I need to re-visit The Crac Brewery soon. One, because I haven’t been there in ages and second they have a new lager with a spiffy label…
…That bold stripe down the middle is cool.
Rise
Featured Review – The San Francitra Treat IPA
What better way to kick off a month of Orange County featured beer reviews than with a triple collaboration. Artifex, Bottle Logic and Unsung Brewing have concocted a hoppy treat.
I picked up my can at Vendome in Toluca Lake introgued by the blue can and the fact that rice was used. Learning later that, African Queen, Azacca, and Citra hops were probably playing a more prominent role. The DIPA had a great aroma pour out with the opening of the can. Very fruit forward. Tropical to be more exact. It veered more to IPA than DIPA to me and though honey was also added, I did not pick up on it. I would certainly pick up a second can if seen on store shelves.
Sake the Beer
Considering the location of Angel City Brewing, it is apropos that they would come out with a sake inspired ale. With Little Toyko literally across Alameda Street from them.
They are using the “traditional sake-style rice and koji fermentation” to meld together with the hops and malts from the beer side of the ledger. This will be an intersting experiment and maybe something to add to the cellar since it is a healthy 9.2% ABV.
Plus, if you are free tomorrow night you can “celebrate the tapping of the first keg, beer enthusiasts thirsting to try the creation will be able to sip the beer in a uniquely inspiring and apropos location – the Japanese-American Cultural & Community Center. On November 20, Angel City will be serving samples of For the Sake of Ale alongside viewings of Arts District artist, JW Pippen’s Jugatsuzakura. His piece is a riveting new samurai-themed sculpture using oak barrel staves from Angel City brewing barrels. This sculpture ties together Pippen’s continued interest in Japanese culture and love of the Los Angeles Arts District. During the event sushi and mochi will also be served. There are three tasting sessions throughout the evening – 6:00pm, 7:00pm and 8:00pm.”
You need to purchase a ticket for this, so find the information on how to do so HERE.
Wild Rice
The citra hop has worked it’s way to the east coast. I have had only a few rice forward brews and none have blown me away or shown something unique. Maybe this will prove different.
Take a read… “we’ve brewed this beer with wild rice. We also used brown and white rice, as well as two malts.
Rice helps the beer ferment dry to better showcase the five different hops we’ve added. Lots and lots of them. We then dry-hopped this Double IPA with even more-generous additions of Chinook and Citra hops to create a nose that hints at tangerine, mango, papaya and pine.”
Commodity prices
According to yesterday’s Los Angeles Times, due to rising commodity prices ABInbev and MillerCoors are raising prices. “Retailers will not eat the price increases.” Shouldn’t it say “not drink up” the price increases? And what really is interesting, is how no mention is made of what commodity. Are they afraid to say corn and rice?