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This is not a list of completely new beers released this year, nor is it in any particular order. Think of it as a fun little Nick Hornby style Top Five; a list of five beers that I found I could always rely on and would love to revisit.
1. Anchor Liberty Ale: I can’t tell you how many times I’ve pored over a beer menu with a plethora of options and just thought, “Ah, screw it. I’ll go with something I know.” Well, when you go with what you know, and it’s something you’ve really enjoyed, then you’re not too often let down. Anchor’s Liberty Ale always seems like a good fallback for me, but fallback sounds like such a derogatory term. How about ‘reliable’? That sounds more dignified to me. With that luscious parade of Cascade hops, but the calmer nature of a solid pale ale, this one never seems to disappoint.
2. Brooklyn-Schneider Hopfen-Weisse: After hearing many good things about this beer, I hadn’t yet tried it. Collaboration in the beer world seems to be yielding some exciting and surprising results. Having tried many Brooklyn and Schneider products, I thought the combination wouldn’t be a letdown at all. And I was right. After putting their heads together, Garrett Oliver and Hans-Peter Drexler came up with an amazingly spicy and hoppy beer that had all the markings of American dry-hopped goodness with a fruity and estery Schneider yeast strain. A great combination if I’ve ever tasted it, and one I kicked myself for not purchasing more of.
3. Sierra Nevada Harvest Ale, 11th Edition: It’s no secret, I’m a sucker
for the autumn hop harvest, and one beer that blew me away this year was Sierra Nevada’s Harvest Ale. I’ve already made my love for this one clear in the past, but I feel it needs reiteration. At first, I figured that a couple 24oz bottles would suffice, and by the time I’d be able to purchase it again, it’d be gone. Well, after the initial reaction was positive, more orders were made at local craft beer shops. Then, it became easy to find this low-priced liquid gold in many locations, and I eventually purchased a few more along the way. Each time, I was never let down at the delicate hop profile in the nose and on the palate. Excellent fresh hop beer that seems to fit most any occasion, in my opinion.
4. Mad River Steelhead Double IPA: I had only picked up one bottle at an out-of-state specialty beer shop that had so many options to choose from, my head was spinning by the time I left. But after trying this, I was instantly sold on this IPA, and chagrined that I didn’t buy more. So much balance, with an herbal and floral hop feature that you could taste without having your palate destroyed. Almost a piney and spicy essence to this beer, but also masking the 8.5% abv well.
5. Aecht Schlenkerla Helles Lager: Anyone who’s a fan of the infamous Rauchbier line from Bamberg, Germany may find this Helles to be a bit odd compared to the Urbock and the Marzen. I’ve already spoken my piece on this one, but that’s why it’s here on this list. That hint of a smoky character from the Brauerei Heller-Trum malt is incredibly subtle, coming at the tail end of a lager that has a perfect bittering of hops and a balanced, nuanced character. I’m glad I picked up multiple bottles to have handy as the summer waned and the fall set in.
That last one also includes a nod to Ayinger Jahrhundert Bier, which I found to be exquisite as well. Due to keeping with the snazzy Top Five title, I kind of painted myself into a corner there, but I thought Jahrhundert was worth an honorable mention. There are many others I feel would make for a good list also, but the ones I have here seem to be just a slight cut above the rest in terms of overall drinkability and enjoyment. I’m getting a flood of good memories thinking about a flood of good beer.
At any rate, I’d be interested in hearing about five of your favorites from this year. They don’t have to be new, special release, or anything out of the ordinary. Just five beers you had this year that you made a session of, or went back to a few months later, or want to go back to pretty soon.
Happy New Year! And wherever you are, be sure you’re sipping something special when the ball drops. At that point, the only thing that should be getting in the way of your quaffing is a kiss!
Those devilish beer fiends at Capital Ale House have done it again. Another festival that caters to the beer geek has come and gone at this beautiful establishment. I must say, I was rather impressed with the offerings available, but could only make it out for the last night of the fest. Who could pass up a chance at a Bourbon Barrel Aged Double Cream/Expedition Stout blend?!
I couldn’t. And I also couldn’t pass on most of the others either.
The evening began with a “ceremonial tapping” of a gravity-fed firkin of Bell’s Expedition, a cask-conditioned version of the formidable stout I’ve come to enjoy. I often hear the argument that anything cask is better than anything bottled, or nitro-keg, or in any other format. Well, I’m not so sure that’s true, but I can say that I preferred this version of Expedition to the bottled one. So much body, and a full flavored beer that improves from being in the firkin, albeit a 20oz pour.
Not only that, but immediately following at 5:30pm they had keg of Expedition hooked up to the Dogfish Head Randall, only this time with a twist. Instead of hops, they used a tri-blend of espresso and coffee beans and pushed the beer through that. So this was a 10oz serving of Expedition, and it tasted amazing. In fact, there was so much coffee in the nose and the flavor, it was an instant caffeine buzz. I was pleasantly surprised, as I had missed the test run for this a while back. Apparently, rather than use run-of-the-mill coffee beans, they purchased three top of the line, fresh stuff that day.
There were two different menus, one claiming that the Java Stout was being given the Randall treatment, while the other said Expedition. Sitting with a couple RateBeer guys (fraternizing with the enemy, haha) whilst discussing the merits of the “Caffinator” and which beer was being pushed through it, we were given tasters of the plain old Java Stout. To our surprise, in comparison to all that Expedition, the Java Stout was like water and stale coffee.
Around 7 o’clock, the Bell’s Oak Aged Third Coast was flowing, and I was told that this and the blend later were a once in a lifetime opportunity, that there was only a keg of each distributed in Virginia. Naturally, I gave it a shot, but all I tasted was bourbon in a glass, with some carbonation. The wooden barrel aging phenomenon is one that I’m not completely sold on. It seems that many breweries are going over the top with this, and instead of having complementary flavors, it’s like biting into some parching, vanilla bark. I finished a good portion of it, but had to put it aside. This one wasn’t for me at all.
After I made that decision, I sipped on a Regenboog Special from this year, which I found to be delightful. About halfway through, they brought out the Expedition/Double Cream blend, so I had to cease and desist with the ‘boog. By this point, my palate had been so abused, I couldn’t give a proper assessment of the blend, but I did find it to be quite tasty. Here, the oak aging seemed to impact the beer less, which I liked.
All good things must come to an end, and while I missed a couple days of this event, it was nice being able to get the good stuff at the tail end, and be able to sample some beers of the fest that I was looking forward to trying.
I know it seems like I’m a shill for Capital Ale House (and I should be on the payroll), but I think I speak for all beer enthusiasts in the area when I say that I’m incredibly appreciative for what they do for the beer scene around here. That, and I can’t wait for the next one!
Good to see Joe, Chuck, Brian, and Bryan. Cheers, fellas!
And I’ll try to stop posting about Bell’s and Capital Ale House soon.
As you may have noticed, I haven’t been actively posting as of late. There’s a good excuse for that. I’ve been spending a lot less time in front of a computer screen and a lot more time soaking up the good company of friends and family, as I’m sure many of you have also been doing. Not only that, but a lot of beer has been involved. I’m sure that’s a shocking revelation.
After holing up in The Taphouse for a few days, I’m back in Richmond and taking it easy. Besides, there’s only so many songs on the jukebox I like, and only so many quarters I can afford to pump into those wonderfully antiquated game machines. Kerstbier Fest is going on at Capital Ale House, and I’ll definitely get out there tomorrow for some of the festivities. But for tonight, I’m just kicking back and calling it a relatively early one.
Looking for something a bit more substantive to read? Check out Alan’s post over at A Good Beer Blog. Definitely some good insight into economics as it relates to beer, especially the outlook for next year.
Sorry, but other than that, I got nothin’ for today. Hope everyone’s having a safe and happy holiday.
Zivjeli!
Over the past 48 hours, I’ve been able to fulfill one obligation to visit a local establishment I was meaning to hit, as well as try a new beer. Not bad for two days of non-work.
Friday night in Richmond was actually shaping up to be rather uneventful. Then, a call from a friend of mine changed all that. He asked if I wanted to head out for a beer or two, somewhere close by. I said, “Sounds good. What do you have in mind?” And what place did he recommend, without any prodding or effort to convince him on my part? None other than the Commercial Taphouse!
It worked out quite well, as I was able to get my hands on some Sierra Nevada Bigfoot ‘02 on draft and enjoy the good company and conversation. We got to partake in some good beer with a few friends, and I even ran into a guy that works at one of our local beer stores. All in all, a good night that came somewhat unexpectedly.
Last night was a different story. I went to visit a couple friends in the Ghent section of Norfolk. After some deliberation, we decided to head out to a nearby bar, which seemed to be mostly a BMC-type joint. No bother though, I was with friends and didn’t feel like pulling out my beer-geek membership card. Plus, the place looked alright on the inside, definitely a step up from some other seedier options.
Well, from the description above, you’d be just as surprised as I was to find a “Cask Ale” 
available. I thought to myself, “What? Did I read that large banner above the bar correctly? Cask?!”
available. I thought to myself, “What? Did I read that large banner above the bar correctly? Cask?!”
That’s right. Well, “Winter’s Bourbon Cask Ale” to be exact. Which is brewed by Anheuser-Busch, to be precise. Which I ordered a pint of, to keep the record straight.
The beer was delivered from a regular keg set-up, and I figured this would be the case since it was an A-B seasonal. I tried to give it a fair shake, though. I know I come across a little hard on these industrial brewers, but it’s only because I know they can take it. Plus, constructive criticism can sometimes breed results.
Anyway, the flavors of this beer didn’t really shine through much at all. I barely got a hint of cinnamon and nutmeg spice, hardly any “Bourbon Cask” flavor, and really not much else. It was still a nice change of pace, and a good opportunity to check out an A-B seasonal, but I decided to go back to enjoying some Sam Adams instead. At a casual glance, I wasn’t overly impressed. Still, good to see the effort.
On a related note, if anyone is still reading, I hope you all have a safe and happy holiday season. I know it’s cliche, but if I didn’t say it, you’d probably get me socks next year.
Cheers!
The other day Stonch made a chicken-egg type of inquiry by asking the question, “what comes first for you – the beer, or the pub?” This really got me thinking about a couple places I normally frequent, but haven’t been in a while. So last night after work, with that question rolling around in my mind, I decided to conduct my own investigation.
Aside from hitting up Caliente, a nearby restaurant that serves some quality craft beer and “gator bites” (don’t ask me, I don’t touch the stuff), I haven’t been getting out an awful lot lately. I find that I can save some money by relaxing at home or a friend’s place while whittling down my gargantuan cache of bottles, which I’ve barely dented.
But there’s always the allure of a cozy bar on a cold evening, buzzing with the hum of conversation. One of those places where, from an outside glimpse through the window, you feel invited to sit down with an old, reliable standby beer you always enjoy and take your mind off the stresses that this time of year can bring.
For me, that meant Capital Ale House.
After work, with the sun just having set, I made it over to their Innsbrook location for a beer with a friend of mine. Sometimes on weeknights like this, CAH may be a bit deserted, so I was surprised to see as many people as there were there. I’m guessing many were stopping off for a pint and then getting some last-minute Christmas shopping done at some of the many stores in the area. I just wanted to drink beer, play darts, and unwind.
Once that feat was accomplished, with the help of Fuller’s ESB and Clipper City’s Winter Storm Category 5 Ale, it was time to eat. Following a quick bite and the ride back home, I went to my local, Caliente. I met up with a buddy of mine that lives in the neighborhood for a pint or two. Always good stuff at this place, even though it’s fairly quaint. The beer list is actually pretty impressive, with Oaked Arrogant Bastard, Delirium Tremens, and Bell’s Two Hearted on tap, in addition to bottles of Unibroue’s La Fin du Monde and Left Hand Sawtooth ESB, to name a few. Last night, I went with the obligatory Augustiner Edelstoff to kick it off properly, and then wrapped it up with a nice and hoppy Two Hearted.
A problem I find with American pub culture is the lack of accessibility. I don’t believe this to be the fault of a majority of proprietors; I just feel that there’s an unwarranted sense of concern about establishments in residential areas that serve alcohol. Walking distance is great, and a good beer list is even better. It doesn’t have to be phenomenal, as long as it has some decent choices. This is just one issue that I think affects local and sociable drinking, which is part of the larger way we view alcohol in society in the US.
I’ll still make the journey to places with incredible selections, Capital Ale House being among them. But as long as there’s a place within walking distance, which for me would also include the Commercial Taphouse (a place I need to revisit.. see if they’ve finally changed their selections), I’ll be just fine with a pub that’s got atmosphere and a few tasty options.
Luckily for me, that’s just around the corner.
“Your dad could sell a ketchup popsicle to a woman in white gloves.”
As it turns out, Brew Magazine is highlighting six major trends in the beer industry that consumers seem to be affecting. The next few days will see a spotlight on each trend on BrewBlog, and these trends are “premiumization, latinization, fragmentation, occasionization, feminization and millenialization.”
A few posts back, The Beer Nut mentioned in the comments section of a prior post that shareholders of industrial brewing companies fear moving away from their flagship brands in favor of more “experimental” beers. Often times, these shareholders become alarmed when firms pursue market trends, which seem to always involve some considerable degree of risk. A certain calculated, daring move could turn out to be nothing more than financial folly. But that’s why they have test markets.
However, it looks as though the Big Boys are moving into this realm together, albeit at different times and in different increments. If the competition sees this “craft beer” stuff as important, we should, too. Not only that, but the stats don’t lie about the growth of these smaller, more specialized brewing outfits.
Getting back to the BrewBlog trends, premiumization deals with what are considered “affordable luxury” items, and what people are willing to pay for them. Beer, just like wine, would be considered a luxury. The “trading up” concept has stuck, at least for the time being, and many consumers don’t mind paying a bit more for luxury items. What better way to make a buck than capitalizing on “premium” brand marketing, while at the same time placing a premium on a “craft beer” line?
Latinization is one trend I find rather interesting. Part of me feels that creating a chelada-style macro lager is somewhat patronizing, while another part sees that as a clever business move. The United States is certainly experiencing a demographic shift, which comes with the territory in the Land of Opportunity… cultural diversity is a distinct feature of the American identity. But, as the BrewBlog notes:
The leading domestic brewers, like all consumer product marketers, are constantly trying to figure out new ways to reach the burgeoning Hispanic — largely Mexican — population. Consider Anheuser-Busch’s use of Carlos Mencia in Bud Light ads. Miller Brewing Company, meanwhile, has been bolstering marketing programs tied to soccer.
Definitely wise to advertise as part of the world’s most popular sport, even if it means poking fun at your own expense.
But could putting out Miller Chill simply be a rebuttal to the Corona-with-lime phenomenon? For the record, Corona is owned by Grupo Modelo, in which Anheuser-Busch has a 50% stake, as well as import and distribution rights. Its popularity amongst consumers in general may have been the original impetus to crack into this sector of the market. Plus, it’s an “imported beer” (so it’s got panache!). What do you think many people in the US will be buying cases of on Cinco de Mayo? For a commercially invented holiday involving the commemoration of a military victory in a foreign country, that’s one hell of a marketing plan.
Sam Adams is also mentioned in this article, and guys like them and Sierra Nevada probably appear to be the biggest threats in the craft beer sector, due to their output, revenue, and variety of beers. I’m interested to see where this wild ride goes, what with this new outreach program aimed at convincing the public to buy, say, Miller Lite Wheat, and the attempts to soothe the woes of investors.
If anything appears certain from the trend report, it’s that the shareholders might sleep a little easier tonight.
In a previous post, I mentioned spotting Starr Hill Amber Ale in the beer aisle of a popular mega-store chain, and described my confusion at seeing their product available next to the Big Boys, among them, Budweiser. Well, now it’s all starting to come together.
As Stan Hieronymus reports, Anheuser-Busch and Starr Hill have struck a distribution deal for the state of Virginia in the first year, presumably as a testing ground, and then beyond our borders following that period of time.
I’ll be honest, I’m on the fence about this sort of thing. Sure, distribution networks for microbreweries can help grow the business, which is great. But on the flipside of the coin, there’s the possibility of being swallowed whole later down the road if the larger entity distributing the beer wants a (majority) share of the action.
I know I’m jumping the gun on this one, and who knows what will happen; so in the interest of not raining on anyone’s parade, my hat is off to Starr Hill, but my skeptical eye is on A-B.
Okay, so while Stonch had posted his two winners for the UK entries, Alan over at A Good Beer Blog has posted several winners. And guess who’s among them? That’s right… yours truly, for Best Lighting Within A Fridge! Most excellent.
There’s one contestant I’d like to give praise to in particular, and that’s Andrew Dremeaux from New York. Although he did get some recognition for his shot of a room full of malt bags, I personally liked this one and this one. Nevertheless, congratulations to the other winners and for everyone who put in their submissions. This was a great contest idea, as I’m always down for quality beer photos.
Cheers!
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