Looking forward to some stellar beers next year and hopefully I will have something ready too that I can hand out to friends and family.
Whether you celebrate on the 4th of August or the 7th of August, you have to admit there is something special about the infamous India Pale Ale. From its much debated origins to the variety in which it can be found definitely makes this mysterious beast one to celebrate. I was not sure which day I wanted to choose for my celebration so I thought tipping one from the 4th to the 7th would be appropriate. This gives me an excuse to drink only IPA from the 4th to the 7th, not that I need an excuse though... I must admit with work and other things happening in my life I was caught a little unawares and mostly only knew of the IPA specials running at DPBC and Brewers Co-op. Unfortunately, I learned about the tap takeover/SouthYeasters meet at Banana Jam too late so had to miss it. Brewers Co-op: With half of the 16 taps dedicated to the holy brew, the various independent brewers at the Co-op in Woodstock put their best foot forward with some beers they prepared exactly for this purpose. After getting through some admin tasks, my lady and I made our way down to the Common Room and got served up hoppy beers with names as fancy they are tasty. On offer: King of the North (Double IPA - 10.1%), Below the Belt (Black Rye Double IPA - 8.2%), Battle Cruiser(American IPA - 6.2%), Hoppy Cock (Belgian IPA - 6.2%), Venom IPA (American IPA - 6.8%), Pursuit of Hoppiness (Black IPA - 6.5%), On the Ropes (American IPA - 7.0%) and Ship Full Sail (Session IPA - 5.6%). The best by far for me was the King of the North DIPA - extremely tasty, well balanced malt and hops and dangerously sessionable. DPBC: Then on Sunday afternoon we spent some time at Devil's Peak Brewing Company to catch up on their offerings and only caught the tail end of the limited edition kegs. Beautiful beers as always from DPBC with one of my favourites showing up again: Black South Easter Black IPA. I also had the IIPA, but sadly missed out on the other beers: Grapefruit IPA and the Naartjie IPA. I must mention though, that even though it should not count, that Mother City Milk Stout deserves a proper mention - that beer absolutely blew my mind and set me on a course to brew an epic milk stout of my own. Next time I will make sure to get to the brewery in time to taste them all though...I should know better by now! Who needs an excuse to drink great beer? These days have now been added to my calendar and have been set to repeat annually with no foreseeable end...
Looking forward to some stellar beers next year and hopefully I will have something ready too that I can hand out to friends and family.
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This post is probably a bit late, but as they say rather late than never. With all this popularity around what is referred to as "craft beer" (surely there is a better way to label it?) and it finding its way into every market bar and restaurant menu, surely there are some things that we need to know about this “special kind” of beer. We are now at a point where restaurants boast on a poster outside their establishment that they sell " craft beer", or even those that defiantly claim that they will never give in. Either way you slice it, there are a few things you should know - and perhaps more importantly, your staff should know - if you are to enjoy one of these fine bevvies. Know your styles Nothing screams noob like someone that cannot tell the difference between a Pale Ale and an Amber or someone that orders an IPA because all the cool kids are talking about it..."oooo, its a bit too fruity for what I am used to". There are quite a wide variety of different styles recognised according to the BJCP each with their own different characteristics and traits - yet beers are also not limited to this list. If you are going to be partaking in the bevies, at least have a bit of an idea what you are in for when you place your order. Similarly, if I see a new name on the menu and ask my friendly waitron what kind of beer it is "craft beer" does not suffice as a style... Know what to expect I suppose this kind of ties in with the previous paragraph, but if you order an IPA it is going to be bitter as all hell and probably very fruity. Yes, the Weiss is going to have a nice banana and clove aroma to it and it will probably be hazy and fill you up in no time. Each style is different and this is the exciting part about beer. Don't send a beer back because "this is not what I ordered" - read "this is not what I wanted or expected". Know how to spot kak beer Just because it comes from a small brewery in your local town does not automatically make it better than everything else and immune to criticism. Knowing how to spot a dodgy beer is equally important for two main reasons: it stops restaurants/pubs from selling old beer/beer through dirty pipes and it also stops breweries with questionable ethics and beer quality from reproducing (punning hard!). School yourself on what a good beer should taste like and what is appropriate for the style (again tying in with the first point). Also one should not feel bad to send something back if you detect some off flavour or aroma, but if so you need to be sure. Vote with your wallets people, support breweries and institutions that constantly produce/serve a solid product instead of just standing around consuming whatever is spewing forth from the taps. Ask for a glass Most small breweries have to bottle condition their beers in order to achieve carbonation and ageing and this can often leave some trub in the bottle (the homebrewers out there know what I am talking about!). For best results, it is best to pour your beer out into a glass of your choice leaving some of the sediment behind as best you can. There are of course those that like to mix it up and pour it all out, but I would rather sacrifice that last bit of beer. Listen to the brewer!
All in all, that beer you have in your hand is brewed to be enjoyed. Brewed by someone with a passion for brewing. Someone that nine out of ten times has a day job that supports the brewery that you so flippantly dismiss. Give that pint a chance. See if you can find what the brewer was trying to achieve. What is he trying to say with his creation? Most times the most exciting beers are the most simple ones or the ones that challenge the conformity of a single style. Beer is there to be enjoyed. To challenge what you know and snuck from your dad's drawer in the fridge in high school so go out there and enjoy what is on offer. Try something new every once in awhile and you never know, you might just find your new favorite beer where you least expected it. As a homebrewer, I think it is imperative to that you taste as many different styles as possible to give you a good idea of what you like and what you can do with your beer. Grab some mates, order some random tasters and get educated while hanging out...what could be better!? |
About me
Recently enlightened by the exciting world of craft beer I have been falling in love with new flavors, colors and smells. I do not consider myself a professional brewer (yet), but I am an enthusiast and passionate about beer and that is all that matters... Archives
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