The ‘Weekend 3 Pack’ Beer Review #4 (09/03/17)

Welcome to this weeks ‘Weekend 3 Pack’ Beer Review (formally the ‘3 For Thursday’ Beer Review), for 09/03/17! Posted every Sunday, this weeks review showcases 3 different beers from Elk Brewing, Keweenaw Brewing, and Old Nation Brewing. Let’s take a look!

M-43 | Old Nation Brewing Company
American Pale Ale | 6.8% ABV, 65 IBU

I have so many friends in the craft beer industry as well as friends on social media who could not stop raving about this beer. So I decided to see if it was worth all of the hype……

According to UnTappd:

“The First release in Old Nation’s “New Orthodox” IPA series, M-43 is designed to accentuate the deep and complex character from the combination of Calypso, Amarillo, Citra, and Simcoe hops. Citrus and Tropical notes of Pineapple, Mango and Grapefruit come through in the huge, yet surprisingly delicate aroma. The flavor backs these aromas with a soft, pillowy mouthfeel. Hop bitterness is not particularly intense, which leads to a very drinkable, juicy IPA even non-IPA fans love. The Haze is not from yeast, but rather from an interplay of lipids from the malted oat and oils and acids which naturally occur in the hand selected Dry hops. This beer is a perfect interplay between top grade malt and hops, MI water and brewing technique which cannot be faked.”

So worth all the hype? No, not really. Not in my opinion at least. While it was pretty tasty, I walked away from it tasting something less ‘hoppy’ and with a note of grapefruit. That was it. Maybe the can I bought wasn’t as fresh as it could have been, causing me to miss out on something others have tasted, but I basically felt pretty meh about the beer. I gave this one 3.5 stars on UnTappd.

 

PB & J’ale’y | Elk Brewing
Blonde Ale, Belgian Blonde/Golden | 5% ABV, N/A IBU

I was instantly sold on the whole Peanut Butter bit. And Jelly too? I had to try this one!

According to UnTappd:

“Blonde ale flavored with grape juice and peanut butter.”

Well then, seems simple enough I suppose. For me, I most definitely tasted the PB. I tasted a bit of a smoky nutty flavor, and very much enjoyed it. I also found it to be quite crisp and refreshing. The only issue I had with this beer, is that I could barely (like almost not at all) taste the concord grape that was also supposed to be in the beer. That was a bummer as I hoping to have a liquid PB&J experience! I gave this beer 4.5 stars on UnTappd.

 

Level 92 | Keweenaw Brewing Company
Black IPA/Cascadian Dark Ale | 9.2% ABV, N/A IBU

I love a black IPA, so I was excited to try this beer from the UP of Michigan. Plus, that can is sexy AF!

According to UnTappd:

“Slightly piney with peaks of tropical citrus – this IPA bears a balanced hop profile – held up by a medium malt backbone, broadened with subtle hints of roasted grain.”

I seriously, by taste, couldn’t tell this IPA was a whopping 9.2% ABV! It was very light and smooth on the tongue and mouth, with a hint of citrus, and I most definitely tasted those roasted grains! I absolutely LOVE this beer, and plan to buy this one again in the very near future! I gave this beer a full 5 stars on UnTappd!

That’s all the beers for this week everyone! If anyone has any questions or comments on these beers, let me know in the comments below! As always……

Cheers & Game On!
-TheMaltyGamer