The Black Forest Schwarzbier by Desperate Times Brewery

Its a Cold Wintry Day

We got some snow – finally – on Tuesday – February 13th. Fascnacht day. Work closed so I had essentially a snow day just as if I was a little kid again. The electricians who were working on the upstairs and redoing the upstairs electrical work on Monday, weren’t able to come out (in fact, they just now got here on Thursday), and so it was just me and Scarlet for the day while Amy went to work. But after Amy got done with work and came home. And after we put Scarlet to bed, it was time to enjoy ourselves a cold one with dinner.

Amy went for a tried and true beer, and a style we both really enjoy, on this cold and blustery day. A day where a lot of people in our area were without power – which luckily we had, a Schwarzbier was a feel good style for the evening. A wonderful mix of being dark, being heavy, but also being light, it went perfect with the ham dinner.

Desperate Times Brewery

Desperate Times Brewery is one of our favorite little “local” breweries. (Local in the sense that Carlisle is a little out of the way from Hummelstown, but not too incredibly far.) I’ve gotten to go three times there – once with my daughters and twice with Amy. The food has always been wonderful, the service and staff always pleasant and on point, and of course the beers have always been great. We’ve picked up cans of their beers several times at Breski’s Beverages or West Connection Beer Vault, and I’ve even had a beer or two of theirs at the Harrisburg Senators games. (See Beer Review: Pineapple Kolsch)

If you are in the Carlisle area, they are located right next to the Carlisle Fairgrounds in a pretty building (you can’t miss it). It was formerly a John Deere Tractor Dealership.

The food is authentic German wursts; bratwursts, sausages, kielbasas, etc. If you enjoy the German authentic food, you will one hundred percent love their food. Its all on point, its delicious, and the wonderful beer from Desperate Times Brewery washes it all down excellently.

Beer Review

The Black Forest Schwarzbier by Desperate Times Brewery

Beer: Black Forest Schwarzbier
Brewery: Desperate Times Brewery
Style: Schwarzbier
ABV: 5.2%
IBU: 24
Untappd Description: Slightly toasty with moderate malt character balanced by hip bitterness

It’s a rare delight to stumble upon a brew that can transport you to another place and time with just a sip. Desperate Times Brewery’s Black Forest Schwarzbier is precisely such a brew, offering a dark, mysterious journey into the heart of Germany’s storied Schwarzwald, or Black Forest, with each glass.

Appearance:

The pour is a mesmerizing event in itself, with the beer cascading into the glass like a nocturnal stream, settling into a deep, opaque sable that’s nearly as dark as the forest it’s named after. A robust, tan head crowns the brew, lingering with persistence and draping the sides of the glass in intricate lacing as it leisurely recedes.

Aroma:

Bringing the glass closer, the aroma beckons with whispers of roasted malts, dark chocolate, and a hint of coffee. There’s an earthiness there too, reminiscent of a forest floor after a rain, with subtle undertones of dark berries and a wisp of smokiness, as if catching the scent of a distant campfire.

Taste:

The first sip is both robust and remarkably smooth, a testament to the craftsmanship behind this Schwarzbier. The flavors mirror the nose closely, with the roasted malts leading the charge, unfolding into layers of bittersweet chocolate and cold brew coffee. Mid-palate, there’s a delightful surprise of dark cherry and blackberry, lending a slight, refreshing tartness that balances the malt’s richness. The finish introduces a gentle hop bitterness, just enough to cleanse the palate, accompanied by a lingering smokiness that ties each sip back to the imagery of the Black Forest.

Mouthfeel:

Medium-bodied with a smooth, almost velvety texture, the carbonation is moderate, ensuring the beer remains both refreshing and satisfyingly rich. Despite its dark demeanor, there’s an elegance and ease to its drinkability, making it suitable for both contemplative sipping and social enjoyment.

Overall Impression:

Desperate Times Brewery’s Black Forest Schwarzbier is a masterful homage to its namesake, capturing the essence of the storied German landscape in liquid form. It’s a beer that demands attention, not just for its depth of flavor but for the experience it offers—a journey through the shadows of the Black Forest, with each sip a step deeper into its enchanting embrace.

Ideal for those chilly evenings when the wind whispers tales of distant lands, this Schwarzbier pairs beautifully with hearty meals, yet possesses the grace to stand alone as a sessionable marvel. Whether you’re a staunch devotee of dark beers or a curious wanderer in the vast world of craft brews, the Black Forest Schwarzbier by Desperate Times Brewery is a voyage worth embarking upon.

This tastes wonderfully right off the first sip. This has that wonderfully roasty, somewhat bready, malty taste. (I feel like we’re adding a lot of Y’s to words, but thats kind of how describing tasting and beer notes are. Just bear with us on it all.) The roast and the malt perform excellently here with the Black Forest. This feels like a deep and heavy beer, but its also very light and airy at the same time, and coming in at 5.2% its not knocking you on your keister or anything like that either. On a cold, dark, wintry night, it feels and just hits right. It feels like its giving you a more heavy warming up beer but at the same time being light and not too heavy.

My Untappd Rating: ****

Global Average Untappd Rating: 3.75 (as of 2.15.24)

More Information on Desperate Times Brewery

The following comes via Untappd. Desperate Times Brewery is a microbrewery from Carlisle, PA. They have 50 unique beers and over 27,000 ratings, and a global average rating of 3.71 (as of 2.15.24). Their Untappd description is currently blank.

You can follow them on the following social media platforms:

• Desperate Times Brewery – Official Website
• Desperate Times Brewery – Untappd
• Desperate Times Brewery – Facebook

Thank You for Reading

If you like this article, please check out our other many articles, including news, beer reviews, travelogues, maps, and much much more. We greatly appreciate everyone visiting the site!

Cheers.

Thanks again for reading everyone. Take some time to check out the site, we greatly appreciate it. We have affiliates and sponsors with Pretzels.com and Beer Drop.com, which can save you money on their products if you are interested. Check out our articles on them. Make sure to check out our beer reviews, brewery reviews, Amy’s weekly column, book reviews, hike reviews, and so much more.

As always, thank you everyone for reading! Leave your likes, comments, suggestions, questions, etc, in the comments section. Or use the Feedback – Contact Us – page, and we’ll get right back to you! You can also reach out to us at our direct e-mail address: thebeerthrillers@gmail.com

Thank you for visiting our blog. Please make sure to follow, bookmark, subscribe, and make sure to comment and leave feedback and like the blog posts you read. It will help us to better tailor the blog to you, the readers, likes and make this a better blog for everyone.

We are working on a massive project here at The Beer Thrillers. We are creating a map of all of the breweries across the United States. State by state we are adding maps of all of the different states with every brewery in each state. (We will eventually get to the US Territories, as well as the Canadian Provinces, and possibly more countries; as well as doing some fun maps like a map of all the breweries we’ve been to, and other fun maps.) You can find the brewery maps here:

• MAPS OF BREWERIES

We are also working on a project of creating printable and downloadable PDFs and resources to be able to check and keep track of all of the breweries you’ve been to. So stay tuned for that project once we are finished with the Brewery Maps of the US States.

You can check out our different directories here: Beer Reviews, Hike Reviews, Book Reviews, Brewery News, Brewery Openings, Brewer Interviews, and Travelogues.

Please be sure to follow us on our social media accounts – Facebook, Facebook Group, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, and Influence. As well as our brand new Tumblr page. Please be sure to also follow, like, subscribe to the blog here itself to keep updated. We love to hear from you guys, so be sure to leave a comment and let us know what you think!

You can now find us on our Discord Server here: The Beer Thrillers (Discord Server). We’ve also joined LinkTree to keep track of all of our social media pages, as well as hot new articles we’ve written.

The Beer Thrillers on LinkTree can be found here: The Beer Thrillers LinkTree.

We have partnered with an affiliateship with Beer Drop.com. You can check out that partnership and receive great discounts, coupons, and more here: Beer Drop. Going here and logging in and ordering will help you receive your discounts and coupons as well as help support our page. Thank you for helping to support The Beer Thrillers and to help us maintain the site and blog and to keep it running.

The Beer Thrillers are a blog that prides itself on writing beer reviews, brewery reviews, travelogues, news (especially local to the Central PA brewery scene), as well as covering other topics of our interests – such as hiking, literature and books, board games, and video games which we sometimes stream with our friends over at Knights of Nostalgia. We are currently listed as #7 on FeedSpot’s “Top 100 Beer Blogs” and #8 on FeedSpot’s “Top 40 Pennsylvania Blogs”. (As of January 2023.) Thank you for reading our site today, please subscribe, follow, and bookmark. Please reach out to us if you are interested in working together. If you would like to donate to the blog you can here: Donate to The Beer Thrillers. Thank you!

You can also check out our partnership and affiliation with Pretzels.com, where ordering pretzels and using our affiliate code – AFFILIATE CODE IS THEBEERTHRILLERS20 – will help you get wonderful pretzels and help us maintain and keep this blog running. Thank you!

If you would like to reach out to us for product reviews, beer reviews, press release writing, and other media – please contact us at thebeerthrillers@gmail.com. Thank you.

(Thank you for reading. The opinions, thoughts, and expressions of each article posted on The Beer Thrillers represents the author of the content and only themselves. It does not express the opinions, beliefs, or ideas held by The Beer Thrillers or any company in which the author themselves work for. Each piece of written content is written by the creator(s) listed in the authorial section on each article unless otherwise noted. Their opinions, comments, and words on screen do not represent any company in which they work for and / or are affiliated with or any non – profits that they contribute to. Thank you.)

Lukr Side Pull in Action(photo courtesy of Lukr Faucets)

Discover the Side Pull Tap: Revolutionizing Your Craft Beer Experience

If you’re not yet familiar with the side pull tap, you’re not alone. While it’s starting to make its mark in a few breweries in Pennsylvania, it hasn’t quite hit the mainstream craft beer scene just yet. But that’s about to change.

What is a Side Pull Tap?

A side pull draft beer faucet, often referred to as a Czech beer faucet or Lukr faucet, is a unique tool that transforms the way we pour and enjoy beer. Unlike traditional taps, the side pull tap is designed to create a creamy, silky head, which is the traditional way of enjoying a Czech pilsner. The faucet is submerged into the mug, resulting in a sweet, velvety foam that enhances the beer’s flavor and aroma.

The Mechanics of a Side Pull Tap

Lukr Faucets (photo courtesy of Lukr)

At first glance, the side pull tap might look like a standard tap turned on its side, but there’s more to it than meets the eye. The handle is much more delicate than a traditional tap. Each slight movement of the handle changes the flow of beer; every degree of change increases or decreases the amount of liquid being poured into the glass. This precision allows for perfect control over the pour, ensuring a consistent and enjoyable drinking experience.

The Side Pull Tap in Pennsylvania

While the side pull tap may not have fully permeated the Pennsylvania craft beer market, some innovative breweries are leading the charge. These breweries are embracing the side pull tap and its ability to elevate the beer-drinking experience. We recently spoke with two Pennsylvania breweries that have implemented the side pull tap to learn more about its benefits.

Some Pennsylvania Breweries Using the Side Pull Tap:

• Human Robot
• Fourscore Beer Co.
• Stick City Brewing Company
• Wishful Thinking Brewing
• Warwick Farm Brewing
• Bright Path Brewing Company

Benefits of the Side Pull Tap

1. Enhanced Flavor and Aroma: The creamy head created by the side pull tap releases the beer’s aromas and enhances its flavor profile, providing a richer tasting experience.
2. Aesthetic Appeal: The beautiful, silky head of foam adds a visual element to the beer, making it more enticing and enjoyable.
3. Traditional Experience: For fans of Czech pilsners and traditional beer pouring methods, the side pull tap offers an authentic and nostalgic experience.

Spotlight on Lukr and the Milko Pour

One brand making waves with the side pull tap is Lukr, known for its precision and quality. Additionally, the Milko pour—a technique that involves creating a dense foam head that makes up the majority of the glass—is gaining popularity among beer enthusiasts. This method, made possible by the side pull tap, provides a unique and delightful way to enjoy your favorite beers.

The Milko Pour: A Unique Beer-Drinking Experience

Milko pours at Human Robot

The Milko pour is a fascinating technique that’s gaining traction among beer enthusiasts, particularly those who appreciate the nuances of traditional beer pouring methods. Originating from the Czech Republic, the Milko pour is made possible by the side pull tap and is a testament to the artistry involved in serving beer.

(See Also: Human Robot Milko Pour)

What is a Milko Pour?

Milko pours at Gusto Brewing in New Jersey

A Milko pour involves creating a dense, creamy foam head that occupies the majority of the glass. Unlike a standard pour, where the beer and foam are evenly balanced, the Milko pour prioritizes the foam, which can make up to 90% of the glass. This technique transforms the beer-drinking experience, offering a unique texture and flavor profile.

How is a Milko Pour Achieved?

The Milko pour is achieved using the side pull tap, specifically the Lukr faucet, known for its precision and control. Here’s how it’s done:

1. Submersion of the Faucet: The faucet is submerged into the mug, allowing the beer to flow gently along the sides.
2. Controlled Pouring: By carefully adjusting the handle, the bartender controls the flow of the beer, ensuring that a thick, creamy head of foam is produced.
3. Patience and Skill: Achieving the perfect Milko pour requires patience and skill. The bartender must be attentive to the handle’s movements to create the desired foam consistency.

Why Try a Milko Pour?

1. Enhanced Creaminess: The dense foam head adds a rich, creamy texture to the beer, making each sip smooth and velvety.
2. Intensified Aromas: The foam head captures and releases the beer’s aromas more effectively, enhancing the overall sensory experience.
3. Visual Appeal: The thick, white foam is visually striking, making the beer look as good as it tastes.
4. Traditional Experience: For those who enjoy traditional beer-drinking methods, the Milko pour offers an authentic way to appreciate a Czech pilsner.

Where to Find Milko Pours

A milko pour at Bright Path Brewing Company

As the side pull tap and Lukr faucets become more popular, more breweries are starting to offer Milko pours. Check with your local breweries to see if they provide this unique pouring method. It’s a delightful way to experience beer, offering a fresh perspective on how beer can be enjoyed.

Incorporating the Milko pour into your beer repertoire not only broadens your appreciation for different pouring techniques but also deepens your enjoyment of the craft. Cheers to discovering new ways to savor your favorite brews!

Conclusion

The side pull tap, along with Lukr faucets and the Milko pour technique, is set to revolutionize the craft beer experience. As more breweries adopt this method, beer enthusiasts can look forward to an enhanced and traditional way of enjoying their favorite brews. Keep an eye out for these innovative taps at your local brewery and prepare to elevate your beer-drinking experience.

Stay tuned for more updates on the latest trends and innovations in the craft beer world right here on our blog. Cheers!

More Links and Information

• Craft Beer Hot Toddies
• Raising the Stakes: Gambling and Alcohol Correlation
• Top Popular Beer Brands
• Embark on a Culinary Adventure: Cooking and Craft Beer
• Philosophy and Craft Beer: A Confluence of Thought and Taste
• Craft Beer Meets Keto
• Unraveling the Brews: The Distinctive Worlds of Lager and Bock
• What is Bock Beer? Exploring the Bock Beer Style: A Journey from Einbeck to Munich
• What is Lager Beer? Exploring the World’s Most Popular Beer Style
• Information on Milko Pours
• The Rise of Craft Lagers in Pennsylvania Brewing
• The Craft Beer Conundrum: Navigating the Troubled Waters of the Craft Beer Industry
• Mastering the Art of Craft Beer Tasting: Your Ultimate Guide to Flavor and Aroma – How to Describe Beer Like a Pro
• Human Robot Milko Pour – Human Robot Milko Pour Invitational (And Information on Milko Pours)
• Discover the Side Pull Tap: Revolutionizing Your Craft Beer Experience

Thank You For Reading

If you like this article, please check out our other many articles, including news, beer reviews, travelogues, maps, and much much more. We greatly appreciate everyone visiting the site!

Cheers.

Thanks again for reading everyone. Take some time to check out the site, we greatly appreciate it. We have affiliates and sponsors with Pretzels.com and Beer Drop.com, which can save you money on their products if you are interested. Check out our articles on them. Make sure to check out our beer reviews, brewery reviews, Amy’s weekly column, book reviews, hike reviews, and so much more.

As always, thank you everyone for reading! Leave your likes, comments, suggestions, questions, etc, in the comments section. Or use the Feedback – Contact Us – page, and we’ll get right back to you! You can also reach out to us at our direct e-mail address: thebeerthrillers@gmail.com

Thank you for visiting our blog. Please make sure to follow, bookmark, subscribe, and make sure to comment and leave feedback and like the blog posts you read. It will help us to better tailor the blog to you, the readers, likes and make this a better blog for everyone.

We are working on a massive project here at The Beer Thrillers. We are creating a map of all of the breweries across the United States. State by state we are adding maps of all of the different states with every brewery in each state. (We will eventually get to the US Territories, as well as the Canadian Provinces, and possibly more countries; as well as doing some fun maps like a map of all the breweries we’ve been to, and other fun maps.) You can find the brewery maps here:

• MAPS OF BREWERIES

We are also working on a project of creating printable and downloadable PDFs and resources to be able to check and keep track of all of the breweries you’ve been to. So stay tuned for that project once we are finished with the Brewery Maps of the US States.

You can check out our different directories here: Beer Reviews, Hike Reviews, Book Reviews, Brewery News, Brewery Openings, Brewer Interviews, and Travelogues.

Please be sure to follow us on our social media accounts – Facebook, Facebook Group, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, and Influence. As well as our brand new Tumblr page. Please be sure to also follow, like, subscribe to the blog here itself to keep updated. We love to hear from you guys, so be sure to leave a comment and let us know what you think!

You can now find us on our Discord Server here: The Beer Thrillers (Discord Server). We’ve also joined LinkTree to keep track of all of our social media pages, as well as hot new articles we’ve written.

The Beer Thrillers on LinkTree can be found here: The Beer Thrillers LinkTree.

We have partnered with an affiliateship with Beer Drop.com. You can check out that partnership and receive great discounts, coupons, and more here: Beer Drop. Going here and logging in and ordering will help you receive your discounts and coupons as well as help support our page. Thank you for helping to support The Beer Thrillers and to help us maintain the site and blog and to keep it running.

The Beer Thrillers are a blog that prides itself on writing beer reviews, brewery reviews, travelogues, news (especially local to the Central PA brewery scene), as well as covering other topics of our interests – such as hiking, literature and books, board games, and video games which we sometimes stream with our friends over at Knights of Nostalgia. We are currently listed as #7 on FeedSpot’s “Top 100 Beer Blogs” and #8 on FeedSpot’s “Top 40 Pennsylvania Blogs”. (As of January 2023.) Thank you for reading our site today, please subscribe, follow, and bookmark. Please reach out to us if you are interested in working together. If you would like to donate to the blog you can here: Donate to The Beer Thrillers. Thank you!

You can also check out our partnership and affiliation with Pretzels.com, where ordering pretzels and using our affiliate code – AFFILIATE CODE IS THEBEERTHRILLERS20 – will help you get wonderful pretzels and help us maintain and keep this blog running. Thank you!

If you would like to reach out to us for product reviews, beer reviews, press release writing, and other media – please contact us at thebeerthrillers@gmail.com. Thank you.

(Thank you for reading. The opinions, thoughts, and expressions of each article posted on The Beer Thrillers represents the author of the content and only themselves. It does not express the opinions, beliefs, or ideas held by The Beer Thrillers or any company in which the author themselves work for. Each piece of written content is written by the creator(s) listed in the authorial section on each article unless otherwise noted. Their opinions, comments, and words on screen do not represent any company in which they work for and / or are affiliated with or any non – profits that they contribute to. Thank you.)

Ok, attempt number two here, duly noted everyone: never hit backspace when typing this blog out, unless you have saved…. (so let’s see how much I can remember that I typed and re-try this blog post).

Got a notice on my phone from Untappd that a local verified venue – Hershey Biergarten – updated their tap menu. And having a bit of free time, I decided I’d stop in and try a flight. The new addition was Dark Skies: Corvus by New Trail, a brewery I haven’t had yet and have heard nothing but raving reviews about, plus Schwarzbier is a style I flat out plainly like that is so rarely done, I figured I’d might as well give them a quick visit and check this out.

Seeing that they also had a few other beers that I haven’t had before, I figured why not stop in and try a flight. Its called doing research for this blog, and its a tough job, but somebody has to do it…. (sacrificing my liver enzymes for your reading pleasure).

Its been quite a while since I was last in the Hershey Biergarten (probably going on over a year now), so I figured I’d might as well try a flight. Their drafts were typically 7-8$ (6$ sometimes) and their flights were 10$. Since I was last there, they’ve upped it to 12$ for a flight of 4 5oz samplers. This is a bit steep (not bank breaking of course) compared to some other places (Funck’s in Campbelltown/Palmyra is 8$ for 4, 6/7$ if it’s all of the same brewery from one of their tap takeovers or other specialty events, Funck’s also has 56 taps). The Biergarten has 12 taps to choose from to pick your 4 samplers. Most breweries are 6-8$ depending on flight size (Boneshire is 6$ for inhouse beers, and 8$ for guests), Troegs has gone to a per-beer selection, same with Tattered Flag. The Hershey Biergarten has always been a bit pricey in this regards, for example their mix-a-six from their cooler is 17$ for a six-pack, whereas Weiss is 12$ for a mix-a-six. However, the Hershey Biergarten has a much better craft beer (and much better LOCAL craft beer) selection than Weiss has. So some of the upcharge is warranted. Typically also their 12 taps are pretty top notch stuff, and a fair bit of local top notch stuff, though with a place like Funck’s and having 56 choices, there’s usually a few good things to find for their sampler. (Also, remember, this is downtown Hershey, so a bit more of an added reason for the upcharge.)

Ok, enough yammering about things you probably don’t care about (unless you’re price comparing bars/beers) and onto things you (hopefully) care about – the beer.

New Trail, so far, has been known for their IPAs, getting amazing reviews on nearly all of their released IPAs. So of course, I never do anything normally, and thus, my first beer from them, is a Schwarzbier.

Schwarzbier is a typically underrated and unused style (at least in these parts of Central PA). Their called the “black” lagers or “dark” lagers. They are typically drier, darker, much more emphasis on dark and roasty malts and are much more roasted-oriented. They are usually bitter due to these roasted malts, have very low notes of anything other than the malts (no adjuncts, no hop aroma, no true high IBU, etc). Its one of the staples of the German lager and sadly its underutilized in this area. It also happens to be one of my favorite styles (along with Rauchbiers) that go far under the radar.

Some other local Schwarzbiers I’ve had were Columbia Kettle Work’s Kulmbacher, Desperate Times’ Black Forest Schwarzbier, River Bend’s Schwarzbier, Lancaster Brewing’s Jump Seat Schwarzbier, Funk’s Rumble, and Cox’s Phantom 20. I’ve enjoyed all, (though according to my Untappd ratings for them, Lancaster Brewing’s Jump Seat was noticeably lacking).

So let’s see what we got with this little gem:


Beer: Dark Skies: Corvus
Brewery: New Trail Brewing Co
Style: Schwarzbier
ABV: 4.3%
IBU: N/A
Untappd Write-Up: Dark Skies: Corvus is a Schwarzbier. Brewed with a mix of light and dark Germanic malts. Lightly hopped with noble varieties. Expect. Rich chocolate and coffee aromatics complimented by a clean crisp lager taste. We plan to enjoy this at a campfire staring at the Dark Skies.

This beer exemplifies everything with this style. Great roasty smell right from the start. Even in a taster/sampler glass it has a nice light white to brown head that is soft and tops the beer off perfectly. Its got the great roasted malty notes and character without a clinging and cloying mouthfeel, its got a bitterness that matches what you want (and need) from a Schwarzbier, and there is no lingering or off-putting aftertaste. This is certainly one to check out. Especially if you are unfamiliar with the style, this is a great introduction to Schwarzbiers and will leave you wanting more.

My Untappd Rating: ****.25
Global Untappd Rating: 3.93 (as of 6.28.19)

I could’ve sworn I’ve had Cornshohocken before, assuming from one of the Mt. Hope/Renaissance Faire’s brewfests, but according to my Untappd I haven’t. (This actually unlocked my Brewery Pioneer #99 badge, which is how I realized I hadn’t had them before. Not that I’m overly concerned about badges, but just noted here thats how I realized it. But for those interested – the Brewery Pioneer badge is for every 5 new unique breweries you’ve tried a beer from, you get 1 level in it, so according to Untappd I’ve had 99 x 5 different beers from different breweries for a total of 495 breweries I’ve had at least one beer from.)

Sadly, this was extremely underwhelming.

Beer: Blood Money
Brewery: Cornshohocken Brewing Company
Style: IPA – American
ABV: 6.7%
IBU: 74
Hops: Bravo and Cascade
Untappd Write-Up: Blood Money is a super juicy Blood Orange IPA, with aroma and flavor bursting at the seams. Bravo and Cascade hops and a hearty grain bill complement the juiciness of the blood orange.

Unfortunately, this tasted extremely watery and very thin. No mouthfeeel at all. A bit of an orange aroma, but nothing pow or strong or anything that struck me as powerful. The smell was just ‘there’, like unwrapping an orange starburst, its there, but not defining. And for an IPA that is based on just that, thats not a good start. Especially now reading the write-up that the brewery put on Untappd for it. Sadly both the aroma and flavor is completely lacking and definitely not “bursting at the seams”.

There’s not much to go on here. Its not really juicy as its very watery and thin, and its not really much of an IPA either, no hop notes, no bitterness, not much of anything. Its clear like a regular west coast/American IPA, but it doesn’t have that hop bite like a traditional IPA should have. It just has a muted orange flavor. Its not juicy either because of how watery it is. Sadly, this is just completely disappointing the whole way around.

My Untappd Rating: *** (and this might be a case of me being a bit generous)
Global Untappd Rating: 3.63 (as of 6.28.19)

Not a whole lot to go on here for backstory or writing on this one. Hershey Biergarten did have Dark Angel listed, I’m assuming from their Wicked Weed tap takeover a few weeks ago. Wanted to try that, and as he started to pour it for me it kicked, giving me enough to taste a few bubbles but not much more (by the way, those were tasty bubbles…).

This is certainly not bad either, but I have a feeling that the Dark Angel might/probably was better.

Beer: Lost Toys #3
Brewery: Wicked Weed Brewing
Style: Sour – Fruited
ABV: 6.4%
IBU: None
Untappd Write-up: [Blank]

This is another hold-out from their Wicked Weed tap takeover a few weeks ago. I haven’t had a large sample size of Wicked Weed, but everything I’ve had I’ve enjoyed. Before and after the InBev buyout.

This is certainly no exception. A nice tart stone-fruit beer. Kind of on the juicy side with a very flavorful tartness as you sip it down. Just overall a nice stone-fruit tart sour.

My Untappd Rating: ****
Global Untappd Rating: 3.81 (as of 6.28.19)

My last from the flight was another sour from Wicked Weed. Perhaps I should have split them up a bit with the Blood Money, or perhaps these are just that similar, rarely do I like to do sour after sour because they tend to blend in (same with doing West Coast IPA after West Coast IPA).

Beer: Medora
Brewery: Wicked Weed Brewing
Style: American Wild Ale
ABV: 6.6%
IBU: None
Untappd Write-Up: Medora is a blonde sour ale aged in red wine barrels with one pound of blackberries and raspberries per gallon. The result is a beautiful, fuchsia ale with bright berry character.

The daughter of a king, Medora was wrought with the burden of expectations. Her father did his utmost to speak confidence into his young daughter. Time passed and with it the king, leaving Medora his sole heir. Her melancholy deepened. One night a great meteor flashed across the northern sky. Her father’s words lit into her heart: “Choose happiness; no expectation of circumstance can usurp your will to rejoice in them.”

Medora thrived, and as for imposed expectations; she never gave them credence again.

There is a bit more going on with this one than the previous Lost Toys #3. Firstly this is an American Wild Ale vs. a Fruited Sour. So pretty much right off the bat you are knowing its going to have a more complicated taste just due to a more complicated yeast strain at work. Secondly, as Wicked Weed’s write up shows you, this was aged in wine barrels, so you know its going to be interesting for sure.

There is a wonderful tartness to this that is just added to by the wine aftertaste. It has a dryness and a tartness that makes it stand out in comparison to the Lost Toys #3. The look and hue of the beer owes to the raspberry and blackberry that was added with the barrels. This is where a lot of the flavor is picked up from as well. It has a great berry note from these, as well as a strong stone fruit taste from the original product itself.

Out of the two Wicked Weed sours, this one takes it, though neither is bad and make for an exceptional beer to drink, this one is just a bit better.

My Untappd Rating: ****.25
Global Untappd Rating: 4.16 (as of 6.28.19)

Another fun quick flight to enjoy. Hershey Biergarten is a nice craft beer place, a good tap list almost always, as well as a very good mix cooler for in house and to go. Some rarities to be found in it, but typically just a lot of good local craft beer in the case (Ever Grain, Boneshire, Tattered Flag, Troegs, Free Will, Levante, etc.) some nice hidden gems to search for in their cooler. Might have to stop by soon to get a mix-a-six for more “research” and blog posts.

Hershey Biergarten is located on 422/Chocolate Avenue right by the Duck Donuts. Its down the street from the new Primanti Brothers and Iron Hill Brewery.

Until next time everyone, stay thirsty.

-B. Kline