New Beer Friday - June 1 Edition

John poses with a Lake Eerie Monster

By Chris Siciliano

Our friends at Pike 51 Brewing Co. are celebrating their grand opening this weekend. As luck would have it, it's also the third anniversary of the founding of Hudsonville Winery, which is owned by the same three guys and housed in the same building as the new brewery. So they're celebrating that occasion too. (Why not, right?) Here's the official announcement straight from the source, i.e., their Facebook page.

"In very last minute fashion, here's some details on our Grand Opening party THIS WEEKEND! Friday and Saturday, June 1 & 2, noon till 9 both days. We will have lots of beer, wine, wine tastings and food. No cover/door charge. Tickets will be $4.50, and are redeemable for a beer, a glass of wine, a wine tasting or a plate of food. Come on out and have a beer and celebrate with us!"

Pike 51 is located at 3768 Chicago Dr, Hudsonville, MI 49426. If you go, tell 'em Siciliano's sent you. If don't go, stop by our place for a six or twelve pack of the latest brews to hit the shelves.

New (and Returning) Beers

• Great Lakes Lake Eerie Monster, $2.69/12oz - "An unfiltered imperial India pale ale with hug hop flavor" (source).
• Harpoon Summer Beer, $1.49/12oz - "A beer brewed to be enjoyed with summertime activities. It is light, refreshing, and crisp. The traditional serving style is in small, straight glasses which are constantly circulated among the tables in Koln’s beer halls. This beer goes well with a wide variety of foods, including delicate dishes such as salads and seafood. The overall character is light and refreshing, with a crisp, dry finish" (source).
• Lagunitas Lucky 13, $4.79/22oz - "Our 13th Anniversary Beer in was a Staff Favorite, So We Make it Each Year. BIG on the Amarillo Hops and Rich Dark Malts for a Round and Huge, Smoky Flavor" (source).
• Blanche De Bruxelles, $2.29/16oz (can) - "Blanche de Bruxelles owes its natural cloudiness to the large percentage (40%) of wheat that goes into its composition. The natural spice aromas of coriander and bitter orange peels are added during the brewing process. The brewing method, which includes infusion, is very slow. You need only take a sip of this delicious drink to appreciate the fresh and mellow flavour with its hint of orange. It is really not like any other beer" (source).
• Fort Collins Double Chocolate Stout, $8.59/22oz - "Big chocolate and roast flavors abound as subtle hop bitterness evens out the sweetness of a rich malt profile in our most decadent brew yet.  The blushing black beer is complimented by a thick tawny head and lively chocolate nose" (source).
• Short's Kolsch 45, $1.69/12oz - "This thirst quencher is just what you need on a hot summer day. Kolsch beer originated in Cologne, Germany and is unique in that it is a warm fermented ale, but is aged like most traditional German lagers at a cool temperature. Though light in body and color, its prominent hoppiness and radiant yellow “straw” color set it apart. As you taste Kolsch 45, you’ll note that the sustaining head retains prominent, pleasant aromas. Light pilsen and munich malts lend grain flavors, aiding in the crisp, refreshing nature of this beer. Hop bitterness is present but complimentary with hardly any lingering resonance" (source).
• Short's Nicie Spicie, $1.99/12oz - "A Northern Michigan spiced wheat ale made with a 50/50 blend of malted barley and malted white wheat. Packed with fresh citrus zest, then spiced with coriander and a three peppercorn blend, this light bodied ale is complex yet scrumptious. Exemplified by its gorgeous golden color, this beer is crisp and refreshing" (source).
• Short's Sustenance Black Ale, $1.99/12oz - "Classically referred to as a Schwartz beer, this dark American lager is brewed in the spring. Soft and sweet on the palate, the roasted and dark caramel grains give the sensation of a satisfying and filling beer, while lager yeast lends refreshing thirst-quenching ability, providing a rich, full flavored, light bodied experience" (source).
• Short's Black Licorice Lager, $1.99/12oz - "Chocolate and roasted malt characteristics compliment the additions of Madagascar vanilla bean, anise, and fresh chocolate mint. Vanilla aromas greet the nose and are tasted in the initial flavors, followed quickly by the anise. The finish, especially when the beer warms a bit, show cases the crisp, sweet chocolate mint. This well balanced beer is a bronze medal winner at the 2010 WBC" (source).

Picture of the Week

Poblano pepper beer with Brett (and Jacob)

Cheers!