July 31, 2013

ODELL BREWING COMPANY - DECONSTRUCTION  This one comes in a 750ml bottle and has a 9.4% ABV. Upon taking the cork out, the smell is pretty damn nice, one of the better aromas i can remember. Has a nice fruity (mostly apples and grapefruit) smell with a little spicyness and earthy hops. Taste is pretty sweet, follows the nose for the most part, has a little bit of sourness but not bad, highly complex. A very drinkable beer for having a high ABV, the alcohol was very nicely hidden, i didnt notice it at all really. A very unique tasting beer, nicely done again Odell.

COMMON SENSE - PSYCHEDELIC SURF GROOVE  A nice underappreciated California based reggae rock band. This CD is from 1997 and they are still kickin around today, mostly in Cali. This record is pretty good, a few nice songs, but their albums just dont seem to do them justice;to really enjoy them, you need to see them live. This one leans a little more to the pop radio friendly side as it was released on a major label while the rest of their records were self released by the band. Still a fun summer listen. Favorites: In Your Eyes, Never Give Up, Trapped Inside My Mind, Summer and Things Aint Gettin' Easier.

2 miles on treadmill and 16 mile bike ride

July 30, 2013

BOSTON BEER COMPANY - SAMUEL ADAMS LITTLE WHITE RYE  Not bad, smell and taste both have a wheat backing with a little citrus and rye spice. Sage and rye is pretty prominent though and seems to overpower any of the citrus. Kind of unique, while nothing spectacular, it is a nice change of pace and quite drinkable. Another decent Sam Adams offering.

K7 - SWING BATTER SWING  When this was released back in the day it was one of my favorite records, but after listening to it a couple times today, it has lost its appeal a little. Kind of dance-pop-club-party music. Their big hit was Come Baby Come. I suppose it could still pump up a party. Best songs: Come Baby Come, Lets Bang, Zunga Zeng, Body Rock, and Move It Like This.

1 mile on treadmill, 90 minutes of tennis

July 29, 2013

FLYING DOG BREWERY - WOODY CREEK BELGIAN STYLE WHITE  Smell consists of wheat, banana, orange, and some spices. Nice smell. Taste has lots of wheat upfront with some hints of the orange and banana, but they are pretty hidden. Not as much going on in the taste as the smell for me. Its a nice crisp tasting beer and goes down pretty easily but just seems to be lacking a little something in the taste department. Not bad, and if the flavor stood out a little more it would be a lot better.

RUSTED ROOT - CRUEL SUN  This is their self released debut album. Many of these songs would later show up on their major label debut, When I Woke, a few years later. Their music is kind of hard to describe, most of the time i see it as "world" music. I am not even sure what that means. To me they are just a rock band that has lots of different flavors, very unique though. They blend rock with anything you can think of and produce a sound that is their own. Strong drum and percussion section that draws alot from African rhythms with mainly acoustic guitar. Great music, great lyrics, their music just pulls you in and their live shows are amazing, a must see. This is just one of those records that are fun to crank up and listen to. Favorites:  Primal Scream, Send Me In My Way, Cat Turned Blue,  Martyr, Back To The Earth, and Scattered.

3.5 miles on treadmill

July 28, 2013

RHINELANDER BREWING COMPANY - CHOCOLATE BUNNY  I remember in college drinking Rhinelander as it was the cheapest beer we could find, and it was absolutely terrible, and i dont think i have tried any of their beers since. I actually wasnt even aware they were still around until i saw this one. Smell is pretty appealing, chocolate with some sweetness, but not overwhelming. Taste doesnt much resemble a stout though, its pretty thin, just sweet chocolate and cocoa flavors, but it actually got a little better as it warmed up. Considering i had such low expectations for a Rhinelander product, it wasnt all that bad. Price is right, but there are just so many better beers in this category, probably wouldnt try it again.

DIRE STRAITS - BROTHERS IN ARMS  I was never a huge Dire Straits fan but i remember buying this one as it was one of the first all digital recorded albums and i heard the sound was unbelievable. They were right, at the time it sounded incredible and actually turned me into a little bit more of a Dire Straits fan. This still sounds great today, just amazing. The guitar sound is great, like they are playing in your living room. You actually still find this CD in a lot of "audio" stores as it is often used to show of speakers. Just a great record. Favorites: So Far Away, Walk Of Life, The Mans Too Strong, Brothers In Arms, and of course Money For Nothing.

2 miles on treadmill and 14 mile bike ride

July 27, 2013

NEW BELGIUM BREWING - LIPS OF FAITH HEAVENLY FEIJOA TRIPEL  This cimes in a 22oz bottle with a 9% ABV, i somehow wound up with 2 bottles of this one (its getting harder for me to keep track, i might need to start bringing a list with me to the liquor store). Smell has a lot going on; floral, fruity, spicy. The taste starts out slightly floral, but that gives way ro the fruits, which are somewhat tart and bitter. Not a huge fan of this one, its pretty sweet and the bitterness/sourness sticks out too much for my taste. Although, it is a good example of a tripel which i have not tried many of. This one is not my favorite in the Lips Of Faith series, but i could see some people really liking it, so ita definatly worth giving a try. New Belgium certainly isnt afraid to try new stuff.

NEWSTED - METAL  This is the new band from Jason Newsted, former bassist for Metallica and a few other bands. Just a shoelrt little EP with 4 songs (Soldierhead, Godsnake, King Of The Underdogs, Skyscraper)to tide fans over until the full album comes out. This really reminds me of early Metallica (Ride The Lightning and earlier) or Motorhead. Good classic heavy hard rock, cant wait for the new full length album.

6 mile bike ride (on the new bike)

Big Head Todd and The Monsters at Target Field

Gear Daddies at Target Field

July 26, 2013

SURLY BREWING CO - BITTER BREWER  Another nice beer from Surly. Nice smell,  floral hops with a little citrus - mostly grapefruit and some orange. Taste is similar to the nose. Sweet hops and not much bitterness. Nice, clean and light, this is a nice refreshing summer beer, and is very easy drinking. I really enjoyed this one, it has great drinkability and it would be quite easy to down quite a few, alas i only had one, but might havw to grab some more.

CHILDISH GAMBINO - CAMP  Do you watch NBCs Community? Childish Gambino is Troy from the show, real name is Donald Glover. This guy is multi talented: actor, rapper,  stand up comedian, tv writer. This CD is very diverse, lors of different styles and the lyrics are amazing. I think this might be one of the best hip hop albums of 2011, yet a lot of people have never heard of him. No throw away aongs on this one, each one is good on its own and i think it might get better each time i listen to it. Favorites: Outside, Fire Fly, Bonfire, Heartbeat, and Sunrise.

1 mile on treadmill

July 25, 2013

SIERRA NEVADA BREWING CO. - SIERRA NEVADA SOUTHERN HEMISPHETE HARVEST FRESH HOP ALE 2013  Nice light piney hop smell with hints of citrus.  It has a great aroma that you notice across the room. In the initial taste, the pine dominates but gives way to the cirrus (mostly grapefruit) with a little bitterness at the end. This is a nice IPA and a very drinkable beer. The hops are blended nicely with the sweet malt. I really enjoyed this one, this and the Northern Hemisphere are a couple of my favorite Sierra Nevada beers. Planning to pick up some more of these while they still can be found.

KID ROCK - GRITS SANDWICHES FOR BREAKFAST  This is an 1990 release from Kid Rock before he really blew up that is kind of hard to find. Straight up old achool rap on this one. I remember buying it because a couple of my favorite rappers back then were really pushing it. If you got to know Kid Rock from his breakthrough album Devil Without A Pause, you might be a little surprised by this one. If you like his current stuff you might not like this one though, but if you dig old school rap its pretty good. Favorites:  Yo-Da-Lin In The Valley, Genuine Article, Wax The Booty, Pimp Of The Nation and Abdul Jabar Cut. He's actually got a few other early rap albums i would like to find some day.

1 mile on treadmill

July 24, 2013

ABITA BREWING CO. - ABBEY ALE  Comes in a 22oz bottle with a 8% ABV. The bottle says "Abbey Ale honors the ancient tradition of monks who perfected the art of brewing beer to support the monastery." They also donate to St. Josephs Abbey with each bottle sold. Smell has some fruits, caramel and a grassy undertone. Taste has a big caramel malt profile up front, no hop bitterness, but i dont get much of the fruit. Pretty sweet, hides the alcohol well. Pretty decent beer overall, one of the better Abita beers i have had.

RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE - EVIL EMPIRE  This is the 2nd album from RATM. No sophmore slump for these guys, this album rages almost as much as their debut. Great angry politically charged lyrics combined with one of the tightest bands out there, this grabs you from the first song and never lets up. Tom Morello is unbelievable on the guitar, the sounds he can get out of it will surprise you. While i might not always agree with some of the political lyrics, the songs are still very good and the music is hard and aggressive, good stuff. My favorites: People Of The Sun, Buls On Parade, Vienow, and Without A Face

1mile on treadmill, 16 mile bike ride

July 23, 2013

NEW BELGIUM BREWING - LIPS OF FAITH-CASCARA QUAD  Came in a 22oz bottle, and has a 10% ABV.  Not much in the aroma for me, a little bit of cherry and coffee with a little alcohol, but just not much there; not real interesting to me. The cherry is there in the taste, but muted with a coffee overtone and a decent amount of alcohol. I think there is a lot more hidden in the taste, but i just cant define it, the alcohol is all that sticks with me. Kind of all over the board for me, could have been a little better balanced. Not my favorite from New Belgium, but worth a try.

WAR - THE BEST OF WAR & MORE  Fun listen, but it could have been better. Not sure how a greatest hits compilation managed to miss 2 of their biggest hits, but oh well (The World Is A Ghetto and Gypsy Man). This was released in 1991 and there has probably been a dozen more versions of greatest hits CDs released since then. Some great 70s funk rock classic music. I think they were very innovative for the time.  My favorites: Low Rider, The Cisco Kid, Me And Baby Brother, Spill The Wine, Why Cant We Be Friends, and Whose Cadillac Is That?

2 miles on treadmill, 14 mile bike ride

July 22, 2013

SOUTHERN TIER BREWING COMPANY - CREME BRULEE STOUT  First off, this might be one of the best smelling beers i have ever tried. Huge amounts of vanilla and caramel that give it a really sweet smell. Taste has some butterscotch, caramel and coffee but the vanilla almost drowns them out and it has a fairly strong alcohol finish. I was probably actually a little dissapointed in this one, after the aroma i really thought i would love it, but it just seemed to be missing a little something to make it special. Dont get me wrong, its really good, but its almost just a little too sweet and they could hide the alcohol in the taste a little better. It took me a little time to actually finish the bottle (it only comes in a 22 oz bottle), its definately a sipping beer. This would be a perfect after dinner desert beer split amongst a few of you.  Would i have it again? of course.

JESSE JOHNSON - BARE MY NAKED SOUL  Jesse was the guitar player in Minneapolis band The Time and also has put out a handful of solo albums since then. This is a release from 1996 and is incredible. The Time and his earlier solo work was more in the funkier Prince style- r&b and pop. This one is a straight up guitar driven rock album, and is amazing. Think Jimi Hendrix. This album has it all, a few instrumentals, hard rock, blues, and funk. Its not just the guitar playing that rules this one, the songs themselves are all solid, great lyrics, personal stories and as the title implies, he really bared his soul on this one. This album wasnt as huge as it should of been, in my opinion, its great. Sixteen amazing tracks, they all are my favorite, but the real standouts are: My Life, I Miss, You Dont Love Me The Same, Brand New Day, Mr. Heartache, and Monika. If you can find this one, its worth checking out. Killer stuff.

1 mile on treadmill

July 21, 2013

BOSTON  BEER CO.- BELGIAN SESSION This is a Belgian style pale ale. Typical belgian smell of banana and some grassy/lemon hops, pretty decent aroma.  Taste is fruity and sweet with a little bitterness. Pretty thin for a the style. Not a bad beer, drinkable, just plain and nothing that really sets it apart. Maybe a good starter for someone interested in the belgian style, but just doesnt hold my attention.

SLY & THE FAMILY STONE - GREATEST HITS  Not much needs to be said about this one. This album of course collects all their best and is just a great fun party record. Dance To The Music, Everyday People, I Want To Take You Higher, Stand!, Hot Fun In The Summertime, M'Lady  Sing a Simple Song, Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin) are all classics. Throw this on at any party and crank it up or any where for that matter.So good.

3.5 miles on treadmill

July 20, 2013

21ST AMENDMENT BREWERY - HELL OR HIGH WATERMELON WHEAT BEER  This beer is probably not for everyone, but i kind of enjoyed it. I thought it was a nice refreshing summer option. Enjoyed it in the hammock on the patio. Smell is mostly just the wheat, the watermelon is pretty faint, if there at all. The watermelon does show up in the taste though but seems a little artificial - almost like dropping a jolly rancher in a wheat beer. But, saying that, i still enjoyed it. Nothing complex or special, but a perfect beer for a warm summer day. I would have it again anytime.

WEEZER - WEEZER (THE BLUE ALBUM)  This is their debut album, and the first of a few self titled albums. It had two huge hits, Buddy Holly and Undone-The Sweater Song, helped by classic videos for both that MTV played rhe crap out of. Labeled "alternative", but to me just a straight up rock band. This is a lean and mean and short 10 song debut. Pretty good overall, no filler tracks, just 10 really solid songs. Standouts: The World Has Turned And Left Me Here, Buddy Holly, Undone-The Sweater Song, Say It Aint So, In The Garage, Holiday, and Only In Dreams.

3.5 miles in treadmill

July 19, 2013

BOSTON BEER COMPANY - SAMUEL ADAMS BOSTON LAGER  The original craft beer? I remember the first few times i had this back in the day, i was not a big fan, but its been a long time since then and i will see what i think now. Nice aroma - sweet malts and some slight citrus. Taste starts with the beady malts and the sweet fruity hops, pretty nice balance. Better than i remember. Its a pretty nice rounded beer that would go well with anything at anytime. I should probably have tried it more over the years.

TOM PETTY & THE HEARTBREAKERS - TOM PETTY & THE HEARTBREAKERS  This is their classic debut album that started their amazing career and laid the foundation for legendary status. Two classic tracks: Breakdown and American Girl, but the rest is really good too, hard to believe this is a debut. My favorites other than the classics already mentioned are The Wild One, Forever, Anything Thats Rock N Roll, and Fooled Again (I Dont Like It). Just a classic

1 mile on treadmill

July 18, 2013

SIERRA NEVADA BREWING CO. - SUMMERFEST 2013  Has a strong sweet grainy malt precence with a light floral and spicy hop profile. Simple, but very nice. Taste has a touch of sweet citrus and bready malts, some spicy hops with a little bit of a bitter finish. Pretty nicely balanced though.A nice crisp drinkable beer. Near the top if you are looking for some of the best "summer" beers. I gave this one a shot while making a pizza on the grill for lunch. This one is well worth checking out.

JET - BORN FREE  The debut full length album from these Australian rockers. Reminiscent of ACDC, Rolling Stones, and Aerosmith, just some good straight up rock and roll. Nothing real original, but it brings back the sound of 70s and early 80s rock and is a fun listen. Too many slow tempo tunes for me, as i think they shine more on the more aggessive tracks. The music is very good but some of the lyrics are a little cheesy, but if you take it for what it is, crank it up, it is plain fun to listen to. Favorites: Are You Gonna Be My Girl, Rollover DJ, Take It Or Leave It, Cold Heart Bitch and Radio Song.

1 mile on treadmill

July 17, 2013

STONE BREWING CO. - IMPERIAL RUSSIAN STOUT 2013  While Stone seems to put out a lot of quality beers, they seem to be hit or miss with me, however, this one is really good. Aroma has a lot of roasted malts and lots of coffee and chocolate notes. Taste is sweet chocolate and creamy coffee upfront. Rich, creamy and decadent taste with the alcohol coming through at the end (10.1 ABV), but overall its pretty hidden. This is exactly what a Russian Imperial Stout should be. Great nose and flavor make it easy to drink even though its pretty heavy. Actually seems to get better as it warms up. Check this one out, you will not be dissapointed.

SMASHED GLADYS - SOCIAL INTERCOURSE  I absoultely loved this album when it was released in 1988. Classic hard-sleaze-hair-glam metal record. This was their 2nd and final album. I have been looking for their self released debut since i heard this one, but still have not got it. (not willing to pay $100 whenever it shows up on Ebay). They were more lumped in with the hair metal scene but i think they were more in line with Guns N Roses. This album rocked, straight up rough and raw hard rock. I think they got overlooked and were very under appreciated as they were really good. Hard rock with a great female vocalist. Favorites: Lick It Into Shape, Play Dirty, Hard To Swallow,  Legs Up, Cast Of Nasties, and Sermonette. If you can find it, buy it.

3 miles in treadmill

July 16, 2013

ODELL BREWING CO. - DOUBLE PILSNER  I have really liked every Odell beer i have tried, so was looking forward  to trying this one. Not much to the aroma, biscuity with some earthy/grassy hops. Most pilsners have a hoppier taste than say a lager, and this one does too. Flavour is really good on this one. Nicely balanced, grassy notes and some slight citrus hops. Has a ABV of 8.1, but i really didnt notice any alcohol warmness at all. While i have not tried many of this style, i think this one is pretty good overall. Glad i bought a couple 4 packs ad i really enjoyed the first one.

JANES ADDICTION - LIVE IN NYC  The most recent release from JA was just released a couple of weeks ago and is a live offering from a show from Terminal 5 in NYC on July 25, 2011. Janes was always about the live experience and this CD is a great capture of that. This has all the classics, and interesting in that there is only 1 song from their last 2 studio albums. Makes sense, perform what the people want to hear. The band is tight and it sounds really good. Rocks from beginning to end, if you a Janes fan, check this one it, it will bring you back to the days when they were at the top of the game. FYI - this was also released as a dvd, which might be worth checking out.

2 miles on treadmill, 75 minutes of tennis

July 15, 2013

BOSTON BEER CO. - SAMUEL ADAMS NEW WORLD TRIPEL This comes from their barrel room collection series; 750ml bottle, 10.0 ABV.  Aroma seems to have  lot going on, lots of tropical fruit and a touch of spice. Flavor starts with the tropical fruit; pineapple, mango, banana; a nice combo of flavors.  One downside is the alcohol is apparent almost immediately and i notice it all the way through, i would like it to be a little more hidden, but its not real bad. It had a nice smooth semi creamy mouthfeel, and it goes down real easy. Pretry good beer, probably ine of the better Sam Adams beers i have tried.  Nice.

JANES ADDICTION - THE GREAT ESCAPE ARTIST  This was released in 2011, 8 years after their last studio album. While an ok record, it lacks the excitement and originality of earlier releases. While i was not a huge fan of the last record, it still grows on me a little whenever i give it a listen, this one doesnt seem to have anything screaming at me to keep trying.Nothing groundbreaking, just some slick over produced radio friendly rock. Compared to some rock out there today, its pretty good, but as far as JA standards, it just doesnt cut it for me.  Favorites: End To The Lies, I'll Hit You Back, and Broken People.

2 miles on treadmill

July 14, 2013

ROGUE ALES - DOUBLE CHOCOLATE STOUT  Typical Rogue 750ml bottle (roughly 25 ounces). Tons of chocolate up front with some roasted malts in the background. Tastes of dark and milk chocolate with some smokiness from the roasted malts. Pretty sweet, but not real complex; its pretty simple, but very good. Mouthfeel is a little weak for me, it seems a little on the light side, i think if it was more robust and creamier i would like it even more. Still a very good chocolate stout though, its one you would never mind to see in the beer fridge. I would for sure reccomend trying it.

JANES ADDICTION - KETTLE WHISTLE  This was actually released before Strays, which i listened to yesterday, but it really doesnt matter much as this is just an odds and ends collection of B sides, live tracks, demos and a couple new songs. For me, this is all about the live songs included. The demos/out takes/new songs are kind of just there, nothing too exciting, its the live songs that shine. Still, a must have for any JA fan.

3 miles on treadmill

July 13, 2013

BIG WOOD BREWERY - MORNING WOOD COFFEE STOUT  This is from a Minnesota brewery that has been around a few years, first beer of theirs i have tried. Heavy coffee smell, not much else. Taste is ok, similar to the aroma, but not near as strong. Maybe a hint of oatmeal and chocolate too, but barely. The flavor is actually kind of mild. Mid coffee flavor and a timid stout produce kind of a weak beer with a light body for the style. Just didnt do much for me, easy to find better beers of similar type.

JANES ADDICTION - STRAYS  Thirteen years since their last studio album, the band tries to recapture the magic, with mixed results. While the sound is reminiscent of the past, not all songs capture the glory, although, i will admit, it seems each time i listen to this one i like it more. Favorites: True Nature, Hypersonic, Price I Pay, and True Nature. Nice record considering the long abscence.

4 miles on treadmill

July 12, 2013

MAGIC HAT BREWING COMPANY - TICKET TO RYE IPA  A nice American IPA with a 7.1 ABV.  Well balanced aroma of rye and hops right on the nose. Heavy rye taste with a touch of citrus hops, although they seem a bit faded. Overall its a nice taste. A very drinkable rye with a hint of IPA. Not my favorite category, but certainly a good beer.

JANES ADDICTION - RITUAL DE LO HABITUAL  Second studio album from them and what many consider their best album. For me, i actually enjoy Nothings Shocking a little more, but its close. This is definately a classic, just goes to show how good both these albums are. This is close to one of the better overall albums frim this era, dark hard rock with some interesting and haunting lyrics. Been Caught Stealing was a big hit and had a video with heavy play on MTV (remember when they played music?)  My favorites: Stop, Ain't No Right, Been Caught Stealing, Three Days, Then She Did, and Classic Girl.

1 mile on treadmill

July 11, 2013

LAKEFRONT BREWERY INC - EASTSIDE DARK  Decent smell, pretty nuch straightforward malts, nutty and a little caramel. Starts dry and sweet, hints of coffee and floral hops in the taste, and finishes with a little bitterness. Pretty nice balance but not very complex. Not a bad lager, but not very inspiring either. Saying that though, it is still perfectly pleasant to drink. Lakefront does a good job on their lagers.

JANES ADDICTION - NOTHING SHOCKING  Second album release, but their first studio album. Nice heavy rock punk mix. Great album, from the opening kick in your face track Up The Beach to the crazy last track Pigs In Zen, this album keeps you guessing all the way through. Some great slower tempo and great hard rock all mixed together. One of the better albums of the 80s still rocks today. My favorites: Up The Beach, Ocean Size, Had A Dad, Standing In The Shower...Thinking,  Mountain Song, Idiots Rule, Jane Says, and Pigs In Zen. I think that is all but 2 songs and those aern't bad either. Fun album.

1 mile on treadmill

Racing with Cruiser

First road trip of the year for me with Crouse racing. Win of course.

July 10, 2013

INDEED BREWING CO. - MIDNIGHT RYDER AMERICAN BLACK ALE  This is the first beer i have tried from Indeed, a Minnesota brewery. Smell is very piney with some roasted malts and chocolate. Upon first sip, the piney hops are really up front with hints of chocolate and even a little citrus. It actually balances out quite nicely and overall has a decent taste. Might be a little on the thin side, i think if it were more thick and creamy i would like it even more, but as its sits its a very good beer, worth checking out. Very impressed.

JANES ADDICTION - JANES ADDICTION  This is their debut album from 1987 which was actually recorded live. It came out before their first studio album even.  I remember hearing that their song "Jane Says" was really good, so when i saw this i bought it without actually having ever heard a song. Glad i did, this album rocked and most of their stuff since has been pretty good too. Nice raw live sound. Best songs to me: Trip Away, Whores, Pigs In Zen, Jane Says, and Chip Away. I think only a couple of these songs ever made any of their studio albums, so there are some real good songs on this that you cant get anywhere else.

2 miles on treadmill, 16 mile bike ride

July 9, 2013

BOULEVARD BREWING CO. - SINGLE WIDE IPA  The aroma is kind of weak, light malts and just a hint of some earthy-citrus hops. The taste is much better than the aroma. The hops are more apparent here; a little pine with some grapefruit and orange. At first sip, i thought it might be too sweet, but it is not at all. Nice complex taste and is pretty smooth and creamy for an IPA. Very easy drinking with a pretty good flavor. Nicely done Boulevard, an IPA done right. A beer i would try again for sure.

THE CULT - ELECTRIC  This might be my favorite album of theirs over the years. Their first couple were more dark and "goth". This one really developed their bluesy rock sound and i for one am glad they went in this direction. This album just rocks and still sounds fresh today. For me, the weakest song is actually their remake of Born To Be Wild, the rest of it is exceptional. Highlights: Wild Flower, Lil' Devil, Electric Ocean, Bad Fun, Love Removal Machine, and Memphis Hip Shake.

1 mile on treadmill and 90 minutes of tennis

July 8, 2013

BOSTON BEER COMPANY - SAMUEL ADAMS IMPERIAL STOUT  Label says it deliver rich notes of dark chocolate, coffee and anise. When i poured it, it was black as night; the only aroma i could detect was the coffee. Taste is roasted malts and roasted coffee, I still get nothing as far as the chocolate (which i was hoping for since i am not a big coffee guy). The alcohol is a little obvious in the taste too, which i guess you could expect with a 9.2 ABV. I was kind of expecting more from this one. Good properties for the style, but the taste was just lacking for me.

ATMOSPHERE - YOU CAN'T IMAGINE HOW MUCH FUN WE'RE HAVING  I should have probably listened to their albums in order, but didnt. This is actually their 5th studio album. At the time still kind of an underground hip hop act, but getting more popular wuth each release. Comprised of Ant and Slug, this duo is great. Ant lays down some slick beats and Slugs lyrics are as good as ever. I love these guys, every album is good. It took a few listens to digest, but as good as any of their previous efforts with them growing some too. Best tracks: The Arrival, Hockey Hair, Bam, Pour Me Another, Smart Went Crazy, and Little Man. If you like hip hop and have not checked these guys out, your loss.

2 miles on treadmill and 14 mile bike ride

July 7, 2013

BROOKLYN BREWERY - BROOKLYN BLACK CHOCOLATE STOUT  The aromas give out hints of chocolate, roasted coffee and dark fruits. Very smooth. The chocolate is up front with some mild smokiness and roasted malts but finishes kind of boozy. You can really notice the 10% ABV. A little less chocolate taste than i would prefer and the alcohol seems to overpower a little too much for my taste. Overall though, a pretty decent beer but i will say i was a little dissapointed.

GUSTER - ON THE OCEAN  Technically a CD single, but i cosider it an EP. It was a limited edition of 5000 made and has the On The Ocean track, 2 unreleased tracks,  and 4 live tracks.  Fun little release if you are a Guster fan, the two unreleased tracks are ok and the live tracks are fun. More interesting in that its on the rare side and has a unique die cut package with images of waves cut out. If you are a fan, it is wirth checking out

1 mile on treadmill

July 6, 2013

BOSTON BEER COMPANY - SAMUEL ADAMS SUMMER ALE  This really almost has no aroma, slight grassy and citrus notes, i was expecting a little more. There is a little more to the taste at least, some wheat, spices, and lemon. The lemon overpowers the wheat, could be a little better balanced for my taste. A good beer, but not a great beer, almost on the boring side, but i wont go that far. Its actually a decent summer brew, probably not my first choice, but you cant go wrong with it on a hot summer day.

JACK WHITE - BLUNDERBUSS  This is the first solo record for Jack. Obviously, best known for The White Stripes, this has a little of that sound to it, but with a full band these songs sound fuller and more dynamic. I would actually buy anything he is involved in as i think he is an amazing performer, and this record is no ecception. My favorites are: Missing Pieces, Sixteen Saltines, Freedom At 21, I'm Shakin', and Take Me With You When You Go.  This was probably one of the best 2012 records for me. White's musicianship shines, great fun rock record.

3 miles in treadmill

July 5, 2013

BOULDER BEER CO. - SWEATY BETTY BLONDE  Label says "Bavarian style hefeweizen", i am not too sure about that, seems more like an American Wheat beer, which i guess it recently won an American Wheat category. It does have a nice aroma. Banana and a slight hint of citrus with some grassy hops. Taste follows the nose, but is kind of on the weak side. Very easy drinking, but boring for the most part. If the flavour stood out a little, i think this would impress me a little more, but nothing stands out that would make me choose it again.

JASIN ISBELL - SOUTHEASTERN  His newest release is just about a month old. Twelve new great Isbell songs that seem a little more introspective and intimate than his previous albums. It took a few listens for me to warm up to this one, but i really enjoy it. Newly married and sober for over a year now, he really opened up lyrically on this release. Less rockier than earlier records, has more of a singer-songwriter flavor. This might end up being the best of his solo releases.  I really like: Cover Me Up, Elephant,  Live Oak, Super 8, and Yvette. Check out any of Jasons records, i think you will enjoy them. Also, he is a fun follow on Twitter, very entertaining.

3 miles in treadmill

July 4, 2013

JACOB LEINENKUGEL BREWING COMPANY - SUMMER SHANDY  I actually like this one even though i think its just average. Lemon dominates the smell with a little wheat there too. Taste is light and crisp, pretty much a light beer mixed with lemonade.  This is pretty close to being a real shandy, i just wish the beer had more character to it and i would probably rate it better than just average. With that said, it ia still quite drinkable and refreshing. It is great for a warm summer day, just dont expect it to overwhelm you.

JASON ISBELL AND THE 400 UNIT - LIVE FROM ALABAMA  Pretty much a live greatest hits collection. Songs are taken from 2 nights in August 2012.  All the best songs from his first three solo albums and some he wrote while in the Drive By Truckers. I actually think most of these songs have more life and character un the live versions than the studio versions. This happens when the songs are so good. Highlights are songs 1-13! Fun listen, makes me wish i was there. I have seen these guys once and the show was great.

1.5 miles on treadmill and 16 mile bike ride

July 3, 2013

LIFT BRIDGE BREWERY - FARM GIRL SAISON  Somehow i wound up with this one in a bottle and a can. Oh well, worse things could happen i guess. This has a pretty nice smell, a little orange peel and a hint of pepper spice. Taste follows the nose, nice spices with hints of orange. Kind of reminds me of a Shock Top or Blue Moon. This is a bit tame for the style, but since its a local brewery i will give it the benefit of the doubt. Its an ok beer, but there are so many saisons out there that are better and worth a shot over this. I will give it another shot though since its local.

JASIN ISBELL AND THE 400 UNIT - HERE WE REST  2011 release from Jason and the boys. While the last album got a lot of critical aclaim, even though i liked the debut better, this one surpasses both of them. This is just a great southern rock and soul record. I can listen to this one all the way through a few times and bot get tired if it. Great songs and great musicianship again on this one. Eleven songs and eleven great stories. My favorites: Alabama Pines, We've Met, Codeine, Save It For Sunday, and Tour Of Duty. Just a great record all the way through. One day thesr guys will get some more radio play, their too good not to.

1 mile on treadmill and 14 mile bike ride

July 2, 2013

ATWATER BREWERY - VANILLA JAVA PORTER  Great smell, vanilla bean aroma with a hint of chocolate and roasted coffee. All that stands out in the taste is the vanilla, just a hint of the coffee. The vanilla kind of overwhelms, everything else takes a back seat. Pretty thin for a porter though, without the vanilla i think i would consider this a pretty weak beer. Easy to drink and could probably pound a few quite easily, but nothing that really stands out and screams to try it again. Just average.

JASON ISBELL AND THE 400 UNIT - JASON ISBELL AND THE 400 UNIT Second solo album from Jason, this time with his new band. Nice step forward from the debut, this one seems more produced and polished. Great lyrics, great musicianship, some nice southern soul and rock music. Although i liked the debut a little better, this one continues to grow on me with each listen. He is really starting to set himself apart from the Drive By Truckers sound. I think my favorites are: Streelights, Cigarettes And Wine, and Good.

1 mile on treadmill, 90 minutes of tennis

Twins vs. Yankees

July 1, 2013

FOUNDERS BREWING CO. - RUBAEUS  Just picked this one up on Saturday based on a reccomedation at Zipps in Minneapolis (although i would have given it a try anyways). Smells great, raspberries and more raspberries. Not real complex but smells like it should. Taste is the same, which is just fine with me, as raspberries are my favorite fruit. Really nice flavor that is not too syrupy or sweet. Just a nice smooth easy drink. As far as fruit beers go, this is among the best. Wish i would have bought more. Next time i guess.

JASON ISBELL - SIRENS OF THE DITCH  This is Jasons first solo album from 2007 after he left the Drive By Truckers. Interesting that most members of DBT played on the record, but he left the band right after. Pretty much sounds like all the songs he wrote/sang for DBT. He is a great lyricist and some of these songs probably didnt fit into the DBT sound but have that unique Isbell touch. I think the songs that are rhe furthest from the DBT sound are the best. A nice southern country rock album. Favorites are: Down In A Hole, Dress Blues, Grown, and In A Razor Town.

1 mile on treadmill

June success

Well, four months in the books. This months donation is going to With One Breath, a local cystic fibrosis foundation. Great people and a great cause. If you would like to help Paul and Jill out please visit www.withonebreath.org.

Spent Saturday affernoon driving around the metro and collecting some more "supplies". Should be some interesting stuff coming up that i am excited to try.

As always, thanks for following along.