The orignial bearded brewer

Since it's Father's Day, I thought I would write a review of two of my dad's beers. I bought my dad beer making equipment probably 8 years ago, and it was his success in brewing that started my interest. Because of being a snowbird now, he only brews 3 beers for the five months that he is in Wisconsin. My dad brews extract kits, and time and again his beers turn out perfect. Maybe it's that he is super anal and meticulous about cleaning, or his excellent cooking skills spilling over into brewing, but his beers are always outstanding. The three beers he makes are Northern Brewer's Kolsch kit, and Midwest Brewing's Hank's Hefeweizen and Hex Nut Brown Ale. He just made the annual kolsch, but I have the other two left over from last year's brewing, and as always both are outstanding.

Hefeweizen- This beer pours a bit darker than a typical hefe, a nice dark golden color with the cloudiness you'd expect and a thick white head. The beer has a wonderful aroma of clove right away and a sweetness after that. Hands down, this is the best hefeweizen I've drank and friends of mine who don't like hefe's really like this beer. It has a wonderful crispness and a nice sweet flavor, but a hint of sourness from the yeast. He brews it in time for August, so it's perfect on a nice boat ride. This beer is always eagerly anticipated.

Nut Brown Ale- My dad brews this beer in time for October, a nice dark ale for the crisp Wisconsin fall. This beer pours a dark brown with some ruby red hues and a two finger tan head. Aromas of caramel, brown sugar and chocolate with some nuttiness. It drinks really smooth with a nice nutty presence balanced against the sweetness and maltiness. This beer has been a big hit so he's added it to his rotation. Since he didn't drink enough in time before going back to Arizona for the winter, there were some left over this spring and the beers aged extremely well.

So salud! to my dad, who got me into brewing and continues to make some of the best beers I've had.
The Bearded Brewer