Brewery Ommegang Glimmerglass Saison

By Doug Dorda

Brewery Ommegang Glimmerglass

It seems that most human beings in this far state are as unenthusiastic about the upcoming weeks of weather as I am. In fact—no need to sugar coat it—this weather sucks something fierce. However, in the spirit of keeping on while keeping on, there are many things we might do to harden our resolve until the seasons finally shift. Might I suggest drinking a beer?

I could pour syrup-laden prose all over my review of Glimmerglass, the “spring” seasonal offered by Brewery Ommegang this year, but you will have heard it all before. At the risk of tiring my fingers I will simply state that this saison, made with sweet orange peel and pink peppercorns, conjured an image of a morning's dew bending blades of new grass that unabashedly bathe the atmosphere in a sweet aroma, all of which somehow reads “new” in my mind.

As of this moment, there is nothing that the common man can do to make the season change. There is no magic that we can wield. Unfortunately we get to be reminded of that on a daily basis. Nevertheless we might find a small comfort in knowing that our favorite breweries will not cease to bottle “spring” and therefore we are able to enjoy it now, if only 12 ounces at a time.

Brewery Ommegang Glimmerglass ($2.89/12oz) is now available at Siciliano's.

Matt's Burning Rosids

A Reflection by Doug Dorda

It is not my intent to review what is a breathtaking and beautifully realized cherrywood smoked saison from Stone Brewing Company. Rather, I want to comment on the message that this beer's very existence calls into sharp relief.

That message, being one we purveyors of ale know quite well, is that this community, tempered in the forges of the fermented arts, owes the sum of its whole to the passion and efforts of every individual. Alone, we enjoy making mead, beer and wine, but together we exist as a culture bolstered by the simple fact that all are welcome, and all are capable of greatness.

The accident that befell Matt Courtright was tragic indeed. But by simply enjoying a beer that he created, we can pay tribute to his contributions to the craft beer industry, and we can pledge to always remember that our so-cherished beverages are wrought by the hands of people just like you and me and Matt, neighbors (after a fashion). Sipping this ale may prove to be the easiest way to say thank you to not only those close to us in the industry, but to Matt Courtright as well.

Matt's Burning Rosids from Stone Brewing Co. on Vimeo.

Available at Siciliano's Market