Drinks - - Page 17

by snebbu

A Craft Beer Revolution? The Stochasticity Project Grapfruit Slam IPA

The announcement of the Stochasticity Project brings excitement and curiosity to those enveloped in the craft beer world (and beyond). The project dives in to the science of beer to create unique and strong (“Stone-like”) flavors in an innovative way. So you may be asking…what the hell is Stochasticity?

Stochasiticity is explained on the website as “a concept embraced and exalted by this special and unpredictable series of beers, where exotic notions, ingredients and ideas coalesce at an interesting and often unexpected endpoint.” Peruse the website further and you will soon realize that Stochasticity is Stone’s attempt at using science (like beer scientists) to engineer the perfect brew. The project highlights scientific equipment that is used to detect off-flavors, dissect the beer, and point out areas of flaws that will then be remedied. The PR promises a bold, flawless flavor.

And…Here’s how it tastes:

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by Emily

Cocktail O’Clock: Coffee King

Okay, so we’re already past Fat Tuesday, but let’s be real. You didn’t give up alcohol for Lent and you loooove a sweet, sweet iced coffee. So why not combine all of these facts (Fat Tuesday happened + still drinking + coffee is great) into one glorious cocktail?

Pinnacle Vodka recently released a King Cake flavored vodka that I guarantee is perfect any time of the year, Mardi Gras or not. They shared this recipe with us, and I’m gonna say it just might replace my morning Starbucks run… so maybe my Lenten resolution is to drink yet more alcohol? I’m sure that’s what they had in mind with the whole Lent thing, right?

Coffee King Cocktail

1 part Pinnacle® King Cake Vodka
1 part Kamora Coffee Liqueur
2 parts Cream

Shake all ingredients with ice. Pour into double Old Fashioned glass.

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by snebbu

The Mount Rushmore of Craft Beer

Recent talks in the sports world have centered around Lebron James’ comments on the Mount Rushmore of Basketball. His claim is that he belongs on it. From there, we digress to Mount Rushmores of all kinds: NFL quarterbacks, best baseball players, etc. Nobody mentioned the Mount Rushmore of Craft Beer. After much thought and debate, I’ve created two Mount Rushmores—one is made up of the top craft beers. period. The other is made of the top craft beer companies. Of course, many of you will disagree…so please tell us what yours are. Here are mine:

Mount Rushmore of Craft Beers:

1. Bell’s Two Hearted Ale

ABV: 7%

The Two Hearted Ale is a true American IPA that meets expectations every time. This brew has balance in flavor between citrus and earthy hops. When drinking, you aren’t overwhelmed with bitter flavor, but hopheads are consistently pleased. The finish is dry and crisp, which is expected with an IPA. While it makes hopheads happy, it also welcomes newcomers to the party and may even open their minds to trying another IPA. Bell’s Two Hearted Ale makes it on to the Mount because of it’s bold flavors, and welcoming notes of sweetness that often makes new hopheads with every sip.

2. Dogfish Head, Stone, and Victory Saison du Buff

ABV: 6.8%

Collaboration brews bring more awareness to craft beer and create unique flavors that work. It is hard to choose one collaboration brew, but the Saison du Buff was the most memorable. The saison style brew is flavored with rosemary, sage, thyme, and parsley. You can actually taste the spices in the beer…in a good way.

by snebbu

Endless Beers: Hitachino Nest Espresso Stout

ABV: 7.5%

In my travels around the world of beer, I took out the bottle with the owl on top. Turns out my next stop was in Japan: Hatachino Nest. In the hours before bed, I’ve been craving more stouts and darker beers than IPAs and lighter beers. Must be the cold, dark (particularly without power) weather we’ve been having in Philly. Anyway, I digress…on to the Japanese espresso stout. This beer is a sipper, but in a good way.

With the name “Espresso Stout,” it better live up to its name and provide a rich espresso flavor. I’ve grown skeptical of many of these kinds of stouts, because I’ve found more chocolate or vanilla flavors than coffee. If you are looking for a stout that has a bold coffee flavor—this is it. The taste throughout the entire drink is remniscent of coffee beans followed by dark chocolate.

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by Emily

Cocktail O’ Clock: Strawberry Amore

Pink is the color of Valentine’s Day. Pink Champagne, pink hearts, pink (okay, kinda red) strawberries… I love strawberries and Champagne on this holiday so I’m pretty into this recipe from Three Olives, using their Marilyn Monroe strawberry vodka. It reminds me of another classic film star—or rather, the drink named after her—Shirley Temple! (RIP, my sweet friend). This recipe uses lemon lime soda to add bubbles, but I think it would be great with a float of your favorite sparkling wine as well.

I took some creative liberties and garnished with a “chocolate-covered strawberry” flavor Peep... because hey, why not?!

Strawberry Amore Cocktail

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by snebbu

Endless Beers: Innis and Gunn Original

We had our engagement party last weekend and were showered with gifts from our family and friends. Included in these gifts was a basket of beers from around the world, thanks to my future sister-in-law. I placed the selection in the fridge and they are officially “on reserve.” Earlier this week, during out FIRST snow storm of the week (we are on our second today), I tapped into the reserve. First stop on my trip around the world: Scotland. I cracked open an Innis & Gunn Oak Barrel Aged Original.

Crafted in Edinburgh, Scotland, the Innis & Gunn Original is what “started it all” for the brewery…and by accident. A whiskey distillery near the brewery was looking to infuse their barrels with a malty beer flavor. Innis & Gunn whipped something up and sent it to the distillery. After fermenting in the oak barrels, the distillery dumped it out for the Scotch goodness. However, later, Innis & Gunn received another call from the distillery—this time asking about the kick-ass beer left in the barrels. Thus we have Innis & Gunn Original.

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by snebbu

Endless Whiskey: HOP-Flavored Whiskey

I’m talking to you, hopheads. Sons of Liberty previously brought us two of their staple whiskeys and they did not disappoint. If you remember, a hop=flavored whiskey was teased when I mentioned their selection. The hopped-up one arrived in the mail shortly afterwards, and I finally had a chance to tip one back.

Sons of Liberty owner Mike Reppucci explains that the craft distillery makes their whiskeys based on the recipes of their favorite beers. So, it should not surprise us that they offer a whiskey infused with hop flavor. After they age the spirit in oak barrels, they dry hop this son of a bitch. YES—dry-hopped whiskey. For those of you unhipsters, that means that they pour a bunch of hops right into the whiskey. The happy hops then marinate in the spirit to share their flavor with the rest of the world.

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