New Beer Friday - August 26 Edition

A good week this week at Siciliano's. Tomatoes are peaking, the boss is acclimating well to his new titanium robo-hip, and (most important) several new beers found their way onto the shelves, many of which exhibit qualities indicative of the greatest Michigan season, Fall. Sure is a good time to be a beer fan. Take it from Larry Bell, who contends: "Fall is my favorite time to drink beer. The weather turns cooler, there's a bounty of foods, and beer just seems to taste better". That's a quote from the back label of Bell's Octoberfest, which just happens to be one of the excellent beers on this week's list. To steal another quote from Larry, "Prosit!"

New (and Returning) Beer

• New Holland Ichabod Pumpkin Ale, $1.79/12oz - "Ichabod combines malted barley and real pumpkin with cinnamon and nutmeg in a delicious and inviting brew. A rewarding complement to many dishes, [this beer] pairs well with autumnal foods such as poultry and root vegetables. After dinner, try it with your favorite dessert" (source). 
• Arcadia Jaw-Jacker, $1.79/12oz - Lest those of you with exaggerated pumpkin affinities feel left out: "Although no pumpkins [were harmed in the brewing of this beer], a blend of nutmeg, allspice, and cinnamon work with malty flavors to create a bold flavor reminiscent of pumpkin pie" (source).
• Heavy Seas "Red Sky at Night" Saison, $1.89/12oz - A beer highly recommended by Siciliano's staffer Doug 'the Chug' Dorda, who calls this the "candy-like, swan song of summer". What more do you need to know? Maybe this.
• Bell's The Oracle DIPA, $2.99/12oz - Sorry folks, this one is sold out already. Oh if only it were New Beer Tuesday and not New Beer Friday.
• Founders Breakfast Stout, $2.59/12oz - "You can't drink all day if you don't start in the morning." The simplest truths are often the most profound.
• Bell's Octoberfest, $1.69/12oz - This editor has a new go-to fall beer. 'Nough said.
• Arbor Brewing Mackinac Island Fudge Stout, $2.29 - The official beer of old-timey war re-enactors everywhere. Okay, I made that up. Just try the beer already.
• Spaten Oktoberfest, $1.79/12oz - A true classic.
• Brooklyn Post Road Pumpkin Ale, $1.59/12oz - "Hundreds of pounds of pumpkins are blended into the mash of each batch, creating a beer with an orange-amber color, warm pumpkin aroma, biscuity malt center, and crisp finish" (source).
• Brooklyn Octoberfest, $1.59/12oz - Another excellent example of the style. Brooklyn says this beer pairs well with steaks and roasted meats.
• Harpoon Octoberfest, $1.59/12oz - Pair this one with pork or sausages. 
• Reunion Ale '11, $7.19/22oz - A collaboration beer from Schmaltz Brewing and Terrapin, a dark ale brewed with cocoa nibs, vanilla and chili peppers.
• Coney Island Freaktoberfest, $2.59/12oz - Gives new meaning to the term "red ale". You'll have to try one to find out why.
• Short's Ale la Reverend Wedding Session IPA, $1.99/12oz - "A distinctively dry, light-bodied IPA with an appealing golden hue, thirst-quenching crispness, and laden with pungent hop aromas of citrus and spruce" (source).

Mysterious Link of the Week

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Picture of the Week

If ever you find yourself in Conklin, MI, stop in for pint of Old Speckled Hen

Cheers, everyone!