The Beer Tap

Time Elapse Fermentation

Ever wonder what the process of fermentation looks like?  I always enjoy watching yeast go to work during the home brew process, but this is a new twist for me.  Stonch, a beer blogger in London, has put up a You Tube video over at his blog that shows a fermentation condensed into a two minute play time.  Its great watching the krausen build to an undulating mass after a short time only to recede once the fermentable sugars are gone.  Be sure to turn the speakers on as well.  This is a music video! 

Brewers Gone Wild!

I was talking with a guy at work last week about an upcoming brew session and how I was going to try some new hop varieties.  The varieties are not new to the brewing world (Simcoe, Warrior, Amarillo, etc.), but somehow I have not managed to work these into my IPA recipe experimentation.  The discussion led to a suggestion that I try the latest limited release from Tyranena over in Lake Mills, WI.  His description of the beer was simple..."like chewing on raw hops".  I ran out to the store over the weekend and picked up a 4 pack before it disappeared off the shelves.

Stickin' It To The Man Extra India Pale Ale is the current big, bold and ballsy release in the Brewers Gone Wild series by Tyranena.  Each beer in this series is "to the extreme. Big flavor, wild names and.... well.... do you need more?" according to the company's website.  The label describes Stickin' It To The Man as:

"Ruby red and nearly medium-bodied, Specially roasted malts and audacious hopping produce a rich cornucopia of fruity flavors and aromas, sticking it to the beer establishment."

So how does the beer live up to its billing?  Here are my tasting notes as I finish off the last bottle in the four pack.

• Appearance: Ruby red is the perfect description of the color, thin head gave way relatively quickly with some hanging around on the side of the glass as I taste, No haze or cloudiness that almost leads to a brightness
• Aroma: Pine, citrus, some light caramel
• Taste: Flavor up front starts with a focus on hop flavor and sweetness, bitterness is there but really starts to come through as the beer hits the rest of your tongue, And it really hits hard, the bitterness is very dry and really grabs hold of your tongue, Hop flavors (grapefruit, citrus) hang around but more in the background

I really like how this beer comes together.  The bitterness is strong and lasting and pushes right up to the limit of being harsh.  It really is like chewing on a hop pellet!  Minutes after I take a sip, the flavors and bitterness continue to hang around in my mouth.  The dryness makes me want to pick up the glass for another sip!  Probably explains why this is the last of the four beers in the pack.  For those who like hop heavy beers, I think you will find Stickin It surprizingly drinkable.

Tyranena has definitely done well to prove that not all Wisconsin brewers are afraid to use hops.  In past posts and reviews, I have commented that the micros in this area tend to shy away from really big and bold flavors.  Nice to know that there is someone out there marching to the beat of a different drummer.  I am just bummed I missed out on some of these past releases:

• Who's Your Daddy? Bourbon Barrel-Aged Imperial Porter
• Bitter Woman from Hell Extra India Pale Ale
• HopWhore Imperial India Pale Ale
• Spank Me Baby! Barley Wine-Style Ale
• The Devil Made Me Do It! Imperial Oatmeal Porter Brewed with Coffee Beans
• High Class Broad Imperial Brown Ale Aged in Brandy Barrels

Based on these names, something tells me that a "Girls" Gone Wild reference isn't too far off in the future.  I'll start the thinking off with "Show Me Your Hops"!

Vertical Epic 07.07.07

I was just about to start a countdown here on the blog on the upcoming release of Stone's 07.07.07 Vertical Epic only to find out that the beer was in stores this week throughout California and a few other select markets.  For those of you not familiar with the project, Stone has created an annual series released each year when the month, day, and year all match.  The first beer was released on 02.02.02 with a new beer following a year, a month, and a day later.  Each beer has been designed to withstand aging in the bottle until the calendar hits 12.12.12.  At that time each beer can be sampled in a vertical manner to see how each year has changed and held up over time.  None of the beers are brewed to be identical, so it isn't technically a true vertical tasting across vintages as one would see with wine.  Yes, I could be technical and say that wine isn't the same every year due to variance in grape quality, but a wine maker is striving to make more or less the same wine with the best grapes possible.  With Stone's Vertical Epic they are purposefully making changes to the recipe and method to build a full library of aged beers all with different characteristics.   

The 07.07.07 "chapter" in the epic was inspired by two different Belgian styles: Saisons and Golden Tripels.  The bottle describes the beer flavor as "spicy, fruity, complex and refreshing" with an ingredient list that includes Glacier and Crystal hops, four different malts, ginger, cardamom, grapefruit peel, lemon peel, orange peel and a "special" Belgian yeast.  The 07 certainly sounds like an interesting creation and I look forward to getting my hands on a few bottles.  I'll taste a few now and store 2 or 3 away to drink sometime in the future. 

At the time of writing this post, a couple of the older VE's are available on Ebay for anyone looking to backfill their collection.  I found an 04.04.04 currently bid on at $9.99 and a 03.03.03 going for $36.00.  From what I have heard 02.02.02 is next to impossible to find with even Steve Wagner, one of the founders, lamenting that he would like to get his hands on a few bottles.  I currently have 04.04.04, 05.05.05, and 06.06.06 aging with plans to collect the rest through 2012.  Note to my employer at that time, I will be taking December 13, 2012 off since the 12th falls on a Wednesday.  Yep...I'm a geek.  I actually checked the calendar.  Beer is important and deserves some planning!

Roman's Pub

Over the weekend I finally made my way to Roman's Pub here in Milwaukee.  Most craft beer drinkers in town have been telling me for months that I needed to make the trip down.  Here's the funny part....its only 6 miles from my house and its taken me 6 months to get there.  Pretty pathetic when you think about it.  I go out of my way to walk every beer aisle in any store near by but somehow have trouble convincing myself to drive down there.  Now that I realize just how close they are, I think I'll be heading over there more often.

The bar itself is located in an old house that probably hasn't been a house in a really long time.  Pictures around the bar show older versions of what used to be there and while they look house-like there is no doubt that each one is a bar that once "lived" there.  In its current life, Roman's is a very laid back, no extra frills, beer focused bar.  When we arrived, Roman himself was behind the bar and quick to toss advice our way.  I was sold on the 2004 vintage Sierra Bigfoot pretty quickly, but was given the option to "try before you buy".  I am usually willing to buy a full pint without the upfront sample, but then again I love to try new beers.  I think a full pint gives you the opportunity to fully appreciate what a beer is all about.  Even if you decide it just isn't the beer for you, at least you know for sure. 

Anyways...back to the bar and the beer.  The Bigfoot had mellowed very nicely over the last few years.  The bitterness and high hopping were still noticeable but in a less pronounced manner.  The malt sweetness was still there and combined well with the bitterness and hop flavor that remained.  I think you definitely could have used the phrase "rounded out" in this instance.  After that, I decided to completely switch gears and tried the Monks Cafe Flemish Sour Red Ale.  I think this beer served more a pallet cleanser for the final course.  I am not usually a fan of sour beers and lambics, but I keep trying them just in case.  I have to say that this one was pretty tart and not one of my favorites.  For those who like these styles of beers, you may really enjoy this particular one.  I chalked it up to pushing the limits and trying new things.  A sort of self imposed, adult version of being forced taste new things when you are a kid.

After stepping out, I decided to go with one final selection that I was pretty sure I would like.  I had heard good things about Dragon's Milk from New Holland and was anxious to finally try it.  Rich, creamy, smooth.  Close your eyes and you might think you are drinking a beer milkshake (hmmmm...might have to try that).  Also tasted caramel sweetness, roasted grains, vanilla, hints of bourbon.  Definitely the right way to finish off the night.

Other beers in the cellar I look forward to trying on future trips: New Glarus Barleywine, North Coast Old Stock Ale, and South Shore Bourbon Barrel-Aged Coffee Mint Stout.  I may have to wait a while to see these on tap, but the rest of the beer selection should help keep me busy while I wait!  Now we just need the guys over at Stone to get out here to Wisconsin so they can be on tap there as well.  Apparently it is in the works...but I am growing impatient.  For now, I will just have to keep flying back to the West coast to get my fix.  Every other weekend, you'll find me sitting at the bar at Roman's enjoying the great beers they do have.

Special Delivery

Yesterday I came home to find that UPS had left me a package on my door step.  It seems that since I blog about beer, I have "earned" the right to free samples when Flying Dog releases a new beer.  Its certainly not why I started blogging but I am happy to accept any beer that comes my way.  As a marketer, I have to admit I impressed by Flying Dog's attempt to reach out to the beer drinking community through alternative means such as blogs.  Let's face it....they will probably never have the budget that A-B has to produce commercials, to purchase endless signs, to print millions of POS posters, and to sponsor the Super Bowl.  However, I would also venture that 99% of all microbreweries have no desire to head down that path.  Instead, they focus on producing high quality beers made from quality ingredients and then attempt to get the word out.  From there its all about taste and continuing to produce quality.  The brewer(s) or owner(s) often personify the brand or at least set the values of the company which ultimately end up guiding the brand message.  Not exactly complicated and very much "what you see is what you get" which I believe people find refreshing in today's ad filled world.

Neal Stewart, Director of Marketing at Flying Dog, appears to be embracing the blogging world as one way to share news of new brews.  The latest release from Flying Dog is a Belgian-style Wit Beer called Woody Creek White and was nestled down in the box I found at my door.  I am assuming that a sample went out to a number of bloggers, beer writers, and other press in an attempt to generate stories on the brewery and the new beer.  Well, Neal...it worked with me.  Thanks for judging to be worthy of helping to spread the word and feel free to keep them coming!

Now on to the beer.  In preparation for tonight's tasting, I decided to calibrate my palate last night by having a Hoegaarden.  This beer by originally by Pierre Celis helped revive the style in Belgium and I thought it would be an appropriate anchor for sampling the Woody Creek.  Plus it was a hot day and I find Belgian Wit beers to be very refreshing!  Here are a few details on Woody Creek and my tasting notes:

• Alcohol Content: 4.7% ABV
• OG: 1.047
• IBUs: 14
• Ingredients: German Pilsner, Unmalted Wheat, Oats, German Hallertau hops 
• Appearance: Cloudy pale yellow, white creamy foam that fades to a thin strip that rides to the bottom of the glass leaving a nice lacing
• Aroma: Citrus, orange, coriander spice
• Taste: Orange, light sweetness, and spice up front that quickly fades into some faint wheat flavors; very light, crisp finish; Not quite as carbonated as Hoegaarden but not flat either; Also less focus on coriander

Overall, I think that Woody Creek is a very refreshing beer that stands up to the goal of being "perfect for drinking on those hot summer days."  Personally I think that slightly stronger flavors would be good, but that is personal preference. I do like the subtleness around the coriander and spice flavors and probably just want a little more wheat to come through.  Nonetheless, the beer is very enjoyable as is and should be fairly successful.  Add a few Woody Creeks to the cooler and you should have some happy guests at your picnic this summer. 

Editorial Note:  While Flying Dog did provide the sample to me free of charge, I was in no way paid for this blog post.  The opinions on the beer are mine and mine alone. 

Rock it with Red Rocket

Last week I participated in the local brew session and wrote about a brewery here in the state I live in.  Today I decided to review a beer from a brewery that I wish was right next door.  Bear Republic is located in Healdsburg, CA bucking the norm of making wine in the heart of Sonoma in favor of producing some great beers.  I first discovered the brewery and Red Rocket Ale at a homebrew club meeting in Houston.  We were tasting Scottish ales and someone who had recently been to CA brought back a few bottles for the tasting.  The beer stood out from the crowd (not exactly 100% to style) and I made an extra effort to visit the brewery on a trip to SF a month later.  That gave me the opportunity to try all of the beers on tap at the brew pub and I quickly became a t-shirt wearing fan.  Luckily others agree with me and distribution of Red Rocket, Racer 5, and Hop Rod Rye has expanded to the Midwest (all great beers!).  In fact, they are even expanding to a new facility to meet the demand.

Here is how Bear Republic describes Red Rocket on their website:

This fiery red ale is not for the weak at heart. It originally started out as a Scottish red ale but has taken on flavors of its own. This is a very complex recipe using five different grains to achieve its unique flavor. The caramel malt used is a mixture of Belgian Caravienne and Hugh Bairds Crystal malts. Red Rocket is a full bodied, hoppy brew which finishes on the pallet with caramel malts. Centennial and Cascade hops are used for bittering and aroma.

Just reading the description makes my mouth water.  I always drop a bottle or two in the cart when I see it at the store.  Enough talk....let's get to tasting.

• Specifics: 22 oz. bottle, og 1.067, ABV 6.8%, IBU 65+
• Appearance: Red with hints of brown, A nice tan head rose to about 1/4 of an inch and slowly gave way to a thin creamy layer on top, Slightly hazy
• Aroma: Mix of roasted grains, toffee, and some floral hops, Very nicely intertwined and inviting
• Taste: The carbonation hits the tongue up front leading to a quick bitterness that gives way to a number of malt flavors including caramel, toffee, and some nuttiness; The hop bitterness is present throughout never hiding behind the malt flavors and lingers as the malt flavors fade; Very well balanced without either hops or malt dominating at any point

Overall, this continues to be one of my favorite beers.  I can't wait to get back out to NorCal to try it fresh from the source.  If you are in the Sonoma area and cannot make it all the way up to the brewery, don't worry.  The 7-11 just off the square has a nice selection of Bear Republic 22's chilling in the beer fridge waiting to go home with you.  Yep...I did say 7-11.  Now if only all 7-11's had such good taste in beverages!

Biofuel vs. Beer

We are hearing more and more these days about energy efficiency and global warming and the quest to discover alternative fuel sources.  In my mind, there is no doubt that we need to explore new options but the sudden rush to biofuels is starting to have an impact on how farmers are running their businesses.  The other day I read an article about how German farmers are choosing to move away from barley to rapeseed and corn which can be made into ethanol and biodiesel.  As a result, the price of barley has doubled over the last two years leading to a 40% increase in malt prices.  So far, German brewers have absorbed much of this cost increase but it appears that increase in cost is beginning to make its way to the consumer.  The article also mentions that Germany is the largest European consumer of bioenergy while also a leader in producing wind energy and recycling refuse.  I remember the heavy emphasis on returnable bottles and recycling on my trips to and through Germany so it comes as no surprise to me that the Germans have embraced this new energy source.  The question is how will an increase in beer prices affect their dedication?  Will the government step in to help ensure that enough barley is also planted to stabilize barley/beer prices?  An increase in barley prices should help keep some farmers from switching or maybe even attract farmers from other non-biofuel crops without any government intervention.  Its an interesting problem that Germany and the rest of the world, including the US, will face as they adopt biofuels.   

Session#4: Local Brews

After enjoying reading the efforts of other beer bloggers on "Beer Blogging Friday" with "The Session", I finally decided to get in on the action.  I think it helped that the style for the month of June is Local Brews.  Just think of the power of beer bloggers across the US picking up a beer or two from a local brewery and telling you all about it.  Especially if its one of those hard to find, only available in a small area brands.  It provides additional insight on vacation planning and brewery trips just as many of us are headed out on the road for summer.

So here are the requirements for this month's session as set forth by the host, Gastronomic Fight Club:

• You can pick anything commercially made within 150 miles of your house, but try to pick the brewery or brewpub closest to your house (NOTE: the average American lives within 10 miles of a craft brewery).
• You can select any beer or even a sampler if you want.
• If you select a single beer, let us know why you choose this beer (e.g. favorite,seasonal,limited edition, best seller). 
• Preferably you'll shy away from beers with wide distribution outside your immediate area.

Not liking to be just an average American, I actually live 4 blocks from a local micro brewery here in Milwaukee, Lakefront Brewery.  However, I wrote a post on them based on a tour I took back in the winter.  So I decided to expand the range to the full 150 miles to see what fell into that net.  Having only lived in MKE for 7 months now, I am still seeking out all of the best micros/crafts that Wisconsin has to offer.  Of course 150 miles also allows me to consider Chicago, but that seems a tad far to really be considered local even if it is close enough for me to drive down for a beer on a Saturday afternoon.

After careful consideration I decided to take a closer look at New Glarus Brewing Company which is 105 miles from my house.  While there were other breweries closer and even here in MKE, I was intrigued by all of the awards the brewery has racked up since 1993.  I've tried a number of their beers on tap, but have to admit that so far none of them have made it to "regular purchase" status yet.  However, as I looked at their website I discovered that I have yet to try the Wisconsin Belgian Red, a very accomplished, award winning beer.  And how can I judge a brewery as a whole if I don't try one of their best offerings?  So for my contribution to Beer Blogging Friday I will be tasting this beer for the first time.

Before I get to tasting the the Belgian Red, I wanted to see what New Glarus had to say about the brew.  From the website and label on the bottle:

"Belgian Red is a tapestry of flavor. This beer is brewed with whole Montmorency Cherries, Wisconsin farmed wheat and Belgian roasted barleys, lagered in oak tanks and balanced by Hallertau hops we aged in our brewery one full year.

Over a pound of Door County Cherries in every bottle makes this beer uniquely “Wisconsin.” So unique, in fact, that we applied for a patent. Expect this beer to be ruby red, with a medium body that is highly carbonated and intense with cherry flavor and bouquet. Serve your friends Belgian Red in a brandy snifter or champagne flute and toast life with beer from the land of Wisconsin."

Wisconsin Belgian Red is 5.1% by volume and available in 750 mL bottles and in 1/4 barrels, but only in the state of Wisconsin.  New Glarus is in the process of building a new facility which may mean greater distribution in the future.

As I mentioned, this beer and the brewery have won quite a few awards since opening in 1993.  Here is a sample of the awards New Glarus has won just at the GABF for the Belgian Red:

• Gold Medal: 1996, 1997, 2003, 2005, 2006
• Silver: 2001, 2002

The success of the Belgian Red and their other beers has also led to a number of awards for Dan Carey, the Brewmaster:

• 2003 Best Small Brewery in America, Best American Brewer
• 2005 Midsize Brewery of the Year, Midsize Brewer of the Year 
• 2006 Midsize Brewery of the Year, Midsize Brewer of the Year 

Alright...enough verbiage.  Time to get the weekend started and do a tasting.  I picked up a 750 mL from the local Whole Foods for $8.99.  The bottle top is hand dipped in red wax giving it a very elegant look.

• Appearance: Rich brown with some red/orange; Completely opaque; Orange-tan head settled at a finger high for a while but then disappeared
• Aroma: All cherries with some tartness (I realize that is more of a flavor, but the aroma really does have me expecting tart); No hop aromas that I can detect
• Taste: Dominant cherry flavor that immediately makes me think of summer in the Great Lakes area; Cherry pie would be a good description as long as you have had one made from fresh cherries and not canned pie filling; Some tartness but sweeter than I expected; Sweetness not over the top but borderline and probably too much for some people; No characteristic Belgian yeast flavors

Overall I think this is a good fruit beer for the summer, but I will also concede that the full 750 mL is more than I would want to finish in one sitting (friends like it when you share anyway).  I also think that this beer will evoke a strong response from those who try it: you either love it or hate it.  Some will think it is too sweet while others will think it to be fine as is.  Some may also ask "Where's the beer?" since the cherry flavors and aromas are so dominant.  I am glad I tried it and look forward to continuing to drink local to support the brewers in my area.  Be sure to do the same!