Month: June 2011

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Beer Profile: Sprecher Kriek Lambic 25th Anniversary

Profiled by Ken Carman

Cherry, wheat (a tad), Belgian yeast nose, cherry color, tons of rocky foam (wheat?), clarity good except a few wheat proteins and/or chill haze… I kept my fridge cold because I love milk very cold. Thin body, some horse blanket in taste. Low abv.

This is like a light Lambic version of the style. Bear in mind this style to begin with can be very light. This is lighter and, perhaps, just a tad too focused on the “Kriek,” but that may be because they seemed to have aimed for the Bud lite of Krieks. A bit unfair: only an analogy.

Sprecher is out of Glendale, WI. Not bad for a light version of the style but could really use more of everything to compete, except horse blanket. I wouldn’t make that any heavier in the mix. But that’s me. If you like that barnyard sense you might like more of it. Best of wishes. Don’t let me drink it unless I’m judging.

Twist top? Odd.

If you’re looking for a great Lindeman Kriek and other Belgian brewers do it better. But for a virgin looking not to be whacked by the style? Go for it.

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Something is Brewing in the Finger Lakes — and it’s All About BEER


Writer unattributed at WaynePost.com

Courtesy prweb.com
It’s no secret that the Finger Lakes is home to over 100 wineries, but few people realize it’s also home to a number of craft beer brewers as well. With over a dozen microbreweries in the region, plus another dozen or so brew pubs and tap houses, we have the makings of a beer trail — the Finger Lakes Beer Trail that is. Local beer-enthusiasts, Adam Smith and Theresa Hollister, recognized the need for increased awareness and promotion of the region’s growing beer culture, so in February they co-founded Finger Lakes Beer Trail Marketing & Tourism Associates.

While Smith and Hollister modeled the concept of the Finger Lakes Beer Trail after the wine trails of Seneca, Cayuga, Keuka, and Canandaigua, the beer trail is not limited to just the outlines of the lakes. They have mapped out an area that spans roughly 135 miles across the central part of New York state, stretching east-west from I-390 to I-81 and north/south from I-90 to I-86 / NY 17, resulting in a trail abundant with natural beauty along which tourists and beer aficionados alike can enjoy a tasty selection ranging from small-batch pub brews to award-winning bottled craft beers. There are also numerous opportunities for brewery tours along the way.

“Our mission is simple,” says Hollister. “Increase the visibility and reputation of the region’s craft brewers and other brewing and beer-related businesses.”

In doing so, they also hope to attract more beer-loving tourists to the Finger Lakes region, which in turn will help to stimulate the local economy.

Want to read more? Please click…

HERE

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Craft’s Trending Eastward

Written by Peter Teske for lagniappemobile.com

Could they make Fat Tire in Alabama?
As I write this the Brewery Modernization Act has been placed on the post-redistricting break legislative calendar in Montgomery for the Tuesday before our publication.

Everyone I’ve spoken with in the craft beer industry seems optimistic about its passage. Needless to say — knock on wood, throw some salt over your shoulder, say your prayers, etc. — it will be, and may already have been, a great day for Alabama when it passes!
Continue reading “Craft’s Trending Eastward”

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Beer Buzz Would Get a Big Boost from GOP bill

Written by Alan Johnson for The Columbus Dispatch

Ohioans could buy beer with a whopping 18 percent alcohol content under a provision in the state budget proposed yesterday by Senate Republicans.

Boston Brewing, the parent of Sam Adams, makes a beer called Utopias with 27 percent alcohol (price: $150 for a 24-ounce bottle).

After holding the line on alcohol content in beer for 69 years, lawmakers might be poised to increase it for the second time in a decade. The limit was increased in 2002 to 12 percent from 6 percent, where it had been since the end of Prohibition in 1933.

The alcohol boost in 2002 was promoted by a coalition of statewide distributors and microbrewers.

This time, state Sen. Jimmy Stewart, R-Albany, proposed the amendment after talking to the owners of Jackie O’s Brew Pub in Athens.

“They as well as other small breweries would be very excited about making some products on a limited basis with a higher alcohol content,” said Stewart, noting that Athens also features a number of Ohio-brewed beers at its annual Beer Week each July.

“This is a very small niche market and very expensive craft beers that are more for the aficionados.”
Continue reading “Beer Buzz Would Get a Big Boost from GOP bill”

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Brewing Up a Home Pub

Written by Cindy McNatt for the Orange County Register

With the exception of the Peace Brewing Keg hanging from the roof, the back yard of Bradley Daniels home doesn't look much out of the ordinary. Photo by Nick Koon for The Orange County Register

When Brad Daniels told a scientist friend of his that he was going to start brewing beer, the friend replied, “I hate when people say they’re going to do something and then don’t.”

Daniels came from a long line of nonstarters, so with determination and a passion for microbrews, the retired engineer began some serious brewing. And he eventually built the pub to go with it.

Daniels transformed only a part of his 1924 Anaheim garage into a brewery/pub.
Continue reading “Brewing Up a Home Pub”