The Northwoods Beer Guy Podcast
We love craft beer! Each week we will taste a number of beers from around the country and give you our thoughts, not only will we talk about the flavor, but also the artwork and anything else that comes to mind.
We will also go on location and visit breweries and try a number of their offerings and give you our thoughts as well.
Come sit around the campfire and join in on the fun!
The Northwoods Beer Guy Podcast
Ep 104 - Angry Leprechauns: The Quest for Flavorful Irish Beer
What happens when you put six Irish beers in front of two craft beer enthusiasts? A St. Patrick's Day adventure that reveals the surprising truth about Irish craft beer.
The Northwoods Beer Guy and his co-host embark on a post-holiday tasting journey through various Irish beer styles, from dry stouts to red ales and beyond. Starting with Phase 3's Claddagh Irish Dry Stout, they discover an approachable alternative to Guinness that might appeal to novice craft drinkers. As they work through The Knot Irish Red Ale, Johnny Blood Red, Busted Knuckle, and more, a pattern emerges - these craft versions struggle to match the depth and character of their established commercial counterparts.
Between sips, fascinating tidbits emerge: St. Patrick wasn't actually Irish but was kidnapped by Irish pirates; blue was originally associated with St. Patrick before green took over; and the Chicago River was first dyed green to trace sewage leaks, not celebrate the holiday. The hosts also share the amusing story of football legend Johnny "Blood" McNally, who famously negotiated his Packers contract down from $110 to $100 per week specifically to preserve his right to drink after Wednesdays.
The tasting concludes with Lakefront's Export Stout, which delivers more pronounced flavor but perhaps not in the most appealing way. This leads to a surprising admission from the typically craft-beer-championing hosts: sometimes the established brands like Guinness and Killian's might actually be the better choice when it comes to Irish beer.
As they put it, "That's why the leprechauns are so angry - they're looking for good flavorful beer!" Whether you're a craft beer enthusiast or just curious about Irish brewing traditions, this episode offers honest insights and plenty of laughs.
Join us for our next adventure and remember - may your campfire always be warm and your beer always be cold!
Thank you for listening to The Northwoods Beer Guy Podcast. If you have a question, comment or would like us to review your beer, please feel free to contact us at northbeerguy@gmail.com.
You can also find us on Facebook, YouTube, X (Twitter), Instagram and Tik Tok.
If you are on Untappd, look up NorthwoodsBeerGuy and send a friend request.
Subscribe to our podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pandora, YouTube Music, or wherever you listen to podcasts, or you can click on our RSS feed as well.
Grab a beer and pull up a chair. Welcome to the Northwoods Beer Guy Podcast.
Speaker 2:Oh boy.
Speaker 1:Ladies and gentlemen, you know what that means. I do. I have a pretty good idea it's turkey hunting season. Yeah, that's it. No, that wasn't it at all.
Speaker 2:Oh, because I was going to say not to cut your excitement off but we just saw 50 turkeys out at the farm today, just going crazy everywhere. Oh, my word Toms hens strutting running.
Speaker 1:I haven't seen that many by our house yet, but I saw like six or eight like a week ago, but I haven't of course you know.
Speaker 2:So, yes, it's definitely going to be spring hunting time here, is it? Is that what you meant? That's coming up, that's coming up. No, no, that's not what I well.
Speaker 1:first things first. Oh okay, hey. Ladies and gentlemen, welcome back to the Northwoods Beer Guy podcast. This is Mike the Northwoods Beer Guy, and, as always, I'm joined by the best co-host that I could afford. Thanks, buddy. Hey, how are you doing?
Speaker 2:I'm doing well, man. How are you doing? Great, excited yeah.
Speaker 1:Beer drinking time. I say we're finally well worth the stop. That was definitely worth it in and of itself. And the other ones were just kind of bonuses on top, but I'm really glad that we went there because that's one of the big breweries you know that we've always talked good about.
Speaker 2:Too bad they can't make a brewery around here so we can have it closer to visit, because that was well worth the trip.
Speaker 1:That was a long trip, but, yeah, it was worth it. No, what I was going to say is the music that was playing. Is, you know, today's Friday, and four days ago was St Patrick's Day? I almost forgot about that. Yeah, so we didn't want to miss out, you know, because we thought people might be upset that we didn't do a St Patrick's Day episode, so we're doing it today.
Speaker 2:All right. So we got a whole bunch of Guinness, right.
Speaker 1:No, we don't even have a single Guinness on the table. No Guinness, no Guinness on the table.
Speaker 2:Oh all right. Well, now you really have me intrigued by what we're going to be drinking.
Speaker 1:Yeah, I mean, basically how it happened is I went to the beer shop and just said, hey, what do you got for Irish beers? And they actually had six different beers, nice, and I think we've only had one of them. Okay, so this should be interesting. We've got some different styles Nice, all different breweries. As far as together, you know what I'm saying. Right, right, we don't have two from any one brewery.
Speaker 2:Well, you can't beat that, then right yeah.
Speaker 1:No, exactly. So yeah, we're going to try a little bit of that and see how the leprechauns treat us.
Speaker 2:All right, Well, so I think, am I correct in saying these are all a sort of Irish ale? We have a stout, we have a dry, we have some other but there's Irish and ale were the only two common themes. Yeah, there was a bunch of different words in the middle.
Speaker 1:Yeah, exactly, and dry was in some of them. Yes, and I will tell you this imperial was in another one I did see that, yeah.
Speaker 2:So it looks like we're going to get our leprechaun going. We're going to get something going, I think. And you know what the other good part is. I'm not going to ask you any on this episode. Nice, I did bring some because it looked like there was a lot of information just trying to explain the different styles, yep. So maybe that'll help the listeners out there if we can just maybe do that form. Oh sure, rather than having fun at your expense. Oh, I appreciate that.
Speaker 1:See, my ego was taking a beating there for a while.
Speaker 2:There we go. We're going to pump you up.
Speaker 1:Yes, I did have a little bit of just St Patrick's Day facts that I had brought.
Speaker 2:But we'll see how time goes.
Speaker 1:Yes, we'll see how time goes.
Speaker 2:Perfect.
Speaker 1:So what are we going to start with? Well, hey, so the first three cans. We got four cans total and two bottles, and three of them are pint cans and then a regular size can besides the two bottles. All right, so the first one, and now these are in order of ABV yes, kind of like what we normally do, and the first one's by phase three. Oh, before.
Speaker 2:I forget too, what is our scoring system? Again, Our scoring, oh yes very, very good.
Speaker 1:Our scoring system is from zero to five by tenth of a point. If it's average to us it's 2.5. Okay, so anything above 2.5 is better than average. 4 is elite kind of that elite class. Anything. 4 or 5 is really elite, yes, and then of course the same the other way. Where they're elite, another way.
Speaker 2:Okay, all right, and how many of these have you tasted Of the ones that we're having today? No registered on untapped.
Speaker 1:Right now, I believe I am at 5,565.
Speaker 2:A couple Just a couple, okay, all right, so that's a good sign. So you know what you're talking about when you start.
Speaker 1:Well, I wouldn't say that, but at least I've drank a bunch.
Speaker 2:There you go, all right. So sorry for the interruption. Let's go back. What's our first?
Speaker 1:one, so our first one is by Phase 3. And we've had a few beers from them Not a huge amount, but we have had some and they're actually out of Illinois Lake, zurich.
Speaker 2:Lake Zurich, yep, and this is their boy, how do you pronounce that?
Speaker 1:Clada, yeah, clada. Is it clada, yeah, clada, clada, c-l-a-d-d-a-g h? Yeah, and I'm sure it's like an irish word. And we apologize, I'm not exactly sure how to pronounce it. It is a dry irish, dry stone right. Yep, 4.2 percent abv. Now that's the one thing. Most of the irish beers I think we've seen are fairly lower right. Not that 4.2 is really super low or anything, but they're kind of lower abv. Yes, so I do. You want to?
Speaker 2:all right, you want to, you want to pour? And I'll read yeah, don't come expecting a pastry. Oh, you won't find it here. Oh, all right. Well, I wasn't guessing it's not going to be real sweet. Yes, extremely simple at its core, a traditional representation of pale ale, malt, flaked oats and roasted barley. That's it Roasted, creamy, low ABV deliciousness that will make you appreciate the little things Like a leprechaun. Well, see, there you go. So this definitely has a stout color. Yeah, it is, that is. Is it black or is that just dark brown? I think it's it's.
Speaker 1:I think it's black it is dark. You cannot see through this now, you know one thing like you'd said, we had printed off some information on the styles yes, because that's one you know, we've always asked each other and it's like sometimes it's hard to say what it is.
Speaker 1:But now what we found out on an Irish-style dry stout is that it's a black beer with a dry, roasted character thanks to the use of roasted barley. Okay, the emphasis on coffee-like roasted barley and a moderate degree of roasted malt aromas define much of the character. Hot bitterness is medium to medium high. Okay, all right. This beer is often dispensed via nitrogen gas taps that blend that lend a smooth, creamy body to the palate. So I didn't hear the no, this one apparently didn't have that Ah.
Speaker 2:So this one.
Speaker 1:they went cheap on us. So an example of a dry Irish stout that most people wouldn't know is Guinness Guinness Drot.
Speaker 2:Oh, okay, it's going to be like your classic example of a dry Irish stout Gotcha.
Speaker 1:Okay, and it does say that they're dark in color. Appearance is black or very dark brown. Yeah, and mouthfeel they often have a smooth, creamy mouthfeel, especially when served via draft with nitrogen.
Speaker 2:With nitrogen. This doesn't have nitrogen Right.
Speaker 1:And then the ABV. On these, they say typically are anywhere from like 4% to 5% Lower ABV, lower ABV, all right, so let's check her out. So it is definitely a darker beer. Yeah, oh, there's aroma. Oh, that smells. It smells. I wouldn't say it smells like coffee per se, but it has that.
Speaker 1:Like the roasted malts? Yes, for sure. I think everything I read is they're a lot more malt forward. Okay, so let's try her out. Ooh, there's flavor. I would say it's not quite as distinct as like Guinness, right, being that you know real dark kind of flavor, but this one definitely is malt forward, right.
Speaker 2:It's not bad, I guess. I mean I have had a Guinness or two, but it's hard to remember, you know, after drinking a few different beers. But I mean I think this is a pretty good representation of an Irish dry stout. I think in my opinion it's not over the top in flavor. I mean like now the finish is real smooth. I mean I don't even have a flavor in my mouth anymore. Right, it's kind of like just dissipated right away.
Speaker 1:I see it lingers a little bit, but it's kind of gone fairly quickly, right.
Speaker 2:I mean, I think for the novice or introductory craft beer drinker, this would be probably a good one to try. Yeah, it's not bad at all.
Speaker 1:I know people and I'm sure you do too that they think Guinness is just way too strong a flavor. Right, you know, and it is a stronger flavor. This one is not that. No, you know, and if somebody out there hasn't ever had an Irish dry stout, this could be one to try, you know, because, like you said, I think the flavor does dissipate fairly quickly and it's not like I said.
Speaker 2:It's just not that dark a flavor as Guinness and I'm, I guess, a little bit intrigued when it says the hot bitterness. Yeah, I don't really get hop. I get the more malted. Oh, yeah, for sure the roasted maltiness all the way through, but not much for medium to medium-high hop. Huh.
Speaker 1:I was going to say, if anything, maybe on the initial swallow you get a very little bit on the swallow, but that's it.
Speaker 2:I mean, I really don't taste a whole lot of hop otherwise, and you know, it really has me intrigued by when it says you know, if it is under nitrogen it might even taste a little bit smoother too. Yeah, it would take. You know, we've always found it makes them a lot creamier, a lot smoother, yep. So what are you thinking of the score?
Speaker 1:Boy, this one isn't too bad. Boy, this one isn't too bad. I think we kind of described the whole flavor already, you know, and I really didn't pick up like very much of a coffee flavor at all. No, it was definitely that roasted malt. Yes.
Speaker 1:Like you said that was definitely the aroma and the flavor, both, yeah. So I'm going to say, on this one I'm going to go like a 2.8. Ooh, I don't mind it, I, I don't mind it, I could drink. I think I could drink a can of that, even though it's a bigger can. I could do that for sure. And because you know I do enjoy Guinness, right, and this is a little bit smoother, yeah, I think, than a Guinness is.
Speaker 2:Well, I think you just about surprised me with your score. I didn't think you were going to go quite that high. I was not expecting it. I was thinking, I mean because Guinness has got quite a bit of time in producing their beer. Oh yeah, so they're already outclassing this. So I don't know if I could put it in the same category with a Guinness. I mean very good representation, by all means. I think I'm going to be pushing closer to the center lines. I'm going to go a 2.6, one step above average. Sure, sure, Nothing wrong with it, but they have a few more hundred years to go to catch up to Guinness.
Speaker 1:Right, see, I'd have to look. I think Guinness I may have had around a three Okay, so I don't think it's quite on that level but, like I said, I did go a little bit higher just because I think it's a little bit smoother, where a new person could probably drink this one.
Speaker 2:For sure, hands down. I 100% agree.
Speaker 1:Interesting.
Speaker 2:All right. So I guess, since we don't have any good questions, should we just keep on rolling?
Speaker 1:Yeah, we can keep going. Now the next one is also in the 16-ounce can Yep. But this one is also in the 16-ounce can Yep. But this one is an Irish red ale and this is by Appalachian Brewing Company and it's called the Knot. The Knot and the artwork on there is kind of that Irish or Celtic design.
Speaker 2:I guess yeah.
Speaker 1:I don't know what else you'd want to call it, because the first one I should have said was is that a heart, or what is that?
Speaker 2:Is it a hand on the bottom?
Speaker 1:There's hands, but I don't know what they're holding. Well, ladies, and gentlemen, you'll see it on the picture.
Speaker 2:Right. So that's definitely different.
Speaker 1:This one is black can green, kind of like line art drawing, but it's a Irish red, yes, and this is 4.8%. So what did you find out on this one?
Speaker 2:So brewed with toasty malts and a splash of roasted barley, for that rich red color and depth of flavor. Malty, but not caramely or overly sweet, balanced and meant for drinking. Oh, exclamation point.
Speaker 1:Well, I got to like that, Wow. And now on an Irish Red. The information that we had found out is that an Irish Red beer is known for its unique malty taste and is on the lower side of the bitterness and alcohol content scales. If you love American craft beer, theish red ale beer remains a great style for beer lovers to seek out and appreciate.
Speaker 2:So let me see I had a little bit of challenge today. When I was looking this one up, I found two different beers, the exact same name, the exact same style really, and I'm looking at this can now. So this was actually made by Phase 3.
Speaker 1:Oh Well, then we had a faux pas.
Speaker 2:Yes, so I wanted to make sure. I mentioned that because I was unsure, because when I looked on the Internet it said the Knot and it had Appalachian Brewing Company. No, and it had the same exact design.
Speaker 1:So when I sent you the pictures of these, the name of the brewery is very hard to see on there, right? You know what I mean? I mean it's the same green, but it's very thin lines. Yes, so we apologize on that.
Speaker 2:So this is actually by phase three as well.
Speaker 1:Phase three Now, the information that I found on Irish red ale is it's typically a deep copper red to reddish brown color with a tan or off white head, and that's definitely what this, yeah, yep, the well-known example that people around here, anyway in our area, would, would recommend or would recognize, I should say, is killian's irish. Oh, there you go. Yeah, they also said a kentucky irish red ale, but I don't don't know who made that, but the killians we for sure have had.
Speaker 2:Yep for sure.
Speaker 1:And then it's the mouthfeel that the Irish red ales are typically medium-bodied with a smooth and easy drinking character. All right, so did it say Okay. Alcohol content they typically range from 4 to 4.8.
Speaker 2:So that's right for this. Yeah, 4.8, right on the upper end of that scale.
Speaker 1:Now, this is definitely that copper color.
Speaker 2:I wouldn't even say it's red, though it's not really reddish, it's more copper, it's more copper, for sure, boy.
Speaker 1:what did it say for aroma? Hints of caramel, toasted malt and sometimes a touch of floral or grassy hop character.
Speaker 2:There's not a lot of aroma to me Is there.
Speaker 1:Pretty muted, I could drink that. That's pretty. Not a lot of flavor, though Not a lot of flavor.
Speaker 2:It's pretty muted on everything. Nothing really sticks out flavor-wise. No, I agree 100% with you there, boy. It's not hard to drink, but it's just there's not much to it. There's not a lot there. I don't know what. Now this I know you mentioned Killian's Yep, I think. If I remember correctly, they had some pretty good flavor.
Speaker 1:Yeah, I say that one has more flavor than this, so that's kind of interesting.
Speaker 2:Yeah, and I guess it's hard for lot of the flavor end part, the parts that you and I like. And it's not even like the finish there's nothing, there's no. I don't.
Speaker 1:There's just nothing. This is one of those. We could drink a whole bunch of them just because there's not the 4.8%. Yes there's that, but I don't know. Fl yes there's that, but I don't know. Flavor-wise and aroma.
Speaker 2:it's really kind of a bummer, yeah, and you're getting a big 16-ounce can too, so you're getting a lot of beer, but you're not getting a lot there.
Speaker 1:Not really a lot to make you come back for more, I mean.
Speaker 2:I could drink a can, but I don't know if I'd want a second one, because I'd have to go to the bathroom without even knowing what I tasted.
Speaker 1:I mean on the finish, I do get a very, very minimal hint of a maltiness but that's it very minimal.
Speaker 2:Yeah, very. I mean like, and it's right at the end, you know very, very slight.
Speaker 1:Yeah, huh. Um, well, that's a wower. Well, okay, phase three um yeah it's not a bad beer, but there's just not. What we look for is really flavor, aroma, stuff like that. There's really not a lot there for us.
Speaker 2:Right, I mean, you're putting all these good things in your beer, but maybe add a little bit more to give it a little bit more flavor to it. I mean especially if whatever roasted barley, toasted malt, add a little bit more, or maybe a different type, maybe.
Speaker 1:Yeah, just something Right. Well, why don't?
Speaker 2:you kick her off and you know, I think we've hit a lot of the important parts on it. Yep, it's, it's lacking something. I don't know what it is, but it's lacking. I'm gonna go 2.3, okay, a little bit below average, only because the flavor's not there.
Speaker 1:Yep I'm just gonna. I'm gonna go 2.4, just one above. I think I was gonna go average, but there's not flavor really, so it's kind of it's not offensive at all. And I could drink it. But I agree with you where you get done with it and you'd be kind of like what did I just drink? Because there's just not a lot of distinctiveness to it.
Speaker 2:Oh, 100% agree, You're spot on, well, I guess we can.
Speaker 1:Or would you like to hear one little factoid? You got a factoid I have a factoid I could read to you, all right.
Speaker 2:Because I got a few on the next guy, let's see.
Speaker 1:So St Patrick, you know we always think is Irish, right, he was actually not Irish. He wasn't.
Speaker 2:No.
Speaker 1:He was actually born in what is now Wales or England.
Speaker 2:Okay, Not Ireland.
Speaker 1:Wow, all right, he was actually at the age of 16,. He was kidnapped by Irish pirates. Oh Arr.
Speaker 1:Arr and he turned into a slave Okay, he was never canonized, okay, okay. Now here's the color association. While green is now the dominant color of St Patrick's Day, the color blue was originally associated with the saint. Did not know that? No, I had no idea. Now here's one I think some people might know A shamrock, the three-leaf clover. Do you know what it basically is said to represent? No, it represents the Holy Trinity to the Irish people. All right, because they're Catholic. Yeah, very.
Speaker 2:Catholic Because they're Catholic.
Speaker 1:Yeah, Very Catholic Now here's one and I'll leave it on this one. Well, let's see we got. We'll do two of them, all right. One is about leprechauns. Leprechauns, those short guys. Leprechauns, mischievous Irish fairies, are commonly associated with St Patrick's Day, though they are not directly linked to the saint's history. Wow, okay, so he never tried to take their pot of gold, all right. And I was thinking about it.
Speaker 1:I thought you know honestly, my knowledge of leprechauns comes from? Is it Darby O'Gillis in the little Darby O'Gill in the Little People, that movie from Disney, it was back in the I can't remember if it was actually first made in the 60s or 70s and then the horror movies Leprechaun, there's like a bunch of those.
Speaker 1:That's what my knowledge comes from those. All right, the other one I was going to say. You know, in Chicago they dye the river green. Yes, do you? And this is crazy. Do you know why they first did that? No, they first did it not because of St Patrick's Day. They originally did it to trace sewage leaks in the river. Yowza. But now they just do it for St Patrick's Day as the tradition. So kind of crazy stuff.
Speaker 2:So still don't drink the water.
Speaker 1:Yeah, don't drink the water, especially if they were looking for sewage leaks. All right, all right. Well, hey, the next one we have is by Titletown Brewing. Now, we've had beers from them before. Yes, we have, and this one is also an Irish Red Ale and this is Johnny Blood Red and it's 5% ABV and 20 IBUs. Nice, so this one, compared to what they said they usually range for, abv is just a little bit higher, right.
Speaker 2:A little bit of what we might be stepping out of our own comfort zone. Yeah, I did not know a lot of the interesting stuff about Johnny Victor McNally. Okay, now that's Nicknamed Johnny Blood. Oh, I'm guessing.
Speaker 1:There's a reason.
Speaker 2:Well, I looked and looked and tried to figure, tried to find out why there was blood in the name and found nothing.
Speaker 1:Oh.
Speaker 2:So I guess that's one. I looked and looked and tried to find out why there was blood in the name and found nothing. Oh, so I guess that's one interesting thing. Yeah, his nickname for something, so I don't know why that is, but here's a. I thought this was a good one, since we're a craft beer podcast yeah. Because he was, you know, very famous football player. Okay, one of the original 17 inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Speaker 1:So a very good football player.
Speaker 2:I think he had a long like 50 years, 50 years, so he was a player. World War II coach oh gotcha From the very beginning. Okay, so when he was with the Green Bay Packers? Wait a minute.
Speaker 1:He was with the Packers. Yes, for a short period of time.
Speaker 2:Oh, okay. So Curly Lambeau first negotiated a contract with McNally to play for the Packers. He offered him $110 a week if he wouldn't drink after Wednesday.
Speaker 1:Really. And $100 a week if he did so, a $10 fine, so to speak.
Speaker 2:Right by drinking Wow, wow. You know, johnny Blood allegedly took the $100.
Speaker 1:He was like I can't quit drinking, Never mind.
Speaker 2:Although a later story said Lambeau said he would give him the $110 and let him drink on Wednesday for being so honest about it. Oh wow, I thought that was a pretty interesting.
Speaker 1:That is crazy $100 if he drank on Wednesday or later and $110 if he didn't. And he said, nah, I got to take $100. I need to have my couple beers, that is funny.
Speaker 2:So how many beers, if that's in the 20s could you get for $10? A lot, I'm guessing Right, Wow. So I had to make sure I brought that up because that was pretty cool In this day and age.
Speaker 1:you'd have to probably take away like a million dollars or something, $110 a week, that is crazy and he was in the inaugural class. Of the 17 original members. What position was that he was? Do you know that? I don't know, and he was a member of the 1930s All-Decade Team.
Speaker 2:Let's see, I'm trying to see here?
Speaker 1:Oh, it doesn't, but he was in the group of the first eight to ever be inducted.
Speaker 2:That's pretty crazy, Well, hey.
Speaker 1:I guess let's.
Speaker 2:All right. Well, let's see how good Johnny Blood is. Now, this one's a little more, Not copperish.
Speaker 1:No, this is a little more red, yep.
Speaker 2:Or if it has to do with the Johnny Blood. Not much aroma.
Speaker 1:Yeah, not much, but almost a tinge of a little sweeter aroma. At least that's what it kind of seems like. That one has a little bit more flavor, but still not a whole lot.
Speaker 2:Right, a touch more flavor. I mean it's not bad. I mean there's nothing. I can't really say anything bad about it. It's just not a lot of flavor. I was hoping kind of a little bit more.
Speaker 1:You know, that's the one thing, though, when we've had like red ales not Irish red, but just red ales they really don't have a whole lot of flavor. It seems like.
Speaker 2:Right. I mean, and I wonder, I don't even know why, because there's a lot of beers we've had that had that very good roasted barley, roasted malts, I mean a lot of them really tasted good, I mean, and the people that put them in weren't afraid. But I mean some of these. It's like are you brewing for the masses? Right, are you a little afraid to put a little bit more flavor?
Speaker 1:I don't know. Like I said, compared to the not, this one does have a little more flavor. Yes yes, you know, but still it's not much, but there is a little bit more there, so you can definitely tell the difference.
Speaker 2:I definitely like this Irish red, ale more than that. Yeah, that last one.
Speaker 1:Yeah, I would agree with you on that. Like I said, the color is definitely more, definitely more, of that reddish, where the other one was that copper yes, you know, but this one. Why is it red? Because it's a red ale, oh why?
Speaker 2:But the other one was a red ale and it was copper. Yeah, now you're getting into those questions. I don't know how to answer. Yeah, I don't. Again, this is kind of like the if anybody listeners know and want to send us, yeah, let us know.
Speaker 1:Let us know, because that is interesting. Why is there that variation? Because it really didn't go into that. We don't know, but we'd like to know.
Speaker 2:We would definitely like to know. We'll even let everybody else know if we find out.
Speaker 1:For sure All right, Well, hey score-wise, I'm going to go 2.5. Right down the middle I'm going to go a step up. From the knot Yep. Because there is just that little, a little bit of a hint of a flavor, a little more than the Knothead. This is definitely more of a reddish brown instead of the copper, yep. And again, aroma. There wasn't a whole lot, but I think between the two I'd probably rather drink this one because it does have a little bit of flavor.
Speaker 2:Yes, I echo exactly what you said. I'm going to go with 2.5 as well. I definitely like this one. I mean, I think I might even like this one. I know I gave the first one a little bit higher score, but I think I actually like this one best of the first three.
Speaker 1:Yeah, I agree with you, to be honest with you, even though my score is lower as well. This one I could see going back for maybe another can at some point if you were somewhere. And they had this, yeah, more so than the other two, but you know, know, not so bad. I mean those. They were all pretty decent, you know, and good representatives, I think, of the irish yes beer. So it's. I'm hoping that the next ones we have maybe step it up a little bit.
Speaker 2:Well, I hope so oh yeah, because I mean this. I knew that we were. We were always on thin ice, not knowing a lot of about irish beers, but, boy, I mean I wonder what would it, what happened if you put some of these, some bourbon barrels? I don't know, I wonder what that would be like, or if anybody has done that.
Speaker 1:If anybody out there knows, let us know because that would be an interesting, because you think about it like the first rate, there's not much flavor, right? So you're going to probably really get hit with the bourbon, right.
Speaker 2:Throw some flavor in there somehow. So I don't know.
Speaker 1:And who knows? And now we do have some other ones coming up here that do step it up a little bit in ABV, yes, so it'll be interesting to see how those compare. I'm sure hopefully there's going to be more flavors, so we'll see what happens on those.
Speaker 2:Well, the next beer. I found some interesting stuff, too, that I was not aware of.
Speaker 1:Okay, well, the next two that we have are actually the ones that are in bottles. Yes, so the first one we have is by Gray Brewing that's out of Janesville, wisconsin, and this is their Busted Knuckle Irish Style Ale. Yes, and if you look, he's got a very mean-looking leprechaun, I'm guessing. Yes, he looks like he's not happy and he wants to fight. He's kind of showing his guns out and he's not real happy looking and this one is 5.2% ABV.
Speaker 2:So this Irish-style red ale is a special blend of our four types of malted barley and three varieties of hops. It's medium-bodied ale showing off a deep reddish amber color and think tan bubbly head. The aroma is sweet and light, followed by moderate caramel malt flavors with light roasted finish.
Speaker 1:Okay, hmm, well, this one again. This is more of that definitely an amber color.
Speaker 2:Yes, you can see through there.
Speaker 1:Yeah, and it's got the white, that white head, yes, kind of that, yeah, and it's got the white, that white head? Yes, Kind of that yeah, that's got more aroma. Yeah, I'm not saying it's a better aroma, but it's got aroma. It's got aroma, did it say?
Speaker 2:Four types of barley and three types of hops. Huh, whatever they might be, that's not bad. So did you know that the Gray Bottling Company, who bottles the beer, is the oldest family-owned bottling company in the United States? Nope, I had no idea. Started in 1856.
Speaker 1:Oh my, when did Wisconsin become a state? 1848.
Speaker 2:Shortly after. So they started with soda.
Speaker 1:Oh, okay, soda was their, but still, and they're still making that same soda that they did in the 1850s.
Speaker 2:today, Really. In the same family. It's still in the same family, so 1858 to 2025.
Speaker 1:That's a long time.
Speaker 2:So I thought I was like wow, and that's Wisconsin. Yeah, I'm like dang Well, that's. That is crazy, that's it. I did not know that. I mean, I put some more stuff out there, but it's just talking about how it passed from each family member to each family member.
Speaker 1:But, but they start. Did it say what the soda was that they made?
Speaker 2:So it looks like some of them something. You know what I mean. Or did it say the brand?
Speaker 1:Sorry, I'm asking oh yep.
Speaker 2:So here it says Gray Bottling Works changed its name to Gray Beverages and then Gray's Beverage Company before adopting the current name of Gray Brewing Company. Huh, so brewing must be all-inclusive then for their beer and soda.
Speaker 1:I'm trying to think have you ever had any of that? No, I've never. Well, next time we're over in that part of the state we'll have to check it out. Interesting Now I don't mind the flavor.
Speaker 2:This is right now, the flavor.
Speaker 1:Compared to the first three, I think this is a little bit more. It's still not huge, but it's definitely a little bit more.
Speaker 2:Did you definitely a little bit more. Did you have anything on? I mean because it only said it was an irish style ale. So I don't know if that means anything different than because this is a little red.
Speaker 1:So I don't know yeah, no, I I don't on that. I do have on the next two.
Speaker 2:Okay, uh, what those are right, I got a little bit on them too, but I mean, so I don't know what that there's something lingering in the finish.
Speaker 1:Yeah, yeah, there definitely is. I'm trying to figure, because they keep talking about caramel and I don't get a caramel flavor.
Speaker 2:I don't think that's what's in there, but I don't know what it is. It's not bad, it's just, there's something. You know there's something there.
Speaker 1:Yep for sure, interesting, yeah, and it's not offensive at all. You could definitely. Somebody new could drink this, yes, without a doubt, and they would still get a little bit of a flavor, you know, and it's not going to chase them off that way Because, like I said again, guinness could chase some people off this. They wouldn't chase you off?
Speaker 2:I'm sure you could drink it, and it's only 5.2%.
Speaker 1:Yeah.
Speaker 2:Low ABV. The flavor's not over the top, but I guess for us we like a little bit more flavor.
Speaker 1:Yeah, so what are you thinking, dude, on a score on the Busted Knuckle? And be careful because that, like I said, the leprechaun, he might come after you, he's not happy.
Speaker 2:I'm trying to come up with my worldly notes to say about it To come up with something.
Speaker 2:I mean I appreciate that they're the oldest bottling company in the United States and it's here in Wisconsin. Kudos to them. I'm going to give them a point, one-tenth of a point for that. I'm just struggling a little bit with the flavor. I mean, all of these have not been over the top flavor-wise. None of these have. So I am struggling. I'm going to have to go a 2.4. Just a touch below average. It's not bad tasting, it's just of this one. The finish and the mouthfeel is the one that has the weirdest for me of these four.
Speaker 1:This one is yes.
Speaker 2:So that's the only thing. I don't know what it is. I wish I could describe it better so that everybody could understand what that. It's just a little bit of a different finish to it. I just can't put my finger on it.
Speaker 1:Yep, I agree 100% with you. Like I said, I do like I think it has a little bit more flavor than well, especially than the first two. Oh, yes, yes, the Johnny Blood Red. They're maybe kind of neck and neck Right, but still the one thing I'm noticing so far, and we do still have a couple of higher ones coming up, but none of them have a real lot of flavor. Now, I don't know if that's a common thing.
Speaker 2:It must be a common thing, well, I shouldn't say that, because Guinness has a lot of flavor.
Speaker 1:There's a lot of flavor there, but these ones are all pretty, pretty mellow on the flavor. So looking at my scores, I have already put myself into a corner. So I'm going to go with 2.3. I think it might be slightly better than that, but I don't think it's like a 2.6. Right, I do like the flavor on it. The little bit there is, like I said, I do think there's a little bit more, but it's still not a lot Right. But again, I think anybody could drink it. Oh, yes, and it's going to be real melon, and that's the one thing I think right now with all of these, the first four is anybody could drink them, oh, easily. So that's a good thing. Yes, yes, there's no doubt about that, exactly.
Speaker 1:Well, we're down to our final two, our last two, and I'm hoping that the pot of gold is in one of them.
Speaker 2:Well, it looks like we're stepping it up a little bit here. We're no longer in the fours of the five range. Okay, now this next company.
Speaker 1:we've had a number of beers from this company? Yes, and this is actually, if I remember right, one of the kind of the offshoot, so to speak, experimentals.
Speaker 2:There you go.
Speaker 1:Experimentals of Point Brewing yes, In Stevens Point Wisconsin.
Speaker 1:And if I remember right, they're one of the oldest breweries in the state as well. Correct, All right. So this is Whole Hog and this is their Gaelic Storm Imperial Red Ale there you go. So this one is. They bumped her up to 6%. There you go. Yep, so I was hoping when I saw Imperial that it was going to be way up there, Way up there, but hey, 6% compared to some of these, it's quite a jump. Yep, 12 IBUs and this is in a bottle as well. Artwork is kind of just. I'm not exactly sure if that's a concert.
Speaker 2:Oh, look in the little picture. Or is that the Celtic people singing the Gaelic? Oh, that could be Dancers.
Speaker 1:Yeah, that's it.
Speaker 2:That's it, and it's red and white, oh here it says Ho-Hog Brewery and the world-renowned Celtic music powerhouse Gaelic Storm are proud to bring you this delicious collaboration.
Speaker 1:Okay.
Speaker 2:Sit back, sip and relax while you listen to a Gaillic Storm drinking playlist. Oh, You'll feel like you've been transported to the west of Ireland, smack dab in the middle of the most exciting concert you've ever experienced.
Speaker 1:Well, we've been to some really good concerts, so they're going to have to give us something.
Speaker 2:Yes, there's a little bit of aroma. A little bit of aroma, nothing Not over the top. No.
Speaker 1:And it is kind of that reddish. They said deep copper red.
Speaker 2:Yeah, is that a good.
Speaker 1:You look at it in the light here, it's definitely that copper yeah.
Speaker 2:Is that a good? Yeah, you look at it in the light.
Speaker 1:Here it's definitely that copper, but it's between a copper and an amber. I guess I would say it's got white head pretty thin.
Speaker 2:Yeah, you can see through this. This is not a thick stout Again very mild.
Speaker 1:On the flavor. There's a little bit. Little bit, let's see I did have. Here we go. I looked up what's an Imperial Irish Red? All right, hopefully we got some good news. Well, we'll find out. So let's see, an Imperial Irish Red Ale is a strong, malt-forward ale with a deep copper red color that features a higher alcohol content and more intense flavors than a standard Irish Red Ale. Again, I'm not really getting now. You know, maybe your taste buds and my taste buds are just shot from all the really high octane beers we've drank. But this, I mean, it's good, I don't mind it, but there's just again, the flavor-wise is not over the top by any means. No.
Speaker 2:And that's what I was kind of expecting with an Imperial here's kind of a characteristic ABV, typically 8% to 10.6%, and this is 6%. This is well below that.
Speaker 1:It's well below that, so I don't know. They may have there's room.
Speaker 2:they could have upped it a little bit. Yeah, I don't know this is. I upped it a little bit.
Speaker 1:Yeah, I don't know this is. I mean it's not bad, I don't, but it's just not a lot there. No, and I'm just I'm really learning that a lot of the irish beer is just kind of there yeah unfortunately yeah I would agree.
Speaker 2:I don't know how you're gonna get your leprechaun on well, maybe that's why they do it.
Speaker 1:They're maybe they, you know, the leprechaun is more of something they're scared of. Yeah, so they don't want to get too drunk.
Speaker 2:In case you got to fight them off, especially that one there in the. Yeah, the busted knuckle. You know you gotta, you know, make sure you got a, isn't it?
Speaker 1:fight them off a shillelagh or whatever their little little club thing that they have, you know, the wooden hammer. Yeah, so you got to make sure that you don't get blindside eye on when you're all drunked up.
Speaker 1:Yeah, boy Boy, how do you want to rate that one? Well, looking at, I'm going to go a 2.6 on this one. I do think, like you said, I do get a little bit of an aroma, not a lot, but a little more than the other ones. Flavor wise, it's not bad. I do get a little more flavor, but it's still, compared to what we're used to, it's really pretty minimal. Yes, but I could drink that. But again, it's like you said earlier. Would you go back for a second one? I don't know.
Speaker 2:You know, it's kind of I don't know. You'd probably have to really twist your arm to go back for the second one. If that's all they had, yeah, I would drink them.
Speaker 1:But the other whole hogs that we've had have definitely been. In my opinion. They have a lot more flavor and they do some really cool stuff. I mean this is not bad, but it's not a huge step up from these other ones Right 100%.
Speaker 2:I mean, I'm right in there with you too. I think I'm going to go with 2.7. Okay, is it the best one I've had today? I think they're all. I'm going to give it the highest score for today, but I think they're still all relatively close. I mean, nothing is really like sticking out, or standing out Like this is one you've got to try, without a doubt.
Speaker 1:I mean they're all okay so far. Well, you know what's funny is this one right here, the beers that we're trying. It kind of reminds me of like when we did Central Waters their barrel age, or when we've done Goose Island Dasvidaniya. Right, when we say we're splitting hairs Right, but this is like a different hair that we're splitting.
Speaker 2:Yeah, this is. I mean, this might be one between your toenails or something. Yeah, I was going to say it's way down there.
Speaker 1:It's not the same level of hair but it's not bad. But, like I said, they just I'm learning through this and I'm glad we're doing it because it's honestly Irish beers Killians, you know, guinness, that's been kind of the normal ones you think of. That's been kind of the normal ones. You think of. The Torchbearers, kilkenny.
Speaker 2:Yep, Things like that and they're good and they have a lot more flavor. Yes, whereas these ones.
Speaker 1:I can't put those in the same category as those other ones.
Speaker 2:Yeah, I mean, I think they want to be there, but they got a little bit more work to do, yep.
Speaker 1:And, like you said, they've only been around for less than 500 years where. Guinness has been. They're well established.
Speaker 2:Yes.
Speaker 1:Well established. Well, I suppose we should try this last one, last one. So we're back to a can and it's a 12-ounce can. There you go, and this is by who? Is it? By Lakefront? Yes, that's out of.
Speaker 2:Miliwake, miliwake.
Speaker 1:And this is the my Turn Limited Series. Yep, nolan, it's an Irish export stout and on the can there's a gentleman sitting on a barrel.
Speaker 2:I'm guessing that's Nolan.
Speaker 1:He looks happy. He may have found a leprechaun. Oh, there you go, could be On the can. It says this full-flavored stout is easy drinking, bittersweet, with a refreshing crisp taste. Oh, all right, 6.8%, so again, not super high, the highest so far today, highest so far.
Speaker 2:Yep. What did you find? I found Nolan is a sales rep at Lakefront. Really, he brewed this Irish export stout. Deeply roasted malts take the lead, providing cold-brewed coffee aromas and dark chocolate-like flavors. Huh. So you see, there's a little bit. I put a little bit on there. The Irish extra stout for you.
Speaker 1:Irish export stout, also known as a foreign extra stout, is a stronger, bolder version of the classic Irish stout. Also known as a foreign extra stout is a stronger, bolder version of the classic Irish stout, typically with a higher alcohol content and a more pronounced roasted malt and hop character, designed for export and long-distance shipping. Well, that's interesting. Yeah, now you know. I would say one of the classic examples of that is Guinness also has a foreign extra stout. So again, I hate to keep going back to Guinness, but that's kind of the standard so to speak.
Speaker 2:So we started with a stout and we're going to end with a stout.
Speaker 1:And we're going to end with a stout.
Speaker 2:Yeah, this one's definitely dark, dark I don't think it's as dark as that first one, though is it Maybe this one's definitely?
Speaker 1:dark, dark.
Speaker 2:I don't think it's as dark as that first one, though, is it, Maybe not?
Speaker 1:It's kind of a really tannish foamy head, yeah, and again the aroma. Not much, not much.
Speaker 2:It's pretty muted, Come on.
Speaker 1:Ireland Stand up. Yeah, that's probably why the leprechauns are so angry, they're looking for good flavorful beer Right.
Speaker 2:They're looking for good flavorful beer, right. They're mad that nobody put anything in there. Exactly that's why they won't give you the pot of gold.
Speaker 1:Well, there's flavor there. There's flavor, there's something foreign about it. It's more on the finish, you know what I mean Like you swallow it and then all of a sudden you get that it's not again. Going back to Guinness, I apologize, but it's not that strong. No, but this one on the finish, after you swallow it, then you get that kind of that burst of Bitterness.
Speaker 2:There you go. Yes, and I don't think it's cold brewed coffee or dark chocolate.
Speaker 1:I don't taste any coffee or chocolate, I just taste like Something bitter, a little bit of a burnt bitter flavor.
Speaker 2:Huh, yeah, this is not Special X Light either For all you G Harmon fans out there. Huh yeah, this is not Special X Light either for all you T Hauman fans out there.
Speaker 1:Yeah, no, no Interesting. Now this one of these six, Jim, I think this is the only one that I could see possibly turning somebody off from that style. Yeah, you know what I mean, because it does have that stronger aftertaste a little bit.
Speaker 2:I mean because it's in that category of an Irish beer. But boy, those other ones, their flavor was muted. This one, their flavor is kind of like it's like it really. If you're not ready for it, it'll surprise you.
Speaker 1:Yep, exactly Boy. And I can't believe none of these had a widget no.
Speaker 2:You know for like Guinness, and we've had other ones that have it, but none of these had it, so that's kind of interesting. I think this one might have helped a little bit. I think you're right.
Speaker 1:I think you're right, it could have used a little mellowing.
Speaker 2:Yeah, because that's 6.8.
Speaker 1:I mean it doesn't taste like 6.8, but no no, and it's funny because how many podcasts have we done where we started way above 6.8?
Speaker 2:Yeah, that was the bottom.
Speaker 1:Yeah.
Speaker 2:And here we're ending at that, and we're ending at this one.
Speaker 1:So again, I think that's why the leprechauns are so angry, yeah, and they've been saving their pots of gold to buy good beer. That's what I think, hopefully. Barrel-aged beer, barrel-aged beer, yes, that would mellow them out a little bit. Wow. So, man, who's this? Me, you, me, you, me, you. You go first all right.
Speaker 2:Well, unfortunately I'm. I'm not a big fan. Um, it's just a little bit too bold, strong, these pronounced boy, boy, it's just. It's like still lingering in my mouth even after we got done. Just, not a. I don't know if I could drink more than I mean, I think I'd struggle to get to this first can. I don't know if I could drink more than a can, not by the ABV, but just by the flavor. Right, and I know we always talk about flavor, but this has got the bitterness is like just staying in my mouth and I can't even get rid of it. So it's, I'm going to have. This is going to probably be my lowest one today. I'm going to have to say a 2.2.
Speaker 1:It's just really tough for me to. I mean, they put a lot of nice words on here but, boy, this is a tough one. Well, you know, when you're talking about flavor, there's a difference between good flavor and not so good flavor, you know. And this one, I kind of agree with you. I could probably drink that 12-ounce can, but I don't know if I'd go back for another one. Yeah, which and where. Like Guinness, I've drank several Guinness in a night, but this I don't know, this one just has that kind of a different thing to it. You know, and I agree, I'm right there I'm going to go a 2.2 as well, and it's kind of a bummer. I was thinking that it was really going to be something, you know, and it's not terrible. But, like I said, I do think a new person drinking this, they probably wouldn't come back for another one.
Speaker 2:Yeah, they might get scared yeah.
Speaker 1:Well, should we?
Speaker 2:wrap this class up for St Patrick's Day.
Speaker 1:We should. You got some music going here Well.
Speaker 2:I will find some music.
Speaker 1:Of all of these, jim, I guess which ones would you? Is there one you'd recommend? Because where I'm at, honestly, is I think the first five. A new person could try them and not get turned off, and I think the last one might turn some people off, but there's really the Johnny Blood Red is probably to me, flavor-wise, might be one of the better ones.
Speaker 2:Right For this group, for this group of six yes, and the whole hog.
Speaker 2:I didn't mind it, it did have a little better flavor, uh, so those two are the ones I would, and you know I don't know if I've said this before in any of our podcasts and please don't hold me like up against the wall with one of those leprechaun little sticks, but I don't. I mean. I think that the established, established Irish beer makers out there are doing a very good job. I might recommend saying try one of those first before you try this. I don't know, I'm just struggling with this class.
Speaker 1:Yeah.
Speaker 2:You know, I mean, I don't know if I can, is that a bad thing to say? I mean, we tried them, we definitely tried them, we rated them, we definitely tried them, we rated them. But the hard part is the I don't know if the flavors are just not. You know, like you mentioned, the Guinness, the Killians, the Kilkenny, Kilkenny, I mean those are really good beers, I mean that really taste good and they're perfect representations of that Irish-style beer.
Speaker 1:Yeah so.
Speaker 2:I don't know. Is that wrong for saying?
Speaker 1:that I don't know. You know, and I intentionally tried to stay away from like Guinness, you know what I mean Just because that's the standard and people would have figured okay, that's what you're going to have, Right, you know. So I definitely wanted to do something different, which these are, and there's not one that's terrible, but there's not one that's amazing either, right, I mean?
Speaker 2:I think we're both in concurrence.
Speaker 1:And, like you said, we almost never say something like that, but the long-established brand right now, those beers, they're the best ones, I think.
Speaker 2:Yeah, I mean, are these guys pointed in the right direction? I think they're there, but I think they have some work to do to get up to that level. Yep, I mean, and our scores kind of give a kind of representation hovering right around average, we were splitting a different hair, Right, I mean we're right down the middle.
Speaker 2:I'm glad that we tried it. I mean, there's no way we would have known with the quality of these beers, yep. But you know, this is one of those hard ones where we, you know, because we're always trying to get people to try the craft beer, and I think you should try the craft beer. I mean, if you want to go out on a, you can go out and try these. There's nothing wrong with them.
Speaker 1:Just be prepared for what you're to get Exactly Awesome. Well, hey, I'm glad that we tried these. We hope everybody out there had a safe and happy St Patrick's Day. Yes, hopefully you didn't drink too many green beers.
Speaker 2:We did not have a green beer? No, we did not, we're clear of that.
Speaker 1:But, like I said, we tried some we hadn't had before and we've learned some things. Yes, you know, and again, I think that's why the leprechauns are angry, because they are looking for flavor.
Speaker 2:We didn't find it this time, no, we did not find it.
Speaker 1:We looked under the rainbow and didn't find it?
Speaker 2:There you go, there you go.
Speaker 1:Well, awesome. Jim. Thank you so much for partaking in the St Patrick's Day, even though we are a few days late, but we still wanted you guys to know that we didn't forget about it. We're still thinking about it, we're still thinking about it. So, anyway, we hope everybody enjoyed this podcast and, like we always say, we hope your campfire is always warm and your beers are always cold. See you, hey, was that a leprechaun? See you. Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for listening to the Northwoods Beer Guy podcast. If you have a question, a comment or a beer you'd like us to review, please feel free to send us a message at northwoodsbeerguy at gmailcom. You can also find us on Facebook, twitter and Instagram. If you're on untapped, look up Northwoods Beer Guy and send a front request Until next week. I hope all your campfires are warm and all your beer is cold.
