tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33984871773245618482024-03-21T18:09:38.131-07:00BEERventuresBeer BlogAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00943818454026863118noreply@blogger.comBlogger31125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3398487177324561848.post-45142136977406051592012-08-18T13:22:00.001-07:002012-08-18T13:22:24.503-07:00Drinking Now<p><a href='http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ysMmG8rihmM/UC_5ftGX5FI/AAAAAAAAAPY/kZixikLQrEM/s0/100MEDIA36IMAG0574.jpg'><img src='http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ysMmG8rihmM/UC_5ftGX5FI/AAAAAAAAAPY/kZixikLQrEM/s400/100MEDIA36IMAG0574.jpg' /></a></p><p>Golden Road Hefeweizen - it's been two weeks since I've treated myself to a brew. A celebration beer because I just finished my first local Crossfit competition with my gym. Cheers!!!</p>
<div style='clear: both; text-align: center; font-size: xx-small;'>Published with Blogger-droid v2.0.6</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00943818454026863118noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3398487177324561848.post-88162876290507595872012-07-19T21:40:00.000-07:002012-07-19T21:40:00.638-07:00BEERventure<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Firestone Walker Invitational Beerfest –
Paso Robles, CA<o:p></o:p></span></span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">This post is a little overdue, but let me just start with
saying, oh Firestone……..you really do know how to impress a girl! With a
fabulous list of top microbreweries and great local restaurants serving samples
of heaven, an Invitational Beerfest like this really does sound like a dream.
Doesn’t it? Well this summer Firestone Walker Brewing Co. pulled it off, and
they did it quite well.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">There was quite a bit of hype about this event; this was the
first time Firestone has ever put together a beerfest where only invited
breweries were able to participate. Tickets were very limited and sold out
quickly. Just as soon as I heard about it from an Industry friend, we purchased
tickets shortly after. Set in beautiful Paso Robles, near Firestone Walker’s
actual brewery, it was evident that this was going to turn into a mini-<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">BEERcation</i> for us. Indeed it did, with
the main attraction fulfilling every expectation it set out to achieve.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdk4irB8lAcQ3EvozcLKsa8g8sWPdyrMN1k8mupGmNIijgiF3kwEn86O3tM_aHN0M02MjfjdcLT8ulsZBDgh224zi0OiIK7YXDO-crR3V_b6T381oAQ6cN7DzlzUv7rMgYS3Ogk_AgHa1b/s1600/2012-06-09+12.47.42.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdk4irB8lAcQ3EvozcLKsa8g8sWPdyrMN1k8mupGmNIijgiF3kwEn86O3tM_aHN0M02MjfjdcLT8ulsZBDgh224zi0OiIK7YXDO-crR3V_b6T381oAQ6cN7DzlzUv7rMgYS3Ogk_AgHa1b/s320/2012-06-09+12.47.42.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">As soon as I walked into the gates of the fairgrounds, I
could tell this beer festival was going to be different than any of the local
ones I’ve attended in the past. Part of the welcome gift included a bamboo
plate, along with a napkin and utensils, telling me that the food at the
festival was more than just a background actor in the show. There was a notch
in the corner of the plate where the stem of the beautiful <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Firestone Walker Invitational Beerfest</i> tasting glass was to reside
between sips.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Everyone was also handed a
booklet with a list of each brewery and what they were sampling, and a pencil
to take notes if desired. Each brewery was required to have at least one
session beer and one “rare” beer, but there were many who had more available,
either rotating throughout the day or a third on tap.</span><a href="" name="_GoBack"></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju9tc0WqtKEju7P0tPMzlehyphenhyphengfbc7JeD73oX_578wsr0X3KGV0-yXVobrMGEpAKqYZORzl2LNHKpqz5NB9VZZ5hJ3Qy4TppbYZqGT2vXpwXB6TihsRAkTzzv3TkGfAFa-KNhcojnFwluGF/s1600/2012-06-09+12.51.52.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju9tc0WqtKEju7P0tPMzlehyphenhyphengfbc7JeD73oX_578wsr0X3KGV0-yXVobrMGEpAKqYZORzl2LNHKpqz5NB9VZZ5hJ3Qy4TppbYZqGT2vXpwXB6TihsRAkTzzv3TkGfAFa-KNhcojnFwluGF/s320/2012-06-09+12.51.52.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">There were a total of 40 breweries present, and all were
among the well known and respected names in Craft Beer. With each booth having
two or more beers on tap at any given time, it was impossible to be able to
taste every beer available (If there is a champion among us who has, please
make yourself known!). Planning a strategy was a must at this event, and I
found myself attempting to make beers I have never tried a top priority. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">My favorites tended to be the lighter or seasonal beers, the
kind that was “easy drinking” while outside in 80 degree weather:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">*Boneyard Brewing – Femme Fatale</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmvOu-YT4Bof07iGvOuKPBHXa0IWtx1ZvmGa9AE0YkXJ1FK-KxCl5ufeDS4_uPJgxEBBrBpE2_MlP2gHNT_zWKSegSLNRyrnYeEmQ-RSXPac4tGRjEEXVVq8rNE0eDmLczePtwPo5-HVI4/s1600/Femme+Fatale.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmvOu-YT4Bof07iGvOuKPBHXa0IWtx1ZvmGa9AE0YkXJ1FK-KxCl5ufeDS4_uPJgxEBBrBpE2_MlP2gHNT_zWKSegSLNRyrnYeEmQ-RSXPac4tGRjEEXVVq8rNE0eDmLczePtwPo5-HVI4/s1600/Femme+Fatale.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">*The Bruery – Hottenroth</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNUgGqdZt0aqZXygBhxkPIfkujtW8V91KS02e1fbDyGEDTo9h0HOHCo5BuFQuhhNH2CuMeJw4wpAtZ5XXe72tTIcqZhSmprypxnNo0nIIhOVVHXaphmIAGt74gHVdfJxsdlhl46KyA8Jfk/s1600/Hottenroth+logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="40" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNUgGqdZt0aqZXygBhxkPIfkujtW8V91KS02e1fbDyGEDTo9h0HOHCo5BuFQuhhNH2CuMeJw4wpAtZ5XXe72tTIcqZhSmprypxnNo0nIIhOVVHXaphmIAGt74gHVdfJxsdlhl46KyA8Jfk/s320/Hottenroth+logo.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">*The Lost Abbey – Lost & Found</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzjSKKrKvmbsO_Yld65TmaisaYYCoU6XsjZ-xc7boazkHORWwUFVi7lb6wunO4z4D-wbrGC1f0EiGwkLC0JSM0fe5DabtStMUT-joLmhuwbWpMQ4Llmjn0M_RxTAa2wwA-2WeWaWma7IH2/s1600/lost_and_found.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzjSKKrKvmbsO_Yld65TmaisaYYCoU6XsjZ-xc7boazkHORWwUFVi7lb6wunO4z4D-wbrGC1f0EiGwkLC0JSM0fe5DabtStMUT-joLmhuwbWpMQ4Llmjn0M_RxTAa2wwA-2WeWaWma7IH2/s200/lost_and_found.bmp" width="50" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">*Moylan’s Brewing Company – Pomegranate Wheat Ale</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBVjFikppkdZ-bWqXyf6QSOLIm2Rz7Kvu5BdvkgU0nVVMQc-n8j8tv708YTOiCjeanNhbKfTcBdmMkdzjNKUxLgn6Nmj8midAczM80AGeqvHHiaR22OgBBvtXrA5AvKV8omEJ3Vrj-9sa6/s1600/moylans-pomegranate-wheat-ale.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBVjFikppkdZ-bWqXyf6QSOLIm2Rz7Kvu5BdvkgU0nVVMQc-n8j8tv708YTOiCjeanNhbKfTcBdmMkdzjNKUxLgn6Nmj8midAczM80AGeqvHHiaR22OgBBvtXrA5AvKV8omEJ3Vrj-9sa6/s200/moylans-pomegranate-wheat-ale.jpg" width="194" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">*Nebraska Brewing Company – Violet Tendencies</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">*Russian River Brewing Co. – Blonde Saison</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">*Three Floyds Brewing Company – Zombie Dust</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieMs9M0Jdg4tv_Zoi7BmbbcgOFfFLBUqO6CU7EmVBhUP6jbanXeqRXiU1fcrH-NJjd1V0osKR8iXOhJrp-xnVhgnWBDSFgQF0wkeRRbPNZef6viEgy4H7kk_AorsscN0goNaGabZVq4mRc/s1600/3floyds-zombie-dust.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieMs9M0Jdg4tv_Zoi7BmbbcgOFfFLBUqO6CU7EmVBhUP6jbanXeqRXiU1fcrH-NJjd1V0osKR8iXOhJrp-xnVhgnWBDSFgQF0wkeRRbPNZef6viEgy4H7kk_AorsscN0goNaGabZVq4mRc/s200/3floyds-zombie-dust.jpg" width="170" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">There were a few other beers such as the Firestone Walker
Succubus, Golden Road Hudson Porter, Russian River Supplication, and the Sierra
Nevada Knock on Wood that were quite good, but to me, a bit heavy while you’re
drinking it in the sun. I don’t know…..maybe I’m just a wuss.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I won’t even get started on the amazing food samples the
featured restaurants provided. That would be a whole other blog post in itself
(maybe two). To put it simply, there was some amazing food to be had, not just
the typical crackers and pretzels you would see at other beerfests. If you
weren’t there, you missed out, sorry! To add to the beverage and food delight,
there was also live music throughout the day, as well as a stage area under
some shade where we were able to listen to some Q&A from the brewers. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">For a first-time event Firestone and the sponsors did an
amazing job putting this together. It was a great experience and according to
Firestone’s website, the event will continue for 2013! If you see ticket
information on this event, seriously, don’t hesitate to purchase! You’ll be
SOL, while I’ll be having all of the fun.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Most of what made this event and weekend such a success was
the ability to enjoy it with some great company! I’d like to thank my wonderful
friend LeAnn Hubbard and her husband Brian, as well as Michael and Vanessa
Andrews for their awesome hospitality! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Firestone Walker Invitational Information:</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><a href="http://www.firestonebeer.com/mingle/fw-invitational-beer-fest.php"><span style="color: blue;">http://www.firestonebeer.com/mingle/fw-invitational-beer-fest.php</span></a></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00943818454026863118noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3398487177324561848.post-77974449470835509162012-06-23T16:42:00.000-07:002012-06-23T16:42:35.608-07:00Drinking Now:Go Team! From The Bruery Provisions' Collaboration Series. A Belgian-Style Mild Ale paired with a Camembert wheel, candied walnuts, frozen grapes and crackers. Perfect for a hot Summer afternoon snack!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoXIGpdE6RmE95ctjugMu4-YkANlu4nHcsFb23AisCs9U5YkhLK0ng7cHuPWu-yUXOqMfmZyh0HPehcDduwrNWwJHB13UuuUyzrdEpYiOIHeMODB029lqgwSFJ8WLcXlU9Zhig6Gim3XvN/s1600/2012-06-23+15.54.58.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoXIGpdE6RmE95ctjugMu4-YkANlu4nHcsFb23AisCs9U5YkhLK0ng7cHuPWu-yUXOqMfmZyh0HPehcDduwrNWwJHB13UuuUyzrdEpYiOIHeMODB029lqgwSFJ8WLcXlU9Zhig6Gim3XvN/s320/2012-06-23+15.54.58.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivf4iyPNAth0LGZH4uP5leky0NvRjypobiiD2J-Ga3JyxQPqkZIWcDWTtjMWVKTaxHD3qsObh4bRQkjJzVPdZhLVFLYT7yMqEKaOMyJlo9S2AHW_O7fFX04b1sCg8pS2GWRjg1nJbwlqnc/s1600/2012-06-23+16.02.27.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivf4iyPNAth0LGZH4uP5leky0NvRjypobiiD2J-Ga3JyxQPqkZIWcDWTtjMWVKTaxHD3qsObh4bRQkjJzVPdZhLVFLYT7yMqEKaOMyJlo9S2AHW_O7fFX04b1sCg8pS2GWRjg1nJbwlqnc/s320/2012-06-23+16.02.27.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00943818454026863118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3398487177324561848.post-47036560751408576472012-06-13T21:39:00.000-07:002012-06-14T12:37:30.607-07:00BEERventure:<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">White House Saloon – Randsburg, CA<o:p></o:p></span></span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Although I took a hiatus from blogging this spring, I still
continued to enjoy beer exploration when I could. In the fall and early spring,
I spend many weekends in the various deserts of Southern California. My
boyfriend and I love to go camping with friends and family and ride our dirt
toys (motorcycles and side-by-sides) to our hearts’ content. Yes, many of the
places we camp are remote, so our beer selection is limited to what we decide
to bring for that trip. In few spots, however, there are some hidden
word-of-mouth places where you can find some fantastic food and a cold brew
that will quench your desert thirst.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">One such place of note is the White House Saloon in the
living ghost town of Randsburg, California. Randsburg is set off the west side
of Highway 395 near Ridgecrest. It’s a tiny little town in a popular camping
and OHV area with a rich mining history. Downtown Randsburg is comprised of a
small road with a few old buildings on each side. With the late 1800’s feel,
you’ll definitely feel like you’re in the old west!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The local spot is the White House Saloon, and yes it looks
and feels authentic, like a gun fight might break out at any moment! (Just
kidding……well, kinda) The “staff” as you would call them, are very much locals.
They have that small-town vibe, not too stand-offish, but not overly friendly.
Just the way a ghost town saloon should be!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Time-period and random decor is scattered along the walls.
We spent a lot of time observing all of the trinkets and sun stuff displayed on
the shelves. One shelf in particular was full of old beer cans, most of them
I’ve never even heard of. Still very cool, regardless!</span></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWUumbIl6dr5esmLvHdvfmHo5QVoxAVmg6mtNEStnzJiVVTPQsQYJ_IBLQERRypPbkh8nfX48wvbH_OzyqDQ8z8hnJJgLZhA9WJlub1eI-koZaS_1QfcfjBWIOzDZdj03bC3XOMB8VoCaQ/s1600/P1011345.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWUumbIl6dr5esmLvHdvfmHo5QVoxAVmg6mtNEStnzJiVVTPQsQYJ_IBLQERRypPbkh8nfX48wvbH_OzyqDQ8z8hnJJgLZhA9WJlub1eI-koZaS_1QfcfjBWIOzDZdj03bC3XOMB8VoCaQ/s400/P1011345.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">There was only one beer that had to be tried during my
visit: the Mojave Red on tap at the bar. It’s the beer this tiny place is known
for, and it was a damn good red! To tell you the truth, I’m not exactly sure if
the locals brew it, or if they get it from an outside brewer. It’s really not
the kind of thing you ask when you’re a tourist in the Wild West, so I just
smiled and enjoyed my beer without pestering the bartender with questions.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK8elY_wmSHiq_Yb45dhzmv7QOCsceY7xjmCJGEX9u1-HPledC3Ylgz-NZECdBjD-7fUKsB9nV5UB577jAVM4cvm6mxHGTPqNa2c5LjvycMkPCRXSVWgdevfip7mSzObA55_zIfApmua5y/s1600/P1011341.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK8elY_wmSHiq_Yb45dhzmv7QOCsceY7xjmCJGEX9u1-HPledC3Ylgz-NZECdBjD-7fUKsB9nV5UB577jAVM4cvm6mxHGTPqNa2c5LjvycMkPCRXSVWgdevfip7mSzObA55_zIfApmua5y/s400/P1011341.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The food was pretty standard for bar food, and it seemed
like they had limited ingredients and kitchen space. There was even a sign
above the bar that said “No Custom Orders.” It may as well have just said “Just
Eat it and Shut Up!” Not a problem for me, I’m far from a picky eater. The
cheese burger I ordered was very satisfying, nothing spectacular, but when
you’ve been riding all day in the heat everything tastes pretty good. I did
think that the hand-battered onion rings were excellent – we ended up getting
two orders </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">There’s probably a one in a thousand chance that you’ll ever
end up in the tiny little town of Randsburg. If you do, you’d be doing yourself
a disservice of not stopping by the White House Saloon for some grub and a cold
one. Yeeehaaw!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwapoyYkv7GAOsIC0kDKOEYOEY35tqq-_A7sRNhuu7OMsdRS6NaFH4hqtgi0Ow9HNBp8eF0xb3UZs7aorknLpauv799fW4dvFif0wdUwaVBSQkaqzLKfdjM4EbcR4rfxsf3hNy0aaqpy2N/s1600/P1011340.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwapoyYkv7GAOsIC0kDKOEYOEY35tqq-_A7sRNhuu7OMsdRS6NaFH4hqtgi0Ow9HNBp8eF0xb3UZs7aorknLpauv799fW4dvFif0wdUwaVBSQkaqzLKfdjM4EbcR4rfxsf3hNy0aaqpy2N/s400/P1011340.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br clear="all" style="mso-break-type: section-break; page-break-before: always;" />
</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00943818454026863118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3398487177324561848.post-35101797851753417242012-06-09T10:02:00.000-07:002012-06-09T10:07:29.944-07:00Weekly ALEment<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Somersault: Hello summer!<o:p></o:p></span></span></b><br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Quick Facts<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Brewery: New Belgium Brewing</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Beer Style: American Blonde Ale </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Origin: Fort Collins, CO, USA</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">ABV: 5.2%</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">IBU: 28</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Glassware: Pint</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Serve Temp: 40°-45°</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">
</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Brewer’s Profile: Ginger,
Apricot</span><br />
<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Summary<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Color poured is a very sparkly gold. The moment you see the
brightness and the bubbles in the glass, you start to smile with anticipation.
There is a very thin head that fades quickly. With the first smell, first you
can catch the centennial hops, followed by a light peach or apricot fruit
aroma. As you start to taste the beer, you realize how light and bubbly the
mouth-feel is. The fruit flavors are the star of the show; although, they are
not too overwhelming on your palate and fade away quickly enough for you to
capture a smooth, light malt finish.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">If I had to sum this beer up in just a few words: Summer
crowd pleaser. This isn’t a complex or a rare beer that you would use to show
off your “beer smarts” to your friends. This is, however, a PERFECT beer you
that could buy for your first summer grilling sesh: a simple summer seasonal
that pretty much any guest could enjoy. It has the lightness that a summer beer
should have, with the fruity flavors enjoyable to most palates, with the slight
hoppiness that reminds you that you are drinking and American beer. Not to
mention the fun bottle label of an upside-down landscape that reminds you of
when you played outdoors as a kid. Gotta give props to New Belgium with their
clever marketing</span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/" name="_GoBack"></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBcuWh1nhl90egIuSMaY6zEUPk8VWGitBSvT8BOvHlUqJ7dXIA_UcBEHrkvtSu2lfQ_5SIi_qkZPFU3gVMf6ZJUeg0kh3W5IBqq-RyyZz2BJQeSlxb_nS_-bsO3BD0El62Kfp8TV_S9k53/s1600/Somersault+Poured.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBcuWh1nhl90egIuSMaY6zEUPk8VWGitBSvT8BOvHlUqJ7dXIA_UcBEHrkvtSu2lfQ_5SIi_qkZPFU3gVMf6ZJUeg0kh3W5IBqq-RyyZz2BJQeSlxb_nS_-bsO3BD0El62Kfp8TV_S9k53/s320/Somersault+Poured.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC0A1P08ZraXs2Hk3kXOh7eC6l4AI6uwUdj0pB5-c2S-g80OmPW_UW6Xegl8wOZJyZ7C9sQEKOjzee1mI0UMN4j6R8Dn8V9F8yF5VRIm5Qmrknt7MvnZiQiMaH4Qt07lqFKngipNw9o5Rj/s1600/Somersault+Label.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC0A1P08ZraXs2Hk3kXOh7eC6l4AI6uwUdj0pB5-c2S-g80OmPW_UW6Xegl8wOZJyZ7C9sQEKOjzee1mI0UMN4j6R8Dn8V9F8yF5VRIm5Qmrknt7MvnZiQiMaH4Qt07lqFKngipNw9o5Rj/s320/Somersault+Label.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00943818454026863118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3398487177324561848.post-86206468088101812712012-05-25T19:26:00.001-07:002012-06-09T09:24:34.886-07:00Drinking Now<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLI7A8ELKrnX6alPbZwBnMSwhssGlbzsIZgN4Y9BUW-FTWh69mXjl37a2YN3MevHWzAhqV9-PF2cEaLC2SClr0kHvwSSk66AT5x1uTzw4s5k9XymmrR_rJzBAzwILdR5JAo9dhtf4nDfUz/s1600/Saison+du+Buff-Dogfish+Head.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLI7A8ELKrnX6alPbZwBnMSwhssGlbzsIZgN4Y9BUW-FTWh69mXjl37a2YN3MevHWzAhqV9-PF2cEaLC2SClr0kHvwSSk66AT5x1uTzw4s5k9XymmrR_rJzBAzwILdR5JAo9dhtf4nDfUz/s320/Saison+du+Buff-Dogfish+Head.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Saison du Buff by Dogfish Head @ Haven Gastropub, Orange, Ca<br />
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Published with Blogger-droid v2.0.4</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00943818454026863118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3398487177324561848.post-41322392868435531902012-03-22T18:11:00.001-07:002012-06-09T09:36:46.160-07:00Drinking Now<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvcu51HIVa-umVIpWJU98SdDuI2CR0nYTMn5X36lDSnuDvjnCsEe-b3r18b2OjCqPqosrqgyxh_vz4YG_D6GN1kqjZQeYBk4-U9Bfe9MGc4zaxBo6BZ3-cwdClRFwmIW7qKGKLhpc26_75/s1600/Bruery+Humulus+Lager.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvcu51HIVa-umVIpWJU98SdDuI2CR0nYTMn5X36lDSnuDvjnCsEe-b3r18b2OjCqPqosrqgyxh_vz4YG_D6GN1kqjZQeYBk4-U9Bfe9MGc4zaxBo6BZ3-cwdClRFwmIW7qKGKLhpc26_75/s1600/Bruery+Humulus+Lager.jpg" /></a></div>
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Bruery Humulus Lager @ The Playground, Santa Ana, CA<br />
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Published with Blogger-droid v2.0.4</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00943818454026863118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3398487177324561848.post-36342084813274679212012-02-29T20:21:00.000-08:002012-02-29T20:21:16.753-08:00Beer Brain<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Off-Flavor Analysis<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">With my
recent endeavor to become a Certified Beer Server (the first certification
level of the Cicerone Program), part of the study before the exam was to know
and analyze off flavors in beer. Now we’ve all had beers that we didn’t enjoy.
Maybe just a “Yuck!” or “Gross!” Besides crying about it, do we know exactly
what we didn’t like about them when we tried them? Was it a skunky beer? Was it
contaminated in some way? Could it be a brewing mistake? Or was it simply just
a weird flavor about the beer that you didn’t like? There are many things that
can affect the flavor of the beer, and understanding the different off-flavors
can help you determine what <u>should</u> be present and what <u>shouldn’t</u>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">My study
partner and I decided to put together a few experiments to help hone in our
off-flavor senses. We also added a few raw spices in the testing samples to
improve our senses of those as well.</span><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuY48K9SNV3a-I7eSpAiurgN-jiR9V1TSkvVk0AHNLJUPOWtnxhfJKyXYzc7a5aNgaPgxCf8C5kxtlu4cuait_2UuFul8rtCfIeeiIcjWkiYSm8Y1nD8lYigMfANsFyGJFHwyQ0Gt8DBaU/s1600/2012-01-30+19.22.41.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuY48K9SNV3a-I7eSpAiurgN-jiR9V1TSkvVk0AHNLJUPOWtnxhfJKyXYzc7a5aNgaPgxCf8C5kxtlu4cuait_2UuFul8rtCfIeeiIcjWkiYSm8Y1nD8lYigMfANsFyGJFHwyQ0Gt8DBaU/s320/2012-01-30+19.22.41.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Acetaldehyde:</span></u></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Tastes and
smells like green apples. For this one, we just sliced up a fresh apple and
sipped a light commercial beer along with eating the apples. It’s very
contrasting to the normal flavor of the beer, so it’s pretty easy to pick up.
If your beer’s profile doesn’t have this flavor listed, then it’s not supposed
to be there. </span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Alcoholic:</span></u></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">This flavor
and aroma is exactly how it sounds. It can be compared to an acetone, or paint
thinner, and can sometimes be characterized as “boozy.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You know that warm fuzzy feeling after you’ve
taken a shot of Tequila? Yeah, this is the same thing.</span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Astringent:</span></u></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">A harsh
flavor that can make your face pucker. Can leave a dry or a grainy aftertaste. I tend to think of rubbing alcohol or a soapy flavor or smell with this one. </span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Diacetyl:</span></u></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Buttery or
toffee aroma and flavor. Some people say there can be a “slickness” in the
mouth. We compared two glasses of a light commercial beer, one with a couple drops
of melted “I Can’t Believe it’s Not Butter!” </span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: Calibri;">DMS (Dimethyl Sulfide):</span></u></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Creamed corn
or canned vegetables; reminiscent of Thanksgiving dinner, but in a bad
way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In some rare cases it can also
resemble a shellfish or oyster-type smell (eeeewww). For this experiment we
just cracked open a can of creamed corn, and put a few drops into a glass of
light beer and compared it to one that hadn’t been contaminated. We,
unfortunately, didn’t have any spare shellfish to sniff.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmV6BoOEEWeG9RKMp3arEbR64N2cV1F6kcqfU7TmyQUgkIpnQ1KSdlr1WuOA4DWCX4sw4Dbnput5khRij3vsNq7huoX3LlXPzhjxiHuua2AT6Rb6mKHG0HNRsSSbeMvFMNqKT8yTDWh-ZR/s1600/2012-01-30+19.23.02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmV6BoOEEWeG9RKMp3arEbR64N2cV1F6kcqfU7TmyQUgkIpnQ1KSdlr1WuOA4DWCX4sw4Dbnput5khRij3vsNq7huoX3LlXPzhjxiHuua2AT6Rb6mKHG0HNRsSSbeMvFMNqKT8yTDWh-ZR/s320/2012-01-30+19.23.02.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Estery:<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Fruity! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Citrus, flowery……</span><br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Grassy:<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Does your
beer taste like a leafy green salad? This aroma resembles the smell of fresh
cut grass; We obtained some from the lawn.</span><br />
<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Metallic:<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Have you
ever pricked or cut your finger and started sucking on the wound so you don’t
bleed all over the place. That tinny/iron taste that blood has is a good
example. Since we didn’t want to go that far, we decided to get some spare
pennies, and soak them in water. Yep, smelled like wet money!</span><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></u></b><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Oxidized:<o:p></o:p></span></u></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Mmm…wet
cardboard! That what oxidized beer may smell like. Also, can be characterized
as papery or stale. For this one we did the obvious, soaked a piece of
cardboard.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Phenolic:<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I love spicy
food and even spicy beer (when it’s supposed to be). When it’s not, this off
flavor can be compared to a peppery or smoky flavor. Sometimes it even comes
off as “medicinal,” or band-aid like. Yuck.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBPFYRLhxPNqxCNEprYK4cvuIaF8EAUtWA4U71ov4KfnyV2dtqIENM2UCb9ucH9JbrxlEXIxesIoIvHQV_SYInpxxXEFAPRmvG5cIwjxdKnZAAl4YIRZ_mdbC813PxEugv7isUnTITHy5j/s1600/2012-01-30+19.23.15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBPFYRLhxPNqxCNEprYK4cvuIaF8EAUtWA4U71ov4KfnyV2dtqIENM2UCb9ucH9JbrxlEXIxesIoIvHQV_SYInpxxXEFAPRmvG5cIwjxdKnZAAl4YIRZ_mdbC813PxEugv7isUnTITHy5j/s320/2012-01-30+19.23.15.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Solvent:<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Acetone or
paint thinner. We decided against the idea of sniffing paint thinner for this
experiment, but we all know what it smells like.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Sour/Acid:<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Vinegar and
tart are the most common ways to describe this type of flavor/smell. Just
picture drinking the beer and then puckering your face. We
dumped some vinegar and lemon juice in a glass to taste and smell. Pucker face away…….</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrog1BQBSAw3y8xu1AWb5FntZ6QtcKjtv-gy5DlM-Sr7-ilAgPQxg5WTzniEgA6Vy5TnqJdCmU0uOTp0yEoS2yjvel86GIrkyejwdQS9waUTpKk52nGEMqReaYN_vllgm8-dYDwUKOiFDs/s1600/2012-01-30+19.23.26.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrog1BQBSAw3y8xu1AWb5FntZ6QtcKjtv-gy5DlM-Sr7-ilAgPQxg5WTzniEgA6Vy5TnqJdCmU0uOTp0yEoS2yjvel86GIrkyejwdQS9waUTpKk52nGEMqReaYN_vllgm8-dYDwUKOiFDs/s320/2012-01-30+19.23.26.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Sulfur:<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We all did
experiments with sulfur in grade school science and remember how it smelled:
like rotten eggs. Can also be described as sewer or burning matches. Since no
one really keeps eggs in their fridge long enough for them to become rotten, we
just burned a couple of matches.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Yeasty:<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Bready. My study partner happened to have some bread yeast
in her cabinets that helped us isolate this flavor/smell.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDDP1fC9Yx-X0HuWOVsMrBUhUfMJ-SZOQHtc2Hq3EsZ9c618DYO-pt4X3nu5qgWq7rk7HKs4xzqCnqZY6HEo88M6l_6ziyaW3YcS4cXSLiGbioDihLHn92sQBZbvK6EUuUK3MXBce2XB_e/s1600/2012-01-30+19.22.54.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDDP1fC9Yx-X0HuWOVsMrBUhUfMJ-SZOQHtc2Hq3EsZ9c618DYO-pt4X3nu5qgWq7rk7HKs4xzqCnqZY6HEo88M6l_6ziyaW3YcS4cXSLiGbioDihLHn92sQBZbvK6EUuUK3MXBce2XB_e/s320/2012-01-30+19.22.54.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The Evil Skunk Beer<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We have all
had a skunked beer probably way more times that we ever should. It’s so common
because it can happen so quickly; in as little as a few minutes. It happens
when beer is exposed to light, and is the reason why many brewers prefer to use
brown bottles, or even cans to prevent this from happening. When light is
exposed to a beer, it reacts with the hops to create a skunk-like flavor or
smell. Therefore, skunking tends to be worse in beers with more hops.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">For this
experiment we grabbed two Heineken Lights, and put one out in the sun all day
(then chilled it right before serving), and kept the other in a closed
refrigerator away from any light. We poured them both into individual glasses,
and tasted the “non-skunked” one first. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When comparing the two, only a slight skunky
smell and flavor was detected in the sun-baked beer. For the most part, they
tasted relatively the same. Heineken is pretty much known for its “skunky”
flavor and it has become an acceptable identity for the beer. Given that they
are bottled in light green bottles that provide little protection from light,
it’s possible that they had already been skunked at some point. It would be
interesting to do this experiment with a hoppier beer that’s in a darker bottle
to really compare skunk vs. non-skunk.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Summary:</span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">These
expiriments were pretty simple, but very helpful in isolating these common off
flavors. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZHhsYadsem9Nt0QmK5O9zI-3VCnlvMSmiHEQ_JZj7rYV9UUcK_RkeVR3Pirw0GAjJrIoRGYQElvKRvfpZ9n4IP8tE-fdMLLf1aVWn3tUk6gEIZ38QBfQs6NfqVdcFXtcELziA3QJrtr8u/s1600/2012-01-30+19.45.18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZHhsYadsem9Nt0QmK5O9zI-3VCnlvMSmiHEQ_JZj7rYV9UUcK_RkeVR3Pirw0GAjJrIoRGYQElvKRvfpZ9n4IP8tE-fdMLLf1aVWn3tUk6gEIZ38QBfQs6NfqVdcFXtcELziA3QJrtr8u/s320/2012-01-30+19.45.18.jpg" width="240" /></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">However, really
understanding off-flavors in beer also requires a more in-depth knowledge about
beer styles. Some specific flavors may be acceptable in one style of beer but
not in another. For example, the “buttery” flavor of Diacetyl may be acceptable
in a beer such as a Bohemian Pilsener, but not acceptable in a Traditional
Bock. It’s common for ales have the presence of a fruity (esthery) smell or
flavor but it’s important to know when it’s appropriate for the style. </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">These
off-flavors can be one of many culprits. It can be contamination while brewing,
storing, or bottling. Possibly even from using dirty equipment that wasn’t
cleaned entirely. They can happen with bad transporting or storage
practices. But before we go and generalize every beer we don’t like as a “bad”
beer, we need to do the research. Know the beer style, and know the beer
profile; and know that sensory evaluation is left to human interpretation that
differs from one beer drinker to the next.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00943818454026863118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3398487177324561848.post-61808128811730043482012-02-24T18:44:00.001-08:002012-02-29T19:54:16.718-08:00Drinking NowBruery BeRazzled @ BRU Grill in Lake Forest, CA<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiTJo_8iXAKdjqlSKEW5wVxtlvG-4sYJK6D9qxYZjVAPdlUzcBYKRbkVpP9ml0ZmXD3nrZZS7rTpbU3F2UBH0HMWboPoB2PQX5eYgWfmUz0GLiuC2ALUwfYEhEcScgSemZ0va2LcCntCyE/s1600/Bruery+BeRazzled.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiTJo_8iXAKdjqlSKEW5wVxtlvG-4sYJK6D9qxYZjVAPdlUzcBYKRbkVpP9ml0ZmXD3nrZZS7rTpbU3F2UBH0HMWboPoB2PQX5eYgWfmUz0GLiuC2ALUwfYEhEcScgSemZ0va2LcCntCyE/s320/Bruery+BeRazzled.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00943818454026863118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3398487177324561848.post-11542444020836414202012-02-20T22:00:00.000-08:002012-02-20T22:00:25.523-08:00Drinking NowYes, folks....I am drinking a glass of the elusive Pliny the Younger from Russian River Brewing Company! I had the privilege of tasting this beer at Selma's in Rancho Santa Margarita, CA (by invitation only). <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC4bJqhynGCE1WtDeD5XzqgY7d016iorWpwjmbnWVioR5O0nsBZEL4RZoHpToIz7jfKbc1VV748ZpRPhyphenhyphenJmyAlCxpHwJsAHKZauQjvb0W0ByOgSrHw5RtCkX1P4o52QyJWEoqF5GvlMEd4/s1600/Glass+of+PTY.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC4bJqhynGCE1WtDeD5XzqgY7d016iorWpwjmbnWVioR5O0nsBZEL4RZoHpToIz7jfKbc1VV748ZpRPhyphenhyphenJmyAlCxpHwJsAHKZauQjvb0W0ByOgSrHw5RtCkX1P4o52QyJWEoqF5GvlMEd4/s320/Glass+of+PTY.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
With this beer being rated as "world class" on Beer Advocate, there is a lot of hype when a local restaurant or bar taps it. No exception with Selma's; there was standing room only, and you had to be on a waiting list if you weren't on the list of invitees.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF1GuBiBrumBu6rN4kV9GZU1-76Tnfg2jd7mNNlloWFdsExSKG4nTD_cujRaLwFVl9WfPwJor0cK48S8izblCGBEfVLN0-3bxkdjeavb58xY8f3cW1pQyj9Ylr4yIABIkXwlfdZ3CN3MJU/s1600/Full+House+at+Selma's.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF1GuBiBrumBu6rN4kV9GZU1-76Tnfg2jd7mNNlloWFdsExSKG4nTD_cujRaLwFVl9WfPwJor0cK48S8izblCGBEfVLN0-3bxkdjeavb58xY8f3cW1pQyj9Ylr4yIABIkXwlfdZ3CN3MJU/s320/Full+House+at+Selma's.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
If anyone ever gets a chance to try this beer at a special tapping, I would definitely try to do so. It's well worth the experience!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00943818454026863118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3398487177324561848.post-66893597783096028352012-02-11T18:48:00.001-08:002012-02-11T18:48:26.154-08:00Drinking Now<p><a href='http://lh5.ggpht.com/-3g1TwVJFt4s/TzcodiwTTyI/AAAAAAAAAJI/77Xgi8vUNJU/s0/2012-02-11%25252018.47.20.jpg'><img src='http://lh5.ggpht.com/-3g1TwVJFt4s/TzcodiwTTyI/AAAAAAAAAJI/77Xgi8vUNJU/s400/2012-02-11%25252018.47.20.jpg' /></a></p><div style='clear: both; text-align: center; font-size: xx-small;'>Published with Blogger-droid v2.0.4</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00943818454026863118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3398487177324561848.post-77562048504343790852012-01-15T16:11:00.000-08:002012-01-15T16:11:23.135-08:00Beer Brain<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Pale Ale Comparison<o:p></o:p></span></span></b>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Recently
I’ve set a goal to become a more educated beer taster/reviewer. A friend of
mine who works in retailing craft beers gave me some information on the
relatively new phenomenon of the Cicerone. The Cicerone program consists of
different levels of education and testing in order to obtain valid
certification for serving, knowing, and recommending beer. There are three
different levels of certification: The Certified Beer Server, The Certified
Cicerone, and the Cicerone Master. The first level of the program is a
self-study program that follows a syllabus for the material on the exam. My
friend and I decided to organize a study group to prepare ourselves for taking
the CBS exam. We decided to include our own taste testing sessions as part of
the study in order to improve our “beer senses.” The goal is to compare and
contrast similar beer styles or beers within a style in order to fine tune our
palates.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">For the
first tasting comparison we formed a Pale Ale lineup including multiple beers
from the American, English, and Belgian Pale Ale styles.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: Calibri;">American Pale Ales (APA)</span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Ballast
Point Brewing Company – Pale Ale</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>-Based on the K<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">ö</span>lsch
style beer. Munich malts</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>-5% ABV</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">First
Impressions: Not hoppy at all. Very crisp and light beer.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5ki1jPbYbd1NIF9fiOlaSrmXzqod2Y72VQ18JlhXHi-iPi10Ezv1tSDHm4LNg1llb0hUPKMNDIVG1vU9i1cGAU60USG-6LHX9NTBJprkGGt0l9GTF2RXRaNHYy6MY1m9Eb4E51mnUl4RF/s1600/Ballast+Point+Pale+Ale.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5ki1jPbYbd1NIF9fiOlaSrmXzqod2Y72VQ18JlhXHi-iPi10Ezv1tSDHm4LNg1llb0hUPKMNDIVG1vU9i1cGAU60USG-6LHX9NTBJprkGGt0l9GTF2RXRaNHYy6MY1m9Eb4E51mnUl4RF/s320/Ballast+Point+Pale+Ale.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Firestone
Walker Brewing Company – Pale Ale (Pale 31)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>-Cascade, Centennial, and
Chinook hops; Munich malts</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>-4.8% ABV</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">First
Impressions: Slight copper color. Expected hops scent and taste; not
overbearing. Slight scent of wood. Smooth and crisp.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-kDwkiUzfvrh08XTg160VaJewZWbkjx-yBbJgOGoY8neXA8n0ac0DOT9xXhiFSkXljFFua83QKy3fK4KDGEjOsErYrrXiFVxZbRavrFSvfl8dTaNxgvgyF6DJOlVS5lsQE39QpG6blQcf/s1600/Firestone+Pale.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-kDwkiUzfvrh08XTg160VaJewZWbkjx-yBbJgOGoY8neXA8n0ac0DOT9xXhiFSkXljFFua83QKy3fK4KDGEjOsErYrrXiFVxZbRavrFSvfl8dTaNxgvgyF6DJOlVS5lsQE39QpG6blQcf/s320/Firestone+Pale.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Flying
Dog Brewery – Double Dog Double Pale Ale</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>-Columbus, Warrior, and Cascade;
Crystal Malts</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>-11.5% ABV</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">First
Impressions:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Actually classified as an
American Double / Imperial IPA. Very intense hop flavor with a subtle sweet
ending. Alcohol burn feeling.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvL7nDtDjr7VWiU7FeK2Wd2QzozQL5A1U1nsQv1xBzPuyuaJvhN25OgaGFnEFPf5ljLF6871q2LD-rbvYimbL9ZOTYiyzEHEWduzuPnB28fAPf5uYIdJs6MKLLzRmACSXkGuC_NfMlUXkJ/s1600/Double+Dog+Double+Pale+Ale.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvL7nDtDjr7VWiU7FeK2Wd2QzozQL5A1U1nsQv1xBzPuyuaJvhN25OgaGFnEFPf5ljLF6871q2LD-rbvYimbL9ZOTYiyzEHEWduzuPnB28fAPf5uYIdJs6MKLLzRmACSXkGuC_NfMlUXkJ/s320/Double+Dog+Double+Pale+Ale.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: Calibri;">English Pale Ales (EPA)</span></u></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Samuel
Smith’s – Old Brewery Pale Ale</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>-Barley malt, honey, aromatic
hops; Irish Moss</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>-5.0% ABV</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">First
Impressions: Sweet malt smell with a slight hoppy/bitter taste.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Fuller
Smith & Turner – Fuller’s London Pride</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>-Toffee, caramel, sweet; slight
hop and spice</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>-4.7% ABV</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">First
Impressions: Light, sweet malt smell and taste. Slight hop and spice flavor.</span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Belgian Pale Ale (BPA)</span></u></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Brewery Ommegang
– Belgian Pale Ale</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>-Columbus (bittering), Celeia
(aroma), Cascade (dry hopped); 5 specialty malts</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>-6.2% ABV</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">First
Impressions: Citrus, esthery, spicy. Some cloudiness and medium carbonation.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Brouwerij
Huyghe – Delerium Tremens</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>-Malt blend (munich, biscuit,
and aromatic); Belgian spice</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>-8.5% ABV</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">First
Impressions: Champagne smell, sweet malt flavor, slightly dry with a hint of
spice. Cloudiness, sediment and medium carbonation.</span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Summary:<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Even though
all of these beers fall under a “Pale Ale” description, the styles vary greatly
between regions as well as individual breweries. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For the purpose of the comparison, we will
exclude the Double Dog Double Pale Ale (which is actually an IPA – we failed to
realize this when we purchased the beer). All of these beers were very drinkable
and have a similar rage of color that is classified as “pale.” They all have
some malt flavor, either primary or secondary. All are very light bodied with
no overbearing aftertaste. With the APAs, the hop-flavor is the primary star. They
also seem to have lighter carbonation and less spice than the others. There
seems to be more variation between breweries with the American Style Pales. The
EPAs were slightly more of an amber color mostly due to the type of malts used.
The sweet malts are the primary flavor with very little hoppy notes and spice.
These beers are visually very clean and crisp compared to the others due to the
use of fining agents such as “Irish Moss.” The BPAs are very distinct in their
styles. These beers are cloudier than American’s and English styles and tend to
have a slightly higher level of carbonation and spice.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00943818454026863118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3398487177324561848.post-72107939269366651382012-01-14T15:13:00.001-08:002012-01-14T15:13:40.049-08:00Drinking Now<p><a href='http://lh6.ggpht.com/-K1YYx3l6KuY/TxIMHSEKyEI/AAAAAAAAAHw/Fjq4dFakRRo/s0/2012-01-14%25252015.11.48.jpg'><img src='http://lh6.ggpht.com/-K1YYx3l6KuY/TxIMHSEKyEI/AAAAAAAAAHw/Fjq4dFakRRo/s400/2012-01-14%25252015.11.48.jpg' /></a></p><p>Trying it all! At Old Orange Brewing, Orange, CA</p> <br/> <div style='clear: both; text-align: center; font-size: xx-small;'>Published with Blogger-droid v2.0.3</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00943818454026863118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3398487177324561848.post-20860471508286006282011-12-29T19:45:00.001-08:002011-12-29T19:45:48.343-08:00Drinking Now<p><a href='http://lh6.ggpht.com/-2J0_E3Cv3PE/Tv0z6cVfRKI/AAAAAAAAAHo/-DiFf8yOgQ8/s0/2011-12-29%25252019.43.43.jpg'><img src='http://lh6.ggpht.com/-2J0_E3Cv3PE/Tv0z6cVfRKI/AAAAAAAAAHo/-DiFf8yOgQ8/s400/2011-12-29%25252019.43.43.jpg' /></a></p><p>Beer Flight at Selma's RSM</p> <br/> <div style='clear: both; text-align: center; font-size: xx-small;'>Published with Blogger-droid v2.0.2</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00943818454026863118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3398487177324561848.post-5477388843148866712011-12-24T14:49:00.000-08:002011-12-24T14:49:23.925-08:00Weekly ALEment<span style="mso-tab-count: 6;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> <div class="WordSection1">
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 18pt;">Three Philosophers (2011 Quadrupel)<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Quick Facts</span></u></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;">Brewery: Brewery Ommegang</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;">Beer Style: Quadrupel (Belgian Quad)<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;">Origin: Cooperstown, New York, USA</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;">ABV: 9.8%</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;">IBU: N/A</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;">Glassware: Tulip / Snifter</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;">Serve Temp: 50°</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;">Brewer’s Profile: Belgian Style Blend, Cherry</span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Summary</span></u></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"></span></span></u></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;">Color is a dark brown, coffee-like color. Pours smooth and clean with a medium golden head that dissolves relatively quickly. First aromas are of spices, cocoa, and hints of caramel. The flavor of the beer is filled with sweet caramel, floral, and a hint of the signature cherry flavor boasted in the profile. Medium carbonation, but is very light on the tongue and leaves a spicy taste in your mouth. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;">I love a good beer full of good malty flavors, and this beer has lots of good caramel malt, and cocoa flavors. Although I could catch small hints of the cherry flavor, I was hoping to catch more of it on my palate. Still, this beer had a great balance of other flavors that made it extremely enjoyable. As a side note, with the high alcohol content, it definitely gets stronger toward the end. For that reason, I stuck to one glass with dinner </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;"><a href="http://www.ommegang.com/index.php?mcat=1&scat=4">http://www.ommegang.com/index.php?mcat=1&scat=4</a></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NVUps1wNZ5w/TvZVK3ocnAI/AAAAAAAAAEY/wAOdjyIR2XI/s1600/Three+Philosophers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" rea="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NVUps1wNZ5w/TvZVK3ocnAI/AAAAAAAAAEY/wAOdjyIR2XI/s320/Three+Philosophers.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JvPV-rCcp9s/TvZVXKYZCBI/AAAAAAAAAEs/64QVJrATqnU/s1600/Three+Philosophers+Poured+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" rea="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JvPV-rCcp9s/TvZVXKYZCBI/AAAAAAAAAEs/64QVJrATqnU/s320/Three+Philosophers+Poured+2.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FsKQiUSLDXI/TvZVjJeR5CI/AAAAAAAAAE4/r0SPUK3V2dw/s1600/Three+Philosophers+Poured.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" rea="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FsKQiUSLDXI/TvZVjJeR5CI/AAAAAAAAAE4/r0SPUK3V2dw/s320/Three+Philosophers+Poured.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
</span></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00943818454026863118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3398487177324561848.post-12445856921288151362011-12-24T12:43:00.000-08:002011-12-24T12:43:04.178-08:00I'm Back!<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 13.5pt 0pt 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">It’s been about a month since I’ve posted my last blog. I’ve been on blog hiatus because I’ve recently been trying to reduce sugar and gluten in my diet in order to see more results from my weekly workouts. I have seen results, but I also never intended on completely eliminating beer from my diet. I love beer! What better time to pick up where I left off than the holidays. The holidays should be filled with spending time with your family, great food, and fantastic beer.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I celebrated the start of my holiday weekend yesterday when I met my boyfriend for lunch at The Globe in Garden Grove, CA. This is a newer gastropub in Orange County with some great food, and an authentic Belgian beer selection. I chose to have a glass of the Affligem Blonde that was on tap; perfect light lunchtime beer.</span></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oUwkgm_Y_Mk/TvY5FwEb0wI/AAAAAAAAAEM/Q0rutbbQ8e0/s1600/Affligem+Blonde.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" rea="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oUwkgm_Y_Mk/TvY5FwEb0wI/AAAAAAAAAEM/Q0rutbbQ8e0/s320/Affligem+Blonde.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Check out The Globe if you’re ever in Garden Grove, it’s a great place!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">http://www.theglobeoc.com/</span></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: red; font-family: "Gungsuh", "serif"; font-size: 16pt;">Happy Holidays Everyone!</span></b></div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00943818454026863118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3398487177324561848.post-83283910874186681392011-11-23T15:21:00.001-08:002011-11-23T15:39:44.041-08:00Weekly ALEment<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Old Stock Ale (2009 Cellar Reserve)<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><u>Quick Facts<o:p></o:p></u></b></div>
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Brewery: North Coast Brewing Co.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Beer Style: Old Ale <o:p></o:p></div>
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Origin: Fort Bragg, California, USA<o:p></o:p></div>
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ABV: 12.5%<o:p></o:p></div>
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IBU: N/A<o:p></o:p></div>
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Glassware: Pint Glass / Tumbler<o:p></o:p></div>
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Serve Temp: 40°-45°</div>
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Brewer’s Profile: Oak, Burbon, Malty<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><u>Summary<o:p></o:p></u></b></div>
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Color poured is a dark brown with a slight hint of copper.
Very thin, light head that dissipates quickly. You don’t have to
bring the glass too close to your face to get a good smell. The aroma is very
strong, almost booze-like, with some hints of sweet malt and caramel.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I've<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> read a lot of hype on this beer, but to be honest, it’s
definitely not something I would put on my favorites list. From the first sip,
the only thing that came to my mind was, “this tastes a lot like whiskey!” I expected
some burbon or alcohol flavors, but I guess I just didn’t expect it to be that
strong. Any other flavor of the beer was overpowered by the intensity of the
alcohol on my lips. Not that I dislike whiskey or any other liquor, but when
I’m drinking a beer at dinner I would like for it to be a little less “boozy.” I even tried to pair this beer as recommended with a cheese assortment. The cheese is supposed to balance out the flavor of the beer. I found myself eating more cheese than sipping, however. None the less, my boyfriend loved this ale, and proceeded to drink what I could
not finish with the rest of our dinner </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 16px;">J</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><br /></span></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00943818454026863118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3398487177324561848.post-33587349669014006882011-11-05T15:34:00.001-07:002011-11-05T15:41:30.387-07:00Weekly ALEment<div class="WordSection1"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 13.5pt 0pt 0in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Snicklefritz<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 13.5pt 0pt 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Quick Facts</span></u></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Brewery: The Bruery (Provisions Series)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Beer Style: Belgian Strong Pale Ale </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Origin: Orange County, CA, USA</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">ABV: 10%</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">IBU: N/A</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Glassware: Snifter / Tulip</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Serve Temp: 50°-55°</span><span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br clear="all" style="mso-break-type: section-break; page-break-before: always;" /></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in -3.5in 0pt 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Brewer’s Profile: Spice, Ginger, Citrus</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in -3.5in 0pt 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in -3.5in 0pt 0in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Summary</span></u></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Color poured is a light brown with a golden hue and a medium golden head. Beer was cloudy with some noticeable sediment. With the first sniff, impressions of honey and malt come to mind; it’s a very sweet and inviting aroma. Citrus and honey are among the first brief tastes that you get when you first start to drink. The secondary flavor is full of spice and it stays with you for quite some time. Medium carbonation seems to help pass along the complexity of the sweet and spicy flavor.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">This was another beer from The Bruery that grabbed my attention. As part of their Provisions Series, it’s a special brew among a variety of small batch beers that are only made once. The name is also intriguing and kind of fun to try to say. It’s true to the style of the Belgian Strong Pale Ale, with the emphasis on “Strong.” With the ABV of 10%, this is one beer that’s recommended to share. After one glass, you could definitely feel the effects of this Belgian beer. As far as flavor, I loved the complexity and balance of this beer. It starts off smooth and finishes off with a pleasant aftertaste. This beer had many flavors to enjoy, and I’m sure you can keep finding a new flavor each time you have this beer. However, you may want to have this one along with a pretty hearty dinner!</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge57quKIDRnF2xkH5FYVXyyZMSaUFaarZWXKF3-S5sPQEkEbbSrCDWWiqfOrU47jZp7zzuRaj7N2wu02trLbFjYcxxE3n0DJOB3Dy_J0wKswXa79qA9SRyAZJEAz3YfUtuVFnygnPXiYYr/s1600/Snicklefritz.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge57quKIDRnF2xkH5FYVXyyZMSaUFaarZWXKF3-S5sPQEkEbbSrCDWWiqfOrU47jZp7zzuRaj7N2wu02trLbFjYcxxE3n0DJOB3Dy_J0wKswXa79qA9SRyAZJEAz3YfUtuVFnygnPXiYYr/s320/Snicklefritz.jpg" width="320px" /></a></div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00943818454026863118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3398487177324561848.post-53898645052911830732011-10-23T19:51:00.001-07:002011-10-23T19:51:47.906-07:00Drinking Now:<p><a href='http://lh3.ggpht.com/-nPEVjClDX_E/TqTSwfeZnBI/AAAAAAAAADI/dqtgt0fpSVA/2011-10-23%25252019.47.04.jpg'><img src='http://lh3.ggpht.com/-nPEVjClDX_E/TqTSwfeZnBI/AAAAAAAAADI/dqtgt0fpSVA/s400/2011-10-23%25252019.47.04.jpg' /></a></p>Smashed Pumpkin beer floats with vanilla ice cream.<div style='clear: both; text-align: center; font-size: xx-small;'>Published with Blogger-droid v1.7.4</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00943818454026863118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3398487177324561848.post-77573827516674205752011-10-20T18:22:00.000-07:002011-10-20T18:22:41.915-07:00Weekly ALEment<div class="WordSection1"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 13.5pt 0pt 0in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Imperial Brown Ale<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 13.5pt 0pt 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Quick Facts</span></u></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Brewery: Bayhawk Ales</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Beer Style: American Brown Ale </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Origin: Orange County, CA, USA</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">ABV: 7.2%</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">IBU: 18</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Glassware: Pint Glass</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Serve Temp: 45°-50°</span><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br clear="all" style="mso-break-type: section-break; page-break-before: always;" /></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in -3.5in 0pt 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Brewer’s Profile: Chocolate, Molasses, Roasty, Vanilla</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in -3.5in 0pt 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in -3.5in 0pt 0in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Summary</span></u></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Bayhawk Ales is the largest microbrewery in Orange County. It’s very popular and a favorite microbrewery among locals. Unfortunately, I will have to report my first “bad beer blog” from such a highly rated microbrewery.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I don’t have much to say, really, because I didn’t have a chance to taste the beer. The profile sounded appealing, and I do love a good Brown, but I never got past the visual aspect of the pour. Needless to say, all you have to do is take a look at the picture to get the idea. Once we poured the beer, a thick off-white chunk of “crap” was found floating at the top. The thought of Egg-Drop Soup came to mind when trying to describe how the beer looked. I did take a small sniff from the glass and it was a pretty sour/foul smell. We dumped the entire beer down the drain.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I’m sure that it was not the intention of the brewery to put “crap” in their beer, and I do feel disappointed that I have to blog about a beer I couldn’t even try. But this is what I encountered and I must report. I do hope to someday try the Imperial Brown Ale as it was intended to taste. Just not anytime soon, I think.</span></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5E-0_ULROsxeCV7baHvpRqm1CNQdh5FfmrCCC3nY7D-GcouOvJpeWcevz_mMEa5PFLddDZruAe75zQ8-7pbzttScHYC8DHu7qNZX9VkEyJUTSQTYitvnIyFcD_LFV2KBrgHwaEPVaDEgk/s1600/BayHawk+Imperial+Brown+Ale+Poured.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" rda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5E-0_ULROsxeCV7baHvpRqm1CNQdh5FfmrCCC3nY7D-GcouOvJpeWcevz_mMEa5PFLddDZruAe75zQ8-7pbzttScHYC8DHu7qNZX9VkEyJUTSQTYitvnIyFcD_LFV2KBrgHwaEPVaDEgk/s320/BayHawk+Imperial+Brown+Ale+Poured.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00943818454026863118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3398487177324561848.post-318250267949469002011-09-23T21:48:00.001-07:002011-09-23T21:48:42.450-07:00Drinking Now<p><a href='http://lh6.ggpht.com/-hiYX72cDf_g/Tn1hJx8VBEI/AAAAAAAAAC0/4-ReHuVXEHM/2011-09-23%25252019.56.58.jpg'><img src='http://lh6.ggpht.com/-hiYX72cDf_g/Tn1hJx8VBEI/AAAAAAAAAC0/4-ReHuVXEHM/s400/2011-09-23%25252019.56.58.jpg' /></a></p>Noble Ale Works in Anaheim, CA<div style='clear: both; text-align: center; font-size: xx-small;'>Published with Blogger-droid v1.7.4</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00943818454026863118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3398487177324561848.post-40243447215535669242011-09-16T16:07:00.000-07:002011-09-16T16:15:10.240-07:00Weekly ALEment<div class="WordSection1"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 13.5pt 0pt 0in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 16pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Loakal Red</span></span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 13.5pt 0pt 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Quick Facts</span></u></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Brewery: The Bruery</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Beer Style: American Red Ale</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Origin: Orange County, CA, USA (Available only in Orange County)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">ABV: 6.9%</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">IBU: 35</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Glassware: Pint Glass</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Serve Temp: 45°-50°</span><span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br clear="all" style="mso-break-type: section-break; page-break-before: always;" /></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in -3.5in 0pt 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Brewer’s Profile: Centennial hops, sweet malt, oak-aged</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in -3.5in 0pt 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in -3.5in 0pt 0in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Summary</span></u></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Color poured is a light brown, rich copper with a golden thick head that seems to stick around for a decent amount of time. When you first bring the glass to your nose, you immediately catch a whiff of the smoky oak flavor with some hints of spice. With the first sip, you start to notice the bitterness of the hops along with a splash of citrus flavor and spice. The bitter easily transitions to a warm flavor of oak and a sweet caramel finish. Medium bodied, with some light carbonation and a crisp finish.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Ok……So I have tasted this beer before. I first tried this beer in a flight when I visited The Bruery in Orange, CA recently. Justin, a friend and I had tasted some great beers that afternoon, but this one caught my attention. And since you can’t really fully enjoy the flavor of a beer from a small sample, I decided to bring this one home to further explore. Once you’ve tried this beer, you can fully appreciate the perfect balance between the bitterness and the sweet. I think it’s important for a red ale to have this balance. It’s also important that the flavor sticks around for a while, and not just wash away after each sip. The Loakal Red, definitely, had more complexity with a full glass that I didn’t get with the sample. I’m actually slightly disappointed in myself that I didn’t buy another bottle. I guess I’ll have to make another trip soon!</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdItTyMfEWrQdhlzt5EMV5SuhpktE5GkxqBc9NxPOw0hU0R7Ot01tJ6wPONreM6CPbJMiQ-ZFrr3wOyU7jShK1Hq6Q0hrzckHXhQov8dXB18QSpne0KjiMnSDUFHS9NJrLfcjLT6M3iRwl/s1600/Loakal+Red+Poured.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" rba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdItTyMfEWrQdhlzt5EMV5SuhpktE5GkxqBc9NxPOw0hU0R7Ot01tJ6wPONreM6CPbJMiQ-ZFrr3wOyU7jShK1Hq6Q0hrzckHXhQov8dXB18QSpne0KjiMnSDUFHS9NJrLfcjLT6M3iRwl/s320/Loakal+Red+Poured.JPG" width="320px" /></a></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00943818454026863118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3398487177324561848.post-42151258805993614942011-09-04T11:59:00.000-07:002011-09-05T13:25:59.064-07:00Weekly ALEment<div class="WordSection1"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 13.5pt 0pt 0in;"><div class="WordSection1"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 13.5pt 0pt 0in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Una Mas Amber Lager (Seasonal)</span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 13.5pt 0pt 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Quick Facts</span></u></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Brewery: Left Coast Brewing co.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Beer Style: Vienna Lager</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Origin: San Clemente, CA, USA</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">ABV: 6.4%</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Glassware: Pilsner / Flute</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Serve Temp: 40°-45°</span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in -3.5in 0pt 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Brewer’s Profile: Roasted Malt, Sweet</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in -3.5in 0pt 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in -3.5in 0pt 0in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Summary</span></u></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The color of this beer pours a very attractive copper / golden color. There is a light, thin head with a slight golden hue. The overall look of the beer is very pleasing to the eye. When you first taste the beer, you notice the toasty malt flavor right away; followed by some hints of smoky sweet, and caramel. The beer has very deep flavor, which is surprising for how light it feels, and there is no lingering bad aftertaste.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">I have to admit, lagers can be hit or miss for me. Some I really enjoy and some I just completely avoid. In the spirit of trying to have an open mind, I picked this one up at your local Total Wine & More and decided to give it a real chance. The brewer describes the beer as a “lager styled after the popular amber lagers south of the border,” and that summary is pretty spot on. I was very impressed with the amount of flavor, and the fact that it was very true to its description. We kept the “south of the border” experience going the whole night by grilling up a great pollo asado dinner.</span></div></div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAiDJ9-_y2_DSQxb2k31QgPxuNYNlJJpuAftOziZT-TQqQOwtwguM-EsCvlysY-6xG2T7ufccUNUDd2ORrHHH1z4y2xqFZvYaa-ZYxk_WoIVuqz9JNnQ9JELAXukIJqmpEWaouyzOo-_oP/s1600/Una+Mas+Poured.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAiDJ9-_y2_DSQxb2k31QgPxuNYNlJJpuAftOziZT-TQqQOwtwguM-EsCvlysY-6xG2T7ufccUNUDd2ORrHHH1z4y2xqFZvYaa-ZYxk_WoIVuqz9JNnQ9JELAXukIJqmpEWaouyzOo-_oP/s320/Una+Mas+Poured.jpg" width="240" xaa="true" /></a></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00943818454026863118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3398487177324561848.post-42228598369203268182011-09-03T12:42:00.001-07:002011-09-04T12:04:02.416-07:00Drinking Now<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8W95nXSxZuRHOKYOrgx9mxuLnNvbilmIQwfOgQwoomhzL9fzfed3J-c21O6wguP26Rn9QqiLFNowrNQUy7sVWaiNUR4btu1LX-vz20mKHBUTpjarewvqLOSehknfh0mMFaS55hhWO_OpV/s1600/Alcatraz+Sampler.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8W95nXSxZuRHOKYOrgx9mxuLnNvbilmIQwfOgQwoomhzL9fzfed3J-c21O6wguP26Rn9QqiLFNowrNQUy7sVWaiNUR4btu1LX-vz20mKHBUTpjarewvqLOSehknfh0mMFaS55hhWO_OpV/s320/Alcatraz+Sampler.jpg" width="240" xaa="true" /></a><br />
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Sampler flight @ Alcatraz Brewing Co., Orange, CA<br />
<div style="clear: both; font-size: xx-small; text-align: center;">Published with Blogger-droid v1.7.4</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00943818454026863118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3398487177324561848.post-41153960600111473242011-08-31T21:10:00.000-07:002011-08-31T21:10:30.235-07:00Beer Brain<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Important Terms</span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Brewing has not only become an art, but it has also become a very specific science. If you’re new to beer (such as I am), or if you’re not very familiar with the brewing process, you may get lost in some of the lingo or terminology. This week we’ll take a look at some of the major terms that everyone should know; even if you’re just the occasional beer drinker.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>Ethanol Fermentation (Alcoholic Fermentation)</u>: </b>Without getting knee deep into college Chemistry, Ethanol Fermentation is one of many types of fermentation. It’s a natural process that converts forms of sugars (glucose, fructose, and sucrose) into a form of energy. The byproducts are ethanol and carbon dioxide. Beer is created (fermented) in closed containers with a lack of oxygen present. Therefore, the yeast actually performs the fermentation instead of oxygen (known as <span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">anaerobic respiration).</span></span><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"></span> </div> <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRrQVUMnd4AK60v1e4Vp7btCI1woayA71ax7x_g_STGPMzG1CiVdDsZz_W5UoPIqhBJE1Gc4DJFHFsNMJgU3MqBWnNSPQ2W1wizI3nV-Yhyb91DILdeb5JQnBLNcqIRAvno88H1xmH2QSI/s1600/Hops.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRrQVUMnd4AK60v1e4Vp7btCI1woayA71ax7x_g_STGPMzG1CiVdDsZz_W5UoPIqhBJE1Gc4DJFHFsNMJgU3MqBWnNSPQ2W1wizI3nV-Yhyb91DILdeb5JQnBLNcqIRAvno88H1xmH2QSI/s320/Hops.jpg" width="320" xaa="true" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hops</td></tr>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>Hops:</u></b> The flower cones of the plant are used to create a bitter flavor in beer, and it also helps preserve the beer. Hops were originally cultivated in the 8<sup>th</sup> and 9<sup>th</sup> centuries in Bavaria and other parts of Europe. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong><u>Adjunct:</u></strong> </span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/" name="_GoBack"></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">A fermentable ingredient such as honey or sugar that is used to increase the alcohol content of the beer or add flavor. Grains such as corn or rice can be added to give a lighter flavor.</span></div></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>Malt: </u></b>Germinated cereal grains that have been dried in a process called “malting.” Malting is when barley is soaked in water, germinated then dried with hot air to stop the germination.</span></div> <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPbkLJl2PTzXjwFJO0F1Q6KqGATWXj50lQESi4x09ZlSluit_OgYr4gNvewciAyHvJ2lcotfE2agBcluwQNEvgEZzgyq0skRKX1tdqzTobjD8H7NfWNm8Bk7zu6ja74bqATAJv-UFEKdOn/s1600/malted+barley.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPbkLJl2PTzXjwFJO0F1Q6KqGATWXj50lQESi4x09ZlSluit_OgYr4gNvewciAyHvJ2lcotfE2agBcluwQNEvgEZzgyq0skRKX1tdqzTobjD8H7NfWNm8Bk7zu6ja74bqATAJv-UFEKdOn/s320/malted+barley.jpg" width="208" xaa="true" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Malted Barley</td></tr>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>Specific Gravity:</u></b> The density of a liquid (or solid) compared to the density of water. Specific gravity (SG) of pure water is 1.00 @ 60°F. Measurements of SG can be taken before fermentation (original gravity), and after fermentation (final or terminal gravity).</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>International Bitterness Units (IBU):</u></b> The interpretation of a “bitter” flavor when drinking beer. Although, for practical drinkers (such as myself), this may be a confusing interpretation. “Bitterness” can be less noticeable in a beer with a higher quantity of malt when comparing another with less malt.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>Alcohol by Volume (ABV):</u></b> The good stuff! A measure of the amount of alcohol in a beer – rated in %.<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u></u></b></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>Cask:</u></b> Closed, barrel shaped container. A cask is the original method for storing and serving beer. Beer served from a cask will be unfiltered and unpasteurized.</span></div> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0I5jn1-EfcOgNr-VgMhGGNvVct8JPQox5ZE5Y_3b0LCkvQc4_unDovBRrH7xMIkpG5ll1924-e2-GVEPAbpuRatzBqfYsrkwd1qu-PC9xMYVhznwoImxh0qn2VdenLo8Pz5Xqg9aJOUI-/s1600/cask1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0I5jn1-EfcOgNr-VgMhGGNvVct8JPQox5ZE5Y_3b0LCkvQc4_unDovBRrH7xMIkpG5ll1924-e2-GVEPAbpuRatzBqfYsrkwd1qu-PC9xMYVhznwoImxh0qn2VdenLo8Pz5Xqg9aJOUI-/s320/cask1.jpg" width="320" xaa="true" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cask</td></tr>
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</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00943818454026863118noreply@blogger.com0