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Can you feel the tide turning? More and more people drinking craft beer. That includes everyone, not just beer geek dudes like me. If you are in Portland and you are a woman who loves her beer then maybe you should hook up with the Ladies of Lagers and Ales.
I personally think there should be a chapter in every city.
I am absolutely hooked on the Netflix streaming. To the point where I have watched a couple of atrocious movies just because I could. But this service isn’t just for kicking back and enjoying a flick. You can also get some beer learning in.
One of the travel documentaries from PBS that I have watched and can recommend is The Historic Pubs of Dublin.
Hosted by Frank McCourt of Angela’s Ashes fame, it is a fairly typical travelogue of pubs in Dublin with a smattering of history sprinkled in. Now you do not watch this for craft beer information. In fact you will be appalled to notice Bud tap handles next to Guinness ones. What you watch this for is to get a mini-history of pubs that you should at the very least walk through when you visit Dublin. And visit Dublin you should. My particular favorite is the pub next to the graveyard. I can so see myself walking into that on a cold and dark Irish night. And clocking in at one hour it is much better than Skyline or Prince of Persia.
If you out there in craft beer land have found any streaming worthy beer movies to watch, let me know and the world know through the lovely comments section.
Since it is #IPAday. It is more than appropriate to talk hops. Specifically three new hops that we might see more of because Stone is using them. Will they take off like Citra or Falconer’s Flight?
Here are some thumbnail sketches and I will let you decide….
from the Stone Brewing blog: “The Aramis hop is a brand new hop variety from Cophoudal in Alsace, France. Its parentage includes the Strisselspalt hop, a German style hop from Alsace. Strisselspalt has a very unique aroma-herbal like a German noble hop, but with hints of lemon as well, but it also has a very low alpha acid content, which makes it tough for using in craft ales. Aramis was at 8% alpha acids, so a really nice level.”
Here is what a home brew supply store’s take on Calypso. It “is a new breed of high alpha-acid hop with a pleasant, fruity aroma and flavor, with hints of pear and apple. It is typically used in ales, stouts and barleywines.”
Sonnet is a variation on the tried and true East Kent Goldings with a bit of peach flavor.
Last year, I came close in my bid to win a trip to Reno and Canfest 2010. A celebration of craft brews in a can.
I have not given up! Somehow, I will find my way to Reno. I just know I can….
If I start here…..
…and then continue past the 1/2 way point….
…I could find myself at Canfest 2011!
How do I travel from Glendale to Reno? I could go by car or plane or in a few years high speed train but the best way is by the power of the craft beer community. Because the most fuel efficient and green energy source is the passion that drives brewers, beer drinkers and beer bloggers.
I also would not be able to do it without the folks behind this contest so thanks to Buckbean beer for their generosity in creating and running this fun contest!
We have reached the final Surly Brewing review. We bid goodbye with Coffee Bender…..
Escondidian? That’s going to trip up the bad spellers among us. Seems like a little swipe at Cascadian but if it is as good as last years anniversary IPA then I will let it slide.
The Stone folks are really impressing me with their Odd Years program. Here is my review of the Russian Imperial Stout….
It appears that Wades Wines (near Ladyface Ale Companie) has set up taps in their shop! The new Malibu Sundowner Tasting Room.
The initial taster flight was: Coronado Idiot IPA, Flying Dog Gonzo Porter, Bear Republic Racer 5 and Lady Face IPA
We have 32 different beers on tap for you to try. We’re sure you’ll find something you like!!!
Call the store for tasting hours and then check out their extensive bottles for sale as well.
Maybe San Diego will become known for Saisons soon thanks to Green Flash.
I wonder if this was brewed in their new facility?
They also will be soon releasing Treasure Chest – a Belgian-inspired Pale Ale.
I have an Abyss in my cellar and this new offering might need to take the spot next to it.
“The newest beer in Deschutes Brewery’s coveted Reserve Series, The Stoic’s journey from Belgian-style Tripel to American Quad is a remarkable one. A simple German Pilsner malt bill and a low-key profile of Hallartau, Czech Saaz, and Northern Brewer hops equip you for the more distinctive aromas and flavors that lay ahead. Ingredients like Belgian candy sugar, beet and date sugars, and pomegranate molasses impart a clean, tangy sweetness. Pinot Noir and rye whiskey barrel-aging suggest notes of spice, citrus, pepper, vanilla, and toasted caramel like offerings to the gods. Unraveling the intricacies of The Stoic is evidence of a life bravely done.”