New Beer Friday, New Yeast Cooler Edition (April 4)

Preamble by Steve Siciliano

If you came into Siciliano’s Market for brewing supplies sometime in the past month, you probably know that we are now keeping the beer yeast in a shiny new three-door reach-in cooler.

To be quite honest I really didn’t think our old set up was all that bad. It was my wife Barb who kept insisting that we needed more space for our yeast and hops. She contended that the walk-in cooler was too small, that it was cluttered and that, especially on busy days, it got claustrophobically crowded. “The walk-in is fine,” I kept repeating, knowing full well that I would eventually capitulate.

I caved about three weeks ago, when staffer Sarah Derylo repeated Barb’s argument verbatim. I realized then that they were in cahoots and further resistance was futile. “All right,” I sighed. “Let’s get it done.”

Of course they were right about needing more space for the yeast and hops, and I have to admit that I like the new arrangement much better. We hope all you homebrewers will agree.

New and Returning Beer

• Evil Twin Hop Flood, $3.99/12oz - "On a beautiful summer night in July while peaceful Danes rocked at Roskilde Festival and sipped wine in their picturesque summer retreats, an apocalyptic tidal surge flooded the famous Ølbutikken in Copenhagen and drowned thousands of precious beer – Hop Flood is a bitter tribute to the heroic bottles that didn’t make it" (source).
• Arbor Phat Abbot Tripel, $2.29/12oz - "This traditional Belgian-style triple is strong, fruity, and slightly sour. It starts with a big malt presence, followed up by a pronounced candy sugar sweetness, and balanced with a spicy hop finish. A must-try. Ask your server for a taste" (source).
• Arbor 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).
• Dark Horse Sapient Trip Ale, $1.79/12oz - "Why is the Grim Reaper holding a mailbox? Well, that mailbox is from a dead Dark Horse beer. The Grim Reaper better know as "Death" was quite fond of our classic Sapient Summer Wheat Ale. When we changed it into a Belgian Style Triple, Death thought it would only be appropriate to bring something from that beer into this beer. So he picked the mailbox, and we weren’t about to argue with him. You can say what you want about him, but that Death sure has a big heart. So anyway...we brewed this beer with a Trappist yeast strain so it is very traditional. The flavors are incredibly complex with notes of mild fruit and finishes with a bit of clove. Although this beer is higher in alcohol it is very smooth and finishes dry on the palate" (source).
• Odd Side Bourbon Barrel Aged Citra Pale Ale, $2.99/12oz - American-style pale ale aged in bourbon barrels.
• White Birch Belgian-style Pale Ale, $5.79/22oz - "This straw colored beer greets with an aroma of noble hops, pears and Belgian esters. The flavor follows nicely with a moderately spicy hop and Belgian yeast effect buoyed by a soft malt body. The finish is crisp and dry. We enjoy this beer with spicy foods, grilled steaks, grilled chicken and mandarin salad. Where you take it is only limited by your imagination" (source).
• White Birch Hop Session, $5.79/22oz - "Hop Session is in. Starting with a blend of west coast hops for a balanced, bitter effect. We close the session out by dry hopping the beer for a nice resiny mouth feel" (source).
• Stillwater 'Omnipollo Nebuchadnezzar Remix, $13.79/22oz - "Inspired by the artistry and assertiveness of Omnipollo’s Nebuchadnezzar. I decided on a demure approach. Expressing the lovely hop profile of the original & tying it together with farmhouse yeast & brettanomyces for a fruity, funky fiesta" (source).

Video of the Week | The Cellarman's Half Dozen

On April 1, Greenbush redefined what's possible
in the world of craft beer packaging.

Cheers!