New Beer Friday - September 23 Edition

It's here, ya'll, the first official day of Autumn. We suggest you celebrate by participating in one of the many area activities that make the season so incredible--ArtPrize, college football, color tours, trips to ye olde pumpkin patch, cider mill, farm market, or beer store. Beside these general, ongoing events, which you should take advantage of early and often (especially trips to the beer store), here's a link to Oktoberfest West Michigan, a great fall festival taking place this weekend down at John Ball Park.

Though Siciliano's has no direct affiliation with this or any other Oktoberfest, don't be surprised to see one, many, or even all members of our staff in attendance at this or any other Oktoberfest. It's never been our style to pass on a good party.

New (and Returning) Beers

• Southern Tier Pumking Imperial Pumpkin Ale, $7.89/22oz - Serving suggestions for one of the season's most anticipated pumpkin ales: "Pour Pumking into a goblet and allow it’s alluring spirit to overflow. As spicy aromas present themselves, let its deep copper color entrance you as your journey into this mystical brew has just begun. As the first drops touch your tongue a magical spell will bewitch your taste buds making it difficult to escape" (source). And remember, before journeying into any mystical brew, be sure to tell someone where you're going. It's only common sense.
• Victory Moonglow Weizenbock, $2.69/12oz - Siciliano's staffer & certified cicerone Kati Spayde reviewed last year's version of this beer. The review (available here) should give some insight into this year's version.
• Rince Cochon, $8.99/750ml - From what we understand, the name of this 8.5% ABV Belgian Strong Pale Ale is "rinsed pig" (source). Best to not think too deeply on that one.
• Maumee Bay Brewing IPA, $6.19/22oz - Toledo-based Maumee Bay Brewing calls this beer a "nicely balanced flavorful ale, made bitter with copious amounts of Centennial hops and a long fascinating history." As far as we can tell, Maumee never reveals what in the aforementioned "long fascinating history" contributes so much to bitterness. Our guess is that it has something to do with the great Michigan-Ohio War of 1835.
• Vander Mill Totally Roasted Cider, $11.49/750ml - Our friends at Vander Mill have this to say about their limited-release, pecan-flavored cider: "This cider was specially made for a draft customer in Grand Rapids, MI. We are using over 4lbs of homemade cinnamon roasted pecans in a 30-gallon batch of this limited edition cider to bring you 'Totally Roasted'. You will notice that soaking pecans in cider brings a unique texture and taste to the drink. We use cinnamon and vanilla during the roasting process and follow that up by adding whole cut vanilla beans to the cider. These subtle tastes certainly make this a cider all its own" (source).

Picture of the Week

In the picture above, Chef Andy from Charlie's Crab
and Steve from Siciliano's are (again) engaged in mortal combat.

As always, their preferred weapon of choice is the wooden cane.

Prost!