craft beer - - Page 7

by snebbu

Summer Brews Gone Wild! Top 10 Summer Beers

This list was difficult to compile. There are now so many summer beers to choose from, and they are all so different. I took a lot of serious time tasting these beers, tasting more beers, and tasting more beers. I categorized the following styles as Summer Beers: Wheat, Saison, Wit, Pilsner, Pale Ales, IPAs. Is the list exhaustive? Hell no. Can I guarantee that no matter what beer you try from this list, you will enjoy. Hell yes. Here it is:

10. Voo Doo Brewing “Some Say that Cucumbers Taste Better Pickled”

ABV: 4.7%

While strolling the walk of the Selinsgrove “Hops, Vines, and Wines” Festival, I came upon a sign that simply said “Some say cucumber is better pickled—try our beer.” Clearly that was going to be the first one I tried. I didn’t know what to expect—how can cucumber flavor really come through malts and hops? Somehow, it did. It wasn’t too strong, but you could definitely taste the refreshing cucumber flavor. I’m still trying to figure out how to get it sent to me. This is a great brew to have at one of your kick-ass barbecues and suddenly break out the cucumber beer for all your friends. Refreshing.

9. Curious Traveler Summer Shandy

ABV: 4.4%

First, there are the main-stream shandies that we are all familiar with. Then there is this. Curious Traveler Shandy comes in several flavors but I think the original lemon is the best. The beer has a crisp lemonade flavor that does not take over the beer. It is well balanced and includes the essential flavors of a lemonade AND a beer. Kick one back on the porch.

8. 21st Amendment “Hell or High Watermelon” Wheat

ABV: 4.9%

For those who enjoy a sweet wheat beer in the heat of summer—this is it. Put away the wine cooler and drink like an adult with 21st Amendment’s signature wheat. Watermelon comes through right away and carries itself throughout. The wheat beer flavor is there—sweet and complementing the watermelon in an odd but tasty way. If you like sweet beers, try this out. Plus the artwork on all 21st Amendment cans is just pretty damn awesome.

by snebbu

The Perfect Pour with Rappapour

Need another reason to drink craft beer? How about humor? I mean, it isn’t a main reason, but this is still pretty damn funny. Flying Dog Brewery enlightens all with how to pour the “pourfect” glass without contaminating the beer. After all, you wouldn’t want to leave the bar with Hepatitis A, B, or C would you? PS: watch out for those bodily discharges.

in Drinks 0 comments

by snebbu

Pumpkin Beer? In July?

That’s right. I’ve noticed some complaints about seeing pumpkin beer out so early. As your consumer reporter (and fellow beer lover) I decided to go to the source: Weyerbacher Brewing.

Weyerbacher is known for their Imperial Pumpkin Ale, so why not just go to the brewery and investigate? I wanted to see (a) how they brew the stuff and (b) why they release it so early. I found the answers to those questions and oh so much more. Let’s go.

in Drinks / Food Travel 2 comments

by snebbu

Top 10 Beers for Christmas

Put down the eggnog. I know you”re only drinking it because of some ridiculous tradition that started before you were even a thought. Okay, now that you”ve come to your senses, perhaps this is the year you drink and offer beer to your guests instead (not the kind that looks like piss). Even though I”m still having a hard time letting go of the fall seasonal beers, the winter has plenty to offer. I tried to pick a variety of winter seasonals ranging from dark stouts to spicy ales and lagers. There”s something for everyone! Enjoy and Merry Christmas!

*DISCLAIMER: This list is in no order. Try all ten, then decide what your favorite is!*

10. Sam Adams Winter Lager

(PHOTO: Sam Adams)

The Sam Adams Winter Lager is a tried-and-true brew that will not leave you disappointed. Sam Adams does lager well. They added a mix of winter spices and made the brew a bit darker (which makes it a tad bit sweeter in this case). The spices and the slight caramel flavor makes it an enjoyable fire to ~~chug~~ sip next to the yule log.

9. Troegs Mad Elf

(PHOTO: Troegs Brewing Company)

Just the name is enticing. Troegs Brewing Company has established themselves as one of the best craft breweries in the country. The Mad Elf and their Nugget Nectar have been my favorites for a while. Mad Elf packs a punch (11% ABV) and offers all the flavors I think of about Christmas: sweet, fruity, spicy. All packed into one swig that tastes great and gets you buzzed quick while dealing with that crazy family of yours.

8. Anchor Brewing Christmas Ale

We all know how I feel about this brew. Get a couple of six packs of this and put a couple bottles in the basement to compare to the next couple years” versions. The rest—drink with your friends and impress them with your knowledge of the brew!

in Drinks / Holiday / Lists / Top 10 Lists 3 comments

by snebbu

Top 10 Beers to Drink on Halloween

Other than eating half of it, what are you planning on doing while handing out Halloween candy? Hopefully you’re planning on scaring the crap out of kids. Or maybe popping in your favorite scary movie. Regardless, why not do that while drinking a seasonal brew?

I’ve sampled each of the beers listed (and then some) to create a lineup of the top ten beers to drink on Halloween. Rather than ranking them, I put them into my own categories in order for you to determine which would be your best pick. I suggest picking two (or three) solid choices that you know you will like. Then, take a risk and try something new! On to the research:

Sweetest Pumpkin Beer: Tommyknocker Brewery’s “Small Patch Pumpkin Harvest Ale”

ABV: 5%

Pumpkin pie with whipped cream on top. That pretty much sums up this one. It smells like pumpkin pie and tastes like pumpkin pie. This is not for those out there that don’t enjoy sweets, particularly sweet beers. But for those who do, try it out. It’s a great dessert beer. It is medium bodied and has more of a sweet pumpkin taste than the spice taste that most pumpkin beers do. It’s a crisp, clear brew that’s easy (and sweet) drinking.

Spiciest Pumpkin Beer: Sam Adams Fat Jack Pumpkin Ale

ABV: 8.5%

You’ve heard about this one before, but trust me, it’s got all you want for a cool fall night. The brew offers a warming feeling with every sip–the same feeling in your stomach you get from a sip of Jack Daniels—while also delivering the sweet taste of pumpkin. You can taste the spices of cinnamon, ginger, and even the allspice together with pumpkin.

“Tastes Most Like Pumpkin” Beer: Southern Tier Brewing Company Pumking Ale

in Drinks / Holiday / Lists / Top 10 Lists 1 comments

by snebbu

Some Herbs in Your Beer? The Saison du Buff

Typically, we don’t dedicate full posts to reviewing just one beer, but this one is a unique craft beer that everyone should try.

What makes this beer so cool? Well, first, it includes herbs like thyme, rosemary, parsley and sage as ingredients. Second, three of the country’s best craft breweries joined up to collaborate on one beer. Dogfish Head, Stone, and Victory created a brew that I believe will satisfy all, and can be paired to just about anything. In fact, I challenge you to find a meal that this delicious beer does not sit well with.

Often times I have trouble describing a beer as “delicious” because most people associate that word with food. You call beers “strong” or “hoppy” or “full,” but not delicious. However, after drinking this brew, I’m hoping most will change their minds (especially those people who think it’s civilized to drink beer the color of piss).

in Drinks 2 comments

by BS

Cocktail O’Clock: The Gringo

It’s a billion and one degrees outside. Does that call for a frosty beer? Or a cold glass of juice? Maybe a shot of tequila? How about all three? Red Star Tavern in Portland, Oregon is now serving The Gringo, a beer-based cocktail that will make you forget all about the heat.

The Gringo

1.5 oz. silver tequila (100% agave)
.5 oz. St. Germain elderflower liqueur
1 oz. grapefruit juice
1 Double Mountain Vaporizer Pale Ale (or your favorite pale ale)

Shake tequila, elderflower, and grapefruit with ice. Strain over fresh ice. Top off with pale ale. Serve in a salt-rimmed glass with a grapefruit twist.

For more summertime cocktail recipes, check out Endless Cocktails

in Drinks / Recipe / Restaurants 3 comments