Reviews

A 16-oz can of Blueberry Crunchee Imperial Blueberry Granola Berliner Weisse by Other Half Brewing on a white background.

Best Blueberry Beer I’ve Had: Blueberry Crunchee from Other Half Brewery

My can of Other Half Blueberry Crunchee Imperial Blueberry Granola Berliner Weisse poured into the glass, thick like a smoothie. I’ll admit, it had been sitting in my fridge for at least four months, waiting to be reviewed. Naturally, I wondered if the age had affected it, so I checked the brewery’s website to see if I had waited too long to crack it open.

The Other Half Brewing described the beer as “a parfait in a can with a huge dose of blueberries, our hand-mixed granola blend, and some milk sugar.” What do you know? That’s exactly what I got.

Thick, sweet, and delicious. The beer tastes and looks just as they described it. If I were handed this in a blind taste test, I wouldn’t have guessed it was a beer. Maybe some kind of fruit-heavy, odd, thick cocktail. But not beer. The good thing is that it is a beer.

Having sampled my share of blueberry beers, I’ve never been moved enough by any to write a review. Blueberry is a fruit flavor that’s always had promise, but I just hadn’t tasted one that lived up to its full potential—until I cracked open a can of Blueberry Crunchee. Needless to say, it’s the best blueberry beer I’ve ever tasted, even with its weird thickness.

Tasty and bold at 7.5% ABV, a mild buzz kicks in just before finishing the glass. I can see in the glass residue why this beer is so thick and juicy. It’s just that: thick and juicy, stuffed with everything advertised, a parfait in a can with a huge dose of blueberries, a hand-mixed granola blend, and some milk sugar.

I’d definitely go for more Blueberry Crunchee beers if I didn’t have to watch my blood sugar levels. For those who don’t, go out and find a six-pack. You won’t be disappointed.

  • Style: Berliner Weisse
  • ABV: 7.4 %
  • IBUs: N/A
  • Tasting Notes: Heavy almond, dry coconut, vanilla, and lots of blueberry. Sweet with a quick drop to a very mild pucker.
  • Brewer: Other Half Brewing Company, Brooklyn, New York-based craft brewery
A can of Reizendbier by Alementary Brewing Company with a colorful design featuring a vintage van, poppies, and a rainbow on a white background.

Reizendbier by Alementary Brewing Company: A Hefeweizen to Remember

I’ll admit, I picked up Reizendbier by Alementary Brewing Company mainly because I was on the hunt for a new craft Hefeweizen, and the can’s artwork caught my eye. I thought I had struck gold with this one. It was smooth and flavorful, free from any small brewer’s bitterness. It was a joy to drink. My only regret at the time? For the review, I only bought one can.

Reizendbier poured a cloudy, light golden color with a nice white head. While it didn’t have a strong aroma, that didn’t detract from its appeal. The real magic happened in the taste—this is where Reizendbier truly shone. It was perfect for a hot day—light enough to be fully refreshing yet packed with enough flavor to keep you interested.

Reizendbier was brewed with a balanced mix of 50% Pilsner malt and 50% wheat, complemented by European aroma hops, and fermented with a world-famous yeast. Alementary Brewing Company believed that sometimes style didn’t need creative input; it just needed to be made well. And brewed well, this beer certainly was.

Unfortunately, not all good things last. Alementary Brewing Company announced on January 29, 2024, that they were closing their business due to a contract business that fell through and a not-so-great fourth quarter in 2023. They closed their doors in April 2024, leaving a void in the craft beer community. Even outstanding beers can meet an untimely end, but Reizendbier remains a testament to their brewing excellence.

If you are lucky enough to find a can of Reizendbier on a shelf somewhere, don’t hesitate to buy it. It’s a delicious investment and a fitting tribute to a truly exceptional beer. Rest in peace, Reizendbier. You will be missed, but never forgotten.

  • Style: Hefeweizen-Style Wheat Beer
  • ABV: 5.25 %
  • IBUs: 10
  • Season: Year-round
  • Brewer: Alementary Brewing Company, Hackensack, New Jersey-based, craft microbrewery
A 12 ounce can of Greenport Harbor Brewing Beehave Summer Ale with a blue and white design on a white background.

Greenport Harbor Summer Ale Review: A Refreshing Taste of Summer in a Glass

Greenport Harbor’s seasonal Summer Ale hits the mark as an easy-drinking brew, perfect for unwinding on warm days or balmy nights. This golden ale pours a brilliant, sunlit hue, enticing the senses with its subtle wheat notes and a delicate floral aroma imparted by a touch of orange blossom honey. On the palate, it’s incredibly smooth and refreshing, with a balanced malt profile that provides a gentle sweetness, expertly countered by a crisp, clean finish. The beer boasts a moderate hop presence, adding a whisper of bitterness that lingers just enough to cleanse the palate and beckon another sip. This seasonal gem is a true embodiment of summer in a glass, offering a delightful and refreshing escape with every sip.

  • Style: Golden Ale
  • ABV: 5.3 %
  • IBUs: N/A
  • Seasonal: Summer
  • Tasting Notes: Moderate hops, brewed with a hint of orange blossom honey, offering a light, slightly sweet, and floral finish.
  • Brewer: Greenport Harbor Brewing Company, Greenport, New York-based craft brewery
A can of Rupee Mango Wheat Ale with a green and gold design on a white background.

Rupee Mango Wheat Ale Review: One of the Best Mango Beers

I’m a fan! My first thoughts on the Rupee Mango Wheat Ale: This is a damn good beer. It’s bursting with flavor, like biting into a ripe mango and chasing it with a refreshing beer. This might be one of the best fruit beers I’ve ever had. The balance is perfect. The mango dances on the tongue, perfectly integrated with the beer, making every sip a delightful experience. The aroma of mango excites the senses with each tip of the glass, enhancing the overall enjoyment.

Crafted by a world-renowned master beer brewer and an award-winning Indian chef, Rupee Mango Wheat Ale is designed to complement Indian, spicy, and global cuisines. The ingredients, including mango, wheat, malted barley, and natural flavors, create a harmonious blend that pairs beautifully with various dishes. Whether you’re enjoying Indian, Thai, Asian, Mexican, Caribbean, BBQ, Middle Eastern, African, or Latin cuisine, this beer is a perfect match, including other spicy foods like one of my favorites, good-ole American buffalo wings.

The multi-award-winning Rupee Mango Wheat Ale follows a traditional Indian recipe with lower levels of carbonation, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable drinking experience, especially with spicy foods. If you’re a fan of fruity beers, this mango wheat beer is a surefire bet. It’s a worthy buy. If this blog had a rating system, it would be at its peak. Without a doubt, it stands out as one of the best mango beers on the market.

  • Style: Wheat Ale
  • ABV: 4 %
  • IBUs: 8
  • Brewer: Rupee Beer Company, Massachusetts-brewed, emerging craft brewery
A can of Rupee Basmati Rice Lager with a blue and gold design on a white background.

New Favorite Reviewed: Rupee Basmati Rice Lager

The Basmati Rice Lager from Rupee Beer Company is truly exceptional. I’ve tried two beers from the Rupee brand, and both were first-pitch home runs. This brew is a clean and crisp delight that was so good, I drank it down fast. So, what does it taste like? A glass of excellence!

This lager hits all the right notes with a medium body and just the right amount of carbonation. It’s pleasant and easy to drink, resulting in a smooth, refreshing experience. The consistent flavors and light aroma make it incredibly satisfying, providing a pleasant drinking experience from start to finish.

Rupee’s Basmati Rice Lager was crafted by a world-renowned master beer brewer and an award-winning Indian chef to complement Indian, spicy, and global cuisines. Brewed at Dorchester Brewing Co. in Boston, Massachusetts, this lager adheres to traditional Indian recipes with lower carbonation, ensuring it’s delightful to drink and enjoy with any meal. With numerous awards and industry recognition, Rupee has made a name for itself as a top choice in ethnic beer, designed to enhance your dining experience.

If you’re seeking a smooth, refreshing lager that pairs beautifully with your favorite spicy dishes, Rupee’s Basmati Rice Lager is definitely worth a try. Cheers to a beer that not only quenches your thirst but also elevates your dining experience!

  • Style: Rice Lager
  • ABV: 4.75 %
  • IBUs: 17
  • Brewer: Rupee Beer Company, Massachusetts-brewed, emerging craft brewery
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A photo of a 16-ounce can of Captain Lawrence Brewing Company's Golden Delicious, an ale aged in apple brandy barrels.

Captain Lawrence Golden Delicious: A Knock You On Your A.. Beer Review

Buckle up, buttercup, because Captain Lawrence Brewing Company’s Golden Delicious is not your average beer. It’s more like a shot of brandy chasing a beer, or, for me, a beer chasing a shot of brandy. Either way, at 10% ABV, this apple-brandy-barrel-aged tripel is a potent brew that demands your full attention.

My first sip was a bit of a shock—a symphony of “Ahh!” and “What the…”—but like a fine wine (or a stiff drink), Golden Delicious mellows with each subsequent sip. The vanilla oak barrel flavor and the undeniable warmth of the alcohol gradually permeate your senses, transforming you into a full-fledged fan by the time you reach the bottom of the glass.

Just remember, this ain’t no regular beer. Don’t even think about cracking open a can of Golden Delicious if you’re behind the wheel. And if you plan on having more than one, make sure you’ve got a designated driver (or a comfy couch) and a few friends to help you walk.

As for accolades, Captain Lawrence claims Golden Delicious won first place in the 2023 Great International Beer Competition’s Strong Beer Category. And let’s not forget those shiny medals. The can also boasts a GABF Bronze Medal for Wood-and-Barrel-Aged Strong Beer in both 2008 and 2012. But honestly, who needs awards when you’ve got a beer this unique and unforgettable?

So, if you’re feeling adventurous and your liver is up for the challenge, give Golden Delicious a try. Just be prepared for a wild ride—and maybe have some aspirin on hand for the morning after.

  • Style: Belgian Tripel
  • ABV: 10%
  • IBUs: N/A
  • Awards: First place in the 2023 Great International Beer Competition’s Strong Beer Category
  • Awards: GABF Bronze Medal for Wood-and-Barrel-Aged Strong Beer in both 2008 and 2012
  • Brewer: Captain Lawrence Brewing Company, Elmsford, New York-based craft brewery
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