Craft Beer NYC

The team at Magic Hat should make this year round, this seasonal chocolate flavored brew has an intense power.   Diabolical is a quite a great way to describe this stout, served up with Apollo and Goldings hops mixed with English Ale yeast.  Black & Tan dogs will be howling like it's Halloween all year round, especially in the morning.  "Napalm Son, nothing else in the world smells like that.  I love the smell of napalm in the morning."   5.7 ABV 7 out of 10 Apocalypse Now's

Another great selection from the boys in Denver.   I sampled the regular version, not the newly announced Nitro version that I'm very excited about finding in NYC.  With one sip you are immediately hit with strong caramel, vanilla bean, licorice and coffee flavors.  This rivals some of the Milk stouts I've had, but provides a pleasant balanced tone for all evenings. Vanilla Guinness anyone? Try food pairings with spicy chicken or diablo spiced pasta. Hops:  Chinook, Palisade, Perle, and Goulding Vanilla Beans:  Paupau New Guinea, and Madagascar 4.7% ABV 8 out of 10 Coffee Beans http://www.breckbrew.com/home

Lagunitas has started to have a huge presence in the NYC area in both markets and bars.  This is a great even hopped IPA in regular and super strength.   Brewed with 43 different hops and 65 different malts this new take on an ancient craft glides into style.  Lagunitas started brewing this back in 1995 with their first batch of craft beer after it's founders all gathering in Northern California from St. Louis, Chicago, and Memphis.   Depending on the week you're having I recommend the Maximus if you find it- why not go full strength!    Great for watching the Brooklyn Nets glide toward another playoff birth and championship crown while munching on pretzels and sliders. ABV 6.2% IPA ABV 8.2% Maximus 8.5 out of 10 Chariot Rides in the Circus Maximus http://lagunitas.com/brewery/

This summer brew was not that memorable.  The even balanced amber ale from San Francisco has been around since 1984.   50% Malted Wheat, and a top fermented yeast give this a full body head when poured from the bottle or on draft. The label design is nothing interesting, the muted colors make the anchor lost in the background.  Only available April through October, from west coast hops. 5.5 out of 10 Anchors Away ABV 4.5% http://www.anchorbrewing.com

Hershey, Pennsylvania is home to many fun thing, one of which is the Troegs' brewery which has planted a foothold on the craft brewery scene of the Mid-Atlantic since 1996.  This robust and spicy wheat beer has a very unique flavor.  This is a blend of northern German hops and German wheat yeast, with a touch of banana.  The result is a nice blend of sugar and spice, which I enjoyed ice cold at the recommended temperature of 45 degrees.  Remember to swirl your bottle to unleash the yeast beast when enjoying at home! This is a true fall classic.  Currently available on draft at Amsterdam Tavern on the Upper West Side near Columbia. 8.5 out of 10 Hershey Bars ABV 4.8%

Another entry from the San Francisco craft brewery, this amber ale stacks up very well with the competition.  The flapper lady on the label make me feel like I'm in a Nick and Nora Thin Man flick.  Is that the ghost of Johnny Depp eyeing us through the mailslot as he prepares for a dangerous re-imagination of a pop icon that might be best left untainted? The ale has a nice spicy overtone, and has the feel of a light IPA.  The brew masters at Speakeasy manage to cross pollinate between caramel malts and strong hopping very well.  I strongly recommend this for anyone who rides on the hoppy side of brown ale's when a good IPA has gone missing. 6.1% ABV 7 out of 10 flapper hats of delight! http://goodbeer.com/wordpress/prohibition-ale/

This unique fun little brew was commisioned to celebrate the 30th Anniversary of Monty Python back in 1999.   14 years later- it's still going strong.   Ironically we only saw this for the first time this August at West Side Market.  I'm on the lookout for other Black Sheep brew's but according to their website The Holy Grail is the most popular in the US and Canada.   A nice variety of english malts and hops, this ale has a surprising fruity nose and an even bitter aroma suitable for a queen.   Tempering over burning witches provides a nice crisp finish. 4.7% ABV 6 out of 10 Spamalot's

A mysterious prophet once said that Left Handed people rule the world!  That might not be true, but we control the important parts of cultural life of all kinds including beer.  Left Hand Brewery was actually named after a Native chief, Niwot whose tribe spent winters in the Colorado area.  Niwot is the Southern Arapahoe word for Left Hand.  Has anyone remembered grabbing those cans of Guinness that have a nitrous capsule.   The folks at Left Hand have been the first brewers in the world to bottle the nitrous powered stout without the capsule being in the bottom of the bottle or can.   The Milk Stout has amazing flavor with hints of coffee, chocolate, if poured hard out of the bottle to unleash the creamy head of delight.  This is a true champion, can't compare to Guinness, but its a must try for anyone looking for a great American Stout.  9.0 out of 10 'South Paws' ABV 6.0%

River Horse Brewery from New Jersey is a new entry in the craft beer scene.  Started in 2007, based in Ewing, NJ, they have a diverse portfolio of brews.  Honestly I was not impressed by the Belgian Tripel Ale, it was overly bitter and not smooth at all.  The strong % provides a nasty aftertaste, and no River Horse can save the day- or is it a Hippo on the label? 10% ABV 4 out of 10 Jimmy Hoffa's-  keep it buried in the swamp http://www.riverhorse.com/html/started.php

Breckenridge Brewery is one of the original local breweries from Colorado that started in the early 90's.   Now available in 32 states- they are now producing over 50,000 barrels annually and have gotten into NYC Markets.   The Lucky IPA was the first Breckenridge selection I have tasted.   A decent IPA- bold smooth flavor filled with some of the best mountain hops Amarilla, Magnum, Perle, Cascade, Apollo, Fuggle, and Goldings.   The subtle tribute to the Tivoli Brewery History is an interesting American tale.  Started back in 1861 with the Gold Rush-  Colorado was home to the 2nd longest continuously operating brewery in the country when it closed in the 1960's.   Yuengling still tops the crown from Pennsylvania as the oldest. http://tivolibrewingco.com/the-tivoli-story/ 6.2% ABV 7.5 out of the 10 Denver Gold Nuggets http://www.breckbrew.com/about/story

I have to start this week's post saying that Watermelon flavored beer is something everyone should try!  This American style wheat beer is no gimmick.  Created by the master brewers at 21st Amendment know for their Live Free or Die IPA, especially for the summer season. Enjoy with a cool ocean breeze and remember one of the greatest surprise scenes in movie history while you study this unique and fun can design- Lady Liberty and Charlton Heston anyone?   Insert second Amendment meets the 21st Amendment joke here. 4.9% ABV 8.5 out of baltimore style 'watermelons' fresh off the docks!  http://21st-amendment.com/beers/hell-or-high-watermelon/

This staple often found in Italian eateries without other craft options.  It's available at Joanne on the Upper West Side and in Tuckahoe at Casa Brusco.  Fine quality alternative to a light American lager for those hearty Italian pastas. 6 out of 10 Mambo Italiano's 4.6 ABV

Big Fish?  Big Eye?  This interesting labeled brew is a solid scoring IPA, but doesn't break away from the pack.   Another entry from the San Diego brewery scene, but doesn't compare to the Green Flash line of ales.  Smooth, bitter flavor with hints of west coast hops provides a good balance with chicken, and BBQ beef sliders. American style IPA-7.0% ABV 6 out 10 Big Eye Fishes http://www.ballastpoint.com/

(new video extended sneak peek) Wanted to share with everyone a preview of a new show that is part of the new Esquire Network Launch-  focused around the famous UK brewery- home to the world's strongest beer! Can't wait to check it out! I'm going to try to sample one of their beers and do a follow up review soon - enjoy! http://tv.esquire.com/videos/70519-brew-dogs-extended-first-look http://tv.esquire.com/shows/brew-dogs?gclid=CPSc6puHq7kCFYZlOgodmwYAFw

This power punch is straight from the golden gate.  The packaging caught my eye at the westside market, who continues to impress with their curated selection of crafts.  Has Film Noir faded from our cultural top of mind?  I'm hoping by the time anyone reading this has seen the gripping season 2 finale of Boardwalk Empire- where did all the whiskey and rye go?  Big Daddy took it all back to Atlantic City 7.5 out of 10 Fidora's

I discoverer this new brew at the outdoor cafe at Pier 1 in the new Riverside Park South near the Trump development.  This refreshing light summer ale is a perfect fit for baking in the sun on the Hudson River pier!  ABCB is located down on Ave C and offers growlers to go from their east village local.  It was also a good pairing to the old bay fries and chicken fingers.   FYI- you can refill free water from coolers to help wash down your beer.   7 out 10 Waiting for the Suns

Lagunitas is a great diverse brewery located in northern California.  It was hard to decide which Ale to cover first, but the back story of the "Censored" Rich Copper Ale was a good place to start.  The original plan was to call this ale "Kronik", which depending on your speed has a double meaning.  I don't think anyone would have thought that there was "Kronik" in a bottle of beer, but the BATF (the federal agency who approved labels for food and beverages) was not going to let it fly.  Instead there's a censored block over the old label preventing it from being read.   It's an interesting ploy to have a unique bottle design.  Similar in taste to an IPA this brew goes down smooth.  Once you pour down a tall pint glass, you can see right away that it's not an IPA by the copper tint.  It's a good alternative when having spicy chicken or beef sliders to a standard IPA. 7 out of 10 Lenny Bruce's ABV: 6.70% http://lagunitas.com ...

I've been seeing tv spots for the last couple of months, and had never heard of this brewery or knew what was in a summer shady.   Thanks to the new DiCicco's in Armonk we were stocked up for the summer.  By the label you're not sure if it's some sort of hard lemonade from Mike's or some malt beverage in a bottle.  Jacob Leinenkugel started brewing in Wisconsin in 1867, specifically in Chippewa Falls.  He immigrated from Germany in 1845.   The story is quite extensive of the 5 generations of descendants of Jacob that have run the company since.  The lemon taste is refreshing, and from a taste palate usually on the spicier, darker side I actually enjoyed this citrus flavored summer shandy. 6.5 out of 10 Lemon Trees. https://leinie.com/Heritage.aspx#

I guess The Bronx was feeling left out of the craft brew resurgence that has flooded Manhattan and Brooklyn.  One of the first times I had this American Pale Ale was at the Hard Rock Cafe at Yankee Stadium, and I was immediately a fan.   Remarkably you can't find this actually within the stadium in the home of the Bronx Bombers, but you can at Barclay's Center in Brooklyn.  I guess the Brooklyn brew folks were asleep at the wheel when the contract was being negotiated on their home turf.  This has a subtle hop aroma, but is quite bold in flavor.  Any IPA fan will find this a delight.  There's been quite a bit of mixed feelings about the pour out of the can or from draft.   I vote for draught pour which has a slightly less metallic taste and opens up the palate of hops a bit more with the amber caramel sweetness in a nice tall pint glass. 8 out of 10 "Da Bronx"- Go Yankees!! Served at multiple establishments in Manhattan, such as The Ellington (revi...

For anyone that has ever seen the 1999 David Cronenberg film Exitenz, admirers would agree it's a wild ride that was ahead of it's time.  Jude Law and Jennifer Jason Leigh both give amazing performances, and I think game makers weren't quite sure what to do with the didactic cinematic experience Cronenberg put on screen, still scared straight to drive on a freeway without "Crashing" into an unassuming Jane Mansfield impersonator.   Stillwater's Existent is a remarkably bold, intense ale that caught me by surprise.   The label reads as a ghosted reverse print of a  Nietzsche looking figure.  The after taste has a heavy hoppy overtone, but goes down like a smooth dark stout.  On the surface it looks like a Guinness, but after one taste it has a well bodied blend of dark aromas mixed with the earthy hoppy tones. It is a mandatory requirement to pour into a tall pint glass to  unleash the beast out of the bottle.  Slow pour do...

I first discovered this fantastical craft beer at Mrs. Green's market in Mount Kisco several years ago.  It's popped up in numerous markets in Manhattan and on draft recently as the hop explosion has hit the popular consciousness of the tristate area.  A True IPA, it has a fruitful flavor that goes well with a diverse selection of food pairings.  I love the Illuminati inspired bottle design and spirit of the Woodstock Music Festival from Psychedelic era that adds to the style of this unique beer.  But don't think the gimmick design is meant to hide any lackluster product, this IPA ranks as one of the best on the market.  Don't be fooled that they will take your money and invest like Fidelity, Blue Point is independently owned and operated without the purview of any other corporate entity. Blue Point Brewery is based in Patchogue, Long Island and offers tours and tastings http://www.bluepointbrewing.com/ 8 out of 10 Hops

Just recently discovered this new IPA at the West Side Market.  The label prepares the seasoned brew master for a barrel of monkey laughs!  The Monkey resides from Portland Maine and has a balanced medium taste from a wide variety of hops.  This American IPA brew comes in at 6.9% and is a great compliment to BBQ chicken, sliders, and tasty treats from Prohibition on Columbus.  Monkeys with fists full of hops is a festive image of mid summer fun that everyone should enjoy- Donkey Kong anyone? Recommendation- pour into a tall pint glass down the side to expose the full copper overtone.  Don't drink out of the bottle directly to avoid a harsh bitter nose. 7 out of 10 Monkeys

This stellar German brew is a very smooth pale ale. Hövels namesake comes from the village of Hovels, which is a municipality in the district of Altenkirchen, in Rhineland-Palatinate, in western Germany. It had a hoppy bitterness, but the caramel after taste makes it very easy to enjoy. I had a chilled draft in a 12 oz glass, with steamed mussels at Henry's on the Upper West Side. The interior of this new American grill is designed to match the arts and crafts historic Gamble House from Pasadena California with all the wood work.   I hope some of my blog readers in Germany research and visit the site when they travel to Southern California.   American beer companies need to remember their European origins and taste what the Germans have to offer the brew masters. I prefer this bitter ale compared to the Radeberger Pilsner which is too light for my spicy tastes, also available on Draft at Henry's. 4 out of 5 boots..... http://www.hoevels-hausbrauerei.de/

At first Green Flash seemed like a mix of 2 DC Comics Green Lantern and The Flash, trying to remain relevant in post apocalyptic world where Marvel has taken over but after one glass I realized what I was missing. Based in San Diego, Green Flash brewery has been recently been getting NYC placement with some of the independent distributors in smaller markets and pubs in Manhattan. The West Coast IPA blends 4 different hops- Simcoe and Centennial are the most apparent for the fruitiness citrus flavor with some Pacific Northwest pine accents. Columbus and Cascade hops are also in the complex pleasant concoction. It's a really smooth brew that is better suited for Tony Stark than Emerald Hal Jordan or Barry Allen. Available at Five Lamps Tavern on Broadway on 106th Street. http://www.fivelampstavern.com/ http://www.greenflashbrew.com/our-beers.php

Exciting selection of craft local beers....take a look, only downside is that they are at least 10 months from opening  Rogue Dead Guy Ale from Oregon, Arrogant Bastard, Dogfish Head, etc.... http://www.westsiderag.com/2013/03/21/alamo-drafthouse-moviehouse-reveals-menu-from-brunch-to-booze

Kwak is an interesting Belgian ale, that is served in a custom unique glass in a wooden holder. Honestly I was not that impressed by the flavor, but it did have a light crisp amber taste which didn't overpower my meal. The unique story behind Kwak is the namesake. Reported to have been named by an 18th century innkeeper who coined the term 'kwak' after the sound the beer makes after flowing from the bottom of the glass bulb at the bottom of the glass. I originally thought the wood stand was designed to reduce the warming of the glass against your touch, but its really secondary compared to the glassware origins. It's the same effect of 'Das Boot' when you have to turn the ankle for the final gulp of euro pride. Enjoy with steamed mussels at B Cafe on the upper west side if one cannot get themselves to Belgium. 6.5 out of 10 boots

It feels like spring when these crisp wheat beers fill the shelves of our neighborhood markets. Although I think this aroma should be served all year round not just in the spring and summer. This Bavarian magic 'wheat' style, unfiltered with all the natural flavor intact skillfully brewed in the hills of Vermont is a delightful way to finish off a winter night with a hope of spring to come. 8.5 out of 10

This spicy IPA has quite a kick- most bars will serve this is a smaller glass due to the 8.3%.  Flying Dog never fails to entertain with its fun labels.....which when served on draft are almost disappointing vs. pouring the bottle yourself and getting a chuckle Great with pretzels, hush puppies, and BBQ chicken Another great selection from Growlers in Tuckahoe, NY -8.5 of out 10 Dogs

Exciting new gastropub coming to the upper west side Columbia district!  Right around the corner from Five Lamps and Amsterdam Tavern http://www.westsiderag.com/2013/03/11/new-bar-and-restaurant-the-ellington-opening-this-week

This is a very refreshing pale ale from the local craft brewery scene in Westchester County located north of Manhattan in New York State. The original location of the brewery started in Pleasantville and has since moved to nearby Elmsford, about 25 minutes from the origin of the name in Northern part of the county. The brewery takes its name from Captain Lawrence Drive in South Salem, NY - The street is named after Samuel Lawrence (1733-1796) who was a Captain in the Westchester County Militia, 3rd Regiment during the American Revolution. Enjoy Freshchester while sitting on your porch in Westchester or in Riverside Park on the Upper West Side pretending you're on your porch in Westchester. After 3 bottles it won't matter. 9/10 "The Best of the Westchester"

I first found this Belgian White Wheat Ale after being drawn to the Garbage Pail Kids style cartoon on the label. The Europeans would probably frown upon the need for oranges to wear sunglasses as a reflection on American frivolity. However the taste is extremely distinct and refreshing compared to the other St. Louis commercial breweries that will go unnamed. Try this paired with cilantro topped chili aka coriander for the next Big Game party. Shock Top is worth the trip to the market and breaks through the supermarket clutter. For a movie pairing recommendation check out Shock Treatment (1981) Check out the cool iPhone app for recipes and food pairing- shocktopbeer.com

It's official- beer and movies make the perfect combination! The project has been hinted at since last April but now an official banner is being displayed on Broadway outside the landmark marquee Check it out.... http://www.westsiderag.com/2013/02/04/i-can-see-the-future-and-theres-a-brand-new-movie-theater-in-it

Love this German Pilsner served in a tall pint glass. A little on the light side for my tastes but it was very refreshing given the 4.8% content. Radeberger Brewery was established in 1874 and fell victim to the East Berlin socialists embargo from the west during the Cold War. This Pilsner became a hot item in 1990, post the fall of the Berlin Wall. Rumored to be a favorite of Charlie Harper Aka Charlie Sheen, you can judge for yourself the celebrity virtues that buys you. Five Lamps serves this pilsner at the perfect temperature in custom branded glassware on the Upper West Side serving thirsty Columbia students and west side adventurers. Christoph Waltz the dentist would be proud. 6 out of 10 'das boots'

Part of the rotator series this sweet and spicy IPA from Oregon is a nice touch for a cold winter evening! Available at Barzini's Market on the Upper West Side- $10.99 for a sixer. http://m.yelp.com/biz/barzini-new-york Widmerbrothers.com

Found this six pack for the first time in the WholeFoods on the Upper West Side. Crazy flavors and wild names complimented by Ralph Steadman illustrations! Check them out below! flyingdogales.com

Great new find in Westchester that features a great selection of craft and locals beers including an impressive selection of IPA's! growlersbeerbistro.com 25 Main St Tuckahoe New York 10707 United States