Short's "The Soft Parade"

Tasted at 8th st grille on Friday afternoon. This is the most expensive review I've ever done, at the cost of my bicycle which, as I was leaving 8th St. Grille, I found to have been stolen only within the hour time frame I was there...
9% ABV

Appearance: A rosy complexion with a rich faintly hazed hue. Carbonation initially clings to the sides of the glass, but quickly dissipates. The head is very minimal and reduces only to a slight ring around the inner perimeter of the glass.
Aroma: Berry fruit presence is immediately known paralleled by grape-like vininess. Malt bill takes a back burner status as the scent is defined by the fruit overtones and a brief tannic impression.
Taste: Initially a faint grain sweetness presents itself against the fruity facade that defines this beer. To follow, a bit of a fruit syrup sweetness emerges, defined by a fruit reduction but without the added tartness/citric acid. Carbonation fuels a bit of a mellowed sweetness, defined by the rye spicing and a faint fruit tannic presence. I get mostly raspberry syrup and strawberries.

Mouthfeel: The body is medium with the remaining malt and fruit syrup sweetness adding to the terminal gravity. Carbonation is foamy and froths up engulfing the tongue in a fiery of bubbles. Rounds out down the throat as a flat liquid. Finishing dry and bitter with a familiar cloy at the roof of the mouth.
Overall Impression: A rich fruit beer but with an insufficient tartness that is commonly expected. Instead, one gets a mellowed syrup sweetness complimented by the spicing of the rye that ultimately creates a very unique flavor experience. A lot goes on in this beer, and it's up to you to decide how much you want from this beer.

Weekend/day Beer Adventures: Grand Rapids, MI

The Mural outside Pyramid Scheme

This past weekend, as some may know, I biked to Grand Rapids. Since moving to Holland, I have already made the trips to Grand Haven (22) Saugatuck (17) and Hudsonville (14) but had yet to really experience the night life in GR. Jen and I had made a quick trip out there to check out some of the brewing scene, but I wanted something more thorough. Eamon had offered to show me around and provide some housing during the trip, which would work out perfectly. So, following work on Friday (6/22/12), I dropped my pay case of at home and rounded up some stuff (i.e. running shoes, shirt, wallet, camera and hammock - just incase) and headed out. It was pretty hot out and I didn't bring any water. Therefore, I hit up the halfway mark at White Flame in Hudsonville for a quick pint. I had heard they had recently tapped a new hopped wheat, and for every pint a dollar went to breast cancer research fund. It was worth it. Drinking for a good cause, what's better? While there, several publicans heard I was making the trip and they started telling me of all these different routes I could take - only to confuse me more. I will one day, but the objective here was at least to GET to Grand Rapids. I settled up and hit the road.

Friday (6/22/12):
Grandville was a bit dodgy, but to my surprise, after speeding down a hill on Grandville Ave, I found myself in front of Founder's Brewing Co! I gave Eamon a call and we figured we could meet at Harmony Brewing Company as I had been there before and I relatively knew the general direction from where I was. I arrived an ordered a pint of the Cranberry Wheat (See the rest of my visit at Harmony).

BOB Spotting

Following Harmony, the decision was made to check out the Pyramid Scheme, of which was one of Eamons favorite wattering holes in the GR area. He had told me that they had a special connection with Short's Brewing Company and therefore was fruitful with their taps. Traveling by bike, we hit the down hill and made it there in a matter of minutes. The atmosphere of PS reminded me a bit like Three Floyds, but with a theme of Dynosaurs and Pyramids. Very colorful, but dimly lit. They had an arcade room and an open front that reminded me a lot of bars in Australia. We sat at a high table and ordered some beer. The taps certainly were over run with Short's. We split a pint of the Mustard Seed Pilsner - which carried the must common to the ground seed, but with a pleasant sweetness and the common bite in the finish from noble hops. And a basic session ale (the drink of the night predominantly revolved around session ales, as we were hitting quite a few bars). We had been in contact with Jack (the newest member at New Holland before me), so he arrived and we drank one more while contemplating our next stop. Decision landed on the B.O.B. as long as they didn't have cover, which they did. We finally decided on checking out Brewery Vivant, where we would meet up with Jack's Wife. With crumby bikes, we staggered back up the hill towards Eastown. Arriving we found a table right on the patio and ordered drinks. I got the Hefe, and I'm unsure what everyone else got, by then I was beginning to feel the taxation of the biking and beer. We stayed at Vivant for quite some time. When we were nearly finished with our drinks we were welcomed to get a brief tour of the facility. It was pretty cool, especially with the familiar C.A.S.K canning system. (Brewery Review coming soon). We settled up (Thanks Vivant for the discount!). By now, I was pretty buzzed and exhausted, but Eamon demanded we go to the Green Well, across the street. We ordered a sampler (which I don't remember of what) and closed the place out, By then it was around 12:00pm and we biked back to his house.
Saturday (6/23/12):
Today was Founder's fest. We figured most beer lovers would be there and the other local breweries would be empty. Right we were. I woke up around 7:30 and downed some tea. Since I brought my running shoes, I wanted to hit some roads for a quick run. We mapped out a 5 mile loop. Eamon runs a lot (70+ mpw), and he's in good shape, except he runs at 8-9 min/mile. Even for not running in a while (foot injury) I don't think I could do that. So we planned on clicking off some 7's, which, while still taxing, were manageable. Did that 5 in 34 minutes, nothing special, but Eamon said that was a pr. Haha. Following the run we ate some beans and headed out to check out Schmohz (See the rest of my visit to Schmohz).
We left and stopped to recover a bit at Eamons house. The next stop was the Hideout Brewery, which we planned on biking to because it was a bit more bike friendly to get there than Schmohz. Nevertheless to my surprise, the hills were a bitch! but the reward was worth it. (see the rest of my visit to the Hideout)
After leaving the Hideout, we headed a different route back, intended to be along the river. Prior to that however, we stopped at a small grocery store that boasted a very large beer selection. I found a bottle of Bear Republic's (my favorite brewery) 27th Anniversary Ale. I also bought some organic spinach and basil seeds and a bag of local tortilla chips to curb the plummeting blood sugar hunger from all the beer.
We headed a bit further down the road and stopped at Graden's Crossing, another beer bar that has an enormous selection (including Hatter on Cask) and locally sourced food. We split a 12 Oz tall can of Resin by Blue Point Brewing Company in New York.
Following that stop we biked all the way back to the B.O.B and Pyramid Scheme to check for Eamon's keys (he had lost them the night before, only to realize they were gone this morning), so back tracking commenced. No luck there. We then made a quick stop at Meanwhile, where Eamon said a couple friends were them. I wanted to check out the Eastown street fest so we split ways an I headed back to Harmony. To my dismay, the street fest was over, but it gave me an opportunity to try Harmony's pizza, which looked exquisite. Minutes later Eamon, Matt and Dave arrived and we sat at a booth for some pints. Eamon's dad arrived and told us to head down to a sports bar down the street where all the older folk were drinking. We did, and stayed there for a couple hours. I thought it was in my best interest to drink water after the long day, and it definitely payed off in the morning. After that, we headed back to Eamon's house and I was passed out by 10pm.
The next morning was chill. Woke up. Downed some tea. watched Dogs 101 and was on the road by 11:45.
The ride home was arduous and long, but I made it back an hour and 45 minutes later (took me 80 minutes to get to GR from Holland).
Well, that was my weekend in Grand Rapids. Thanks to Eamon and his parents for housing me and to all the breweries that made the experience worth our while. Stay tuned for next weekend.
Cheers!

Short's Anniversary Ale

This one has been up at 8th St. Grille for quite a while and it has now been put into the Thursday $3 draft category. However, I just ordered a 4 Oz. sample of it due to the absurd amount of alcohol for a early afternoon pint. I can certainly appreciate the unique ingredients though.
10.0% ABV

Appearance: Soft dense white cream foam head with a strong carbonation that clings to the sides of the glass.Clarity is optimal but darkens into an ambered red as the volumetric perimeter of the glass increases. Lacing is wet and speckled. A tint of pink.
Aroma: The scent of tart fruit - namely oranges and even raspberry permeates from the surface of the beer. A sugary sweetness accompanies the upfront tartness and fruit based scent. Tropical and citrusy.
Taste: The front starts briefly sweetened to uphold against the near sourness of what is to come. Immediately after a mouth puckering grapefruit fruit flavor emerges, alongside a berry tartness. This continues until the end, where the rind of the orange-fruit paralleled by a citrusy hop complexity balances and even plays on the tartness that is the primary character of this beer. Tannic bitterness present too. Because of all the puckering flavors, it's difficult to decipher the amount of alcohol that is present in this beer. 10% ABV? Doesn't seem like it, but then again, the flavor is easy to deceive. Similar to a grapefruit orange juice, just lighter and spiked with alcohol and a generous addition of hops that induce a familiar but bitter citrus flavor.
Mouthfeel: Light and crisp with a zesty feel and a resined texture in the end. Carbonation is high, to provide a zipping bite. The body is excruciatingly light but with no sacrifice to flavor, making this a perfect summer refresher AND something easy to get a buzz off of. Very acidic, and because so, it can really chaffe up the tongue.
Overall Impression: More similar to a cider/fruit ferment than anything else...Think the B.Nektar Zombie killer. However, I really dig the Rind bitterness and hops at the finish, distinguishing it more from any of the fruitier drinks. I didn't get much of the peppercorn, but maybe that enhanced some of the alternative, more prominent flavors. There is a lot of tropical going on in this one, and it's not to be taken lightly... Following this post I found it also to be considered a wheat wine..which may help make sense of the flavors.

Short's Aorta Ale

 My final tasting of the sampler at 8th Street Grille. Thanks to Josh for being an excellent bartender.
8.6% ABV

Appearance: Similar in color to the Aprihop - darkened amber, but with a slight red hue. Clarity is inhibited by the color to an extent. The head is dense and of beige appearance. Dissipation results in a soapy uneven distribution of foam on the surface. Lacing is dry and entire on the glass.
Aroma: Fruitiness immediately once the beer had warmed. I get plums raisins and figs...mostly dark roasted fruit. A strong malt bill is present.
Taste: First impression is the taste of alcohol at the end of the taste. It is accompanied with a slight leafy taste in the back of the throat. As the beer warms, caramel and toffee along with a subtle malt roast flavor is present in the malt bill. Sugary and sweet. Fruit is held to a minimum and purposely emphasized on the malt. The second half serves a dose of leafy floral hops with a strong bitterness. When held under the tongue, the taste waives the bitterness and the alcohol and only portrays the caramel and toffee. Finish is dry and the aftertaste is long drawn and grassy. After the beer wars, some prune and fig fruit flavors emerge.

Mouthfeel: Medium to heavier bodied, though the alcohol helps thin this out, as well as the carbonation, which is a bit thinner than I would like. After all is said and done, that grassy flavor in the finish also brings a prolonged dryness with a resined feel. Tacky on the lips.
Overall Impression: The alcohol was strong in this one, as well as the grassy hops. However, depending on how you tasted it would dictate the experience. Try putting your tongue to the roof of your mouth and letting the beer fill under the tongue and travel along the sides. Then also taste it over the top of the tongue. See the difference? You tell me.

Short's Golden Rule

 Tasted Tuesday morning (it was 11:30, don't worry) after getting my haircut at the Tulip City Beauty Salon...and what an experience that was. Decided to be productive (my definition) an head to 8th Street Grille to check out what new taps they had on line.

Appearance: Golden in color, approaching a pale blonde color. The head is fluffy and white with a dense consistency. Carbonation is visible slowly rising to the surface of the beer. Some chill haze is present, but generally, the beer is pretty clear.
Aroma: Citrus based hops perfume from the glass, accompanied with an elegant grapefruit sweetness and a note of yeast. Fresh hop scent is present in many forms from lemon to zest.
Taste: Up front the malt takes a very mild 2-row grain sweetness, but that is negligible against the strong hop character. Immediately past the brief sweetness erupts a consistent grapefruit rind bitterness that flows through to the end. Initially, the beer came off as quite grassy, nevertheless after several sips, the palate acquaints itself with more of the inner laced complexities. C' hop notes for sure. Perhaps Crystal or Cascade. Develops a tropical flavor near the end. Aftertaste is astringent and bittered.
Mouthfeel: Medium bodied and refreshing. Carbonation is high to encourage a bite at the tip of the tongue. Palate is left extremely dry with a resined coating from the hops.
Overall Impression: I was expecting this beer to be quite mild, but it was anything but. The hops are the primary flavor contributor here, overbalanced on the bittering end. However, this beer is certainly one of light stature and crisp refreshing finish. Lower alcohol helps this one to approach a sessionable profile.

Freedom of '78 Guava IPA

I knew of this beer long before tasting it. Being a fan of Half Acre's products I never thought I'd find this. Fortunately, and to my surprise, 8th Street Grille just so happened to have it. The tap didn't have any reference to the collaboration, but the name held an attractive memory. Served in a 4 Oz tasting glass.

Appearance: Golden copper colored with a sudsy off white head that dissipates quickly. Some carbonation can be seen slowly rising from the depths of the glass, while a minute amount of haze still remains in the beer. Overall, quite calm looking.
Aroma: Sweet and honeyed. with a floral character. Rich tropical fruit erupt in the nostrils, formulating a distinct pine based sweetness. Light and fruity, yet expectantly bold and hoppy. Easily distinguishable grapefruit holds throughout.
Taste: Juicy and sweet, but in a hop oriented way. The sweetness profile comes off as more tropical and citrus fruit than malt. The midtaste maintains a mild foreign sweetness that I can only attribute to being the Guava. Throughout I draw the all too familiar flavor that Half Acre represents in my mind...mostly Citra and C' based hops. Hints of grapefruit and pineapple are most notable, along with honey and under-ripe pears.
Mouthfeel: Light-medium body, while remaining extremely drinkable without any sacrifice to flavor. Not overly drying in the end, but still enough to encourage a thirst for yet another sip. Carbonation is fine with a middle of the road presence.
Overall Impression: Like I said earlier, this beer holds true to the Half Acre way, but with a twist of Guava and honey character. The light sweetness plays with the familiar Citra to create a tropical burst of a juicy parallel between sweet and bitter. Kudos to Short's as well!

Huma-Lupa-Licious IPA

Thanks to Justin Brooks for this one! Tasted prior to Alex and Riley's visit to the Quad Cities and a dinner cooked by Josh and co. of Sawyer burgers and organic veggies.

Appearance: A very slight haze that is almost missed by me at first glance. Golden in color, but on the verge of amber. Carbonation bubbles floating to the surface at a leisurely pace. Layer of thin film and leaves a lacing pattern on the side of the glass.
Aroma: Resinous pine and earthy hope aromas make up a majority of the nose. Perhaps a slight hint of a citrus, grapefruit-esk hops, but the aroma is fairly simple and clean. Not much of a malt base apparent.
Taste: Delicate citrus flavors envelop the palate and is quickly taken over by a refreshingly sharp bitterness reminiscent of grapefruit. Bold and piney, a strong and earthy bitterness clings to the tongue for a good amount of time.
Mouthfeel: Quite a smooth mouthfeel; the carbonation is the perfect amount to unearth the flavors and sustain the bitter aftertaste. Very clean and only slightly dry, leaves my tongue craving more.
Overall Impression: They make very clean, drinkable IPA that doesn't back away from the hops. Besides favoring the hops slightly, this brew is fairly balanced. Tim, if you can get yours hands on this (since its from MI) and send it to me.. regularly, I wouldn't mind the gesture!