Stockyard Oatmeal Stout

JosephsBrau Brewing Company from San Jose produces the Stockyard Oatmeal Stout. It's secret is that it is a private label from Trader Joes. If you happen
to pick it up for cheap in a random grab bag 6'er at Trader Joes - this beer may stand out for you as a worthy find! It is a full bodied stout with chocolate, toasted oats and coffee flavors but doesn't drink like syrup as some stouts may. The hop qualities are complementary to the flavors and I found it paired well with pork.

(Beer Rating 7/10)

Upland - Bad Elmer Porter

Upland is a brewery based out of Bloomington Indiana. I tried their "Bad Elmer Porter". I thought it was an average porter (definitely not great, but not bad). I like their Wheat beer in the summer. I'm seeking out their Infinite Wisdom Tripel and always enjoy visiting them in Bloomington!

(Beer Rating 6/10)

Bell's Two Hearted Ale

The Two Hearted Ale from Bells is a IPA lovers dream. It has a high amount of hops but is very drinkable for an IPA. It has a heavy floral aroma that brings all of the flavors together. Bells is also the maker of their very popular beer Oberon (a wheat ale that is a perfect summer beer with or without a fresh orange!) I'm trying to find somewhere in Indiana that carries their Cherry Stout.

(Beer Rating: 9/10)

Granite City Two Pull

Granite City is a brewery/restaurant that started in Minneapolis and has expanded in the northern Midwest (11 states). For an expanding chain, their food is good/value and their beers are decent. My favorite is their "Two Pull" - named for getting two pulls of 2 different beers (Northern Light and Brothers Benedict Bock). It goes well with their flatbread pizza

(beer rating 6/10)

Flat 12 Bierworks - Pogue's Run Porter

Flat 12 is a newer Brewery of the 3 recently emerged Indianapolis, IN breweries (Sun King and Thr3e Wisemen are the others). Flat 12 has a smaller lineup of craft brews (so far) but in our opinion, the Pogue's Run Porter is the best. It was named after the creek/drainage run adjacent to the brewery. It's flavors are smooth and and refreshing with the right blend of chocolate malts with the browns. We give it the top rating of local porters coming out of Indianapolis.

(Beer Rating 8/10)

Website: http://www.flat12.me/

Maui Brewing Company

MMMM.... is for Maui Brewing Company!

Last week, we dropped into Maui Brewing Company brew pub on the island of Maui in Hawaii. They started in 2005 and have started to distribute into the mainland (mostly west coast). There are three favorites we had (Coconut Porter, Mana Wheat, Big Swell IPA). The Coconut Porter is probably the most unique (with a decent but not overpowering coconut flavor present). The Mana Wheat is brewed with pineapple and is a refreshing change to the typical orange peel and coriander spice that typically pairs with wheat beers. While the brewery is early into shipping to the mainland, there are several distributors listed on MBC's website that can ship directly to your home. If you can find these beers, be sure to enjoy! http://www.mauibrewingco.com/

(Beer Rating: 9/10)