The Foaming Head - American Craft Beer

Newcastle Releases Fourth Limited Edition Beer

2012-01-18T06:40:00.000-08:00

NEWCASTLE BROWN ALE RAISES A GLASS TO ITS ENGLISH HERITAGE WITH FOUNDERS’ ALE

Newcastle Offers Fourth Limited Edition Beer, Announces Nationwide Availability for Entire Series

January 2011 – Newcastle Brown Ale, brewer of the legendary “One & Only,” today announced the release of its fourth Limited Edition brew, Founders’ Ale. Available nationwide for a limited time, this beer tips its hat to the heritage and tradition of Newcastle’s five founding breweries. The introduction also marks the expansion of all Limited Edition brews – Founders’ Ale, Summer Ale, Werewolf and Winter IPA – which are now available nationwide on a rotating basis throughout the year.

Available for the first time in the U.S., Newcastle Founders’ Ale is a full-bodied, drinkable brew with dry, hoppy and roasted flavors. The classic Bitter ale is balanced by subtly sweet aroma notes of caramel and fruit with a short, clean finish.

“The iconic five-point star on our label recognizes the five founding breweries of Newcastle, and this beer further celebrates the legend of our original, hard-working Geordie brewers and patrons,” said Charles van Es, brand director Newcastle Brown Ale. “With Founders’ Ale we are answering consumer demand by offering all of Newcastle’s Limited Editions nationally in 2012, giving everyone a chance to enjoy a bit of authentic English history.”

Brewed with premium malts and Styrian Goldings hops, Newcastle Founders’ Ale has an alcohol by volume (ABV) of 4.8 percent with 20 International Bittering Units (IBUs).

Newcastle Founders’ Ale will be available nationwide from February 2012 through April 2012 in 6-pack and 12-pack bottles priced comparably to Newcastle Brown Ale. Founders’ Ale will also be available on draught at fine pubs in select markets.

About Newcastle Brown Ale

In 1927, in the Northeast of England, Colonel Jim Porter created uniquely crafted ale with its own distinct golden brown color, lightly hopped taste and character that quickly became a local favorite. Best served cool, Newcastle Brown Ale has since become a world favorite as a dark beer that’s easy to drink. Newcastle Brown Ale is imported by the nation’s premier beer importer, Heineken USA, headquartered in White Plains, New York. For more information, please visit www.NewcastleBrown.com or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/newcastle.

About Heineken USA

Heineken USA Inc., the nation's premier beer importer, is a subsidiary of Heineken International BV, which is the world's most international brewer. Brands imported into the U.S. include: Heineken Lager, the world's most international beer brand; Heineken Light; Amstel Light, a leading imported light beer brand; Newcastle Brown Ale, the leading imported ale in the United States; and Buckler non-alcoholic brew. Heineken USA is also the exclusive USA importer for the Tecate, Tecate Light, Dos Equis, Sol, Carta Blanca and Bohemia brands from FEMSA Cerveza of Mexico. For a safe ride home, download the Heineken USA-sponsored Taxi MagicTM application from your smartphone. Please visit www.EnjoyHeinekenResponsibly.com or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/Heineken.

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Yards George Washington's Tavern Porter

2011-12-29T13:27:00.000-08:00

Red Hook Long Hammer IPA

2011-12-14T08:23:00.000-08:00

Samuel Adams Black and Brew

2011-12-13T08:29:00.000-08:00

Samuel Adams White Ale

2011-12-12T13:04:00.000-08:00

Sam Adams White Ale poured a hazy, golden yellow color with a thumb width, white head. The nose has pale malt, with a lot of spices and some citrus. The body is more of the same, pale malt orange, and spices. The mouthfeel starts out smooth with the carbonation rising on the backend, leading to a crisp finish the leaves a yeasty dryness.

Overall, this was a nice, sessionable white ale. If generously spiced white ales are not your thing, I would avoid this but I thought all of the zest worked well with the malt base.

Stone 15th Anniversary Escondidian Imperial Black IPA

2011-12-07T08:24:00.000-08:00

Stone Imperial Black IPA poured a dark brown/blackish color with a thumb width, brown head. The nose is pungent with lots of piney hop notes and dark malt. The body is decadently rich with dark malts, a creamy middle and sharp hop edges. The beer has a big finish with plenty of hops and a dryness that gets bigger and bigger. The glass was left coated with lace.

Overall, an amazing beer. A model for balance on the mouthfeel, flavors, and weight. A huge beer from nose to finish and one of my favorite black IPA's

Pretty Things Jack D'Or

2011-12-06T06:47:00.000-08:00

Jack D'Or poured a semi-hazy, golden yellow color with a two fingered width, white head. The nose had aromas of green apple with chamomille and pale malt. The body is smooth, with some sweetness, medium depth, with some yeast and pale malt notes. Crisp on the backend, with spices leading to a light dry finish that grows as it lingers. Wonderful with a hoppy bitterness. The beer left some hanging lace.

Overall, this is a very good, very refreshing beer that has some nice balance. One of my favorite American saisons.

Narragansett Releases Cream Ale As Newest Beer

2011-12-03T11:41:00.000-08:00

NARRAGANSETT BEER ANNOUNCES NEW YEAR-ROUND CRAFT BREW, CREAM ALE, CHOSEN BY FANS

Narragansett Beer today announces the introduction of a new craft brew to be available year-round, Cream Ale. From October 13th through November 28th, the New England brewer hosted a campaign asking consumers to vote between a Cream and Rye Ale. Over 1,000 fans voiced their opinions on ‘Gansett’s blog and having received an overwhelming response for the Cream Ale, the winner is clear.

Related to a pale lager, cream ale is generally brewed to be light and refreshing with a straw to pale golden color and fairly subdued hop and malt flavor. While a top-fermented ale, Cream ales typically undergo an extended period of cold-conditioning or lagering after the primary fermentation is complete, reducing fruity esters and giving the beer a clean, smooth flavor.

In the 1960s and 1970s, Narragansett Beer produced a cream ale incredibly popular with beer drinkers. Debuting in March, a craftier version of this easy-drinking, yet hard to find, Narragansett Cream Ale will make its return to today’s craft beer enthusiasts, joining Narragansett Lager and Light in year-round availability in bars, restaurants, and package stores.

ABOUT NARRAGANSETT BEER:

Narragansett Beer…Brewed since 1890. ‘Gansett is a straightforward, quality beer that has been a new England tradition for generations, producing a classic family of award-winning American lagers & ales. Today, ‘Gansett is produced at top-rated breweries in Rochester, NY and Latrobe, PA, with craft brews being produced in Providence, RI and Pawcatuck, CT. Narragansett Lager is available for purchase in local restaurants, bars, and liquor stores throughout New England, Florida, Southern New York, Pennsylvania, and North Carolina.

Thirsty for more? Visit www.narragansettbeer.com.

Widmer Nelson Imperial IPA

2011-12-02T09:07:00.000-08:00

Nelson poured a clear, golden yellow color with a finger width, white head. The nose has a malty richness to it that is balance by flowery hops. The body is thick and malty, with chamomille notes and a sweetness to it. The finish has a fuzzy dryness that progresses a little.

Overall, this is a very enjoyable beer. Part of Widmer's 924 series, it is a sipper, but has a refined quality to it and is exactly what I look for in my IPAs.

Widmer Pitch Black IPA

2011-12-01T08:57:00.000-08:00

Pitch Black IPA poured a dark brown color with a two fingered width, off white head. The nose is incredible with roasted malt, and very pungent, piney hops. The body has plenty of roasted malt with with a mellow middle and hop edges. The finish is pleasant, dry with a sharp hop bite on finish that is not overly done. The glass was coated with hanging lace.

Overall, this is a very, very good beer. Complex, balanced, and rich with flavor, this is a great interpretation of the new Black IPA style. This might be Widmer's best.

Sierra Nevada Torpedo IPA

2011-11-30T09:18:00.000-08:00

Sierra Nevada Double IPA

2011-11-29T09:14:00.000-08:00

Sierra Nevada Weizenbock

2011-11-28T09:10:00.000-08:00

Great Lakes Commodore Perry

2011-11-08T13:18:00.000-08:00

Clown Shoes Muffin Top

2011-11-07T09:35:00.000-08:00

Muffin Top poured a semi-hazy, copper color with a pen width, white head. The nose has is big and malty with some faint orange notes but almost no hop aromas. The body is big and malty up front, with a little sweetness and lots of grapefruit. The finish had a very dry bitterness that sneaks up and hangs around for quite awhile.

Overall, a nice Imperial IPA. It is a little boozy, but Muffin Top is a fairly refined beer considering it's name and it's 10% ABV.

Clown Shoes Tramp Stamp

2011-11-03T12:07:00.000-07:00

Tramp Stamp poured a semi-cloudy, copper color with a pen width, white head. The nose is big, with apricot and candied sugar lying on top of plenty of malt and light hop aromas. The body is malty and short up front with a touch of sweetness. A little hollow in the middle, it quickly turns to bone dry with plenty of hops. The finish is full of pine needles and a long, dry, lingering bitterness.

Overall, a very agressive IPA, especially for one that is modeled around the belgian-style. The whole mouthfeel is light and the finish is a hop monster. This is decent, and has some very nice parts, but it seems a little disjointed and could probably use a little aging to round itself out.

Newcastle Adds Winter IPA to Their Seasonal Lineup

2011-11-02T16:03:00.000-07:00

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. – Newcastle Brown Ale, brewer of the legendary “One & Only,” today announced the launch of Winter IPA, the newest offering in its Limited Edition series. Following the successful Newcastle Werewolf, Newcastle Winter IPA is now available to adults at select retailers and pubs.

Newcastle Winter IPA stays true to the original, subtly hopped recipes of traditional 18th century India Pale Ales, maintaining the drinkability that Newcastle enthusiasts 21 and over have come to expect.

Marked by a strong hop aroma and a zesty character with hints of malt, Winter IPA features just a touch of sweetness to offer a delicate and creamy mouthfeel. Pouring a seductive copper color, the brew offers subtle caramel notes, a full body and a balanced finish.

“Newcastle Brown Ale has a rich history of carefully crafted and highly drinkable beers, and our partnership with the Caledonian Brewery for the Limited Edition series continues this tradition,” said Charles van Es, brand director Newcastle Brown Ale. “From the authentic recipe to the small batch brewing in open copper kettles, everything about our Winter IPA is a salute to original British IPAs. It’s our way of helping make the long winter months a little more palatable.”

Made with Super Styrian and Styrian Goldings hops, Newcastle’s Limited Edition Winter IPA has an alcohol by volume (ABV) of 5.2 percent with 28 International Bittering Units (IBUs).

Newcastle Winter IPA will be available at select markets across the country in 6-pack and 12-pack bottles priced comparably to Newcastle Brown Ale, as well as on draught at fine pubs from Nov. 2011 through Jan. 2012.

About Newcastle Brown Ale

In 1927, in the Northeast of England, Colonel Jim Porter created uniquely crafted ale with its own distinct golden brown color, lightly hopped taste and character that quickly became a local favorite. Best served cool, Newcastle Brown Ale has since become a world favorite as a dark beer that’s easy to drink. Newcastle Brown Ale is imported by the nation’s premier beer importer, Heineken USA, headquartered in White Plains, New York. For more information, please visit www.NewcastleBrown.com or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/newcastle.

About Heineken USA

Heineken USA Inc., the nation's premier beer importer, is a subsidiary of Heineken International BV, which is the world's most international brewer. Brands imported into the U.S. include: Heineken Lager, the world's most international beer brand; Heineken Light; Amstel Light, a leading imported light beer brand; Newcastle Brown Ale, the leading imported ale in the United States; and Buckler non-alcoholic brew. Heineken USA is also the exclusive USA importer for the Tecate, Tecate Light, Dos Equis, Sol, Carta Blanca and Bohemia brands from FEMSA Cerveza of Mexico. For a safe ride home, download the Heineken USA-sponsored Taxi MagicTM application from your smartphone. Please visit www.EnjoyHeinekenResponsibly.com or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/Heineken.

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Sierra Nevada Tumbler

2011-10-31T08:54:00.000-07:00

Narragansett Fest

2011-10-13T12:12:00.000-07:00

Samuel Adams Black Lager

2011-09-30T17:33:00.000-07:00

Victory Festbier

2011-09-28T14:34:00.001-07:00

AleSmith X

2011-09-22T14:27:00.000-07:00

Innis & Gunn Brings Two New Beers to the U.S.

2011-09-08T12:14:00.000-07:00

Award-Winning Scottish Craft Brewer Innis & Gunn

Announces Release of Two New Limited Production Beers to the U.S. Market

Uniondale, N.Y. - Innis & Gunn, Scotland's largest independent brewing company, announced details about two new beers coming to the U.S. this Fall, a very limited production quantity of Innis & Gunn Highland Cask and the highly-anticipated Innis & Gun Winter Beer which will be available for the first time as part of the 2011 holiday pack.

In 1993 newly distilled Highland single malt whisky was filled into casks and left to age for 18 years. Earlier this year, the mature whisky was disgorged for bottling and those casks were refilled with fresh brewed Innis & Gunn beer. The beer was left to mature in the oak-aged in casks taking on subtle flavors of the mature 18 year old single malt whiskies from the Highland region of Scotland. "These are very rare casks and we only ever use them once to make Innis & Gunn Highland Cask," said Dougal Sharp, owner and brewer at Innis & Gunn. "After that they go back to the distillery. Perhaps we will be offered them again in 2029!"

The color, Sharp explains, is deep red. "Raising the glass, immediately on the nose I find toffee, malt, raisins with a hint of orange. On the palate this beer is rugged and beautiful, packed with classic Highland malt flavors of orange and oak balanced by raising notes from the rye. And the finish is deeply satisfying; complex, warming and smooth." Innis & Gun Highland Cask will be available in a very limited number of outlets, in 750ml and 330ml bottles. "If you are interested and you find Innis & Gunn Highland Cask in a store or a bar, buy it," says Innis & Gunn chairman, Tony Hunt. "Not only is this beer exceptionally good, but there is not very much of it available."

Joining Innis & Gunn Original, Innis & Gunn Rum Cask and the special Innis & Gunn glass in the 2011 holiday pack is the new Innis & Gunn Winter beer. "The Winter Beer was designed to provide rich, sumptuous flavor. To be a big beer in every sense," said Hunt. "But at the same time we wanted it to be delicious. While some brewers today set out to make extreme beers, we strive to make extremely delicious beers. With this Winter Beer, we accomplished our goal," he added.

"We use Amber and Cara malts in the recipe which provide a rich, almost chewy malt backbone and body, while the classic blend of aroma hops, Fuggles, Goldings and Styrian Goldings, add their signature vibrant character," explains Brewmaster Sharp. Oak-aging beer is a key stage for the makers of Innis & Gunn. For the Winter Beer, American Bourbon Oak is used to mellow the beer and provide depth and complexity. Innis & Gunn Winter Beer is available exclusively in the 3-bottle holiday pack which contains the Innis & Gunn branded glass.

"Innis & Gunn is known internationally for their limited editions, and we have already taken orders for virtually all the stock of Highland Cask and the holiday pack that is coming into the USA," said Dan Deluca, Managing Director of Innis & Gunn USA. "We are trying to be fair to everyone."

Both beers, the Innis & Gunn Highland Cask and the Innis & Gunn Winter Beer will be available for the first time in the U.S., starting September 2011 at select retail locations and drinking establishments nationwide. Get the latest info from Innis & Gunn USA at www.InnisAndGunnNews.com

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Narragansett Releases Fall Seasonal

2011-08-15T11:46:00.000-07:00

NARRAGANSETT BEER RELEASES AWARD-WINNING OKTOBERFEST BREW

Narragansett Fest Makes Seasonal Return with Expanded Distribution Into New York and Philadelphia

Providence, RI – The Famous Narragansett Beer today announces the return of its Oktoberfest brew. Narragansett Fest, introduced last year for the first time since the brewer’s revival in 2005, received critical acclaim in its inaugural season. At the Beverage Tasting Institute’s 2010 World Beer Championship - America’s oldest international beer competition – Fest was awarded the silver medal in the Vienna Marzen Lager category.

Based on the positive response both from consumers and industry experts, Narragansett has expanded availability of Fest beyond New England into two new markets this year: Southern New York and Philadelphia. Available on draught and in Narragansett’s signature 16 oz. Tallboy cans, Narragansett Fest can be found in leading bars, restaurants, and package stores.

Brewed under the supervision of award-winning Brewmaster Sean Larkin at Cotrell Brewery in Pawcatuck, CT and the award-winning High Falls Brewery in Rochester, NY, Narragansett Fest is a traditional amber-brown German Oktoberfest style beer, perfectly balanced with four varieties of malts and two styles of hops. Pilsner, Vienna, and Light & Dark Munich malts make up the backbone of the Fest, creating a rich taste profile, and Northern Brewer and Tettnanger hops give it a crisp, subtly balanced flavor. Narragansett Fest is 5.5% Alcohol by Volume and 22 IBUs.

Narragansett Fest echoes the brand’s rich heritage. Founded by a group of eight German immigrants, Narragansett’s Cranston, Rhode Island brewery held elaborate annual events to celebrate Oktoberfest up until the 1970s. Further, King Gambrinus, the Patron Saint of Beer – who is featured on the 1940s-style classic Fest packaging – also stood as a statue welcoming guests to the Narragansett brewery for decades.

For further information on Narragansett Fest, or to find a retailer near you, visit: www.narragansettbeer.com/products/fest.

ABOUT NARRAGANSETT BEER:

Narragansett Beer…Brewed since 1890. ‘Gansett is a straightforward, quality beer that has been a New England tradition for generations, producing a classic family of award-winning American lagers & ales. Today, ‘Gansett is produced at top-rated breweries in Rochester, NY and Latrobe, PA, with craft brews being produced in Providence, RI and Pawcatuck, CT. Narragansett Lager is available for purchase in local restaurants, bars, and liquor stores throughout New England, Florida, Southern New York, Pennsylvania, and North Carolina.

Thirsty for more? Visit: www.narragansettbeer.com

Stone Russian Imperial Stout

2011-08-15T11:39:00.000-07:00

Stone RIS poured a midnight black color with a thick, two fingered width, dark tan head. The nose is dominated by dark malts, with strong aromas of coffee and chocolate. The body is silky smooth and thick, yet surprisingly light on the palate with more dark malts. The finish has a pronounced dry bitterness to it that is able to cut through and balance the oily body.

Overall, a really nice, really big beer. A nightcap, this is an incredibly smooth sipping beer that has some noticeable alcohol warmth.

The Lost Abbey Devotion

2011-08-11T09:09:00.000-07:00

Sierra Nevada California Common

2011-08-05T10:59:00.000-07:00

Green Flash IPA

2011-08-04T11:57:00.000-07:00

Green Flash IPA poured a hazy, amber color with a two fingered width, off white head. The aroma is wonderful. Fresh, clean, piney hops dominate but there is enough malt notes in there to keep them in check. The body has a malty middle with some slightly sweet fruit notes and a sharp hop bite on the edges. The finish is bone dry with a bitterness that lingers forever. The glass was coated with thick, hanging lace.

Overall, a great example of the big hoppy west coast-style IPA. An excellent beer that is fantastic to pair with a wide variety of foods.

Sierra Nevada Juniper Black Ale

2011-07-26T10:41:00.001-07:00

Williamsburg AleWerks Chesapeake Pale Ale

2011-07-22T09:31:00.000-07:00

Victory Summer Love

2011-07-20T13:20:00.000-07:00

Summer Love poured a clear, golden yellow color with a thumb width, white head. The

aroma is mild with faint citrus, yeast, and malt notes. Clean hops lay ontop of a

malt base with a strong lemon flavor. The finish is sharp with plenty of acidity

and a nice bitterness.

Overall, this is an enjoyable golden/blonde ale. Balanced and flavorful, I love the

bite on the finish. Victory does a good job of not falling into the trap of making a

bland, boring Summer ale.

Kona Fire Rock Pale Ale

2011-07-19T07:55:00.001-07:00

Jack’s Abby Brewing Begins Production

2011-07-18T14:42:00.000-07:00

Framingham, MA – July 18, 2011 – Jack’s Abby Brewing, , today announced the start of production at their Framingham, MA brewery.
The company also announced the opening of a gift shop and the beginning of tours at the Framingham facility. Public tastings are scheduled to begin this month.

“After months of hard work we are excited to begin production of what we believe will be exceptional and unique lagers,” said Jack Hendler, owner and brewer of Jack’s Abby Brewing. Hendler, along with his brothers Sam and Eric, founded Jack’s Abby Brewing in January 2011.

Initial production will focus on three lagers:

Saxon Sons Pilsner
Saxon Sons Pilsner is a wonderfully aromatic, sunshine golden-colored lager featuring a lemony floral nose followed by a dry finish. Brewed and conditioned for extended periods, balancing the traditional bohemian Pilsner malt backbone with unique hops added to our hop back. The name pays tribute to the Saxony Ice Company started by the Hendler brothers’ grandfather. 5.4%

Hoponius Union
Hoponius Union is an India Pale Lager that offers a twist to the traditional IPA since it is fermented cold and aged for extended periods. The perfect union of aromatic American hops and lager fermentation creates a huge citrusy-hoppy aroma and clean, bitter finish. 6.7%

Smoke & Dagger
Smoke & Dagger is a dark, black beer, cloaked in mystery, that gets its roasted and smoky notes from traditional beechwood-smoked malt and chocolate malt. Smoke & Dagger is full bodied and malty with little to no hop character. 6.0%

Jack’s Abby plans to produce seasonal varieties as well as other special occasion lagers and possibly ales in the future.

The Company is currently producing all of its lagers in Framingham facility which currently has a 20 BBL Premier Stainless brewhouse and five 40 BBL fermenters. A special hop back is used to infuse hop flavor and aroma into the beers before fermentation. The brewery also features a tasting room as well as a small garden next door for growing hops and brewing spices.

Beers will initially be available to restaurants and bars in kegs and at the brewery in 64 ounce growlers filled on request. Regular (12 ounce) bottles are expected to be available for sale in 2012. The company will self-distribute its beers to restaurants and bars to start.

About Jack’s Abby Brewing

Founded in January 2011 by three brothers who grew up in a family business, Jack’s Abby Brewing is a craft brewery specializing truly distinctive lagers featuring locally grown hops, traditional German brewing standards, and American innovation.

The name, Jack’s Abby Brewing, pays homage to co-founder Jack Hendler’s wife, Abby, while evoking the tradition of monastic groups in Europe who create handcrafted beers in their abbeys. The brothers are inspired by the tradition of craft brewing using quality local ingredients, mindful labor and great recipes to create delicious, authentic beer.

Bell's Amber Ale

2011-07-18T09:08:00.000-07:00

Anaheim Brewery Grand Opening Set For Saturday, July 16th!

2011-07-08T12:25:00.000-07:00

Tom Tait, Mayor of Anaheim, to be in attendance for ceremonial keg tapping!

Anaheim, CA (07/7/2011) Anaheim Beer, famous before Prohibition and a part of the German lifestyle in the early days of Anaheim, has returned after ninety years. Anaheim Brewery will host its grand opening day celebration on Saturday, July 16, and invites all Anaheim locals and visitors. Tom Tait, the mayor of Anaheim, will attend to mark the occasion. The celebration runs from 12 to 6 pm on Saturday.

Festivities include:

Street food from neighborhood restaurants
Mayor Tom Tait taps the ceremonial keg at 12:30
Cake cutting at 3:30pm
Hourly brewery tours

The owners of Anaheim Brewery are reviving a brand from the history of Anaheim. Using brewing techniques mastered over 17 years, Barbara and Greg Gerovac introduce four award winning beers: Anaheim 1888, Anaheim Gold, Anaheim Red and Anaheim Hefeweizen. Fresh beer is once again flowing in downtown Anaheim, just as it did in the late 1800s and early 1900s.

The Anaheim Brewery Tasting Room is open from 11 am to 9 pm on Saturday. The light-filled room is about 60 ft. in length with generous views of the copper brewing equipment. Long-time Anaheim residents will recall the Covered Wagon Saloon which unfortunately closed in 2002; the restored Covered Wagon bar is a feature of Anaheim Brewery’s new Tasting Room. Full of Anaheim’s rich history, locals and visitors can celebrate the grand opening with flights of the beers that were imbibed almost a century ago!

We invite the media to come to Anaheim Brewery on Saturday and witness the strong local community support and capture the sheer delight and excitement from patrons. One may run into Lecil Slaback, 96 year old Anaheimer who remembers the old Anaheim Beer slogan: One for a nickel, Two for a dime, Get your beer in Anaheim!

Event Details:

Grand Opening Celebration: 12 -6 pm
Tasting Room: 11 -9 pm
Location: 336 S. Anaheim Boulevard
Hourly Brewery Tours
Parking in city lots and garages at Broadway and Center Street Promenade

About Anaheim Brewery
Anaheim Brewery is located at 336 S. Anaheim Boulevard. Tasting Room hours: Friday 4 – 9pm; Saturday 11 am – 9pm; and Sunday 11am - 6pm. For more information, visit www. AnaheimBrew.com
Find Anaheim Brewery on Facebook www.facebook/anaheimbrewery

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Kona Longboard Island Lager

2011-07-07T07:41:00.001-07:00

2011 U.S. Open Beer Championship Winners

2011-07-06T08:11:00.000-07:00

Atlanta, GA(July 4, 2011) -- Winners in the 2011 United States Open Beer Championships - the only brewery competition to include professional breweries and award-winning home brewers - were announced this week. More than 1200 beers in more than 50 different categories were submitted.

Deschutes Brewing of Bend, Oregon was named Grand National Champion by winning three gold and five silver medals. This is the second time Deschutes has won the U.S. Open title. Cigar City Brewing of Tampa, FL and Grand Teton Brewing of Idaho tied for second by each winning four gold medals and 1 silver. In all, over 70 individual breweries won at least one medal and 20 won two or more.

National Home Brew Winners, Matt Tucker and Jake Tucker from Oviedo, FL won a silver medal for their English Pale. While, Stacy Myers took a bronze for her ale, Horseman of the Hopocalypse Ale in the Rye/Roggen category, and Phil Sullivan also took a bronze for his Sully's Belgian Blonde in the Belgian Ale Category.

"This competition is significant because it accepts entries from breweries around the world and allows national winning homebrews to compete," said Dow Scoggins, director of the U.S. Open Beer Championships. "This year, we had over 20 international breweries entered the competition. Breweries from Canada, Belgium, Germany, Mexico, and England medaled. And this year, the U.S. Open had its first brewery outside the United States to be in the Top 10. Neustadt Brewing from Ontario, Canada finished 8th by winning 2 golds and 2 silvers."

Competing beers were judged in more than 50 different beer style categories. This year's judges were from Australia, England, Canada and the United States.

Along with the medals awarded, a Grand National Champion is awarded based on a point system for beers (five minimum) entered in the competition.

The top 10 breweries based on the number of beers placing first (3 points), second (2 points) or third (1 point) are:

1. Deschutes Brewing, Oregon
2. Cigar City Brewing, Florida
2. Grand Teton Brewing, Wyoming
4. Boston Beer Company, Massachusetts
5. New Belgium Brewing, Colorado
6. Full Sail Ales, Oregon
7. Sprecher Brewing, Wisconsin
8. Neustadt Brewing, Canada
9. Montana Brewing, Montana
10. August Schell, Minnesota
10. Capital Brewing, Wisconsin

The judges also named a "Judges Award" for the top five "most creative names" " Among the judges favorites:

Bear Ass Brown - Silverton Brewing Indiana Krunkles Wheat IPA - Terrapin Beer Company
Mama's Little Yella Pils - Oskar Blues Brewing
Pursuit of Hoppiness - Grand Teton Brewing
Satan's Pony - South Street Brewery

2011 United States Open Medal Winners

Golden or Blonde ale
GOLD - Sweetwater 420 - Sweetwater Brewing
SILVER - Cascade Ale - Deschutes Brewing
BRONZE - Old Faithful Ale - Grand Tetons Brewing

English Summer Ale
GOLD - Sand Bagger Gold - Montana Brewing
SILVER - Twilight Ale - Deschutes Brewing
BRONZE - Summer Squeeze - Bridgeport Brewing

English Pale Ale
GOLD - Mirror Pond Pale Ale - Deschutes Brewing
SILVER - Pale Ale - Matt Tucker - Homebrewer
BRONZE - Full Sail Pale Ale - Full Sail Brewing

English IPA
GOLD - Green Monsta IPA - Wachusetts Brewing
SILVER - Flyin' HI.P.Hay - Maui Brewing
BRONZE - Moylans IPA - Moylans Brewery

Imperial IPA
GOLD - Hop Hedge - Deschutes Brewing
SILVER - Swamp Ape IPA - Florida Beer Company
BRONZE - Moylans Double IPA - Moylans Brewery

Bitter
GOLD - Neustadt Bitter - Neustadt Brewing
SILVER - First Draft - Niagara College
BRONZE - Happy Hour Hero Ale - Montana Brewing

ESB
GOLD - Oasis - Tallgrass Brewing
SILVER - Redhook ESB - Redhook Brewing
BRONZE - Stone Pale Ale - Stone Brewing

English Mild Ale
GOLD - Mill Race - Grand River Brewing
SILVER - Point 2012 Black Ale - Stevens Point Brewing
BRONZE - Fatbelly Amber - Montana Brewing

English Brown Ale
GOLD - Maduro Oatmeal Brown Ale - Cigar City Brewing
SILVER - Doreens Downtown Brown - Montana Brewing
BRONZE - Bear Ass Brown - Silverton Brewing

Porter
GOLD - LoneRider DeadEye Jack - LoneRider Brewing
SILVER - Black Butte Porter - Deschutes Brewing
BRONZE - Peninsula Porter - Michigan Brewing

Stout
GOLD - Obsidian Stout - Deschutes Brewery
SILVER - Anastasia's Chocolate Stout - South Street Brewery
BRONZE - August Schell Stout - August Schell Brewing

Oatmeal Stout
GOLD - Samuel Smith's Oatmeal Stout - Samuel Smiths Brewery
SILVER - Shipwreck Stout - Maui Brewing
BRONZE - Alaskan Stout - Alaskan Brewing Company

Imperial Stout
GOLD - Dirac - Cigar City Brewing
SILVER - The Abyss - Deschutes Brewing
BRONZE - Tempest Imperial Stout - Amsterdams Brewing

Old Ale
GOLD - Ubu Ale - Lake Placid Brewing
SILVER - Stomp - Niagara College
BRONZE - Hibernation Ale - Great Divide Brewing Company

Barley Wine
GOLD - Stone Old Guardian - Stone Brewing Company
SILVER - Whiteout Winter - Montana Brewing
BRONZE - Rudolph's Red Nose Ale - Niagara College

Scottish Ale
GOLD - Old Chub - Oskar Blues Brewing
SILVER - Wee Heavy - Maui Brewpub
BRONZE - Satan's Pony - South Street Brewery

Strong Scottish Ale
GOLD - Big Sound - Cigar City Brewing
SILVER - Piper's Scotch Ale - Sprecher Brewing
BRONZE - Moylans Kilt Lifter - Moylans Brewing

Irish Red Ale
GOLD - Pursuit of Hoppiness - Grand Teton Brewing
SILVER - O'Regan's Revenge Irish Red Ale - Sound Brewery
BRONZE - Bomber Mountain Amber - Black Tooth Brewing

American Amber / Red
GOLD - Laughing Skull Ale - Redbrick Brewing
SILVER - Big Island Red Giant - Big Island Brewhaus
BRONZE - Stone Levitation Ale - Stone Brewing

American Pale Ale
GOLD - Teton Ale - Grand Teton Brewing Company
SILVER - Bitter American - 21st Amendment Brewing
BRONZE - Tap Room No. 21 Pale Ale - Tap Room No. 21 Brewing

American IPA
GOLD - Overboard IPA - Big Island Brewhaus
SILVER - Sisters Of The Moon - Mother Earth Brewing
BRONZE - Stone IPA - Stone Brewing

American Brown Ale
GOLD - Bitch Creek Ale - Grand Teton Brewing
SILVER - 10W30 - Neustadt Brewing
BRONZE - LoneRider Sweet Josie - LoneRider Brewing
BRONZE- Hapa Brown Ale - Hawaii Nui Brewery

German Kolsch
GOLD - Sunner Kolsch - Gebr. Sünner GmbH & Co
SILVER - Endless River - Mother Earth Brewing
BRONZE - Kolsch - Big Bear Brewing

German Wheat
GOLD - Bayern Dragon's Breath - Bayern Brewing
SILVER - Denison's Weissbier - Denison's Brewing Company
BRONZE - Tucher Kristall Weizen - Brauerei Tucher Brau

German Hefeweizen
GOLD - Ayinger Brau-Weisse - Brauerei Aying
SILVER - Howling Wolf - Grand Teton Brewing
BRONZE - Schell's Hefeweizen - August Schell Brewing

French / Belgian Saison Ale
GOLD - Grand Saison - Grand Teton Brewing
SILVER - St. Feuillien Saison - Brasserie St. Feuillien
BRONZE - Saison Dupont - Brasserie Dupont

French / Belgian Ale
GOLD - Omer - Brouwerij Bockor
SILVER - Hop Ruiter - Vanberg & Dewulf
BRONZE - Sully's Belgian Blonde - Phil Sullivan

Belgian Abbey Ale - Dubbel
GOLD - New Belgium Abbey - New Belgium Brewing
SILVER - Brother David Double - Anderson Valley Brewing
BRONZE - South Street Dubbel - South Street Brewery

Belgian Abbey Ale - Tripels & Quads
GOLD - Samuel Adams New World Triple - Boston Beer Company
SILVER - Urthel Samaranth - De Leyerth Brouwerijen
BRONZE - South Street Tripel - South Street Brewery

Belgian Lambic
GOLD - 2010 La Lolie - New Belgium Brewing
SILVER - Sprecher Kriek Lambic - Sprecher Brewing
BRONZE - Samuel Adams Stony Brook Red - Boston Beer Company

Belgian Witbier
GOLD - Oranje Weisse Permium White - Amsterdam Brewery
SILVER - Infinite Wit - Nebraska Brewing
BRONZE - Pike Dry Wit - Pike Brewing

American Light
GOLD - Sam Adams Light - Boston Beer Company
SILVER - Schell Light - August Schell Brewing
BRONZE - Shiner Light Blonde - Spoetzl Brewery

American Lager / Pilsener
GOLD - Samuel Adams Boston Lager - Boston Beer Company
SILVER - Grain Belt Premium - August Schell Brewing
BRONZE - Goldmine Lager - World Brews

American Premium Lager
GOLD - Session Permium - Full Sail Brewing
SILVER - Florida Lager - Florida Beer Company
BRONZE - Supper Club - Captial Brewery

Bohemian Pilsener
GOLD - Samuel Adams Noble Pils - Boston Beer Company
SILVER - Harpoon Bohemian Pilsner - Harpoon Brewing
BRONZE - Trumer Pils - Trumer Brauerei Berkeley

Geman Lager / Pilsener
GOLD - Neustadt Lager - Neustadt Brewing
SILVER - Summer Pils - Sprecher Brewing
BRONZE - Zatac - Zatecky Pivovar
BRONZE - Helmet Fire - Lexington Ave Brewery

Munchner Helles
GOLD - Shiner Old Time Alt - Spoetzl Brewery
SILVER - Full Sail LTD - Full Sail Ales
BRONZE - Fort Collins 1900 - Fort Collins Brewing

Munchner Dunkel / Dark
GOLD - Sessions Black - Full Sail Ales
SILVER - Sprecher Winter Brew - Sprecher Brewing
BRONZE - Zatec Dark - Zatecky Pivovar

Marzen / Oktoberfest
GOLD - Saranac Adirondack Lager - F.X. Matt Brewing Company
SILVER - Capital Fest - Captial Brewery
BRONZE - Numbskull Oktoberfest - Lexington Ave Brewery

Schwarzbier
GOLD - New Belgium 1544 - New Belgium Brewing
SILVER - Saranac Black Forrest - F.X. Matt Brewing Company
BRONZE - Black Bavarian - Sprecher Brewing

Bock
GOLD - Fort Collins Maibock - Fort Collins Brewing
SILVER - Sprecher Mai Bock - Sprecher Brewing
BRONZE - Capital Mai Bock - Captial Brewery

Dopple / Strong Bock
GOLD - Capital Autumnal Fire - Capital Brewery
SILVER - Capital Blonde Doppelbock - Capital Brewery
BRONZE - Redcock Doppel Bock - Maui Brewpub

American Cream Ale
GOLD - Deer Brand - August Schell Brewing
SILVER - El Toro Cream Ale - Fullsteam Brewing
BRONZE - Cameron's Cream Ale - Camerons Brewing

American Wheat
GOLD - Hefeweizen - Widmer Brothers Brewing
SILVER - Sch'Wheat - Sweetwater Brewing
BRONZE - Nude Beach Summer Wheat - Stevens Point Brewing

American Specialty Wheat
GOLD - Boontlinger Weiss - Anderson Valley Brewing
SILVER - Halcyon Wheat Tallgrass
BRONZE - Whitetail Wheat - Montana Brewing

Fruit / Vegetable beer
GOLD - Wailua - Kona Brewing Company
SILVER - The Sour Kraut - Neustadt Springs Brewery
BRONZE - Hell of High Watermelon - 21st Amendment Brewery

Herb and Spice beer
GOLD - Mexican Imperial Stout - Cerveceria Calavera
SILVER - Zingibier - Sam Firke
BRONZE - Coconut Porter - Maui Brewing Company

Chocolate / Cocoa Beer
GOLD - Hunahpu Mayan Chocolate Stout - Cigar City Brewing
SILVER - Maui Imperial Coconut Porter - Maui Brewing
BRONZE - Chocolate Ale - Boulevard Brewing Co.

Coffee Beer
GOLD - Coffee Porter - LoneRider Brewing
SILVER - Mean Joe Bean - Sweetwater Brewing
BRONZE - Big Shot Espresso Stout - Twisted Pine Brewing Co.

Rye/Roggen
GOLD - Rich & Dan Rye IPA - Harpoon Brewing
SILVER - Wachusett Ryde Beer - Wachusetts Brewing
BRONZE - Horseman of the Hopocalypse - Stacy Myers

Wood / Barrel aged beer
GOLD - Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Ale - Lexington Brewing
SILVER - Jai Alia White Oak IPA - Cigar Brewing
BRONZE - Humidor IPA - Cigar Brewing

Wood / Barrel aged strong beer
GOLD - Black Betty Imperial Stout - Nebraska Brewing
GOLD - Triple Overhead - Mother Earth Brewing
BRONZE - KGB Woody - Maui Brewing

Smoked / Rauch beer
GOLD - SmokeStack Lager - Maui Brewpub
SILVER - Hogwash - Fullsteam Brewing
BRONZE - Z Lager - Fort Collins Brewing

Specialty / Anything Goes
GOLD - Monk's Indiscretion - Sound Brewing Company
SILVER - Monk's Blood - 21st Amendment Brewing
BRONZE - Maui Onion Ale - Maui Brewpub

Out of Bounds Pale Ale
GOLD - Nickel Brook Headstock - Better Bitters Brewing
SILVER - Terrapin Rye Pale Ale - Terrapin Beer Company
BRONZE - Maui Black Rock IPA - Maui Brewpub

Best of Show Organic
GOLD - Mothership Wit - New Belgium Brewing
SILVER - Green Lakes Organic Ale - Deschutes Brewing
BRONZE - Organic I.P.A. - Bison Brewing

Experimental
GOLD - Lambrucha - Vanberg & DeWulf
SILVER - White Mountain Porter - Big Island Brewhaus
BRONZE - Indiana Krunkles Wheat IPA - Terrapin Beer Company

Gluten Free Beer
GOLD - Brunehaut Bio Ambrée - Brasserie De Brunehaut
SILVER - Brunehaut Bio Blonde - Brasserie De Brunehaut
BRONZE - Redbridge Beer - Anheuser-Busch

www.usopenbeer.com

Wolaver's Wildflower Wheat

2011-07-05T09:58:00.000-07:00

Widmer Hefeweizen

2011-07-04T07:17:00.000-07:00

Widmer's Hefeweizen poured a hazy, dark yellow color with a thumb width white head. Th aroma is predominatly thick wheat. The body is thick, and heavy again on wheat. There is some faint lemon and banana notes with a citrus spice on finish.

Overall an average american wheat ale. The depth and balance are nice but the flavors are a little bland, and nothing really wows here.

Widmer Rotator Series IPA X-114 IPA

2011-06-30T07:16:00.000-07:00

X-114 poured a clear, amber color with a finger width white head. The aroma has plenty of citrus and piney hops. The body is flowery, with a nice sweet malt base and a dry finish. The carbonation is a little low for an IPA.

Overall, a very nice IPA. Very nicely balanced, and the earthy notes lends a very nice quality. This is an IPA worth seeking

out.

Bell's Pale Ale

2011-06-29T09:45:00.000-07:00

Widmer Citra Blonde Summer Ale

2011-06-28T07:16:00.000-07:00

Widmer's Citra Blonde Summer Ale poured a clear, amber color with a pen width white head. The aroma has plenty of orange with some cloying malt hiding underneath. The body is sweet up front, and the mouthfeel is thin with almost no carbonation. There are some big hops on the finish and a long, lingering dry bitterness.

Overall there are some great aspects to this beer; primarily the citrus notes and hopped finish but it is just not a complete beer. The mouthfeel up front lacks and the midddle of the beer is flat and bland. This beer has great potential and is a passable Summer sipper but just falls a little short.

Port Brewing Mongo IPA

2011-06-13T14:19:00.000-07:00

Alexander Keith's Virtual Beer Tasting

2011-06-09T14:18:00.000-07:00

Alexander Keith’s is set to sell three of their beers in the U.S: Nova Scotia Style Lager, Nova Scotia Style Pale Ale and Nova Scotia Style Brown Ale.

In order to celebrate the launch, the brewery invited several members of the beer community to participate in a virtual tasting. Participants were sent a package that included the three beers mentioned above, a glass, and beer specification sheets.

Virtual Tastings seem to be a new way for brewers to communicate with their customers. Dundee and 21st Amendment are two American craft brewers who have recently held such tastings. I think it is a great marketing idea. Ideally, the brewer gets to explain the beer, what he was looking to brew, and answer any questions. Beer writers, bloggers, and consumers then share their experiences with others and spread the word and hopefully you have more educated beer drinkers and higher sales numbers for the brewery.

On June 7th, I logged onto Facebook (Alexander Keith’s choice for the tasting) to listed to Brewmaster Graham Kendall as he spoke live from the brewery. Kendall explained a little about the brewery and its history before leading the group through a tasting of all three beers.

Editor’s Note: The following are my tasting notes of the three beers.
Lager
5.4% ABV
23 IBUs

The lager poured a clear, golden yellow color with a pen width white head. The aroma is very mild, faint malt with even fainter hops. The body is smooth, with low levels of carbonation and a milt malt flavor. A very faint bitter finish, and overall a little bland.

Pale Ale
5.4% ABV
18 IBUs

The pale ale poured a crystal clear golden yellow color with a pen width white head. The aroma is corn like, a flavor that continues onto the front palate. Again an ever so faint bitter finish, followed by an off-putting taste.

Brown Ale
5.4%
18 IBUs

The brown ale poured a light brown color with reddish hues. The aroma is candy with notes of brown sugar. The body has a light malt base underneath plenty of sugar. There is almost no finish, and overall the beer tastes like liquid candy.

After the tasting there were plenty of interesting questions.

TheFoamingHead: Why choose these three beers for the U.S. launch?

Alexander Keith’s: The brewing teams in Canada (Labatt) and the U.S. (Anheuser-Busch) got together to decide on the styles. They wanted to pick styles that would fit with the Keith's heritage, and that U.S. beer drinkers would like!

Seth Mellin, of the blog From My Mellin, asked why the brewery would have identical ABV’s for three very different styles of beer. Kendall mentioned the large brewing process and cited the need to eliminate any variation between different batches (a process that involves blending), but as far as I could tell he did not speak towards the philosophical ideology of having three identical ABVs.
Kendal was also asked if he was afraid that craft beer drinkers would not even give Keith’s beers a chance die to the brewery’s relationship to big brewers (AB-InBev is an owner). He stated he wanted the beers to be able to speak for themselves.

Kendall had made several references to them being a craft brewer and having craft beer drinkers as the target market which lead me to ask why they consider themselves to be a craft brewer. (Side Note: There are so many ideas of what makes a beer “craft”. The more popular ones revolve around the size of brewery, owner of brewery, and quality of beer.) Kendall said that Alexander Keith’s considers themselves “craft” because of the quality of their product and their passion for brewing.

The brewer’s answer to my last question was a great answer and had me getting excited to drink his beer. Unfortunately I think Alexander Keith’s has missed the boat a little bit. The beer seemed to scream either macro, or gateway micro. Their self-image and marketing campaign seem to be built on the craft beer world. In my opinion, something has to give. Either they need to change their campaign or they need to start brewing some more interesting beers.

Samuel Adams Latitude 48 Deconstructed

2011-06-06T10:16:00.000-07:00

Latitude 48 IPA

Latitude 48 Simcoe IPA (Yakima Valley, WA)

Latitude 48 Hallertau Mittelfrueh IPA

Latitude 48 East Kent Goldings IPA

Latitude 48 Zeus IPA (Yakima Valley, WA)

Latitude 48 Ahtanum IPA (Yakima Valley, WA)

Samuel Adams and Dogfish Collaborate on SAVOR Beer

2011-06-02T13:38:00.000-07:00

WASHINGTON, June 2, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Craft beer innovators Sam Calagione and Jim Koch announced they are teaming up to brew the first-ever collaboration beer for SAVOR, the Brewers Association's annual beer and food pairing event. Sam and Jim bonded over their admiration for each other's beer rosters, as well as their enthusiasm to push the boundaries of brewing. Inspired by the concept of beer taking its rightful place at the dinner table, Sam and Jim are creating the brew, SAVOR Flowers, to be enjoyed by itself or paired with food.

For ages, adventurous brewmasters have experimented with new varieties and processes surrounding three of beer's four main ingredients—yeast, hops and barley—in an effort to create new and exciting brews. Jim and Sam decided to tackle beer's previously untapped ingredient—water—and, through an age-old distillation process, created a rosewater base to be used as the main liquid in the brew. The rosewater inspired them to continue to explore the idea of brewing with flowers. After experimenting with a wide range of varieties, they landed on dried lavender, hibiscus, jasmine and rosebuds mixed in during the brewing process to further enhance the beer's botanical qualities. As well, on his annual hop selection trip to Bavaria last year, Jim learned about a new hop breed known only as #369, grown for its amped-up floral notes. He was able to obtain 30 pounds of this unique variety from the Yakima, Wash. growing region, adding another dimension to this complex brew.

"Sam and I had a great time gathering these ingredients, and I am excited to collaborate with such an innovative brewer on this beer for SAVOR," says Jim. "Sam's originality and imagination are endless—he came up with the creative idea of distilling rosewater for this brew. We share the same intense passion for pushing the conventional definition of what beer can be and we put that same passion into our beers."

SAVOR Flowers was aged in Barrel One—the same bourbon barrel Jim used to age the premier batch of the first "extreme" beer, Samuel Adams® Triple Bock, in 1993. Barrel One is the first barrel originally used for spirits which was then used to age beer. For the last 18 years it has been filled with Samuel Adams Triple Bock. Since starting out on this extreme beer journey, Jim has been committed to challenging American palates and introducing drinkers to brews that have carved out a new category in the craft beer world.

"Jim is the godfather of craft beer, and he's got unbelievable ideas about what beer can be, along with the knowledge and palate to make those crazy beer dreams come true," says Sam. "I am with him on his philosophy and thrilled to be working together on this groundbreaking brew. We share a commitment to elevating beer to its proper infinite height, as both a beverage and a pairing for food."

SAVOR Flowers will be available exclusively to all attendees of SAVOR: An American Craft Beer & Food Experience, a food and beer pairing event held June 3-4, 2011 at the National Building Museum in Washington, D.C. Attendees will have a chance to sample the brew at the event as well as bring a 750mL bottle of the collaboration beer home with them.

THE BOSTON BEER COMPANY BACKGROUND:

The Boston Beer Company began in 1984 with a generations-old family recipe that Founder and Brewer Jim Koch uncovered in his father's attic. After bringing the recipe to life in his kitchen, Jim brought it to bars in Boston with the belief that drinkers would appreciate a complex, full-flavored beer, brewed fresh in America. That beer was Samuel Adams Boston Lager®, and it helped catalyze what became known as the American craft beer revolution.

Today, the Company brews more than 30 styles of beer. The Company uses the traditional four vessel brewing process and often takes extra steps like dry-hopping, barrel-aging and a secondary fermentation known as krausening. It passionately pursues the development of new styles and the perfection of its classic beers by constantly searching for the world's finest ingredients. While resurrecting traditional brewing methods, the Company has earned a reputation as a pioneer in another revolution, the "extreme beer" movement, where it seeks to challenge drinkers' perceptions of what beer can be. The Boston Beer Company strives to elevate the image of American craft beer by entering festivals and competitions the world over, and in the past five years it has won more awards in international beer competitions than any other brewery in the world. The Company remains independent, and brewing quality beer remains its single focus. While Samuel Adams is the country's largest-selling craft beer, it accounts for just under one percent of the U.S. beer market. For more information, please visit www.samueladams.com.

ABOUT DOGFISH HEAD:

The story of Dogfish Head began in June of 1995 when they opened Dogfish Head Brewings & Eats, the first state's first brewpub, opened in the resort beach community of Rehoboth Beach, Del. The company's very first batch, Shelter Pale Ale, was brewed on a system which essentially were three little kegs with propane burners underneath. Brewing 12–gallon batches of beer for a whole restaurant proved to be more than a full time job. When the doors to the pub first opened, they brewed three times a day, five days a week! The one benefit to brewing on such a small system was the ability to try out a myriad of different recipes. The brewers quickly got bored brewing the same things over and over – that's when they started adding all sorts of weird ingredients and getting kind of crazy with the beers!

The reputation of Dogfish Head ales quickly grew beyond Delaware's borders. Thanks to all the company's employees and every one of their customers, Dogfish Head continues to grow today! The brand is now up to 34 distinct styles of beer that are sold in 27 states, and a half–dozen kinds of hand–crafted spirits... and they still have some ideas in the back of their collective heads.

ABOUT SAVOR: AN AMERICAN CRAFT BEER & FOOD EXPERIENCE:

Now in its fourth year, SAVOR: An American Craft Beer & Food Experience returns to Washington, D.C. and expands from one to two nights. Presented by the Brewers Association (organizers of the Great American Beer Festival®), SAVOR, the benchmark of beer and food events, is a must-attend happening for beer lovers and foodies alike.

Attendees will sample craft beers from 72 small and independent craft brewers who team up with a duo of expert chefs to pair each craft beer with delicious savory and sweet dishes. Educational salons and private tasting salons will provide additional opportunities for attendees to interact with some of America's most talented craft brewers and chefs.

Victory Storm King

2011-06-02T11:50:00.000-07:00

Storm King poured a black color with a thumb width, tan head. The aroma is packed with dark, roasty malt. The body has a smooth, rich, creamy aspect to the mouthfeel. There are some sugary notes up front, with chocolate rising out of lots of dark malt. The finish is dry with a very roasty bitterness to it.

Overall, a very nice, full bodied stout. Big bodied and enjoyable, this is definatly a sipper. Another very good beer from Victory.

Samuel Adams East-West Kölsch

2011-06-01T12:11:00.000-07:00

Ballast Point Wahoo

2011-05-30T08:51:00.000-07:00

Dogfish Head Hellhound On My Ale

2011-05-27T09:07:00.000-07:00

Hellhound poured a semi-cloudy, orange amber color with a thumb width, off white head. The nose is huge, with plenty of malts and hops clashing enough where it is tough to pull out specific aromas. The body has a thick malt base, with rye like qualities, and a sharp hop bite on the edges. The finish is a bit boozy, and has a bone-dry bitter finish. The glass was coated with hanging lace.

Overall, a well brewed, above average beer that hop heads will enjoy. Plenty of flavor here, maybe to complex for it's own good. Dogfish beers are incredibly refined and this has a little edge to it which is either a good or bad thing depending on the drinker.

Flying Dog to Host "American Craft Beer Revolution"

2011-05-26T14:11:00.000-07:00

FREDERICK, Md., May 26, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Flying Dog Brewery will host "The American Craft Beer Revolution," a panel discussion and press conference, Friday, June 3 at the National Press Club. The event will provide a platform for leaders of the industry to offer their experience, insight, and outlook while they are in Washington, D.C. for the Brewers Association's SAVOR: An American Craft Beer and Food Experience.

Participating panelists and their respective breweries will be providing complimentary beer for attendees to enjoy during the event, starting at 3 p.m. in the Holeman Lounge.

The Brewers Association will begin with a presentation on the craft beer industry followed by a moderated panel discussion between:

- Jim Caruso, Flying Dog Brewery, CEO

- Sam Calagione, Dogfish Head Craft Brewery, Founder & President

- Ken Grossman, Sierra Nevada Brewing Company, Founder

- Rick Kempen, Bier & Co. (Amsterdam), Export Manager

- Tomme Arthur, COO, The Lost Abbey/Port Brewing Company

After the panel discussion, a social reception and meet and greet will run until 5 p.m.

Due to the panelist participants and the public demand for their excellent American Craft Beer, space for this event will be extremely limited. Arriving early is recommended to ensure entry.

ABOUT FLYING DOG BREWERY

"Good Beer, No Sh*t." Located in Frederick, MD, Flying Dog is Maryland's largest brewery. Their award-winning beers are distributed in 45 states and 20 countries. Recent accolades include Doggie Style Classic Pale Ale ranked as the #1 American Pale Ale in the U.S. by The New York Times. For more information, please visit http://www.flyingdogales.com/.

ABOUT THE BREWERS ASSOCIATION

The not-for-profit trade association dedicated to small and independent American brewers, their craft beers and the community of brewing enthusiasts. The Brewers Association (BA) represents more than 70 percent of the brewing industry, and its members make more than 99 percent of the beer brewed in the U.S. For more information, please visit http://www.craftbeer.com/.

Samuel Adams Rustic Saison

2011-05-26T12:56:00.000-07:00

Flying Dog Woody Creek White

2011-05-24T09:41:00.000-07:00

Portsmouth Brewery to Celebrate 20th Anniversary

2011-05-23T18:50:00.000-07:00

New Hampshire’s Original Brewpub celebrates 20th Anniversary with a Sampler of Special Events
(For Immediate Release- May 23,2011)

Portsmouth, NH -- In 1991, a young, but experienced brother and sister duo, Peter and Janet Egelston, opened New Hampshire’s first brewpub at 56 Market Street in Portsmouth. It was their second venture, having cut their teeth five years prior when they opened the Northampton Brewery in Massachusetts. Since opening, The Portsmouth Brewery has grown from being the quirky new kid on the block to being hailed by the Boston Globe as “a linchpin in the revitalized core of downtown Portsmouth.” “The Brewery,” as much a nickname as an indicator of its stature amongst Seacoast residents, is celebrating its 20th Anniversary with three special events starting on June 1.

The brewery’s anniversary date, Wednesday June 1, will serve as both the kick-off for the busy summer season as well as a birthday party. New beer glasses will line the back bar, staff will don new work shirts, and a selection of 20th Anniversary t-shirts, glassware and other apparel will be available in the retail store. Another commemoration of this milestone will be a special 20th Anniversary Beer, brewed with 20 malts, by 20 brewers making 20 hop additions and starting at 20˚ Plato will also be tapped. The beer is a hoppy version of an “old ale,” a traditional British-style strong ale noted for pronounced caramel and roasted malt flavors. Video footage from the brew will be trickling out online at Portsmouth Brewery TV over the next week. There will be a candle-blowing ceremony and pub-wide beer and cake toast at 5:30pm. We hope you’ll help us pack the place for this special moment.

The next two days will see business as usual but with a few extra decorations appearing around the pub. But on Saturday June 4, regular service will end early (last seating-5:30, last call-6:30 and closing-7) so that staff can transform the Portsmouth Brewery into downtown's rarest music venue, a nod the pub’s early days when live music was regularly booked.

Seacoast MC's BCap and Face of Fate will be throwing down their hypest set in the Seacoast yet! Backed by DJ Ryan Obermiller, their always improvised hip-hop a la of freestyle and soul, allows the trio, affectionately known as TheDodgerz or ThePressMCs, to ebb and flow seamlessly with their audiences. These MCs have collaborated and shared stages with such artists as Nas, The Roots, Myka9, Boyz II Men, Slick Rick and more. Ryan Obermiller is a staple in the electronic music scene both as a DJ and show promoter, bringing top rated international DJs to Portsmouth for nearly a decade now.

This is a 21+ show and ID must be shown at the door. Admission is FREE and WXGR will be broadcasting the entire show live. Doors open at 9pm while the show starts around 10. We strongly encourage you to bring cash for the bar for ease of service; all that dancing is bound to make you thirsty!

The final event of the schedule cranks down the intensity for a lazy Sunday, June 5. Portsmouth Brewery will open its doors for an indoor, city center cook-out. The wild energy from the night before and in its place will be long tables for community style seating. The patio will be filled with grills and all the fixins you’d expect to find at a typical New England cook-out.

If live music isn’t your cup of tea, then Sunday will certainly be your day to celebrate.
The kitchen staff will emerge from their subterranean lair to man the grills while live acoustic music fills the air and puts you into backyard relaxation mode. It’s a perfect setting to make some new friends while enjoying pints of our anniversary beer alongside your grilled treats. Please bring the whole family!

Doors will open at 10:30am and a $10 entrance fee at the door will give you tickets redeemable for a plate of food and a pint of beer. Additional beer and food tickets are available for $5 each. The menu will be reminiscent of a cook-out and this is yet another event at which cash in encouraged. The LaPanza Lounge will be open for extra seating as well.

We can’t thank the entire community of Portsmouth enough for their support over the last two decades. We hope you’ll join us for these special events and that’ll you’ll want to come celebrate with us. Event update will be posted on our Facebook page, which is also a great place to go if you’ve got questions and don’t want to use 1990’s technology, like a telephone.

###

The Portsmouth Brewery, New Hampshire's original brewpub, has been serving great food and award-winning, handcrafted beers in a friendly, lively atmosphere since 1991.

For more information, please contact

JT Thompson, Minister of Propaganda, Portsmouth Brewery
jt@smuttynose.com
603-436-4026 x 26

Narragansett Summer Ale

2011-05-23T11:37:00.000-07:00

Narragansett to Debut Summer Ale

2011-05-09T14:19:00.000-07:00

NARRAGANSETT BEER DEBUTS BRAND’S FIRST-EVER SUMMER ALE

Award-Winning Brewer Rounds Out Calendar of Seasonal Offerings with Premiere Craft Release

May 9, 2011; Providence, RI – The Famous Narragansett Beer introduces, for the first time in its 120-year history, the seasonal release of a summer craft brew, Narragansett Summer Ale. Distributed throughout New England, Southern New York, and Philadelphia at leading package stores, bars and restaurants, Summer Ale will be available on draught and in ‘Gansett’s signature 16oz. Tallboy cans.

Narragansett Summer Ale is brewed under the supervision of award-winning Brewmaster Sean Larkin at Trinity Brew House in Providence, RI, Cottrell Brewery in Pawcatuck, CT, and High Falls Brewery in Rochester, NY. This easy-drinking light session ale features two row pale malt and citra hops, a very popular, newer variety of hops with very evident aromas of citrus and passion fruit that complement the pale malt perfectly. Golden blonde in color, its pour produces a generous white head and balanced carbonation. A supremely drinkable summer craft brew, the malt flavor is smooth and subtle, balanced out by a crisp hop bitterness, perfect for the beach, boat or ballgame. Summer Ale is 4.2% Alcohol by Volume and 24 IBUs.

“‘Gansett Summer” is the first Ale to be produced by Narragansett Beer since the 1970s. Known best for its signature Lager, a wide variety of Ales were once available, beginning in the late 1800s. The original brewery devoted an entire four-story building to the “Ale Department,” and staples like the Pale Ale, Select Stock Ale, and Banquet Ale outsold Lager until the 1940s when American tastes changed as a result of thousands of GI’s returning home from Lager-drinking European countries during World War 1 & II, and a wave of Lager-drinking immigrants.

The Summer Ale Tallboy can features iconic imagery of the famous Narragansett Towers. Once part of the Narragansett Pier Casino, the Towers remain a historic landmark, having endured two great fires in 1900 and 1965 and three tremendous hurricanes. The surfer catching waves in the foreground symbolizes Narragansett Bay’s reputation as one of the region’s top summer surfing destinations.

For further information on Narragansett Summer Ale or to find a retailer near you, visit: http://www.narragansettbeer.com/products/summer-ale.

ABOUT NARRAGANSETT BEER:

Narragansett Beer….. Brewed since 1890, ‘Gansett is a straight-forward, quality beer that has been a New England tradition for generations, producing a classic family of award-winning American lagers & ales. Today ‘Gansett is produced at top-rated breweries in Rochester, NY and Latrobe, PA, with their craft-brews being produced in Providence, RI and Pawcatuck, CT. Narragansett Lager is available for purchase in local restaurants, bars and liquor stores throughout New England, Florida, Southern New York, Eastern Pennsylvania, and Western North Carolina.

Thirsty for more? Visit: http://www.narragansettbeer.com/

Dogfish Head Namaste

2011-05-09T07:01:00.000-07:00

Namaste poured a cloudy, yellow color with a two fingered width, white head. The aroma is light, with wheat, spices and plenty of lemon. The body is delicate, with plenty of lemon, some earthy notes, and a little citrus zest on the backend. The beer finishes with a light, yeasty dryness and left the glass coated with hanging lace.

Overall, a great seasonal beer that will be fantastic in the summer and above average during the colder months. The entire beer is a little light, even for a Belgian wit, but the flavor profile is complex and offers enough to satisfy. A decent beer from Dogfish that will be plenty enjoyable during the warmer months.

Victory Yakima Glory

2011-04-21T19:53:00.001-07:00

Victory Golden Monkey

2011-04-11T10:47:00.000-07:00

Stone BELGO Old Guardian

2011-04-06T11:35:00.000-07:00

The Belgo version of Stone's Old Guardian is part of Stone's Odd Beers for Odd Years Series

Old Guardian poured a deep, orange amber color with a thumb width, off white head. The nose is deep with rich malt, sugar and a few yeasty notes. The body is a little thin for a barleywine with a juicy mouthfeel. A malty sweetness dominates the body with some underlying hops that are barely able to peak through. The finish is dry with a light, lingering bitterness.

Overall, this is an average-above average beer that I was expecting more from. While easy to drink, it is unbalanced, needing a little bit of restraint when it comes to the sweetness.

Narragansett Bock

2011-04-05T12:52:00.000-07:00

Victory Helios

2011-04-04T09:23:00.000-07:00

Helios poured a hazy, golden yellow color with a pen width, white head. The nose is funky, with sugary lemon. The body has great depth without being heavy. Citrus notes dominate and there are some spices on the backend. The mouthfeel is very crisp right though a finish that leaves a lingering yeasty dryness.

Overall, a nice farmhouse ale. A perfect Summer beer that offers plenty of funk and spice, that is a worthwhile buy for Saison fans.

Brewers Association Reports 11 Percent Volume Growth For U.S. Craft Brewers In 2010

2011-04-02T13:57:00.000-07:00

Total U.S. brewery count climbs to its highest level since 1900

Boulder, CO • March 21, 2011—The Brewers Association, the trade association representing the majority of U.S. brewing companies, today released 2010 data on the U.S. craft brewing industry. Small and independent craft brewers1 saw volume2 increase 11 percent and retail sales dollars increase 12 percent over 2009, representing a growth of over 1 million barrels (31 gallons per U.S. barrel), equal to more than 14 million new craft cases.

"Beer lovers increased their appreciation for American craft brewers and their beers in 2010," said Paul Gatza, director, Brewers Association. "Craft brewers' stories resonate with Americans who are choosing small, independent companies making delicious beers in more than 100 different styles."

The Association also reported a growth in the number of U.S. breweries, with eight percent more breweries than the previous year. In 2010, there were 1,759 operating breweries. Craft brewers produced 9,951,956 barrels, up from an adjusted3 8,934,446 barrels in 2009.

"Prohibition caused a dramatic decline in the number of breweries in the United States, but the number of breweries is now at an all-time high," added Gatza. "With well over 100 new brewery openings in 2010, plus 618 breweries in planning stages, all signs point to continued growth for the industry."

In 2010, craft brewers represented 4.9 percent of volume and 7.6 percent of retail dollars of the total U.S. beer category. The Brewers Association estimates the actual dollar sales figure from craft brewers in 2010 was $7.6 billion, up from $7 billion in 2009.

Overall, the U.S. beer industry represented an estimated retail dollar value of $101 billion. U.S. beer sales were down approximately one percent, or 2 million barrels, in 2010 compared to being down 2.2 percent in 2009. Total beer industry barrels dropped to 203.6 million, down from 205.7 million barrels in 2009. Imports were up five percent in 2010, compared to being down 9.8 percent in 2009. (Note: the Brewers Association does not count flavored malt beverages as beer.)

Gatza added, "We also found that three percent of craft brewer barrels, by volume, are distributed in cans, confirming a growing trend."

A more extensive analysis will be released on March 24 during the Craft Brewers Conference in San Francisco. The Association's full 2010 industry analysis, which shows regional trends and sales by individual brewery, will be published in the May/June 2011 issue of The New Brewer.

1 The definition of a craft brewer as stated by the Brewers Association: An American craft brewer is small, independent, and traditional. Small: Annual production of beer less than 6 million barrels. Beer production is attributed to a brewer according to the rules of alternating proprietorships. Flavored malt beverages are not considered beer for purposes of this definition. Independent: Less than 25 percent of the craft brewery is owned or controlled (or equivalent economic interest) by an alcoholic beverage industry member who is not themselves a craft brewer. Traditional: A brewer who has either an all malt flagship (the beer which represents the greatest volume among that brewers brands) or has at least 50 percent of its volume in either all malt beers or in beers which use adjuncts to enhance rather than lighten flavor.
2 Volume by craft brewers represent total taxable production.
3 Previous year's total adjusted due to increased 2009 data points received.
Contact

Julia Herz, Craft Beer Program Director, julia@brewersassociation.org, 303.447.0816 x 113

Barbara Fusco, Sales & Marketing Director, barbara@brewersassociation.org, 303.447.0816 x 152

# # #

Based in Boulder, Colorado, USA, the Brewers Association (BA) is the not-for-profit trade and education association dedicated to small and independent American brewers, their craft beers and the community of brewing enthusiasts. Visit BrewersAssociation.org to learn more. The association's activities include events and publishing: CraftBeer.com, World Beer Cup®; Great American Beer Festival®; Craft Brewers Conference and BrewExpo America®; National Homebrewers Conference; National Homebrew Competition; SAVOR: An American Craft Beer & Food Experience; American Craft Beer Week; Zymurgy magazine; The New Brewer magazine; and books on beer and brewing. The Brewers Association has an additional membership division of 25,000+ homebrewers: American Homebrewers Association.

Beer lovers are invited to learn more about the dynamic world of craft beer at CraftBeer.com.

Victory St. Boisterous

2011-03-31T15:08:00.000-07:00

St. Boisterous poured a clear, golden yellow color with a finger width, white head. The aroma is pleasant, yeasty with a nice underlying malt. The body is smooth, a hint of sweetness up front and some light fruit on top of a malt base and some very nice hop characteristics on the backend. The finish is shorter with a light dryness that compliments the body very well.

Overall, a wonderful example of this beer style. It is a little bit lighter than some beers in this style, but I love it. It is balanced, complex and has very nice depth while still retaining a softness on the palate that makes it entirely too easy to slug down.

Narragansett Lager

2011-03-23T09:52:00.000-07:00

McSorely's Irish Pale Ale

2011-03-21T16:49:00.001-07:00

Victory Headwaters Pale Ale

2011-03-14T08:52:00.000-07:00

Headwaters poured a golden, amber color with a paper thin, white head. The nose offers piney hops that are balanced by a nice maltiness. The body starts with a simple malt base up front that is simplistic in flavor but has nice depth. The finish is very dry, with moderate bitterness that gets bigger and becomes the best aspect of this beer.

Overall, this is a very, very good pale ale. The balance is great and the body is very clean, allowing the flavors to come through loud and clear. One of the better pale ales available.

Victory Hop Devil

2011-03-02T13:24:00.000-08:00

Hop Devil poured a clear, copper color with a two fingered width, off white head. The nose is incredible, rich, piney hops so strong you can smell the stickiness, over nice bready malt that provides balance. the body is smooth, with the bready malt from the nose providing a base. Sugary at first, giving off a few honey notes, the middle is tame before transitioning to a finish that is dry with a crisp hop bite.

Overall, a great beer from Victory. Aroma, flavor, depth, complexity and everything that I look for in a beer are present here. All beer fans should try this at least once.

Narragansett Introduces Bock Beer

2011-02-28T13:50:00.000-08:00

NARRAGANSETT INTRODUCES BOCK CRAFT BREW, RELEASED IN 16oz TALLBOY CANS

Specialty Seasonal Beer Offers Elegant, Spicy Flavor with Full Body and Balanced, Smooth Finish

March 1, 2011; Providence, RI – The Famous Narragansett Beer announces the seasonal release of its spring craft brew, Narragansett Bock. Distributed throughout New England at leading package stores, bars and restaurants, Bock will be available on draught and, for the first time, in ‘Gansett’s signature 16oz. Tallboy cans.

Narragansett Bock is brewed under the supervision of award-winning Brewmaster Sean Larkin at Trinity Brew House in Providence, RI and Cottrell Brewery in Pawcatuck, CT with light and dark Munich malts, Pilsner malt, Malted Wheat, and hopped with Northern Brewers and Hallertau hops. A traditional Bavarian helles lager beer, Narragansett Bock is deeply flavorful with a rich golden color and full body. Drier, hoppier, and slightly more bitter than a traditional bock, it still has a relatively low hop flavor, making for an extremely approachable craft experience. Narragansett Bock is 6.5% Alcohol by Volume and 32 IBUs.

Narragansett Bock originally debuted in the 1930s after the repeal of Prohibition. Its popularity grew quickly due in large part to the annual Bock Beer Festivals held on the brewery’s grounds each spring. The English translation of ‘Bock’ is literally ‘ram,’ and is the reason that the ‘Gansett’s Bock Tallboy can features the animal in paying homage to German lore surrounding the beer’s history. Many believe the brew’s name originates from the abundance of billy goats that descended from the mountains in spring when the beer was brewed, while others claim that the term was used metaphorically to reference the strength of the beer.

For further information on Narragansett Bock or to find a retailer near you, visit: www.narragansettbeer.com/products/bock.

ABOUT NARRAGANSETT BEER:
Narragansett Beer….. Brewed since 1890, ‘Gansett is a straight-forward, quality beer that has been a New England tradition for generations, producing a classic family of award winning American lagers & ales. Today ‘Gansett is produced at top-rated breweries in Rochester, NY and Latrobe, PA, with their craft-brews being produced in Providence, RI and Pawcatuck, CT. Narragansett Lager is available for purchase in local restaurants, bars and liquor stores throughout New England, Florida, Southern New York, Eastern Pennsylvania, and Western North Carolina.

Thirsty for more? Visit: www.narragansettbeer.com.

Lagunitas Little Sumpin' Wild

2011-02-24T10:56:00.000-08:00

Little Sumpin' Wild poured a clear, golden yellow color with a two fingered width, off white head. The aroma is amazing, a little wheat but dominated by a fruity sweetness that reminds me of a stick of juicy fruit gum. A perfect balance between a weak aroma and an overbearing one.

The body is smooth, with a wheat base, and a little sugar from some faint fruit. There is a little alcohol warmth on the backend before a finish that has a little bitterness that increases as the beer wears on.

Overall, this is another very good beer from Lagunitas. A dangerously easy drinking 7.5% ABV beer, Lagunitas has become very good at making style stretching beers.

Narragansett Porter

2011-02-23T08:01:00.000-08:00

North Coast Old Rasputin

2011-02-22T09:54:00.000-08:00

Old Rasputin poured a dark brown, blackish color with a thin, pen width, brown head. The aroma is rich, with plenty of darker malts. The body is smooth, low levels of carbonation with almost a creamy mouthfeel. There is a little sweetness up front, and a roasted malt backbone. The finish is pleasant, dry with decent length without overwhelming. Overall, this is a very tasty beer that seems a little out of style. Classified as a Russian Imperial Stout that measures 9% ABV, there is not hint of alcohol and is incredibly easy drinking. While there is plenty of flavor, the nose, depth, and finish are all not what I expected from a RIS. Style guidelines or not, Old Rasputin is a damn fine beer that would be welcome in my fridge anytime.

Bell's Porter

2011-02-21T09:16:00.000-08:00

Starr Hill Dark Starr Stout

2011-02-15T11:05:00.000-08:00

Flying Fish Exit 4

2011-02-03T07:53:00.000-08:00

Exit 4 poured a cloudy, golden yellow color with a thumb width, white head. The nose is nice, with some hops that compliment a typical malt backed triple aroma. The body has an almost creamy middle with a little carbonation on the edges. The body is complex, with a touch of sweetness up front with a malt base and a hoppy edginess. The finish has a pefect weight, leaving a light, lingering bitterness.

Overall, this is just an awesome beer, one of the best that I have had in a long time. It has everything you would want in a beer, a great aroma, balance, complexity, and it hides its 9.5% ABV about as well as any beer I have ever had. This is the definition of the American Tripel style.

Starr Hill The Gift

2011-02-01T09:00:00.000-08:00

2010 Anchor Christmas Ale

2011-01-31T12:01:00.000-08:00

Anchor poured a deep mahagony color with a finger width, tan head. The aroma is fairly thin, malt with a little fruit, and a few earthy notes. The body is smooth, with low carbonation, and an almost flat, thin, creamy mouthfeel. There is some darker malt, some spices underneath, and some dark fruit on the backend. The finish has a dryness to it, a light bitterness that comes on late, and a few sour notes that don't seem to belong.

Overall, a below average beer. I had it on draft and it is nowhere near the quality of the last vintage I had in 2007. The body is missing depth, there is no wow factor, and those sour notes seem out of place.

Williamsburg Alewerks Tavern Ale

2011-01-25T11:49:00.000-08:00

Tavern Ale poured a dark brown color with a finger width, tan head. The nose is malty, plenty of chcolate notes and some cloying hops. The body is smooth up front, rich and malty with as touch of sweetness. There is a light nutiness with coffee and bitter chocolate notes. The finish takes on a crisp aspect and leaves more dry, bitter notes.

Overall, a very, very good brown ale. The depth is nice, its balanced, and has a little complexity. This is well made and a nice representative of the style. Highly recommended.

Old Dominion Baltic Porter

2011-01-19T09:53:00.000-08:00

Dominion's Baltic Poter poured a dark brown color with a finger width tan head. The aroma is malty with a bit of smoke. The body is smooth, and a low level of carbonation. The mouthfeel is malty, a little chaulk like with some smoke on the backend. There are faint notes of chocolatey brown malt and dark fruit. The finish is dry, with little bitterness.

Overall, this is an average to above average beer for its style. I am not the biggest Baltic Porter fan but this has a smooth mellowness that is nice. A little more complexity would bump this up a notch, but you could do much worse.

Lagunitas Brown Shugga'

2011-01-18T09:52:00.000-08:00

Lagunitas brown poured a clear, reddish brown color with a thumb width, tan head. The aroma is malty with clean hops giving off an earthy, herby, almost spice like aroma. The body is smooth with a decent amount of carbonation. The first sip is malty and abrupt before moving right to a nice helping of hops on the backend. The hops here give off similiar flavors to the aroma without the huge bitterness overwhelming the chocolatey malt from the first sip. This transitions to a wonderful lingering, dry finish. The beer left some hanging lace on the glass.

Overall, a very nice beer. Brown Shugga is diverse and balanced, one of those beers that you just drink too quickly and end up looking at the bottom of your glass wishing you had more. The complimentary finish is really enjoyable, probably the best part of the beer.

Spoetzel Shiner Holiday Cheer

2011-01-17T07:50:00.000-08:00

Terrapin Hop Karma Brown IPA

2011-01-13T14:36:00.000-08:00

Pike Brewing Monk's Uncle

2011-01-12T10:53:00.000-08:00

Monk's Uncle poured a hazy, golden yellow color with a paper thin, small bubbled, white head. The aroma is flowery, slightly sweet with a malt base. The body is pretty sweet up front, backed by a thicker malt base that dies out. It is a little thin on the backend, with the hops peeking though a bit.

Overall, an average tripel. The nose and first impression are great but it fades out. This needs some balance for the huge sugar bill up front as well as a little bit more depth. The finish is ok. An ok beer, but I miss the complexity here that I love in tripels.

Great Divide Old Ruffian

2011-01-11T08:30:00.000-08:00

Old Ruffian poured a clear, mahogon color with a pen width, off white head. The aroma is clean, with some sweet fruit, bready malt, and herbal hops. The first sip is smooth, malty, and slightly sweet. The hops come forward, running the course of the body as they get bigger and bigger. The finish is very, very dry with a huge, long lingering bitterness.

Overall, this is a very good beer that extreme hop heads will adore. This is a sipper for sure, a hop assault on the palate that could pair with big, flavorful dishes. Drink this now or lay it down, the choice is yours.

Abita Purple Haze

2011-01-10T16:14:00.000-08:00

Wolaver's Oatmeal Stout

2011-01-07T16:01:00.000-08:00

Magic Hat Odd Notion Winter '10

2011-01-05T14:23:00.000-08:00

The 2010 winter version of Magic Hat's Odd Notion line is a red ale brewed with hibiscus.

The beer poured a clear, maroon color with a two-fingered width, off white head. The aroma is malty, with lighter cherry notes.

The body is smooth, with mild carbonation. There is a malty sweetness up front and some spices on the backend. The body is a little thin for a red ale. The finish leaves a short, light yeasty dryness. The beer left a little hanging lace on the glass.

Overall, this is an above average ale that I liked. The rye adds to the red ale style and is a simple, easy drinking winter beer. This might not be for fans of American craft beer who love monster beers but I enjoyed it.

Pike Brewing IPA

2010-12-28T10:53:00.000-08:00

Pike's IPA poured a hazy amber color with a finger width, off white head. The nose is really nice, perfectly balanced amount of malt and hops. The body has medium to low carbonation, and nice depth. The first sip has a touch of fruity sweetness and a nice malty backbone that lays underneath a heap of very clean, bone dry hops that lead towards a lingering, very dry finish.

Overall, this is a very, very good IPA. The huge hops are not just balanced out by the thick malt base, but everything meshes well together. This beer is impressive from the aroma right to the finish. Pike's version stands out in a very crowded field of American IPAs. A great buy.

Stoudt's Double IPA (Cask)

2010-12-27T11:22:00.000-08:00

Stoudt's Double IPA poured a clear amber color with the head consisting of a thin coat of bubbles sitting on top to the beer. The nose offers plenty, apricots, hops, and malt. The beer has a sweetness up front with a thin malty middle and hops running the course of body. The finish is hoppy and bitter. Call me crazy but there are a few scotch like characteristics in there.

Overall, a solid offering from Stoudt's. The body is a little thin for the style, which might turn off beer nuts who love huge beers, but the depth suits me just fine. The ABV is noticeable but not overwhelming. The cask has added some nice aspects here, making this an enjoyable sipper that screams out to be paired with funky cheese.

Samuel Adams Old Fezziwig Ale

2010-12-24T10:17:00.000-08:00

Old Fezzwig poured a reddish brown color, with a thumb width, off white head. The nose is predominatly malty with a few spices offering some contrasting aromas. The body is smooth, and malty before leading to a mildly dry finish.

Overall, this is a nice red ale. I am a big fan of simple, well made beer, and this is a textbook example. It is restrained enough to have a few, but the balanced and rounded out body provide plenty to enjoy here.

Great Lakes Christmas Ale

2010-11-30T11:51:00.000-08:00

Christmas Ale poured a clear, copper color with a thumb width, off white head. The aroma is malty and sweet, with some piney hops. The mouthfeel is smooth, with plenty of backbone. The taste is malty, sweet, and lightly spiced with a touch of sweetness. Fresh hops on the backend lead to a finish with yeast with a light dryness. There was a little hanging lace left on the glass.

Overall, this is just a really good beer and an almost perfect seasonal. It is balanced and has plenty to offer without being overbearing. Incredibly easy drinking for a 7.5% beer, this is another great effort from Great Lakes.

Samuel Adams Chocolate Bock

2010-11-29T12:36:00.000-08:00

Chocolate Bock poured a dark brown color with a finger width, tan head. The aroma is nice, mostly roasted malt with hints of chocolate. The body is the inverse of the nose. Tons of chocolate with a little roasted malt, and a touch of sweetness. Mouthfeel is smooth, with low carbonation. The finish is short and dry, with moderate bitterness.

Overall, a really nice beer, one of my new favorites from Sam Adams. The chocolate really shines, and works extrememly well with the velvety mouthfeel, and bitter finish. A complete beer that is balanced. blands well, and offers plenty, it is a shame it is not easier to find.

21st Amendment Fireside Chat

2010-11-24T11:42:00.000-08:00

I am a sucker for craft beer in a can. I am an even bigger sucker for very good craft beer in a can, which is why any new offering from 21st Amendment is a must buy. The San Francisco based brewpub has quickly gained notoriety for their brews. I have been able to chase down and review their India Pale Ale, Watermelon Wheat, and Back In Black. When their new release, a spiced winter ale called Fireside Chat showed up on the shelf of my local craft beer store, there was no doubt as to what I was buying.

Fireside Chat poured a brownish color with ruby hues and a finger width, tan head. The nose is malty, with spices, and a little dark fruit that might be heading towards the sour side. The body is smooth, with some spices, yet light for a winter ale. There is a slight offness/sour notes that dont seem to beling in a spiced winter ale. The finish offers a little dry bitterness.

Overall, this is a below average beer. It is mild for a winter ale, as I was expecting a bigger backbone. The main problem here is the sour like notes that appeared in the nose and stayed throughout the rest of the beer. I can't imagine this is what 21st was aiming for and if it was I am a little confused. It may be a bad batch of beer, which is possible but quite unusual for a canned beer. 21st Amendment has earned my trust so I will give this another shot but the beer that came out of this particular can was not very good at all.

Tröegs Scratch #33: Saison

2010-11-23T13:53:00.000-08:00

The Scratch Beer series by Tröegs is an experimental beer series that is produced in extremely small batches and can only be bought at the brewery. Currently, the brewery has produced 35 beers in the series.

Tröegs Scratch #33: Saison poured a hazy, dark orangey, amber color with a two fingered width, white head. The nose is really nice, thick malt with strong yeast aromas. he body is thinker up front with bready malt and a little earthiness. The middle is very highly carbonated and he back end leads to a nice dryness on the finish.

Overall, a really nice beer that gives a little different take on the saison style. The typical saison features are present but there is a little bit more bready malt then usual. I think the malt and high carbonation would allow the beer to lay down for a few months to become a little more polished, but this is a really nice small batch beer that needs to be purchased if ou can find it.

Tröegs JavaHead (Cask)

2010-11-22T13:34:00.000-08:00

JavaHead poured a dark brown, blackish color with a pen width, tan head. The aroma is dominated by strong, dark malt, and noticeable coffee notes. The body is smooth, with dark malts, chocolate and coffee. There is a nice helping of hops on the back end, leading to a nice dry, bitter finish.

Overall, I loved this beer. The bottled version is massive and a little much for me, but I thought the casked version is either a little bit more restrained or a little rounded out. The coffee dies down a little, the chocolate come out a bit more, and the dry hopping really brings the hops forward. This is a really enjoyable nightcap and an amazing beer on cask.

Dogfish Head My Antonia

2010-11-15T10:09:00.000-08:00

My Antonia poured a clear, golden yellow color with a thumb width, white head. The aroma is pleasant, a nice balance of pilsner malt and hops. The body is slightly sweet up front, with a nice pilsner malt base. The finish is very dry with a crisp hop bitterness. The head retention is great and the beer left plenty of lacing on the glass.

Overall, this is a wonderful beer, one of the best representatives of this style. A big pilsner without taking the "Imperial" overboard. My Antonia is is balanced from the nose to the finish, hides its 7.5% ABV well, and can be either enjoyed by itself or paired with a wide range of dishes.

Tröegs DreamWeaver Wheat Ale

2010-11-13T11:19:00.000-08:00

DreamWeaver poured a hazy, golden orange color with a two fingered width, white head. The aroma is dominated by citrus fruit with a touch of yeast. The body is more of the same, packed with orange and other fruit. The mouthfeel is smooth, with low carbonation. The finish leaves a faint dryness,

There was some nice hanging lace left on the glass. Overall, a nice wheat beer. I love the fruit but it could use a little hop bitterness to balance out the ineveitable sweetness.

Good Beer NYC Offers Chance to Appear on "Brew Masters"

2010-11-10T15:51:00.000-08:00

On Saturday, November 13th, Good Beer New York will offer customers a chance to join the taping of the new series "Brew Masters" featuring Dogfish Head's Sam Calagione. Every purchase will give customers a chance to join the the taping on Thursday, November 19th at the Discovery Center in Times Square. Attendees of the taping will be the first to taste Dogfish Egyptian.

Good Beer 422 E 9th St. NYC

http://www.goodbeernyc.com/

There are three requirements for perfecting a craft: hard work, patience, and Skeet Ulrich totally lying and telling everyone you're terrible in bed when you didn't even sleep with him. Not cool, bro! Dedicating their store to The Craft of suds: Good Beer NYC.

Started by a guy who after 14yrs saw his prospects in the publishing world dwindling, GB's a sunken hybrid beer cafe/shop with with a raw, old-school general store feel, boasting a wall of refrigerators stocked with bottles to take with you, and taps set up for enjoying draughts at a handful of metal tables, but not Metallica tables, as then you'd just Spill 'Em All. The small batch/craft bottles're geographically arranged starting up front with the Northeast (the densest offering, including stalwarts like Smuttynose, Captain Lawrence, Six Point, and Dogfish Head), roaming the states to cover everything from Cigar City (Tampa), to Founders' (Mich.), to Bear Republic (Cali.), and ending with international options like Delirium Tremens, Lucifer, and Hobgoblin, proving once again that all things foreign are terrifying. On-the-spot pours (also avail in growlers to go) are spread over twelve taps, with the opening rotation including Dogfish Head 60 minute, Arcadia's Jaw-Jacker Pumpkin Ale, Oskar Blues' Dale's Pale Ale, Coney Island Sword Swallower, and a a house favorite, "extravagantly hopped, full flavored, medium bodied, and copper colored" West Coast IPA from Green Flash,

Should you want to fortify, GB's also supplementing the hooch with organic grass fed dogs, kielbasa (spicy or cheddar filled), pretzels, and cheese plates, but no Meyer's ice cream or Campbell's soup, because those are just people who were in The Craft, and have nothing to do with this whatsoever.

Check out the menu and the mammoth list of brewers that'll be repped by the over 900 different beers available.

http://dsc.discovery.com/videos/brew-masters-series-premiere.html

Weyerbacher Double Simcoe Cask

2010-11-10T10:03:00.000-08:00

Double Simcoe poured a cloudy, apple cider color with a thin, pen width, white head. The aroma offers up plenty of grapefruit and citrusy hops. The body is smooth, with little carbonation. The mouthfeel is super juicy, with some sweetness and touches of dark fruit. Plenty of fresh hops on the finish lead to a blast of bitterness that linger and leave the palate plenty dry.

Overall, this is a big IPA, that is still a sipper despite its ability to hide the higher ABV extremely well. A well made beer with a very sturdy backbone, the casked version is a little bit more rounded out then a kegged or bottled version.

Smuttynose Wins Two Medals in Europe

2010-11-09T16:08:00.000-08:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE- Portsmouth NH –9 November 2010

Smuttynose’s Second Trip to Europe This Year is Twice as Nice

Smuttynose Wheat Wine Ale and Smuttynose Robust Porter each won a gold medals at
2010’s European edition of Mondial de la Biere, held in Strasbourg, France. An
international panel of experienced judges awarded two of only fourteen gold medals
to the Portsmouth, NH brewer, which was the only American brewery to claim hardware.
Both beers are previous gold medal winners at the Great American Beer Festival,
with Wheat Wine Ale taking a gold in 2005 and Robust Porter taking a gold in 2001.

In a world of style-shredding beers, the Mondial de la Biere is one of the few
competitions that takes a post-style approach to judging. Instead of each brewery
choosing the categories in which to enter its beers, judges nominate each beer into
a style category. The winners are then chosen through a numerical scoring system.
Beers can be entered into multiple style categories but each beer can only win one
medal and awarded medals aren’t tied to a specific style. “This unique judging
format really opens the door for a lot brewers who, like us, don’t brew exactly to
style,” says David Yarrington, Smuttynose’s Director of Brewing Operations,
“Obviously, we’re really grateful that the folks at the Mondial have taken such a
unique approach to beer judging.”

This year was the second edition of the Strasbourg Mondial de la Biere. The
original Mondial began in Montreal in 1994 and has become one of the world’s premier
beer festivals, offering not only a wide range of beers to sample but a successful
educational program as well. The festival is the premier international beer event
in North American and is world renowned, expecting around 100,00 visitors next year.
This year’s French edition hosted 16,000 attendees (up 5% from last year), showing
how rapidly craft beer culture is spreading, even in areas that are traditionally
considered wine country.

The wins continue a great run for Smuttynose in European competition. The brewery’s
Big A IPA won the Michael Jackson Award, given to the Best American Beer at the
Great British Beer Festival in August of this year. European interest in craft
beer, and American craft beer in particular, is booming, and Smuttynose is exploring
options by which it can join this European beer renaissance. The medals, which
would have simply been a nice surprise in days past, may now open a door to new
markets.

Smuttynose Brewing Company is New Hampshire’s leading craft brewery. Founded in
1994, Smuttynose brews more than 20 different styles of beer, which are distributed
in 19 different states, including the entire East Coast. Its beers have won many
awards both domestically and abroad and have been featured in publications as
diverse as “Wine Enthusiast,” “Men’s Journal,” and “The New York Times.”

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