Tag: Dick Cantwell

Posted on

Make it Eclectic


It has been a hot minute since the Brewers Association tackled the ever expanding IPA style in book form but I think they found a brewer who has some good info to impart, Dick Cantwell who is back brewing in the Bay Area has a new book out that tackles the odd side of hoppy beers.

Brewing Eclectic IPA covers “a wide range of ingredients, from cocoa nibs, coffee, fruits, and vegetables, to spices, herbs, and even wood, to push the boundaries of the style.”

Here is the blurb: “Among the most well-respected and experienced craft brewers in the world, Cantwell provides scores of tips and methods for first-time brewers and beer veterans alike to concoct a delectable brew and shares the story of how and why the proliferation of American IPA came to be.”

Posted on

Cantwell has Landed


Seems like two lifelines have been extended to Magnolia Brewing of San Francisco. One from Belgium. And one from New Belgium.

Magnolia has been struggling in a crowded San Francisco (for that matter, California market) and will now have both more financial power as a triumvirate of majority owner New Belgium, with Elysian Founder Dick Cantwell and Belgian lambic producer Oud Beersel as minority partners take over the rein.

Cantwell will take over the brewing tanks in his first gig since Elysian was sold despite his objections.

Magnolia has two brewing locations on Haight Street and Dogpatch from which Cantwell will brew. Oud Beersel will add their spontaneously fermented beers from Belgium and plans for an SF coolship are in the works.

I can see how New Belgium and Oud Beersel would play well together but I don’t quite know how Magnolia’s line-up fits into the puzzle.

Posted on

Beer Book Binge

It is good to see more and more craft beer books on the shelves. Here are three that you should peruse online or, heavens forbid, in an actual bookstore.

Wood & Beer – combine Peter Bouckaert from New Belgium with Dick Cantwell, the quality ambassador for the Brewer’s Association and you will get some seriously in depth knowledge about wood an what happens when beer comes into contact with it. Just bought it and will review later.

The Beer Geek Handbook – I really enjoyed the slim cellaring book from Patrick Dawson, Vintage Beer. His latest seems heavy on illustrations and is more jokey in tone. Might be better as a gift to those outside the craft scene to help them understand why beer ignites such passion.

The Opposite of Woe – For this political season, combine one Denver craft beer entrepreneur with the mayor’s office and the governorship and see how brewing a beer is similar to getting a bill passed.  From two-time Mayor of Denver and Governor of Colorado, John Hickenlooper.

Posted on

Woody

Brewers Publications, has a new book out and it has two beer stars talking barrels. Wood & Beer: A Brewer’s Guide by Dick Cantwell (formerly of Elysian Brewing) and Peter Bouckaert from New Belgium, deep dive into “the many influences of wood as a vehicle for contributing tremendous complexity to beers fermented and aged within it.”
WAB_cover-197x315
“Wood & Beer covers not only the history, physiology, microbiology and flavor contributions of wood, but also the maintenance of wooden vessels.”

And if Matt Brynildson, the brewmaster at Firestone Walker Brewing Company blurbs enthusiastically about the book, then it might be worth leafing through. It might be pegged more for brewing but ardent craft beer fans will most certainly pick up nuggets of wisdom that will help them enjoy beer from the wood better.

Posted on

Loser Pale

673

I love the special beers, the anniversary beers, the once and done beers. And now, a pale from Elysian. A pale as a tribute? Counter to trend, but I like it. A Pale Ale made in honor of 20 years of records from Sub Pop. Sounds like a winner to me.