The way it's supposed to be done

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A dinner with friends...

So, we were snowed in today, and couldn't get out.


Instead, we had dinner with Brian Stillwater (by proxy), and I have to say this American Farmhouse Ale, otherwise known as Cellar Door, is excellent!


It's a stunning blonde, with an enticing & effervescent spiciness that greets you with a soft herbal note and a nice maltiness. The modest use of Citra hops follow through with bright note rather than an aggressive bite.

Worth seeking out and enjoying.

9/10

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Thanks for the memories!

This was a promotional video produced with Clay Pipe Brewing Company, my former, unequivocal, favorite local brewery- until they shut their doors.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r4fcBo_SxJc&feature=youtube_gdata_player

Sure brings back the memories.

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Economies of Ale

The Washington, DC edition of the City Paper has a very interesting article regarding the cost of pints of beer in the city (at various spots) compared to other regions- some local, some not.

It's a shame that beer brewed within the city limits is more expensive than a beer crafted on the other side of the continent, which has very far to travel to make if to the District.

On the same token of beer prices, expect to feel a pinch in your wallet soon, as beer prices are going up across the board.

Probrewer reported, recently, that barley production suffered a major blow in 2010, with crop yields lower than the total yield in 1936. You can certainly expect the brewers to pass the buck onto you, the consumer, as they have to in order to make the product we all love.

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Sierra Nevada Pinkfoot Pilsner

A part of my own "Brewing for a cure" series.

I was going over my photo collection, and found this within:



Now, a fast scan through the Googles returns a Twitter hit from June, where this was on cask until tapped dry. The kicker is, I think it should be brewed & distributed nationwide during the month of October- for breast cancer awareness, and some proceeds going back to organizations researching & trying to find a cure.

Your thoughts?

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Double your pleasure

This would be Ayinger Oktoberfest-Marzen, in a lovely 500 ml bottle.

The beer was quite refreshing with my lunch, of left-over pizza. The only knock against it would be a slight metallic taste I picked up, but very good overall.

If I left it at that, it'd get 7/10. What boosts this to 8/10 is the bottle cap.

You say, "What the hell? What is so special that it makes a beer score jump a point?" Well, my friends, this beer is the proud owner of the most beautiful beer cap I have ever seen. Judge for yourself:


I love the artwork on this cap, and honestly think it is worthy of the higher score.

Now, on to more dangerous things... Like another candidate for the

Most Dangerous Beer of 2011!

Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you: Guinness Black Lager.

First, I pulled it from the fridge, and poured it in my favorite pilsner glass.


Second, I observed that, while this beer is from St. James's Gate, it's not quite black, just a supremely dark brown.


Third, the aroma is devoid of hopping, but does display a nice chocolate roast that carries through on the tongue.


Fourth, I find it helpful to read the label, especially when directed to drink right out of the bottle. Really? What will that demonstrate? That I can pound these like Miller Lites? Please!


I wish I had a fifth point... Well, Diageo, heeding your advice (that is, read the back label); I started drinking from the bottle, and yeah, this sure is a smooth beer.


You know that base-6 math is pretty cool? Man these are some great cheese puffs that Trader Joes makes. Theryer rich and cheesy. and ruch; sooo good. I wish there was anorther bottle.


Damnit.

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If you are free tomorrow

And even if you aren't!

Get down to Baltimore for the "crown jewel" of Baltimore Beer Week, the Chesapeake Real Ale Festival!

There will be an cask of characters, for sure!



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CAMRA: Stick to your guns!

I found the following article on Probrewer's forum, where the local CAMRA folks removed themselves from a beer event after the organizers announced a switch from glass to plastic drinkware. Representatives of the CAMRA branch said such a shift defeats the purpose of such an event, and withdrew.

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Gotta wash that Genny Cream off

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My first Genny Cream

I think it's the perfect accompaniment to turkey on white with white cheddar Cheetos on a paper plate. Booyah!

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Get down to Max's!

Hurry and be one of the lucky few to get one of the 101 bottles of Stillwater Artisinal Ales' Olde Bay Saison!

Bottles go on sale at 10 AM!

Get me one!

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I love pumpkin-inspired beers

And I love fall!

Anyone know where I can find some baking pumpkins near central Maryland?

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Also, tomorrow is the Maryland Brewer's Oktoberfest, at the Timonium Fairgrounds. It's always a blast, with a fun, family friendly environment. I will say it can get a touch crowded, but it's not unmanageable.

Of course, this is all a part of Baltimore Beer Week! I encourage everyone, go, support these local taverns, pubs, and breweries! They are doing their best by putting their passion into their product; do your part and say thanks!


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A.M.A.Z.I.N.G.

Oh my--strike up the band, I have found an absolutely incredible Fall ale.

A friend recently bought a pack of ale that he described as "Fall in your mouth". I can't agree more!

I'm talking about Weyerbacher Imperial Pumpkin Ale.

This beer is burned orange in color with a shortbread tan, rocky head. It's aroma is straight pumpkin pie. I think I even get the caramelized pumpkin sweetness in the body. Also, a very nice effervescence that carries the spices through every sip.

It very well may be too much for some; but I think, for the craft beer drinker, this beer is spot on.

This beer is a rock-solid 9/10! If I gave half points, doubtless it'd get 9.5.

Double your pleasure...

Let's start with Secret Stash, which I found to be a wonderful compliment with black beans and habanero-lime soft tortillas.

It's a lovely honey gold that greets you with a floral, grapefruit nose. The underlying beer is very well built and toasty. Certainly worth a second buy. 8/10


And for dessert, I enjoy having a coffee; so, tonight, why not indulge with a Cappuccino Stout, from Pasadena, California?

Darker than an inkwell, fantastic roast both from the coffee and the ale, it just needs a hit of cream & sugar to be complete.

Lagunitas has presented a sweetly constructed beer. It's evident in the grain bill, with a healthy focus on some caramel malt to balance the roast, the hops, and the alcohol.

I want to add that this is a highly carbonated stout, which is uncharacteristic for the style, but is wonderful for this beer.

All put together, this is a great beer. A solid 8/10.

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Winner, winner; chicken dinner!

Hey everyone! Here is the link to the list of 2011 Great American Beer Festival winners.

Let me congratulate everyone who won in their respective categories, with special attention to Rock Bottom Brewery, Bethesda; Gordon Biersch, Rockville; & Flying Dog for winning medals and bringing them back to Maryland!

Cheers to all, and here's to next year!

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