Sacred Spice

I was fortunate enough to visit the Twisted Pine when I visited Boulder and I sure wish this beer had been on tap cause I would have snapped it up because chai in beer should be done more often in my opinion.

“On March 3rd, Twisted Pine Brewing Company will release Sacred Spice, the third beer in its Artisan Ale Series. Fans of Twisted Pine and craft beer in general have received the endeavor – which pairs a distinctive new brew with a different local artist each month – with open arms, eyes and mouths. In its first two months the popular project has gained attention statewide and the brewery hopes to build on that success with March’s offering.”

“Sacred Spice is an Imperial Porter invigorated with traditional masala chai spices skillfully blended by Boulder-based Sanctuary Chai. The enchanting ale carries the delightful scent and flavor of dark, roasted barley as well as the provocative aroma of ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom and other spices used for centuries to embolden Eastern teas. However, much like the brewery’s heralded Big Shot Espresso Stout, Sacred Spice strikes a fine balance whereby the flavors exhibit a seemingly natural harmony so that no taste bud is dominated but rather each one satisfied. The bold, black ale is 10.1% ABV with 33 IBU.

Sacred Spice’s label features a piece titled ‘Life is Beautiful’ by local artist Millicent Kang. The release party will double as an art show for Kang, whose works will adorn the Twisted Pine ale house for the entire month of March. The artist will also be on hand to discuss her art and sign bottles for collectors in what has quickly become a celebrated monthly event. Further details can be found at the brewery’s website.”

Eureka! Burger

Beer and pizza is my favorite pairing but running a close second is beer and burgers. And thankfully, there are great burger places popping up that have the same craft ethos as our beloved breweries.

One of them that is inching ever closer to L.A. is Eureka! Burgers.

The closest locations are Redlands or Santa Barbara as of now but that just encourages the old-fashioned road trip. Head to Hangar 24 then hit Eureka in Redlands. Or go to Hollister then Eureka in the Santa Barbara area.

Portlandia Pils


First Rogue came out with a Portlandia beer in conjunction with the IFC channel and now Laurelwood has a pils with the iconic Portland statue on the label.
“When creating this beer, we set out to create a lager that has its heart in the Northwest. This beer has a firm bitterness with flavor and aroma impressions of pine, citrus and fresh cut grass which is the signature of American hops while still on their best behavior. A new classic, a NW Pilsner will all the implied contradictions.”
I don’t think you can pickle it but there probably is a specific recycling bin with a bird on it that you can put it in.

Happy Anniversary Belmont Station

All day today, BELMONT STATION will be celebrating it’s 15TH ANNIVERSARY.

And here is what they are going to do to celebrate, “Yep, it’s been 15 years since the founding of Belmont Station as the first specialty beer store in the Northwest. Thanks to you we’re still here so we’ll be breaking out some vintage bottles to sell and have a few surprises on tap. Ted Sobel of Brewers Union Local 180 is bringing us two firkins of his unbeatable genuine cask-conditioned ales, including one brewed just for our 15th, with 15 malts.”

I wish I could take the day off, fly up to Portland and stay there all day if only to have Brewers Union beers.

Sean suggests for March


For the start of spring here are some suggestions that start with a Dig, go to Wall Street for a share of beer then head to church for something Big and Bad.

Double click this list……March 2012 then print it out (or memorize it) and demand these beers from your local beer shoppe. Or ask nicely, whichever way you prefer.

Anthony of Bourdainia

No matter what your response to Anthony Bourdain is from his books and TV shows, you have to admit that he should have a beer named after him. He is one of those people that could inspire many different takes on beers to match his personality.

Here is the info on this beer, “Developed and brewed by Local Option at Against the Grain Brewery in Louisville, KY, this Vienna style lager was inspired by and pays homage to world-renown chef, author, and television personality Anthony Bourdain.

This premium red lager was brewed with the highest quality German Pilsner, Melanoidin and Amber malts; perfectly balanced with the German hop triumvirate of Magnum, Perle and Tettnang; and fermented with a crisp, clean, lager yeast. Anthony of Bourdainia is a formidable beer to be enjoyed with or without food.”

Flanders Fred


Alan Sprints of Hair of the Dog is embarking on a 2nd collaboration this time with Belgian brewer De Struise Brouwerij and it will carry the now famous Fred name with it.

Now that I have had my Michael ’09 fix sated, (Thanks Mom for the birthday gift) now I can set my sights on this beer (and a few others too)

Oregon Beer Review # 1 – IPA from Burnside Brewing

The month of March is featuring reviews of Oregon beers that I brought back from one of my semi-regular jaunts to my hometown of Portland and to start, I cracked open an IPA from Burnside Brewing.

Here is what the brewery says about the beer, “Burnside IPA is our flagship brand on our sparkling new 15bbl system. An IPA with plenty of malt body and thoroughly hopped with 6 varieties of the herbaceous perennial. Expect to taste notes of pine & grapefruit in Jason’s first offering.”

Irish Brewery # 1 – 8 Degrees

Since it is March, it is time to head back to the Emerald Isle and e-tour some breweries from Ireland that I found while on THIS website. Our first destination is 8 Degrees

Beer # 1 that intrigued me is, “Like tackling the Knockmealdowns in a blizzard, this beer is not for wimps. This robust malt-driven ale balances dark malts with some old world bitter hops. It won’t weigh you down like a stout and offers a rich chocolaty aroma with a burst of espresso. Perfect for a cooler evening: year round in Ireland.”

Beer # 2 is their “first ever seasonal beer …. ‘A Winter’s Ale’, at 7.5% ABV it’s a real winter warmer. Made with Green Saffron mulling spices.”