Follow Sean Inman to the best in craft beer
As summer rolls across the country with a blanket of heat and humidity, the types of beers that have maximum enjoyment factors are generally more effervescent and light.
This month’s suggestions still fall into light, medium and dark categories but are more tuned to the lighter side. July 2010 Beers
To kick off Oregon Craft Beer MONTH! Here is a review of the Widmer special release # 2. The Braggot of Prickly Pear….
Fruit seems to be the theme of the Reserve series so far. Of course, Widmer is only two beers into it. But first was Cherry Oak Dopplebock (which I still wish I could get a bottle of) and now comes the prickly pear paired with a malty mead. Sounds interesting.
As I have mentioned before, I am a sucker for special reserve series beers. Plus I am already a Widmer fan. So this is right up my alley.
Cherry Oak Doppelbock is a rich ale, cold-fermented with dark sweet and red tart cherries, then conditioned on new, heavily toasted American oak. The result is a dark lustrous brew with up-front malty sweetness and cherry fruit notes completed by caramel, dark chocolate, and toasted oak undertones. The complex flavor profile balances the impressive 9% ABV and 40 IBUs.
Fitting that I knocked off my adopted state of California and now my home state of Oregon. Widmer has been a major player in Oregon and for those who only think wheat beer with lemon wedges then you do not know Widmer. How about a cherry oak dopplebock? Citra hops? or their W series like this years model the Pitch Black IPA?
Here are my best beers of the year list (in no particular order)…..
Magic Hat # 9
had this at Naja’s place after horrible traffic and getting lost. this beer made everything melt away.
Cali- Belgique aged in Oak (Handpump)
Orange cream with hops. A breakfast IPA?
Rubicon Goldfinger (Nitro)
thank you Blue Palms for the Nitro!!
HUB 7 Grain Survival Stout
a great, hearty and complex stout that still lingers in memory
Widmer Teaser
light and completely different. tea flavors in a beer.
…is Citra Blonde-This Blonde Ale is a very smooth, refreshing, and drinkable beer. Light in color, body, and bitterness, but it is not bland. Widmer Citra Blonde’s point of differentiation is that it delivers an abundance of flavor despite its lighter profile. What’s even more special is that Citra is a new, very rare hop variety that only Widmer and two other brewers have access to. Made with Alchemy and Citra hops. ABV 3.8%,
from Draft Magazine.…
Expressions of brotherly love usually involve punching, wrestling, or some kind of potentially dangerous physical activity. Widmer Brothers Brewing Company is celebrating Brother’s Day (Tuesday, August 11) in a slightly more healthy way.
Their collection of sarcastic e-cards are a great way of conveying brotherly affection while helping a good cause. One dollar will be donated to Big Brothers Big Sisters for each card sent before August 11. Widmer Brothers has pledged to raise $10,000 in an effort to recruit more volunteer Big Brothers.
“Our effort to support Big Brothers Big Sisters is a personal commitment,” Kurt Widmer said. “We know firsthand the value of strong role models and of course, the importance of brotherhood.”
So before that friendly sibling boxing match results in a pleasant trip to the emergency room, send your bro an e-card. And help give community kids an opportunity to experience the joy that can only come from getting matching casts with their brother.
Here is my first taste of Widmer’s 25th Anniversary Double Alt. This is not a beer for the faint of heart.
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The 2nd in the Spontaneous Beer Tasting series….
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