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Hoppy’s first visit over Labor Day weekend was at Wedgewood Brewing in Middlebury. They opened in May 2016, moved to a larger facility in June 2021, and in May 2022 opened a production facility combined with an event center and concert hall. Their pub is music centered as shown in their decor and beer names and their stated purpose is “to build a brand; crafting high quality beverages while providing memorable experiences for our customers.”

While visiting, Hoppy sampled a Dire Haze Double IPA – Double dry hopped with Citra and Nelson hops. Described as having tasting notes of peach, passionfruit and pineapple. A tropical fruit salad hoppy ale! 8% ABV.

He also enjoyed a pint of Sound Trip American IPA – Brewed with Citra, Simcoe and Amarillo hops. Described as having tasting notes of tangerine, melon and sweet grapefruit. 7.6% ABV.

Pictures from the visit follow:

Hoppy visited a couple of Hoosier breweries over the Labor Day weekend. One of these was Mad Anthony Brewing in Fort Wayne. They celebrated their 25th anniversary in April 2023. They state, “we stake our claim on the quality and creativity of our beers and food as well as the clean facilities and friendly casual service we are known for.”

Hoppy enjoyed a Mosaic Moon Double IPA during his visit. It is described as an American style single hop IPA and a simple American grown grain bill allowing the hop to be front and center. The real star of this ale is the Mosaic hop which gives off a complex array of tropical fruit, pineapple, herbal and earthy characteristics. Much of the hop was used late in the boil preserving all of the character of the hop without going over the top in bitterness. 8% ABV, 65 IBU.

Pictures from the visit follow:

Hoppy’s next visit in Michigan was at HOMES Brewery in Ann Arbor which opened in April 2017. Their name is an acronym for the Great Lakes (Huron, Ontario, Michigan, Erie, Superior). Their focus is on hoppy and sour beers, but they periodically venture outside those styles. They serve Asian-influenced street food in their taproom/restaurant.

While visiting, Hoppy enjoyed quaffing a flight of five ales. These were as follows:

Pass Tea Michigan IPA – Brewed with Cryo Columbus and Citra, dry hooped with HBC-638 and Simcoe. Displays a clean crisp hop bite with pine and citrus character from the American hops. 5.4% ABV.

Same Same Different American IPA – This is their flagship IPA, brewed with Mosaic, Simcoe and Citra hops. Displays papaya and mango aroma with notes of tropical melon and citrus. 6.8% ABV.

Mirror Mask 2024 New England IPA – A new and improved version of one their favorite IPAs brewed with all Mosaic and Nectaron (NZ) hops. Described as very tropical with lots of guava and funky tropical fruit character. 7.4% ABV.

Hover Imperial IPA – This is part of their single hop DIPA series, brewed and DDH exclusively with Idaho 7 hops. 8% ABV.

Same Same Same Triple New England IPA – This is Same Same Different with a lot more grain and hops. This drinks maltier than SSD and has huge body with assertive and tropical hop character. 10/1% ABV.

Pictures from the visit follow:

Over Labor Day weekend Hoppy had the chance to visit a couple of breweries in Michigan. One of these was Ogma Brewing in Jackson. They will be celebrating their three-year anniversary on Saturday, October 12th. They describe their beer and food as, “delightfully different and dangerously delicious.”

While there, Hoppy enjoyed a flight of four ales. These were as follows:

Doom Claw, American IPA – Described as their signature IPA. A heavy metal crusher with citrus and pine. 7% ABV.

Heavy Lies the Crown (collaboration with Wax Wings Brewing – Brewed with Citra Incognito and Cryo Simcoe in the whirlpool. Dry hopped with NZ Nectaron, Citra, Cryo Simcoe and Kohia Nelson Hop Kief. 7.2% ABV.

Soul Whip Hazy IPA – Described as a tropical treat fermented and conditioned on tons of pineapple, toasted coconut and Madagascar vanilla beans. 7.25% ABV.

Honey Tongued Double IPA – Brewed with local wildflower honey from their good buds at Stellar Apiaries. A seasonal, slightly sweet, layered in flavor, citrusy and floral IPA. 9.5% ABV.

Pictures from the visit follow:

Hoppy visited Cynosure Brewing yesterday. They opened in 2016, and their focus is on lagers and Belgian styles. They strive for drinkability in their beers, making for eager anticipation of the next sip and the next glass.

While there, Hoppy quaffed a flight of the following:

Vivid Cold IPA – Featuring Lemondrop, Comet, and Idaho 7 hops. 7% ABV, 37 IBU.

Cynosure IPA – Described as brewed in the Pacific Northwest style, it has a citrusy, floral, spiciness in the aroma and flavors thanks to Citra and Centennial hops, and Columbus hops lend a zesty bitterness to the finish. Crystal, pale and wheat malts create a light amber color and a clean malty fullness to perfectly balance the hops. 6.4% ABV, 54 IBU.

Prickly Pear Gose – Described as fruity, sour and delish. 5.7% ABV, 14 IBU.

Triple – This Belgian Tripel style is described as pale gold in color, with subtle spice and fruit tones. It is deceptively smooth and drinkable despite being the strongest beer in their regular lineup. 9.4% ABV, 34 IBU.

Pictures from the visit follow:

Hoppy made his first visit to Turnagain Brewing on Saturday. They began production in June 2018 and their specialties are Belgian style ales and sours. They are committed to being an active and engaged community partner.

While there, Hoppy enjoyed a Taiga Belgian-style Tripel Ale. It is described as their take on this monastic classic which is loaded with Valley wheat and just a whisper of coriander and citrus zest.  It is stronger and, ironically, lighter in color than their Dubbel. 8% ABV, 20 IBU.

Pictures of the visit follow: