Month: June 2016

Posted on: June 23, 2016 Posted by: James McQuiston Comments: 0

Battleground (Mantra Brewing)

Battleground is Mantra Brewing’s farmhouse ale, an effort that pours with a hazy dark-yellow to gold color. There is a solid amount of whitish head that laces its way down the glass. The head (and lacing) is tenacious, but does ultimately fade. The nose of Battleground has heavy amounts of grain and floral elements present, while the initial sip of the ale is surprisingly dense in terms of flavors. Bits of…

Posted on: June 22, 2016 Posted by: James McQuiston Comments: 0

Dreamliner Travel Bassinet

A major cause for concern for parents that are out on the road is that their child will be intimated by their new surroundings. We were at the Glidden House Hotel in Cleveland, Ohio a few weeks ago and got little in the way of rest because our daughter did not feel comfortable and cozy enough to fall asleep. To combat this feeling of loneliness, Diono offers their Dreamliner Travel Bassinet. 

Posted on: June 20, 2016 Posted by: James McQuiston Comments: 0

Akron Ale Fest this Saturday, 6/25

Over the course of the last few years, the microbrewery scene in Akron has caught fire. It makes sense that Akron would have a celebration about these breweries, and on Saturday (6/25) at The Trolley Barn (47 N. Main Street), the first Akron Ale Fest will take place. A variety of long-time and newer microbreweries will be serving at the event. Thirsty Dog, Mucky Duck, Aqueduct Brewing, R. Shea, Hoppin’…

Posted on: June 20, 2016 Posted by: James McQuiston Comments: 0

Shenanigans Summer Ale (Indeed)

Shenanigans Summer Ale is Indeed Brewing’s latest seasonal, and it looks to capture the lawnmower beer market. At the base level, there is no denying that Shenanigans is able to revamp the wheat ale format in a fashion that few beers can. The ale has a good amount of wheat and grain elements that are married to a small hint of bitterness at the conclusion of each sip.

Posted on: June 20, 2016 Posted by: James McQuiston Comments: 0

Rod Melancon – “Perry”

Rod Melancon is able to create a smart sort of indie rock with his latest single “Perry” that builds off of a framework that utilizes hints of early Goo Goo Dolls, Tom Petty, Bruce Springsteen, and The Replacements. Strong guitar work and a dusty set of vocals make for something that works.

Posted on: June 20, 2016 Posted by: James McQuiston Comments: 0

Joanna Wallfisch – Moons of Jupiter

Joanna Wallfisch’s Moons of Jupiter is a tender track, linking together a playful piano line with a dreamy set of vocals. The single is given further depth through the contributions of the The Sacconi String Quartet. While Moons of Jupiter is an effort that draws heavily on classical compositions, what results with the single is something that could easily find its way onto pop stations. Unlike many other poppy efforts, there is…

Posted on: June 20, 2016 Posted by: James McQuiston Comments: 0

Majestic – Beast Mode / Fake Life

Fake Life starts with a deep and dark beat that calls comparisons to gangster music, 50 Cent, and Rick Ross singles. The energy brought the cut by Majestic’s vocals is reminiscent of artists like Tech N9ne and Brotha Lynch Hung. A bit of screwed and chopped lyrics provide further variety to the track, while the intensity of Majestic’s vocals keep the replay value of the song high.

Posted on: June 19, 2016 Posted by: James McQuiston Comments: 0

Moon Phase (Fort Point Beer Co.)

Moon Phase, from Fort Point Beer Co (San Francisco, CA) pours with a bronze to moderately brown coloration with a fair amount of slightly off-white head. The nose of the brew is fairly mysterious; light hints of brown sugar and malt can be discerned. Individuals will not receive their first full experience with the brew until their first sip, which comes forth with hints of dark fruit, toasted malt, brown…

Posted on: June 18, 2016 Posted by: James McQuiston Comments: 0

A few moments with Tara O’Brien, “Unchained”

Can you give us a little background information about yourself as a performer?             Of course! I’ve been playing piano since the age of 4. Let me preface all of this with the following story: It all started when I would spend my afternoons at my neighbor’s house. She was a voice coach and I would watch every lesson as she would play the piano, do vocal exercises, and have…

Posted on: June 17, 2016 Posted by: James McQuiston Comments: 0

Dire Wolf Canis Mexicanus (Wolf’s Ridge)

Canis Mexicanus is a spiced version of Wolf’s Ridge Russian Imperial Stout, Dire Wolf. The beer pours with a dark brown coloration and only the smallest in the way of head. The initial nose of Canis Mexicanus is heavy with chocolate and a hint of cayenne pepper. The first sip of the RIS will yield an assertive cinnamon, cayenne, and black coffee set of flavors. After a few moments to open…