New Beer Friday - January 6 Edition

John's beard,
 courtesy of stouts like these

By Chris Siciliano

The polls are closed, the votes are in, the results are not what we expected. In the completely for-fun contest to christen our new mill, the names Milldred and Millford Brimley have tied for first place, turning the world on its head and leaving Buzz editors scrambling for a workable solution.

A tie is not something we planned for, folks, nor did we see it coming, not between these two candidates at least. As late as Tuesday evening early front-runner Milldred was all but cruising to victory; Millford Brimley, on the other hand, hadn't made much noise and, in fact, looked to be settling comfortably into the role of also-ran. How quickly things can change.

Anyway, while Siciliano's brass attends to the problem (what do you think we should do?), we suggest you turn your attention to this week's new beers, at least three of which are the kind of high-octane belly warmers that pair so well with these cold January nights. A trio of Russian Imperial Stouts, now there's a scenario where everybody wins. For complete contest results, see below.

New (and Returning) Beer

• Founders Imperial Stout, $2.59/12oz - "Brewed with ten varieties of malted barley, this stout is smooth as silk, yet complex and rich in body. Serve this guy at cellar temperature. Put another log on the fire, sit back, and enjoy the friendship of this ultimate winter warmer" (source). Limit 4 bottles/customer
• North Coast Barrel-aged Old Rasputin XII, $23.29/500ml - "Aging in oak whiskey barrels adds a level of complexity that amplifies the espresso/chocolate notes in the flavor profile and takes this unique beer to new heights" (source). Limit 1 bottle/customer.
• Courage Russian Imperial Stout, $7.19/275ml - "A famous stout from the 18th and 19th centuries has been revived by Wells & Young's brewery in Bedford. Courage Russian Imperial Stout (10%) was last brewed in London in 1982 when Jim Robertson was working for Courage. Now he has recreated the beer at Bedford and restored a historic stout" (source).
• Short's Good Samaritan, $1.99/12oz - "Brewed with local cider. Sweet apple aromas and spicy esters of clove, nutmeg, and allspice entice the nose. A pleasant crimson amber tone and slight haze give this beer an appearance similar to the cider it was made with, while malty hints of raisin and molasses balance the complex spiciness found throughout the profile. The finish is surprisingly clean with no particular flavor component resonating on the palette" (source).
• Mt. Pleasant Crazy Train IPA, $1.99/12oz - "Syrup and honey give this beer an irresistible sweetness that makes it impossible to have just one. No matter what you pair this one with make sure you get plenty to eat or you might find out how this beer got its name" (source).
• North Peak Wanderer Session IPA, $1.99/12oz - "The combination of full hop flavor and lower alcohol gives Wanderer a a wonderful drinkability! Wanderer has a light, clean and refreshing body, and is hopped with Perle, Willamette, Centennial and Citra hops that gives Wanderer a Citrus and Pine finish" (source).
• B. Nektar The Naughty Ginger, $7.69/500ml - A carbonated mead "made with Michigan star thistle honey, fermented to about 5.5 percent ABV, with ginger, coriander and hops" (source).
• B. Nektar Miel de Garde #1, $50.79/375ml - "A traditional mead made with orange blossom honey. Aged for 18 months in oak barrels. For the first release in our Miel de Garde line, we used the highest quality orange blossom honey available, then aged it in a neutral American oak barrel for 18 months. The result is a bright aromatic, decadent mead made for sipping. Serve at cellar temperature" (source).
• Hamm's & Hamm's Light, $10.99/case, $0.59/12oz - A "session" beer in the truest sense of the word. This vintage commercial says it all, and says it best.

Final Results, "Name that Mill"

1st Place - Millford Brimley, Milldred (tied with 26 votes each)
3rd Place - Brews Millis (21 votes)
4th Place - The Barlinator (17 votes)
5th Place - Tiny (8 votes)
6th Place - Mill Cosby (3 votes)
7th Place - Barley Sanders (1 vote, write-in)
Dead Last - Mill Malton (0 votes)

Cheers!