There are a lot of beer related gadgets but this one looks like a lifesaver and preventer of spills.
Growler on Board sells a black and a yellow version that will help in beer transport. Or as they call it, BTUs: Beer Transport Units.
the December beer shopping list
Sean suggests for this grand, holiday month two beers from the snowy state of Colorado and one from the cold state of Oregon.
December 2011
Click on the link twice (maybe less depending on the computer you are on) and you will have a handy beer shopping list for the most wonderful time of the year. Holiday beer time!
Christmas Beer of the Day – Northstar Imperial Porter
The Brewery– Twisted Pine
The Beer – Northstar Imperial Porter
The Details
“Northstar, which carries a 98 on ratebeer.com, is black as a moonless night and gives off an aroma of toffee and dark fruit laced with licorice. Once the porter hits the palate, the tongue dances to notes of chocolate-covered raisins which harmonize well with subtle traces of roasted nuts and molasses. The beer is dry enough to punctuate the flavors with a crisp finish, while just silky enough to leave a stamp of the epic experience behind for a while. An ABV of 9.1% provides a slight warming glow that grows up the chest as the ale drops in the glass. Northstar was awarded a gold medal at the 2010 Colorado State Fair, a silver in the 2006 World Beer Cup, and a bronze in 2008’s State Fair.”
Christmas Beer of the Day – Father John’s Winter Ale
The Brewery – Howe Sound
The Beer – Father John’s Winter Ale
The Details
“A rich, malty seasonal ale brewed every fall for the winter months, this ale is made with four different malts, Nugget & Hallertau hops, and a complex blend of spices. It is named for John Mitchell, Howe Sound’s original brewer.”
Christmas Beer of the Day – Frosted Frog
The Brewery – Hoppin’ Frog
The Beer – Frosted Frog (Barrel aged)
The Details
“Barrel-Aged Frosted Frog Christmas Ale has a familiar and satisfying combination of carefully blended Christmas spices in a flavorful nut-brown ale, its like a Christmas cookie in a glass! The extended barrel aging in oak Bourbon casks adds a vanilla-like flavor, creating a smooth character that perfectly compliments the cinnamon, ginger and nutmeg, unlike any other Christmas beer.”
A shift
OK. Time to “Shift” away from big holiday ales and look into what we will be drinking next summer.
Maybe a pale lager form 16oz cans from New Belgium? Heck, in LA, I can probably drink it year round.
Where Santa might Stop – Pear Tree Inn
While in England, St. Nick might stop at Banbury for a drink at the aptly named Pear Tree Inn (no mention of partridges). It is part of Hook Norton.
“This pretty 18th century pub, which also serves as the Brewery’s tap, is ideally located for use by the many walkers who pass by or visitors to the Hook Norton Brewery Visitor Centre.
The Pear Tree has a single, beamed bar with welcoming log fire. The Pear Tree is open all day and has the full range of Hook Norton beers.
Double bed in roomThe pub has three bed and breakfast rooms, which are much in demand during the summer months.
The pub is famed for its annual beer festival which is held every July.”
The Barman’s Fund
Times are tough but it looks like the world inside the bar is still welcoming, if not more so than in the past. Breweries are as charitable as ever with time and beer and now a group of bartenders in New York are pitching in to help.
The Barman’s Fund pools the money of bartenders to be given to a charity. I think that each city with a thriving cocktail or beer or wine scene should get in on this idea. And maybe get one of the 1% to throw down some matching money too.
Holiday Beer review – Sleigh’r
The first Holiday beer to be reviewed this month is from Eugene, Oregon and Ninkasi.
from the label: “A delicious northwest seasonal brewed with winter in mind. A dark double alt, malty, nourishing and delicious, it’s sure to keep the winter at bay, and yes, Sleigh’r does rock!”
Christmas Beer of the Day – Nutcracker
The Brewery – Boulevard
The Beer – Nutcracker Winter Ale
The Details:
“Nutcracker Ale is Boulevard’s holiday gift for real beer lovers. This hearty, warming brew is a classic winter ale, deep amber in color, with hints of molasses balanced by the “spiciness” of freshly harvested Chinook hops.”