tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9872970721173883732024-03-13T10:46:27.688-07:00Just GrainsSheahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04111980039963661949noreply@blogger.comBlogger90125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-987297072117388373.post-15234181328116625442010-02-02T10:23:00.001-08:002010-02-02T10:23:24.792-08:00Beer Wars Keynote from Greg Koch of Stone Brewing CompanyLast Sunday I attended the <a href="http://camravancouver.ca/">CAMRA BC</a> screening of Beer Wars, a documentary about how the craft brewing industry in the United States has contintuously been shafted by the large beer corporations and their own government as they try to build market share in the United States. The highlight of the screening, other than the many tasty craft beers poured from the likes of Granville Island, Red Truck, R&B, Driftwood, Howe Sound, etc., was the attendance of Greg Koch, founder of Stone Brewing, one of California's best and most important craft breweries.<br /><br />Greg gave a short keynote to the audience, talking about his experiences and reliving some tasty moments he had with our local beers. I shot the video to share with all of you because I think Greg is both a great speaker and really gets across the passion that all craft brewers have for their art. This guy is an inspiration and I think craft brewers from across BC should try to follow his example and not compromise on the flavour and intensity of their beers to appease the mass market. Instead, as he says in the Beer Wars documentary, angry beers make for happy people. I agree - and if there is any greater need for liquor law reform it is to support our local craft brewers who have to battle the likes of behemoths like Molson and Coors who dominate the market with their crappy no-flavour lagers.<br /><br />And, as a note I was extremely impressed with Red Truck's new Porter and Howe Sound's Three Beavers Imperial Red Ale - both were full of flavour and really well made. Seek them out. Here's the video:<br /><br /><object id="viddler_7eb10c11" height="288" width="437" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000"><param name="_cx" value="11562"><param name="_cy" value="7620"><param name="FlashVars" value=""><param name="Movie" value="http://www.viddler.com/player/7eb10c11/"><param name="Src" value="http://www.viddler.com/player/7eb10c11/"><param name="WMode" value="Window"><param name="Play" value="-1"><param name="Loop" value="-1"><param name="Quality" value="High"><param name="SAlign" value=""><param name="Menu" value="-1"><param name="Base" value=""><param name="AllowScriptAccess" value="always"><param name="Scale" value="ShowAll"><param name="DeviceFont" value="0"><param name="EmbedMovie" value="0"><param name="BGColor" value=""><param name="SWRemote" value=""><param name="MovieData" value=""><param name="SeamlessTabbing" value="1"><param name="Profile" value="0"><param name="ProfileAddress" value=""><param name="ProfilePort" value="0"><param name="AllowNetworking" value="all"><param name="AllowFullScreen" value="true"><embed src="http://www.viddler.com/player/7eb10c11/" width="437" height="288" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" name="viddler_7eb10c11"></embed></object>Sheahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04111980039963661949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-987297072117388373.post-7532516331100962582010-01-20T15:12:00.001-08:002010-01-20T15:12:54.341-08:00Beer Awards: What’s Your OpinionTwo major awards were released recently celebrating BC Brewers. These awards were people’s choice awards that operated by voting. One such award (CAMRA BC) had a technical error that allowed the same voters to vote multiple times if they deleted their cookies. Another award (North West Brewing News) was simply an online poll. Recently a brewery in British Columbia utilized the nature of these awards to their benefit by 1. Having people vote multiple times for them in the first contest, and 2. gathering a large network of supporters to vote for them in the latter.<br /><br />The first tactic is ethically dubious, while the second is not. But, in my mind this underlies a fundamental flaw in beer awards generally. Namely:<br /><br /><br />1. Awards should not be popularity contests<br /><br />Who cares if a brewery mustered the largest number of people to click for it in some poll? What does that tell you about the beer other than 1. it may be popular, or 2. It’s more aggressive at getting supporters to vote for it. Personally, I could care less about either.<br /><br />2. Awards are too frequently marketing initiatives<br /><br />Do we really need more marketing mechanisms? I don’t need to be marketed to via awards. Wine awards already do this and are, accordingly, meaningless and completely ignored by anyone who has any knowledge about wine. Should beer awards be the same? Shouldn’t effective beer awards have some sort of standards, some set of criteria, and a panel of experts to judge them? Otherwise, what’s the point? I’m all for trusting your own palate and drinking what you like, but I don’t see the need for a populist award if that is the case. I do appreciate what those with experience have to say when strict standards are adhered to, as even if I disagree with the results I can at least respect the process. Otherwise, awards are doomed to irrelevance.<br /><br />What’s your opinion?Sheahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04111980039963661949noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-987297072117388373.post-73429872168830614812010-01-19T10:10:00.000-08:002010-01-19T10:13:45.130-08:00Event: Beer Wars<p align="center"><img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-1017" title="beerwars" height="300" alt="beerwars" src="http://www.justgrapeswine.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/beerwars1-197x300.jpg" width="197" /></p><br />The Canadian craft beer movement faces many similar challenges to the U.S. in terms of battling big corporate entities and fighting for fair regulation. <a href="http://www.blogger.com/%3Ca">CAMRA BC</a>, a local consumer advocacy group for craft beer is hosting a screening of the movie Beer Wars, a documentary on the battles that the craft brewing community has experienced in the United States. If British Columbia is to join the ranks of the craft beer elite, it needs to learn from the fight of our cousin brewers in the U.S. I should also mention that your ticket price includes the cost of all the beer you wish, being poured by some of BC's top craft brewers.<br />Here are the details:<br /><br /><h3>Beer Wars Movie</h3><p><strong>Date:</strong> Sunday, January 31</p><p><strong>Time:</strong> 4:00pm</p><p><strong>Venue:</strong> District 319, <a title="Google Maps: 319 Main Street, Vancouver, BC" href="http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=319+Main+Street,+Vancouver,+BC&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=41.224889,89.912109&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=319+Main+St,+Vancouver,+Greater+Vancouver+Regional+District,+British+Columbia,+Canada&t=h&z=16" target="_blank">319 Main Street, Vancouver, BC</a></p><p><strong>Cost:</strong> $30.00, $25.00 CAMRA members (<em>includes entry & all beer</em>)</p><p><strong>Tickets:</strong> only 150; <span style="color:#ff0000;"><strong>advanced purchase only</strong></span><br /><br />Local breweries will be on-hand serving a diverse selection of craft beer, including Steamworks, Yaletown Brewing, Granville Island’s new limited release Chocolate Stout, and Red Truck Limited Release Porter.<br /><br /><a title="District 319" href="http://www.district319.com/Gallery-Event-Venue-Vancouver.htm" target="_blank">District 319</a> is an exclusive venue that is only available for private functions. It was an abandoned Asian movie house that has been renovated into a stylish, state-of-the-art multimedia facility.<br /><br />No minors.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.blogger.com/%3Ca">Click here to buy tickets.</a> </p>Sheahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04111980039963661949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-987297072117388373.post-2202633001609720962009-12-29T22:22:00.000-08:002009-12-29T22:23:31.594-08:00Anchor Steam Christmas Ale 2009<p align="center"><img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-884" title="Anchor Christmas Ale 2009" alt="Anchor Christmas Ale 2009" src="http://www.justgrapeswine.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/anchor-225x300.jpg" width="225" height="300" /></p><br /><br />I am a little late with this brief note on a great holiday beer, but there is still some of it floating around the market and it's worth picking up to drag out your festivities for a few more days! Anchor is a pioneer in the U.S. microbrew scene, making its first beer (Anchor Steam) in 1896. However, in my opinion it is Anchor's Christmas Ale that is their true paean to craft brewing. This is a special beer that sees a change in recipe every year and carries with it significant aging potential. They also change their label every year, but consistently keep the hand drawn tree as the basis. This year the tree was based on San Francisco's famous Monterey Cypress near where the Panhandle meets Golden Gate Park. The 2009 ale is the 35th edition of Anchor's Christmas Beer.<br /><br />This year the recipe is a darker sweeter style (as opposed to last year's piney version), with a nose filled with spice, cloves, and a hint of forest nettles. The palate returns some pine, but also plenty of clove, cinnamon and nutmeg, rendering this a distinctly Christmas beer rather than simply a dark winter ale. I love the mouthfeel and balance of this beer even more, and it is very drinkable at a modest 5.5% ABV. In fact, I would say this is the best and most drinkable Christmas beer I've yet had (with Taylor Crossing's Christmas Cake Ale poured at Caskival this year in second place). The only thing better is some of the older renditions of this same beer.<br /><br />Excellent<br />$17.50 / 6 pack at BCLDB and private liquor stores (Viti, Brewery Creek, etc.)Sheahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04111980039963661949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-987297072117388373.post-48076511500687974452009-12-21T16:06:00.000-08:002009-12-21T16:08:00.621-08:00Great Divide Brewing Company Hibernation Ale<img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-846" title="IMG_4399" src="http://www.justgrapeswine.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/IMG_4399-205x300.jpg" alt="IMG_4399" width="205" height="300" /><br /><br />On my recent trip down to Seattle I picked up a bunch of winter and Christmas beers from some of the very excellent U.S. microbrews available south of the border. Here we have a very interesting hybrid style ale from Great Divide of Denver, Colorado, a great brewing city and state.<br /><br />This is an awesome winter ale. I would describe its flavours like a hybrid between an imperial stout and a barley wine, but dialed back a notch. In other words, the alcohol is lower (8.7%), the texture less viscous - but, the flavours are all still really intense and warming. I loved the notes of caramel, smoke, cigar, bitter chocolate and spices. I also love how Great Divide takes pairing beer and food so seriously that they print suggestions on the side of their bottle, such as: romano, aged hard Dutch cow's milk cheese (gouda), grilled beef tenderloin, and apple crisp with ginger ice cream. Yum? Yum.<br /><br />You can get this in six packs down in the U.S. for a very reasonable price and it kicks the ass out of any of the B.C. brewed winter beers that are actually bottled up here. And, that's the sad thing about living in B.C. for a beer lover. But you cannot blame the brewers entirely. When I was at the recent Dix winter Caskival (an awesome event) I tasted several excellent B.C. brewed winter beers, and one absolutely outstanding one (The Christmas Cake Ale from Taylor's Crossing). This was bittersweet, though, because none of the really good beers are bottled.<br /><br />I'm trying to figure out the reasons for this right now and maybe some CAMRA members or brewers could leave a comment if they read this. But, from what I can tell there are two main factors. 1. The expense of bottling, particularly when the brewers work at Mark Anthony Brew Pubs with no bottling facilities; and 2. the perception that B.C. lacks beer culture and beer understanding and so would not buy these beers. Sure, B.C. is still miles behind the great U.S. beer states like California and Washington where it is not frowned upon to be a beer snob and a food snob all in one (oh and wine snobs are allowed to join in the beer snob fun too). BUT, given the recent evidence of a growing CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale) movement in the province and the efforts of great beer stores like Brewery Creek, Firefly and Viti, there is certainly a market for better B.C. brewed beer (made with care and dedication), and there is no reason why B.C. could not eventually take on Quebec for the title to best Canadian Beer Province. Why do the French have to have all the fun? Let alone those pesky Americans! A request to B.C. brewers: please, please, start bottling your special one-off beers. Doing so will completely change the face of the B.C. beer scene.<br /><br />Very Good+ to Excellent<br />$2 / bottle in Seattle (i.e. $12/6 pack) - try and get that price in B.C. for a great beer (thanks insane 117% BCLDB markup)Sheahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04111980039963661949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-987297072117388373.post-85135164640695845092009-12-09T22:24:00.000-08:002009-12-09T22:25:54.328-08:00De Proef Signature Ale with Port Brewing<img class="alignright size-full wp-image-785" title="signature-200x300" src="http://www.justgrapeswine.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/signature-200x300.jpg" alt="signature-200x300" width="200" height="300" /><br /><br />A beer from the brewmaster's collaboration series, this ale was a joint effort between Dirk Naudis of De Proef and Tomme Arthur from Lost Abbey/Port Brewing. Both of these guys are lauded in the craft beer community, and the idea of a collaboration between them on a crazy hybrid Belgian and American wild ale is pretty exciting. I've had and written up the second beer in this series made by De Proef and Jason Perkins of Allagash. It was awesome. This confirms the trend.<br /><br />This is a one off brew, and a great hybrid style with a nose of banana, malts, and nice sugar and fruit esters. The palate was fantastic with banana, some floral notes, slight hops, and underlying herbs. This is very Belgian like in some ways, but has a fresh hops characteristic that is unlike most Belgians. This is totally different from the Allagash version, and had nice earthy funky notes underlying the palate that come from the wild brettanomyces yeast. But, don't let the hint of funk scare you off - this is very balanced and not as volatile as some of the crazier wild ales. Big and flavourful, and yet very unique. 8.5% ABV. This is a great brew, and I'm greatly looking forward to the next offering, a collaboration between De Proef and Bell's brewing.<br /><br />Excellent<br />$15 USD at Healthy SpiritsSheahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04111980039963661949noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-987297072117388373.post-40304925849758923612009-12-04T23:41:00.000-08:002009-12-04T23:42:00.926-08:00North Coast Old Rasputin 12th Anniversary Russian Imperial Stout<p align="center"><img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-761" title="IMG_4286" alt="IMG_4286" src="http://www.justgrapeswine.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/IMG_4286-163x300.jpg" width="163" height="300" /></p>In an exciting development, I am writing up this beer procured not on a trip to the United States, but rather on a trip two blocks away from my work at a local beer speciality shop. That's right, a true blue bourbon barrel aged stout has made it across the border and into our stores. I've been ranting about the beauty of wood aged beers ever since I lived down in California where such things are not strange oddities but much loved companions. If the recent shipment of this rare beer from North Coast is any indication, we may be able to begin moderate rejoicing here in British Columbia.<br /><br />Not only is this a proper wood aged stout, it's an absolutely fantastic one, made using the standard Old Rasputin IRS, an outstanding 'standard' version of the style, as the base. The Old Rasputin has been available in this market for at least a year, and that was exciting enough in itself for BC beer lovers. The 12th anniversary, however, takes the joy to the next level.<br /><br />This beer smells like goodness: vanilla, biscuit, nuts - all very clear bourbon notes. However, you can also smell the nice roasty elements of the malt through all this. And, unlike some beers made in this style, the Old Rasputin 12th Anniversary is balanced and does not hide the stout beneath the wood. The palate is out of this world yummy: hazlenuts, candied almonds, vanilla, biscuits, and roasted coffee and dark chocolate from the malts. While this will definitely get better with age, it's also drinking great right now and is smooth and creamy and hides its 11% booze very well. An impeccably balanced beer and one of the best barrel aged stouts I've had the fortune of tasting.<br /><br />The one downside here is the price of this beer in this market which is more than double what you would pay for this in the U.S. - of course due to the high markups and taxes from our ludicrous liquor distribution and regulation system. However, even at the crazy inflated price, this beer is a must buy for any beer lover in the province. Get it for a christmas gift if you have to, but do yourself a favour and drink this beer. There is a reason I'm giving it my highest rating.<br /><br />Excellent+<br />$26 at Viti and Brewery Creek<br /><br />NB: I have to apologize for all the superlatives, but this is truly both an exciting beer and an exciting moment for the BC craft beer community. I plan to help support this movement by attending tomorrow's Winter Caskival at DIX in downtown Vancouver. I hope some of you can join me.Sheahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04111980039963661949noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-987297072117388373.post-59235682963047586402009-12-04T08:16:00.000-08:002009-12-04T08:17:50.171-08:00Driftwood Sartori "Wet Hopped" Harvest I.P.A.<p align="center"><img class="alignright size-full wp-image-756" title="sartori" alt="sartori" src="http://www.justgrapeswine.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/sartori.jpg" width="280" height="300" /></p> Today I stopped by the 100th cask rotation at the Alibi Room here in Vancouver for a special selection of BC microbrewed beers. The place was hopping and filled with both beer geeks and beer industry, including many of the brewers themselves. There were quite a few one off beers being poured, but the one that really stood out to me was this unique "wet hopped" India Pale Ale from BC's newest brewery Driftwood.<br /><br />"Wet hops" refers to the fact that this beer is brewed with fresh hops transported (while in water) directly from the hop farm to the brewery. Typically hops are dried before they are shipped and then added to the liquid product of the mash. Using fresh hops is uncommon, and adds a unique aromatic quality to the beer.<br /><br />This particular I.P.A. had tons of flowers, fresh citrus and subtle forest notes. The cask made it very smooth drinking, but did not dull the punch of the hops. The hops were perfectly in balance and the IBU's present but in check. I'm not sure how to describe this beer any better, but I can say that I think this is by far the best I.P.A. I've had from British Columbia and I think it can compete with some of the best examples from the U.S. This beer is a superb accomplishment for such a young microbrewing industry, and if it is a sign of things to come, then the B.C. beer scene is about to get a heck of a lot more exciting.<br /><br />Excellent<br />$6/pint - bottles no longer available, but hopefully will appear again next year.Sheahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04111980039963661949noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-987297072117388373.post-33678689245741544502009-11-08T16:20:00.000-08:002009-11-08T16:21:22.588-08:00Brouwerji Fonteinen Doesjel Old Lambic in Oak 2006<p align="center"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-628" title="IMG_3687" alt="IMG_3687" src="http://www.justgrapeswine.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/IMG_3687-168x300.jpg" width="168" height="300" /></p>This Gueze Lambic is from the legendary Fonteinen of Belgium, who have become even more legendary after a warehouse fire destroyed their entire stock about a year ago. As a result, their beer prices shot up and the beers themselves became rare specialty commodities that collectors now prize highly.<br /><br />Lucky for me, the last time I was in San Francisco, I stopped by Healthy Spirits, an awesome beer store in the Castro district, and found a bottle of this taunting me with its simple beauty. So yes, like any faithful beer geek I picked up a bottle.<br /><br />I opened this a few months later, and found it to be one of the best Geuze style lambics I have had the fortune to taste. The nose has the classic notes of must, funk, damp cellar, oak, wood, and some dried fruits. This is very expressive aromatically and has crazy nuances that newer Geuzes just don't reveal.<br /><br />The palate had citrus, dried apricot, wood, forest, and pine needles all mashed together in a very robust, and yet low alcohol, potion of goodness. The beer was smooth, slightly off-dry and had great complexity. In the end, it confirmed the legend - a rare and singular offering. If you ever see one of these beers pick it up immediately, you will not be disappointed.<br /><br />Excellent<br />$15 / 375ml at Healthy SpiritsSheahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04111980039963661949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-987297072117388373.post-56887084633286889072009-10-24T23:17:00.000-07:002009-10-24T23:18:28.927-07:00Brooklyn Brewing Black Chocolate Stout 06-07<p align="center"><img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-581" title="IMG_3630" alt="IMG_3630" src="http://www.justgrapeswine.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/IMG_36302-124x300.jpg" width="124" height="300" /></p><br />I'm not sure that I've ever written up what is perhaps not only my favourite go to stout, but also one of the best balanced and most ageable stouts out there. Brooklyn's Black Chocolate Stout is actually not brewed with chocolate, but rather with copious amounts of chocolate malts. One can certainly taste and smell all levels of dark chocolate in this wonderfully made beer. Further, as part of an ongoing debate on twitter about chocolate and wine, I want to come out on my blog to say that in my opinion no alcohol pairs better with chocolate than stouts. The huge range of stouts is versatile and able to pair with the huge range of chocolate styles, which is precisely what I did with this amazing stout that I aged for 3 years before consuming.<br /><br />The nose on the stout has vanilla, caramel, loads of chocolate and heavy roasted coffee. The palate is ridiculously smooth after 3 years in the bottle, and tasted like cigar, caramel, sugar, wood, dark roasted coffee and bitter cacao. These high alcohol stouts really only show their full potential when stored away for at least a year, many improving well beyond that. For me, big imperial stouts are the perfect dessert drink, much more so than sweet wines. 10% ABV.<br /><br />Excellent<br />$2.75/375ml at BCLDB (for the current release 08-09)Sheahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04111980039963661949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-987297072117388373.post-88927612483494177132009-10-19T21:22:00.000-07:002009-10-19T21:24:20.187-07:00Brasserie d'Ecaussinnes La Penneffoise<p align="center"><img class="alignright size-thumbnail wp-image-550" title="IMG_4001" alt="IMG_4001" src="http://www.justgrapeswine.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/IMG_4001-150x150.jpg" width="150" height="150" /></p>British Columbia has recently begun to improve its selection of craft beers, which is nice to see. However, most of them are merely solid but not overly exciting examples of a particular style. Perhaps I was spoiled by spending 5 months embroiled in California's thriving micro-brew culture, but my exposure to fine beers in the U.S. changed my perception of what is truly great.<br /><br />This is all the more reason why I think this Belgian 'prune' beer is super. It has a level of complexity and experimentation that you rarely find in the BC market, and, well, it's just really darn tasty. Being a fruit beer, some might expect this to be based on a weisse style or on the lambic style. It's not really either of those - instead being a hybrid between a belgian strong ale and a wild ale.The nose on this is fantastic: similar to a geueze lambic or a beer made with brettanomyces yeast, this also has a nice wet forest/cellar smell while pushing subtle belgian fruit esters forward. The prune aromas is subtle but present.<br /><br />Best of all, this beer is not made with added sugar or in a sickly fruity sweet style. You can still taste the prune and the fruit, but the beer actually finishes dry and wonderful. There is a degree of complex malting going on here that is similar to what Allagash or Lost Abbey do with their beers and something you don't taste very much in BC. This is very full and robust while being light and creamy in the mouth. The 8% ABV is completely unnoticeable. I'm sipping on this right now and thinking "I love this beer". If you want to taste a <em>real</em> beer in Vancouver, do not pass this by.<br /><br />Excellent and Highly Recommended Value<br />$15 / 750ml at VitiSheahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04111980039963661949noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-987297072117388373.post-44278181724760837062009-09-30T18:33:00.000-07:002009-09-30T18:34:50.677-07:00Shmaltz Brewing Coney Island Human BlockheadI've written about the diversity of lager before, and the unfortunate dominance of mass market beer in the lager department. Shmaltz Brewing is taking the challenge, though, with their Coney Island line of lagers in a myriad of styles. Unfortunately, this particular iteration did not work for me and felt quite unbalanced compared to the basic Coney Island Lager or the Albino Python.<br /><br /><p align="center"><img class="alignright size-thumbnail wp-image-465" title="IMG_3586" alt="IMG_3586" src="http://www.justgrapeswine.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/IMG_3586-150x150.jpg" width="150" height="150" /></p><br />This poured a very dark cloudy reddish-brown with a big 1.5" head: not at all reminiscent of your standard macro-lager. The nose was perhaps a bit too malty, though, and that sweetness persisted on the palate with cherries, banana, rootbeer, brown sugar and spice. This beer is like an overly-happy person who seems great at first glance but begins to wear on you at an exponential rate. The beer is pretty tasty on the first sip, but loses its charm with a few more. It's too bad, but I still highly recommend Shmaltz' other lager offerings.<br /><br />Fair<br />$9/22oz @ Brewery CreekSheahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04111980039963661949noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-987297072117388373.post-89829335725537147632009-09-30T18:30:00.000-07:002009-09-30T18:33:22.695-07:00Southern Tier Hopsun Summer Wheat AleIt's somewhat ironic that this review finally made it up on the site one day after Vancouver's first major rain storm of the fall/winter doldrums. So, if you'll excuse my seasonal anachronism I'll tell you that I was expecting a lot more from this wheat beer from New York.<br /><p align="center"><img src="http://www.justgrapeswine.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/IMG_3584-150x150.jpg" width="150" height="150" /></p><br />The nose on this hybrid style was big and hoppy with notes of Belgian fruit esters, and unfortunately a weird cardboard edge. The dry hops continued on the palate, with hints of pine needles. But, the hops really make this beer unbalanced for some reason and the cardboard taste persisted over two bottles, making me wonder if the entire shipment to Vancouver was off. This is simple but not really that summery - which perhaps is appropriate for this tardy review.<br /><br />Good+<br />$4/333ml @ Brewery CreekSheahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04111980039963661949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-987297072117388373.post-62046806032514610232009-08-24T21:21:00.000-07:002009-08-24T21:22:58.811-07:00North Coast Pranqster<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1-bHYNhSATA9bPc4D_pap-rEfUJJ7W5-tiF771SujfUi01VztT9G84vdLMooSggsXN9JGA4WabUFe8xhtHY8BGAedWm4znjh2YPs0az7UyoTYyx6yD6qwrYewXOH5rZ-Roq9QlilOc4Y/s1600-h/GetAttachment.aspx.jpeg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 104px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1-bHYNhSATA9bPc4D_pap-rEfUJJ7W5-tiF771SujfUi01VztT9G84vdLMooSggsXN9JGA4WabUFe8xhtHY8BGAedWm4znjh2YPs0az7UyoTYyx6yD6qwrYewXOH5rZ-Roq9QlilOc4Y/s200/GetAttachment.aspx.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373750534376324306" border="0" /></a>Made in a Belgian blonde ale style, this very well crafted beer has become my new standby blonde. Pouring with a murky and yeasty colour, this beer has a pleasant deep straw colour and a small but persistent head. The nose has apple, banana, tropical fruits and cream, while the palate is filled with tropical fruits and is rich and full with an opulent creamy texture. This is a flavourful blonde ale with more richness than is standard from Belgium, and some interesting herbal bitterness on the finish. A highly drinkable beer, the Pranqster is food friendly for simple French or Belgian inspired fare.<br /><br />Very Good<br />$10 / 4 pack of 333ml bottles at BCLDB (more at private stores)Sheahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04111980039963661949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-987297072117388373.post-11494159941515049942009-08-22T00:01:00.000-07:002009-08-22T00:02:12.490-07:00Oud Beersel Oud Geuze<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2_HBSZIssO8zCm8DbDdNQbPEcgKGzTQ7aMSJ0_FLTLyD5V6FhT39DQoRHZ65CH9cY0yaZ2qt9noI_olFJUuaEdh4jBqjJKv_PkMX0BMT93s7DI1FDFVVDIerwCh36bgQO0lJnXDz4TsU/s1600-h/IMG_3372.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 150px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5372679274828922562" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2_HBSZIssO8zCm8DbDdNQbPEcgKGzTQ7aMSJ0_FLTLyD5V6FhT39DQoRHZ65CH9cY0yaZ2qt9noI_olFJUuaEdh4jBqjJKv_PkMX0BMT93s7DI1FDFVVDIerwCh36bgQO0lJnXDz4TsU/s200/IMG_3372.JPG" /></a>Lambic is a kind of belgian beer made in a style with which most people are likely to be unfamiliar. Sour and tart on the palate, and often with funky, even bready, flavours, lambics can be an acquired taste for beer drinkers. However, these days sour beers inspired by the traditional Belgian lambics are becoming all the rage in the US microbrewing scene and have precipitated a wave of impressive beers from the likes of Russian River, Lost Abbey, etc.<br /><br />However, even with all the excellent sours being made in the US, it is nice to go back to the source and try a traditional blended unflavoured geuze lambic (made from aged and young lambic and no added fruit). Further, given BC's severe lack of microbrews and interesting beers, it is nice to see a properly made (i.e. sour) gueze lambic on the shelves in the province.<br /><br />This particular lambic had a nose with bread, funk, green apple, dry lager yeast, lemon and spice. The palate is sour, but also balanced with funky earth, must, bread and a ton of yeast flavours (kind of like rising bread smell). While not for all, this is a beer that anyone with an adventurous palate should taste and it is certainly an excellent authentic version of the Belgian lambic. And, as an added bonus, it pairs brilliantly with stilton cheese.<br /><br />Excellent<br />$9/375ml at Viti or Brewery CreekSheahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04111980039963661949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-987297072117388373.post-40741885600180762172009-08-11T19:02:00.001-07:002009-08-11T19:02:51.723-07:00Shmaltz Brewing Coney Island Lager<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvLlDK2eiEyZEPqNY0Hv-9C4vX88IGxoe04k5fjp3kxkyA9CDD05tGkE1wQw59QDKFkD_UV4x4Lft7N-k6w63Ivfzza0HE-S0m3uEeLZ9_1F5UKg2ageliLmCb4cmVTrheWoi47hZkwMY/s1600-h/IMG_3359.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 150px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368891407233673570" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvLlDK2eiEyZEPqNY0Hv-9C4vX88IGxoe04k5fjp3kxkyA9CDD05tGkE1wQw59QDKFkD_UV4x4Lft7N-k6w63Ivfzza0HE-S0m3uEeLZ9_1F5UKg2ageliLmCb4cmVTrheWoi47hZkwMY/s200/IMG_3359.JPG" /></a>With the recent spate of fall-like weather in Vancouver, a lager may be the last thing on your mind right now. For the beer geek, the lager has become emblematic of big corporate beer and its quest to dominate the realm of flavour with bland swill. Fortunately, both the weather monger and the corporate beer hater have something to appreciate in this micro-brew from New York. Shmaltz brewing, also producers of the HeBrew series, uses the Coney Island label to exclusively release lagers. Contrary to popular belief in the beer geek world, lagers are not de facto flavourless and boring. In fact, lagers constitute quite a large category of beers unto themselves, similarly to ales, and the style should not be written off quickly. Lagers are traditionally made in spring and cold-stored over the summer months and come in various styles including Helles, Bock, Marzen and Pilsner. Further, lager can range from dark and malty, to hoppy, to light and dry, the lattermost being the dominant style in the US macro-brewing market.<br /><br />This particular lager is on the darker and maltier side of the scale, with a nose of sweet malts, fruit, bread, sugar, banana bread and candy apple. Interestingly, the palate is almost Belgian-like and has an incredibly full bodied texture and really highlights the bready elements of the beer. Despite its massiveness, I also enjoyed some slight floral notes on the palate and its very clean dry finish, which also happens to make it outstanding for pairing with fuller bodied spicy foods. I suggest trying this beer with some East Indian cuisine or a spicy sausage, and I hope that any beer afficionado is willing to give this beer a try in order to revitalize the unfairly demonized world of the lager.<br /><br />Very Good+<br />$9 / 22oz at Brewery CreekSheahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04111980039963661949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-987297072117388373.post-46025852201008256912009-08-06T14:24:00.001-07:002009-08-06T14:24:46.268-07:00Russian River Brew Pub<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgjVCw_GdzhAu_1t34R7Ka1ZN50V_GrlTBG-XbXgzsTpG2qMglmJ1RkmlfLlTGRQiXx5gfS5immm_WlO26Xz5WUI0G5ZVm17uzS4eISON2QRXdpKygdlKh4QlqrpI9yiwi2gj8DXdLOCQ/s1600-h/Russian+River.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366580624015092274" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgjVCw_GdzhAu_1t34R7Ka1ZN50V_GrlTBG-XbXgzsTpG2qMglmJ1RkmlfLlTGRQiXx5gfS5immm_WlO26Xz5WUI0G5ZVm17uzS4eISON2QRXdpKygdlKh4QlqrpI9yiwi2gj8DXdLOCQ/s320/Russian+River.jpg" /></a><br />So after all the festivities of #WBC09 Graham, Sean and I decided to hit up Russian River Brewing before heading back to San Francisco. And, as the saying goes it takes a lot of good beer to make a good wine. If all beer were as good as Russian River, well we might never get to the wine. Here are two video reviews of two fantastic sour beers brewed right in Sonoma. Cheers!<br /><br /><br /><object id="viddler_2a31ec0d" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" width="400" height="267"><param name="_cx" value="10583"><param name="_cy" value="7064"><param name="FlashVars" value=""><param name="Movie" value="http://www.viddler.com/player/2a31ec0d/"><param name="Src" value="http://www.viddler.com/player/2a31ec0d/"><param name="WMode" value="Window"><param name="Play" value="-1"><param name="Loop" value="-1"><param name="Quality" value="High"><param name="SAlign" value=""><param name="Menu" value="-1"><param name="Base" value=""><param name="AllowScriptAccess" value="always"><param name="Scale" value="ShowAll"><param name="DeviceFont" value="0"><param name="EmbedMovie" value="0"><param name="BGColor" value=""><param name="SWRemote" value=""><param name="MovieData" value=""><param name="SeamlessTabbing" value="1"><param name="Profile" value="0"><param name="ProfileAddress" value=""><param name="ProfilePort" value="0"><param name="AllowNetworking" value="all"><param name="AllowFullScreen" value="true"><embed src="http://www.viddler.com/player/2a31ec0d/" width="400" height="267" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" name="viddler_2a31ec0d"></embed></object><br /><br /><br /><object id="viddler_96924a0a" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" width="400" height="267"><param name="_cx" value="10583"><param name="_cy" value="7064"><param name="FlashVars" value=""><param name="Movie" value="http://www.viddler.com/player/96924a0a/"><param name="Src" value="http://www.viddler.com/player/96924a0a/"><param name="WMode" value="Window"><param name="Play" value="-1"><param name="Loop" value="-1"><param name="Quality" value="High"><param name="SAlign" value=""><param name="Menu" value="-1"><param name="Base" value=""><param name="AllowScriptAccess" value="always"><param name="Scale" value="ShowAll"><param name="DeviceFont" value="0"><param name="EmbedMovie" value="0"><param name="BGColor" value=""><param name="SWRemote" value=""><param name="MovieData" value=""><param name="SeamlessTabbing" value="1"><param name="Profile" value="0"><param name="ProfileAddress" value=""><param name="ProfilePort" value="0"><param name="AllowNetworking" value="all"><param name="AllowFullScreen" value="true"><embed src="http://www.viddler.com/player/96924a0a/" width="400" height="267" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" name="viddler_96924a0a"></embed></object><br /><br />P.S. Thanks to Sean of <a href="http://www.vinifico.com/">Vinifico</a> for providing the video equipment and editing these videos.Sheahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04111980039963661949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-987297072117388373.post-13379644942617969622009-07-20T22:42:00.001-07:002009-07-20T22:43:06.701-07:00Pelican Pub and Brewery MacPelican's Scotch Style AleWith our arcane alcohol importing laws in BC it is an exciting event to see a new brewery on the shelves. Oregon's Pelican Brewery has recently arrived in Vancouver with 3-4 offerings. I had heard good things when I was living in California but never had the chance to try anything from Pelican, until now.<br /><br />The colour on this scotch ale is a golden brown, which is metaphorically suggestive of the malty nose with its great notes of honey and walnuts. On the palate this has great balance for a scotch ale (many of which can be too sweet), and has a nice creamy texture for smooth drinking. When sipping I noticed flavours that remind me of lager yeasts along with nuts and honey. Easy drinking and food friendly, but also simple. Enjoyable but not mind blowing.<br /><br />Very Good<br />$8 / 22oz Bomber at Brewery CreekSheahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04111980039963661949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-987297072117388373.post-8030583975896952962009-07-16T16:07:00.001-07:002009-07-16T16:07:50.303-07:00Dogfish Head Raison D'EtreHaving tried and very much enjoyed the super version of this beer (Raison D'Extra) I was looking forward to seeing how the regular version faired. Happily I can say it did quite well in both drinkability and pairability, two essential categories for a great beer.<br /><br />This poured a cloudy raisin brown with a fairly small head. While the aromas were subdued I did get soft malts and sweet sugar on the nose. Made with beet sugar and raisins, this beer is really quite unique flavour wise with cigar, tobacco, malts, and touches of raisin and beet on the finish. This was a smooth and full ale with some interesting components that actually came together quite well. Further, this was a great treat with cod, and complimented the fish's richness well. A true food ale.<br /><br />Very Good+<br />$5/333ml at Brewery Creek (and other private stores)Sheahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04111980039963661949noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-987297072117388373.post-84218464749831301202009-07-06T21:22:00.000-07:002009-07-06T21:23:18.527-07:00Green Flash West Coast IPAGreen Flash is an extremely solid San Diego based brewer that has recently entered the BC market with some of their well crafted year round offerings. However, given the dearth of quality beer in Vancouver Green Flash always seems to disappear quickly from the city's best beer stores. Lucky for me, I got one of four six packs of the West Coast IPA from Brewery Creek a few weeks ago.<br /><br />This is a very west coast IPA in style: extremely dry with pretty much no residual sweetness or maltiness. The nose had pine, grapefruit and a nice floral element. The pine continued heavily on the palate, with the addition of crisp bitter citrus rind. Without much malt to balance out the hops, this is for hop-heads who love a dry-hopped style. Nonetheless, Green Flash does not go over the top like some brewers that tend to create hop extract rather than beer. And, the beautiful clean and crisp finish makes this ideal for the summer.<br /><br />Very Good+ to Excellent<br />$17 / 6-pack at Brewery CreekSheahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04111980039963661949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-987297072117388373.post-57630858274029897742009-06-27T21:31:00.000-07:002009-06-27T21:32:34.711-07:00North Coast Old Rasputin Russian Imperial StoutStout - isn't it summer? You wouldn't know that given the last week of weather here in Vancouver. Hence, I pulled out and revisited an old favourite from California brewer North Coast (maker of other tasty beers such as Brother Thelonious).<br /><br />Pouring with an awesome thick head, the nose on this was classic toasty caramel and heavy roast coffee. The palate expands on this and is very deep and intense: fresh coffee grounds, ash and cigar punctuate the viscous texture. Each flavour also manages to keep in balance with the others and the alcohol (at 9% abv) is not overly noticeable - a feature that will smooth even more with the proper aging. In the end, this is a very well made Russian Imperial Stout and a perfect standby for cold summer evenings.<br /><br />Very Good+<br />$4/333ml at Brewery Creek, Viti, LibertySheahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04111980039963661949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-987297072117388373.post-9249161039133346262009-06-21T18:30:00.000-07:002009-06-21T18:31:34.154-07:00Caracole TroubletteSummer often demands wheat beer, but wheat beer in Canada can also often be disappointing or overly simple. I got this Belgian wheat ale on recommendation, and while not spectacular, it steps up to the plate as a good summer standard.<br /><br />With a mellow and simple nose and palate this Belgian white ale had pineapple, orange, fennel, and soda pop. Light and smooth, this goes down easy at 5.5% abv. Maybe lacking a little depth and freshness (not sure how old this bottle is), I still recommend it for a basic summer beer that far surpasses the likes of BC brewed wheat ales.<br /><br />Very Good<br />$4.50/333ml at Brewery CreekSheahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04111980039963661949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-987297072117388373.post-20876658300166660522009-06-12T12:48:00.001-07:002009-06-12T12:48:52.952-07:00Brooklyn Brewing Local 1Brooklyn is one of those breweries that has helped spread the word about micro brewed beer. They have pretty good market penetration with their basic beers, which are all above average for the style. However, it is their specialty beers that really show their prowess.<br /><br />The Local 1 is made in a Belgian Strong Blond Ale style and pours with a huge head. Proper carbonation can be hard to come by, but this is balanced just right and the bubbles add freshness to a pretty high alcohol brew. The nose has lots of Belgian Trippel notes - fruity esters, some rootbeer and cream. The palate has plenty of baking spice, licorice and candy floss. This is smooth and robust summer drinking, even at around 9% alcohol.<br /><br />Very Good+<br />$15 / 750ml at Brewery CreekSheahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04111980039963661949noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-987297072117388373.post-27771207794814785372009-06-10T19:31:00.000-07:002009-06-10T19:39:50.257-07:00Dogfish Head India Brown AleDogfish Head are surprisingly consistent in quality across their huge selection of microbrewed beer. The India Brown Ale is somewhat of a hybrid between a creamy English style ale and a malty strong ale. Brewed with brown sugar, this has a significant texture that is smooth and viscous.<br /><br />On the palate, the caramel and brown sugar flavours from the malts develop into a smoky and slightly bitter herbal finish. This is quite a robust beer at 7.2% ABV, but is balanced enough to go with many foods. I could see this with a pot pie or some sort of stew. And, a few days after drinking this I find myself repeatedly craving more. Always a good sign.<br /><br />Very Good+<br />$5/375ml at Brewery CreekSheahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04111980039963661949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-987297072117388373.post-34635086488083323872009-06-09T00:08:00.001-07:002009-06-09T00:08:48.965-07:00Dogfish Head Red & WhiteThis was an old bottle I had been storing for about a year: spoils from the Seattle International Beer Festival. Without comparison to a non-aged version it is hard to say what the effect was, but I can attest that this was very balanced for such high alcohol, which I find a common occurrence when you age such beers for about a year.<br /><br />The spicy nose gave way to malted spice, bread, cake, orange peel, caramel sauce and maybe correander on the palate. Complex and well balanced, this went down super easily on a hot summer day. This was perhaps due to the distinct juicyness which suggested freshly pressed cherries and strawberries - a factor likely the result of the added pinot noir juice. The finish is refined and malty without being too sweet. Excellent stuff. 10% ABV.<br /><br />Very Good+<br />Around $15-20 USD I think.Sheahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04111980039963661949noreply@blogger.com0