tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-88812846566227248022024-03-13T07:58:15.843-07:00Brew ReviewBrandon Easthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12862184588598498890noreply@blogger.comBlogger16125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8881284656622724802.post-59505294014156530432009-10-30T07:20:00.000-07:002009-11-09T12:27:33.565-08:00Black Tuesday! #3 beer in the world<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__pD6OWCDPIo/Sur25GACwmI/AAAAAAAAAMU/j8u4juy8ySU/s1600-h/bruery-black-tuesday-site.png"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 168px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__pD6OWCDPIo/Sur25GACwmI/AAAAAAAAAMU/j8u4juy8ySU/s200/bruery-black-tuesday-site.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398398564080730722" /></a> At this time Black Tuesday, is the #3 beer in the world according to <a href="http://beeradvocate.com/top_beers">Beer Advocate's Top Beers on Planet Earth</a>, right above Pliny the Younger, a Double IPA, and Westvleteren 12, a Trappist Quadruple. This past week one of most anticipated beers was released - Black Tuesday. Patrick Rue, founder and head brewer of The Bruery says that it was, “created on that now infamously dark Tuesday at The Bruery, using 2,500 pounds of grain, more than double any of the usual recipes, along with several different forms of sugar, Black Tuesday has grown into a massive, flavorful imperial stout that weighs in at a robust 19.5% alcohol. Aged in bourbon barrels for over a year, this midnight black stout is full of flavor: vanilla, burnt caramel, toasted oak, licorice, prunes and sherry-like oxidation.”<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__pD6OWCDPIo/Sur4bqPnDnI/AAAAAAAAAMc/FUOdNW231Qc/s1600-h/7731_1241910732507_1371484155_707551_5405300_n.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__pD6OWCDPIo/Sur4bqPnDnI/AAAAAAAAAMc/FUOdNW231Qc/s200/7731_1241910732507_1371484155_707551_5405300_n.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398400257436880498" /></a> <a href="http://thebruery.com/">The Bruery</a> is locatated in Plactntia, CA and unfortunately they don't distribute or ship to Texas. I was able to chat with Patrick Rue at the Great American Beer Festival and he gave me a sneak peak of Black Tuesday on tap. <br /><br />This past week I talked to Kevin at The Bruery and he said that they sold out of all 1,000+ bottles of Black Tuesday in three hours! Each bottle of Black Tuesday was $30 each and had a limit of three per person. See a photo gallery of the events <a href="http://www.ocregister.com/photos/black-tuesday-bruery-2626558-chocolate-rue"><span style="font-weight:bold;">here:</span></a> <br /><br />Besides <a href="http://www.russianriverbrewing.com/web/barrel.html">Russian River's Supplication wild ale</a>, this is the best beer i have ever experienced, hands down best Imperial Stout. Reviewing from good notes on Black Tuesday - really wish I could get a bottle of this!!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Appearance:</span> Poured black, sucking in the ambient light and showing a mocha head, tight carbonation. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Aroma:</span> vanilla, freshly baked - toasted biscotti, some oak, roasted coffee, some dark fruit - cranberry and currants come to mind, roasted pecans. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Taste:</span> is creamy mocha, vanilla, and oaky bourbon. So well balanced it's sick. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Mouthfeel:</span> is smooth, chewy, but lends a pleasant viscosity. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Drinkability:</span> Not fusel at all, Black Tuesday is 19.5% but drinks like 9%. <br /><br />This is a <span style="font-weight:bold;">5/5</span><br /><br />So beautifully executed. Patrick is a pioneer and a true alchemist - blending art and science into something that really speaks volumes of American ingenuity.<br /><br />If this couldn't get any better The Bruery, celebrated the event with Chocolate Rain (Black Tuesday W/ Vanilla Bean Cocoa Nibs)! Wow, sounds completely insane!<br /><br />Video from Black Tuesday:<br /><object width="400" height="225"><param name="allowfullscreen" value="true" /><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always" /><param name="movie" value="http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=7322604&server=vimeo.com&show_title=1&show_byline=1&show_portrait=0&color=&fullscreen=1" /><embed src="http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=7322604&server=vimeo.com&show_title=1&show_byline=1&show_portrait=0&color=&fullscreen=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" width="400" height="225"></embed></object><p><a href="http://vimeo.com/7322604">The Bruery - Black Tuesday</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/user2551085">benjamin weiss</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com">Vimeo</a>.</p>Brandon Easthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12862184588598498890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8881284656622724802.post-32079982763488981592009-08-17T16:56:00.000-07:002009-08-17T17:26:17.806-07:00Cold Brew for Cold Feet<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__pD6OWCDPIo/SonvUYbcc9I/AAAAAAAAAL0/nID6o7oYTkY/s1600-h/100_3547.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 133px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__pD6OWCDPIo/SonvUYbcc9I/AAAAAAAAAL0/nID6o7oYTkY/s200/100_3547.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371087164050011090" /></a> Next month will mark the 4th year anniversary with my loving and beautiful wife Anne. Since then, I have developed an obsession with craft beer and she has developed quite the patience and tolerance. Unquestionably, one of the hottest topics that must be dealt with when planning a wedding reception is what alcohol (if any) to serve and how much to buy. Your budget and moral beliefs should play a major role in that decision.<br /><br />Typically, your caterer will run your bar. Most provide everything from glassware, bartenders, and nonalcoholic drinks to mix with the spirits. What they serve, however, is negotiable; as is the amount you'll spend.<br /><br />We had an open wine and beer bar at our reception, no liquor. If one goes to a wedding and there is wine being served, the choice most often is simply "red or white." Why can't there be a choice for beer, "ale or lager?" People don't abstain from drinking wine because it's not specifically Caymus or Chateau Guiraud ; they're there for the event, and the occasion, and they're going to drink what's presented to them. Beer is easier to splurge on than wine and will allow for a bit of spark and uniqueness to your reception. Your wedding planner should be versed on beer as much as they are versed on wine, but most aren't. <br /><br />Ale:<br /><a href="http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/83/248">Hoegaarden White Ale</a> 5.28G $80.27<br /><a href="http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/337/17492">Saint Arnold Elissa IPA</a> 5.18G $80.27<br /><a href="http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/10097/311">Harpoon IPA </a>5.29G $71.21<br /><a href="http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/10099/9086">Dogfish Head 120 minute</a> DIPA (<span style="font-weight:bold;">21% ABV</span>!) 5.25G <span style="font-weight:bold;">$219.99</span><br />(Prices and volume found on <a href="http://specsonline.com/">SpecsOnline.com</a>. Ask your favorite/neighborhood beer retailer about ordering craft kegs.)<br /><br />Your wedding is probably the biggest party you and your spouse will ever throw, so don't skimp on the beverage selection. Allow your guests to have a great time so they'll dance and stay longer...and refuel to do the 'worm' on the dancefloor. <br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__pD6OWCDPIo/SonwisdTVmI/AAAAAAAAAL8/Q4anamD6ywY/s1600-h/wedding-koozies-small.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__pD6OWCDPIo/SonwisdTVmI/AAAAAAAAAL8/Q4anamD6ywY/s200/wedding-koozies-small.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371088509456307810" /></a>PS - Rethink about the buying the <a href="http://www.koozieguy.com/wedding.html">wedding beer koozie</a>. Nobody wants to stand around at parties, post-reception and drink beer out of a koozie emblazoned with the slogan "Love Is All Around" or "Love Nick and Jessica 4-Ever." A friend of mine, Tyler Coco has quite the affinity for these stubby, personalized insulators with a collection of roughly 30 wedding koozies. Email me pictures of your favorite/hilarious wedding koozie.<br />_________________________________________________________________________<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__pD6OWCDPIo/Son0N9yysYI/AAAAAAAAAME/dr5bI-kNIm0/s1600-h/Lone+Star.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 113px; height: 200px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__pD6OWCDPIo/Son0N9yysYI/AAAAAAAAAME/dr5bI-kNIm0/s200/Lone+Star.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371092551379104130" /></a><span style="font-weight:bold;">Lone Star</span><br />Lone Star Brewing Company<br />San Antonio, TX<br /><a href="http://lonestarbeer.com/">LoneStarBeer.com</a><br /><br />Appearance: 2<br />Smell: 1<br />Taste: 2<br />Mouthfeel: 2<br />Drinkability: 3<br />Overall = 1.9 (<span style="font-weight:bold;">D-</span>)<br /><br />Style: American Adjunct Lager<br />Alcohol By Volume: 4.65% Availability: Year Round <br />Sample Size: 12oz. dark brown bottle <br />Pairings: Cuisine: Fried Chicken, BBQ<br />Cheese: Monterey Jack, Asadero<br />Glassware: Not recommended – drink out of the bottle or can<br />Average Price: $4.99 six-pack<br /><br />When ordering a Lone Star bottle, ask for the cap – underneath is a picture puzzle, which may spark conversation or simply allow you to waste time instead of watching little kids dance with all the best looking ladies. <br /><br />The 1.5” white foam quickly disappears from the transparent, pale yellow liquid. At first draw, Lone Star brings strange aromas of processed canned chicken broth, corn adjuncts, and wet grain sack…better drink this from the bottle. When the fizzy brew hits the lips, alcohol is most prominent with a slight metallic tinge which allows flavors of purple grape peel, canned cream corn, and bran cereal to dominate - zero hop profile. Thin carbonation somewhat creamy from the adjuncts. If I was at a bar and they had $1 Lone Star (Thursday's at Pacesetter), I could drink a few of these – from the bottle. <br /><br />Now I understand why I never thought to sample Lone Star from a pint glass before this review. The saving grace of this beer is the price and ultimately the picture puzzles beneath each cap. See below and try to figure out each puzzle. Lone Star winning 2 gold medals at GABF is beyond me. <br />______________________________________________________<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__pD6OWCDPIo/Son04cGyE9I/AAAAAAAAAMM/O2as1RmYAys/s1600-h/Hoegaarden.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 105px; height: 200px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__pD6OWCDPIo/Son04cGyE9I/AAAAAAAAAMM/O2as1RmYAys/s200/Hoegaarden.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371093281070519250" /></a><span style="font-weight:bold;">Hoegaarden Original White Ale</span><br />Brouwerij van Hoegaarden<br />Hoegaarden, Belgium<br /><a href="http://www.hoegaarden.com">hoegaarden.com</a><br /><br />Appearance: 4<br />Smell: 4.5<br />Taste: 4<br />Mouthfeel: 4<br />Drinkability: 4.5<br />Overall = 3.75 (<span style="font-weight:bold;">A-</span>)<br /><br />Style: Witbier<br />Alcohol By Volume: 4.90%<br />Availability: Year Round<br />Sample Size: 11.2 oz (330ml) light brown bottle<br /><br />Pairings:<br />Cuisine: salad, seared scallops, mussels & fries <br />Cheese: Edam, Pepper Jack<br />Glassware: pint glass<br />Average Price: $8.99 six-pack<br /><br />Pronounced ‘WHO-Garden,’ this Belgian White Ale can be consumed quickly – chugged. Pierre Celis, famous for brewing the first batch of Hoegaarden beer in 1966 in Belgium, founded the Celis Brewery in Austin Texas, which was bought out by Miller in 2001. <br /><br />The rich frothy collar rests atop the yellowish cloudy brew and suggests a white aurora towards the bottom of the pint glass. Aromas are reminiscent of orange Creamsicle, coriander, and some faint Big League Chew original bubblegum in the back. Citrus (lemon and orange) flavors, pale wheat, clove, and a clean hop profile to create a wonderful and refreshing beer, perfect for a wedding or a day in the backyard with friends.Brandon Easthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12862184588598498890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8881284656622724802.post-40495009434626616832009-05-17T07:56:00.000-07:002009-05-17T18:13:26.408-07:00Quaffing heavenly Trappist brewsTrappist monks devout their entire life to the service of God and abandon all their possessions, making a vow of poverty, while splitting their time between prayer, charity, and manual work - that for some, include beer. Monks have always lived self sufficient - cultivating the land, making their own bread, butter, and cheese and in the northern European countries brewing their own beer. The monasteries are a place of study where monks have time to hone in the art of beer and cheese making - it was only until recent did the abbeys install ultra modern technologies to the service the monks' long brewing tradition. <br /><br />These Trappist workers produce a few styles all of which are what brewers call ''bottle conditioned,'' meaning that a small dose of sugar and yeast is added to each bottle just before it is sealed. Of the 171 Trappist monestaries only 7 today produce beer (Achel, Chimay, Koningshoeven, Orval, Rochefort, Westmalle, & Westvleteren) - and of these 7 only 3 are available in Texas: Chimay, Orval, and Westmalle.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__pD6OWCDPIo/ShCyl2Uo0EI/AAAAAAAAALQ/R213eLJxZSI/s1600-h/P1010231.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__pD6OWCDPIo/ShCyl2Uo0EI/AAAAAAAAALQ/R213eLJxZSI/s200/P1010231.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5336961921741017154" /></a>The most exclusive and rare of all Trappist breweries is the Brouwerij Westvleteren from the St. Sixtus Abbey (pictured), in the West Flanders region of Belgium, who produce a beer Abt 12 that many consider to be the world's best beer. The Westy bottlehas no label but sometimes has an embossed collar on the neck. <br /><br />The cap helps distinguish Westys. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__pD6OWCDPIo/ShC0K_1XzdI/AAAAAAAAALg/j_DCNnDMTqM/s1600-h/P1010321.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__pD6OWCDPIo/ShC0K_1XzdI/AAAAAAAAALg/j_DCNnDMTqM/s200/P1010321.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5336963659461021138" /></a>This beer alone has created a black market because of the ultra limited supply/distribution, insane demand, all coupled with the Monk's strict moral code that 'the beer is not to be commercialized.' In order to buy this beer, one must first place an order weeks in advance, travel to the St. Sixtus Abbey's drive up service station - typically waiting in very long lines, and finally are rationed out only a few cases per vehicle. The price of a case (4 six-packs) at the abbey typically run $48 but I have seen a single six pack on eBay run $170. Expensive? Well, yes - but remember, it is typically only the globetrotting millionaire who can afford one bottle of some of the world's best wine, which can start in the upper hundreds, if not thousands of dollars. I've seen friends and family not blink to a bottle of simple Dom Perignon (by the way who was a French monk) for $200+.I traded for the above pictured Westy 12s through BeerAdvocate.com. This is a wonderful way to get beers that you cannot get and to allow others to try local favorites that you are more easily able to acquire. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__pD6OWCDPIo/ShC09_FQ49I/AAAAAAAAALo/h1GdwJM1ZF8/s1600-h/P1010325.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__pD6OWCDPIo/ShC09_FQ49I/AAAAAAAAALo/h1GdwJM1ZF8/s200/P1010325.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5336964535432569810" /></a>Mark polishing off a 6 year old Westvletern 12 that he was gracious enough to allow me to sample.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__pD6OWCDPIo/ShCxLfP32DI/AAAAAAAAALA/AM899jJo5jc/s1600-h/OrvalTrappistAle.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 177px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__pD6OWCDPIo/ShCxLfP32DI/AAAAAAAAALA/AM899jJo5jc/s320/OrvalTrappistAle.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5336960369358788658" /></a> <span style="font-weight:bold;">Orval Trappist Ale</span><br />The Notre-Dame d'Orval / Brasserie d’Orval S.A.<br />Villers-devant-Orval, Belgium<br />Orval.be<br /><br />Appearance: 4.5<br />Smell: 4<br />Taste: 3<br />Mouthfeel: 4<br />Drinkability: 3<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Overall = 3.6</span><br /><br />Of all the Trappist brews, Orval is the oldest, founded in the 11th century by Benedictine monks. This brew stands unique from all the other Trappist ales because of a specific yeast strain, Brettanomyces (Brett) that lends quite a funky sourness to the brew <br /><br />Pours extremely hazed orange-copper, with a fluffy head letting convoluted aromas of rose hips, chamomile, granny smith apple, leather, and burlap sack. Flavors of wet hay, orange blossom water, lemongrass, petals, some wood, and a slice of hop bitterness towards the back – accumulating to a lingering body and light carbonation. <br />Orval can challenge the craft beer neophyte, but guarantees to remain etched in your memory as one of the most unique experiences one can have with brew.<br /><br />Style: Trappist Belgian Pale Ale<br />Alcohol By Volume : 6.90% <br />Availability : Year Round<br />Sample Size: 330ml brown bottle <br />Pairings: Cheese: Edam<br />Cuisine:<a href="http://spice-o-life.blogspot.com/2008/05/apricot-glazed-pork-chops-with-roasted.html"> pork chops with roasted Brussels sprouts </a><br />Glassware: Chalice, Tulip<br />Average Price: $4.69 each<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__pD6OWCDPIo/ShCxYuSgSKI/AAAAAAAAALI/-0WfKDKchPU/s1600-h/WestmalleTrappistAle.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 157px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__pD6OWCDPIo/ShCxYuSgSKI/AAAAAAAAALI/-0WfKDKchPU/s320/WestmalleTrappistAle.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5336960596734658722" /></a><span style="font-weight:bold;">Westmalle Trappist Tripel</span><br />Brouwerij Westmalle<br />Malle, Belgium<br /><a href="http://www.Trappistwestmalle.be">Trappistwestmalle.be</a><br /><br />Appearance: 4.5<br />Smell: 5<br />Taste: 4.5<br />Mouthfeel: 4.5<br />Drinkability: 4.5 <br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Overall = 4.6</span><br /> <br />Hazy orange color with frothy foam that falls to a beautiful lace. Nose is orange slice jelly candy, lemon zest, pear flesh, grass, and pink peppercorn. There’s a nice yeast spice, green apple, vanilla on the palate along with an open airy carbonation. Westmalle Triple is a very complex beer and as it warms brings a breadiness, pepper again, herbal notes, then the treasured candied sugar - crisp finish. Ultimately, a world-class beverage.<br /><br />Style: Tripel<br />Alcohol By Volume : 9.50% Availability : Year Round<br />Sample Size: 750ml corked & caged brown bottle with gold aluminum wrap <br />Pairings: Cheese: Limburger<br />Cuisine: eggs benedict & steamed asparagus with hollandaise / fresh mixed fruit<br />Glassware: Chalice, Snifter<br />Average Price: $11.99 eachBrandon Easthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12862184588598498890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8881284656622724802.post-30656273300269876942009-05-17T07:07:00.000-07:002009-05-17T07:53:48.661-07:00Nor Red or White - barleywine's brawny aristocracy<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__pD6OWCDPIo/ShAjLikfUbI/AAAAAAAAAKo/wZFYEwaT26U/s1600-h/P1010279.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__pD6OWCDPIo/ShAjLikfUbI/AAAAAAAAAKo/wZFYEwaT26U/s320/P1010279.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5336804239599423922" /></a>It was only until recently that I have come to treasure the intense and colorful depths of barley wine (barleywine). Despite its name, barley wine is no doubt a beer, albeit, a very brawny style, originally made by the English aristocracy who designed it to age, some up to 20 years. It did not arrive to the general public until around the late 1800s because it was much too expensive for a brewery to produce on a commercial scale. <br /> <br />Many English brewers had quite the affinity towards French vintners and this led them to create a style of strong ale, so named because many versions had a high alcohol content comparable to wines (8%-14%) of the same period. What transpired was a beverage that featured a big malt, fruity character with a sugary backdrop that warms like a fine sherry or tawny port. <a href="http://www.garrettoliver.com/">Garrett Oliver</a>, brewmaster of <a href="http://www.brooklynbrewery.com/">Brooklyn Brewery</a> describes the aroma of a 1992 Thomas Hardy (pictured is a 2007 & <span style="font-weight:bold;">1986</span>) as "so beautiful that it makes me want to cry. It contains universes." Stumped for words at the moment, Oliver reaches for comparisons to ‘oranges, raisins, plums, wildflowers, basil, old leather, freshly chopped wood, fallen leaves, black truffles.’ Unfortunately, there is not a single English imported barley wine available in Texas.<br /><br />With the rise of American brewing ingenuity, barley wine has taken on new heights with a much stronger hop addition than its English counterpart. Adding more hops during the boil of brewing lends more bitterness and aroma when fresh and a deeper tropical fruit character when aged; I prefer most American barley wine fresh. Richly aged barley wines are a perfect accompaniment for <a href="http://www.stiltoncheese.com/">Stilton blue cheese</a>, while fresh, hoppy barely wines can compliment with the sharpness of a farmhouse Cheddar. Beer and cheese is simply the better pairing – forget about wine, unless it’s a barley wine.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__pD6OWCDPIo/ShAj8GiDnVI/AAAAAAAAAKw/R5k-d_mEldU/s1600-h/HogHeaven.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 226px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__pD6OWCDPIo/ShAj8GiDnVI/AAAAAAAAAKw/R5k-d_mEldU/s320/HogHeaven.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5336805073886616914" /></a><span style="font-weight:bold;">Hog Heaven Avery Brewing Company</span><br />Boulder, Colorado<br /><a href="http://www.averybrewing.com">averybrewing.com</a> <br /><br />Appearance: 4.5<br />Smell: 4<br />Taste: 2.5<br />Mouthfeel: 2.5<br />Drinkability: 4<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Overall = 3.35</span><br /><br />Pours garnet with dark brown hues and a frothy crown of ecru foam. Fragrances of grapefruit, spearmint, caramel, woody spice, dried orange peel, and juniper berry round the aroma. As the brew warms it releases a pungent, astringent aroma of orange hand soap (GOJO and Fast Orange come to mind), quite awkward and unpleasant. A surprisingly flat taste hits the palate with not much more than light caramel, a nice balanced hop bitterness, and some faint soy sauce in the far depths. This finishes thin, watery and almost bone dry, the fine carbonation holds it together. At times, this brew can be dangerously drinkable because the alcohol sits in the back, undetected. Not quite what I expected from one of my favorite Colorado brewers. <br /><br />Style: American Barley wine<br />Alcohol By Volume: 9.25%<br />Availability : Year Round<br />Sample Size: 22oz. brown bottle<br />Pairings: Cheese: Limburger<br />Cuisine: Cherry Tart, digestive<br />Glassware: Snifter, Pint<br />Average Price: $6.49 each<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__pD6OWCDPIo/ShAkefA6gYI/AAAAAAAAAK4/eHYpr6O8Wuk/s1600-h/BigfootAle.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 206px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__pD6OWCDPIo/ShAkefA6gYI/AAAAAAAAAK4/eHYpr6O8Wuk/s320/BigfootAle.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5336805664574046594" /></a><span style="font-weight:bold;">Bigfoot 2009<br /></span>Sierra Nevada Brewing Company<br />Chico, California<br /><a href="http://www.SierraNevada.com ">SierraNevada.com </a><br /><br />Appearance: 5<br />Smell: 4.5<br />Taste: 4.5<br />Mouthfeel: 4.5<br />Drinkability: 3.5<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Overall = 4.5</span><br /><br />Amber waves of grain adorn the engaging ruby hued brew with a crown of tan foam. Sugar cookie, caramel, bitter lemon and grapefruit, with intense pine oil hop profile blankets the nose. The taste is very strong of malt then slips into a lip-smacking juicy hoppiness, with citrus rind and a medium dry feel on the palate. When it warms, there is some rum, fruit cake, raisins, and honey in the aroma. After a few sips, the sticky lace clings to the glass beautifully. Bigfoot could age beautifully for 2-5 years, but why wait - grab it now and save a couple for later. I really love this beer! <br /><br />Style: American Barley wine<br />Alcohol By Volume: 9.60%<br />Availability : Limited, yearly special release <br />Sample Size: 12oz. brown bottle<br />Pairings: Cheese: sharp aged Cheddar<br />Cuisine: Cheesecake, chocolate mousse and raspberries<br />Glassware: Snifter, Pint<br />Average Price: $11 six-packBrandon Easthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12862184588598498890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8881284656622724802.post-80135909878525027062009-01-18T11:55:00.000-08:002009-01-21T21:22:43.383-08:00Brew Bowl<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__pD6OWCDPIo/SXOKeweLMOI/AAAAAAAAAJM/DIop-ltSKeQ/s1600-h/noname.jpeg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 256px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__pD6OWCDPIo/SXOKeweLMOI/AAAAAAAAAJM/DIop-ltSKeQ/s320/noname.jpeg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5292726248102637794" /></a>The next time you’re at a bar or restaurant, notice the ‘beer menu’ and you’ll see 8-12 bottles displayed on a shelf that resembles a college freshman’s boastful brand display of binge drinking. These bottles may have shinny labels, be in green or clear glass, stuffed with adjunct grains, reign from USA, Mexico or Europe but are all the same brew - the <a href="http://beeradvocate.com/beer/style/38">American Adjunct/Light Lager. </a><br /><br />Brews made with adjuncts like corn, rice, and cheap cereal grains cut flavor and costs, all developed for mass-production and consumption. These tiny 12 oz form-fitted mass marketed pieces are built by large, macro companies who have a fractionalized portfolio that include different variations of the same style - many of whom will have their own $3 million spot during the <a href="http://www.nfl.com/superbowl/43">Super Bowl. </a><br /><br />We want real - real beer created not for the voluminous bottom dollar, but for taste and pure enjoyment, for just a few quarters more. It is important to notice that there are people creating products by hand with much attention to creativity, quality and craftsmanship that attract a small segment of the market with a very scaled marketing budget. The craft beer business and movement is a segment that has been widely unaffected by the tumultuous economy.<br /><br />Kickoff this bowl season and host your own Brew Bowl. For NCAA bowl games or Super Bowl, try to pick some brews from each participating city/region or something from the host city. If the city match up happens not to be in beers favor, like this year’s BCS National Championship between Oklahoma vs Florida in Tampa Bay or the Super Bowl in Miami then we must move to plan B. <br /><br />A true taste showdown. Cool down some macro adjunct lagers and some craft brews that are similar in stye. My recommendations: <br />1st Quarter: <a href="http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/29/1320">Bud Light</a> vs. <a href="http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/35/104">Sam Adams Boston Lager</a><br />2nd Quarter: <a href="http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/447/1719">Lonestar</a> vs. <a href="http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/337/1344">Saint Arnold Fancy Lawnmower</a><br />Halftime: Bathroom break, refuel - grab grub<br />3rd Quarter: <a href="http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/75/232">Corona </a>vs. <a href="http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/57/1283">Bohemia</a><br />4th Quarter: <a href="http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/105/2280">Miller Genuine Draft</a> vs. <a href="http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/345/1010">Victory Prima Pils</a><br /><br />Don’t forget to add other craft brews to the mix: Sierra Nevada Celebration or Bigfoot Barleywine, Victory Hop Wallop, Anchor Porter,<a href="http://www.southernstarbrewery.com/"> Southern Star Pale Al</a>e, Rogue Dead Guy Ale, New Belgium 2 Below, Kona Fire Rock<br /><br />Another idea is to have a beer cooking throwdown - beer brats, beer bread, or the below recipe for a Brew Con Queso. <br /><br />Brew Con Queso<br />Ingredients:<br /><br />* 1 bottle Saint Arnold’s Fancy Lawnmower beer<br />* 1 cup grated sharp Cheddar<br />* 1 cup grated Gorgonzola<br />* 1 cup grated Monterrey Jack<br />* 1 cup grated Colby<br />* 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour<br />* 1 small yellow onion, minced fine<br />* 1 tablespoon unsalted butter<br />* 1 8oz can of Rotel tomatoes<br />* Assorted hot peppers (use as many as you wish, fresh jalapeños seem to be the crowd favorite)<br />* Tortilla chips<br /><br />Direction & Notes:<br /><br />In a bowl toss the cheeses with the flour and reserve the mixture. In a large heavy saucepan cook the onion with the butter over low heat, stirring, until it is softened and clear (do not burn), add the beer, the can of Rotel, and the peppers (jalapeño), and simmer the mixture for 5 minutes. Add the reserved cheese mixture by 1/2 cupfuls to the beer mixture, stirring after each addition until the cheeses are melted, serve the dip with the chips.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__pD6OWCDPIo/SXf9fvwc5LI/AAAAAAAAAJU/pJHENUB1LQk/s1600-h/JANBREW121508_14A.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 147px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__pD6OWCDPIo/SXf9fvwc5LI/AAAAAAAAAJU/pJHENUB1LQk/s320/JANBREW121508_14A.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5293978608834766002" /></a><span style="font-weight:bold;">Fancy Lawnmower Saint Arnold Brewery </span><br />Houston, Texas<br />SaintArnold.com<br /><br />Appearance: 3.5<br />Smell: 4 <br />Taste: 4.5 <br />Mouthfeel: 4.5 <br />Drinkability: 5 <br />Overall = 4.25<br /><br />Kölsch is an interesting and rare style, as it is like a hybrid of a lager and an ale, reining from Cologne, Germany. Lawnmower is fermented using an ale yeast and is lagered, which means that it is cold-conditioned at lower temperatures (around 35° F) which in this case will lend a bit of sweet complexity with the ale yeast, yet will be quite crisp and mild with a lighter color. <br /><br />Lawnmower pours fizzy yellow with a dissipating crown of foam which smells of biscuity malt and slight purple grape with a fine hop accent. Taste parallels the aroma but with an additional hoppy lemon kiss at the end. Wow, this is one drinkable brew and the clean, crisp carbonation lends a fantastic mouthfeel. This brew won a gold medal at the 2007 Great American Beer Festival and two previous bronze medals in the same category. Try Fancy Lawnmower with the lobster quesadillas at Easy’s.<br /><br />Style: Kölsch <br />Alcohol By Volume : 4.90% <br />Availability : Year Round <br />Sample Size: 12oz. brown bottle <br />Pairings: Cheese: Cheddar, Monterey Jack <br />Cuisine: Salads, Seafood, Chips and Queso (see recipe) <br />Glassware: Slender Pilsner or Pint <br />Average Price: $7.99 six-pack<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__pD6OWCDPIo/SXgBBrNI7_I/AAAAAAAAAJc/Gl0mlozWUyg/s1600-h/JANBREW121508_22A.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 144px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__pD6OWCDPIo/SXgBBrNI7_I/AAAAAAAAAJc/Gl0mlozWUyg/s320/JANBREW121508_22A.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5293982490263351282" /></a><span style="font-weight:bold;">Bohemia</span><br />Cervecería Cuauhtémoc Moctezuma, S.A. de C.V.<br />Monterrey (Nuevo León), Mexico<br />ccm.com.mx<br /><br />Appearance: 3.5 <br />Smell: 4.5 <br />Taste: 4 <br />Mouthfeel: 4<br />Drinkability: 4.5 <br />Overall = 4.05 <br /><br />This is by far my favorite Mexican beer. When I’m craving Tex-Mex, I typically head to Carmella’s in Beaumont because they have this brew .... and some of the best chicken fajitas and guacamole. <br /><br />Spicy foods and alcohol simply don’t mix too well together because the alcohol acts as magnifying agent to the heat. When you choose a beer while eating heat, pick one with lower alcohol content - but please don’t forget flavor. Fats help to calm the fire and this is why I typically order guacamole or queso with the chips and hot sauce when drinking.<br /><br />Bohemia is light golden in color with decent head retention yet little lacing. Fantastic light floral and herbal hop aroma that you don’t get in most Mexican brewed lagers. Taste brings sweet malts, clear balance, and a clean finish with a considerate bitterness. Bohemia is a fantastic substitute for the American Adjunct Lager. <br /><br />Style: Vienna Lager <br />Alcohol By Volume : 5.30% <br />Availability : Year Round <br />Sample Size: 12 oz. brown bottle with gold aluminum wrap <br /><br />Pairings: Cheese: Monterey Jack, Colby Cuisine: TexMex<br />Glassware: Slender Pilsner or Pint <br />Average Price: $7.99 six packBrandon Easthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12862184588598498890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8881284656622724802.post-80343916484390262172008-12-16T12:37:00.000-08:002008-12-16T13:21:20.945-08:00AB - messaging in outdoor piece<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__pD6OWCDPIo/SUgamR_x4GI/AAAAAAAAAHs/Mk4NYQ9azcU/s1600-h/drinkABility.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 197px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__pD6OWCDPIo/SUgamR_x4GI/AAAAAAAAAHs/Mk4NYQ9azcU/s320/drinkABility.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280499808060170338" /></a>We see thousands of branding messages a week - how do these few spots grow roots through our saturated consumer minds?<br /><br />Bud Light is slicking us through subliminal advertising through their new outdoor ad to keep drinking Anheuser-Busch (AB). There is a unique, but whiney message in that piece - you’ll notice there is a bottle in place of the first ‘i’ in drinkabilty which allows the first seven letters to showcase a message, ‘DRINKAB’ <br /><br />It’s bit unsettling for me that AB sold out to InBev because it quickly untied a thread of our American culture. By the way, Anheuser-Busch InBev just cut 1400 jobs, 6% of their total workforce just week after their $53 billion takeover - an insight of what’s to come.<br /><br />Drinkability is simply gauged by a simple question, 'Could I drink another one of these?' No thanks AB-IB! I truly believe America has the best beer in the world - drink American craft beer and support your local breweries. Craft beer is a beverage that costs about the same as something like Bud Light and it provides less 'risky' opportunities to try than say a craft wine. Consume something that has creative stature and simply tastes better.Brandon Easthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12862184588598498890noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8881284656622724802.post-20568567311771015002008-12-02T07:53:00.000-08:002008-12-02T08:56:29.611-08:00Foam For The Holidays<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__pD6OWCDPIo/STViOxPeGwI/AAAAAAAAAHU/iUTMW6tfNjk/s1600-h/GBG%2520Launch%2520-%2520Beer%2520%26%2520Food4.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 147px; height: 200px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__pD6OWCDPIo/STViOxPeGwI/AAAAAAAAAHU/iUTMW6tfNjk/s200/GBG%2520Launch%2520-%2520Beer%2520%26%2520Food4.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5275230544410319618" /></a>Peeking up from a Christmas dinner prayer, I glance around the long table where family and friends have their heads intently bowed, eyes closed - each accompanied by a bounty of food and drink.<br /><br />Muted colors of informally portioned food: Candied pecan yams, squash soup, peppered cranberry turkey, cinnamon spiral ham, cornbread dressing, and fresh snap green beans, all pop with color when placed on the white China. Resting at both ends of the table are two carafes of wine that play only a small part in the beverage vehicles that await each guest. Yet, with five to seven other drink offerings... no beer. How did this happen? Where did beer get lost in the mix of forgetful gifts that many perceive as unseeingly gracious and unflattering as fruitcake?<br /><br />Reflecting, ‘I will not let this happen next year,’ I conjure how one could impress and wow a dinner table with new conversation, but without the pretentious perception of expensive wine. Bring beer!<br /><br />Beer also has its ostentatious crusaders. I meet too many self-proclaimed, ‘beer snobs.’ This moniker alone is averse to spreading the goodwill of good beer. Do not be a beer snob, as it will only intimidate potential brew advocates and not allow them the open-mindedness to simply have fun. That being said, beer deserves respect at the dinner table. During the holidays, people expect to try an abundance of items that in turn gives you a great opportunity to show your peers how to move beyond the wine list. Connect food with beer and create memories your guests may never forget.<br /><br />When guests arrive, open up conversation without a palate overkill with lighter brews like <a href="http://www.victorybeer.com/pils.html"><span style="font-weight:bold;">Victory </span>Prima Pils</a> or <a href="http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/35/104/"><span style="font-weight:bold;">Sam Adams Boston Lager</span></a>. Next, pair up salads and cheeses with pale ales like <span style="font-weight:bold;">Sierra Nevada </span>Pale Ale, <a href="http://www.saintarnold.com/"><span style="font-weight:bold;">Saint Arnold</span></a> Elissa India Pale Ale, or <a href="http://dogfish.com/"><span style="font-weight:bold;">Dogfish Head</span></a> 60 minute.<br /><br />Moving to dinner, think of beer as being the best thing to drink because wine in many cases is too acidic. Think of brew having <span style="font-weight:bold;">3 C’s</span> - It <span style="font-weight:bold;">cuts</span> fat and starches with it’s carbonation which literally scrubs your tongue and opens up the next bite. Beer also <span style="font-weight:bold;">compliments</span> many flavors like sweet, citrus sour, smoky, and then can <span style="font-weight:bold;">contrast</span> like bitter, salty, and sweet. With dinner try substituting wine for brew...or at least have it available. Replace a bright chardonnay or white with a Farmhouse Saison like <a href="http://www.thebrewsite.com/2006/03/04/saison_dupont.php">Dupont</a> or my favorite, <a href="http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/42/141/"><span style="font-weight:bold;">Ommegang</span> Hennepin</a> which yields great carbonation and an earthy, citrus flavor profile to go well with turkey and cranberries or candied yams. Other Belgian style beers like strong dark ales, dubbles, and quadruples like <a href="http://amsterdambar.blogspot.com/2008/02/beer-profile-chimay-red-white-and-blue.html"><span style="font-weight:bold;">Chimay </span>Red and Blue</a> or the reviewed St. Bernardus Abt 12 can help lift foods like roasted pork loin, spiral ham, and stuffing. <br /><br />So what for dessert? Brownies, truffles, chocolate, and ice cream can all go well with brews like <a href="http://www.merchantduvin.com/pages/5_breweries/lindemans_framboise.html"><span style="font-weight:bold;">Lindemans </span>Framboise</a> or <a href="http://www.bevmo.com/Shop/ProductDetail.aspx?productid=193"> Kriek</a> (raspberry or cherry beer) or especially darker stouts like <span style="font-weight:bold;">Young’s </span>Double Chocolate Stout or <a href="http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/610/1658"><span style="font-weight:bold;">Bear Republic </span>Big Bear Black Stout</a>.<br /><br />Finally, don’t forget about seasonal beer. Try <a href="http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/143/45591"><span style="font-weight:bold;">Shiner</span> Holiday Cheer</a>, that is brewed with pecans and <a href="http://www.stonewallpeaches.com">Stonewall Peaches </a>or my winter favorite, <a href="http://www.anchorbrewing.com/beers/christmasale.htm"><span style="font-weight:bold;">Anchor </span>Our Special Christmas Ale</a>.<br /><br />In addition to the fantastic pairings of beer and food, all the brews suggested are crafted suitably outside as well as inside to offer attractive table appearance, some of which are corked and caged like a Champagne bottle. <br /><br />Be the considerate gourmand at your next holiday dinner or party in which beer can be your way to revitalize the bountifulness this season.<br /><br />I am available to guide beer pairing parties, be it with cheese, hors d’oeuvres/tapas, BBQ, chocolate, or even a full 5-7 course dinner<span style="font-weight:bold;">. BrandonEast@gmail.com</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Cheers and Happy Holidays! </span><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__pD6OWCDPIo/STVatiIyMnI/AAAAAAAAAHM/N7Qa52Rnh1c/s1600-h/StBernardusAbt12_reshoot.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 106px; height: 200px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__pD6OWCDPIo/STVatiIyMnI/AAAAAAAAAHM/N7Qa52Rnh1c/s200/StBernardusAbt12_reshoot.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5275222276838666866" /></a><span style="font-weight:bold;">St. Bernardus Abt 12 </span><br />Brouwerij St. Bernardus NV <br />Watou, Belgium<br />SintBernardus.be<br /><br />St. Bernardus Abt 12 is a Quadruple that reigns from Belgium and is brewed by Trappist monks in the small region of Flanders. Much of the proceeds from the beer are collected to sustain their livelihood and local charities.<br /><br />Color is dark pomegranate and brown hues with unbleached linen color foam that dissipates rather swiftly but leaves a wonderful ring. Caramel malt, apple, plum, and sugary molasses dance in the aroma. Sipping the brew brings a lace of candi (rock) sugar to the lips while pear, caramel, dark fruit, cinnamon, and a slight bitterness to the palate. <br /><br />Some prefer to have Abt 12 after a meal or with a cigar but I think with such a developed and complex flavor profile and carbonation this would also be perfect for those hearty and savory dishes we have come to love this holiday season. Instead of Champagne at New Years Eve, bring St. Bernardus Abt 12. Seriously, $10 is remarkable for one of the world’s best brews - do yourself a favor, buy it now. <br /><br />Appearance: 4 <br />Smell: 4.5 <br />Taste: 5 <br />Mouthfeel: 5 <br />Drinkability: 5 <br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Overall = 4.7</span><br /><br />Style: Quadrupel (Quad) <br />Alcohol By Volume : 10.50% <br />Availability : Year Round <br />Sample Size: 750ml brown bottle <br />Pairings: Cheese: Brie, Gouda <br />Cuisine: Smoked ham, roasted pork loin with apples <br />Glassware: Oversized red wine glass, snifter, goblet<br />Price: $9.99 each <br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__pD6OWCDPIo/STVirUf3uGI/AAAAAAAAAHc/uTJykNBnkUA/s1600-h/SierraNevadaPaleAle_reshoot.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 102px; height: 200px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__pD6OWCDPIo/STVirUf3uGI/AAAAAAAAAHc/uTJykNBnkUA/s200/SierraNevadaPaleAle_reshoot.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5275231034910685282" /></a><span style="font-weight:bold;">Sierra Nevada Pale Ale </span><br />Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.<br />Chico, California<br /><a href="http://www.sierranevada.com<br />">SierraNevada.com</a><br /><br />I have a soft spot for Sierra Nevada Pale Ale as it was the first real beer experience that opened my senses to something completely new. What I remember was that it lasted like grass and piney bitterness, yet sweet and...I wanted more. <br /><br />Pours golden amber with a tight beige head that falls to a nice lace. Nose is pine with biscuty malt then follows to a slight citrus. Hops are spicy, fruity, and floral while the Cascade bitterness lasts throughout the tasting to the back of the throat with easy carbonation. So many flavors in this brew and is so drinkable. <br /><br />Local bars and restaurants listen up - get this in your beer portfolio now and replace one of those seven macro lagers with this instant classic! Why is this only available at two local bars/restaurants?<br /><br />Appearance: 4 <br />Smell: 4 <br />Taste: 4.5 <br />Mouthfeel: 4<br />Drinkability: 5 <br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Overall = 4.3</span><br /><br />Style: American Pale Ale <br />Alcohol By Volume : 5.60% <br />Availability: Year Round <br />Sample Size: 12 oz. brown bottle <br />Pairings: Cheese: Cheddar, Fontina, Parmesan <br />Cuisine: salad, grilled steak or chicken<br />Glassware: pint glass <br />Price: $7.99 six packBrandon Easthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12862184588598498890noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8881284656622724802.post-4029733294671289742008-11-12T08:01:00.000-08:002008-11-12T16:21:48.063-08:00Tailgating at Ole Miss<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__pD6OWCDPIo/SRsEIQeuzHI/AAAAAAAAAG8/2sCDz3ylVyU/s1600-h/groovin+at+the+grove.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__pD6OWCDPIo/SRsEIQeuzHI/AAAAAAAAAG8/2sCDz3ylVyU/s200/groovin+at+the+grove.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267808729049255026" /></a>Walking into the campus of the <a href="http://www.olemiss.edu">University of Mississippi </a>with a cooler in tow awaits a tailgating experience of renowned acclaim - <a href="http://travel2.nytimes.com/2006/09/29/travel/escapes/29grove.html?n=Top%2FFeatures%2FTravel%2FDestinations%2FUnited%20States%2FMississippi">the Grove</a>. Sitting in the middle of campus is a 10-acre oak forest that is the canvas for the nation’s crown jewel of tailgating.<br /><br />Here in the vast landscape of tents and toddies, initiates autumn’s unmistakable crisp air and College Football season. Fried chicken, BBQ pulled pork sandwiches, and deviled eggs are Southern staples that must be accompanied by libations as Bloody Marys, mimosas, bourbon, and definitely some mixed brew.<br /><br />So what brew to drink? Typically, before visiting a town that I’ll be staying in for a few days I will search online for unique restaurants (<a href="http://www.dine.com<br /><br />">dine.com</a>) and local breweries or brewpubs (<a href="http://www.beeradvocate.com/beerfly">beeradvocate.com/beerfly)</a>. I planed ahead and bought a few mixed 6-packs at Miller’s Liquor and some seasonal brew at <a href="http://www.specsonline.com">Spec’s</a>. This allowed those who wanted beer at the game to sample something different but enjoyable - leaving room for local beer if any could be found.<br /><br />The void in the cooler was filled with a local brewery, Lazy Magnolia that makes an amazing ‘Southern Pecan’ Brown Ale. Also, in the mix was a darker seasonal brew, ‘Autumn Ale’ created by Breckenridge Brewing Company. Darker ales are perfect companions to the brisk fall days that have changed from the blonde ales of summer to heartier and deeper brews like porters and brown ales. <br /><br />My top picks for local brew to add to your next tailgate cooler: <br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Austin</span> - <a href="http://www.realalebrewing.com<br />">Real Ale</a>, <a href="http://www.liveoakbrewing.com">Live Oak</a> (growlers), <a href="http://www.independencebrewing.com/">Independence</a><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Baton Rouge</span>- <a href="http://www.abita.com/">Abita</a> <br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">College Station</span> - <a href="http://www.southernstarbrewing.com/">Southern Star</a><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Dallas/Ft.Worth</span> - <a href="http://rahrbrewery.com/">Rahr & Sons</a><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Houston</span> - <a href="http://www.saintarnold.com/">Saint Arnold’s</a><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Lubbock</span> - <a href="http://www.triplejchophouseandbrewco.com/index.php">Triple J Chophouse</a> (growlers)<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Beaumont</span> - Gulf Coast Brewing Co. (soon!)<br /><br />In addition to local brews try these fall picks: <span style="font-weight:bold;">Abita’s</span> ‘Pecan Harvest’, <span style="font-weight:bold;">Paulaner</span> Oktoberfest—Märzen’, <a href="http://dogfish.com/brewings/Seasonal_Beers/Punkin_Ale/3/index.htm">Dogfish Head ‘Punkin'</a>, <a href="http://rogue.com/beers/chocolate-stout.php">Rogue Chocolate Stout</a><br /><br />Beaumont was represented well at the Grove and many stayed to watch the Ole Miss & University of South Carolina game on pay-per-view and listen to the live band that was playing at the tent. Although Ole Miss lost the football game - the party still continued till the evening. Christy & Mike Persia III conduct impeccable entertaining, helping to remind all that the Grove is first-and-foremost a haven to let loose and enjoy the camaraderie of friends and family. Cheers!<br /><br /><iframe align="center" src="http://www.flickr.com/slideShow/index.gne?set_id=72157608990742546&" frameBorder="0" width="500" scrolling="no" height="500"></iframe><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__pD6OWCDPIo/SRsDKb7hX0I/AAAAAAAAAG0/oYJ_BOoLjNQ/s1600-h/SouthernPecan.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 124px; height: 200px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__pD6OWCDPIo/SRsDKb7hX0I/AAAAAAAAAG0/oYJ_BOoLjNQ/s200/SouthernPecan.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267807666970910530" /></a><span style="font-weight:bold;">Southern Pecan </span><br />Lazy Magnolia Brewing Company <br />Kiln, Mississippi<br /><a href="http://www.LazyMagnolia.com">LazyMagnolia.com</a><br /><br />Pours medium to pale caramel color with garnet highlights and displays a tan crown that dissipates quickly. Pleasantly sweet aroma of roasted nuttiness and a soft fruitiness. Rustic bread crust, roasted pecans, maple syrup, and light caramel along with balanced hop bitterness help round out the flavor profile. Not much carbonation and a medium bodied mouthfeel. An outstanding ale that is amazingly drinkable. When in Oxford, Mississippi, head to <a href="http://home.ms.metrocast.net/~murffs/index.htm">Murff’s</a> and get a pint of this brew with a Muff Burger and fried egg. <br /><br />Appearance: 3 <br />Smell: 4 <br />Taste: 4 <br />Mouthfeel: 3.5 <br />Drinkability: 4.5 <br />Overall = 3.8<br /><br />Style: English/American Style Brown Ale <br />Alcohol By Volume : 4.02% <br />Availability : Year Round <br />Sample Size: 12oz. brown bottle <br /><br />Pairings: Cheese: Camebert, Fontina <br />Cuisine: BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches <br />Glassware: Pint glass <br />Price: $7.99 six-pack<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__pD6OWCDPIo/SRsFwYaZShI/AAAAAAAAAHE/DnaFdzvBiZw/s1600-h/BreckenridgeAutumnAle.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 104px; height: 200px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__pD6OWCDPIo/SRsFwYaZShI/AAAAAAAAAHE/DnaFdzvBiZw/s200/BreckenridgeAutumnAle.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267810517884946962" /></a> <span style="font-weight:bold;">Autumn Ale </span><br />Breckenridge Brewing & BBQ<br />Denver, Colorado<br /><a href="http://www.breckbrew.com">Breckbrew.com</a><br /><br />Deep dark brown that is translucent to opaque with ruby highlights that holds a tan ecru head then sticks around with sticky lacing. Nose is molasses and chocolate malt with a subtle nuttiness. Taste is a bit complex of toasted almonds and dark fruits like sugar plums and raisins which yields an alcohol warmth and low carbonation perfect for cozy, crisp evenings. I suggest this brew as a digestif - don’t let this beer be the only one for the evening as it is not sessional, leaving lackluster and wanting to quaff something less heavy. <br /><br />Appearance: 3.5 <br />Smell: 3.5 <br />Taste: 4 <br />Mouthfeel: 3.5<br />Drinkability: 2.5 <br />Overall = 3.6 <br /><br />Style: Old Ale <br />Alcohol By Volume : 6.70% <br />Availability : Fall Seasonal <br />Sample Size: 12 oz. brown bottle <br /><br />Pairings: Cheese: Gouda, Havarti <br />Cuisine: Digestif<br />Glassware: Pint Glass or Snifter <br />Price: $7.99 six pack<br /><br /><br /><!-- Start Quantcast tag --><br /><script type="text/javascript"><br />_qoptions={<br />qacct:"p-a07GnN9zxaXaA"<br />};<br /></script><br /><script type="text/javascript" src="http://edge.quantserve.com/quant.js"></script><br /><noscript><br /><img src="http://pixel.quantserve.com/pixel/p-a07GnN9zxaXaA.gif" style="display: none;" border="0" height="1" width="1" alt="Quantcast"/><br /></noscript><br /><!-- End Quantcast tag -->Brandon Easthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12862184588598498890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8881284656622724802.post-27073882925699101872008-10-07T12:01:00.000-07:002008-10-07T13:22:31.484-07:00Hoppy Ending / October Brew Review<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__pD6OWCDPIo/SOu2XQ0QbSI/AAAAAAAAAGQ/h6uMKv5khQc/s1600-h/Hopfen2.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__pD6OWCDPIo/SOu2XQ0QbSI/AAAAAAAAAGQ/h6uMKv5khQc/s200/Hopfen2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5254493901025209634" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Is any beer hoppy enough?</span> Hops are the brilliant flowering cones and a cousin of the cannabis plant (sorry, no THC in these crops) that lend much of the beer’s aroma, flavor, and bittering properties which derive from the hop’s resin and oil. Hops are the age-old seasoning of the beer, the natural warriors who fight spoilage from wild bacteria, act as a preservative, and bring balance to the sweetness from malt. They also help create head/foam retention that pleases the palate by imparting its unique characters and flavors. Basically, hops put the ‘bite’ in beer. <br /><br />American brewers are creating many ‘extreme’ brews to celebrate the intoxicating character of hops and playing a game of ‘one up’ to challenge beer perception and ultimately redefining consumers tastes. As a brew advocate and self proclaimed ‘hophead,’ I like finding the harmony in chaos. Any brewer can pitch in loads of hops into their beer, but how does it play with the other ingredients?<br /><br />Our tongue and brain are imbedded initially not to like or appreciate bitter flavors – in a plant’s defense, bitterness is nature’s way of saying ‘don’t eat me.’ The International Bitterness Unit (IBU) scale is roughly used to gauge bitterness – a typical American Light Lager has around 10 IBUs, and below you will see an American Double India Pale Ale at 101 IBUs!<br /><br />Early autumn in America brings a new hop harvest, typically picked from the Northwest regions like Oregon and Washington. Unfortunately, we have a crisis on our hands; American and European <a href="http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=16245024&ft=1&f=1001">hop supplies are dwindling</a> and craft beer demand is skyrocketing. A <a href="http://www.outsidethebeltway.com/archives/beer_disaster_in_yakima_washington_/">warehouse fire</a> that held 4% of the year’s US crop, energy prices, and <a href="http://consumerist.com/consumer/commodities/bad-weather-in-europe-leads-to-horrifying-shortage-of-good-beer-322075.php">ruinous weather in Europe</a> furthered the hop shortage. Many small, craft brewers are scrambling to find the hops for their recipes, while much larger producers, like <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Proposed_merger_of_Anheuser-Busch_and_InBev">Anheuser-Busch/ InBev</a> <a href="http://www.millercoors.com"> & MillerCoors</a>, aren’t as affected because they have long-term contracts with hop growers.<br /><br />To this, drink what you like and remember that beer is still one of the best affordable luxuries. You can go to the store with $10 and come out with a six-pack of a world-class beer – try doing that with a world-class wine.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__pD6OWCDPIo/SOuy7eG2A3I/AAAAAAAAAGA/q9jFBpWivcc/s1600-h/HopDevilAle.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__pD6OWCDPIo/SOuy7eG2A3I/AAAAAAAAAGA/q9jFBpWivcc/s200/HopDevilAle.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5254490125021610866" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">HopDevil Ale</span><br />Victory Brewing Co.<br />Downingtown, PA<br /><a href="http://www.victorybeer.com">victorybeer.com</a><br /><br />The Devil pours reddish with persimmon highlights and displays rocky foam crowning the lip. The aroma of fresh hops sits to the back while more grain and malt are mostly present - the fresher the brew the more revealing hop aroma. This brown bottle has an ‘Enjoy By’ date of October 22, 2008 that could explain the underwhelming aroma. The taste is absolutely perfect – caramel malt and piney/grapefruit hops whisk together then slide to a trailing bitterness that devilishly taunts repetition. This ale is silky, somewhat dry, and completely exquisite. <br /><br /><br />Appearance: 4.5<br />Smell: 3.5<br />Taste: 5<br />Mouthfeel: 4<br />Drinkability: 5<br />Overall = 4.5<br /><br /><br />Style: American IPA (India Pale Ale)<br />Alcohol By Volume : 6.70%<br />International Bitterness Units: about 55<br />Availability: Year Round<br />Sample Size: 12oz. brown bottle<br /><br />Pairings<br />Cheese: Gorgonzola, Limburger<br />Cuisine: Thai, Spicy Indian<br />Glassware: Pint glass<br />Price: $7.99 six-pack<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__pD6OWCDPIo/SOu0xQ7uPJI/AAAAAAAAAGI/M3g1gb7QlJo/s1600-h/ImperialIndiaPaleAle.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__pD6OWCDPIo/SOu0xQ7uPJI/AAAAAAAAAGI/M3g1gb7QlJo/s200/ImperialIndiaPaleAle.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5254492148709866642" /></a><span style="font-weight:bold;">Green Flash Imperial India Pale Ale</span><br />Green Flash Brewing Co. <br />San Diego, California<br /><a href="http://greenflashbrew.com/">greenflashbrew.com</a><br /><br />The golden ale kissed with garnet highlights releases a complex and masterful aroma of spruce, pineapple, cannabis, green grapes, and onions. The hop flavor on this beer is magnificent and somewhat unbalanced – in that the flavor lends intensity to the bitterness with a malt background screaming for attention. Pure freshness and masterful complexity where it counts. Crisp edges and medium carbonation gives a dry yet smooth mouthfeel. At 101 IBUs, I was expecting a bit more flavor bitterness throughout the finish but the aroma flags abrupt caution. <br /><br />Appearance: 4<br />Smell: 5<br />Taste: 4.5<br />Mouthfeel: 3.5<br />Drinkability: 4<br />Overall = 4.35<br /> <br />Style: American Double IPA (India Pale Ale)<br />Alcohol By Volume: 9%<br />International Bitterness Units: 101<br />Availability : Year Round<br />Sample Size: 22 oz. brown bomber<br /><br />Pairings: <br />Cheese: Pungent blue, razor sharp cheddar<br />Cuisine: Grilled Meat<br />Glassware: Pint Glass <br />Price: $6.15 bottleBrandon Easthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12862184588598498890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8881284656622724802.post-48849081702221745152008-09-04T08:08:00.001-07:002008-10-07T12:26:21.115-07:00Ski. Bike. Drink.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__pD6OWCDPIo/SMAMstvGSsI/AAAAAAAAAFo/fanaQPc-A_A/s1600-h/100_4096.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__pD6OWCDPIo/SMAMstvGSsI/AAAAAAAAAFo/fanaQPc-A_A/s200/100_4096.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5242203928590174914" /></a><br />As a state internationally recognized for natural beauty, rich history, and extensive cultural attractions, Colorado can now boast as the Nation’s leading state in beer production. Today, Colorado claims one of the largest concentrations of microbeweries in America and many referring to the region as the ‘Napa Valley of Beer.’ As a nod to the state’s impressive brew presence, the <a href="http://www.beertown.org/events/gabf/">Great American Beer Festival</a>, the largest domestic beer festival in the United States, is held annually in Denver — which draws more than 46,000 beer enthusiasts and 400+ breweries for three days of pure frothy goodness. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__pD6OWCDPIo/SMAM39cGOpI/AAAAAAAAAFw/kJmDfvJ3X64/s1600-h/100_4093.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__pD6OWCDPIo/SMAM39cGOpI/AAAAAAAAAFw/kJmDfvJ3X64/s200/100_4093.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5242204121784007314" /></a>Denver has pristine mountain water at its fingertips, 74 breweries in 100 miles of downtown, and is home to the country’s first <a href="http://www.starwoodhotels.com/promotions/promo_landing.html?category=FP_BEER">CBO (Chief Beer Officer) with Four Points Sheraton</a>. Colorado brewers respect their resources and many are developing homegrown alternatives in brewing for environmental sustainability. Breweries like New Belgium, are devoting great resources towards the development of energy and water conservation techniques, reusing byproducts and waste, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, establishing comprehensive recycling programs, and supporting environmental organizations around the country.<br /><br />In addition to Breckenridge and Great Divide, a few of my other top of Colorado favorites include: <a href="www.averybrewing.com">Avery</a>, <a href="http://www.flyingdogales.com">Flying Dog</a>, <a href="http://www.lefthandbrewing.com">Left Hand</a>, <a href="http://www.newbelgium.com/">New Belgium</a>, and <a href="http://www.oskarblues.com">Oskar Blues</a>.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__pD6OWCDPIo/SL_9Cd1uIPI/AAAAAAAAAFY/p5ACJw1r5z4/s1600-h/HerculesDoubleIPA.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__pD6OWCDPIo/SL_9Cd1uIPI/AAAAAAAAAFY/p5ACJw1r5z4/s200/HerculesDoubleIPA.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5242186710094061810" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Hercules Double IPA</span><br />Great Divide Brewing Company<br />Denver. Colorado<br /><a href="http://www.greatdivide.com">Greatdivide.com</a><br /><br />Hercules pours deep orange with golden highlights and displays a massively stacked two-finger ecru head, leaving a spider web of lacing. Aroma is highly piney oiled hops, toasted nuts, and pineapple. Taste is sweet and quite earthy with strong grapefruit at the beginning then gooey hops lingering through each sip. The malt and hop flavors impeccably balance and last long enough to be complex and ultimately inviting. Mouthfeel has a medium to full body with a smooth carbonation while resinous hop oils flow across the palate. It's the quintessential balanced DIPA in that it compliments its malt side as much as its hop side. Thank you to Tony Tortorice Jr. for this superb recommendation – amazing brew!<br /><br /><br />Appearance: 4.5<br />Smell: 4.5<br />Taste: 4.5<br />Mouthfeel: 4.5<br />Drinkability: 4.5<br />Overall = 4.5<br /><br /><a href="http://beeradvocate.com/beer/style/140">Style: American Double IPA</a><br />Alcohol By Volume : 9.10%<br />Availability : Year Round<br />Sample Size: 22oz. bomber / brown bottle<br />Pairings:<br />Cheese: Sharp Blue, Strong Cheddar, PepperJack<br />Cuisine: Grilled Portabella mushroom caps (see blog for brew baste), chips & guacamole <br />Glassware: Pint glass<br />Price: $6.79 each<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__pD6OWCDPIo/SL_9Ojp1apI/AAAAAAAAAFg/n7ser2LSjnY/s1600-h/AvalancheAmber.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__pD6OWCDPIo/SL_9Ojp1apI/AAAAAAAAAFg/n7ser2LSjnY/s200/AvalancheAmber.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5242186917813250706" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Avalanche Ale</span><br />Breckenridge Brewing & BBQ<br />Denver, Colorado<br /><a href="http://www.breckbrew.com">Breckbrew.com</a><br /><br />Avalanche pours deep amber with golden tones that leaves quickly dissipating foam. Smell is light of sweet malt with a hint of fruity notes and little hops. Taste is subdued with nice toasted grain, quite smooth and somewhat light with a slight hop tinge. Nice mouthfeel with a sticky sweet coat and is medium bodied. At right around 5% Alcohol By Volume, Avalanche makes a great session beer. A session beer is typically deemed as being around 5% ABV, featuring a balance of both the hops and grain with a clean finish to allow the drinker to enjoy more brews in a reasonable amount of time. Session beers don’t have to lack flavor – Avalanche is recommended. <br /><br />Appearance: 4.5<br />Smell: 3<br />Taste: 4<br />Mouthfeel: 3.5<br />Drinkability: 4.5<br />Overall = 3.9<br /> <br /><a href="http://beeradvocate.com/beer/style/128">Style: American Amber / Red Ale</a><br />Alcohol By Volume : 5.41%<br />Availability : Year Round<br />Sample Size: 12 oz. brown bottle<br /><br />Pairings: <br />Cheese: Aged Gouda, strong Cheddar<br />Cuisine: Sweet Barbeque, Mexican<br />Glassware: Pint Glass <br />Price: $7.99 six pack<br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Recipe: Grilled Double IPA Portabella Mushrooms</span><br /><br />Ingredients:<br />Serves 4<br />¾ cup of <a href="http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/158/17060">Great Divide Hercules Double IPA </a><br />3 Tbs. light teriyaki sauce or soy sauce<br />4 large Portobello mushroom caps, brushed clean (do not rinse)<br />4 minced garlic cloves <br />2 Tbs minced ginger<br />1 Tbs. chopped fresh rosemary <br />½ cup. olive oil <br />1/2-tsp. ground black pepper<br /><br />Directions:<br />1. Pour the Great Divide Hercules into bowl and whisk in everything else except the mushrooms. <br />2. Place mushrooms in a non-reactive pan, preferably glass or ceramic (DO NOT use plastic ziplock bags to marinade - it will release toxins in your food) <br />3. Cover the pan and refrigerate for 1-2 hours<br />4. Fire up your grill to medium. Have a brew.<br />5. Once the fire is ready, debag the mushrooms and the grill them grill-side up for 5-8 minutes, pouring on half of the marinade, until the bottoms are brown. <br />6. Turn, then cook for about 5 minutes more, basting with the remaining marinade, until the centers are tender when poked.Brandon Easthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12862184588598498890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8881284656622724802.post-49603553980689991232008-08-19T10:45:00.000-07:002008-10-07T12:25:53.584-07:00August / Not just a state of wineCalifornia is top of mind for consumers when one thinks of wine produced in the United States. California’s winemakers have taken reign to even trademark Napa Valley, comparatively to the Champagne region in France. One ingredient, fermented grape juice has entirely transformed the beverage industry and until recently many winemakers have created new blends and profuse accessories too attract the common man and woman. When pairing food and wine, many believed that wine went with finer cuisine, typically French, and beer went with… well, hot dogs. <br /><br />As I see many of my friends and family take to wine with respect and ultimately, beverage separatism, I see that they are potentially the same advocates who should approach beer with the same excitement. Beer will challenge your senses and help to peel away the notion of beer as simply a product for quick consumption. What other beverage can enhance the range of life’s simple pleasures from fishing with buddies to having dinner at a fine restaurant, other than a great brew?<br /><br />Some of my A-list breweries from California include: <a href="http://www.alesmith.com">AleSmith</a>, <a href="http://www.anchorbrewing.com/ ">Anchor</a>, <a href="http://www.avbc.com">Anderson Valley</a>, <a href="http://www.firestonewalker.com">Firestone Walker</a>, <a href="http://www.lostabbey.com">Lost Abbey</a>, <a href="http://www.lagunitas.com">Lagunitas</a>, <a href="http://www.sierranevada.com">Sierra Nevada</a>, and <a href="http://www.stonebrew.com">Stone</a>. Beer trumps wine in two distinct ways – carbonation and at least four hearty ingredients: water, hops, yeast, and barley. I recommend that the next time you want to have grilled steak and are at the liquor store, peek in their beer section and grab an Pale Ale (like a Sierra Nevada Pale Ale) along with your Cabernet Sauvignon. <br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__pD6OWCDPIo/SKsHML0XrRI/AAAAAAAAAEo/vVMOB2wI5x4/s1600-h/RedRocketAle.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__pD6OWCDPIo/SKsHML0XrRI/AAAAAAAAAEo/vVMOB2wI5x4/s200/RedRocketAle.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5236286897660603666" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Red Rocket Ale</span> <br />Bear Republic Brewing Co.<br />Healdsburg, California<br /><a href="http://www.bearrepublic.com">bearrepublic.com</a><br /><br />Red Rocket takes off into the glass with explosive carbonation and portrays a garnet color and tan cushiony foam leaving plenty lacing. Aroma initially opens with sweet hops then settles down with some fruit, burnt sugars, and roasted malt. Wonderful flavors of balanced hops, brown sugar, and roasted malt. No other red ale exemplifies the style so well while incorporating hops into every interaction in the brew to the bitter end - love it. Another amazing beer from Bear Republic – also try their Hop Rod Rye.<br /><br />Appearance: 4.5<br />Smell: 4.5<br />Taste: 5<br />Mouthfeel: 4<br />Drinkability: 4.5<br />Overall = 4.65<br /><br />Style: American Amber / Red Ale<br />Alcohol By Volume : 6.80%<br />Availability : Year Round<br />Sample Size: 22oz. bomber / brown bottle<br />Pairings:<br />Cheese: Sharp Blue, Cheddar<br />Cuisine: Grilled steak, spicy black bean hummus & pita bread<br />Glassware: Pint glass<br />Price: $4.89 each<br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__pD6OWCDPIo/SKsHdlpX8QI/AAAAAAAAAEw/M-CMlvz5Ins/s1600-h/Prankster_TOO.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__pD6OWCDPIo/SKsHdlpX8QI/AAAAAAAAAEw/M-CMlvz5Ins/s200/Prankster_TOO.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5236287196651581698" /></a><span style="font-weight:bold;">PranQster</span><br />North Coast Brewing Co.<br />Fort Bragg, California<br /><a href="http://www.northcoastbrewing.com">northcoastbrewing.com</a><br /><br />Pours hazed apricot hue with a light sheet of lace that hugs the stemless pinot noir glass. Feeble aroma but picking up sweet vanilla, little spice, and a surprising whiff of oaky chardonnay. Amazingly, the flavor makes up for everything the nose lets down. Pranqster lives up to its name by unveiling a world-class taste. Each sip brings candi sugar that laces the lips with notes of spicy hops, pale malt and that quintessential Belgian yeast flavor. This brew is full of flavor and brings a strong mouthful with an expected powerful carbonation. This beer has high drinkability, but consume with moderation, for PranQster will fool you with it’s high alcohol content.<br /><br />Appearance: 4<br />Smell: 2.5<br />Taste: 4.5<br />Mouthfeel: 4.5<br />Drinkability: 5<br />Overall = 4.05<br /> <br />Style: Belgian Strong Pale Ale<br />Alcohol By Volume : 7.60%<br />Availability : Spring & Summer Release<br />Sample Size: 12 oz. brown bottle<br /><br />Pairings: <br />Cheese: Aged Gouda, strong Cheddar<br />Cuisine: Apéritif, Shrimp Salad, mussels, Digestif, <br />Glassware: Over-sized wine glass, snifter<br />Price: $7.94 four packBrandon Easthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12862184588598498890noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8881284656622724802.post-64247792273396333632008-06-30T16:37:00.000-07:002008-10-07T12:33:19.584-07:00July Brew Review / Texas Pale Ales<span style="font-weight:bold;">Texas Pale Ales</span><br /><br />This month we stay local and explore two brews crafted right around Southeast Texas. First we visit the new and out of the chute, Southern Star Brewing Company from Conroe to taste their craft-canned Pine Belt American Pale Ale. Next, we’ll sample an American IPA (India Pale Ale) from the well established and Texas favorite, Saint Arnold Brewing Company of Houston. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__pD6OWCDPIo/SKsEm535XwI/AAAAAAAAAEY/NN7TS8cWlsE/s1600-h/SouthernStarBeer.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__pD6OWCDPIo/SKsEm535XwI/AAAAAAAAAEY/NN7TS8cWlsE/s200/SouthernStarBeer.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5236284058165141250" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Pine Belt Pale Ale</span><br />Southern Star Brewing Company<br />Conroe, Texas<br />southernstarbrewing.com<br /><br />Slightly hazy-copper color with a light beige meringue head that has good staying power. Syrupy grapefruit and fresh, floral pine oil control the nose along with some slight toasted malt. The body is medium with a fine carbonation, giving a zesty mouthfeel that becomes creamy as it warms. Fresh cut grass and the oily Columbus hop character quickly take over the palate to provide a clean bite of citric, grapefruit character and with juicy fruit gum, which yields a crisp fresh taste. Malty undertones of crust and caramel help to balance Pine Belt’s flavor while the hop bitterness progressively increases and loiters on the tongue after each sip. I found this local gem at Spec’s in Houston and I look forward to when this beer is available in Beaumont.<br /><br />Appearance: 4.5<br />Smell: 4<br />Taste: 4.5<br />Mouthfeel: 4<br />Drinkability: 5<br />Overall = 4.4<br /><br />Style: American Pale Ale (APA)<br />Alcohol By Volume : ?<br />Availability: Year Round<br /><br />Sample Size: 16oz. can<br />Pairings: <br />Cheese: Camembert, Fontina,<br />Cuisine: grilled lemongrass chicken & vermicelli / see below for marinade. <br />Glassware: pint glass<br />Price: $6.49 / four-pack<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__pD6OWCDPIo/SKsE38w66FI/AAAAAAAAAEg/j4APiR8G_34/s1600-h/StArnoldElissaREDO.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__pD6OWCDPIo/SKsE38w66FI/AAAAAAAAAEg/j4APiR8G_34/s200/StArnoldElissaREDO.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5236284350998964306" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Elissa IPA</span><br />Saint Arnold Brewing Company<br />Houston, Texas<br />saintarnold.com<br /><br />Pours transparent copper-orange with a nominal, light ecru head that dissipates quickly and leaves a faint collar. Cascade hops dominate the aroma’s foreground with some caramel to the back. The taste surprisingly balances with sweet malt caramel and biscuity flavors then finishes with a middling hop presence that is citrus and pine that fades quickly leaving a lingering bitterness. The malt is not sticky or overly sweet; it is simply the dominant flavor. Smooth bodied with medium carbonation lend a dry finish. <br /><br />Appearance: 3.5<br />Smell: 4<br />Taste: 3.5<br />Mouthfeel: 4<br />Drinkability: 4<br />Overall = 3.7<br /><br />Style: American IPA (India Pale Ale)<br />Alcohol By Volume : 6.60%<br /><br />Availability : Year Round<br />Sample Size: 12oz. bottle<br />Pairings:<br />Cheese: Limburger<br />Cuisine: vegetarian Indian dishes, spicy chicken Pad Thai,<br />Glassware: pint glass<br />Price: $7.99 / six-pack<br /><br />_______________________________<br /><br />The difference between an American Pale Ale an a American IPA (India Pale Ale) is that when IPAs were transported from Britain to the British colony of India, these brews would require more hops to be used as a preservative to make it through a four-month sea journey. In turn these IPAs acquired a deeper color and a more bitterness from the hops. American brewers who brew IPAs try to replicate the British IPA using American ingredients. Saint Arnold Brewing Company donates a percentage of the proceeds of from Elissa IPA to the Galveston Historical District for the preservation of the brew’s namesake; a tall moored ship similar to those commerce vessels that transported India Pale Ales from Britain to India.<br /><br />American Pale Ales like Southern Star’s Pine Belt are quite popular and are an adaptation of English pale ales to reflect local ingredients native to America, often without heavy hopping and a less caramel flavor than their English counterparts. Southern Star’s Co-founders Dave Fougeron and Brian Hutchins began production of their first signature brew in March of this year from their 10,000 foot warehouse in Conroe. Southern Star Brewing Company is the one of the only microbreweries in the state of Texas to package their craft beer in a can.<br /><br />_______________________________<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken </span><br /><br />Ingredients: <br /><br />2 tablespoons fish sauce<br />3 garlic cloves, crushed<br />1 tablespoon curry powder<br />1/2 teaspoon salt<br />2 tablespoons plus 1 1/2 teaspoons sugar<br />1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast/thigh, cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces<br />3 tablespoons water<br />3 tablespoons cooking oil<br />2 fresh lemongrass stalks, tender inner white bulbs only, minced<br />1 large shallot, thinly sliced<br />3 chilies, seeded and minced<br />1 scallion for garnishing <br /><br />Method: <br /><br />In a bowl, combine the fish sauce, garlic, curry powder, salt, and 1 1/2 teaspoons of the sugar. Add the chicken meat to coat. <br /><br />In a small skillet, mix the remaining 2 tablespoons of sugar with 1 tablespoon of the water and cook over high heat, stirring until the sugar is dissolved. Cook without stirring until a deep amber caramel forms. Remove from the heat and stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of water. Transfer to a bowl. <br /><br />Heat a wok over high heat. Add the oil and heat until shimmering. Add the lemongrass, shallot, and chilies and stir-fry until fragrant. Add the chicken and caramel and stir-fry until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce is slightly thickened. Transfer to a bowl and top with the scallion. Serve with steamed white rice.Brandon Easthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12862184588598498890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8881284656622724802.post-46614377112925555482008-06-06T19:36:00.000-07:002008-10-07T12:28:01.775-07:00June Brew Review / Tasty Sojourn<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp0.blogger.com/__pD6OWCDPIo/SEn3ZyI-X2I/AAAAAAAAAD4/Ccfuda_tDL0/s1600-h/1156.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/__pD6OWCDPIo/SEn3ZyI-X2I/AAAAAAAAAD4/Ccfuda_tDL0/s200/1156.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5208966466358894434" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Weihenstephaner HefeWeissbier</span><br />Brauerei Weihenstephan <br />Freising, Germany<br /><a href="http://brauerei-weihenstephan.de/index.php?page=home_2_1&">brauerei-weihenstephan.de</a><br /><br /> The dark mustard hazy color hefe displays capacious pillowy foam. Aroma of banana, lemon, vanilla, and spice along with light malts and a little whiff of hops. Flavor hits with a very solid creamy wheat taste – banana and lemon again, clove, cracker, delicate hops and extremely slight bubblegum. Nicely carbonated mouthfeel with a fine pepper tinge. Please refrain from garnishing with a lemon or orange, as it will mask some of the greatness actually in this beer.<br /><br />Appearance: 4<br />Smell: 4.5<br />Taste: 4<br />Mouthfeel: 4.5<br />Drinkability: 4.5<br />Overall = 4.2<br /><br />Style: Hefeweizen<br />Alcohol By Volume : 5.40%<br />Availability : Year Round<br />Sample Size: 12oz. bottle<br />Pairings:<br />Cheese: Edam, Feta<br />Cuisine: Weisswurst (white sausage), Sushi<br />Glassware: Weizen glass<br />Price: $7.99 six pack<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp2.blogger.com/__pD6OWCDPIo/SEn36wgM9GI/AAAAAAAAAEA/HJGpQlvCJL0/s1600-h/skinnydip.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/__pD6OWCDPIo/SEn36wgM9GI/AAAAAAAAAEA/HJGpQlvCJL0/s200/skinnydip.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5208967032855131234" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Skinny Dip</span><br />New Belgium Brewing Inc.<br />Fort Collins, Colorado<br /><a href="http://www.newbelgium.com">newbelgium.com</a><br /><br />Skinny Dip is a replacement and retuned recipe of New Belgium’s retired brew, <a href="http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/192/5170">Loft</a>. Pours a clear light copper color with an ample head. Aroma is biscuity cookie and very malty with a minute hop presence. Flavor notes of kaffir lime and cascade hops sit to the back while the malt dominates. The mouthfeel is similar in fashion to Fat Tire as it begins with sweetness and is then topped with light to moderate carbonation. <br />Skinny Dip is a exceptional session brew that is not only refreshing, but is perfect for those looking for the ‘figure-friendly’ alternative to those light or ultra beers this summer. If anyone cares, Skinny Dip is only 114 calories per 12oz serving.<br /><br />Appearance: 3.5<br />Smell: 4<br />Taste: 4.5<br />Mouthfeel: 3.5<br />Drinkability: 4.5<br />Overall = 4.1<br /> <br />Style: American Blonde Ale<br />Alcohol By Volume : 4.20%<br />Availability : Spring & Summer Release<br />Sample Size: 12 oz. brown bottle<br />Pairings: <br />Cheese: Monterey Pepper Jack, Havarti<br />Cuisine: Salad, Seafood, Quiche<br />Glassware: Pint glass<br />Price: $7.99 six pack<br /><br /><br />Weihenstephan, founded 1040 AD is the oldest established brewery and have created an amazing benchmark of the Hefeweizen style. To break it down, Hefe- yeast and Weizen- wheat, typically referes to an unfiltered wheat ale that has yeast added for natural, bottle-conditioning. If you enjoyed the Weihenstephaner please try the “Holy Grail” for Hefeweizen from Austin’s Live Oak brewery. They do not bottle but you can find the beer on tap at a few different bars in Houston, Austin, and around Texas (not yet Beaumont).Brandon Easthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12862184588598498890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8881284656622724802.post-68426046367384254482008-05-13T11:38:00.000-07:002008-10-07T12:36:26.264-07:00May Brew Review<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp0.blogger.com/__pD6OWCDPIo/SCoCeNEg-9I/AAAAAAAAAC4/ZsLBzgG4u4Y/s1600-h/ApriHop.gif"><br /></a><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp0.blogger.com/__pD6OWCDPIo/SCnqodEg-6I/AAAAAAAAACg/KQ-_qs8guAU/s1600-h/Cusquena.gif"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/__pD6OWCDPIo/SCnqodEg-6I/AAAAAAAAACg/KQ-_qs8guAU/s200/Cusquena.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5199945225495182242" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><h1><span style=" ;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Cusquena Premium Peruvian Beer</span></span></span><span style=" font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br />Compania Cervecera Del Sur Del Peru S.A. / </span></span><st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Cusco</span></span></st1:city><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">, </span></span><st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on"><st1:country-region st="on"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Peru</span></span></st1:country-region></st1:place></st1:country-region></st1:place><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> / <a href="http://www.cusquena.co.uk/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">cusque</span></a></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><a href="http://www.cusquena.co.uk/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">na.co.uk</span></a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" "></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></h1><h1><span style=" font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Cusquena streams into the pint glass from the unique brown bottle and displays a frothy two-finger head and a transparent golden straw color. Aroma of malt, caramel, and a slight Saaz floral hop character. The taste parallels the aroma and is </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-weight: bold; "><span style=" font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">very balanced and carbonated with a light body. </span></span></span></span><span style=" font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> This is a surprising beer and is a great transition from the true mass-marketed American Macro Lagers. Cusquena is refreshing and a fantastic buy for these hot </span></span></span><st1:state st="on"><st1:place st="on"><st1:place st="on"><st1:state st="on"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Texas</span></span></span></st1:state></st1:place></st1:place></st1:state><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> summers.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></h1><h1><span style=" font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Georgia;font-size:26px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:13px;">Appeara</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:13px;">nce: 3 </span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Georgia;font-size:26px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:13px;">Smell: 3 <span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Georgia;font-size:26px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:13px;"></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Georgia;font-size:26px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Georgia;font-size:26px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:13px;">Taste: </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:13px;">4 </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Georgia;font-size:26px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Georgia;font-size:26px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:13px;">Mouthfeel: 3.5 </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Georgia;font-size:26px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Georgia;font-size:26px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:13px;">Drinkability:4.5<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Georgia;font-size:26px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Georgia;font-size:26px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; ">Overall = 3.6</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div></span></span></span></h1><h1><span style=" ;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></span><span style=" font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Style: </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">American Macro Lager </span></span></span></span></span></h1><h1><span style=" font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Alcohol By Volume : 5.00%</span></span></span></span></span></h1><h1><span style=" font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Availability : Year Round</span></span></span></span></span></h1><h1><span style=" font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Sample Size: 11.2 oz. brown bottle</span></span></span></span></span></h1><h1><span style=" font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></span><span style=" ;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Pairings</span></span></span><span style=" font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">:<br />Cheese: <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monterey_Jack_cheese">Monterey Jack</a><br />Cuisine: Ceviche (see my easy recipe below), <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/food/recipes/recipe/0,,FOOD_9936_27905,00.html">Braised Pork Tacos</a>, <a href="http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Chicken-Tikka-Masala/Detail.aspx">Chicken Tikka Masala</a><br />Glass</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">ware: Pint glass</span></span></span></span></span></h1><h1><span style=" font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Price: $7.50 six pack</span></span></span></span></span></h1><h1><span style=" font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span><span style=" ;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></h1><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:16px;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp0.blogger.com/__pD6OWCDPIo/SCoCeNEg-9I/AAAAAAAAAC4/ZsLBzgG4u4Y/s1600-h/ApriHop.gif"><img src="http://bp0.blogger.com/__pD6OWCDPIo/SCoCeNEg-9I/AAAAAAAAAC4/ZsLBzgG4u4Y/s200/ApriHop.gif" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5199971437680589778" style="float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; cursor: pointer; " /></a></span><h1><span style=" ;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> ApriHop</span></span></span></span></span></h1><h1><span style=" ;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-weight: normal; font-family:Georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Dogfish Head Craft Brewery / </span></span></span><st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Milton</span></span></span></st1:city><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">, </span></span></span><st1:state st="on"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Delaware</span></span></span></st1:state></st1:place><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> / <a href="http://www.dogfish.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">dogfish.com</span></a></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></h1><h1><span style=" font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Brown bottle reads, “A serious India Pale Ale brewed with real apricots.” Pours an orange-amber color, with an approaching c</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">rown of dense, fluffy, and creamy suds. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Apricot, slight pineapple, and pine oiled hops notes fills the nose. Middling apricot taste with dashed tartness and a hoppy bitterness that settles in the middle then balances with subtle malt character. Finishes with a medium mouthfeel that is crisp, quite dry, and a good bite expected for an India Pale Ale. ApriHop is an amazing beer that is not artificial or overpoweringly sweet; just a harmonious marriage of real fruit and real beer. </span></span></span></span></span></h1><h1><span style=" font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br />Appearance: 4<br />Smell: 4<br />Taste: 4<br />Mouthfeel: 4<br />Drinkability: 4.5<br />Overall = 4.05<br /> <br />Style: Fruit Beer (India Pale Ale)<br />Alcohol By Volume : 7.00%<br />Availability : Spring Release<br />Sample Size: 12 oz. brown bottle<br /><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span><span style=" ;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Pairings:</span></span></span><span style=" font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br />Cheese: <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manchego_cheese">Manchego</a><br />Cuisine: Hummus, <a href="http://cuban-christmas.com/tamales.html">Cuban Pork Tamales</a>, Salad<br /><br />Glassware: Pint glass<br />Price: $9 four pack<br /><br /><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span><span style=" ;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Style Profile:</span></span></span><span style=" font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br />Cusqueña (pronounced CUS-KEN-YA) is produced near the lost city of Machu Picchu-center of the Incas civilization in the Peruvian Andes. It is made with pure glacial mountain water from a source at 18,000 feet in the </span></span><st1:place st="on"><st1:place st="on"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Andes</span></span></st1:place></st1:place><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> and is the only Latin beer brewed to the German purity laws of 1516.<br /><br />Within the style of Fruit Beer, components such as hops and malt may be intentionally subdued to allow the fruit character to dominate. The fruit should simply add an extra complexity and should be supportive to the beer while not artificial, but not be so prominent as to unbalance the final result. Remember that adding fruit should generally add flavor not sweetness to fruit beers. Kudos to Sam Calagione and his extreme style at Dogfish Head Brewery for creating his off-centered ales; always a treat.</span></span> </span></h1><h1><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-weight: normal;font-family:arial;"><br /></span></h1><h1><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-weight: normal;font-family:arial;"><br /></span></h1><h1><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-weight: normal;font-family:arial;"><p class="MsoNormal"><span style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Peruvian Ceviche Recipe</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /><br /></span><span class="bodytext"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">1 pound sea bass, chopped finely</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span><span class="bodytext"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">1 cup lime juice </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span><span class="bodytext"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">1 clove garlic, minced </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span><span class="bodytext"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">1/2 cup diced red onion </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span><span class="bodytext"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">3 scallions, finely chopped</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span><span class="bodytext"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">4 serrano chiles, seeds and ribs removed, diced </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span><span class="bodytext"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">1/2 cup roughly chopped cilantro<br />1/2 teaspoon oregano </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br />1 teaspoon coarse kosher s</span><span class="bodytext"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">alt </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span><span class="bodytext"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">1 avocado, peeled, seed removed, sliced<br />Tortilla chips, for serving </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <span class="bodytext"><span style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br />In a non-reactive dish, such as a glass bowl, toss together the sea bass, lime juice, salt and garlic. Marinate for 30 minutes in the refrigerator. </span></span></span><span style="font-family:Helvetica;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-Times New Roman";mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-fareast-language: EN-US;mso-bidi-language:AR-SAfont-family:";font-size:12.0pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Drain the fish; it will have made a milky liquid. Add the scallions, chile and cilantro and stir gently together with the fish. </span></span><span class="bodytext"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Garnish each serving with slices of avocado and cilantro. Serve with tortilla chips and a bucket of Cusquena.<br /></span></span><br /></span></span></span></h1><h1><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-weight: normal;font-family:arial;"><br /></span></h1></span></span><h1><span style="font-weight: normal;font-family:Helvetica;font-size:10;"><!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></h1>Brandon Easthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12862184588598498890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8881284656622724802.post-67090469053031767822008-04-01T15:35:00.000-07:002008-10-07T12:38:12.711-07:00April Brew Review<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp1.blogger.com/__pD6OWCDPIo/R_FIpneoicI/AAAAAAAAABc/Hx1VEkWFlws/s1600-h/shiner+99.gif"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/__pD6OWCDPIo/R_FIpneoicI/AAAAAAAAABc/Hx1VEkWFlws/s200/shiner+99.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5184004525889456578" border="0" /></a><br /><b style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><span style=";font-family:Helvetica;font-size:10;" >Shiner 99 / Munich Helles Lager<br /></span></b><p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Helvetica;font-size:10;" >Spoetzl Brewery <b>/ </b><st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Shiner</st1:city></st1:place>, <st1:state st="on"><st1:state st="on">Texas</st1:state></st1:state></st1:city></st1:place> <b>/</b> shiner.com<br /><br />Pours a bright, clear, straw color with ample suds</span><span style=";font-family:Helvetica;font-size:10;" >. Smells of grain malts and a very faint sweetness/honey and spice coming through from the Hallertau hops. Taste of forward leaning malt with hops that lean to the back. Light-medium mouthfeel with calm carbonation and average drinkability for a Munich lager. A common representation of the style that pays tribute to Shiner's rich German tradition and heritage. Bring some to your next crawfish boil (see picture below.)<u1:p></u1:p> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Helvetica;font-size:10;" ><u1:p></u1:p>appearance: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | mouthfeel: 3.5 | drinkability: 4</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 204);font-size:130%;" ><b><span style="font-family:Helvetica;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 51);"><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">3.75 overall</span></span></span></b></span><span style=";font-family:Helvetica;font-size:10;" ><br /><br /><!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></p> <u1:p></u1:p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Helvetica;font-size:10;" >Style: Munich Helles Lager<br />Alcohol By Volume (ABV): 5.0%<br />Availability: limited release<br />Sample Size: 12oz brown bottle<o:p></o:p></span></p> <u1:p></u1:p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Helvetica;font-size:10;" ><span style="font-style: italic;">Pairings:</span><br />cheese: Havarti, Brie<br />cuisine: spicy crawfish, fried oyster po-boy<br /><br />glassware: flute or Pilsner glass<br />pric</span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp1.blogger.com/__pD6OWCDPIo/R_FKzneoidI/AAAAAAAAABk/CbdOVnXRvuw/s1600-h/Shiner+99+and+Crawfish.gif"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 186px; height: 245px;" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/__pD6OWCDPIo/R_FKzneoidI/AAAAAAAAABk/CbdOVnXRvuw/s200/Shiner+99+and+Crawfish.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5184006896711403986" border="0" /></a><span style=";font-family:Helvetica;font-size:10;" >e: $6.99 6/pack<br /></span></p><br /><p class="MsoNormal" style=""><br /></p><br /><p class="MsoNormal" style=""><br /></p><br /><p class="MsoNormal" style=""><br /></p><b style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"></b><p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Helvetica;font-size:10;" ><br /></span></p><br /><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><br /><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp2.blogger.com/__pD6OWCDPIo/R_FNl3eoifI/AAAAAAAAABw/dKkASpBQLHo/s1600-h/allgash+tripel.gif"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/__pD6OWCDPIo/R_FNl3eoifI/AAAAAAAAABw/dKkASpBQLHo/s200/allgash+tripel.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5184009959023086066" border="0" /></a><b style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><span style=";font-family:Helvetica;font-size:10;" >Allagash Tripel Reserve</span></b><br /><p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Helvetica;font-size:10;" >Allagash Brewing Company <b>/ </b><st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Portland</st1:city></st1:place>, <st1:state st="on"><st1:state st="on">Maine</st1:state></st1:state></st1:city></st1:place> <b>/</b> allagash.com<br /><br />Bottle is corked and caged with a #68 batch stamp. Brew streams into the goblet translucent golden-orange with a frothy dense head. Extremely convoluted aroma of spices like cardamom, cinnamon, coriander, with hints of banana. Taste brings rich flavors of candi sugar, caramel, banana, clove, and a tad bit of citrus tartness with light pepper. Carbonation pops in the mouth and levels out with some alcohol warmth. Fruity sweet and dry finish that is quite drinkable. One of the best, if not the best Tripel brewed in the United States. Try drinking Allagash Tripel as an aperitif with the suggested parings, with a dessert, or especially excellent on its own as a digestif. </span><span style=";font-family:Helvetica;font-size:10;" ><u1:p></u1:p> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Helvetica;font-size:10;" ><u1:p></u1:p>appearance: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.5 | mouthfeel: 4.5 | drinkability: 4</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 204);font-size:130%;" ><b><span style="font-family:Helvetica;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 51);"><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">4.55 overall</span></span></span></b></span><span style=";font-family:Helvetica;font-size:10;" ><br /><br /><!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></p> <u1:p></u1:p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Helvetica;font-size:10;" >Style: Tripel<br />Alcohol By Volume (ABV): 9.0%<br />Availability: year-round<br />Sample Size: 750ml corked and caged bottle<o:p></o:p></span></p> <u1:p></u1:p> <span style=";font-family:Helvetica;font-size:10;" ><span style="font-style: italic;">Pairings:</span><br />cheese: Stilton, Roquefort, Feta<br />cuisine: Greek salad, asparagus, lemon squares<br /><br />glassware: goblet, snifter<br />price : $9.25 bottle<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);font-size:100%;" >Style Profile:</span><br /><br />In 2005, five years from their Centennial Anniversary, Shiner began brewing an annual series of limited edition, commemorative brews, tipping a hat to their rich German roots. Shiner kicked things off with their 96 M</span><span style=";font-family:Helvetica;font-size:10;" >ä</span><span style=";font-family:Helvetica;font-size:10;" >rze</span><span style=";font-family:Helvetica;font-size:10;" ><st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on">n-Style Ale followed by 97 Black Lager (Schwarzbier), then 98 Bavarian-Style Amber and now Shiner's 99 Munich-Style Helles Lager. <a href="http://www.shiner.com/Anniversary/anniversarybeers.php">Click here</a> for more info on Shiner's Anniversary Brews.<br /><br />Tripel is a strong blonde/pale ale originally created and popularized in 1934 by the Belgian Trappist monastery at Westmalle. Allagash stands out as one of the best breweries in America with an anchored portfolio of Beligian inspired style beers such as White and Dubbel, while some brews are barrel-aged in bourbon soaked oak. All Allagash beers are always bottle-conditioned, meaning that they are not pasteuized and they contain live yeast to being a new process of fermentation.<br /><br />Below is a video from Allagash brewing company. They are in process of creating one of America's first spontaneous fermented beers, which are also called Lambics and are made from wild yeast and aged hops. After fermentation the Lambic will age in French oak and possibly be added with fruit and should be ready in 2009.<br /><br /><a href="http://allagash.com/news_cool_ship.htm">http://allagash.com/news_cool_ship.htm</a><br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wD_49kfVJeE">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wD_49kfVJeE</a><br /><br /><br /></st1:place></st1:country-region></span><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxOhCugNd23W5A1RzC2HMu_KWB40X2-CkF3nZEAid69LQYIzn5acw5HxkXSD5fc2fau-yArxNaxWT1Mnvex5Q' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe>Brandon Easthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12862184588598498890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8881284656622724802.post-58284010830591927322008-03-06T09:22:00.000-08:002008-03-06T11:33:17.845-08:00March Brew Review<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp3.blogger.com/__pD6OWCDPIo/R9BAezsOo1I/AAAAAAAAAA0/kvb-5nLvjOg/s1600-h/Storm+King+Stout+copy.GIF"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 177px; height: 236px;" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/__pD6OWCDPIo/R9BAezsOo1I/AAAAAAAAAA0/kvb-5nLvjOg/s200/Storm+King+Stout+copy.GIF" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5174706869864670034" border="0" /></a><b style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><span style=";font-family:Helvetica;font-size:10;" >Sto</span></b><b style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><span style=";font-family:Helvetica;font-size:10;" >rm King Imperial Stout</span></b><p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Helvetica;font-size:10;" >Victory Brewing Company <b>/ </b><st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Downingtown</st1:city></st1:place>, <st1:state st="on"><st1:state st="on">Pennsylvania</st1:state></st1:state></st1:city></st1:place> <b>/</b> victorybeer.com<br /><br />Pours opaque black with amazing head retention. Aroma of plums, mocha coffee, and faint anise with an alcohol nose comparable to barleywine. The taste brings intricate flavors of biscotti, toasted almond, bread crust, dried red fruit and bittersweet chocolate. Alcohol moderately warms the mouth, then finishes quite bitter, yet pleasantly with a creamy and full mouthfeel.</span><span style=";font-family:Helvetica;font-size:10;" > Storm King is an impressive and complex dessert stout that stores and cellars for up to five years.<u1:p></u1:p> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Helvetica;font-size:10;" ><u1:p></u1:p>appearance: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.5 | mouthfeel: 4.5 | drinkability: 4.5</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 204);font-size:130%;" ><b><span style="font-family:Helvetica;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 51);"><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">4.60 overall</span><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255);"></span></span></span></b></span><span style=";font-family:Helvetica;font-size:10;" ><br /><br /><!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></p> <u1:p></u1:p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Helvetica;font-size:10;" >Style: Russian Imperial Stout<br />Alcohol By Volume (ABV): 9.10%<br />Availability: Year round<br />Sample Size: 12oz glass bottle<o:p></o:p></span></p> <u1:p></u1:p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Helvetica;font-size:10;" ><span style="font-style: italic;">Pairings:</span><br />cheese: razor sharp cheddar<br />cuisine: chocolate mousse<br /><br />glassware: snifter<br />price: $10.99 6/pack<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoBodyText"><br /><span style=";font-family:Helvetica;font-size:10;" ><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoBodyText"><span style=";font-family:Helvetica;font-size:10;" ><o:p></o:p></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp2.blogger.com/__pD6OWCDPIo/R9BGWjsOo4I/AAAAAAAAABM/_UsUduj5448/s1600-h/bESTbEER+copy.GIF"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/__pD6OWCDPIo/R9BGWjsOo4I/AAAAAAAAABM/_UsUduj5448/s200/bESTbEER+copy.GIF" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5174713325200515970" border="0" /></a><b><span style=";font-family:Helvetica;font-size:10;" ><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Guinness Draught & Smithwick’s Ale (All Irish Black & Tan)</span><br /></span></b><span style=";font-family:Helvetica;font-size:10;" >Dublin, Ireland <b>/</b> Guinness, LTD<b> </b><br /><br />The first brew pour is Smithwick’s with an amber color and intentionally no head. The nose has subtle roasted malts and faint hops. Next, Irish stout from the Guinness Draught slowly pours over the Brütül turtle that trickles on top the Smithwick’s. The famous Guinness surge appears and the creamy tan head assembles at the top of the glass. Nose is dominant of light malts and coffee. Taste mellows and is not overly exciting for a stout, but is pleasant. The roasted malt is most noticeable with a lightly creamy and smooth mouthfeel. Guinness’ body is thin to medium. As the brew knocks back, the Smithwick’s arrives with a suitable amount of nimble caramel and toffee up front with a malt backbone. Mouthfeel is light bodied that rummages for more hop character. Finishes clean with smooth drinkability. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <u1:p></u1:p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Helvetica;font-size:10;" ><u1:p></u1:p>appearance: 3.5 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 3.5 | mouthfeel: 2.5 | drinkability: 4<br /></span><span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 204);font-size:130%;" ><b><span style="font-family:Helvetica;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 51);"><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">3.25 overall</span></span></span></b></span></p> <u1:p></u1:p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Helvetica;font-size:10;" ><u1:p></u1:p><br />Styles: Dry Stout & Irish Red Ale<br />Alcohol By Volume (ABV): Avg 4.35%<br />Availability: Year round<br />Sample size: (G) nitro-can & (S) glass bottle<br /><br /><u1:p></u1:p><span style="font-style: italic;">Parings:</span><br />cheese: paragon, provolone<br />cusine: smoked salmon, hearty Irish stew<br /><br />glassware: pint glass / mug<br />price: (G) $7.49 4/pack (S) $7.49 6/pack<o:p></o:p></span></p> <u1:p></u1:p><b><span style=";font-family:Helvetica;font-size:10;" ><u1:p></u1:p><u1:p></u1:p><br />Style Profile:</span></b><span style=";font-family:Helvetica;font-size:10;" ><o:p></o:p></span> <u1:p></u1:p> <p class="MsoBodyText"><span style=";font-family:Helvetica;font-size:10;" >To prepare an All-Irish Black & Tan, first fill a glass halfway with Smithwick’s (pronounced Smit-icks), then add the Guinness Draught from their nitro-can with the widget rocket. The top layer is best poured slowly over an upside-down tablespoon or a Brütül turtle (purchase at Brutul.com or Spec’s) placed over the glass to trickle over the ale to avoid splashing and mixing the layers.</span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp3.blogger.com/__pD6OWCDPIo/R9BCrzsOo2I/AAAAAAAAAA8/Hlz_GOgqdyk/s1600-h/brutul+turtle+black.GIF"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 191px; height: 143px;" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/__pD6OWCDPIo/R9BCrzsOo2I/AAAAAAAAAA8/Hlz_GOgqdyk/s200/brutul+turtle+black.GIF" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5174709292226224994" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp1.blogger.com/__pD6OWCDPIo/R9BDoTsOo3I/AAAAAAAAABE/kB85LP7A1eA/s1600-h/brutul+on+pint.GIF"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 116px; height: 149px;" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/__pD6OWCDPIo/R9BDoTsOo3I/AAAAAAAAABE/kB85LP7A1eA/s200/brutul+on+pint.GIF" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5174710331608310642" border="0" /></a><br /><span style=";font-family:Helvetica;font-size:10;" ><br /></span></p><p class="MsoBodyText"><span style=";font-family:Helvetica;font-size:10;" ><br /></span></p><p class="MsoBodyText"><span style=";font-family:Helvetica;font-size:10;" ><br /></span></p><p class="MsoBodyText"><span style=";font-family:Helvetica;font-size:10;" ><br /></span></p><p class="MsoBodyText"><span style=";font-family:Helvetica;font-size:10;" ><br /></span></p><p class="MsoBodyText"><span style=";font-family:Helvetica;font-size:10;" >Russian </span><span style=";font-family:Helvetica;font-size:10;" >Imperial stout is a strong, high alcohol, complex stout originally brewed back in the 1800s in <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">London</st1:place></st1:city></st1:place></st1:city> to impress the Tsar of the <st1:street st="on"><st1:address st="on"><st1:street st="on"><st1:address st="on">Russian Imperial Court</st1:address></st1:street></st1:address></st1:street>.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoBodyText" style="text-align: left;" align="left"><span style=";font-family:Helvetica;font-size:11;" ><span style=";font-family:verdana;font-size:100%;" ></span> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 12pt; line-height: 12pt;"><span style=";font-family:Helvetica;font-size:10;color:black;" ><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);font-family:verdana;font-size:100%;" ></span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 12pt; line-height: 12pt;"><span style=";font-family:Helvetica;font-size:10;color:black;" ><o:p></o:p></span></p>Brandon Easthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12862184588598498890noreply@blogger.com0