2010 April | KegWorks (4)

Archive for April, 2010

It Ain’t Derby Without a Mint Julep

Friday, April 16th, 2010

At just over 2 weeks away, we’re getting close to Kentucky Derby time. Whether you hit up the races or not, there’s no better time to enjoy a fresh Mint Julep.

Mint Julep

2 oz bourbon whiskey
4 whole mint sprigs
Simple syrup, to taste
Mint sprigs, dusted with sugar, for garnish

Muddle mint leaves, simple syrup and bourbon in a cocktail shaker until the mint is blended. Add ice and then shake well. Strain into a julep cup filled with shaved ice. Garnish with mint sprigs, enjoy and repeat.

TAGS [ MINT JULEP | MINT JULEP RECIPE | KENTUCKY DERBY ]

Posted in Drink Recipes | 2 Comments »

HopSpeak: One of a Kind Pint Glass Set

Thursday, April 15th, 2010

Born out of "Idea Day," our first ever straight-up brainstorm session fueled by beer and Dave’s own snack mix, these pint glasses each feature a one of a kind design with quips on beer that we had never heard before:

"Drink Beer Die Hoppy"
"In Hops We Trust"
"Good For What Ales You"
"Drink Your Grains"

We had a ton of fun designing these and hope you love them even half as much as we do!

Set of 4 HopSpeak Pints is just $19.95.

Cheers!

TAGS [ PINT GLASSES | PINT GLASS SET | HOPS PINTS | HOPS SPEAK ]

Posted in Product of the Week, Random Cool Stuff | No Comments »

I Never Win Anything… Not Until Last Night

Thursday, April 15th, 2010

"I never win anything, but he’s going to read off these numbers right now. Zero, one, six…"

I spoke those words to everyone at my table and began reading off the numbers on my ticket at Good Beer Club last night. Into the microphone, Bobby was reading the very same numbers, at the same time. I nearly fell out of my chair, I was so excited; I had just won my first prize ever. The best part? It was beer. A full six-pack of Great Divide Titan IPA. Moments later, my best friend won a six-pack of Great Divide Saint Bridget’s Porter! Lucky night for us both, I’ve got to say.

Good Beer Club April 2010

The featured beers last night were originally going to be entirely from Great Divide Brewing Company but since Bobby could only get seven from them, he threw in a few others that were new, intriguing or hard-to-find. Here’s the full list:

Great Divide Brewing Company
Samurai Ale
Saint Bridget’s Porter
Denver Pale Ale
Titan IPA
Yeti Imperial Stout
Old Ruffian Barley Wine
Wild Raspberry Ale

BrewDog
Chaos Theory
Dogma

Sierra Nevada Brewing Company
30th Anniversary – Fritz and Ken’s Ale

Now, there were quite a few beers that I thoroughly enjoyed last night but rather than regale you on every single one I dug, I’ll just touch on two brews; one that I will not drink again and one that was so different from most I’ve ever tasted I simply have to describe it. They are, in order, Great Divide Samurai Ale and Sierra Nevada 30th Anniversary Fritz and Ken’s Ale.

The Samurai Ale is an unfiltered American Blonde and, although I do enjoy some lighter brews, like hefeweizens and some witbiers, this one did nothing for me. The flavor was far too light and, compared to other summer beers I enjoy, nearly non-existent. Two of my friends dug it though. At least I know now not to buy it for myself in the future.

Sierra Nevada 30th Anniversary Fritz and Kens Ale

30th Anniversary – Fritz and Ken’s Ale was right up my alley, and quite different from most brews I’ve ever had. This Imperial Stout poured deep, dark brown with a tall, tan head and smelled of bitter coffee. The taste threw me a bit; I was expecting more malt presence but instead, was treated to an incredible coffee-like bitterness, backed by smoke and a touch of molasses. So interesting, and most definitely worth tasting.

Another great month at Good Beer Club… wonder what we’ll be tasting in May?

TAGS [ BEER REVIEWS | BEER CLUB | GREAT DIVIDE BREWING | BREWDOG | SIERRA NEVADA BREWING ]

Posted in Beer Reviews, Random Cool Stuff | 3 Comments »

To Home Brew or Not To Home Brew

Wednesday, April 14th, 2010

Ok. Why do you really want to home brew? To be snobbier than your buddies that drink fancy microbrews with abandon? To create the perfect elixir to satisfy that inner craving for the perfect brew? Because you’re just plain bored and need a new hobby?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, you are ready to try your hand at home brewing. I have friends that fit each of these categories and have definitely benefited from their inner drive. Heck, I’ve even tried myself quite a few years ago with a Mr. Beer Kit and a giant mess in my kitchen that smelled like a brewery for a month or so (good thing I was living on my own, back then). It didn’t turn out too badly, but it certainly wasn’t the microbrew or even macrobrew I was hoping for.

Getting into the craft requires as much or as little time and patience as you want to put into it. Making the perfect beer takes time and patience, and the more you do it, the better you become (most of the time). Fancy equipment like wort chillers can definitely help a more seasoned brewer, but starting out slowly will yield more consistent beer along the line.

Reading Charlie Papazian’s book The Complete Joy of Home Brewing is a must. READ IT! READ IT! READ IT! This book is a wealth of information and is written in a manner that is very readable and informative. So go my friends, and experiment! Take small steps and prosper in your new craft! Just remember though, if all goes poorly, there are still plenty of beers out there that you haven’t tried yet.

TAGS [ HOMEBREWING | HOME BREW | HOMEBREW | BEER ]

Posted in Draft Beer Tips, Random Cool Stuff | No Comments »

North Coast Brewing Co. Red Seal Ale

Wednesday, April 14th, 2010

This American Amber (or Red Ale) makes both a great session beer, especially at 5.5% ABV, and in my opinion, a really decent crossover beer. It’s refreshing and balanced enough to be enjoyed by someone who has never tried any sort of craft beer but also has a light kick of hops, which adds to the newbie’s first microbrew experience.

As an aside, please disregard the horribly designed glass that this was poured into last night; my choices were limited.

North Coast Brewing Red Seal Ale

Ruedrich’s Red Seal Ale by North Coast Brewing Co. poured a transparent, ruby red with amber hues and a tall, billowy off-white head that dissipated rather quickly. I have a feeling I poured with a bit too much vigor because my drinking partner last night didn’t have anywhere near as tall a head as I had, but that’s ok; not every pour is a great one. There were bits of sediment found at the bottom of my glass as well.

Red Seal Ale smelled of crisp, refreshing hops with a bit of malty sweetness. My first sip matched the nose rather well; malty sweet at the beginning, with a hint of caramel (which is found quite often in red ales) followed by a spicy, citrusy-hopped finished. None of the flavors were overwhelming; each were quite balanced and the beer itself doesn’t offer extreme flavor.

Its balance and subdued flavor nature are exactly the reasons why I’d suggest this as a crossover beer. Actually, I can say the same for the Ommegang Belgian Pale Ale that Liz reviewed earlier this week. They’re both refreshing and light enough that craft beer newbies would be able to enjoy it while still getting a heightened brew experience.

Body-wise, Red Seal Ale had a medium-light mouthfeel with medium carbonation; not so bubbly that it filled up your stomach too quickly but with enough CO2 to keep each sip refreshing. This and its ABV are the reason why I consider a good session beer, especially on a summer evening.

Posted in Beer Reviews | No Comments »

Tactical Nuclear Penguin: Where to Buy and More

Tuesday, April 13th, 2010

Molly at Newsy.com passed along this video on BrewDog’s TNP and where to find it in the US, once it arrives:

Maybe I’ll have to take a roadtrip to NYC to grab a bottle…

TAGS [ BREWDOG | TACTICAL NUCLEAR PENGUIN | BREWDOG TNP | TNP VIDEO ]

Posted in Announcements, Random Cool Stuff | No Comments »

St. Bernard Bourbon Barrel

Tuesday, April 13th, 2010

I remember growing up and seeing cartoons of St. Bernards coming to care for cold, weary travelers, armed with a barrel full of bourbon on their collars. I admit that while I really am against dressing dogs, the bourbon barrel collar is one accessory I can totally stand behind. I mean, c’mon. It’s a classic.

Bernie, our Commercial Sales Director’s loving St. Bernard modeling the barrel collar

I’m not saying you should fill the barrel with bourbon, although it’s an idea, but I’d moreso worry about your dog’s comfort than whether or not he can bring you whiskey.

It’s not to say that you couldn’t fill the barrel with your spirit of choice; it’s fully functioning, complete with spigot, and made from authentic oak that will age bourbon or whatever else you might be so inclined to pour in there.

Choose from ½-liter or 1-liter sizes with brass, black steel or galvanized steel bands, depending on your style and the size of your dog (maybe you want a bourbon barrel dog collar for your border collie, who knows?)

Seriously, besides itty-bitty pups, what dog wouldn’t look rad in one of these?

TAGS [ BOURBON BARREL | BARREL DOG COLLAR | ST BERNARD BOURBON BARREL | BOURBON DOG COLLAR ]

Posted in Product of the Week | No Comments »

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Archive for April, 2010

It Ain’t Derby Without a Mint Julep

HopSpeak: One of a Kind Pint Glass Set

I Never Win Anything… Not Until Last Night

To Home Brew or Not To Home Brew

North Coast Brewing Co. Red Seal Ale

Tactical Nuclear Penguin: Where to Buy and More

St. Bernard Bourbon Barrel

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