hands.

Episode 094 - Anchor Summer Beer

Thu, 20 Aug 2009 15:59:22 +0000

Claiming to be the first American wheat beer ever produced, the Anchor Summer Beer is 50% wheat malt, yet oddly, completely filtered. We know that Anchor is one of the oldest craft breweries in the US, dating back to at least 1896. Unfortunately, that alone is not enough to make a beer awesome, and this one falls just a little short in our eyes. Anchor remains one of our favorite breweries, but this beer is not, in our opinions, their biggest win.

Episode 093 - Dogfish Head Raison D'Etre

Wed, 19 Aug 2009 21:52:33 +0000

The Raison D'Etre - or, "reason for being" - from Dogfish Head is a Belgian Strong Dark ale made with beet sugar, green raisins, and Belgian yeasts. While not either of our favorites from Dogfish Head, it impresses Johnny more. Either way, we love the experimentation that continues to come out of Dogfish Head.

Episode 092 - Cave Creek Chili Beer

Tue, 18 Aug 2009 16:48:42 +0000

The Cave Creek Chili Beer is easily one of the worst beers we've reviewed, infused with pepper oils and a chili pepper in the bottle. Pepper by itself does not a bad beer make - in fact, we've reviewed some peppered beer that we've loved. However, this self-proclaimed Arizona favorite is not close to our favorite. It's not a wonder that the founding brewery in Arizona closed - what is a wonder is that a brewery in Tecate, Mexico, is still making it.

Episode 091 - Almaza Pilsner Beer

Mon, 17 Aug 2009 18:26:25 +0000

From the Brasserie Almaza in Lebanon, this German style pilsner dates back to 1933. Since 1995, the Brasserie Almaza can claim to be the only brewer in all of Lebanon. Although many mass-produced lagers are pilsners and they can get a bad name, the Almaza Pilsner turns out to be decent.

Episode 090 - Browerij De Ranke XX Bitter

Wed, 12 Aug 2009 16:55:41 +0000

The self-proclaimed "hoppiest beer in Belgium" is in fact a Belgium IPA - a new variety of beer that's making some waves. With the potential for a magnificent mix of Belgian malts and American hops, Belgian IPAs are still a work in progress. The XX Bitter from Browerij De Ranke impresses Dave more than Johnny - what do you think?

Episode 089 - Nakhon Premium Beer

Tue, 11 Aug 2009 15:00:43 +0000

Supposedly from Thailand, but unfortunately an "Export Only" beer, the San Miguel company in Sakhon, Nakhon puts out a traditional American Style Adjunct Lager, as is supposed to come from just about every massive multi-national beverage conglomerate. Not only is this beer basically a lie - it's not available in Thailand, so it shouldn't be called a Thai beer - but it also resembles beer-colored, sour water. The ratings reflect the quality of this beer, for sure.

Episode 088 - North Coast Brewing Company Brother Thelonious

Fri, 07 Aug 2009 18:17:43 +0000

Named after - and a tribute to - the game-changing jazz musician Thelonious Monk, North Coast Brewing Company in Fort Brag, CA, puts out the Brother Thelonious Belgian Style Abbey Ale. This beer wins in multiple ways. Every bottle sold puts money towards the Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz, to help young Jazz musicians get a proper music education, and the beer itself wins in character as well. Both Johnny and Dave put this in the 90s - a great flavor, if not slightly deceptive at 9.4% ABV.

Episode 087 - Efes Pilsner

Thu, 06 Aug 2009 17:42:29 +0000

Our first beer from Turkey! Efes is the largest beer brand in Turkey, with about an 82% market share. Although originally a national brand, Efes is now owned by the international Efes Beverage Group, who are responsible for distributing Coke in Turkey, and contract-brewing other brands, such as Warsteiner, for the region. Efes Pilsner, an "American Adjunct Lager" style beer made partially with rice (which usually elicits low ratings from both of us) scores in the mid-80s - not bad for a mass-produced adjunct lager.

Episode 086 - Allagash Dubbel Ale

Wed, 05 Aug 2009 17:52:55 +0000

Brewed in Portland, Maine, the Allagash brewery has been known to put out some decent beers. Plus, being 100% wind energy driven, they're also excellent corporate citizens. We look at their Belgian style Double, the "Dubbel Ale," which has a 7.6% ABV kick along side a huge apricot fruit profile. As far as doubles go, this scored an 87 from both Johnny and Dave - a good score and a beer you should try!

Episode 085 - Quilmes Cerveza

Tue, 04 Aug 2009 13:34:23 +0000

An adjunct, mass produced lager from Argentina, Quilmes began with a German immigrant in 1888, and is now the largest and most popular beer in Argentina, even supporting the national football (soccer) team. Even though they're now internationally owned - 91% by AB-InBev - and it's a mass-produced "American Adjunct Lager," based on the style, this beer does ok.

Episode 084 - Duck-Rabbit Milk Stout

Mon, 03 Aug 2009 17:19:28 +0000

The Duck-Rabbit Craft Brewery in Farmville, NC, named for the founder's love for philosophy and visual tricks, turns out a Milk Stout - one in a line of their self-proclaimed speciality, dark beers. To an odd contrary, their Milk Stout is actually lighter in color than most stouts, but still turns in a great flavor - roasted, coffee, slightly dry, and smooth!

TGOB Special - An Interview with Jim Koch from Sam Adams

Tue, 28 Jul 2009 18:51:49 +0000

During Philly Beer Week 2009, we got to sit down with Jim Koch, the founder of the Boston Beer Company, otherwise known as Sam Adams. We talk about everything from the early days of Sam Adams to how brewing a great beer is his ultimate goal - and how Sam Adams Boston Lager is his favorite beer.

Jim talks to us about his French knighthood in the Order of the Hops, how research continues to make his beer better, and the struggle that Sam Adams faces - even though they are the largest American-owned brewery in the world.

We couldn't be more excited to bring you this extended interview with Jim Koch, and couldn't have done it without the support of the Boston Beer Company, Philly Beer Week and Jennie Hatton, and of course the man himself, Jim Koch. Enjoy!

Episode 083 - Beer Chips, Yebisu Beer Jelly

Fri, 17 Jul 2009 20:02:26 +0000

After what seems like 82+ shows talking about beer, we hop off the beaten trail for just a minute to talk about some food made with beer. We're not talking about home-cooked, however. We're talking about processed food containing beer - and man is it interesting! We take a look at Beer Chips - potato chips made with beer, that really don't impress that much. But it's the Yebisu Beer Jelly - basically beer Jello - that really shocks us, because, well, it's REALLY good!

TGOB Special - Philly Beer Scene Magazine Launch Party

Wed, 15 Jul 2009 18:00:50 +0000

Philly Beer Scene magazine just took Philadelphia by storm, and turns out to be a really, really great magazine dedicated to the craft! Serving the Delaware Valley in a 30 mile radius from City Hall in Philadelphia, or available by subscription to anywhere in the country - Johnny and Dave got to sit down with the four founders at their launch party and find out why they started the magazine, what they feel it means for Philadelphia and the surrounding areas, and what really drives them. It turns out Mat, Scott, Neil, and John are great guys, and that can only lead to good things. Check out the website at BeerSceneMag.com and definitely give the video a watch!

Episode 081 - Uinta Anglers Pale Ale, Stoudt's Fat Dog Stout

Tue, 07 Jul 2009 15:59:07 +0000

NOTE: Be sure to stick around after the credits for some blooper fun! Yet again, we find ourselves somehow intertwined with Uinta Brewing Company out of Utah, who have yet to disappoint us. This time we try out their Anglers Pale Ale, a gentle ale that's not too hoppy. Once again, it gets good scores. Next we tackle Stoudt's Fat Dog from one of Johnny's favorite breweries. The Fat Dog is an American Imperial Stout, or an Imperial Oatmeal Stout, etc. The big bottle with the champagne cork definitely caused us some issues, but after we got passed that, we got to try a fantastic beer that also scored nice and high! Be sure to stick around after the credits to watch us struggle with the cork :)

Episode 080 - Thomas Hardy's Ale, J.W. Lees 1999 Vintage Barley Wine - UNCUT

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 16:48:16 +0000

WARNING: Adult Language!! We start out totally stoked to review two really cool beers - the Thomas Hardy's Ale (an old ale), and the J.W. Lee's 1998 Vintage barley wine! Both are aged and we love aged - if done right, of course ;) However, right in the middle of taping, we're interrupted - twice - by people in the bar! It's never happened before, but it was graduation week in Philadelphia, so bar crawls were happening in force! We left the interruptions in the video because of the total randomness of it - enjoy :) Back to the beers though, they both score big, and are intense beers. After you're done watching the show, definitely go out and try these beers!

Episode 079 - Tommyknocker Oaked Butt Head Bock, Het Kapittel Prior

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 16:00:40 +0000

We take a look at Tommyknocker's Oacked Butt Head Bock, which totally throws us for a loop and gets really low scores. We have higher hopes for the Het Kapittel Prior ale, which is brewed in the tradition of Trappist breweries (although is not a Trappist brewery itself) but it falls a little short too.

Episode 078 - Cricket Hill East Coast Lager, Sarnac Summer Brew

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 17:44:19 +0000

We take a look at a VERY small brewery near the Jersey Shore, Cricket Hill, which totally wows us with their East Coast Lager. Anyone who likes a good lager should check them out - if you can get your hands on it ;) Next we move to the Matt Brewing Company's Sarnac line and their Summer Brew. Half lager, half lemonade, it's really a "Shandy." It gets some decent marks from Johnny, but Dave is less enthusiastic on this particular take of one of his favorite summer beverages.

Episode 077 - Mendocino Brewing IPA and Stout with Chad9976 of Chad'z Beer Reviews!

Fri, 19 Jun 2009 23:05:28 +0000

Our first guest host! Chad, also known as "Chad9976" on YouTube, has been reviewing beers on YouTube for about a year, and came down to IndyHall to do a joint-review with yours truly and truly-er! Chad was kind enough to bring down a Mendocino Brewing Company variety pack, and we talk about their White Hawk IPA and Black Hawk Stout. They like hawks :) Be sure to check out Chad's YouTube Channel at http://www.youtube.com/user/Chad9976

Episode 076 - Maredsous Abbaye Abdij, 'T Gaverhopke

Thu, 18 Jun 2009 01:36:22 +0000

We take a look at two blondes from Belgium - well, both claim to be blondes, but both are actually a little something different. The first, the interestingly named 'T Gaverhopke from the Flanders region of Belgium and is actually an Abbey Tripple, and underwhelms us. The second, from the Browerij Duvel Moortgat, however, (a Belgian Pale Ale disguising itself as a blonde) turns out to be something really nice.

Episode 075 - Kirin Ichiban, Sapporo Reserve

Fri, 05 Jun 2009 20:11:47 +0000

A freshly-shaven Johnny and an always shaven Dave head east to try a couple of mass-production lagers from Japan. The two beers have an odd, intertwining past, and dealings with other well-known brewing conglomerates to create a bizarre web of ownership, contract brewing, and shared pasts. That said, they turn out to be exactly what you would expect - light on flavor and profile, sitting nicely in the mass-production-lager niche that Bud and Miller have come to define.

Episode 074 - Clipper City Brewery Red Sky At Night, Bos-Keum Speciaal Paasbier

Tue, 26 May 2009 17:13:12 +0000

Not everything in this world can be perfect, and the Bos Keum Speciaal Paasbier from Brouwerij De Dolle Brouwers, an "Easter Beer", is far from it. Luckily, the show was more than saved by Clipper City Brewery's Heavy Seas series Red Sky At Night, an "Imperial Saison" - a new category of beers by any measure - that turns out to be spectacular.

Episode 073 - Guinness 250 Anniversary Stout, Heather Ale, Ltd. Ebulum Elderberry Black Ale

Tue, 19 May 2009 14:58:17 +0000

We start off the show by trying out the recently released 250th Anniversary Stout from Guinness. 250 years ago, the lease was signed for the St. Jame Gate brewery location, and Guinness has been brewed there ever since. However, the real gem of the show is another incredibly strong showing by Heather Ale, Ltd., who brings us yet another traditional Scottish Gruit beer which is simply outstanding. The Ebulum Elderberry Black Ale is a stunning success.

Episode 072 - Atwater Vanilla Java Porter, Hofbrau Dunkel

Fri, 15 May 2009 17:34:12 +0000

With the promise of real vanilla beans and coffee in a porter, the Vanilla Java Porter from Atwater Brewery falls desperately short of decent. Then we head over to Germany for some Hofbrau Dunkel, a favorite of Johnny's and a decent example of a Munich Dunkel Lager, a darker and smoother version of a pilsner. With a brewery dating back to 1589, the tradition definitely shows through.

Episode 071 - Dogfish Head Black and Blue, Mikkeller Beer Geek Brunch Weasel

Wed, 13 May 2009 15:54:29 +0000

It's a big episode, with some big beers - Dogfish Head always turns in the big beers, and this time we check out their attempt at a fruit beer - their Black and Blue, made with pureed blackberries and blueberries. Hence the name. Although actually a Belgian Strong Ale, it wins decent points. We finish with the Mikkeller Beer Geek Brunch Weasel - which both has a curious story, as well as the highest ratings ever handed out on Two Guys On Beer.

Episode 070 - Erie Golden Fleece Maibock, Konings Hoeven Bock Trappist Ales

Mon, 11 May 2009 18:25:52 +0000

It's Spring, which means it's Bock season. We try one on for size, and then try out a Trappist Ale that is an interpretation on a bock. The Maibock comes in decent, but the Trappist kind of disappoints.

Episode 069 - Great Divide Brewing Claymore Scotch Ale, Orkney Skull Splitter

Wed, 06 May 2009 19:26:54 +0000

We love Scotch Ale, and we have two of them for you - starting with Great Divide Brewing Company in Colorado and their Claymore Scotch Ale, and then over to Scotland itself, to Orkney, to speak of their Viking inspired Skull Splitter Scottish Ale.

Episode 068 - Dominion Millennium Ale, Four Plus Brewing's Monkshine

Mon, 04 May 2009 13:28:31 +0000

From Virginia comes the first microbrewery in the Washington DC metro area, the Old Dominion Brewing Company. We review their Millenium Ale, which is actually a English Barleywine - and 100% kosher to boot. Next up is a huge surprise from Four+ Brewing, a subsidiary of Uinta Brewing in Salt Lake City, Utah - and their Belgian style pale ale wins huge accolades.

Episode 067 - Thomas Hooker Blonde Ale, Monty Python Holy Grail Ale

Sun, 26 Apr 2009 18:22:07 +0000

We start off with a very interesting type of ale - a Cream Ale, which is actually a cross between an ale and a lager. A traditional ale, made with lager yeasts! Next we head to the Castle Anthrax to try out Monty Python's Holy Grail Ale, brewed by Paul Theakston at the Black Sheep Brewery in the UK.

Episode 066 - Anchor Bock Beer, Traquair House Ale

Thu, 23 Apr 2009 01:25:15 +0000

We're fans of Anchor Brewery, and Anchor's Liberty Ale still remains one of the highest rated on the show. However, their attempt at a bock for spring left us wondering what exactly they were thinking! However, things quickly looked up as we tried out the Traquair House Ale, which scored the highest we've given to date. It was that good.

Philly BeerWeek - Johnny Brenda's Stout Brunch

Mon, 20 Apr 2009 16:50:56 +0000

Our first stop for Philly BeerWeek was the Stout Brunch at Johnny Brenda's. Will Reed sat with us and gave us his thoughts on BeerWeek and the local craft beer scene in Philadelphia

Episode 065 - Wells Banana Bread Beer, Innis and Gunn Original Oak Aged Scottish Beer

Fri, 17 Apr 2009 22:01:01 +0000

The Wells and Young's company starts us off with Banana Bread Beer, a banana infused English Bitter beer that is one of the first fruit beers Johnny and I have tried that doesn't try to mask that it is in fact a beer. So we have a really neat mix of fruit and malts. Next we hit up an Innis and Gunn Original Oak Aged Scottish Beer, which is aged in brand new North American White Oak casks, blended, and bottled for some incredibly good beer. It doesn't hurt that they never use the same oak cask twice!

Episode 064 (Take 2) - Gluten Free Beer - Lakefront New Grist Beer, ABInBev Redbridge Gluten Free

Fri, 17 Apr 2009 17:47:47 +0000

Some people don't drink beer because they have a gluten intolerance. This is not acceptable! Beer is to be enjoyed by all! Therefore, we decided we would start periodically looking at "Gluten Free" beers made around the world. We didn't necessarily hit a home run this episode, but we didn't totally strike out either. We try the first ever gluten free beer, Lakefront's New Grist Beer, and try out ABInBev's offering, the Redbridge Gluten Free beer. Check it out!

Episode 064 - Gluten Free Beer - Lakefront New Grist Beer, ABInBev Redbridge Gluten Free

Tue, 14 Apr 2009 22:47:07 +0000

Episode 063 - Flying Fish Imperial Espresso Porter, Fruli Strawberry Beer

Thu, 02 Apr 2009 18:45:04 +0000

Considering the amount of luck we've had with fruit beers, you'd think we would just give up. But no! We forage on! And this time, we have a winner. From Browerij Huyghe, the people that bring your Delirium Tremens, comes the Fruli Strawberry Beer - and it's good. Following up desert with coffee, we move on to the Flying Fish Imperial Espresso Porter - a coffee porter done the way a coffee porter should be.

Philly BeerWeek Teaser

Wed, 25 Mar 2009 19:45:10 +0000

Teaser for Philly BeerWeek

Episode 062 - Brasserie Decazeau Tournay Black Belgium Stout, Uinta XVI Anniversary Barley Wine

Mon, 23 Mar 2009 16:02:52 +0000

From the Tournai region of Belgium, we have a Black Belgium Stout from the Brasserie Decazeau. One of the best heads we've ever had on a stout, and just a wonderful flavor. We follow it up with our first beer ever from Utah, Uinta Brewing's XVI Anniversary Barley Wine Ale. While slightly over-hopped for our tastes as a barley wine, we're stoked to see craft beer coming out of Utah and ending up on the East Coast.

Episode 061 - Lakefront Fuel Cafe, Tetley's English Ale

Sat, 21 Mar 2009 17:23:41 +0000

We're back on the scene with a surprising winner in Lakefront's Fuel Cafe coffee stout, and then try out an interesting pale ale in the form of Tetley's English Ale. It uses nitrogen and a widget much like Guinness, and makes the standard pale ale crazy smooth, if not a little lacking in flavor.

Episode 060 - Pilsners at I-SITE! Warsteiner Premium Verum, Pilsner Urquell

Tue, 17 Mar 2009 15:18:11 +0000

The awesome peeps over at I-SITE invited us to film our 60th episode on location at a party they were having. After the event, we were all heading out to a pilsner taste-test event, so we decided to discuss two pilsners on this episode. A great audience of about 50 people made this a really cool episode to shoot! Warsteiner, the great German beer company we've discussed before, comes in with high marks for its Premium Verum pilsner. However, Pilsner Urquell, which claims to be the original pilsner (and is brewed in the original pilsner brewery in Pilzen, Czech Republic) disappointed all involved. Except maybe one person.

Episode 059 - Two Brothers Brewing Heavy Handed IPA, Brouwerij de Regenboog Vuuve

Sun, 15 Mar 2009 17:45:07 +0000

We are lucky enough to try out two tremendous beers - starting with a surprisingly good IPA from Two Brothers Brewing, and then moving on to an old friend, Brouwerij de Regenboog, to try their wheat Vuuve, which is yet another big win from them.

Episode 058 - General Lafayette Abbey Dubbel, George Gale Festival Mild Ale

Tue, 10 Mar 2009 18:04:31 +0000

Johnny and I explore the first ever English Dark Mild Ale to appear on the show, which is a very common session beer in the UK. After being quite impressed with that, we move on to the Baron Hill Brewery's General Lafayette Abbey Dubbel, which leaves us somewhat disappointed.

Episode 057 - Tom Peters from Monks Cafe, Yards ESA, Dogfish Head 90 Minute IPA

Fri, 06 Mar 2009 15:42:46 +0000

It's Philly Beer Week! We talk about two beers that will make an appearance at Philly Beer Week's "Opening Tap" in the lobby of the Comcast Center in Philadelphia, PA. Tom talks to us about Philly Beer Week, the opening tap on Friday night, and tastes the ESA and IPA with us and gives us some of his insights into the beer.

Episode 056 - Tom Peters from Monk's Cafe and his Cantillon Cuvee de Monk's Gueuze

Mon, 02 Mar 2009 22:18:01 +0000

Johnny and Dave meet up with Tom Peters of the world famous Monk's Cafe in Philadelphia, PA. Monk's is considered one of the greatest Belgium taverns in the country, and rightfully so. Tom is kind enough to share with us his Cuvee de Monk's Gueuze (pronounced "gooze"), a blended lambic he has been working on in Belgium at the Cantillon brewery. This particular Gueuze is an Oud Gueuze, and is a blend of a 3 year old, 2 year old, and 1 year old lambic. It is available only at Monk's Cafe, and only during Philly Beer Week! This is the first of two shows that Tom was kind enough to do with us, and we hope you enjoy it! Be sure to visit Monk's during Philly Beer Week!

Episode 055 - High and Mighty St. Hubbins Abbey, Coopers Original Pale Ale

Sat, 28 Feb 2009 01:12:24 +0000

From the Coopers Brewery, a Australian brewery, family owned since 1862, we have the "Original Pale Ale" which doesn't send us through the roof, but still draws some appreciation. Then we go try out the St. Hubbins Abbey from High and Mighty Beer Co., which gets high marks.

Episode 054 - Gavroche French Red Ale, Petrus Oud Bruin

Tue, 24 Feb 2009 19:39:18 +0000

From the toasted malts of a Bier De Guarde to the sweet and sour of a Flanders Brown, we talk about two kinds of beer we've never had on Two Guys On Beer - and offer two great intros into the styles.

Episode 053 - Brooklyn Black Chocolate Stout, Speakeasy Brewing's Old Godfather Barley Wine

Thu, 19 Feb 2009 18:17:26 +0000

We start off by talking about Speakeasy Brewing Co. from San Francisco, CA. Their Old Godfather Barley Wine Style Ale impresses the heck out of us. It's the first beer from Speakeasy Brewing that we've tried, and it lands some big scores. Then we try out Brooklyn Brewery's Russian Imperial Stout entry, their Black Chocolate Stout. It turns out to be incredibly smokey and bold. For Dave, it's a winner - for Johnny, a little bit less impressive as the "chocolate" doesn't really present itself well, considering the name of the beer.

Episode 052 - Erie Brewing's Mad Anthony, Yards Brewing's George Washington Tavern Porter

Thu, 19 Feb 2009 03:43:57 +0000

It's Presidents Day (or just about there) and we hop in to some presidential beers - or at least some inspired by those involved in the revolution. We start with Anthony Wayne's namesake, Mad Anthony, by Erie Brewing Company, and then head over to Yards Brewing to check out their George Washington Tavern Porter - brewed using George Washington's own recipe!

Episode 051 - Boulder Beer Co. Never Summer Ale, Tucher Bajuvator Doppelbock

Mon, 16 Feb 2009 21:50:27 +0000

We review the Never Summer Ale from Boulder Beer Co., a winter warmer, and then head towards spring with Tucher's Bajuvator Doppelbock. While neither overwhelmed us with flavor, they both had positive characteristics which make them worth trying.

Episode 050 - Sam Adams Chocolate Bock, Dogfish Head Pangaea

Wed, 11 Feb 2009 19:30:59 +0000

It's our 50th episode! Johnny and I pull out some expensive selections for the occasion, including Sam Adams Chocolate Bock, one of the Sam Adams "Extreme" line of beers that is fermented over a bed of Swiss chocolate, and Dogfish Head's Pangaea, a beer that boasts ingredients from every continent on the earth, including its water from Antarctica! We're lucky enough to have some balloons and audience participation to celebrate the occasion - enjoy!

Episode 049 - Meantime Coffee Porter, Gulden Draak

Mon, 09 Feb 2009 21:16:20 +0000

Two odd bottles, two very different beers. Meantime Brewing in the UK shows up with a vase-shaped bottle of Coffee Porter, which may be a bit more bitter than coffee, but is still an interesting taste. Then we head the total opposite direction with Brouwerij Van Steenberge's Gulden Draak - a 10% ABV Belgian Strong Dark ale that is delightfully sweet.

Episode 048 - Wychwood Brewery's Wychcraft, Sam Smith's Imperial Stout

Fri, 06 Feb 2009 20:45:54 +0000

We hop on over to the UK to try out a couple popular beers - an English Pale Ale in the form of Wychwood brewery's Wychcraft which they claim is "thrice hopped and golden," but scores lower than expected. Then we give Sam Smith a chance to redeem itself after our disappointment in their winter seasonal by trying their Imperial Stout... and it comes up big, as expected.

Episode 047 - Belhaven Scottish Ale, Fraoch Heather Ale

Wed, 04 Feb 2009 23:23:26 +0000

It's all Scotland this episode - from a nice, smoooooth Scottish Ale to a Heather Ale - perhaps the oldest beer recipe still in use, over 4000 years old! We talk about Scottish beer ratings in "shillings" - an outdated but still used beer measurement, and then all about the Gaelic tradition of Fraoch - or spiced "Heather" beers.

Episode 046 - Red Pig Ale, Fisherman's Ale

Tue, 03 Feb 2009 21:33:59 +0000

We head back down south of the border to give Mexico another go at brewing a decent beer (and they show up this time!), and then head up to Massachusetts to try out Cape Ann Brewing's Fisherman's Ale, which is a Kolsch style ale - only the second we've tried on this show.

Episode 045 -Route de Epices, Samichlaus Helles

Mon, 02 Feb 2009 18:37:35 +0000

We've got two very interesting beers - including a very peppery Route De Epices ("Spice Route") from the Brasserie Dieu Du Ciel, and the very rare Samichlaus Helles from The Castle Brewery Eggenberg, the world's highest ABV lager at 14%. We go over our traditional 9-10 minutes to discuss the complexity of the Samichlaus.

Episode 044 - Winterfest at World Cafe Live!

Thu, 29 Jan 2009 00:24:10 +0000

We were invited back to World Cafe Live! to attend and film at their Winterfest festival! Smaller and more intimate than their previous Oktoberfest beer fest, there were still plenty of different beers to try. With Vince Bilotta (Johnny's brother) leading the editing on this one, we dive into some awesome superhero action. Winterfest 2009!

Episode 043 - Blue Point Winter Ale, Mackeson XXX Stout

Wed, 28 Jan 2009 01:35:30 +0000

Ok, so, it was dark and our lighting was off. THAT SAID - here are some FUN beers for you! Blue Point's Winter Ale, direct from Long Island, which despite the horrible font choice ends up being yummy, and Mackeson's XXX Milk Stout, which has a ridiculous story from inception to your mouth. Enjoy!

Episode 042 - Fischer Amber, Cuvee Alex Le Rouge

Fri, 23 Jan 2009 18:40:40 +0000

Our first Euro Dark Lager (the Fischer Amber) and our first American Imperial Stout! A couple new styles make it on to the show this episode along with some nice beers. We discuss the styles and of course drink beer.

Episode 041 - Otter Creek Winter Ale, Regenboog t'Smisje IPA Plus

Tue, 20 Jan 2009 21:57:39 +0000

We start off with Otter Creek's Winter Ale, which is infused with raspberries. We've had inconsistent luck with fruit-infused beer - could this one be different? Then we try out a small-batch brew from the minute Regenboog brewery in Belgium, their t'Smisje IPA+, which may really be a Strong Belgian Pale Ale.

Episode 040 - Green Flash Hop Head Red Ale, Thirsty Dog Siberian Night Russian Imperial Stout

Mon, 19 Jan 2009 17:38:26 +0000

This episode we take a look at Green Flash's Hop Head Red Ale, which asks the consumer to decide between its worthiness as a pale ale or amber ale, and Thirsty Dog's Siberian Night Russian Imperial Stout, which wins high marks with both of us!

Episode 039 - Bink Winterkoninkske, St Peter’s English Pale Ale

Wed, 14 Jan 2009 16:58:27 +0000

An organic beer, St. Peter's English Pale Ale, turns out to be everything an English Pale Ale should be, and Brouwerij Kerkom's Winterkoninkske Winter King lends heavy alcohol flavor to a Belgian Strong Dark ale.

Episode 038 - Bell's Hell Hath No Fury Ale, Samuel Smith Winter Welcome Ale

Wed, 14 Jan 2009 00:24:32 +0000

We talk about Bell's awesomely named Hell Hath No Fury Ale which impresses us, and then we talk about the history of the Samuel Smith brewery and their Winter Welcome Ale. It's Joe's favorite brewery - can the Winter Welcome Ale continue the streak?

Episode 037 - Cristal, Toohey's New

Sat, 10 Jan 2009 15:59:28 +0000

Two completely under-impressive beers, one from South America, the other from Australia. Both represent mass-produced beers from their regions, and unfortunately, it's evident in the quality.

Episode 036 - Wild Goose Snow Goose, Taj Mahal Lager

Thu, 08 Jan 2009 22:40:46 +0000

We try out Taj Mahal's lager, an American style "American Adjunct Lager" brewed half-way around the world, then we head back to the US to try out Wild Goose's Snow Goose winter warmer ale.

Episode 035 - Pyramid Snow Cap, Petit La Chouffe

Wed, 07 Jan 2009 18:43:53 +0000

A winter warmer - Pyramid's Snow Cap from Seattle Washington, and a Belgian Strong Ale (or a strong golden ale) Petit La Chouffe from Brasserie d’ Achouffe in Belgium make for some good drinking.

Episode 034 - Happy New Years 2009! - Kronenberg 1664 and Young's Double Chocolate Stout

Tue, 30 Dec 2008 05:55:15 +0000

We (Dave and Johnny) ring in 2009 with two possibilities for your New Year's party - a mass-consumable but tasty euro-pale lager, Kronenberg 1664, and one of the best beers we've tried since we started Two Guys On Beer - a milk stout - Young's Double Chocolate Stout.

Episode 033 - Christmas 2008! - Sam Adams Old Fezziwig, Great Lakes Brewing Christmas Ale

Wed, 24 Dec 2008 16:38:20 +0000

It's our 2008 Christmas special! We review two Christmas winter wamers, The Boston Beer Company Sam Adams Old Fezziwig, and from Ohio, the Great Lakes Brewing Company's award winning Christmas Ale. We hope you have an amazing holiday!

Episode 032 - Troegs Mad Elf, Ridgeway Brewing Insanely Bad Elf

Sat, 20 Dec 2008 00:00:47 +0000

Elf off! We take a look at two seasonals - Ridgeway Brewing's Insanely Bad Elf, and a favorite of many, Troegs Mad Elf. What a great beer season.

Episode 031 - He'Brew Messiah Bold, Anderson Valley Winter Solstice

Wed, 17 Dec 2008 21:08:39 +0000

We try out He'Brew's Messiah Bold, which we find takes all the humor out of the brewery, and Anderson Valley's Winter Solstice, which Dave loves but Johnny has reservations about.

Episode 030 - Breckenridge Oatmeal Stout, St. Feuillien Cuvee De Noel

Mon, 15 Dec 2008 20:43:07 +0000

We take a look at Breckenridge's Oatmeal Stout and are slightly disappointed, but perhaps due to prior expectations. The Cuvee De Noel, from St. Feuillien, scores much better, but not perfect. Perhaps we were just crabby.

Episode 029 - Arcadia London Porter, Corsendonk Christmas Ale

Fri, 12 Dec 2008 17:04:33 +0000

Episode 29 is epic, with two absolutely outstanding beers - Arcadia Brewing Co.'s London Porter, and a fabulous Christmas Ale from Corsendonk.

Episode 028 - Gulpener Chateau Neuborg, DeStruise Tsjeeses Xmas Ale

Wed, 10 Dec 2008 20:11:12 +0000

We look at a really well done Czech pilsner from Gulpener brewery in the Netherlands called the Chateau Neubourg, and finish with a holiday seasonal from De Struise Brouwers in Belgium - their Tsjeeses Xmas ale, a Belgium strong pale ale.

Episode 027 - Southern Tier’s Phin and Matt’s Extraordinary Ale, Hook and Ladder’s Backdraft Brown Ale

Wed, 10 Dec 2008 02:42:35 +0000

Two American ales are tried, including a somewhat unconvincing "Phin & Matt's Extraordinary Ale" American Ale from Southern Tier Brewing, and a winner of a Brown Ale in Hook and Ladder's "Backdraft Brown Ale"

Episode 026 - Old Engine Oil, Riverhorse Tripel Horse

Fri, 05 Dec 2008 17:12:15 +0000

We try out two great brews - Old Engine Oil out of the UK which blew us away, and back on US shores, Riverhorse's Tripel Horse, a Belgian-style tripel with a touch of Americana.

Episode 025 - Alba Scots Pine Ale, Theakston Old Peculiar

Wed, 03 Dec 2008 15:34:34 +0000

Our 25th! We show serious love to two brews out of the UK - Scotland's Alba Scots Pine Ale and the ever illustrious Old Peculiar from the Theakston Brewery.