Issue date: 9/2/05 Section: Arts & Entertainment

Let a new year of the esoteric recitation of beer knowledge begin. Yes, the County Line has returned, and I am the first douche to claim he knows more about beer than any other douche in the land. Freshmen, disregard this column, because you cannot imbibe this sweet nectar. And everyone else, bow down at my great knowledge of everything composed of hops, barley, yeast, and water.

In this issue, I will taste two beers from my hometown of Holland, Mich. They are both from the pale ale family, but offer quite a bit of deviation.

New Holland Brewery is named after the road on which it is brewed and specializes in beer with that hoppy taste. Their beers all share a distinct aftertaste that lingers in the mouth.

The Brewery was started in 1996 by a couple of guys who graduated from Hope College in Holland. The liberal arts college resembles Hendrix in size and many other categories, but back to the beer. The guys decided they wanted to brew beers with more taste than the breweries like Budweiser offered, so they established their own and have since begun shipping across the North Central and North Eastern United States.

One downside to their beer is that it is not sold in the Natural State, and another is that Michigan is not as wasteful as Arkansas. I say this because for every bottle or can bought in Michigan, the buyer must pay ten cents, which is refunded once the bottle or can is returned to the store. That means I paid 60 cents extra for the six-pack I brought back, and I'll never see that money again. Progressive, yes; good for Mark, NO.

India Pale Ales got their name because they were brewed to make the passage to India. Brewers added extra hops and increased the strength so that the beer would last. The extra alcohol content is always a plus, and the hops give the brew a bitter taste. If you can think of those "Bitter Beer Face" commercials and you like beers that make your face contort, then this beer is for you.

It is probably the hoppiest beer I have ever tasted and stacks up well against Diamond Bear Brewery's IPA. New Holland beers always have a great and long lasting aftertaste, but their IPA's aftertaste lasts longer and resembles a grapefruit. That might sound nasty, but my God it's delicious. And if you don't agree with me, agree with the 2004 World Beer Cup Judges that gave it the Gold Medal for American Style Strong Pale Ale.


Paleooza is a toned-down pale ale for those who do not enjoy the strong taste of Mad Hatter, but still enjoy the full, micro-brewed taste. It does not have the punch of their IPA, and they intend it to be the beer that everyone can enjoy. The aftertaste dissipates quickly, and the citrus taste is there, but not as noticeable.

I enjoy Mad Hatter more, but I would recommend Paleooza to those interested in a beer that has taste, but does not overwhelm.

Well, thank you for indulging my beer ego, and write me an email if you want me to bring a six-pack back from my next trip to the great, white North.

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