In this blog I am going to review a couple of new beers that I tried this week. First up Gaffel Kolsch, this is a Kolsch that is actually brewed in Cologne, so this is the real thing. It pours a light straw in color with a quickly forming head, but it dissipates almost as quickly. Also this beer is crystal clear, nothing to hide. The nose is moderately low in sulfur and restrained noble hops. Taste is clean and crisp, moderately low malt but not overly sweet. This beer finishes dry but not overly bitter. It is a very refreshing beer. At 4.8% ABV this is a beer that you can sit back and enjoy again and again. I give this beer an "A-". If this beer is this good in the US in late September what would it be like fresh in Cologne? This is a beer made for enjoying while sitting on a patio in the summertime.
Second beer is Wurzburger Pilsner. This beer pours straw in color with a persistent white head, this beer was not as crystal clear as the above beer. The aroma is of moderately strong sulfur complemented by a grainy sweetness. The taste carries through the aroma as well a light but noticeable presence of noble hops. The beer has a slightly bitter finish and a moderate mouthfeel. This is a really good beer, again like the above beer probably better in Germany. I give this beer a "B+" grade. It just seems to be missing something.
Both of these beers are worthy of trying to find and enjoy. Better yet head to Germany and try these fresh from the brewery.
QC Beerguy
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Monday, September 26, 2011
Glassware makes the Beer
Believe it or not but what you drink your beer from can be the difference of your liking it or not. Every beer drinker is familiar with the ubiquitous shaker pint glass. This is the tapered glass with the mouth being the widest part and holding 16 ounces of beer. Or so you think, there are some "pint" glasses that hold 14 or so ounces. The secret is the bottom of the glass is thicker than the normal pint glass, so beware.
Just because a glass is commonly used does not mean it is the best with which to enjoy your beer. If you are familiar with Belgian beer, you will know that it seems that each beer has its own particular glass to showcase the beer. Most of the glasses are some type of a tulip glass. Which is a glass with a bowl on top of a stem and the mouth of the glass is smaller than the bowl. This allows aromas to be concentrated into your nose as you take a drink from the glass.
As well there are various glasses used with German beers. There is the pilsner glass, the hefeweizen glass and a few other special glasses for regional beer. I best not forget the half liter and liter mug used with Oktoberfest beers. Each glass has been proven over time to accentuate some desirable characteristic of the beer.
So needless to say many a beer lover has multiple glasses to in which to properly serve their beer. I know I have several cupboards full of glasses that mainly go unused. I find myself almost always using the pint glass.
There is an example of a current brewer using his considerable resources to design a new type of glass. Jim Koch owner of Samuel Adams a couple years ago spent thousands of dollars to have engineers design a glass to showcase his beers. The end result was a glass that easily fits into your hand but has a bowl and narrows at the mouth to concentrate the aromas of the beer. The bowl helps keep the beer at proper temperature since it concentrates the volume of the beer into the bowl.
It truly does make a difference on choosing your glassware as to how enjoyable the beer is. Also there is a noticeable difference for many people between actual glass and plastic "glasses". In the QC area several places serve their beer in plastic cups if you are going to sit out on the patio. Plastic can detract from the enjoyment, because of undesirable aromas or other characteristics. So sometimes a beer will taste different between inside and outside because of the serving vessel.
Next time you order a beer sit back and think about your beer and the glass it came in. Could it taste better in a different glass? Does the place I am having my beer really know how to best showcase the beer I am drinking? Do not be afraid to ask your server if they are serving the beer in the proper glass. Most times your server will refer you to the manager on duty to have your discussion. If they only have pint glasses, then that is how you are able to drink your beer. So enjoy as much as you can.
One last note on glassware, do not if possible drink a beer from an icy glass. Ice = frozen water. So it does a couple of things to beer. First it slightly dilutes your beer. Second the glass is at freezing temperatures, so that means it will cool any beer you put into it. This is not necessarily a good thing. Some beers are best at temperatures between 40 and 50 degrees. Cold glasses repress the aromas and flavors of the beer.
QC Beerguy
Just because a glass is commonly used does not mean it is the best with which to enjoy your beer. If you are familiar with Belgian beer, you will know that it seems that each beer has its own particular glass to showcase the beer. Most of the glasses are some type of a tulip glass. Which is a glass with a bowl on top of a stem and the mouth of the glass is smaller than the bowl. This allows aromas to be concentrated into your nose as you take a drink from the glass.
As well there are various glasses used with German beers. There is the pilsner glass, the hefeweizen glass and a few other special glasses for regional beer. I best not forget the half liter and liter mug used with Oktoberfest beers. Each glass has been proven over time to accentuate some desirable characteristic of the beer.
So needless to say many a beer lover has multiple glasses to in which to properly serve their beer. I know I have several cupboards full of glasses that mainly go unused. I find myself almost always using the pint glass.
There is an example of a current brewer using his considerable resources to design a new type of glass. Jim Koch owner of Samuel Adams a couple years ago spent thousands of dollars to have engineers design a glass to showcase his beers. The end result was a glass that easily fits into your hand but has a bowl and narrows at the mouth to concentrate the aromas of the beer. The bowl helps keep the beer at proper temperature since it concentrates the volume of the beer into the bowl.
It truly does make a difference on choosing your glassware as to how enjoyable the beer is. Also there is a noticeable difference for many people between actual glass and plastic "glasses". In the QC area several places serve their beer in plastic cups if you are going to sit out on the patio. Plastic can detract from the enjoyment, because of undesirable aromas or other characteristics. So sometimes a beer will taste different between inside and outside because of the serving vessel.
Next time you order a beer sit back and think about your beer and the glass it came in. Could it taste better in a different glass? Does the place I am having my beer really know how to best showcase the beer I am drinking? Do not be afraid to ask your server if they are serving the beer in the proper glass. Most times your server will refer you to the manager on duty to have your discussion. If they only have pint glasses, then that is how you are able to drink your beer. So enjoy as much as you can.
One last note on glassware, do not if possible drink a beer from an icy glass. Ice = frozen water. So it does a couple of things to beer. First it slightly dilutes your beer. Second the glass is at freezing temperatures, so that means it will cool any beer you put into it. This is not necessarily a good thing. Some beers are best at temperatures between 40 and 50 degrees. Cold glasses repress the aromas and flavors of the beer.
QC Beerguy
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Moylan's Orange and Black Congrats Ale and Life and Limb Dogfish/Sierra Nevada
I had a couple of really great beers last week. First up Moylan's Orange and Black Congrats Ale. It pours dark brown almost black with a thin tan head that does not last. It has some noticeable dark roast aromas with a hint of orange, clean and no noticeable aromas. Taste is of the usual dark roast, coffee and chocolate you would expect from a porter. Also it has a very definite taste of orange, to me almost like it had straight "no pulp" orange juice poured into it. In a strange way I really liked this beer, it reminded me of those chocolate orange candy things that are out around Christmas time. It had medium body and at 6% ABV it was not overly alcoholic. I had it on tap and from what I have read online it tastes different in the bottle, but still worth a try. I give it a good strong "B+", find it and try it.
The second beer was Life and Limb 2 a collaboration between Dogfishead and Sierra Nevada Brewing companies. This also was a draft beer. According to the website http://life-limb.com/ this beer checks in at 10.2% ABV. The website goes onto describe the beer as strong dark beer that defies style. On Beer Advocate they label it as an American Strong Ale, sounds good to me. It pours dark brown almost black with a deep tan head, that does not last long. Aroma is malty sweet with a hint of spicy esters. Taste is of maple syrup, chocolate, strong malt and a good bit of hops. Mouthfeel is medium with a slight creaminess and a noticeable alcohol warmth. I greatly enjoyed this beer and would recommend this to anyone. I give it a "A-". Besides maple syrup they carbonated with Birch syrup, as well they used a blend of both house yeasts from Dogfish and Sierra Nevada. This is a great collaboration beer, find it and drink it!
QC Beerguy
The second beer was Life and Limb 2 a collaboration between Dogfishead and Sierra Nevada Brewing companies. This also was a draft beer. According to the website http://life-limb.com/ this beer checks in at 10.2% ABV. The website goes onto describe the beer as strong dark beer that defies style. On Beer Advocate they label it as an American Strong Ale, sounds good to me. It pours dark brown almost black with a deep tan head, that does not last long. Aroma is malty sweet with a hint of spicy esters. Taste is of maple syrup, chocolate, strong malt and a good bit of hops. Mouthfeel is medium with a slight creaminess and a noticeable alcohol warmth. I greatly enjoyed this beer and would recommend this to anyone. I give it a "A-". Besides maple syrup they carbonated with Birch syrup, as well they used a blend of both house yeasts from Dogfish and Sierra Nevada. This is a great collaboration beer, find it and drink it!
QC Beerguy
Monday, September 19, 2011
Munich Helles 1 D
Next up on the BJCP style guidelines is Munich Helles 1D. This is a beer style that was originated in 1895 at Spaten Brewery in Munich Germany. Originally created to compete with the pilsner style beers, but more malt accentuated with hops in the background.
Aroma: Grainy-sweet, clean Pils malt aroma dominates. Low to moderately-low spicy noble hop aroma and a low background note of DMS (from PIls malt). No esters or diacetyl.
Appearance: Medium yellow to Pale gold, clear, with a creamy white head.
Flavor: Slightly sweet, malty profile. Grain and Pils malt predominate. Low to moderately-low hop bitterness supports the maltiness. Low to moderately-low spicy noble hop flavor. Finish and aftertaste remain malty. Clean, no fruity esters, no diacetyl.
Mouthfeel: Medium body, medium carbonation, smooth maltiness with no astringency.
Comments: Malty but fully attenuated Pils malt showcase. Unlike Pilsner but like its cousin, Munich Dunkel, Helles is a malt-accentuated beer that is not overly sweet, but rather focuses on malt flavor with with underlying hop bitterness in a supporting role. Made from moderate carbonate water, Pilsner malt and German noble hop varieties.
Numbers: IBUs(bitterness) 16-22, SRM(color) 3-5, OG (potential) 1.045-1.051, FG (finish) 1.008-1.012, ABV 4.2-5.3%
Examples: Spaten Premium Lager, Weihenstephaner Original, Hacker- Pschorr Munchner Gold, Stoudt's Gold Lager.
This is a true German style of beer with not many US craft brewery examples. This is becoming a beer that some craft brewers are finding out that will compete or replace the Pilsners. A light refreshing beer that can be a session beer or a German lawnmower beer. This is a beer style worth hunting for, so if you are at a craft brewery and they have it on tap give it a try.
QC Beerguy
Aroma: Grainy-sweet, clean Pils malt aroma dominates. Low to moderately-low spicy noble hop aroma and a low background note of DMS (from PIls malt). No esters or diacetyl.
Appearance: Medium yellow to Pale gold, clear, with a creamy white head.
Flavor: Slightly sweet, malty profile. Grain and Pils malt predominate. Low to moderately-low hop bitterness supports the maltiness. Low to moderately-low spicy noble hop flavor. Finish and aftertaste remain malty. Clean, no fruity esters, no diacetyl.
Mouthfeel: Medium body, medium carbonation, smooth maltiness with no astringency.
Comments: Malty but fully attenuated Pils malt showcase. Unlike Pilsner but like its cousin, Munich Dunkel, Helles is a malt-accentuated beer that is not overly sweet, but rather focuses on malt flavor with with underlying hop bitterness in a supporting role. Made from moderate carbonate water, Pilsner malt and German noble hop varieties.
Numbers: IBUs(bitterness) 16-22, SRM(color) 3-5, OG (potential) 1.045-1.051, FG (finish) 1.008-1.012, ABV 4.2-5.3%
Examples: Spaten Premium Lager, Weihenstephaner Original, Hacker- Pschorr Munchner Gold, Stoudt's Gold Lager.
This is a true German style of beer with not many US craft brewery examples. This is becoming a beer that some craft brewers are finding out that will compete or replace the Pilsners. A light refreshing beer that can be a session beer or a German lawnmower beer. This is a beer style worth hunting for, so if you are at a craft brewery and they have it on tap give it a try.
QC Beerguy
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Your Opinion Counts
As I stated in the title your opinion counts. Whether it be at your local brewpub, bar or retailer. What you think or like does matter. If you do not believe me go into your favorite place to drink or purchase an adult beverage and ask for a favorite they do not have. Chances are they will do their best to fill your request. I have been told at several places if you do not see it and we can buy it, we will bring it in. So do not be afraid to ask, it also helps to be recognized as a regular customer.
You maybe wondering where this idea came from and I will gladly explain. It comes from a couple events that happened to me this month. The first was at the Iowa Festival of Beers where the guys at Great River asked me to give them my thoughts on their beers before the gates opened. They both have better palates than I do, but they wanted someone familiar with the beer but not drinking everyday to make sure the beer was up to par. It was and the had a great day with them emptying all of their kegs.
The second event was tonight at Bodega Brewpub, in which I have become a familiar face. John, the bar manager, saw me and came over to talk for a while. During our talk he said something along the lines, "What are some of the great beers you have had lately?" So I began to think about the beers I have lately and that lead my thoughts to my time in Nebraska, because I had some beers that do not usually make it out of the state. Once my thoughts became congealed, I was able to name several beers that I liked from Nebraska. As I am telling him about these beers I noticed that he was taking notes on what I was saying to him As we continue to talk he mentions he has family out in the Omaha area, so do not be surprised if you find some great Nebraska beers available at Bodega Brewpub sometime soon.
So that is where I am coming from, if asked express your opinion! As you are becoming a familiar face to your brewpub, bar or retailer ask for what you want. The more you ask for the more they will start to recognize you. Once you are that face they may ask you for your opinion and base purchasing or serving off of your recommendations So the lesson here is speak up!
QC Beerguy.
You maybe wondering where this idea came from and I will gladly explain. It comes from a couple events that happened to me this month. The first was at the Iowa Festival of Beers where the guys at Great River asked me to give them my thoughts on their beers before the gates opened. They both have better palates than I do, but they wanted someone familiar with the beer but not drinking everyday to make sure the beer was up to par. It was and the had a great day with them emptying all of their kegs.
The second event was tonight at Bodega Brewpub, in which I have become a familiar face. John, the bar manager, saw me and came over to talk for a while. During our talk he said something along the lines, "What are some of the great beers you have had lately?" So I began to think about the beers I have lately and that lead my thoughts to my time in Nebraska, because I had some beers that do not usually make it out of the state. Once my thoughts became congealed, I was able to name several beers that I liked from Nebraska. As I am telling him about these beers I noticed that he was taking notes on what I was saying to him As we continue to talk he mentions he has family out in the Omaha area, so do not be surprised if you find some great Nebraska beers available at Bodega Brewpub sometime soon.
So that is where I am coming from, if asked express your opinion! As you are becoming a familiar face to your brewpub, bar or retailer ask for what you want. The more you ask for the more they will start to recognize you. Once you are that face they may ask you for your opinion and base purchasing or serving off of your recommendations So the lesson here is speak up!
QC Beerguy.
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Premium American Lager 1C
Back to my blogs on the BJCP beer styles. Next up Premium American Lager, the big brother of the American Lagers. These beers have a little more of everything flavor, color and hops. This encompasses both the premium beers from the mass produced American brewers and the quality import lagers. Most importantly though is that these beers still remain thirst quenching and clean. Still considered a lawnmower beer, but it is for a more discerning palate.
Aroma: Low to medium-low malt aroma, a slight grainy, sweet, corn-like aromas are acceptable. Hops are low to medium-low, with some spicy, floral aroma. Low levels of yeast are acceptable.
Appearance: Pale straw to golden color. White, frothy head. Clear.
Flavor: Crisp and dry with some grainy, sweetness acceptable. Hops are none to low levels. Balance is fairly even between bitterness and malt, can be slightly to either side. Hop bitterness is none to medium-low. Carbonation levels can provide a slight acidity. No diacetyl or fruitiness.
Mouthfeel: Medium-light body from adjunct usage, corn and rice are usual. Highly carbonated causing a carbonic bite.
Comments: Refreshing and thirst quenching. Two or six row barley with up to 25% rice or corn. The premium lagers have less adjuncts and can be all malt beers. No strong flavors are acceptable but these beers have more flavor than standard American lagers.
Numbers: IBU(bitterness) 15-25, SRM (color) 2-6, OG (potential) 1.046-1.056, FG (finished) 1.008-1.0012, ABV 4.6-6%
Examples: Miller Genuine Draft, Michelob, Corona Extra, Heineken, Beck's, Stella Artois.
This is the top of the food chain as far as the American lager is concerned. As some of them advertise they can be all malt beers. These are the beers that probably are close to what the German immigrants were drinking in the pre-prohibition times. The influx of the imported lagers started in the 1980's, and this became a cool beer to drink during that time. The mass produced breweries have this style as their top of the line. This beer is usually brewed full strength no dilution needed. A slightly more tasteful lawnmower beer.
QC Beerguy
Aroma: Low to medium-low malt aroma, a slight grainy, sweet, corn-like aromas are acceptable. Hops are low to medium-low, with some spicy, floral aroma. Low levels of yeast are acceptable.
Appearance: Pale straw to golden color. White, frothy head. Clear.
Flavor: Crisp and dry with some grainy, sweetness acceptable. Hops are none to low levels. Balance is fairly even between bitterness and malt, can be slightly to either side. Hop bitterness is none to medium-low. Carbonation levels can provide a slight acidity. No diacetyl or fruitiness.
Mouthfeel: Medium-light body from adjunct usage, corn and rice are usual. Highly carbonated causing a carbonic bite.
Comments: Refreshing and thirst quenching. Two or six row barley with up to 25% rice or corn. The premium lagers have less adjuncts and can be all malt beers. No strong flavors are acceptable but these beers have more flavor than standard American lagers.
Numbers: IBU(bitterness) 15-25, SRM (color) 2-6, OG (potential) 1.046-1.056, FG (finished) 1.008-1.0012, ABV 4.6-6%
Examples: Miller Genuine Draft, Michelob, Corona Extra, Heineken, Beck's, Stella Artois.
This is the top of the food chain as far as the American lager is concerned. As some of them advertise they can be all malt beers. These are the beers that probably are close to what the German immigrants were drinking in the pre-prohibition times. The influx of the imported lagers started in the 1980's, and this became a cool beer to drink during that time. The mass produced breweries have this style as their top of the line. This beer is usually brewed full strength no dilution needed. A slightly more tasteful lawnmower beer.
QC Beerguy
Sunday, September 11, 2011
Thirtsy Troll Fest
This weekend my wife and I along with a few friends went up to the Thirsty Troll Fest in Mt. Horeb, WI. This is a small fest that we all really enjoy, because it is mainly all Wisconsin beers and only around a 1000 people attend this event. It is well worth a look if you are thinking of attending a beer fest, but do not want to be overwhelmed.
The six of us headed out Saturday morning to arrive in time to claim our camping spot and set up our tents. We had to make an unattended stop in Maquoketa, IA because I forgot the air pump for the air mattress. So we arrived up at the campground, only a couple of miles from Mt. Horeb, and claimed a site and pitched our tents. After completing that chore we drove over to Mt. Horeb for the day.
First stop the Grumpy Troll Brewpub http://www.thegrumpytroll.com/ at which we were surprised and walked in and were seated at a table right away. We were trying to be quick about our meal since the fest opened in less than a hour, so we all decided on our beers as well as our meal. Our waitress arrived and asked if we knew what we wanted to drink, we told her that we were ready to order our meals as well. To which she made an odd statement, that she would do the drinks first and then go back around the table for our meal orders. Which is exactly what she did, so with that all done she arrived shortly after with our beers.
My wife and a couple of our friends ordered a Sunflower, a farmhouse ale made with local honey. It was pale yellow with a good amount of haze and a decent white head. Taste wise it did not have much more than a slightly honey taste to me. It seemed to be to me an easy drinking beer in the one sip I had. I ordered a Trappist Ale, that was based off of the winning entry to the Grumpy Troll Challenge. I was overall a light refreshing beer with a good amount of spiciness and it hid the alcohol strength well, 7% ABV. It was light amber, hazy and a thin off white head. A nice beer but not a session beer. The other two in our group ordered a Hoppa Loppa IPA, a northwest styled IPA, did not have a taste of it until I was at the fest and once I did, I liked the beer. An amber hued beer with a good off white head, the hops are present in the aroma and taste as well. A finely crafted IPA.
So we left the Brewpub and drove over to the park at which the fest was held. The actual fest grounds are the outfield section of a ball field, the more you think about it it makes sense. Flat grassy area with limited access and fenced in. We set up our chairs and start looking for beer. My wife and I had several decent beers but nothing outstanding to start with. My first noteworthy beer was from Vintage Brewing in Madison, WI, it was a Belgian quad called Deville. It was a greatly balanced beer that checked in at 11% ABV, but was smooth and easy drinking. I could of sat and had me a couple pints of this beer. Another standout beer was from Corner Pub Brewpub a Bourbon Scotch Ale. The balance between the brew and the bourbon was just about perfect. The beer had a hint of smokiness and was full bodied enough to stand up to the bourbon flavors. Also both my wife and I loved the Rush River Nevermore, it is a chocolate, oatmeal stout around 8% ABV. It is dark, strong and delicious. The chocolate is a nice contrast to the oatmeal smoothness. Go find this beer!
As the day went on several of our group helped out our friends from Great River Brewery by allowing them to take some breaks from pouring beer and go out and taste some of the brewer's beers. This was the first year for Great River to attend this event and they were a hit to say the least. They brought with them 6 beers and I know from pouring the beers they went home with maybe the remnants of two or three beers. They ran out of their Redband Stout, the bourbon stout and the limited quantity of Oktoberfest. They also had a firkin of the Roller Dam Red dry hopped with simcone hops, which was very good.
This fest gives each fest goer a marble to vote for their favorite brewery. Great River came in third in the voting, really awesome for attending the fest for the first time this year. Scott and Dawn were very pleased to place in the top three. Also they may have found a new market to expand into. I can not count how many times as I was pouring beer for Great River I was asked where the beer could be purchased. Unfortunately for the fest goers they have to drive a bit to either Dubuque or Galena. So it was a great day for Great River.
At the end of the fest we gathered our stuff up and headed to a cool place: Aunt Mary's Hooterville Inn http://www.hootervilleinn.com/ for pizza and beer. It is located in the town of Blue Mounds, WI and at night they have hand made pizza. Also they usually have 6 good craft beers on tap, this weekend they had mainly Bell's beers. The pizza was very good as well as the beer, plus the place was not crowded. After eating our fill we took the short drive back to the campsite. We continued the great day on into the night sharing stories and craft and homebrewed beer around a campfire.
Then this morning we woke up and went back to Aunt Mary's for breakfast, which is equally as good as the pizza. Unfortunately after that was the drive home. This was a very enjoyable weekend and I know I look forward to going to this fest again next year. It is always the second Saturday of September so put it on your calendar.
QC Beerguy
The six of us headed out Saturday morning to arrive in time to claim our camping spot and set up our tents. We had to make an unattended stop in Maquoketa, IA because I forgot the air pump for the air mattress. So we arrived up at the campground, only a couple of miles from Mt. Horeb, and claimed a site and pitched our tents. After completing that chore we drove over to Mt. Horeb for the day.
First stop the Grumpy Troll Brewpub http://www.thegrumpytroll.com/ at which we were surprised and walked in and were seated at a table right away. We were trying to be quick about our meal since the fest opened in less than a hour, so we all decided on our beers as well as our meal. Our waitress arrived and asked if we knew what we wanted to drink, we told her that we were ready to order our meals as well. To which she made an odd statement, that she would do the drinks first and then go back around the table for our meal orders. Which is exactly what she did, so with that all done she arrived shortly after with our beers.
My wife and a couple of our friends ordered a Sunflower, a farmhouse ale made with local honey. It was pale yellow with a good amount of haze and a decent white head. Taste wise it did not have much more than a slightly honey taste to me. It seemed to be to me an easy drinking beer in the one sip I had. I ordered a Trappist Ale, that was based off of the winning entry to the Grumpy Troll Challenge. I was overall a light refreshing beer with a good amount of spiciness and it hid the alcohol strength well, 7% ABV. It was light amber, hazy and a thin off white head. A nice beer but not a session beer. The other two in our group ordered a Hoppa Loppa IPA, a northwest styled IPA, did not have a taste of it until I was at the fest and once I did, I liked the beer. An amber hued beer with a good off white head, the hops are present in the aroma and taste as well. A finely crafted IPA.
So we left the Brewpub and drove over to the park at which the fest was held. The actual fest grounds are the outfield section of a ball field, the more you think about it it makes sense. Flat grassy area with limited access and fenced in. We set up our chairs and start looking for beer. My wife and I had several decent beers but nothing outstanding to start with. My first noteworthy beer was from Vintage Brewing in Madison, WI, it was a Belgian quad called Deville. It was a greatly balanced beer that checked in at 11% ABV, but was smooth and easy drinking. I could of sat and had me a couple pints of this beer. Another standout beer was from Corner Pub Brewpub a Bourbon Scotch Ale. The balance between the brew and the bourbon was just about perfect. The beer had a hint of smokiness and was full bodied enough to stand up to the bourbon flavors. Also both my wife and I loved the Rush River Nevermore, it is a chocolate, oatmeal stout around 8% ABV. It is dark, strong and delicious. The chocolate is a nice contrast to the oatmeal smoothness. Go find this beer!
As the day went on several of our group helped out our friends from Great River Brewery by allowing them to take some breaks from pouring beer and go out and taste some of the brewer's beers. This was the first year for Great River to attend this event and they were a hit to say the least. They brought with them 6 beers and I know from pouring the beers they went home with maybe the remnants of two or three beers. They ran out of their Redband Stout, the bourbon stout and the limited quantity of Oktoberfest. They also had a firkin of the Roller Dam Red dry hopped with simcone hops, which was very good.
This fest gives each fest goer a marble to vote for their favorite brewery. Great River came in third in the voting, really awesome for attending the fest for the first time this year. Scott and Dawn were very pleased to place in the top three. Also they may have found a new market to expand into. I can not count how many times as I was pouring beer for Great River I was asked where the beer could be purchased. Unfortunately for the fest goers they have to drive a bit to either Dubuque or Galena. So it was a great day for Great River.
At the end of the fest we gathered our stuff up and headed to a cool place: Aunt Mary's Hooterville Inn http://www.hootervilleinn.com/ for pizza and beer. It is located in the town of Blue Mounds, WI and at night they have hand made pizza. Also they usually have 6 good craft beers on tap, this weekend they had mainly Bell's beers. The pizza was very good as well as the beer, plus the place was not crowded. After eating our fill we took the short drive back to the campsite. We continued the great day on into the night sharing stories and craft and homebrewed beer around a campfire.
Then this morning we woke up and went back to Aunt Mary's for breakfast, which is equally as good as the pizza. Unfortunately after that was the drive home. This was a very enjoyable weekend and I know I look forward to going to this fest again next year. It is always the second Saturday of September so put it on your calendar.
QC Beerguy
Friday, September 9, 2011
Fall Seasonal Beers
If you have been in your local beer store lately you probably have noticed that the fall seasonal beers are appearing on the shelves. When I say fall seasonals I am talking about Pumpkin beers and the Oktoberfest beers. Both are sure signs that Fall is quickly approaching and unfortunately that means colder weather is not far behind.
Both are associated with Fall but for different reasons. The Pumpkin beers is a harvest beer, using the gourd you grew all season in your beer. The Oktoberfest beer came from the annual Bavarian harvest festival first celebrated in 1810 to honor the marriage of Prince Ludwig and Therese of Saxe- Hildburghausen. I will attempt to give a background of each and some of the more classic examples, as well of any local examples in the QC.
First up Pumpkin beer, the base beer is usually a mild beer with little bitterness and a good malt backbone. In other-words it is quite frequently an amber ale, but it is not the only beer used I have seen pumpkin stouts and sour Belgian beers. The pumpkin is added at various times, sometimes in the mash, sometimes in the boil or even as the fermenting vessel itself. Also the pumpkin is added in various forms raw hand cut, pureed, roasted and canned. Since it is a starchy gourd it can contribute to the mouthfeel of the beer and if it is mashed some of the starch could be converted to sugar thus adding to the potential alcohol content of the beer. A key to just about any pumpkin beer is that it tends to be spiced with pumpkin pie spices, such as: cinnamon, nutmeg, ground ginger, allspice and clove. The alcohol runs the gambit from 4-11%+ ABV, just depending on the beer style and if it is imperialized or not.
On Beer Advocate there are over 250+ beers listed as pumpkin beers http://beeradvocate.com/beer/style/72/?start=0, with almost all of the beers if not all coming from the US. The pumpkin is truly an American original, the world did not know of the pumpkin until it was discovered in America. This is a fruit that the American craft brewer loves to play with. Some of the more recognizable pumpkin beers are Punkin Ale from Dogfish Head Brewery, Pumking from Southern Tier Brewing, Buffalo Bill's Pumpkin Ale from Buffalo Bill's Brewery, Schlafly Pumpkin Ale from St.Louis Brewery, and Shipyard Smashed Pumpkin from Shipyard Brewing. The last two I mentioned are favorites of my wife and I, she really loves the Schlafly because as she says, " You can taste the whip cream on top of it!".
Please do not think that you should only look for the ones I mentioned, follow the above link to find some that you may like. The proceed to your local beer store and purchase your choices. If you do not find the ones you want on the shelf at your local beer store, just ask the staff if they will be receiving the pumpkin beer you want. If not try some of the ones on the shelf, some beer stores will have a section where you can do a mix and match so you may be able to pick up six different pumpkin ales in on six pack.
I am not aware of any local brewery currently working on a pumpkin ale. I know last year Great River had a Pumpkin Ale, but unsure if that is in the plans for this year. Also I know that traditionally Bent River has made a Sweet Potato Ale each year, spiced with pumpkin pie spices. So be on the look out to see if either of these beers show up this Fall.
The Oktoberfest beer is a traditional German beer that has been well received by the American beer drinker and because of that has become a staple of many American craft breweries. Traditionally the beer was brewed in March, thus the alternative name Marzen. Before modern refrigeration March was still cool enough to properly brew a beer and then stored in cool caves under a coating of ice harvested during the winter. Oktoberfest beers are lagers, this is a type of beer made with bottom fermenting yeast and fermented for a long period of time at cool temperatures. The beer is rich, full-bodied and usually light to dark copper in color. Most are between 5-7% ABV, but there are some Imperial Oktoberfests that check in at up to 10% ABV.
On Beer Advocate there are over 600+ beers listed as Oktoberfest beers http://beeradvocate.com/beer/style/29/?start=0, since this is a classic German beer some of the best examples are from Germany. Look for such names as Spaten, Paulaner, Ayinger and Weihenstephaner at your local beer store. There are some American craft brewers that make very good examples as well so search for Oktoberfest from these breweries as well Great Lakes, Samuel Adams, Victory, Great Divide, Sprecher and New Glarus (New Glarus is sold only in Wisconsin). If you can not find any of these or you are unsure which one to purchase as for assistance from the staff at your local beer store. As I mentioned with the Pumpkin Beer you maybe able to build your own six pack, that way you can try six different Oktoberfest beers in one six pack.
The only local craft brewery that I am aware of producing an Oktoberfest is Great River Brewing. They are having a special tapping on Thursday, September 15th from 5-11PM at their Davenport Tasting Room. So if you are able head on down and try a locally produced Oktoberfest.
Hopefully I have intrigued you enough that you will do some exploration on your own and find your favorite Fall seasonal beer. Do not be afraid to ask our local beer store for a specific beer, they may surprise you and be able to order it in for you. Just because you may not see it on the shelf it does not mean that it is unavailable to your local beer store.
QC Beerguy
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Quad City Beer Happenings
Today I realized I have been a bit negligent on making people know what is happening in the Quad City Craft Beer scene, so I am going to amend it this evening. First event I am going to mention is WQPT's Brew Ha Ha, it will be happening on Saturday, September 17th from 1-5 PM at Le Claire Park in Downtown Davenport, IA. Proceeds from the event go to WQPT, the local Quad City PBS station. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the gate; for more ticket information go to http://wqpt.org/brew/. This is their 12th annual Brew Ha Ha and has become a well attended event. Of course there will be numerous beers, from mass produced to craft to locally produced beer.
Besides the beer there will be various other activities on going during the fest. Entertainment will be provided by Wicked Liz and the Bellyswirls and Blacklist Improv Comedy Troupe. Also they will offer the fest goers an opportunity to show off various games of skill. As always the people from Cabot Cheese will have cheese tasting throughout the day. Something new this year, I believe, is the designated driver tent where the DDs will receive a goodie bag and be eligible for special drawings. Again this year there will be voting for the "People's Choice Award" for the top three beers at the fest. So if you are not doing anything head on down to Le Claire Park and enjoy tasting some special beers.
Onto our local breweries. First up Bluecat Brewpub in Rock Island. They currently have 3 new beers on tap along with their 3 standards. The 3 new beers include the Black Zemon a black saison with crystallized ginger, this beer went quickly at Great Taste of the Midwest as well as being a personal favorite. The second beer is Tuck's Tenacious Trippel, a complex, fruity Belgian beer with a definite kick, so do not down several glasses and expect to be able to walk. The third "new brew" is the Mississippi Mocha Coffee Stout, a very good coffee stout worthy of fighting it out with the other two locally produced coffee stouts. This beer is roasty, black and has a definite coffee taste, so if you need a wake me up beer give it a try. Also the next Beer Dinner will be November 10th, for more information go to http://www.bluecatbrewpub.com/BDBS%202011.html.
Here are the upcoming events for Great River Brewery. They will be attending two beer festivals within the next month. First is the Thirsty Troll Fest in Mt. Horeb, WI on Saturday, September 10th, this is a really fun fest and I along with my wife and several friends will be attending. For more information go to http://www.trollway.com/productlist.asp?cat=85. Their second fest is Iowa City Brewfest in Iowa City, IA on Saturday, October 1st, for more information go to http://www.johnsgrocery.com/events/calendar/index.cfm?action=viewEvent&EVENT_ID=37.
Great River has a couple special tappings upcoming. The tapping for Chick Wa Wa at this time has been postponed and will be rescheduled. This is a malt beverage they are making in conjunction with Mississippi River Distilling. I am very intrigued to see what they have created so I can not wait for the tapping. Coming up on Thursday, September, 15th is the tapping party for this year's Oktoberfest beer. The festivities start at 5pm, so run over right after work to enjoy a pint or two.
Front Street Brewery currently has an American Pale Ale as their Brewmaster's Special. I tasted it this weekend and it is an assertively hopped beer that has a good malt backbone to complement the hops. Being a hop head I would recommend this to other hop heads. So while it lasts give it a shot.
Bent River is providing the beer for the beer garden after the Taming of the Slough. The racers get in for free and the general public can join the party by purchasing a $5 wristband. For those that may not know this is a race on water and on land. The land portion involves both riding a bike as well as running. If you feel adventuresome give it a try, go to http://www.riveraction.org/taming for more information.
Well that is a rundown on what I know is upcoming in regards to the local craft beer scene. Hopefully something strikes your fancy and you will give it a try. Later.
QC Beerguy
Monday, September 5, 2011
Fest of Iowa Beers Recap / Shorts Burger & Shine
Well another successful Fest of Iowa Beers is in the books. It was a very good day and I believe fun was had by all. This year the event was organized into three tents of brewers, homebrewers in one tent and craft brewers in the other two tents. The set up went well except for the ice being somewhat less than readily available, no ice no cold beer. The ice did get distributed so the beer was cold and ready to go for the event.
As I have said, this is one of my favorite events because of the size, limited to 1200 fest goers, and that it is a combination of homebrewers and craft brewers. With this being the Fest of Iowa Beers only beers from Iowa Craft brewers and Iowa homebrew clubs are able to provide beer. This year 15 craft breweries, as well as 10 homebrew clubs attended the fest. Needless to say there was enough beer for everyone.
Some of the standout beers I had included a wonderful Barrel Aged Rye Wine from Third Base in Cedar Rapids, it was smooth but slightly spicy and a wonderful whiskey note. A German Pils from Raccoon River in Des Moines, is a clean crisp beer with a nice amount of hop bitterness. Hop Sutra ( a double IPA) from Peace Tree Brewery in Knoxville, has a wonderful mixture of hops and malt, hops are present in the nose and the taste with a strong malt backbone. A whiskey barrel Russian Imperial Stout by Mark Simpson of IBU, was thick rich with a nice subtle whiskey notes. A Templeton Barrel Russian Imperial Stout from CR- Beer Nuts, again thick rich but with a stronger note of the Templeton Rye versus the previously mentioned barrel RIS. As usual there were a couple beers that I missed having an opportunity to try. Included in that was a pilsner from Granite City, yes I was as surprised as you are that this was considered to be a beer to try at the fest and a Rye weizen brewed by Shaun Ryan from MOB in Burlington.
Since I did not make a beer for the event I did not spend much time serving beer from our booth. Early on I did my tasting of the beers and then set back and chilled most of the afternoon.
This year the organizers changed up the food vendor and the band. I was less than pleased with the band, mainly due to the fact that they had their sound system cranked up so conversation was difficult and secondly that it was a Beetles cover band. The food was BBQ provided by a place out of Tiffin, Iowa, so if you are a vegetarian no food for you. Both of these changes I felt were to the detriment of the event. Bring back the acoustic music and the food vendor that did both brats and vegetarian friendly food. Just my two cents!
The event ended at 5pm and it took a while to get cleaned up and everything stored into the vehicles. Once that was accomplished we proceeded onto Shorts Burger & Shine, in Iowa City. This is a place that I wanted to try since I was made aware that they serve mainly burgers and only have Iowa craft beer on tap. So the most of the group of MUGZ people made the trip to give it a try. When I say this place is small I am not kidding, the whole place can sit maybe 50 people tops.
That aside we were there for the food and beer. Besides their list of 20 burgers they have 12 chicken sandwiches and 5 black bean burgers to chose from. All the sandwiches come with fries, a bit soggy not the crisp ones I like, and the sandwiches are served on buns that look more like popovers than buns, but they are good none the less. I had a burger and it was very tasty, my wife had a chicken sandwich and she said it was delicous as well.
The Iowa Craft beer on tap was a bit of a let down. First of all they were out of two of the beers on the beer menu. Second the Blonde Fatale, from Peace Tree Brewing, was under carbonated causing the beer to be a bit lifeless. Finally we found out when the bill arrived that a pint of beer was $6, a bit high for a pint of beer. Most of the good beer bars I go to price a pint from $3.50 to $4.50. I don't mind paying a premium for craft beer but $6 is excessive!
We were glad to try Shorts, but probably will not consider it when we make another trip to Iowa City. Too many things that were less than pleasing. The sandwiches were great, but they can not out way the negatives. So the search continues for a place in Iowa City that has both good food and good beer.
QC Beerguy
As I have said, this is one of my favorite events because of the size, limited to 1200 fest goers, and that it is a combination of homebrewers and craft brewers. With this being the Fest of Iowa Beers only beers from Iowa Craft brewers and Iowa homebrew clubs are able to provide beer. This year 15 craft breweries, as well as 10 homebrew clubs attended the fest. Needless to say there was enough beer for everyone.
Some of the standout beers I had included a wonderful Barrel Aged Rye Wine from Third Base in Cedar Rapids, it was smooth but slightly spicy and a wonderful whiskey note. A German Pils from Raccoon River in Des Moines, is a clean crisp beer with a nice amount of hop bitterness. Hop Sutra ( a double IPA) from Peace Tree Brewery in Knoxville, has a wonderful mixture of hops and malt, hops are present in the nose and the taste with a strong malt backbone. A whiskey barrel Russian Imperial Stout by Mark Simpson of IBU, was thick rich with a nice subtle whiskey notes. A Templeton Barrel Russian Imperial Stout from CR- Beer Nuts, again thick rich but with a stronger note of the Templeton Rye versus the previously mentioned barrel RIS. As usual there were a couple beers that I missed having an opportunity to try. Included in that was a pilsner from Granite City, yes I was as surprised as you are that this was considered to be a beer to try at the fest and a Rye weizen brewed by Shaun Ryan from MOB in Burlington.
Since I did not make a beer for the event I did not spend much time serving beer from our booth. Early on I did my tasting of the beers and then set back and chilled most of the afternoon.
This year the organizers changed up the food vendor and the band. I was less than pleased with the band, mainly due to the fact that they had their sound system cranked up so conversation was difficult and secondly that it was a Beetles cover band. The food was BBQ provided by a place out of Tiffin, Iowa, so if you are a vegetarian no food for you. Both of these changes I felt were to the detriment of the event. Bring back the acoustic music and the food vendor that did both brats and vegetarian friendly food. Just my two cents!
The event ended at 5pm and it took a while to get cleaned up and everything stored into the vehicles. Once that was accomplished we proceeded onto Shorts Burger & Shine, in Iowa City. This is a place that I wanted to try since I was made aware that they serve mainly burgers and only have Iowa craft beer on tap. So the most of the group of MUGZ people made the trip to give it a try. When I say this place is small I am not kidding, the whole place can sit maybe 50 people tops.
That aside we were there for the food and beer. Besides their list of 20 burgers they have 12 chicken sandwiches and 5 black bean burgers to chose from. All the sandwiches come with fries, a bit soggy not the crisp ones I like, and the sandwiches are served on buns that look more like popovers than buns, but they are good none the less. I had a burger and it was very tasty, my wife had a chicken sandwich and she said it was delicous as well.
The Iowa Craft beer on tap was a bit of a let down. First of all they were out of two of the beers on the beer menu. Second the Blonde Fatale, from Peace Tree Brewing, was under carbonated causing the beer to be a bit lifeless. Finally we found out when the bill arrived that a pint of beer was $6, a bit high for a pint of beer. Most of the good beer bars I go to price a pint from $3.50 to $4.50. I don't mind paying a premium for craft beer but $6 is excessive!
We were glad to try Shorts, but probably will not consider it when we make another trip to Iowa City. Too many things that were less than pleasing. The sandwiches were great, but they can not out way the negatives. So the search continues for a place in Iowa City that has both good food and good beer.
QC Beerguy
Saturday, September 3, 2011
Festival of Iowa Beers
We are looking forward to going to the 7th Annual Festival of Iowa Beers tomorrow September 4th in Amana, IA. It runs from 1-5 pm and is located across the street from Millstream Brewery. This is an event that features beer from only Iowa craft breweries and homebrew clubs.
This is a really nice sized event, tickets are limited to 1200. Last year they almost sold to capacity, if you do not have your tickets by now you will probably miss out on this year's fun. They are only selling tickets in advance this year so go out today to get your ticket if any are left. With the size limit it is easy to get up to a table and chose a beer as well as talk with the brewers, both pro and amateur.
The craft brewers bring their standard beers, but also bring some special brews to share. The real "crazy" beers can be found at the homebrewers area. Some of the past beers include such creations as oatmeal cookies, Hershey kiss stout and many other taste creations. Since this is a fest that includes unlimited samples you can have whatever you want to try.
Besides the beer there is always live music and some local food vendors. Plus you can set up your chairs in the shade of the trees and sit back relax and enjoy the day. Also they usually feature some type of cooking demonstration. This is a relaxed fun afternoon at a beer fest.
Hope to see everyone tomorrow at the fest.
QC Beerguy
This is a really nice sized event, tickets are limited to 1200. Last year they almost sold to capacity, if you do not have your tickets by now you will probably miss out on this year's fun. They are only selling tickets in advance this year so go out today to get your ticket if any are left. With the size limit it is easy to get up to a table and chose a beer as well as talk with the brewers, both pro and amateur.
The craft brewers bring their standard beers, but also bring some special brews to share. The real "crazy" beers can be found at the homebrewers area. Some of the past beers include such creations as oatmeal cookies, Hershey kiss stout and many other taste creations. Since this is a fest that includes unlimited samples you can have whatever you want to try.
Besides the beer there is always live music and some local food vendors. Plus you can set up your chairs in the shade of the trees and sit back relax and enjoy the day. Also they usually feature some type of cooking demonstration. This is a relaxed fun afternoon at a beer fest.
Hope to see everyone tomorrow at the fest.
QC Beerguy
Thursday, September 1, 2011
Last weekend
As I mentioned previously there was a local beer fest this past Saturday in Downtown Rock Island. This was the second annual event and it seemed to have grown a bit since the previous year. It was a fun day and I believe that everyone that attended had a good time.
My wife and I arrived around 12:30 to help set up the MUGZ booth. It did not take very long to setup the bar and have the 4 beers pouring properly. While the gentlemen that brewed the beers served them, my wife and I were sent off to pour some beer for Lefthand Brewing Company. We were very pleased with the chance to pour these beers. They had 5 beers total that we poured on Saturday: Polestar Pilsner, 400 Pound Monkey (an English IPA), Black Jack Porter, Milk Stout and Wake Up Dead (an Russian Imperial Stout).
The way the event worked everyone was given 14 tickets to use to get the samples of beers that they wanted. At our table the pilsner, IPA, porter and milk stout were all one ticket each, while the Imperial stout was 3 tickets. If a person ran out of tickets they could purchase more. Tickets were 50 cents each.
It was very fun pouring the beer and interacting with the "customers". There were a whole range of people, but the main thing was that they loved beer. My wife and I both took turns going off and sampling the beers that were at the event. All in all it was a very good day.
After the event we met up with my sister and brother-in-law and my brother and ate at RIBCO. We sat at our daughter's table, she had a good amount of customers after the fest.
This a good fest that seems to be growing. It is not a fest like Great Taste of the Midwest, but they are not trying to be that big. So when this event rolls around next year I would suggest that you attend.
On Sunday our local hombrew club held our monthly meeting. This months educational was concerning meads from around the world. Included in this were some fine meads from Ethiopia, South Africa and Poland. I would suggest if you can find a Polish mead buy it and see if you like it.
QC Beerguy
My wife and I arrived around 12:30 to help set up the MUGZ booth. It did not take very long to setup the bar and have the 4 beers pouring properly. While the gentlemen that brewed the beers served them, my wife and I were sent off to pour some beer for Lefthand Brewing Company. We were very pleased with the chance to pour these beers. They had 5 beers total that we poured on Saturday: Polestar Pilsner, 400 Pound Monkey (an English IPA), Black Jack Porter, Milk Stout and Wake Up Dead (an Russian Imperial Stout).
The way the event worked everyone was given 14 tickets to use to get the samples of beers that they wanted. At our table the pilsner, IPA, porter and milk stout were all one ticket each, while the Imperial stout was 3 tickets. If a person ran out of tickets they could purchase more. Tickets were 50 cents each.
It was very fun pouring the beer and interacting with the "customers". There were a whole range of people, but the main thing was that they loved beer. My wife and I both took turns going off and sampling the beers that were at the event. All in all it was a very good day.
After the event we met up with my sister and brother-in-law and my brother and ate at RIBCO. We sat at our daughter's table, she had a good amount of customers after the fest.
This a good fest that seems to be growing. It is not a fest like Great Taste of the Midwest, but they are not trying to be that big. So when this event rolls around next year I would suggest that you attend.
On Sunday our local hombrew club held our monthly meeting. This months educational was concerning meads from around the world. Included in this were some fine meads from Ethiopia, South Africa and Poland. I would suggest if you can find a Polish mead buy it and see if you like it.
QC Beerguy
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