One-Eyed Pike (Brainerd Lakes Beer, Brainerd, MN)

I wasn't a big fan of Brainerd Lakes Beer's IPA, so took me a while to get up the courage (and not be distracted by other stuff in the fridge) to try their wheat beer.  Probably didn't help the beer much, but finally giving it a try.

Stark white head on top a effervescent straw gold ale. Light sweet malt in the nose with a slight tang of wheat and an extremely light spice from hop or yeast--not sure.  Sweet bready malt and cream corn in the taste with a better mouthfeel that expected from the looks of it.  Wheat shows up as well as light sharpness.  In nose and taste there's a mineral note that doesn't blend well.  If you're looking for a half a step above your basic macrobrew, this beer is adequate.

First Pull IPA (Brainerd Lake Beer, Brainerd, MN)

Picked up a new brewery at MGM after a grocery run.  Brainerd Lakes Beer is clearly going for an up Nort' feel with lakes inspired names.  First Pull refers to the sweet feeling of an outboard starting in one shot.  While I understand the metaphor, it's not an association I identify with strongly.

Excited to try a new brewery, but that didn't last long unfortunately.  Amber ale with golden highlights looks great in the class with a fluffy white head that falls to a heavy lace.  Citrus and heavy metallic over a sweet malt that isn't inviting.  Body is thin with an unpleasant twang from more than the hop bite.

While it's easy to root for a new brewery, this beer stalled in the glass.  Hopefully, I'll get a chance to try the beer at a festival or on site in the future to give it another chance.