Brewery : Black Raven Brewing Co.
Jul0
Today I decided to take a trip to Black Raven Brewery in Redmond, WA. Black Raven serves up 7 brews including the classics, Hef Pale Ale, IPA, Porter and Stout. However they have a couple extras that are a little more unique. On the lighter side they have a Kristallweizen, which is a nice filtered wheat beer, light in color and alcohol. And to finish up, there is La Petite Mort. Meaning “The Little Death” in French (which is an innuendo FYI, in case you mention it in France) it is a strong Abbey Ale, running 8.8% ABV.
Kristale Wheat:
I began my journey with the lightest. The Kristale is a cross between a pilsner and a Hefeweizen. Very light and crisp, its light palate still contains some distinct flavors including light honey and banana undertones. Generally I’m not a big fan of light beers, but I would definitely take another look at this one.
The Good: Light and refreshing. For a Light beer I would drink it again.
The Bad: A bit too light, and the banana undertones (though prevalent in many beers due to the type of yeast) can be distracting.
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Hefeweizen:
Hefeweizen’s are a classic; Black Raven’s however, is an unfiltered version of the Kristale. Their differences are slight but noticeable. The Hef has a bit more of a bite, and a little fuller bodied. With a choice between the two I would take the Hef.
The Good: Same as the Kristale but with more body.
The Bad: The unfiltered version ends up with the same issues as the Kristale.
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Totem Pale Ale:
The Totem is a light amber ale. On first taste, it’s bitter, with the ESB malt smoothing out in the end. I’m not a big fan of bitters, but this Pale Ale might be worth a shot for IPA fans. The bartender tells me their IPA is even bitterer. The Totem Pale Ale rates a 38 IBU while the IPA pulls 68. *shiver*
The Good: It’s smooth and has some good flavors.
The Bad: A bit bitter, with a little too much hops. (But I’m biased)
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Obligatory beer sampler shot
Tamerlane Brown Porter:
I’ve moved past the lights, and entered the darks. My Expectations are high. The Porter… meets them. With a slightly smoky, nutty taste, this is a smooth brew. Not very sweet, there are Northwest hops and coffee undertones. Very enjoyable, and as my second favorite (and it’s not nitro) I’ll be taking this home in the growler.
The Good: Very tasty Porter. I love the full palate of flavors.
The Bad: Could be a bit smoother, and there is a touch of light bitterness.
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Morrighan Stout
This Nitro stout is yummy. A bit smoky, there is definitely a coffee flavor, with light mocha undertones. This nitro stout pours like a Guinness, and settles down into a beautiful head. The stout is smooth enough to drink all day, but still has the dry Irish stout satisfaction of a Guinness. Since I’m comparing to Guinness, I should state that the Morrighan has a solid, more flavorful set of tastes than a Guinness. Unfortunately because it’s Nitro I can’t take a Growler of this with me, shucks.
The Good: It’s Nitro. Lots of flavor. Would take over a Guinness any day
The Bad: I can’t take it home!
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La Petite Mort
This Abbey ale is also very tasty. The Belgium yeast leaves a bit of a spicy taste to this dark amber ale. Cloves, honey and banana are all light undertones. Additionally there is a very light tobacco flavor, which reminds me of my father smoking a cigar, while playing golf. I’m not sure if the innuendo of “The Little Death” quite compares to this brew as I was expecting a little more kick. As it stands you can barely even notice the 8.8% ABV, and honestly any more would be too much.
The Good: Enjoyable Abbey ale. Lots of flavor and a little more kick than the other Black Raven brews.
The Bad: The banana yeast is back, and it was a bit sweet. Still very good.
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Black Raven Brewing Co.
With 7 beers on tap made in house, only 1 of which is a seasonal (La Petite Mort) there is a beer for everyone here. The wait staff was friendly in the tap house, and overall the service was good. I was very satisfied with the sampler, and I shall go home and enjoy my Growler.
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Ellis Island Brewery – Las Vegas, NV
Jan2
First off this brewery is not for the faint of heart! I believe I ruined half a lung coming in here to get this review. The upside is the beers are fucking cheap! For three pints the total was $6 that is awesome as long as you don’t take into your health costs 
. I ordered a stout, the sexy beer mistress got a weisse and the fed goat got an amber.
My stout had no head and was the lightest I have had in awhile. And by awhile, I mean ever. It has a burnt coffee after taste and an initial bland taste. I can’t say much about the smell as the cigarette smell overpowers my nose. Another way to describe this beer is budweiser with food coloring thrown in.
The good: cheap beer and an ok selection.
The bad: smoke and smoke!
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