Trend forecasting is dicey. Did anyone see hazy IPAs coming in early 2016? I didn’t. But I will plant a prediction flag with gin barrels. I think gin influenced beers are going to follow a similar trajectory as pilsners. Slow and steady out of the niche styles not a tier below bourbon barrel aged beers. Don’t believe me? The labels above from Pelican and Ommegang tell me it could happen.
Featured Review – Imperial Pelican from Pelican Brewing
This is no IPA, style wise. Although acronym wise it is. The Imperial Pelican Ale from the Pelican Brewery on the coast of Oregon pours a dark orange color. Has some serious strength behind it. The 2015 bottling celebrates the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge. The gold/black label showcases 50 plants and animals (+ a QR Code) that can be found in the Ridgefield, Washington refuge on the banks of the mighty Columbia River. Since this beer was initially released in 2015 the caramel aroma and Barley wine characteristics make sense though even at the advanced age it still holds quite a bit of dank bitterness.
If I had been smart, I would have gotten a newer bottling to compare/contrast.
Christmas Beer of the Day – Bad Santa
The Brewery – Pelican Brewery
The Beer – Bad Santa
The Details:
“You better watch out, you better not cry, you better not pout, the brewers at Pelican are telling you why: Bad Santa will arrive November 3rd. This mysterious dark elixir is filled with complex malt flavors and aromas with toasted malt and roast character, blending seamlessly to the alluring herbal hop aroma that comes from copious amounts of Fuggle hops. Bad Santa doesn’t care if you’ve been naughty or nice, he wants this beer on your list.”
Oregon Craft Beer Month – Pelican Brewery
When experimental hops start coming from France, you know beer is now serious.
“On July 14 in honor of the French National Holiday, Bastille Day, Pelican Brewery will release a new one-off beer called “The Guillotine,” which is made with experimental hops from Alsace, France. “This hop (P05-9) is an experimental variety from the grower’s co-op” said Welch. “It’s the first product of the breeding program.” The Guillotine will be an international-style pale ale that is golden hued and slightly stronger than other brews at 6 percent ABV—a perfect beer for summertime on the Pelican patio. The Guillotine will be available on draft only.”