What I'm drinking Wednesday

Mikkellar hoppy Easter pale ale. Wild hop flavor and cracker malt make this a perfect summer beer. Price point is on the high side. Available at old crabapple bottle shop.

Sour is the new hoppy.

Hang around your local bar or beer store long enough chances are you will hear the following statement: “sours are the new hoppy.” Do you believe it? Not quite sure myself, I have been enjoying the style for the last few months exclusively, and I understand sours are not new. Additionally, they are not taking over the hoppy beer market. I believe sours represent an expansion of the American sophistication. We are searching for new styles and new flavors. Sours fulfill the void.  Simply put, the average beer drinker may think sour beer represent liquid vinegar, but for the craft beer drinker sours are a welcome slap to the face if you’re close to hitting your ‘beer wall.’ New and exciting sours are here to stay.

Hoptaneous Combustion

June 19, 2009: As the crackling embers float into the humid Athens air, the crowd stands tired and haunted watching the dreams of many go up in flames. The Georgia Theater burns to the ground. This glorious theater was the home to acts such as Wide Spread Panic, Phish, REM and the B52’s.  The roof's trusses were the type of wood you can't get anymore, 300 year old heart pine. They removed those charred beams to build new bars out of the unburned inner core. The fire burned so hot it was estimated 2500 degrees inside. Only the walls were salvageable and they required help to rebuild. Terrapin Brewery stepped up to help in any way they can. They developed the Theater Sessions: Each release in the series will highlight a different era in the history of the building:

Olde Blind Dog Pub

I normally don’t review bars and places, but I had such a great experience at this location I can’t help myself. Olde Blind Dog Pub in Alpharetta is the location; they have a good tap line-up (the usual suspects) Boddintons, Guiness, Harp and others, but they also carry some craft suds – Bells, Skullsplitter, and Avery.  I was happy with the selection but the atmosphere, service and food makes this place outstanding. Just in time for St.Patty’s day.

An old response to low/zero carbonation in angels share - Lost Abbey

For those who have not had an opportunity to read this love letter to the Beer Advocate community. I present the Tomme response to low carbonation. (04-30-2009)

An Interview about 21st Amendment Brewing’s "Bitter American" with a bitter Englishman

Soon to hit the market is the 21st Amendment Brewing’s newest concoction “Bitter American.” This American Style IPA has an ABV of 4.4%. I am really excited about this beer. For me, if this beer is tasty, it will be a perfect lake brew. A beer, in cans, that I can sit and drink tons of and not get bloated or stupid drunk. PERFECT. Below is a conversation with every ones’ favorite Englishman regarding what constitutes a session beer. NOTE: This conversation and interview never happened but these are actual quotes completely taken out of context.

New Beer this week in Atlanta

This was taken from the savannah Distributing report for this week. Many of you do not get this so I decided to repost.

That’s right boys and girls, as of January 1, 2011 the Peach State will officially become the 8th state in which our beers are distributed! Thanks to our distribution partners at Savannah Distributing, Georgians from Chattahoochee to Okefenokee (and everywhere in between) will soon be among the lucky souls who can call themselves members of the Lost Abbey congregation.

Over the next few weeks there will be a number of events around GA to celebrate the arrival of Port Brewing & The Lost Abbey. If you’re in Georgia (or close enough to get there), make sure to check Facebook and your favorite craft beer sites for events close to you.

I am a Craft Beer drinker

This is a great video about us. The Craft Beer drinkers. Please, run this during the Superbowl after a BMC (Bud, Miller or Coors) advertisement.

12 beers of Christmas

Going to the package store in the colder months is like walking in a old ale heaven. Brewers use the holiday season as a reason to trot out specialty ales and slap Christmas- and winter-themed labels on the bottles. Many of these beers fall into the “winter warmer’’ category — heavier on malt than hops, perhaps brewed with cinnamon, nutmeg, and other spices. But many fall into other categories that could be enjoyed any time of year. There are too many holiday beers to try in the short time they’re available. To get you started, here are 12 beers you must try.

Anchor Steam – Our Festive Ale:

It changes every year and 2010 is one of the best in my opinion.

ABV: 5.50%

Price: $11 per 6-pack

Profile: Complex combination of toasty malt flavor along with fruits and spices, all coming out in that order. Well balanced without the hops making too big an impression.

Samuel Adams - Old Fezziwig Ale

Available in the 12 pack and a quality beer for craft and non-craft drinkers alike.

ABV: 5.90%

Price: $14 per 12-pack

Profile: Roasted caramel malts and fruity esters, mostly raisin. Spiciness - cinnamon and ginger. A little booze to warm at the finish.

Bell's - Christmas Ale

A Scottish style ale very drinkable and complex at the same time: May be hard to find in the Atlanta area

ABV: 5.40%

Price: $11 per 6-pack

Profile: pears and apples, some citrus hop bite, caramel malt, then fades into a  bready malt with a bit of alcohol warmth.

Southern Tier - Old Man (Winter Ale)

A Old Ale: Per www.southerntierbrewing.com “complex amalgam of hops and barley that will put the feeling back in your toes and lift your spirits above the snow”

ABV: 7.2%

Price: $8 per 6-pack

Profile: almost a lager type characteristic. Very drinkable with pine, hops, cracker malt, spicy yeast and of course booze.

Mikkellar - Santa's Little Helper 2010

Another beer that changes year to year, this Belgian dark strong ale will not disappoint.

ABV: 9.10%

Price $11 per 750ml

Profile: Spiced with bitter and sweet orange peels and nutmeg. Easy to drink and boozy to boot.

Mikkellar - Fra Til (From To)

One of my personal favorite beers for Christmas a Baltic porter that delivers with booze.

ABV: 8.00%

Price $11 per 750ml

Profile: Big roasted espresso notes, followed by dark chocolate, herbal notes, gingerbread, and bittersweet dark fruits.

The Bruery – 3 French hens

Part of the 12 years of beers from The Bruery this is the 3^rd installment and delivers on the promise of great beer. If you can still find it in Atlanta it will be a Christmas miracle.

ABV: 10%

Price $12 per 750ml

Profile: spiced fruit, cherries and plums, and raisins. Wine like taste, light spice profile, finished by French oak and vanilla. Great after dinner beer.

Weyerbacher Winter Ale

A winter warmer with malts and vanilla forward really one trick pony but very easy to drink.

ABV: 5.6%

Price: $12 per 6-pack

Profile: Classified as a winter warmer, this is really more of an English old ale. Aroma is smoky and full of molasses. Medium body

Avery - Old Jubilation Ale

Easilly hidden alcohol for 8%. This beer goes down smooth and will please a crowd.

ABV: 8 %

Price: $12 per 6-pack

Profile: Pours dark brown using five different malts in the brewing process, hazelnuts and butterscotch on both the nose and taste followed closely by a nice mild citrus flavor

Hoppin’ Frog - Frosted Frog Christmas

This is a dessert beer that delivers in smell and flavor. You like gingerbread and cream? This will be your best friend.

ABV: 8.6 %

Price: $9  per 22oz bomber

Profile:  Cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg - liquid gingerbread. This beer is a dessert.

St. Bernardus - Christmas Ale

No Christmas celebration is complete without a St. Bernardus under the tree. It’s a perfect beer for a perfect celebration.

ABV: 10%

Price: $12  per 22oz bomber

Profile: figs, dried fruit, Belgian yeast and sticky spicy finish

Sierra Nevada – Celebration Ale

An American IPA for the holiday season. So crisp and drinkable anytime.

ABV: 6.8%

Price $9 per 6-Pack

Profile: Hoppy and bitter IPA with grapefruit and pine followed by orange citrus and caramelly malts

Cheers!

Ryan