Viking Brewing [Archive] - Realbeer.com Beer Community

TOBP_Steve

03-03-2005, 04:28 PM

Anybody have regular access to any beers from this brewery?

http://www.vikingbrewing.com/

If so, is it any good? I've heard enough good things about it, and it had a good write-up in a guidebook to Wisconsin breweries that I own, that I'm willing to trade to get some. I live near Atlanta, so I have excellent access to Sweetwater, Atlanta Brewing Co, and Terrapin, if that interests anyone.

newportstorm

03-03-2005, 04:40 PM

Here's some reviews:

Randy Moss was here (http://www.beeradvocate.com/beer/review/683/)

An average score of 3.42 for the entire lineup - not stellar. The Big Swede and Whole Stein seem to score well, while the rest are hit or miss. Had never heard of them - thanks for tossing out the name.

Cheers!

danno

03-03-2005, 04:55 PM

I've had a couple of them (Abbey Normal, Mjod, and Rauch), they're not bad, but not spectacular. several of my club members went out there for a tour, and came back completely unimpressed. it's probably not good form to pass on unverified stories about breweries, so I won't... they distribute here to the Twin Cities, but it's one guy and a minivan, so distribution has been spotty.

TOBP_Steve

03-03-2005, 05:15 PM

Thanks for the heads-up. If it's nothing impressive, then I'll just check them out next time I'm in Wisconsin (I have in-laws up there, but they live a couple hours from anywhere Viking distributes to).

A bigger priority is to hit New Glarus when I'm there. Thankfully, New Glarus DOES distribute to the part of Wisconsin that I visit, so I'll be stocking up this summer.

chazwicke

03-03-2005, 05:29 PM

Welcome to the board TOBP_Steve. I had not heard of them either but looked at the map and I see it is above Eau Claire. They weren't there last time I was up in that neck of the woods. There was another brewpub in the vicinity but I can't remember the name. Also the Leinenkugel tour in Chippewa Falls is pretty good even if they are owned by Miller.

I looked it up. the other one I was at was:

http://www.northwoodsbrewpub.com/

steveh

03-03-2005, 05:38 PM

Originally posted by TOBP_Steve
A bigger priority is to hit New Glarus when I'm there. Thankfully, New Glarus DOES distribute to the part of Wisconsin that I visit, so I'll be stocking up this summer.

Welcome Steve.

Seems to me Viking was called something else previously...

And New Glarus distributes all over Wisconsin...in fact, they distribute only in Wisconsin these days!

New Glarus is a self-guided tour, not terribly interesting unless there's someone who may answer questions. The sampling is nice, but there's a great tavern/restaurant in town (3 or 4 blocks away) called Glarner Stube that has fresh NG on tap and wonderful food and atmosphere - worth a visit.

S.

http://www.swisstown.com/dining.htm scroll about half-way down the page.

TOBP_Steve

03-03-2005, 05:46 PM

I knew about NG distributing only in Wisconsin, but let's face it, there are some towns where you're just not going to be able to find it....some places are just TOO blue collar. But, nothing but Pabst and Blatz signs on bars does have its charm too.

I've been to the Leinie's brewery. Not the best beer in the world, but I have a HUGE amount of respect for their small-town loyalty, keeping that place open. And, they give a GREAT brewery tour, with free samples at the end (so does Point Brewing, in Stevens Point).

I've had the NG Uff-Da Bock, and wish I could get it down here. I wasn't too wild about the Spotted Cow, but will keep going back to them. Thanks for the info about the tour. I need a good guided tour, or I start to lose interest.

davesarman

03-03-2005, 05:55 PM

As coincidence would have it, I found a new paint store the other day and they were carrying Viking product, the first time I'd seen it in retail stores here, although I'd had their beers at some fests before. I'd concur with most, that their beer is ok, but not outstanding. If you'd like some, I'd be happy to send some your way, as I did pick up a few bottles the other day. As for New Glarus, I WISH they would distribute to Minnesota. I always have my brother who lives in WI "smuggle" me some whenever he comes to visit.

danno

03-03-2005, 06:08 PM

Originally posted by steveh
Welcome Steve.

Seems to me Viking was called something else previously...
no, they're a fresh startup, built in an old creamery...

TOBP_Steve

03-04-2005, 02:41 PM

Originally posted by davesarman
As coincidence would have it, I found a new paint store the other day and they were carrying Viking product, the first time I'd seen it in retail stores here,

Somehow, there's something unsettling about the idea of buying beer in a paint store. Or is that a Minnesota nickname for "liquor store"? In either case, it reminds me of Asahi Super Dry, which tasted a LOT like paint.

I'm now jonesin' for New Glarus. I might have to call my MIL and see if she can ship some down. I have no problem admitting I have the best MIL on the planet, every time she comes to Atlanta, she brings a case of Wisconsin beer for me.

chazwicke

03-04-2005, 02:45 PM

My MIL brings me German beer when she travels over there. Now...Whose MIL is better? LOL

Paint Store is the Realbeer name for beer store. Long story.

threecb

03-04-2005, 02:56 PM

Originally posted by steveh
Welcome Steve.

;)

and welcome!

tarapin

03-04-2005, 03:17 PM

TOBP_Steve,

If there is anything from NY you're interested in just let me know. I'd love to get something from Terrapin if ever given the chance... Thanks

TOBP_Steve

03-04-2005, 03:30 PM

Originally posted by tarapin
TOBP_Steve,

If there is anything from NY you're interested in just let me know. I'd love to get something from Terrapin if ever given the chance... Thanks

I actually wouldn't mind getting my hands on some Brooklyn beer. I'm originally from NJ, and loved it when I lived there. Also, I've been hearing great things about Victory, but you can't get it in Atlanta. I know Victory and Terrapin aren't exactly an even swap financially, but I'd be willing to work something out.

tarapin

03-04-2005, 03:34 PM

TOBP Steve,

When you get a chance check your pm under user cp in upper left corner of the screen.

fretlessman71

03-04-2005, 04:30 PM

Originally posted by TOBP_Steve
Somehow, there's something unsettling about the idea of buying beer in a paint store. Or is that a Minnesota nickname for "liquor store"? It's a nickname for liquor store that we acquired from a former member here. Don't worry; nobody is buying their beer from a REAL paint store! Welcome to the boards! :)

TOBP_Steve

03-04-2005, 05:02 PM

Originally posted by fretlessman71
It's a nickname for liquor store that we acquired from a former member here. Don't worry; nobody is buying their beer from a REAL paint store! Welcome to the boards! :)

I should've figured as such, but being a new member, it obviously threw me off seeing that.

And thanks for all the welcomes, people seem very nice around here.

fretlessman71

03-04-2005, 05:05 PM

So what does TOBP stand for? Tired Of Being Pregnant? :D

TOBP_Steve

03-04-2005, 05:41 PM

Originally posted by fretlessman71
So what does TOBP stand for? Tired Of Being Pregnant? :D

The Opinionated Beer Page (www.tobp.com). It's a beer review web site that a buddy of mine and I have been doing for about 8 or 9 years now. And no, I'm not here to subvert or compete with realbeer.com, I'm just expanding the horizons.

And until 2 months ago when my daughter was born, Tired of Being Pregnant could've been my wife's moniker. She's no longer tired of being pregnant, now she's just.....tired.

chazwicke

03-05-2005, 11:46 AM

I've been to your site plenty of times. Glad you're here to expand our horizons as well.

davesarman

03-11-2005, 10:03 PM

Had this beer tonight, here are my notes:

Medium malty aroma. Clean with no off aroma, so that is a good sign, as I’ve had some disappointing beers from them in the past. Their bottled beers are unpasturized and bottle conditioned, which makes freshness a key challenge. Deep amber color. Good carbonation, dense tan head about 1/4" thick. Slick, oily mouthfeel. Body is medium to big. Malt flavor is present, but not as dominate as I’d like. Hops are low, as they should be. A bit of yeasty, bready notes in the taste and mouthfeel. Perhaps this particular style of beer lends itself to being filtered. A cleaner finish, a bigger malt profile and we might have something here.

I have 3 other varieties that I purchased last week. I'll post them here, as I get to them. So far, there's a reason this brewery hasn't made a lot of noise in the last couple of years...

BluesHarp

03-11-2005, 11:36 PM

VIKING beer??? Let's see...starts out strong, fades near the end, and leaves you somewhat dissapointed; just doesn't live up to expectations?

:D

PS - purple didn't show up very well...kind of like an ex-receiver... Sorry, couldn't help myself...

davesarman

03-12-2005, 08:00 AM

LOL!! Good one! :p

Need any tickets to next years Super Bowl? I know someone that can set you up....

chazwicke

03-12-2005, 08:24 AM

I might be able to help you out with tickets too. I've got Redskins season tickets so this year when they go, I'll get first dibbs on SB tix.:D

davesarman

03-12-2005, 11:39 AM

Originally posted by chazwicke
I might be able to help you out with tickets too. I've got Redskins season tickets so this year when they go, I'll get first dibbs on SB tix.:D

Actually, that was a bit of a joke...have you heard about the hot water Coach Tice is in for scalping his and his players SB tix? From what I gather, it's a fairly common practice in the NFL even though it's expressly noted in NFL contract that it is not allowed. Sounds like a former player that has a grudge ratted him out. Our franchise is in quite a state of turmoil at the moment...

Robo

03-12-2005, 03:30 PM

But now you have Darren Sharper. That should fix everything.

BluesHarp

03-13-2005, 12:07 AM

...if "Sharpier" gets a chip on his shoulder, watch out...he still has the physical skills if utilized properly; he's good for at least one TD return every year.

davesarman

03-18-2005, 09:40 PM

Popped the bomber bottle of the Viking Juleol tonight. Label says "Malt bevearge with Spices Added". That leaves a lot of leeway on where this could go. Anyway, here are my notes:

Citrusy, lemony aroma with a slight toasted malt component. Color is a hazy, pale gold. Medium carbonation, thin, wispy white head. Body is light, mouthfeel is slightly slick. Taste is of light toasted malt, with prominant notes of nutmeg, ginger and clove. The spice notes are noticeable, but not too over the top. Seems like this would be better if the base beer were something a bit darker and bolder, like a dunkel. Finish is short and slightly spicy, a bit medicinal. Some hops appear in the back and finish, but are not very aggressive at all. Not all that interesting of a beer. Not horrible, but once is enough for me.

Not horrible, but it didn't do much for me. It's almost as if they had a similar idea to Bell's in releasing a lighter, spiced beer as their winter beer, which I give them credit for, but this one just seems, kinda, well....there.

Katefan00

03-18-2005, 11:28 PM

Hey there TOBPSteve, you caught my eye with the Sweetwater reference. I'll do about anything to get my hands on Sweet Georgia Brown; their Festive Ale is excellent as well.

Let me know if you ever feel like trading.

K.

davesarman

03-19-2005, 03:05 PM

This afternoon I'm having the "Whole Stein" beer.

Label descrbes this as "A Coffee Flavored Oatmeal Milk Porter". Aroma of coffee with creamer, that must be the "milk" part of the beer? Roasted malt as well. Pours very dark brown, nearly black. Mild carbonation, but a nice dense, tan head forms, but fades fairly quickly. Taste profile has chocolate and coffee notes. Roasted malt. A smoothness that is undoubtedly from the oatmeal. This is a very nice, robust, yet drinkable beer. Probably the best I’ve had so far from Viking. A breakfast beer, indeed!

More beers like this, and my impression of the brewery would be much more favorable.

davesarman

04-15-2005, 09:53 PM

Tonight I'm having the last of the Viking beers I bought some time back. Tonight it's the "Big Swede - Swedish Style Imperial Stout".

Swedish Style, eh? Aroma is roasty, creamy with notes of vanilla and banana. Pours dark, nearly black and thick. Head is thick and dark. Very tight bubbles, almost as if poured on nitro. Taste is roasty and malty. Vanilla and banana notes come in the middle, but the finish is roasted malt bitterness all the way. Alcohol is well hidden for an 8% beer. Out of the 4 or 5 beers I’ve had from Viking, I think this one is the best so far. Nice big beer, lots of flavor profiles to pick out and enjoy. This may not be a textbook Imperial Stout, but after all the labe DOES say "Swedish Style" Imperial Stout, not Russian. Good beer, I’d buy again.