Erie Misery Bay IPA

I don’t have much experience with this brewery. I remember them being on shelves when I first got into beer, but their labels were different. They rebranded their stuff and it’s becoming more readily available on shelves. I picked this up at Canal’s as part of a mixed-sixer.

ABV: 6.5%

Style: American IPA

Trivia: According to the brewery website, “The view from Oliver Perry Monument across lake Erie’s historic Misery bay provides a constant reminder of the hardships endured during the battle of Lake Erie during the War of 1812. Misery Bay IPA is brewed as a tribute to Misery Bay and Graveyard Pond, the final resting place for many brave sailors and soldiers.”

Random: One of my kittens loves trying to eat power cords, something my bigger cat never did.

This beer poured with a two finger, white head that dissipated slowly. It left some lacing on the glass and a crown on top of the body. The body was a clear, light orange with light carbonation. The nose had grain and old citrus. The taste had more grapefruit notes than the nose. It quickly fell off into grain and old, earthy flavors. It also had a substantial metallic flavor that made this almost undrinkable. The body was relatively thick with light carbonation. It was luckily a quick finish with grain. The single was $1.37, which came to $.11 per ounce. Despite the price on the bottle, it could be one of the worst beers of the style that I’ve ever had. I wouldn’t have this again, even if it was free.

Untappd Rating: 2.0/5.0

Erie Soleil Shandy

This was a beer that the lawyer picked out. She let me have a sip last night while we were watching television.

ABV: 3.5%

Style: Fruit/Vegetable Beer

Trivia: According to the brewery website, “Inspired by the colorful Lake Erie sunsets, Soleil Shandy was created with the craft beer drinker in mind. Our customers were anxious for a light, crisp, warm-weather brew and our brewers responded. They crafted a delightfully refreshing raspberry-lemon Shandy to showcase at our annual summer event ‘Beer on the Bay.’ Thanks to an overwhelming number of requests to see this brew added to our lineup, Soleil Shandy is now available spring and summer to all of our Erie Brewing customers. Enjoy Erie Brews!”

Random: I wonder how many new shandies will pop up this year and if they’ll be as popular.

This beer poured with less than a finger of white head that dissipated instantly. It left absolutely no lacing on the glass. The body was a clear orange with moderate carbonation, which was surprising. Usually for this style, there is more carbonation visible. The nose had lots of raspberry and lemon zest and was overall pleasant. The taste, not so much, although it was interesting. It started with raspberry and lemon which imparted some tartness, both of which were welcomed and expected. The weird part was when graham cracker notes came through. It made the beer have this very peculiar sweetness, which I didn’t enjoy. It had a light body with really high carbonation, which was nice. The finish had the same nasty graham cracker taste with raspberry, but was over quickly. This was $1.80 a bottle (with the NJCB discount), which came to $.15 per ounce. Although the price is very affordable, it doesn’t change the fact that I wouldn’t have it again.

Untappd Rating: 3.0/5.0