Archive for September, 2008
Beer Reviewers on YouTube
Tuesday, September 30th, 2008 | Funny | No Comments
Chuck, this is what you can only strive to achieve…
Falling Rock Tap House - Denver, CO
Monday, September 22nd, 2008 | Tasting Reviews, Trip Reports | No Comments
The afternoon of Friday, September 19th included a couple of hours sitting at the Falling Rock Tap House in Denver and drinking the selection of Russian River beers on tap, as well as splitting a bottle of the 10 Commandements from The Lost Abbey Brewing Company.
I started with the the Russian River Temptation on tap (7.0 ABV). This Belgian strong golden ale, served in a snifter the way any fine Belgian should be, offered a very balanced taste with a crisp golden color. This was a nice way to start the day.
Next I stepped it up to the RR Blind Pig IPA (6.0 ABV, Beer Advocate #51). Although I have tasted the bottled version, the draught version of was a little less hoppy then I recall the bottle being. That being said, it was plenty hoppy and the citrus falvors balance the hoppiness in a was that makes this Top 100 beer well worth pursuing.
The final Russian River on tap was the Pliny the Elder (8.0 ABV, Beer Advocate #9) Double IPA. For a fairly high hopped beer, the taste is nicely balanced and the bouquet is amazing - almost piney. Compares very well with the bottled, at least from what I recall.
My final indulgence was the Ten Commandments Belgian Strong Dark from Lost Abbey Brewing. This was served in a corked 750 ml bottle, and is brewed with raisins, honey and rosemary. The beer allowed almost no light to pass through, and the bouquet is slightly sour. The sourness and the raisin flavors provided a nice balance, but this is definately a beer for sipping with a nice hearty meal (if not afterwards).
The location, on Blake Street a couple of blocks from Coors Field, is a must stop for anyone in Denver. With about 90 beers on tap, and a history of breweriana on the shelves (old bottles, taps, etc.), this is a destination to work into your next trip. I look forward to being back on a few weeks for GABF.
Todd
Ultimate Beer Tasting Road Trip
Monday, September 22nd, 2008 | Events, Trip Reports | No Comments
From Outside Magazine, the Pacific Brewry Binge.
http://outside.away.com/outside/destinations/200807/weekend-road-trip-oregon-california.html
More than 20 breweries along the 800+ mile trip from San Fran to Portland.
Great Lakes Barrel-Aged Blackout Stout - Release 10/15
Wednesday, September 17th, 2008 | Beer News | No Comments
Great Lakes Barrel-Aged Blackout Stout is being released on Wednesday, Oct. 15 at the brewpub. $14 / bottle. At 85 IBUs, the beer is named after “named after the infamous ‘Blackout of 2003′ that left the northeastern United States in complete darkness”.