A couple of weeks ago I picked up a 1 pt. 6 fl. oz bottle of Lakefront Brewery's Local Acre Lager. Tonight I decided to drink it.
From the back of the bottle: "...Lakefront set out to try something new, or old as it were - using all locally grown ingredients to create a distinctly Wisconsin beer." It's an unfiltered beer with a sweetness - a malty sweet, not a fruity sweet - a solid body and a rich, but not overpowering finish. I really like it!
Showing posts with label Lakefront Brewery. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Lakefront Brewery. Show all posts
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Sunday, August 8, 2010
Getting Fed Up Isn't All Bad
I went back to my Capital Amber and still wasn't enjoying it. So I turned it into part of a savory lemon marinade for chicken breasts and grilled them with some twice baked potatoes.
I still wanted another beer, though, so I tried the Lakefront Brewery White Beer - it's a Belgian wheat style beer that was a little less sweet than I expected, but it was still good and the flavor grew on me as I drink it. I'm glad I got a second one in that sampler pack I picked up on Friday.
I still wanted another beer, though, so I tried the Lakefront Brewery White Beer - it's a Belgian wheat style beer that was a little less sweet than I expected, but it was still good and the flavor grew on me as I drink it. I'm glad I got a second one in that sampler pack I picked up on Friday.
Some Beers Do Not Go Well Together
I was doing some chores around the house earlier today and decided to Try the Lakefront IPA. It's a new beer to me, and I loved it. It has a clear citrus flavor along with the wonderful hoppiness of a good IPA. This tart/bitter was nice while I was getting stuff done.
I needed lunch, so I made myself a nice smoked salmon sandwich and decided that it might go well with an amber, so I grabbed one of the Capital Brewery Wisconsin Ambers I've got. It was too close to the last sip of Lakefront IPA and the Capital Amber just tasted bad. So I set it in the fridge and am drinking some water to clear my palate before I keep drinking it.
Although I've had Capital Brewery beers that I enjoyed, I'm beginning to think that their amber might not be for me. I occasionally like to have an Amber, but they aren't my first pick. I'm finding that there are more times that I go to grab a beer and think that the flavor of the Capital Amber just isn't what I'm looking for. I might have one or two left, and if I do, I think I'm going to retire them to the status of cooking beers.
I needed lunch, so I made myself a nice smoked salmon sandwich and decided that it might go well with an amber, so I grabbed one of the Capital Brewery Wisconsin Ambers I've got. It was too close to the last sip of Lakefront IPA and the Capital Amber just tasted bad. So I set it in the fridge and am drinking some water to clear my palate before I keep drinking it.
Although I've had Capital Brewery beers that I enjoyed, I'm beginning to think that their amber might not be for me. I occasionally like to have an Amber, but they aren't my first pick. I'm finding that there are more times that I go to grab a beer and think that the flavor of the Capital Amber just isn't what I'm looking for. I might have one or two left, and if I do, I think I'm going to retire them to the status of cooking beers.
Saturday, July 24, 2010
One New Bar Three New Beers
On Friday I decided to have lunch out. My original intention was to eat at the Red Accordion on Old World Third Street, but when I and a co-worker started walking that way, it looked like there was a great deal of steam coming up from the street right along that block. I assume it had something to do with the heavy rains the night before, but neither one of us wanted to walk through it to grab lunch. So I suggested we head one block east and try The Harp on East Juneau. It's been there since 1965 and although I went out drinking right in that area along Water Street in my early 20s and I have been working right in that area for the last 7 years, I've never stopped in.
Well I count it as a success. It's a nice little place with a spot out back right on the Milwaukee river, which is where we decided to sit. First off, that was a good choice because the day hadn't gotten too hot, and the clouds were just beginning to burn off. And secondly, we got to enjoy the view of the river (and the random tree that floated past while we were eating). But I was also pleased to discover that in addition to a nice selection of beer, they also had Strongbow on tap and Magners in bottles.
I'm a fan of hard cider, but I've found my tastes have settled some. Woodchuck is nice, but I find that it's usually a bit too sweet for me. Magners and Strongbow aren't quite as sweet to my taste, and I like them both. I was rather excited to find both Strongbow and Magners at the same establishment since I haven't seen that very often. Usually if I'm looking for a cider while I'm out I only see one available. Two - and two of my favorites - was a nice change of pace.
I'd heard of Magners before I went to Ireland a couple years ago, but I don't think I ever tried it until I was there. My wife, Amanda, isn't much of a beer drinker (aside from Leinenkugel's Berry Weiss) So while I had Guiness or Smithwick's for nearly every lunch or dinner while on vacation there, she started drinking Bulmer's Original Vintage Cider (which is sold outside of Ireland as Magners Original Irish Cider). Strongbow is one of the first ciders I ever had and is a nice dry English cider with a crisp finish. The fact that it was on tap made my decision for me, so that's what I decided to have with my lunch. It was a lovely choice for the day, but I think it was still a bit too sweet for the rest of my meal. I had the tenderloin sandwich which was superb, but in hindsight I probably would have been happier with my drink if I'd paired my meal with a Smithwick's instead of a cider.
When I got home from work, I decided to start my evening off with another beer from my Lakefront Brewery sample pack and tried their Organic E.S.B. It has a nice flavor, light with just a little bitter and a slightly sour finish. Not a bad sour, but kind of like the sour you get off a nice tart lemondade. I loved it, and would definately recommend it. With dinner, I decided to have a second beer and I tried the Lakefront Brewery's Wheat Monkey Ale. After having enjoyed the E.S.B. so much I was extremely disappointed with the Wheat Money Ale. I found it bland with a light bitterness that I didn't find pleasing. Now don't get me wrong, I don't think I would qualify it as a "bad" beer - but it just wasn't flavorful enough for my liking, and I probably won't buy it again. (Unless I forget that I didn't like it and pick it up because I like the name. I've done that before, and I'll probably do it again.)
This morning I was at it again. I woke up late and started working on some of the household projects that needed to get finished. I hadn't thought about food, but by about 10:30 Amanda made me some eggs. Since it is a beautiful summer day out I was in the mood for a beer, and since it was late morning I decided to go for it. I grabbed the Lakefront Brewery Fuel Cafe which they label as A stout brewed with coffee especially for Fuel Cafe. It helps that I like stouts to begin with, and I've grown to like coffee every now and then too. I could definately taste both flavors very clearly, and I have to admit it's a nice combination. Because of the coffee flavor, I probably wont't drink this often, but since I enjoyed it I don't doubt that I'll drink it again. Lakefront Brewery's website suggests the Fuel Cafe stout be drunk with dessert. I can definately see that and wouldn't mind trying it sometime.
Well I count it as a success. It's a nice little place with a spot out back right on the Milwaukee river, which is where we decided to sit. First off, that was a good choice because the day hadn't gotten too hot, and the clouds were just beginning to burn off. And secondly, we got to enjoy the view of the river (and the random tree that floated past while we were eating). But I was also pleased to discover that in addition to a nice selection of beer, they also had Strongbow on tap and Magners in bottles.
I'm a fan of hard cider, but I've found my tastes have settled some. Woodchuck is nice, but I find that it's usually a bit too sweet for me. Magners and Strongbow aren't quite as sweet to my taste, and I like them both. I was rather excited to find both Strongbow and Magners at the same establishment since I haven't seen that very often. Usually if I'm looking for a cider while I'm out I only see one available. Two - and two of my favorites - was a nice change of pace.
I'd heard of Magners before I went to Ireland a couple years ago, but I don't think I ever tried it until I was there. My wife, Amanda, isn't much of a beer drinker (aside from Leinenkugel's Berry Weiss) So while I had Guiness or Smithwick's for nearly every lunch or dinner while on vacation there, she started drinking Bulmer's Original Vintage Cider (which is sold outside of Ireland as Magners Original Irish Cider). Strongbow is one of the first ciders I ever had and is a nice dry English cider with a crisp finish. The fact that it was on tap made my decision for me, so that's what I decided to have with my lunch. It was a lovely choice for the day, but I think it was still a bit too sweet for the rest of my meal. I had the tenderloin sandwich which was superb, but in hindsight I probably would have been happier with my drink if I'd paired my meal with a Smithwick's instead of a cider.
When I got home from work, I decided to start my evening off with another beer from my Lakefront Brewery sample pack and tried their Organic E.S.B. It has a nice flavor, light with just a little bitter and a slightly sour finish. Not a bad sour, but kind of like the sour you get off a nice tart lemondade. I loved it, and would definately recommend it. With dinner, I decided to have a second beer and I tried the Lakefront Brewery's Wheat Monkey Ale. After having enjoyed the E.S.B. so much I was extremely disappointed with the Wheat Money Ale. I found it bland with a light bitterness that I didn't find pleasing. Now don't get me wrong, I don't think I would qualify it as a "bad" beer - but it just wasn't flavorful enough for my liking, and I probably won't buy it again. (Unless I forget that I didn't like it and pick it up because I like the name. I've done that before, and I'll probably do it again.)
This morning I was at it again. I woke up late and started working on some of the household projects that needed to get finished. I hadn't thought about food, but by about 10:30 Amanda made me some eggs. Since it is a beautiful summer day out I was in the mood for a beer, and since it was late morning I decided to go for it. I grabbed the Lakefront Brewery Fuel Cafe which they label as A stout brewed with coffee especially for Fuel Cafe. It helps that I like stouts to begin with, and I've grown to like coffee every now and then too. I could definately taste both flavors very clearly, and I have to admit it's a nice combination. Because of the coffee flavor, I probably wont't drink this often, but since I enjoyed it I don't doubt that I'll drink it again. Lakefront Brewery's website suggests the Fuel Cafe stout be drunk with dessert. I can definately see that and wouldn't mind trying it sometime.
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Tried Two New Beers - and Revisited an Old One
The last few days have been unfortunately busy, but not so busy that I missed out on a little down time here and there. On Sunday I bought myself a Lakefront Brewery eight pack sampler and had myself a Klisch pilsner. Honestly, I didn't think I would like it. I assumed it would be too light for me, but I was wrong. It had a nice full flavor and a crispness that was real nice while I was getting stuff done around the house. Now I can see why some people think of pilsners as a great summer beer.
On Tuesday, I didn't have a new beer, but one I'd only had once before. I went to Milwaukee's Old German Beer Hall and had a half liter of their Hofbrau Dunkel, a refreshing dark beer, and followed it with a second half liter. I must admit I love the atmosphere there... and the beer.
Today I tried my first porter at Waterstreet Brewery. I had heard (I believe while touring the Guinness Brewery in Dublin) that the stout was developed to be a "stouter" form of the porter. But I had never had a porter before. It's a pleasant dark beer that I will definately have again. It's not always on the Waterstreet Brewery menu, so I'll have to make sure I get back there before it's done.
So far this week has been a total success!
On Tuesday, I didn't have a new beer, but one I'd only had once before. I went to Milwaukee's Old German Beer Hall and had a half liter of their Hofbrau Dunkel, a refreshing dark beer, and followed it with a second half liter. I must admit I love the atmosphere there... and the beer.
Today I tried my first porter at Waterstreet Brewery. I had heard (I believe while touring the Guinness Brewery in Dublin) that the stout was developed to be a "stouter" form of the porter. But I had never had a porter before. It's a pleasant dark beer that I will definately have again. It's not always on the Waterstreet Brewery menu, so I'll have to make sure I get back there before it's done.
So far this week has been a total success!
Saturday, July 17, 2010
Eastside Dark and Murphey's Red
On Friday my wife and I had supper at Paulie's in West Allis, and I tried Lakefront Brewery's Eastside Dark lager. I liked this local Milwaukee beer. It was dark, a little dense, rich and creamy. Does it make the top of my list? No. This is the second creamy dark lager I've had, (The other was Leinenkugel's Creamy Dark.) and although they were both good they just don't seem to be quite my style. I don't know why not, I can't qualify what it is that just doesn't quite do it for me. I think I'll have to drink more to see if I can figure it out.
After dinner I tried the fat tire for a second time, and definately like it. The wierd thing is that this time I got it in the actual New Belgium globe glass. I'm not sure how I feel about beer coming in stemware. I understand why you do it for wine. And snifters are fine for brandy, whiskey, and liqueurs. But for beer? What purpose does it serve? Give me a pint glass, pilsner glass, or stein glass. Even a good old fashioned German beer stein. But stemware? Why?
Today, my second new beer was tried. We went to the Bristol Renaissance Faire with the intention of catching up with friends and eating and drinking our way around the site. While I worked there, I didn't drink during the day, so I'm not as familiar with the bar's around site as many people who go there are, and I discovered a couple of things -
1) Import beers are served at all of the bars. Unless I remember incorrectly I had thought only one did and the rest served your standard Miller fare. Well, if it's something that changed within the last few years, I like the change.
2) They now serve hard liquor at the bars (previously, it had only been malt beverages and non-alcoholic items).
3) I don't know if the other bars do it, but the Blackfriar serves Black and Tans and similar split beers.
Well, I was only interested in beers and water (can't let yourself get dehydrated on a warm day like today). I started with a Murphy's Irish Stout (not a new beer to me) then I decided to try the half Murphy's Irish Stout / half Hardcore cider. That was a new combination to me - and I liked it. I think I'm going to have to play around with that. Then I finished off with a new beer for me (that's right - only 3 and I quit early and drank water. I needed to be sober when we left). The new beer was Murphey's Red. I liked it. Stouts and Reds are probably going to be winners for me every time, but no need to make an assumption when there's uncharted territory just a tapper away.
Friday - good time, decent beer. Saturday - great time, great beer.
After dinner I tried the fat tire for a second time, and definately like it. The wierd thing is that this time I got it in the actual New Belgium globe glass. I'm not sure how I feel about beer coming in stemware. I understand why you do it for wine. And snifters are fine for brandy, whiskey, and liqueurs. But for beer? What purpose does it serve? Give me a pint glass, pilsner glass, or stein glass. Even a good old fashioned German beer stein. But stemware? Why?
Today, my second new beer was tried. We went to the Bristol Renaissance Faire with the intention of catching up with friends and eating and drinking our way around the site. While I worked there, I didn't drink during the day, so I'm not as familiar with the bar's around site as many people who go there are, and I discovered a couple of things -
1) Import beers are served at all of the bars. Unless I remember incorrectly I had thought only one did and the rest served your standard Miller fare. Well, if it's something that changed within the last few years, I like the change.
2) They now serve hard liquor at the bars (previously, it had only been malt beverages and non-alcoholic items).
3) I don't know if the other bars do it, but the Blackfriar serves Black and Tans and similar split beers.
Well, I was only interested in beers and water (can't let yourself get dehydrated on a warm day like today). I started with a Murphy's Irish Stout (not a new beer to me) then I decided to try the half Murphy's Irish Stout / half Hardcore cider. That was a new combination to me - and I liked it. I think I'm going to have to play around with that. Then I finished off with a new beer for me (that's right - only 3 and I quit early and drank water. I needed to be sober when we left). The new beer was Murphey's Red. I liked it. Stouts and Reds are probably going to be winners for me every time, but no need to make an assumption when there's uncharted territory just a tapper away.
Friday - good time, decent beer. Saturday - great time, great beer.
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