A 25th Anniversary is a mighty big deal especially when you are 21st Amendment Brewing and you are now four years past your own name. Gonna add this to my 2025 craft beer shopping list.
21 and 25
Not So Motley Cru
On the list of breweries that I do not often talk about, BJ’s Restaurants but the number 25 got me hooked. The chain has that many years of brewing its Grand Cru which started along with the new millennium.
Grand Cru is a “Belgian-style pale strong ale gets its fruity, spicy kick from a unique Belgian ale yeast, plus a blend of bitter orange peel and coriander for a flavor that’s perfect for the season.”
25 for Cascade
Two strikes firstly for this 25th anniversary release from Cascade Brewing. Star anise is not my favorite featured flavors and second, my poor tum tum can only take so much sour.
On the upside, I do like the limited tastes I have had of cascara plus the Tartini release from Cascade was great.
25 for Ommegang
Two things got me to writing about a special limited release beer from Ommegang Brewing.
One – 25 freakin’ years. You can’t not celebrate that.
Two – imperial amber ale, how often you gonna see that style
oh and Three – it’s in bottles.
Here is more on the beer from the brewery, “25th Anniversary Ale is an imperial amber ale that conveys a traditional Belgian sweetness balanced with spicy citrus notes. This beer pours coppery brown with a billowy cap, and notes of lemon and white pepper flakes that are present straight away. At first sip there is a presence of sweet maltiness, that is refined by late additions of Cascade hops, resulting in a dry balanced finish.”
O25
It is important to really recognize craft brewing milestones and Brewery Ommegang has reached one and they have thankfully eschewed an IPA for an imperial amber ale with orange peel, grains of paradise and coriander.
25
Since I am here in Paso Robles, seems good timing to speak of Firestone Walker and their recently released 25th Anniversary blend..
Here are the details from the press release:
“Winemakers from the following Paso Robles wineries participated in this year’s blending: Booker Vineyard, Desparada Wines, Epoch Estate Wines, Halter Ranch Vineyard, Herman Story, Ledge Vineyards, Tablas Creek Vineyard, TH Estate Wines, Thacher Winery and Torrin Wine.
For the first time, the winemakers were joined by two members of Firestone Walker’s Brewmaster’s Collective beer club, who won the chance to participate in the blending session. Russell From of Herman Story Wines and Taylor Mathiesen of Booker Vineyard, along with Brewmaster’s Collective club member Paul Rios (with guest Christian Smith), created the winning blend that became “25.”
Parabola Autumn Edition – Aged in Bourbon Barrels (41%) Russian Imperial Stout
Tequila Barrel Merkin – Aged in Bourbon Barrels (28%) Milk Stout
Brandy Barrel Barley Wine – Aged in Brandy Barrels (13%) Blonde Barley Wine
Stickee Monkee – Aged in Bourbon Barrels (10%) Central Coastal Quad
Whiskey Barrel Wheat Wine – Aged in Tequila Barrels (8%) Strong Golden Barley Wine
25 Blues
One of the favorite of the summer beer events for both the breweries and fans alike has been the Mammoth Bluesapalooza. It is still on my bucket list. Maybe 2022 for me. But this year is a milestone, # 25!
And Mammoth Brewing is releasing a 10% TIPA to mark the occasion. In bombers no less.
DBA at 25
Yes, Double Barrel Ale from Firestone Walker is 25 years young this year and to mark that occasion, the label gets a refresh…
…and might I suggest that you refresh your palate to this beer. It is a heritage beer and I mean that in not only a good but great way. These are the beers we drink at Super Bowl parties, the beer we know will be really good and that many will have fond memories of.
A25
Not much Avery news (other than their re-branding earlier this year), but that changes with their milestone 25th Anniversary ale. And they go with the Dark Ale. I like the choice to lean into their dark side.
de l’Enfer
Unibroue Introduces 25th-Anniversary Blonde de l’Enfer.
Here is the description of what looks to be a perfect winter beer for when you are feeling a bit devilish…
“Blonde De L’Enfer (Blonde from Hell) is brewed to celebrate Unibroue’s 25th anniversary. Staying true to our tradition of Belgian style inspiration with a touch of Québécois culture, we crafted a nonconformist take on a classic style, the Belgian Golden Ale. These ales are traditionally named after hellish demons due to their lust for power and in reference to the beer’s deceitful drinkability. Our golden 25th anniversary ale is such a wolf in sheep’s clothing. Brewed with a unique Belgian yeast strain, this sinfully smooth refermented specialty ale is artfully crafted for a delicate balance of spice, malt, and hop flavors with a fine Champagne-like effervescence.”