New Beer Friday, Meet Edward Long Edition (May 2)

Introducing Edward Long

Preamble by Steve Siciliano

A while ago I received an email from a fellow in Texas looking for advice about opening a homebrew shop. In response to his questions about staffing I told him that if possible he should focus on hiring experienced homebrewers, especially those who enjoy sharing their passion for the hobby with others. I’m pleased to say that I was able to follow my own advice recently with the hiring of our newest Siciliano’s staff member, Edward Long.

Edward may be the rookie on the Siciliano’s team but he’s not new when it comes to homebrewing. He began brewing with extract six years ago and for the past three years has been doing all-grain on equipment that he designed and fabricated. And he certainly enjoys sharing his passion for the hobby with others. When he was a student at Calvin College he organized a beer tasting for students and faculty and coordinated a homebrew swap event.

Ed graduated from Calvin in 2012 with a degree in philosophy and before joining the Siciliano’s team he was a GED specialist for Americorps. Like many avid homebrewing hobbyists he has aspirations of someday turning pro. In view of the number of former Siciliano’s staffers and customers who have joined the ranks of professional brewers and cider makers, I would say that he has a pretty good chance of realizing that goal.

New and Returning Beers

• Arbor Buzzsaw IPA, $2.29/12oz - "A big, bold hop-forward west coast style IPA. The malt character is subdued to showcase a blend of Simcoe, Amarillo, and Centennial Hops creating a lingering dry finish with notes of pine, grapefruit, and apricot" (source).
• Arbor Jackhammer Old Ale, $2.29/12oz - "The Jackhammer is a very dark brown ale with a nice reddish hue. Offering a welcome warming sensation, it has a rich malty sweetness. Fruity esters, expected in this style beer, add to the already complex palate and help to provide an immensely satisfying experience" (source).
• Dark Horse Smells Like a Safety Meeting IPA, $2.19/12oz - "An extremely hoppy ale, that really does smell like weed" (source).
• Ommegang 3 Philosophers Cellared Set, $45/3-750ml - One bottle each 2011, 2012 and 2013 vintage 3 philosophers.
• Dogfish Head 61 Minute IPA, $2.59/12oz - "The continually hopped India Pale Ale brewed with Syrah grape must" (source).
• Original Sin Elderberry Cider, $2.19/12oz - "A balanced cider combining the natural acid and sugar of apples with the tart qualities of elderberries" (source).
• Wells Sticky Toffee Pudding, $2.69/12oz - "Based on the Great British pudding, full of rich sticky toffee-ness" (source).
• Samuel Adams Porch Rocker, $1.69/12oz - "Samuel Adams is currently in the process of brewing up a German style called “radler.” The name radler translates to “cyclist,” A 50/50 (ish) blend of beer and lemonade. (Like a shandy). Perfect for any summer day, Samuel Adams® Porch Rocker was inspired by traditional Bavarian Radlers that mix beer with German-style lemonade. For our bright and citrusy Radler, we blended a Helles beer with lemon for a fresh-squeezed lemon taste, effervescent sweetness, and slightly tart, refreshing finish. A light malt character and hint of hops balance out this summer brew" (source).

Video of the Week | Steve on eightWest

Cheers!