Mich-again

So I'm sure you loyal followers [haha] know by now that I live in Atlanta. Not sure if you realize that I used to live in Michigan, and was ingrained with love for nearly all things Mitten State. Sports and Beer are two areas that I've got a whole lot of love. Honestly this whole beer craze started when I got hooked on Bell's line up of brews. But my affinity for things from the land of America's High Five doesn't stop there.

Last night, after getting home way too late from the daily grind, I sat down with a Bell's Oarsman Ale. It's technically a wheat, so I learned, but I would categorize this beer as a 'sour'. It has an unmistakable tartness that you don't find in most beers out there. A while back I had this beer after picking up a 6pk of it randomly from the store. Without any expectations I was not a fan after the first couple. And rightfully so, it is a different type of beer than what I am used to. As with almost all new styles there is an acclimation period in order to develop a taste for a certain beer.

I gave the Oarsman a second try yesterday and came away with a much more positive view. It was slightly citrusy, and definitely tart. However it wasn't as overbearing as I remembered it. The alcohol was low enough to categorize it as a Session beer, and you could tell that it was tailored to be an easy drinking beer that still has flavor. Crisp and clean. Also seemed to cleanse my palette [remember, I hate talking like that unless it's true] after each sip. The Bell's site says that it pairs well with food because of this, and I have to agree. In general I'd say that I will be likely to pick it up again from the LHBS, but mostly because it's a Bell's beer, and less because of it being a favorite beer of mine. I'll put it right in the middle of the spectrum in that regard.

Today I continued the mini-streak of Michigan brews, with a beer I have been waiting to try for quite a while. If you didn't know already Michigan has a huge agricultural side of it's economy. One thing that Michigan is known for (aside from great beer) is it's cherries. Traverse City, MI is actually the self-proclaimed 'Cherry Capital of the World'. [If you look at the palm of your right hand, and pretend it is Michigan, then Traverse City would be by the tip of your pinky finger.] They are specifically known for their tart cherries, and you can find the beer equivalent in Founder's Cerise.

Honestly this beer is awesome. I happen to love cherry pie and that is the best taste descriptor I can come up with to tell you what the Cerise tastes like. The malts give you a slight taste of the pie crust, and the sweetness and tartness from the Michigan cherries used in the fermentation process give you the pie filling. I love how they went local with a brew like this -- it really speaks to the spirit of craft beer, in my opinion.

Can't say I was disappointed in the least with the way the beer-week ended. Got the chance to visit a new craft beer store, meet a new beer guru, and was recommended some awesome beers for the next week or so. Great change of pace and a slightly different opinion on some beers was welcomed! I'm very excited for the upcoming beers. Hopefully you'll come back to read about them? Yes? Ok then.

Bell's
Oarsman Ale
Sour Ale
4.0% abv

Founders Brewery
Cerise
Fruit Beer
6.5% abv