Category: Guide to better beer

how to discover new beer to try

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Beer VS Wine

Let’s throw some numbers at you. (3) courses, (1) cheese from the wine camp and one from the beer, (1) main course from each faction and then (1) dessert offering from each group.
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The crowd looked wine friendly but the breakdown was only slightly tilted to the vino crowd with many more having no preference. So I was expecting a wine win but hoping for a tie.
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I was blown away by the results. Wine received the most votes on the first cheese and then beer won the next (5) rounds. And not nail biters either. These were double digit wins.
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The best pairing of the night for me was Tomme de Savoie cheese with toasted rye cracker and apricot chutney with Saison Rue from The Bruery. I have not had Saison Rue in a long time but it really pairs well with food.
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I have to say that this was a well organized event. I know some of the people involved, so I am a little biased, but the food and drink was served at proper intervals and was well done. The voting system was easy to use and their was plenty of staff to help. The only thing I can see improving is the sound system because after a few rounds the noise level markedly increased.
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Tule Duck

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The latest canned offering from Buckbean of Reno, Nevada is a red ale. Here is a short description…”This deep red robust ale combines a silky smooth rich body with a fruity caramel malt flavor and a soft herbal dry hopped finish. A full flavored classic beer that pairs well with hearty foods of all types.”

Now I would like to see an IPA or brown ale added to their can-line.

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Beer Temple

Not to be confused with the Church of beer. This is a beer bar in Amsterdam that specializes in craft American beer. If you are in the area and you want a taste of home, this looks the place to be. Beer Temple has Anchor, Flying Dog, Great Divide, Uncommon Brewers, Left Hand and Southern Tier ON TAP!

Put it on the list of beer spots to hit before you can’t!

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Mikkeller – Educational beers

As is usual with me, I learn something new every day. Today’s nugget is that the nomadic Mikkeller is working on a third series of single ingredient beers.

I said to myself, “3?” Apparently, I completely missed the barrel series that showcased one beer in different barrels to see the effects from what was liquor was previously in that barrel. Hopefully, I can get a bottle of one of those and review it here.

Second, is the single hop series that I blather on about from time to time because it is such a great idea and each beer is fantastic in a non-educational setting. New single hop beers on the horizon include Summit, Apollo, Bravo, Citra and Sorachi Ace. I am especially geeked out about the last two.

Here is the list of single hop beers already out:
Amarillo
Cascade
Centennial
Chinook
East Kent Golding
Nelson Sauvin
Nugget
Simcoe
Tomahawk
Warrior

The third lesson is on yeast! Now this should be really fascinating. The same base beer is being used but with these different strains of yeast: lager, U.S. ale, Belgian Ale/Trappist, Weiss and Brettanomyces.
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New NW Beers – part 2

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Fruit seems to be the theme of the Reserve series so far. Of course, Widmer is only two beers into it. But first was Cherry Oak Dopplebock (which I still wish I could get a bottle of) and now comes the prickly pear paired with a malty mead. Sounds interesting.

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New NW Beers – part 1

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Ballard’s Bitter was one of the early craft brews back when I was a young lad. A lot of beer has been brewed since then and Redhook seems to be losing favor among the beer geeks.

But there appears to be signs of life this year. New releases are coming. I hope it portends better to come.

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Beer Geek Breakfast

Who can say no to French Toast and Danish beer? I can’t. Especially when it is at the beach on a beautiful, sunny day at the excellent Library Alehouse.

First a photo of the food…bgb2
now just the beer….
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