Tasting Notes: Brettanomyces Fermented IPA from Blue Pants Brewery

Posted on by mashingin

BPlogoThis segment of Tasting Notes takes me back home to Alabama with a sensory experience exploring Brettanomyces Fermented IPA from Blue Pants Brewery (Madison, Alabama).

Earlier this year, the brewers at Blue Pants started experimenting with wild yeast to produce a couple limited release beers featuring Brettanomyces.  Brettanomyces Fermented IPA – along with Brettanomyces Fermented Pinstripe Stout – was the result of this professional curiosity and dabbling.  For this offering, the folks at the brewery laid an India Pale Ale foundation that is supported by “whole leaf Amarillo, Mandarina Bavaria, and Citra” hops.  A “custom Brettanomyces blend” was then utilized during fermentation to bring the funk and some unique stone fruit characteristics.  This treatment produces a “dry, subtly funky, moderately fruity, and very citrusy IPA” that can be enjoyed fresh or properly aged.  This 6.5% ABV, Wild IPA is a limited release that is brewed infrequently.  When it is available, you can find this offering on draft and in 750 ml bottles.  All this research to cover the background on Brettanomyces Fermented IPA has me eager and excited to finally get a taste.  Let’s get to those Tasting Notes!

Tasting Notes on Brettanomyces Fermented IPA from Blue Pants Brewery 

Appearance: A gentle tilt of the 750ml bottle provides me with a deep golden colored body with a touch of orange pushing through at the wider portion of the glass’s bulb.  Held to direct light, the yellows really intensify to the level of positively glowing.  The body is perfectly clear with an abundant carbonation level coursing throughout (Note: later pours do cloud up a bit due to the yeast sediment residing in the bottle).  The careful pour still produced a huge, fluffy white head that clocks in at over three and a half fingers.  Head retention is spectacular, with the level of foam only falling due to the huge amount of lace coating the glass.  Absolutely gorgeous.

Aroma: At first glance and sniff, you are going to be convinced this is just a beautiful, wild Saison/Farmhouse Ale.  The Brett presence is massive with notes of barnyard funk, hay and wet wood permeating the air.  Peach and other stone fruit characteristics wrap around that Brett funk to provide a bit of sweet freshness.  A bit of citrus and tropical fruit comes forward with orange, mango and pineapple developing.  The malts are mostly lost behind all that funk, but a waft of grain can be identified from time to time.

Taste: The Brett certainly shines here as well.  Wet hay, dusty barn wood and musty funk are all present and accounted for.  The hops kick in with some juicy notes of peach, mango and a fruit bowl of citrus.  There is a snappy bite of resinous pine that takes a grip from time to time as well.  With that said, the funk definitely trumps all and casts a long shadow over any malt presence.  As billed, this beer is not at all shy with the Brett and I find the flavor profile to be absolutely beautiful.

Mouthfeel: This beer is on the lighter side of medium in body with a crisp carbonation level to keep things easy drinking.  The ABV is respectable at 6.5%, but it is completely disguised and makes zero attempt to attract any attention.  Funky and lightly bitter on the palate. This brew dries out nicely and has a lovely easy-drinking nature to it.  Any aftertaste that remains is all barnyard funk.

Final Thoughts:  Full disclosure – I am a huge fan of any and every beer that utilizes Brett correctly, and Blue Pants Brewery’s Brettanomyces Fermented IPA absolutely fits that bill.  Instead of phoning this one in with an IPA that hides behind its hops and has just a pinch of Brett character, the folks at the brewery went all in to properly give this yeast the respect and stage it deserves.  Brett can handle and complement hops with graceful ease, and that is displayed wonderfully with this offering by living up to its label description of “Hoppy, Juicy, Funky.”  This is just another fantastic brew from Blue Pants and a true accomplishment in brewing craftsmanship.  Prost!

 

Bell’s Brewery releases Roundhouse India Red Ale as newest specialty beer

Posted on by mashingin

roundhouse12ozcanBell’s Brewery (Comstock, Michigan) announced that Roundhouse India Red Ale recently made its way through their canning line and is officially hitting distribution this month.

First brewed in 2009 at the original brewery in Kalamazoo, Roundhouse India Red Ale is getting a bit of a promotion this month in being named the latest Bell’s Brewery specialty offering to see full distribution.  Thanks to a hefty dose of hops added late in the kettle and again in the dry-hopping stage, ” fruity aromas of pineapple, peach and citrus” that “continue into a crisply bitter hop presence across the tongue” headline the Roundhouse experience.  To achieve its red hue and provide the balance needed to keep these intense hop notes in check, caramel and toasted specialty malts were carefully selected and employed to create this beer’s backbone.  Locally sourced Michigan honey was then added to level everything out and give the brew a smooth finish.

Roundhouse India Red Ale was officially released this week and will hit the full Bell’s Brewery distribution area “in waves, so availability will vary.”  This limited release offering will be available in 6-packs of 12 oz. cans and on draft during the months of September and October.   Roundhouse is sure to disappear from shelves and taps with a quickness, so get yourself a taste of this brew whenever you happen upon it.  Prost!

Vital Information on Roundhouse India Red Ale from Bell’s Brewery

Availability – Specialty release, September through October
ABV – 7.5%
Shelf Life – 6 months
Packaging – 6-packs of 12 oz. cans and on draft
Distribution – Full brewery distribution area

Victory Brewing Festbier returns for its 20th Season

Posted on by mashingin

fb_12ozbottle_webtransVictory Brewing Company (Downingtown, Pennsylvania) announced this week that Festbier Oktoberfest Amber Lager is officially ready to make its seasonal return to shelves and taps.

The origin of Festbier dates back to 1996 when it was the first beer ever brewed by Victory Brewing Company.  Twenty years later, this Oktoberfest Amber Lager continues to celebrate the brewery’s rich tradition of German-style offerings.  Festbier starts with Two-Row Vienna and Munich German malts that undergo a decoction brewing process, “a traditional technique in central European brewing which produces the deliciously malty flavors for which German beers are best known.”  This treatment gives the beer an impressive, full body and “subtly sweet” malt character.  Whole flower German hops provide the level of balance needed for such a full-flavored, smooth brew.

“Festbier has a special place in my heart, as it expresses the purpose of beer, as a source of comfort and conviviality, so well,” said Founder and Brewmaster, Bill Covaleski. “It was the very first beer we ever brewed at Victory. We knew we wanted to create a true Oktoberfest lager and the pride I have in that first beer still powers me, and all our brewers, to continue to create good, thoughtfully crafted beers that will not only quench the thirst of our fans, but make every dinner, party or chat with a friend over a pint that much more enjoyable.”

Festbier is a seasonal release that is available now and will be hanging around through the autumn months.  You can find this offering on draft and in 6-packs of 12 oz. bottles for the suggested retail price of $9.99 (price may vary upon location).  Pick up your sixer at craft beer retailers in Alabama, Florida and throughout Victory Brewing’s distribution footprint.  Prost!

Vital Information for Festbier Oktoberfest Amber Lager from Victory Brewing Company

Availability – Seasonal, late summer through autumn
ABV – 5.6%
Malts – Imported 2 row Vienna & Munich German malts
Hops – Whole flower German hops
Packaging – 6-packs of 12 oz. bottles and on draft

J. Wakefield Brewing prepares for Miami Madness Day 2016

Posted on by mashingin

jwakefieldBeginning on Saturday, September 10 at noon, J. Wakefield Brewing (120 NW 24th Street, Miami, Florida) will host Miami Madness Day to celebrate the bottle release of their Miami Madness Florida Weisse.

Rated the #1 Berliner Weisse in the World on Beer Advocate and the #2 Berliner Weisse in the World on RateBeer, Miami Madness is a limited release “Florida Weisse” brewed with mango, guava and passion fruit.  Inspired by the “zombie attack” on the MacArthur Causeway back in 2012, Miami Madness is an offering “so sour it’ll give you something to live for.”

This very limited and special release will be available for purchase during this event for $20 per 750 ml bottle (cash only, there will be an ATM on-site).  There is a two bottle limit per customer.  Attendees will also have the opportunity to purchase limited Miami Madness 18.25 oz. stemmed glassware for $15 each.

In addition to bottles of Miami Madness, the following special release cans will also be available for purchase at this event:

  • Who’s on First Northeast Style Double IPA brewed w/Local Honey: 4-packs of 16 oz. cans for $19 (cash only). Limit of four 4-packs per customer.
  • Rainbow Road Imperial Guava Saison Collaboration with Smog City Brewing: 4-packs of 16 oz. cans for $16 (cash only). Limit of four 4-packs per person.

Since Miami Madness Day is an all-day, throw-down kind of affair, those who attend will also be able to enjoy the following food and entertainment options:

  • Food will be available for purchase from Babe Froman Fine Sausages from 8 a.m.to 1 p.m. (Breakfast options) and Purple People Eatery from 2 p.m. to close.
  • Special guest appearance by Jeff Dekal, comic book industry cover artist with works featured by Marvel, Creature Entertainment, Valiant, and Dark Horse.  He also created the label artwork for Miami Madness and DFPF (Dragon Fruit Passion Fruit Berliner).
  • Live performance by DJ Volksmusik from 6 p.m. to midnight
  • The brewery will be showing UFC 203 with no cover charge. Main card starts at 10 p.m.

I do believe that about covers all the information you could possibly need to know about this event.  If you are 21 or over, in the Miami area and free on Saturday, be sure to swing by J. Wakefield Brewing to take part in what is sure to be a great event.  Prost!

Green Flash Brewing Soul Style IPA released in cans

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gfsoulstyleBeginning this month, Soul Style IPA from Green Flash Brewing Co. (San Diego, California) will be available in 12-packs of 12 oz. cans.

Since it was first released in 2014, the fan-favorite Soul Style IPA has quickly become one of the bestselling beers for Green Flash Brewing Co.  It is no wonder that hopheads have gravitated toward this brew when you consider that Citra, Simcoe and Cascade hops provide this Single India Pale Ale with “bright tropical waves of flavorful citrus and floral notes.”  At a reasonable 6.5% ABV and a more than respectable 75 IBUs, Soul Style IPA gives its drinker an effortless and delightful experience that is a “pure manifestation” of the style.

This rise in popularity and a gold medal finish at the 2015 Los Angeles International Beer Competition has inspired the brewery to expand this offering’s packaging options to now include 12-packs of 12 oz. cans.  Soul Style IPA is available now in cans, 12 oz. bottles and on draft at craft beer-friendly establishments in Alabama, Florida and throughout Green Flash Brewing’s distribution area.  Get your hop fix in the convenience of cans by picking up some Soul Style IPA to enjoy on your next outing to the river, beach, campsite, etc.  Prost!

Vital Information for Soul Style IPA from Green Flash Brewing Co.

Availability – Year-round
Style – Single India Pale Ale
ABV – 6.5%
IBUs – 75
Hops – Citra, Simcoe, Cascade
Packaging – 12 oz. bottles, 12-packs of 12 oz. cans, draft

Samuel Adams OctoberFest makes annual return

Posted on by mashingin

ofestsaOne of the more popular beers of the season has officially returned to shelves and taps with the release of OctoberFest from Samuel Adams/The Boston Beer Company (Boston, Massachusetts).

It does not seem like Oktoberfest season begins in the American beer community until Samuel Adams OctoberFest turns up at your favorite bar or beer retailer.   The reach of this award-winning and respected offering now extends beyond the U.S. as it has received the honor of being “the only American Octoberfest style beer poured in Munich during the 2016 Oktoberfest celebration.”  First brewed in 1989, this long-standing seasonal offering welcomes fall with a deep malt experience producing caramel, toffee, roasty and bready notes.  A light Bavarian hop character and medium body provides support for this malt complexity and rounds off this Märzen-style Lager with a clean, smooth finish.

“Each year we look forward to brewing OctoberFest and toasting the 200-plus-year-old German tradition of Oktoberfest,” said Jim Koch, founder and brewer of Samuel Adams. “The return of OctoberFest symbolizes the return of fall and Oktoberfest celebrations across the country, and we look forward to hoisting thousands of steins this season.”

Samuel Adams OctoberFest is officially available nationwide now and will hang around through the month of October.  Look for this offering to be available on draft and in the following packaging options: 6-packs of 12 oz. bottles for a suggested retail price of $7.99 to $9.99; 12-packs of 12 oz. bottles and Sam Cans for a suggested retail price of $14.99 to $17.99; and 16 oz. single cans for a suggested retail price of $1.99 to $2.49.  You can also find OctoberFest in Fall Variety 12-packs (suggested retail price of $14.99 to $17.99) and 24-packs (suggested retail price of $22.99 to $24.99) alongside Boston Lager, Hoppy Red, Toasted Caramel Bock, Bonfire Blonde and Maple Ale. Pick one of these many options to enjoy Samuel Adams OctoberFest in 2016 and get into the spirit of Fest Season in proper fashion.  Prost!

Vital Information for Samuel Adams OctoberFest from The Boston Beer Company

Availability – Seasonal, available now through October
ABV – 5.3%
IBUs – 16
Hops – Tettnang Tettnanger, Hallertau Mittelfrueh
Malts – Samuel Adams two-row pale malt blend, Munich-10, Samuel Adams Octoberfest malt, and Caramel 60
Yeast – Bottom-fermenting Lager
Packaging – 6-packs of 12 oz. bottles, 12-packs of 12 oz. bottles and cans, 16 oz. single cans, and on draft. Also available in the Fall Variety 12-packs and 24-packs of 12 oz. bottles.
Distribution – Nationwide

 

Tasting Notes: Berliner Weisse with Elderflower from Victory Brewing

Posted on by mashingin

BWwElderVBCWith these insanely hot days still lingering into September, this segment of Tasting Notes is all about refreshment by taking a look at Blackboard #3: Berliner Weisse with Elderflower from Victory Brewing Company (Downingtown, Pennsylvania).

Berliner Weisse with Elderflower is the third installment in Victory Brewing’s Blackboard series, a new lineup that “unifies craft beer with market-fresh culinary inspirations similar to specials found on a blackboard in restaurants.”  Just as the very descriptive name implies, this Berliner is a “wheat ale brewed with Hallertauer Hallertau hops” and infused with the essence of elderflower.  Floral, earthy, lightly tart and crisp, this brew is all about easy drinking refreshment.  You can find Blackboard #3: Berliner Weisse with Elderflower now through September in Alabama, Florida and throughout Victory’s 37 state distribution footprint.  Look for this one at craft beer-friendly establishments in 4-packs of 12 oz. bottles for the suggested retail price of $9.99 (price may vary upon location).  You now have the details, and I’d like a beer.  Let’s get into some Tasting Notes!

Tasting Notes for Blackboard #3: Berliner Weisse with Elderflower from Victory Brewing Company

Appearance: Berliner Weisse with Elderflower hits the glass as a pale, lemony yellow in color that has a fair amount of haze to it.  Held to the light, the yellows brighten a touch but remain pretty consistent.  Carbonation activity is high and makes haste throughout the body. The pour produced a little over a finger of white head that fades quickly to a pencil-thin ring that hugs the edge of the glass.  There is very little lace to note or mention.  This is pretty much exactly what one might expect to see when a Berliner is put in front of them.

Aroma: Things begin here with all of the aromas synonymous with American-made Berliners these days.  An earthy and grainy wheat presence leads the way for the twang and tartness of the lacto.  What allows this beer to stand apart is the lightly sweet and floral notes blooming from that elderflower addition.  It may be subtle, but it provides just enough unique qualities to pique the interest of the drinker.  This brew certainly has my attention.

Taste: A spot on portrayal of a Berliner Weisse here as well.  The lemony, tart character of the lacto grabs your tastebuds right out of the gate.  The wheat provides a solid base of grain, but it gracefully keeps the malt levels light and even.  The floral and lightly sweet elderflower provides a kiss of dynamics that also lends a touch of honeysuckle and vanilla notes.  The flavors start expected and finish surprising.  In doing so, the taste comes together as alluring and satisfying.

Mouthfeel: Light in body with a high carbonation level to it, this brew is effortlessly easy drinking.  It is tart on the palate, and it dries out crisp and clean.  I was a bit worried about the slightly higher than normal (for the style) 5.2% ABV, but it is completely hidden from sight.  The aftertaste is all tart lemon and floral tones.

Final Thoughts: It is not at all surprising that the German beer style-lovin’ brewers at Victory Brewing Company nailed a Berliner Weisse, but I’ll just go ahead and say for the record that this is truly a fantastic representation.  The base beer is absolutely on point and the decision to include elderflower was a perfect choice to complement every aspect of the beer.  The floral notes work in harmony with the tart citrus, and the light sweetness draws out earthy tones and that lovely, subtle vanilla presence.  Blackboard #3: Berliner Weisse with Elderflower is quietly complex and incredibly satisfying thanks to the massive amount of drinkability it possesses.  Simply put: a beautiful beer that is a ridiculously good choice in a summer release for both the brewer and the drinker.  Prost!

Cigar City Brewing releases Oktoberfest Lager

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CCBOfestCigar City Brewing (Tampa, Florida) recently announced that their Oktoberfest German-style Festbier has officially made its seasonal return to shelves and taps.

The traditional breweries of Munich may be largely focused on creating Märzens that are “lighter in color and lower in body” for Oktoberfest celebrations these days, but Cigar City Brewing has decided to approach their Festbier in a way that “nods firmly toward the style’s history with its amber color.”  Oktoberfest German-style Festbier is brewed with a sizable amount of Munich malt and five other German varieties to give the beer a bready quality with light notes of caramel and toffee.  Hallertauer Mittlefruh hops provide herbaceous, grassy and floral characteristics. Fermentation is achieved with Bavarian lager yeast and results in “a clean, dry and complex lager that’s at once intriguing and drinkable.”  Weighing in at 5.7% ABV, this special release is the perfect beer to “compliment the onset of autumn.”

Oktoberfest German-style Festbier is available now as a limited release in 6-packs of 12 oz. cans and on draft.  Look for this offering at craft beer friendly establishments in Florida and wherever you normally find specialty releases within Cigar City Brewing’s distribution footprint.  Get your Fest on and enjoy, folks!  Prost!

Vital Information on Oktoberfest German-style Festbier from Cigar City Brewing

Availability – Special Release
ABV – 5.7%
IBUs – 20
Ingredients – German-malted barley, German-grown hops, German lager yeast
Packaging – draft and 6-packs of 12 oz. cans

Good People Brewing releases Urban Farmer as newest canned offering

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14224726_10155447219529988_2548202767289278872_nGood People Brewing Company (Birmingham, Alabama) is expanding their portfolio of canned offerings with the introduction of Urban Farmer Farmhouse Ale.

Thanks to the purchase of a new can labeling machine, Good People Brewing is pleased to announce that they now have the ability and capacity to release more “seasonal, specialty, and limited batches into the marketplace.”  This specialized labeling equipment allows the brewery’s packaging department the flexibility to create custom labels on site for blank 12 oz. cans and 22 oz. bottles.  Having this feature at the brewery means they no longer have to wait for cans and bottles to be printed at another facility that might be currently limited due to the huge demand placed on them by the surging craft beer boom.

Urban Farmer Farmhouse Ale is the first release to become available by way of this new equipment.  This traditional Farmhouse-style Ale is “brewed with a variety of pale malts and a unique blend of saison yeast strains.” The recipe yields aromatic and flavor notes of “grapefruit, pineapple, orange zest, earthiness and spiciness.”

This offering was released in time for Labor Day weekend and is available on draft and in 12 oz. cans.  Distribution of Urban Farmer will begin in central Alabama and then it will eventually make it to the brewery’s full distribution area throughout the state, in Tennessee, and the Florida Panhandle.  Look for this brew to be on shelves now, and keep an eye out for future limited and small batch beer releases to be announced by Good People Brewing soon.  Prost!

Big Storm Brewing prepares for release of Oktoberfest Märzen

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big-storm-oktoberfest-300x233Big Storm Brewing Co. (Clearwater, Florida) has announced plans to release their Oktoberfest Märzen Lager and celebrate its seasonal return with a series of upcoming events.

Brewers at Big Storm Brewing created their Oktoberfest Märzen Lager “true to the spirit of the great German festival.” This Seasonal offering is brewed in traditional Bavarian style to provide its drinker a “clean finish and toasty malt flavor.”  The refreshing lager boasts sweet and malty notes, and weighs in at 5.9% ABV.  Fresh off being awarded a gold medal and also named “Best of Show” at the Best Florida Beer Championships, Oktoberfest is easily one of the more anticipated releases for Big Storm Brewing Co.  

“Winning the Best Florida Beer Championship Best of Show with our Oktoberfest Märzen Lager reaffirmed our commitment to brewing the finest handcrafted specialty beer,” said Mike Bishop, founder of Big Storm. “We felt the best way to celebrate this honor was to host a month-long Oktoberfest celebration.”

To give Oktoberfest – the beer and the festival – its proper respect, Big Storm will hold a series of events beginning with the following “official kick-off” parties:

  • Friday, September 16 at Pasco Brewery and Taproom (2330 Success Drive in Odessa, Florida) –  free concert featuring The Black Honkeys
  • Saturday, September 17 at Pinellas Brewery and Taproom (12707 49th St. in Clearwater, Florida) – live performance by The Hunks of Funk

The fun continues with the following free, three-day outdoor music festivals in October:

  • Pinellas Brewery and Taproom – Friday, October 14 at 7 p.m., local band #NoFilter; Saturday, October 15 at 2 p.m.: Fast4ward takes the stage followed with a live performance by Jeriko Turnpike; Sunday, October 16 at 4 p.m.: performance by the Bus Stop Band.
  • Pasco Brewery and Taproom – Friday, October 21 at 7 p.m.: performance by The Spazmatics; Saturday, October 22 at 2 p.m.: Fast4ward rocks the stage, followed by a 7 p.m. performance by Jeriko Turnpike; Sunday, October 23: the Bus Stop Band wraps up the fest.

Attendees at each three-day festival will “also enjoy an outdoor biergarten, food trucks, and Stein Hoisting and Big Storm Beard and Moustache contests.” Oktoberfest Märzen Lager will be available in commemorative drinkware and served alongside a selection of 20 other draft offerings.

Oktoberfest will be available on tap at Big Storm’s Pinellas and Pasco taproom locations beginning on September 2 and will see wider distribution by mid-September.  Look for Oktoberfest on draft, in 6-packs of 12 oz. cans and 24-pack “suitcases” of 12 oz. cans at craft beer-friendly retailers throughout the brewery’s distribution area in Florida.  Be sure to get your Fest on properly this year by making Big Storm’s Oktoberfest Märzen Lager part of the party.  Prost!

Vital Information on Oktoberfest Märzen Lager from Big Storm Brewing Co.

Release – Seasonal, Taproom availability beginning September 2.  Distribution starts mid-September
Style – Märzen Lager
ABV – 5.9%
IBUs – 50
Packaging – 6-packs of 12 oz. cans, 24-packs (suitcases) of 12 oz. cans, draft
Suggested Food Pairings – Bratwurst, Pretzels, Roasted Chicken, Biscuits & Gravy, Gorgonzola/Stilton Cheese, Chocolate Truffles