New Beer Friday - July 22 Edition

In terms of new beer acquisitions, it's been a relatively slow week here at Siciliano's: only four beers on this week's list (and one interesting new package design). The big news is the arrival of 15+ varieties of whole leaf hops from Hopunion, a happening you can read about here. All is not lost for you non-brewing beer enthusiasts, however, as the beers that did come in are most definitely good ones. Check 'em out below!

New (and Returning) Beers

• Stone Russian Imperial Stout, 2011 "Classic" Release, $7.59/22oz - "Brewed in the authentic historical style of an Imperial Russian Stout, this beer is massive. Intensely aromatic (notes of anise, black currants, coffee, roastiness and alcohol) and heavy on the palate, this brew goes where few can - and fewer dare even try. The style originated from Czarist Russia's demand for ever thicker English stouts. Expect our version of this mysterious brew to pour like Siberian crude and taste even heavier!" (source).
• Stone Belgo Anise Russian Imperial Stout, 2011 "Odd Year" Release, $7.59/22oz - "This 2011 'Odd Year' release pours pitch black with a deep tan head, with aromatic notes of anise, coffee, and cocoa jumping from the glass. Coffee and dark-roasted malt flavors dominate, with a robust complement of anise and oak, which leave a lingering blend of vanilla, licorice, and dark malt on the palate. This one will age nicely for several years" (source).
• Avery Eighteen, $8.19/22oz - A dry-hopped rye saison brewed to celebrate Avery's 18 years in business. Avery also celebrated its 18th birthday with a pack a cigarettes, a Playboy, and by registering for the draft.
• Short's Beach Wheat, $1.69/12oz - "A light, clean, easy-drinking hefeweizen" (source). Nothin' better on a hot summer day!
• Red Hook Long Hammer IPA, $1.49/12oz - By no means a new edition to Siciliano's beer inventory, but the redesigned packaging is sort of interesting. Hey, we told you, it terms of new beer, it's been a slow week around here.

Cheetah's Choice - Wine of the Week

El Castro de Valtuille Joven, 2006 Castro Ventosa Mencia, $10.99/750ml - "This purple-colored 2006 El Castro de Valtuille is 100% Mencia sourced from vines with an average age of 60 years. It offers up a classy bouquet of cherry, raspberry, mineral, and incense. Layered and dense of the palate, it has complex flavors, excellent concentration, plenty of spice, and a lengthy finish. Drink it from 2011 to 2021." ~Wine Advocate #183, June 2009

Quote of Week

"Once, during prohibition, I was forced to live for days on nothing but food and water."

~WC Fields