100 for Karl


“Karl M. Strauss would have celebrated his 100th birthday on October 5th and Karl Strauss Brewing Company is honoring San Diego’s Godfather of Beer with the re-release of his namesake and favorite—Karl Strauss Amber. Karl sparked the craft beer renaissance in San Diego back in 1989 when he helped two gutsy kids open the city’s first craft brewery in more than 50 years.

He was born in a brewery in Minden, Germany, studied brewing at Weihenstephan University, worked for Pabst for 44 years, but is most remembered for his unwavering commitment to quality that helped lay a foundation for San Diego as a leading craft beer destination. To pay homage to the man who wrote the recipe and inspired a local craft beer movement, the company redesigned the Amber packaging featuring a hand-sketched image of Karl from his younger days.”

I am kind of amazed that they didn’t do this earlier then do an imperialized version for the 100th. But an honor is an honor.

Venice Beach Beer Company


The L.A. brewery boom continues on and in expensive land prices, Venice of all places. I like the SoCal specific beer names of AWOL and June Gloom too. I will attempt to get a taste and report back.

But first, here is the full press release…..
“Known for it’s laid back vibe and artistic culture, Venice is home to some of L.A.’s leading restaurants, galleries and cutting edge business. The Venice Beach Beer Company, launched in June 2012, is the latest addition to this culture, and the first beer company to call Venice home.

Started by Tim Benedick and Kerr Smith, longtime friends, Venice residents and beer connoisseurs, Venice Beach Beer Company brings a passion for good beer and the beach to life in two new ales available exclusively in Venice, California. With a slogan of “Shut Up and Drink It,” the beers offer a distinct flavor profile that reflects the local culture.

“Our beers are specially brewed for the Venice Beach life,” says Smith. “We have lived here for many years and realized that there wasn’t a beer in existence that captured the essence of our unique city, so we decided to put ‘Venice’ in a bottle.”

Smith is a longtime Venice resident and notable Hollywood actor. Benedick is a bar manager with over 20 years in the bar business.

“Venice” is a unique, American amber ale with a blend of caramel and biscuit malts, jammed packed with five different hops, creating an eclectic war between bitter and sweet. “June Gloom” is an untraditional, White Belgian beer combining the taste of coriander and orange peel.

“Our take on a Belgian White with a bit of a twist. We decided to get away from the traditional yeast selection on this one,” says Benedick. “By using a much cleaner yeast, this beer becomes about the delicate blend of coriander and orange peel instead of the traditional clove and banana notes, producing an easy to drink wheat beer that is quite refreshing on those hot summer days. Our June Gloom beer will take those clouds away.”

Venice Beach Beer Company plans to produce approximately 1,000 barrels in its first year. “Venice” is currently available in Venice, CA at The Venice Whaler, Hinano Cafe, Larry’s, Chaya Venice, Venice Beach Wines, Bin 73, Mercedes Grill, Ozumo and Whole Foods on Lincoln Blvd and will be quickly followed by “June Gloom.” The third VBBC beer, A.W.O.L. IPA (Always West of Lincoln), an American IPA, will be available next year in 2013. Plans for a storefront and retail location are on the horizon.

50 from 50 – Kentucky

Thanks to a generous gift from the good people at the Lexington/Alltech Brewery in Kentucky, I was able to sample my first ever beer from that that fine state.
I tasted the Light (aka Kolsch), their flagship ale and their bourbon barrel aged ale. My favorite was the light but here is the review for the ale.

as always, click on the image to make it more readable.

…and follow this link to the full list of 43 beers Sean’s 43 of 50

Vertigo Brewing

Another addition to the crowded but thriving Oregon beer scene is this Hillsboro based brewery.
VertigoLogo

Here is their current list of beers…
Cyclone Cream ale, Apricot Cream ale, Schwindel Alt, High-Altitude Amber, Razz Wheat & Friar Mike’s IPA.

These two guys started out home brewing then they just kept making more. The only logical thing to do was open a brewery.

What's in the 'fridge?

One from Mexico and one from Washington state..
honey

Nice Amber ale with just a touch of sweetness. This would go well with sweet BBQ. Easy to drink and not bland like some ambers can get.

3385861537_1b006d3df5

From Red Hook brewery, this is another amber type beer. Nice to drink but lacks a little something. Not bad but I could certainly find more bold tastes in the beer aisle.