2012

Wow, just like that I realized that I'm almost into the 3rd month of the year, and SO much has changed.  Let's see, I spent the last week of 2011 recovering from severe muscle spasms, then I find out that I'm moving (no, not just across town), and before I know it, I'm staring March in the face!  Much has been tasted in the world of beer since December.  One of my best friends, who happens to be from Michigan, was able to acquire a number of cases of a "Michigan only" brew, one that only an "American Badass" would be involved with.  That is none other than Kid Rock's brewery, Michigan Brewing Company's "Badass American Lager".  So on a warmish Boulder afternoon, I dropped by my buddy's place and he offers me up this beer.  I was intrigued to hear that Kid Rock was involved, and I honestly didn't know what to expect.  Of course, there is an episode where Guy Fieri is in Michigan enjoying what the state has to offer, and Kid Rock is playing tour guide (see it here).  At any rate, here's my take:

Nice pale gold in color, light head that dissipated quickly. 

It has a great hoppy nose which is quite unlike most other light lagers.
The first taste was refreshing, and the flavor matched the smell; it was surprisingly good!  I guess I wasn't giving it much credit, but the flavor was crisp, lightly hopped and very clean. 

Mouthfeel was as expected for a lager, crisp and snappy. 

Overall, this is a great lager.  As you can imagine, Kid Rock suggests that it would be great on the beach or on the lake.  Too bad you can only get it in Michigan!

So I went on a bit of a bomber crazed week or 2; the final weeks leading up to my Colorado departure.  I found a few great additions to New Belgium's Lips of Faith series, Cocoa Mole Ale, and Prickly Passion Saison.  Below are the notes I took while enjoying them...

Cocoa mole ale

Poured deep brown/red color, with thick cream colored head.

Nose was a fantastic, with cocoa being the primary smell, and following with subtle caramel tones. 

First sip was a mouthful of cocoa, "spicy", and malty goodness.  A nice balance of "standard" beer tastes, malt and hops, mixed with the typical mole flavors. 

It is a decent medium body beer with the flavors really flashing on your tongue from the carbonation enhanced the flavors.

Overall a good drink, although by the end of the bomber, I was ready for a different taste. 

and...

As for the tasting notes, well apparently I had too many that night and didn't take notes.  I apologize, but honestly, I REALLY enjoyed the Prickly Passion Saison, and if you can find it, I HIGHLY recommend it!

I'm going to leave it at that for now; but there's more to come...