Archive for July, 2006

The Celebration lasts all year

Wednesday, July 26th, 2006

A few years ago, around the Holidays, I picked up a case of Sierra Nevada’s Celebration Ale. I enjoyed that year’s brew throughout most of the year. Then I picked up another case the following year. And then again and again, until it became a yearly tradition or as I like think “a yearly Celebration.” This is a beer of magnanimous proportions requiring a subtle aging so as to bring out its highest qualities of spicy hoppiness.

For instance, the 2005 batch pours with an elegant white head that ever so slowly dissipates producing light bubbles which last even longer. A deep amber hue in color and the pleasant smell of hops eagerly greets the privileged few that possess the patience to hold off drinking the whole lot during the holidays. Celebration’s taste has just the right amount of spices that permits this fine ale to be easily imbibed during warmer times as well as during the Holiday months. The finish has a restrained malt taste which is complemented by a slight spicy bitterness that leaves me anticipating the next sip.

Indeed, Sierra Nevada’s Celebration is cause for celebration and those epicureans who wait for this convivial beer to age have a festival of taste awaiting them!

Go Go GO Gadget Beer

Tuesday, July 25th, 2006

Weyerbacher: Black Hole

First thought: “This is an ale?!?!?”
A dark stout color and flavor hits my palate and I get the taste of…..no. I don’t believe it… PRUNES! There’s a very smoky, malty flavor that has the gentle sweetness of natures go-go-go fruit.

I have a 22 of this stuff to finish. Honestly, even I am skeptical of my own comedic shading sometimes but there it is again. PRUNES!

No real head, but a nice effervescence. I’ve only had a few sips and feel like I’ve had enough. The aftertaste is like dark dark bittersweet chocolate.

This ‘new dimension of beer’ weirds me out more than old episodes of Dr. Who with the lights blinking and robot costumes with the actors inside and flash effects and the biting and the time travel…glaven….

Old Dominion Beer Festival 2006

Monday, July 10th, 2006

Here are pictures.  Check back for a podcast from the event.

Taproom talk podcast: Heresy, Quadzilla, Cadillac Mountain Stout

Tuesday, July 4th, 2006

Taproom talk’s 3rd podcast hits the streets today! Without a doubt, this podcast is the best 35 minutes you’ll spend all week.

Beers reviewed:

And plenty of cigar commentary!

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