New Beer Friday - May 11 Edition

North Coast La Merle Saison

By Chris Siciliano

What do you say after a week like last. Not much can follow the success which was this year's homebrew party. The stellar beer, the great company, the intermittent rain showers—who could ask for anything more?

I guess now all we have to look forward to are the long, lazy days of summer. Well, that and all the Kolsch and hefeweizens and session IPAs we plan to drink.

What are you looking forward to this summer? Let us know in the comments section below. You tell us, what events should we be committing to? And what beers should we have on our summer to-drink list?

New (and Returning) Beer

• Short's ControversiALE, $1.99/12oz - "Loaded with hops like an IPA, yet drinks like a Pale Ale, we simply decided to call it a Strong Pale Ale. The fragrant, earthy citrus laced nose is instantly detectable. Large amounts of toasted grains and high alpha Simcoe hops form a perfect union that creates the cool sensation of toasted sourdough covered with zesty grapefruit hop marmalade" (source).
• Detroit Brewing Sanders Chocolate Stout, $1.69/12oz - "Forget hot chocolate, this 12-ounce treat has a rich fudge flavor reminiscent of its namesake, Sander's Hot Fudge Ice Cream topping. It pours a beautiful dark brown with amber highlights and a fluffy head that diminishes quickly. The chocolate--thin in aroma but strong in the flavor--is nicely balanced by strong but not overwhelming roasted characteristics" (source).
• Arbor Brewing Strawberry Blonde, $2.29/12oz - "Strawberries are Spring’s first fruit. They announce the end of the long Midwest winter and welcome the lazy days of summer. They herald a season of weekends at the lake, walking barefoot through the grass, and whiling away the afternoon at your local beer garden. Be sure to savor your Strawberry Blonde while it lasts because like a Michigan summer, it’ll be gone before you know it. Food Pairings: Great with tangy BBQ, balsamic vinaigrette, citrusy or spicy dishes, and strawberry rhubarb pie Tasting Notes: This is a sophisticated fruit ale that doesn’t forget it’s a beer. Rich and flavorful medium bodied beer with a fresh, floral strawberry aroma. Citrus, spice, and fruit are blended seamlessly for a subtle yet distinct flavor that never turns too sweet" (source).
• North Coast Le Merla Saison, $8.59/750ml - "a rustic ale, pale in color, inspired by the rich brewing traditions of the Flanders region. Abundant hops and a Belgian yeast strain contribute exotic aromas of tropical fruit" (source).
• Gonzo Imperial Porter, $2.69/12oz - "Like Hunter S. Thompson...Gonzo Imperial Porter is deep and complex. This turbo charged version of the Road Dog Porter is mysteriously dark with a rich malty body, intense roasted flavors, and a surprisingly unique hop kick. With Gonzo weighing in at 9.2% ABV, it will bite you in the ass if you don’t show it the proper respect" (source).
• Flying Dog Double Dog Double Pale Ale, $2.69/12oz - "Double Dog Double Pale Ale Back by popular demand, our original 'Wild Dog Release' is back, and this time it’s for good. Double Dog Double Pale Ale is a generously hopped ale with a deep red color and pours with a nice frothy head. The abundance of hops will conjure some provocative aromas with hints of raisins and citrus" (source).
• Victory Yakima Glory, $2.69/12oz - "The tenacious grip of big, juicy hop aroma and character slides smoothly into rich, dark malts. This heavyweight battle between fresh, Yakima Valley hops and dark, roasted malts is resolved harmoniously as the flavors merge to deliver complex satisfaction with a warming edge. Bask in the 'glory'­ of the bright and brassy hops!" (source).
• Big Sky Summer Honey, $1.69/12oz - "Summer Honey isa full-flavored summer seasonal ale. Brewed with a unique, balancedblend of spices, Northwest Hops, and Montana honey. Summer Honey isbrewed during the early days of spring and released around the first ofMay each year. Light colored, light bodied, and very drinkable, SummerHoney sacrifices nothing to create a flavorful beer that can be enjoyedduring the height of the Summer. Summer Honey has 3.8% alcohol by weight, and 4.7% alcohol by volume" (source).

Shameless Plea of the Week

Be sure to tell everyone you know
to vote Grand Rapids for Beer City, USA.

Three good reasons to vote GR!

Cheers!