Rett
Rett Martin
Web Page: http://www.rettmartin.com
Registered Since: 2007-10-22 03:39:33
Profile: Ok, I'll start with my dirty little secret: the first beer I drank with regularity is Natural Ice, yes, Nattie's ice. I think the reasoning was something like, it's dirt cheap and super alcoholic. Well I've grown up a bit since then, and I actually like the taste of beer. Hence the idea for this site.
Reviews by Rett:
Life has been known to cause loud talking
Week 28: Town Hall Raspberry Oatmeal Stout (July 7-13) | Reviewed on July 14th, 2008
What I remember most about Life was that this close-t0-8% drink gave me a great buzz. With a Lingonberry Milk Porter in my belly, and a Life in my hand everything was perfect. For a while there I think I was talking pretty loud, and not having seen Josh in a while we covered all sorts of ground. From my surprise at the $6.99 video game rental price tag when my young bro-in-law was visiting, to my love and his distaste for Triumph motorcycles. At one point I looked over and saw that there was a table full of young women with a cute little baby, and I realized that I should probably turn the volume down a bit, and lay off of the swear words. Oh well, I guess the little fella will learn them sooner or later.
Like a smooth Surly 2
Week 27: Town Hall Lingonberry Milk Porter (June 29-July 6) | Reviewed on July 14th, 2008
When Josh and I got to Town Hall on Thursday we were disappointed to see two of the three infusion beers crossed out on the menu. Fortunately, they still had the Lingonberry. It reminded me a bit of Surly 2, but definitely less potent. Where Surly 2 made me scrunch my face like the Sour Patch Kids, this really smooth. More my style. I guess this was the milk porter at work? Anyway, it was enjoyable, but not enough that I wanted two of them. So we moved on to Life Double Red Ale.
Appropriately named
Week 29: Cold Spring Moonlight Ale (July 14-20) | Reviewed on July 14th, 2008
I’m sitting here in the only cold room in the house (the one with the air conditioner) freezing my toes off at 11pm. So it seems appropriate to be sipping on a Cold Spring Moonlight Ale. For that I can appreciate this craft brew. There wasn’t too much to the smell, and my first taste wasn’t as flavorful as I’d like, but it’s definitely better than Miller lite or MGD of which I drank plenty this past weekend while canoeing down Minnehaha Creek. So while I promised the wife that I’ll just have a sip, enough to write my review, I think I’ll finish it. And I can only say that because I know she won’t read this 
Premo!
Week 26: Grainbelt Premium (June 23-29) | Reviewed on June 25th, 2008
Grainbelt Premium has long been a favorite summer drink-a-lot-in-a-row beer. So I think it’s fitting that we celebrate this Minnesota classic during hump week, our Brew52 half way point. As you sit back and chug one after another, I ask that you think about all of your good memories involving Grainbelt. For me the top two have to be playing bean bag toss on the fourth of July and bungie jumping off of the Grainbelt billboard. Ok, the second one hasn’t actually happened…yet.
Straight to my brain
Week 24: Town Hall 1800 IPA (June 9-15) | Reviewed on June 11th, 2008
I met up with some Brew52′ers on Sunday where we sampled beer out on the patio. I started off with the Milk Porter which was super smooth, super creamy, and a bit too sweet for my taste. Then I had an 1800 IPA and it totally hit the spot. A really nice bite to it, but not too bitter. When the server came with my tab she asked if I had one or two IPA’s and I had to think really hard for a half a minute and I still wasn’t entirely sure. This is either a good sign for the beer or a bad sign for my brain.
I can relate
Week 23: Surly Bitter Brewer (June 2-8) | Reviewed on June 4th, 2008
Surly Bitter Brew is crisp and refreshing. I drank mine on a cold and rainy evening, and it was enjoyable, but I think it would be even better sitting outside in the hot sun. And by the beer being better I mean life would be better if it wasn’t raining every stupid day of the week. Anyway, it was comforting to spend some time with Surly Bitter Brew, especially since the can is covered with angry drawings, it made me feel like I wasn’t alone. The best part was that I finished my glass, took the dog for a walk, came back and realized I still had a good 4 ounces of beer left in the can!
Mmmm, fish-chicks.
Week 22: Schell Lakemaid (May 26-June1) | Reviewed on May 27th, 2008
I’m no fisherman, but I have to agree that there is nothing better than the idea of a mer-babe surfacing on a lake to bring me a beer. Apparently the advertising firm Pocket Hercules was able to convince both Schell and Rapala of this as well. The best part is that in this fisherman’s fantasy there’s not one, but twelve bikini-clad fish-chicks, one for each bottle in a 12-pack. Being a classic American lager it’s easy to go through several of these in one sitting, perfect for boating on a lake, or in my case, sitting in front of the television.
A hidden gem?
Week 21: Cold Spring Colonial Hefeweizen Pub Pint (May 19-25) | Reviewed on May 19th, 2008
I really want to find a Cold Spring beer that I like. And it seems likely that among the many different lines they produce that there would be a hidden gem. So when I found the Colonial Pub Pints I was pretty excited. They come in tall cans (just like Surly!) and the labels feel right with their old time mustachio’d gentlemen. But the Hefeweizen is still lacking something, and I can only describe it as tasting watered down.
Now when I purchased the four pack at Surdyk’s I saw the Colonial Pub Pint Old Johnny Ale variety as well. It was on a display that said “Manager’s Choice,” and at the sale price of $4.50 I picked up a four pack of it as well. So I’m still holding out hope that I’m going to find something I really like.
On Tap!
Week 20: Schell 1867 Munich Dunkel (May 12-18) | Reviewed on May 13th, 2008
Make sure to get out and try Schell’s 1867 Munich Dunkel while it lasts! According to their site, it’s is on tap at the following nearby establishments:
Blue Nile, Minneapolis, MN
Stub & Herb’s, Minneapolis, MN
MacKenzie’s, Minneapolis, MN
Buster’s on 28th, Minneapolis, MN
Mac’s Industrial Bar, Minneapolis, MN
Groveland Tap, St. Paul, MN
The Happy Gnome, St. Paul, MN
The Dubliner Pub, St. Paul, MN
Malt-tissimo
Week 19: Brau Brothers Scotch Ale (May 5–May 11) | Reviewed on May 6th, 2008
Very much malt. I don’t have a good bench mark for what a scotch ale should taste like, but I’d guess this is pretty accurate. I think it’s the peat-smoked malt they mention on the label that’s giving me the smoky taste. I was pretty disgusted to find peat-smoked malt described as “medicinal/bandaid-like” when I googled it. Yuck, if I ever taste bandaid in my beer I promise that I’ll dump it down the drain. On second thought maybe this is a good beer to have out when playing softball to pour on someone’s fresh scrape. When they start screaming at you, you’d reply “What?! It contains peat-smoked malt which is medicinal/bandaid like!!”
Ready to take flight
Week 18: Flat Earth Black Helicopter (April 28–May 4) | Reviewed on May 1st, 2008
I had a great time at the Ugly Mug, although there was definitely a lot of room for improvement in the service. I’m never able to relax until I know my beer is at least on it’s way, and after waiting for about 10 minutes as the server passed us up multiple times, I just went to the bar.
Whatever, the beer was tasty, and at $2.50 a pint it was a great deal. It was also fun to hear first hand from Jeff all about the beer and how they taste-tested many different concentrations, ending up with the 25/1 beer to coffee ratio. Oh and I should mention that even though the server was non-existent, we did manage to order some food. It was bountiful, we must have had 5 enormous chicken tenders, only they were actually full chicken breasts, and the mini hamburgers were more like quarter pounders. I’d go back, but I’d sit at the bar.
A distant memory
Week 17: Lake Superior Sir Duluth Oatmeal Stout (April 21–27) | Reviewed on April 21st, 2008
Ok, truth be told I’m only writing this review because the page throws a bunch of errors when there aren’t any reviews. So I plan to retaste this beer on Saturday when the wife and I get back from our vacation in San Antonio. I remember really liking this beer. We had a sampler pack when we went snowboarding at Lutsen a few months ago, and the Oatmeal Stout was my favorite. So with that distant memory, I’ll give it a solid 4.
Hidden in the cave of mystery
Week 15: Brewer's Cave Golden Caramel Lager (April 7–13) | Reviewed on April 8th, 2008
This has to be one of the most intriguing beers I’ve reviewed thus far. Just think about it, all of the other Minnesota beers say right on the label where they come from, and usually they point you to a web site where you can find out more info. BORING! Brewer’s Cave keeps you on your toes with it’s mysterious label stating “Handcrafted by the Blue Diamond Brewing Company” and lack of web site. Continue reading Hidden in the cave of mystery
Hostel Warlock
Week 13: Flat Earth Winter Warlock (March 24–30) | Reviewed on March 30th, 2008
What if instead of suggesting food pairings they had recommended movies to watch while tasting a beer? I certainly don’t think anyone would recommend Hostel Part 2, which is what we watched last night while I drank my Warlock. But I definitely think over-the-top horror is the right genre. Texas Chainsaw Massacre, The Descent, or even Hostel Part 1, would be good. Not just because of the name Warlock, but because you need a 9%+ alcohol drink to make it through one of these. What do you think Jeff?
Happy St Patty’s Day!
Week 12: Finnegans Irish Amber (March 17–23) | Reviewed on March 17th, 2008
I had a lot of different “Irish” drinks over the weekend: Irish Eyes, Black and Tan’s, Black and Blues, and Finnegans. Finnegans was by far the best session drink. Our fridge was extra full so we left the 12 pack of Finnegans outside during the day and then just had it sitting on the kitchen table for the evening. I found Finnegans to be much tastier as it warmed up a bit. I use this term probably too often, but I thought it tasted creamy. I wish I could say that I tasted the potato, but really it was just a nice light and crisp amber beer. I’ll definitely be having another one today.
I’m going to go grab another
Week 11: Schell Pilsner (March 10–16) | Reviewed on March 13th, 2008
I am just finishing up my second Schell Pilsner and man I feel good. I think it helps that I also just watched two episodes of It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia with some coworkers. That is some funny stuff. Anyway, I have to agree with most of the reviews…this is a good classic pilsner. I’ve been on such a “drink good beer only” kick (ie. always trying new varieties that cost too much) that I’ve forgotten what a traditional beer tastes like. And let me tell you, it tastes good. I’m going to go grab another.
The nighttime, sniffling, sneezing, coughing, aching, stuffy head, fever so you can rest medicine
Week 10: Lake Superior Special Ale (March 3–9) | Reviewed on March 9th, 2008
This weekend I’ve been testing the theory that you can beat a cold by drinking alcohol. Despite a valiant effort, I’m still sick, and the worst of it is that I didn’t enjoy a single beer I drank. That is until the sweet nectar of Lake Superior Special Ale made contact with my tongue just minutes ago. Despite my taste buds being all out of whack, I’m enjoying this beer very much. Kinda reminds me of a Summit Pale Ale but a little sweeter. As Ange mentioned, and I’m sure Chuck will be pointing out, the only bummer is the labels. They’re lacking the personality that the beer has.
with a name like that
Week 9: Brau Brothers Frame Straightener (February 25–March 2) | Reviewed on February 29th, 2008
So I shared a bottle of Frame Straightener with the wifey on Sunday and enjoyed it overall. I was pretty shocked to see Nick’s review, but I figured he just had some beef (like his girlfriend left him for one of the Brau Brothers or something). Then I saw a few more of the “bad batch” reactions so I went out and bought another six pack last night to try again. It still tasted good to me, but I agree that it’s just missing a bit of the impact…like Josh said, it tasted a bit watered down. Truth be told, I think the real reason I’m bothered by this lack of “pow” is that with a name like Frame Straightener you expect a powerful flavor. Oh well, I still like it and will have no problem finishing off the sixer.
Beer and baby, both enjoyable
Week 8: Flat Earth Cygnus X-1 (February 18-24) | Reviewed on February 18th, 2008
I shared a bottle of Cygnus X-1 with my friend Kase as I got to meet his new baby Miles tonight. Both the beer and the baby were quite enjoyable. I would also describe both as light, Miles because he’s a 7 lb baby, and the beer because despite the creamy flavor it felt crisp and light in my mouth. The similarities end there for I did not taste the baby, much to Kase’s relief. I will definitely be having more of this beer, and I hope to be invited back to see Miles again.
Two of 2 is one too many
Week 7: Surly 2 (February 11-17) | Reviewed on February 15th, 2008
I tried Surly 2 in small sample size at Winterfest last friday towards the end of the night. I was getting pretty toasted so the different beers were beginning to merge into one glorious happy generic beer. Then Surly 2 came through and it was like someone stabbed a straw through my throat and began pouring cranberry-flavored cough syrup in. I quickly asked for a tea-bagged furious.
Then on Monday Rebekah and I met up with Erin, Ben, and Josh at the Blue Nile for an official sampling. This time I enjoyed it. I think partly because I didn’t have a bunch of other beers fresh on my tongue, but also because I was able to get past the initial shock of flavor. I ended up finishing Erin’s as well, and I’d say two of 2 is 1 too many.
Thank you Herk
Week 6: Herkimer Meet Up, Alt Bier (February 4-10) | Reviewed on February 10th, 2008
Herkimer, I got nothin but love for you. You were a most gracious host on Wednesday for the first official Brew52 meet up. You brew a mean Alt Bier, which I found to be nice and hoppy, not too bitter, and actually quite creamy. You also make some really tasty dipping sauces. I especially enjoyed dipping my mini burgers in your tangy ketchup. Yum. Thanks for supporting Brew52 and I look forward to tasting more of your great beers. Oh and even though I didn’t take advantage of it, thanks for having a shuffleboard!
Wait, did I grab the EPA?
Week 5: Summit Winter (January 28-February 3) | Reviewed on February 1st, 2008
Not because of the taste, this definitely tastes different, and I really liked it. But when I was at the liquor store I had to double check to make sure it was the Winter and not the EPA. They just look so similar. From a brand perspective it’s important to have consistency across beers, but I’d like to see a bit more uniqueness. Continue reading Wait, did I grab the EPA?
Heavy on the Hype, I mean Hop
Week 4: Surly Furious (January 21-27) | Reviewed on January 27th, 2008
Don’t get me wrong, I love Surly, and I really enjoyed my can of Furious, but there’s something going on here. Something more than just the beer. Let me take a minute to throw out a few ideas on what’s gotten everyone so hyped up about Surly. Continue reading Heavy on the Hype, I mean Hop
If they mated
Week 3: Flat Earth Belgian Pale Ale (January 14-20) | Reviewed on January 14th, 2008
You know the segment on Conan O’Brian “If they Mated” where they show what the child of two completely different celebrities might look like? After a few you start to expect an ape-faced manish woman with some sort of beard or mustache, lipstick and a huge schnoz. Continue reading If they mated
the perfect morning beer
Week 2: Gluek Honey Bock (January 7-13) | Reviewed on January 6th, 2008
This morning I found myself doing something out of the ordinary because of a Wordpress technical limitation. The week 2 beer page will only show up if there is a post associated with it. So what’s a not-too-techy guy like me going to do? Certainly not hack the code in Wordpress, but rather hack the code to my morning routine by adding a line that says “if it’s Monday morning, insert Gluek Honey Bock into mouth and write a review.” Continue reading the perfect morning beer
Reminds Me of Summer
Week 1: Schell Snowstorm (January 1-6) | Reviewed on January 1st, 2008
I cracked a Snowstorm expecting to have some dark winter stout. I was totally caught off guard when the beer tasted more like the Hefeweizen I brewed in the late summer. I quickly turned the bottle around and read that the Schell Brewmaster tries out a different recipe for Snowstorm each year and that this year it was brewed with a Belgian yeast. What an awesome idea! I couldn’t really taste the raisins or rum that they describe, but it definitely has a light, slightly fruity taste. A little bit of summer was just what I needed on a cold-ass Minnesota day.