New Beer Friday, Updates and Reminders (Feb 27)

A celebrity guest at the first
Big Brew on the Calder.

Preamble by Steve Siciliano

We are very excited about the fact that we now have a dedicated web site for the annual Siciliano’s Homebrew Contests. General registration for the competition will open this year on Monday, March 9 at 8 a.m. and will close Sunday, April 12 at 10 p.m. The window for entry registration will open Monday, March 23 at 8 a.m. and close Sunday, April 12 at 10 p.m. Complete competition details can be found on the site. Once your entry is registered you will be able to print entry forms and bottle labels. Please note that we are loooking for more stewards and qualified judges for the competition. The registration for judging and stewarding is open now. The pertinent information can be found on the competition web site under Volunteer Info.

Just a reminder that the Best-of-Show winner for the 2015 Siciliano’s Homebrew Contest will receive a $500.00 gift card from Siciliano’s Market and will have the opportunity to brew the winning recipe on Odd Side Ales’ one-barrel pub system.

There are still a few open spots for brewing teams for the Third Annual Siciliano’s Big Brew on the Calder. Complete details for the May 2nd event can be found here. Anyone interested in being assigned as a brew team captain can contact Steve at this address: steve@sicilianosmkt.com.

We are returning to the popular Johnson Park on Saturday, May 16 for the 12th Annual Siciliano’s Homebrew Party. Tickets are $40.00 per person and will go on sale Monday, March 23. Tickets are limited and must be purchased in advance. Please note that party attendees will again be receiving T-shirts this year and we will be asking for sizes at the time you purchase your ticket. If you are purchasing tickets for a spouse, friend, family member or significant other, you will need to know the correct size. Please don’t guess.

New and Returning Beer

• Deschutes Fresh Squeezed IPA, $1.99/12oz - "This mouthwateringly delicious IPA gets its flavor from a heavy helping of citra and mosaic hops. Don’t worry, no fruit was harmed in the making of this beer" (source).
• Deschutes Black Butte XXVI, $17.19/22oz (limit 1) - "Our 26th anniversary Imperial Porter was aged in bourbon barrels and dry spiced with Theo Chocolate's cocoa nibs, revealing hints of vanilla and chocolate. Pomegranate molasses and Oregon cranberries complement the robust flavor with a hint of fruit and just enough tart to make you smile" (source).
• Deschutes Jubel 2015, $17.19/22oz (limit 1) - "Affectionately referred to as “Super Jubel”, Jubel 2015 is an imperial take on our festive winter ale. Notes of toasted caramel, raisins, dates and figs are complemented by spicy and herbal hop aromas. Originally planned as a once-a-decade-ale; we just couldn’t wait another five years" (source).
• Deschutes Mirror Mirror Oak Aged Barley Wine, $17.19/22oz (limit 1) - "The Reserve Series romance all began with our first release of this limited-edition brew. Mirror Mirror, born of a double batch of Mirror Pond Pale Ale, is an inspired barley wine ale layered with intriguing nuances. Explore this latest incarnation and enjoy its delicious complexity in every sip" (source).
• Deschutes Not the Stoic, $17.19/22oz (limit 1) - "Aged and sequestered in select oak casks. The result – a contemplatively brewed quad created in homage to all those who doubted the original. This unrepentant rendition is definitively Not The Stoic" (source).
• Griffin Claw Mr. Blue Skies, $2.19/16oz - "This American wheat ale is crisp and refreshing light in appearance and a slight haze makes this the perfect summer beer" (source).
• Breckenridge Ophelia, $1.99/12oz - "Subtle hints of citrus round out the complex aroma of Mosaic hops, for a beer so drinkable, it’ll last through multiple acts" (source).
• Shorts Woodmaster, $2.39/12oz - "Woodmaster is a high gravity, American Brown Ale fermented with Northern Michigan maple syrup and toasted pecans. This dark brown, full bodied ale is rich with sweet malt and syrup flavors. These flavors are complemented by the presence of hop aromas and a faint nuttiness" (source).
• Weyerbacher Heresy, $3.39/12oz - "We take our Old Heathen and age it in oak bourbon barrels. The result is our silky smooth Heresy, 8% ABV. The aroma is filled with vanilla, cocoa and roasted coffee. Notes of oak, whiskey, roasted barley and vanilla dance across your taste buds. This dark stout is the perfect accompaniment for hearty stews and roasted meats. Heresy is also great in brownies, poured over ice cream or as that secret ingredient in your favorite icing recipe" (source).

Pic(s) of the Week | Homemade Bread

We're pleased to announce the return of bread ingredients to Siciliano's. Come check out our selection and feel free to use our flour mill to grind your very own whole wheat flour.

Smoked Cheddar Red Pepper Flake No Knead Bread (recipe)

Homemade whole wheat tortillas with fresh-milled flour (recipe)

Pizza Siciliano with fresh-milled flour (recipe)

Roasted Garlic No Knead (recipe)

Green Olive No Knead (recipe)

Cheers!

New Beer Friday, Big Brew News Edition (Feb 20)

On Saturday, May 2, Siciliano’s Market will once again be sponsoring an American Homebrewers Association Big Brew Day at the Calder Plaza in downtown Grand Rapids.

As the sponsor for the Big Brew at the Calder, Siciliano’s Market will be donating and providing the following:

• The ingredients for forty-eight all grain batches of Calder Red Ale.
• Bottled water for brewing. 
• A chilling station capable of simultaneously cooling six kettles of wort.
• Platform hand carts for moving brewing equipment to and from vehicles and transporting kettles of wort to and from the chilling station. 

We are now asking those who wish to participate in this event to complete a sign-up sheet at Siciliano’s Market or contact us (steve@sicilianosmkt.com) with the following information:

• Whether you would like to brew one of the forty-eight batches of Calder Red Ale with your own equipment (mash/lauter tuns, propane burners, kettles, etc.) and be designated as a captain of a brewing team.
• Whether you will need electricity for your brewing system. Spots with electrical access are limited and will be assigned on a first come basis.
• Whether you would like to brew but are unwilling or unable to transport your equipment to the event. In this case you will be assigned to a brewing team. 
• Whether you would like to participate as a member of a specific brewing team. If so, indicate the captain you would like to brew with.
• Whether you wish to participate as a volunteer helper.

While we will do our best to accommodate everyone who would like to participate as a brewer at this event, please keep in mind that the number of donated batches and the number of spots per team is limited. 

Also, just a reminder that we now have a dedicated web site for the annual Siciliano’s Homebrew Contests. General registration for the competition will open this year on Monday, March 9 at 8 a.m. and will close Sunday, April 12 at 10 p.m. The window for entry registration will open Monday, March 23 at 8 a.m. and close Sunday, April 12 at 10 p.m.  Complete competition details as well as bottle label printing can be found on the site. Please note that the registration for judging and stewarding is open now. If you are interested in volunteering as a judge or a steward you can find the pertinent information on the competition web site under Volunteer Info.

New & Returning Beer

Now available at Siciliano's

• Vivant Pothole Stout, $3.39/16oz - "A dark chocolate brown pour with lingering tan head in your glass. Rich roasty coffee notes greet the nose. Creamy, luscious, and balanced on the sip" (source).
• Anderson Valley Blood Orange Gose, $1.99/12oz - "Our Blood Orange Gose is a tart, refreshing wheat ale that is kettle-soured with lactobacillus and brewed with sea salt and coriander.  However, unlike traditional versions of the style, ours features liberal additions of blood oranges during fermentation.  This imparts tangy citrus notes that complement the champagne-like flavors, creating a complex and sessionable ale perfect for any occasion" (source).
• Anderson Valley Spring Hornin' Spring IPA, $2.19/12oz - "With floral, spicy aromas reminiscent of lilacs, white pepper and Bartlett pears, our new Spring Hornin’ IPA embodies the season with a clean malt profile and herbal hop flavors lasting into a dry, refreshing finish" (source).
• Stone Old Guardian, $8.99/22oz - "Barley wines are traditionally hefty brews, but ours is downright excessive. The huge maltiness of this beer is only tamed by an equally prodigious addition of hops, creating a rich, slightly sweet, caramel-hued ale infused with assertive bitterness and bright hop notes, all culminating in a pleasing dryness. While it will evolve into an even more glorious brew with age, this beer's delicious onslaught of flavors will seriously challenge your ability to wait any longer to drink it" (source).
• Stone Extra Hoppy Old Guardian, $8.99/22oz - "2015 is an odd year, so we followed our five-year tradition of brewing a variation of the classic Stone Old Guardian Barley Wine recipe. This year we decided to focus on an extra-hoppy version, using the classic recipe as the base. We dry-hopped the beer with a new hop variety, Azacca…a dwarf variety with a name that sort of sounds to us like an all-powerful genie who lives in a bottle (coincidently enough) that was recently developed in Yakima Valley, Washington, and formerly known by the decidedly less genie-like name of "13-AD-483." We’ve used it before, most notably in last summer's Stone Collaboration beer Beachwood/Heretic/Stone Unapologetic IPA, but this is the first opportunity we’ve had to really showcase the Azacca hop at this level." (source).
• Shorts Chatterbox, $1.69/12oz - "Chatterbox is an American Pale Ale that has inviting hop aromas of sweet orange and tangerine. A balanced presentation of light toasted malt and fruity hop flavors lead into a bold bitterness. Chatterbox’s hoppy characteristics resonate in the finish, creating a very subtle dryness" (source).
• New Belgium Cocoa Mole, $9.19/22oz - "The cult classic returns! Chocolate, cinnamon and chilies combine for a sweet and spicy burst of fun in this Lips of Faith offering. Brewed with deep caramel and dark chocolate malts and a healthy dash of chocolate rye, Cocoa Molé pours midnight dark with a subtle reddish hue, lifting a pillowy burnished head. The cocoa and cinnamon accompany plentiful ancho, guajillo and chipotle chilies to bring the molé merriment to the forefront. Cocoa Molé starts on the tongue with the sweet and finishes with the fine-spun heat of peppers. A worldly contrast in a glass, this beer will get you dancing with Mexican hats" (source).
• Stone Saison Du Buff, $2.49/12oz (limit 1 per) - "This beer is collaboration between Dogfish Head, Stone Brewing Co. (Escondido, CA) and Victory Brewing Company (Downingtown, PA). The idea for this beer germinated way back in 2003 when the three guys (Sam from Dogfish, Greg from Stone and Bill from Victory) formed the BUFF alliance (Brewers United for Freedom of Flavor) - a noble endeavor with the goal to highlight the passion and camaraderie of the American craft brew movement. So, BUFF didn't really do anything (beyond talk a lot of talk) until 2010 when the three brewers finally got together to jointly brew at beer at the Stone Brewery. Saison du BUFF was first brewed at Stone and then replicated at each of the other two breweries - same recipe, same ingredients, three different breweries throughout 2010. The brewers have a repeat performance planned for 2012! Saison du BUFF is a 6.8% ABV Saison brewed with parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme. The beer is brewed three times, once at each brewery using the same recipe." (source).

GR Beer Week Beer Tastings

In honor of Grand Rapids Beer Week (2/22 through 2/28), we will be hosting four tastings next week with the following breweries. All tastings are from 5 p.m. to 7p.m.

• Bell's (Monday, 2/23)
• Dark Horse (Tuesday, 2/24)
• Arbor Brewing Co. (Wednesday, 2/25)
• Cellar Brewing (Thursday, 2/26)

Drink of the Week | The Bloody Mitten

The Bloody Mitten is an all-Michigan version of your favorite morning mixed drink. Featuring Valentine vodka, McClure's Bloody Mary mix and a sidecar of Third Coast Beer from Bell's Brewery. All ingredients available now at Siciliano's!

Cheers!

New Beer Friday, Keeping You Informed Edition (Feb 13)

Medals from a previous year

Preamble by Steve Siciliano

Team Siciliano has been putting a lot of time in lately working out the specifics of our annual trio of spring homebrewing events. Running a good-sized homebrew competition, organizing a massive Big Brew Day in downtown Grand Rapids and throwing a large celebration of homebrewing in a county park may be a lot of work, but I can’t think of more rewarding ways to give thanks to our loyal customers for their continued support.

Information regarding the 12th Annual Homebrew Contest was presented in a previous post and is now listed on the competition web site. More detailed information on the 3rd Annual Big Brew on the Calder and the 12th Annual Siciliano’s Homebrew Party will be coming shortly. In the meantime here are a few of the pertinent details.

• Despite the inclement weather our second Big Brew Day was another huge success and if Mother Nature cooperates this May I’m confident that the 2015 edition will be even better. The 3rd Annual Siciliano’s Big Brew at the Calder is scheduled for Saturday, May 2.  Details on how to captain or participate on a team will be posted in the February 20th edition of New Beer Friday.
• We are returning to the popular Johnson Park on Saturday, May 16, for the 12th Annual Siciliano’s Homebrew Party. Tickets will be $40.00 per person and will go on sale Monday, March 23. Tickets are limited and must be purchased in advance.
• General registration for the competition will open this year on Monday, March 9, at 8 a.m. and will close Sunday, April 12, at 10 p.m. Complete competition details as well as bottle label printing can be found on the competition site. Please note that the registration for judging and stewarding is open now. Anyone who is interested in volunteering as a judge or a steward for the competition can find pertinent information under Volunteer Info.

Just a reminder that the Best-of-Show winner for the 2015 Siciliano’s Homebrew Contest will receive a $500.00 gift card from Siciliano’s Market and will have the opportunity to brew the winning recipe on Odd Side Ales’ one-barrel pub system.

Finally, I’ve had a few inquiries as to whether we’ll be using the new BJCP guidelines for this year’s competition. The 2014 guidelines have been drafted but have not officially been adopted and the BJCP is asking that they not yet be used in competitions. In view of this, we will be using the 2008 guidelines for the 2015 competition.

New and Returning Beer

• Dark Horse Reign in Blood Orange, $2.19/12oz - "A pale ale made with blood orange peels & fruit" (source).
• Dark Horse Plead the 5th Imperial Stout, $3.29/12oz (limit 4 per) - "It's big and full bodied with lots of roasted malts and balanced with heavy hops to put this imperial in a league of its own" (source).
• Dark Horse Double Crooked Tree,  $4.49/12oz (limit 4 per) - "Have you read the description for the regular Crooked Tree yet? Well this beer is almost the same just double. We actually took the Crooked Tree recipe and doubled all of the ingredients except the water, just the way a DOUBLE should be made. Big hops balanced with tons of malt give this beer a huge body. Although this beer is as cool as "the Fonz" when first purchased, it gets really mellow and smooth with some age. After a year or two stored in a cool dark place you'll notice the heavy caramel and malt flavors are trying to sneak past the hops, they’re just not fast enough. This beer is hugely delicious so it will need your undivided attention" (source).
• Coronado Brewing / Devils Backbone Devils Tail IPA, $8.19/22oz - "This is a tale of shared passion, mojo and simpatico that spells the impetus of this fine collaboratively birthed IPA. Picture it, Washington D.C., May 2014: Brewers hailing from both sides of the country find each other in a tightly packed room. They share beers, stories and laughs, forming a friendship that will stretch far beyond SAVOR, the two-day beer-and-food fete that’s brought them together. Skip ahead to fall of the same year and it’s plain to see, 2014 has been a good year for both factions, with Coronado Brewing Company being named Champion Mid-Sized Brewing Co. and Brewmaster at the World Beer Cup and Devils Backbone Brewing Company capturing Mid-Sized Brewery of the Year at the Great American Beer Festival. Such feats are made to be celebrated and, in the brewing industry, beer is how that’s done. This is the first of two collaboration beers this dynamic duo will brew-an IPA collaboration with Virginia’s award winning Devils Backbone Brewing Company. This beer has bright citrus and tropical fruit character care of Centennial and Mosaic hops, plus a burst of woody rusticity from the Northern Brewer hops. Consider it Chapter One of an epic saga that’s only getting started" (source).
• Triporteur From Heaven, $5.29/12oz - "A heavily hopped beer brewed using home-baked malt. Triporteur From Heaven is the modern version of traditional hopped Belgian ale. It is a heavenly beer brewed with home-baked BOM malt" (source).
• Triporteur From Hell, $5.29/12oz - "Triporteur From Hell is a dark beer brewed with hellish burned and roasted BOM malt. The beer reminds us of chocolate, caramel, recently brewed coffee and freshly baked bread. The wheat malt in the unfiltered beer can cause a slight cloudiness. The taste of Hell keeps evolving in the bottle" (source).
• Dupont Triomfbier Vooruit, $11.99/22oz - "Brewed only once before in celebration of the 100 year anniversary of the Vooruit art center in Ghent. An innovative updated version of the classic Saison style made with the addition of smoked crystal malt. Brewed with the same yeast used to make the award-winning and world famous Saison Dupont. A Belgian Smoked Saison with citrus flavors of sweet orange peel and grapefruit balance with a hint of campfire smoke. An easy-drinking session beer that will please even the most sophisticated beer lover" (source).
• 5 Quinto Belgian Blonde Ale, $6.09/12oz - "Brewed for the opening of the new Dilewyns brewery and sold as Dilewyns Openingsbier. Marketed since 2012 as Vicaris Quinto" (source).
• Gruut Belgian Wit, $3.99/12oz - "Gruut is an ancient Flemish coin. In medieval Ghent, brewers used Gruuts to pay taxes on the richness of their brew. Gentse Stadsbrouwerij has revived this tradition with Gruut Wit Beer. Enjoy it’s natural cloudiness, golden color, and refreshing finish (source).
• Lupus Wolf 7, $4.79/12oz - "Golden beer with a beautiful firm white head. In the aroma you distinguish mainly vanilla, white pepper and some fruity scents. The main palate is soft sweet, creamy with a sober alcohol impression. In the aftertaste you notice some stone fruits (peach, nectarine) and a soft and smooth bitterness is elegantly present. In short, a savoury blond with a complaisant character" (source).
• Lupus Wolf 9, $4.79/12oz - "Deep-amber coloured beer with a dense rocky head. It has a fruity aroma with scents of banana and pear. The palate is sweet and fruity, with some apricot. The finish is strong and spicy, with a sweet, warm alcohol impression" (source).
• Shepherd Neame Spitfire, $2.19/12oz - "An infusion of three Kentish hops adorns this beautifully balanced, blood-orange tinted British bitter with an acutely aromatic allure. Hints of marmalade, red grapes and pepper are thrust from a springboard of warm, mellow malts. The floating fruity finish signs off with a smidgen of spice and raspberry" (source).
• Dinkelacker Schwaben Bräu Das Naturtrübe, $4.19/500ml - "Das Naturtrübe is an unfiltered natural Pilsener beer which has been brewed from selected ingredients. Brewed according to all rules of brewery and the German Reinheitsgebot, this beer will be the perfect choice for all experts and lovers of extraordinary beers" (source).
• Schmohz Barley Wine, $5.99/12oz - "A very special celebration ale, crafted from unbelievable amounts of barley and hops. Enjoy the complex hop tones as you warm the glass in your hand and smell the gentle roasts. Citrus and plum flavors will dance on your tongue as you taste each sip. Enjoy in moderation with friends to take the edge off the cold days of winter" (source).
• Weyerbacher Insanity, $4.29/12oz - "Insanity, 11.1% ABV, is made by aging our Blithering Idiot Barleywine Ale in whiskey barrels. The barrel aging imparts an additional level of complexity to an already intense malt profile by adding a combination of vanilla, oak and whiskey notes" (source).
• Weyerbacher Tiny, $9.29/22oz - "Tiny is a Belgian inspired Imperial Stout weighing in at 11.8% ABV. You’ll find big chocolate and roasted notes, balanced with the Belgian flavors from the Abbey yeast strain" (source).
• Weyerbacher Blithering Idiot, $3.39/12oz - "Blithering Idiot, 11.1% ABV, is brewed in the British tradition of balanced, hearty ales.  It’s a deep-copper ale with notes of date and fig. The finish is warm and fruity and begs for the next sip" (source).
• Weyerbacher Double Simcoe, $3.39/12oz - "Double Simcoe IPA, 9.0% ABV, is a full flavored ale with hints of pineapple and citrus up front, a good malt backbone in the middle and a clean finish" (source).
• Weyerbacher Merry Monks, $2.69/12oz - "Merry Monks, 9.3% ABV, is a Belgian-style Tripel. Pilsner malt combined with an Abbey yeast strain yields a remarkable and complex flavor packed with notes of spice, banana and pear. Nicely balanced, with a moderate to dry finish" (source).
• Weyerbacher LAst Chance IPA, 2.29/12oz - "Last Chance IPA, 5.9% ABV, is a full-flavored hop assault delightfully lacking in balance. We’ve added a combination of Centennial, Cascade, Simcoe® and Columbus hops to produce pungent aromas of grapefruit, pine and citrus" (source).

Book of the Week | Grand Rapids Beer

Grand Rapids Beer by Pat Evans is now available at Siciliano's.

Cheers!

New Beer Friday, Homebrew Contest Edition (Feb 5)

Will you be the next winner
to drink from the Siciliano Cup?

By Steve Siciliano

From its humble beginnings twelve years ago, the Siciliano’s Homebrew Contest has evolved into West Michigan’s premier homebrew competition. We are pleased to announce that this year’s Best of Show winner will have the opportunity to brew a double batch of the winning recipe with 2012 contest winner and current pub brewer Russ Smith on Odd Side Ales’ one-barrel pub system. The fact that the BOS winner will also receive a $500 gift card to Siciliano’s Market in addition to having his or her name engraved on the prestigious Siciliano’s Cup should provide even more incentive to tweak those recipes, fire up those burners and get those competitive homebrew juices going.

Please see below for contest rules and regulations for the 12th Annual Siciliano’s Homebrew Contest. Best of luck everyone!

1. Every homebrewer is allowed one (1) beer entry. All entries must be brewed by the registrant. Please do not submit entries under the names of significant others, etc.
2. Beers are submitted according to the BJCP Style Guidelines. Ciders and meads are excluded from this contest. If you are not sure which is the correct style for your beer, contact us and we will help.
3. Entries require two (2) plain, unlabeled/unmarked 12-ounce amber bottles. Please no clear bottles or bottles of any other size.
4. We are currently working on setting up new competition website for the Siciliano’s homebrew contests. More information regarding the online entry format will be detailed as we near the opening of registration, including the website URL, directions on how to enter your beer and label printing.
5. The entry fee is $6.00, cash or check only.
6. The total number of contest entries will be capped at 250. Don’t delay in submitting your entry. Once the cap is reached no additional entries will be accepted.
7. Online registration for entries will be accepted from Monday, March 23, through Sunday April 12, or until 250 entries are submitted, whichever occurs first.
8. You will have until Wednesday, April 15 to drop off entries at Siciliano’s Market. Entries will not be accepted after that date. If mailing an entry, please include paperwork and submission fee. Ship in a well-packed box to: Siciliano’s Market // 2840 Lake Michigan Dr. NW // Grand Rapids, MI 49504 

All entries in the Siciliano’s Homebrew contest will be judged by industry professionals and/or trained judges according to the standards of style, not in comparison to each another, with the exception of Best in Show. Entries that receive scores falling within designated point totals will be awarded bronze, silver or gold medals.

Judging for this year’s competition will take place Saturday, April 25. Winner of Best of Show will be announced and the awards ceremony will be held Saturday, May 16, at the 12th Annual Siciliano’s Homebrew Party. Entrants need not be present to win. Those not attending the party may pick up their medals at Siciliano’s Market beginning Monday, May 18, or request to have their medals mailed by contacting the competition organizer at steve@sicilianosmkt.com.

New and Returning Beer

• Arbor Phat Abbot Triple, $2.79/12oz - "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" (source).
• Bell's Consencrator Doppelbock, $2.79/12oz - "Consecrator is a traditional doppelbock-style fermented with a Bohemian lager yeast. Reddish brown in color, with a mild hop profile, Consecrator is a well balanced, full bodied beer with hints of caramel and molasses in its smooth, malty finish. Brewed for a Fat Tuesday release" (source).
• Angry Orchard Hop Madness, $1.69/12oz - "Newest hopped cider with bright apple sweetness that is compliments by floral notes from the Strisselspalt hops and tropical notes from the Galaxy hops. All the hop goodness and none of the hop bitterness" (source).
• Stone Delicious IPA, $1.99/12oz - "While our beers are many and diverse, yet unified by overarching boldness, India pale ales are our undeniable bread and butter. We’ve brewed many over the past 18 years, from double-down bitter bombs to piney session sippers. Whether it’s big IBUs or a precise ABV, there’s usually a target we’re shooting for. The same is true of this, our latest IPA, but we gave zero thought to any acronyms. This one was all about packing as much unique and, you guessed it, delicious flavor into a glass as humanly possible, regardless of oomph or octane. This intensely citrusy, beautifully bitter beer is worthy of the simple-yet-lordly title of Stone Delicious IPA. Lemondrop and El Dorado hops combine to bring on a magnificent lemon candy-like flavor that’s balanced by hop spice. It’s unlike anything we’ve tasted in nearly two decades of IPA experimentation, and another lupulin-laced creation we’re excited to introduce to hopheads everywhere" (source).
• De Troch Gueuze, $7.79/12.7oz - "The beverage testing institute recognized De Troch Chapeau Gueuze Lambic with a Golden Medal" (source).
• Abita Strawberry Cans, $1.69/12oz - "Abita Strawberry Harvest is a lager brewed with pilsner and wheat malts and Vanguard hops. Real Louisiana strawberry juice is added after filtration resulting in a crisp lager with a sweet strawberry flavor, aroma and haze. It is wonderful with desserts or lighter fare such as salads and pastas. Fresh cheeses such as Burrata, chèvre, Crescenza, mozzarella or Teleme pair well with Strawberry Harvest" (source).
• Atwater Poorboy Smoked Porter, $2.19/12oz - "Poured black with an average light brown frothy head that was mostly lasting with very good lacing. Moderate to heavy smoke and toasted malt aroma. Medium body with a dry smooth texture and flat carbonation. Medium to heavy toasted sweet malt and smoke flavor with a medium to heavy dark sweet finish of moderate duration" (source).
• Odd Side Jesse's Party IPA, $2.29/12oz - "Pours a deep orange with a medium head that laces nicely as it dies down and aromas of peaches, orange blossom, pear and mango. It’s an interesting blend, that’s for sure… not a typical resin blast. Flavor is more of the juicy/fruity part of the nose than anything else" (source).
• Boatyard Hold Fast Pale Ale, $6.09/22oz - "Hold Fast is a simple, yet delicious pale ale made in a truly American style.  The crystal malts and brown sugar add a touch of caramel and toffee flavors.  A great selection of American grown hops provide for floral and citrus notes that make this pale ale very easy to drink.  This pale ale is easy to drink and friendly with most foods" (source).
• Boatyard Kay-Lips-O Chocolate, $6.69/22oz - "To honor all of the lovely “Kays” in their life, Dan and Brian created Kay-Lips-Chocolate Milk Stout.  This stout starts with a base malt loaded with chocolate, black and Midnight wheat malts.  To compliment those rich dark flavors, lactose was added to smooth out the texture and produce a silky mouth feel.  The lactose also leaves a little residual sweetness and creates a thick, creamy head.  Right after fermentation, the addition of a rich chocolate extract produces great flavor without being overwhelming.  This stout is great all alone and made better with a scoop of vanilla gellato" (source).
• Short's Goodnight Bodacious, $2.39/12oz - "Goodnight Bodacious has the maltiness of a barleywine and the hoppiness of an India Pale Ale. A rich, hoppiness dominates the aroma, with earthy and loamy scents. A medium body presents big, bitter black barley and roasted coffee flavors, with subtle compliments of dark fruit and green hops. Strong alcohol flavors and pleasant warming qualities become more noticeable as the beer approaches room temperature" (source).

Picture of the Week

Inside Ridge Cider Co., a very cool new cidery
opening this sping on M-37.

Cheers!