Category: Monthly Features

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The Firkin for May 2021

I ever so wrongly predicted that hard seltzers would be a “Here today, gone tomorrow” fad. They are now part of the beverage landscape and being added to brewery tap lists practically daily.

But I am going to double down – die on this hill proclaim that I do not think FMB’s (flavored malt beverages) are long for this world.

Oh, they will still be around but you won’t see the land rush from every brewery to make them. And when they lose interest or too much market share, then the pullback will begin. The major problem will be that the little breweries will be fighting over a pie that the big players can easily add themselves into and dominate.

Right now, your SABInBev’s, your Coors and Miller do not want to spend money on ingredients and time to make beer that competes with craft breweries. They steadfastly refuse entry into the world of IPAs, dopplebocks and Saisons, so craft has the run of that playground. Not so with hard seltzer where they can brand extend and create hundreds of flavors that are not far off from artisanal products.

I have tried many hard seltzers. Sone way too candy like for me and others that are subtle but none yet have struck me as un-replicable.

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Best Beers of April 2021 + IPA Standings

My April Top Two have European roots. But with modern twists. Los Angeles Ale Works came out with their Lemon Grab Belgian Wit which went all in on lemon instead of the orange peel and it worked really well. Bright without the lemonade acidity. Second beer is Loafer from Eagle Rock Brewery. A rustic saison made with upcycled bread from an L.A. bakery. I bought it for the conservation angle and new collaboration idea and ended up enjoying just the beer itself.

After a month of no change on the IPA leaderboard, there is a new number 3. Idaho 7 IPA from Crooked Stave is full and pillowy with a pine Christmas flavor along with a touch of grapefruit pith. Both sticky and soft this Colorado IPA even finishes with a touch of Concord grape.

3. Crooked Stave Idaho 7 IPA

2. Indie Brewing Quintette

1. Offshoot Beer Co. DDH Visions

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Needed or Not – Backyard Bar Wars

Except for March Madness time of year, I don’t know what is on TruTV…

…but that might change with Backyard Bar Wars which will hit screens in July of this year. Hosted by Chris Distefano the show pits two backyards vs each other to see which has the best home bar. I assume the usual invisible handymen will do the constructing.

Is it Needed or Not – Well that depends on the comedian host. If Distefano is fun and not in the way, then this could be escapist fun with the occasional good idea for our own bars (outside or in). I don’t expect to see taps of craft beer but maybe a LA local might appear. So, the verdict is smack dab in the Needed.

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Sean Suggests for April 2021

Collaborations. But not the normal kind are the theme for April. Be it with coffee people, bakery people or pink booted people, beer can be made with practically anything and certainly everyone.

LIGHT

Eagle Rock Brewery Loafer Rustic Ale – 5.5% “Rustic ale made with bread. Made in collaboration with Bub & Grandma’s in part of the Zero Waste LA initiative.“

MEDIUM

Indie Brewing Squad Hazy DIPA- 8% – “This double hazy IPA was brewed by the women of Indie Brewing Company on International Women’s Day. This beer also spotlights the Pink Boots Society which promotes women in the beer industry.”

BIGGEST

AleSmith Brewing Speedway Stout Mostra Coffee – 12% – “For this special edition of our signature imperial stout we partnered up with our friends at Mostra Coffee to provide their artisanal flair. Combined with copious amounts of coconut, this beer has intense notes of chocolate, roast, dark fruit, and a touch of milky sweetness, creating a perfect decadent blend of flavors.”

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A Podcast & A Beer – Tagline

Advertising is mostly utilitarian or, frankly, crap but some ads pop into the national consciousness. The story behind the ads that do click is the remit of Tagline. How do they come together? And the very first episode is about a beer, Dos Equis and The Most Interesting Man in the World.

How an SNL sketch and a song about George Washington proved the inspiration for a pair of writers bored with a client who seemed impossible is a great back story. Just the fact that this series of spots has two taglines is great.

You can grab a Dos Equis but I would say that you should go to a bottle shop and look for the most interesting label in the cooler case. Then look at why you find that interesting. Is it the color? The font? The information?

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The Firkin for March 2021

In a hopeful sign, I have started to think about how I would feel going back to a brewery and imbibing actually on premise. Obviously after I get my two shots (hopefully in April)

For me, it is going to be in stages. Like a cautious child dipping their toe into a cold lake. I will probably get a half pint outside and drink fast and be super watchful. Then it might be a full pint but still on guard. Then an outdoor taster tray.

Then and only then will I venture inside and take a stool at the bar where that same three step process will happen again.

I do not know how long it will take to feel secure. When I was younger, I was in a car accident where a driver left turned into my car and slammed into me. The passenger door behind me was crumpled. For a long while, when I saw someone turning near my lane, my heart would beat a little faster and my hands would grip the wheel tighter.

Now, that feeling is long gone. I am looking forward to this Covid crash feeling being a memory too.

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Best Beers of March 2021 + IPA Standings

My March Top Two come from near and far, sour and light. Tucana Tangerine Sour from Ecliptic Brewing in Portland was perfectly balanced. Tart and tangerine at once. The fact fruit had a candied peel note that I really enjoyed. Coming in a close second was the ‘Malgo Pils from Highland Park Brewery. This one just popped. Rarely do I have anything less than a great pilsner from this group.

Eagle Rock Brewery almost broke into the top three of the IPA with their anniversary TIPA Elevensies and Taste for Adventures from Pizza Port was a strong contender but the Top 3 are unchanged.

3. Societe The Coachman

2. Indie Brewing Quintette

  1. Offshoot Beer Co. DDH Visions

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A Podcast & A Beer – No Such Thing as a Fish

I was pointed to the No Such Thing as a Fish podcast by beer buddy, Richard and it is quite the fun show. Hosted by Dan Schreiber with James Harkin, Andrew Hunter Murray and Anna Ptaszynski the podcast give some you the facts. Four facts each show that the panel then add to until you have learned quite a bit about mosquitoes for instance.

The group has great fun and loads of camaraderie which makes the podcast fly by super fast. Perhaps as fast as a Russian train.

Now a beer from Dogfish Head would easily fit the bill, I would say that it would be best to pair a single style of beer and then take an internet deep dive to find some facts about it. Fun things about Louis Pasteur or the mob visiting Brooklyn Brewery or about the failed Wolfgang Puck brewery in Los Angeles.

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Cool Beers / Cool Labels – March 2021

Time to call out excellent label design and interesting new releases….

Here’s a sneak peek at next week’s can release in collaboration with the @glendalefireca and the Glendale fire Association in honor of Captain Niall Foley diagnosed with ALS in 2015. Malty and crisp with just a hint of smoke.

Next is another honorary beer released by Pocock Brewing Company to pay homage to the co-founder of Wolf Creek Brewery who recently passed away. A touching gesture from one brewery to another.