Arizona Wilderness Brewing Co.’s Baboquivari Blonde Ale

Arizona Wilderness Brewing Co. (Gilbert, AZ.)

So, there I was on a late January, Saturday mid day. I was in need of sustenance and a rich pint or two of heavenly nectar. I made my way on down to the great Arizona Wilderness Brewing Company with my trusty growler in tow. I lurched in, half in a daze and half mystified by the aromas of unique cuisine and the glorious sounds of pints being filled from behind the bar. Patrons were chattering away and I took a seat and sat quietly, contemplating my first beer choice. I ordered a porter, then a stout. They washed down my delicious lunch and lifted my spirit high.

After a long spell of quiet contemplation and echoes of admiration for the sultry ales I just had, the waitress chimed in and asked if I wanted my growler filled. I came slightly off my bearings, as I could not decide what I wanted to take home with me. Suddenly, out of the corner of my eye, I saw her. She was radiant, glowing in the daylight. Vivid yet soft with the body of a goddess. Her siren song rang in my ears and that’s all I could hear. The rest of the world distorted and faded into the background as our eyes met, wildly longing for eachother. Before I knew it, we were in my car. She sitting so dainty, exuded all that I yearned for. Not a word was spoken. The silence spoke volumes about what we were about to experience.

In the back of my mind, I knew it was so wrong, but nothing ever felt so right. We arrived back at my place, we entered together silently, hand in hand. Gazing deep at each other, nearly peering into one another’s soul. I reach towards the cupboard and pulled out the appropriate glassware. I took her top off; slowly, delicately. I picked her up with both hands and began to pour her into my tulip glass. She is more gorgeous than words can describe. Her scent, fragrant with notes of floral honey and fruity yeast. Finally, our lips meet in a deep moment of passion and elation.

Soft malts of pilsen set the tone as sweet, locally produced honey and yeast esters mingle with spicy hops kissed by a bitterness that almost makes me believe in love at first sight, or should I say sip? This Belgian Blonde beauty is truly unique and I know I’ll never meet another like her again. She may appear light in stature, but she rounds off at a sturdy 6.5% alc. and leaves her name always whispering in the wind… Baboquivari.

Thank you, as always to Arizona Wilderness Brewing Co. for the killer food and out of this world selection of ales. Each visit reminds me why I keep coming back. I want to congratulate AWBC for being recognized as the BEST NEW BREWERY ON EARTH by Ratebeer.com.

Until next time… CHEERS!

www.azwbeer.com

https://www.facebook.com/azwbc

Anderson Valley Brewing’s El Steinber Dark Lager

ANDERSON VALLEY BREWING (Boonville, CA.)

Hi, my name is Brodie and I am a self-admitted “Beer Snob” (and quite proud I may add). I judge beers like it’s going out of style and I’m not afraid to admit it. One could say I’m passionate, even downright angry at times, about beer. I’m not afraid to tell someone what they’re drinking is pure, unadulterated crap! I despise the giant Macro brewers and their slew of “feux craft” or “crafty beers” some have dubbed, which they use to spoon-feed the unsuspecting public into thinking their getting a handcrafted ale or lager from a tiny brewery in the middle of nowhere, when in all reality, it’s produced by robots using cheap adjuncts and filler products. So when it comes to lagers, I’m even more discerning about the beer than I am with most ales.

I’ve only had one beer from Anderson Valley in the past, their Fall Hornin’ Pumpkin Ale, and it was simply amazing. So when I saw this dark lager, I figured “Hey! Why not? I need to try more lagers anyway.”. Just based off the high quality and great flavor from Fall Hornin’ and their company slogan, “Bahl Hornin‘ “, which translates “Easy Drinkin’ “, I was able to easily put El Steinber in my basket.

El Steinber isn’t the typical dark lager. Brewed with Midnight Wheat for deep brown color and Indio-Hispano Blue Corn for a unique, toasty character. I’ll admit, I was a tad hesitant seeing that they used corn in the recipe as we know how the Macro brewers over-utilize corn in their recipes to dull the flavor of their beer. This is not the case at all with El Steinber. Rounding out the base malts with Pilsner malts gives it a smooth, crisp flavor. Capped off with a rocky tan head, musty wheat and toasted corn aromas arise. This beer has a beautiful cascade to it as the head recesses and the color of deep, rich mahogany is beyond inviting. Now, for the sip… and it is incredible! Never had I dreamt that a beer brewed with corn could be this awesome! I immediately take another sip and let it take a it’s time, mingling with my tastebuds. The mouthfeel is smooth, creamy and NOT over carbonated as most lagers tend to be. I can’t even put into words how smooth and delicious this lager is. It’s so easy drinking but not at all boring. A nice addition of Saaz hops give it a mild, earthy hop bitterness that really lets the malt profile shine through. Finishing off at 5.5% alc. this lager is something that can be enjoyed all day long without the hazardous repercussions of a higher gravity beer.

Anderson Valley Brewing recommends Jalapeno cornbread, pork carnitas, barbecued ribs, pomegranate tart and Meunster and Cotija cheeses for food pairings. As I become close friends with El Steinber, I invited it to lunch with my wife’s homemade pork and green chili tamales topped with monterey jack cheese and a side of spicy jalapeno black beans. It is a match made in craft beer heaven. Anderson Valley’s El Steinber has restored my faith in lagers and I give a big “CHEERS!” to the brewers for knocking this one out of the ball park. Anderson Valley Brewing doesn’t mess around! “BAHL HORNIN’! “

http://youtu./aat47xE3AzEbe

www.avbc.com

https://www.facebook.com/AndersonValleyBrewingCompany

Columbus Winter Beerfest

Columbus Winter Beerfest (Columbus, OH)

On January 17th and 18th Columbus will be holding its 4th annual Winter Beerfest. For this event, they have doubled their space since last year to a whopping 225,000 square feet of delicious craft beer! There will be over 300 beers for you to sample over a span of these two nights. Make sure to stop by the website to check out all the great beers they are offering (yet be wary of the few Coors and InBev products that made the lineup.)

This year they have also added a connoisseur pass that will include food sampling and pairings from local eateries. If you act now, you can buy VIP tickets at the cost of a regular ticket until Christmas. Ticket sales range from $40-$75 presale, and $50-$100 the day of the event. For your safe ride home, they also have $20 designated driver tickets that include a $5 food voucher. I’ll see you there, as I will be volunteering. Come see me for a tasty sample!

Find more info and beer lists at:

www.columbusbeerfest.com

www.facebook.com/ColumbusBeerfest

BrewDog – Punk IPA

BrewDog (Scotland, UK)

Typically here at Craft Beer Explorer, we try to focus our efforts on spreading the love for American Craft breweries.  But occasionally a brewery from across the pond will so embody the spirit of the craft beer movement that we must make exception.  A number of years ago, I recall my brother telling me about a crazy brewery in Scotland who were making the strongest beers in the world and putting their bottles in taxidermy squirrels… Yes… you read that correctly. (More on that here.)

Fast forward to 2013, when I begin seeing previews for the new Esquire television network featuring the show Brew Dogs with brewery founders Martin Dickie and James Watt.  Shortly after, BrewDog products began hitting shelves in the US (sans squirrel) on a regular basis.

Before we go in for the kill, you must learn how to greet your beer properly, as per the BrewDog fellas.  

1. Pour your beer into a glass, and stick your nose all up in it.

2. Take a big whiff…  

3. Say “Hello”

4. Another big whiff

5. Ask “How are you?”

6. Go in for a sip, swirling the beer around your entire mouth.

7. Mmm… mmm… mmm… 

Now you’ve got it.

The first BrewDog offering I’ve had the pleasure of drinking is their Punk IPA.  This IPA has more of a hop-malt balance than most of the American variety of IPA, which tend to be more aggressively hop-forward. Punk IPA pours a rich deep golden color.  The carbonation is moderate, and the head is light with a medium body.  The malt bill is complimented nicely by the brewers use of Chinook, Ahtanum and Nelson Sauvin hops which together create a light tropical fruit sweetness. The initial fruity notes are followed by the welcome hop bitterness.

While the hop head in me longs for a bit more bite from this brew, overall it is very enjoyable.  The flavors are complex and subtle, and beg you to come back, sip after sip.  Punk IPA would be a great way to introduce a friend who may be interested in trying an IPA for the first time to the style.

More information on BrewDog and Punk IPA can be found here:

About BrewDog

Punk IPA

Hoof Hearted Brewing – South of Eleven

Hoof Hearted Brewing (Marengo, OH)

Today I had a couple hours to kill, and I knew exactly where to go. I quickly decided to visit my favorite gastropub in Clintonville, OH, The Crest! The Crest is a newly renovated gastropub that has about sixty craft beer taps to choose from. About half of the taps are usually local Ohio brews as well. Along with all of the great beers on tap, they feature local wines and spirits as well. They also have a great selection of foods that use local and on site grown ingredients.

Today as I was scanning the beer list, I saw Hoof Hearted Brewing. It peaked my interest as I’ve never heard of them before. They had a couple of offerings, but as an extreme hop head, I landed on their South of Eleven Imperial India Pale Ale. It checked in at a hefty 10% ABV. As I received my tulip, it had a nice silky head with a dark golden color. I allowed my beer to breathe as I searched for a place to sit, The Crest is usually full of patrons seeking good drinks after all. I found myself on my own out on the patio on a brisk autumn evening. As I enclosed my nose in the glass, I immediately picked up on a smooth floral hop aroma. It was such a beautiful bouquet that I indulged my nose for a few more smells before letting my taste buds in on the joy this was bringing.

As I finally gave in, I was overjoyed with an amazing pine forward hop flavor. Piney hops are a great honor for me to taste in world of citrusy, west coast style India pale ales. The hop flavor was a quick punch of pine with a quick bitter bite that faded fairly quick. This flavor was a great compliment to the aroma of freshly fallen autumn leaves. Just as I finished my pour, it was cold enough to head inside and take care of the bill. As a bonus, The Crest was having an off hour special where drafts were 50% off!

Don’t forget to ‘Like’ Hoof Hearted Brewing at https://www.facebook.com/hoofheartedbrewing?ref=br_tf

and check up on their webpage at http://www.hoofheartedbrewing.com/

Also check out  The Crest Gastropub

2855 Indianola Avenue

Columbus, OH  43201

Visit them at www.thecrestgastropub.com, Give them a ‘Like’ on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TheCrestGastropub

Here are their great daily specials:

Monday – half off appetizers and bar snacks.

Tuesday – a pie and a pint for only $10

Wednesday – burger and fries for $5, well liquors for $3, and Jackie O’s cans for only $3!

Thursdays – Tacos & Tequila. Two tacos (veggie, pork or beef) $4, tequila for $5, and Ohio drafts for $4

Sunday – All Ohio drafts are 50% off until midnight!!!

Joseph James Brewing Co.’s Hop Box Imperial IPA

Joseph James Brewing Co. (Henderson, NV)

Hear ye, Hear ye! Calling all Hop Heads. Do you like big, resinous hop flavors backed buy a smooth malt character with a high gravity? Then this Hop Box Imperial IPA is for you.

                                                                           

Immediately upon cracking the can open, I was flooded with big hop aroma without even getting my nose up close. Coming in at 88 IBU’s and pouring a medium golden color with copper hues, topped off with a big white head, the aroma really stood up and announced itself. As I held my nose over the glass and began to waft in all the hoppy goodness, I was greeted with aromas of pine, citrus, grapefruit and even honeydew melon. I was a tad concerned that this would taste like a big booze bomb from the high alcohol percentage of 9.3% but this ale is surprisingly smooth. I do not detect any alcohol heat whatsoever.

The malt structure is simple yet satisfying. Subtly sweet, almost as if a touch of honey was added to the brew which helps combat the onslaught of hoppiness. The hop flavors stand out more than bitterness largely due to bucketfuls of dry hops added during the secondary fermentation stage. Hop Box finishes fairly clean with slight lingering bitterness that is always welcomed with my palette. In regards to food pairing, I think this would pair extremely well with a Cajun Spiced Sirloin Burger topped with blue cheese, onion straws and a garlic aioli sauce or with smoked Alaskan Salmon with a side of garlic and herb long grain wild rice.

                                                                                             

It may be safe to say that this is one of the biggest beers to come out of Sin City. Had I known that this brewery existed upon previous trips to Las Vegas, I would have gone out of my way for their product and would have gladly paid the high Las Vegas prices instead of having to settle with a sub par beer or a poorly made mixed drink. I will definitely seek out their other offerings and suggest you do the same. Cheers!

Joseph James Brewing Co.

155 N. Gibson Rd.

Henderson, Nevada 89014

Phone	(702) 454-2739 (BREW)
Email	info@foxbrews.com

www.foxbrews.com

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Joseph-James-Brewing-Co-Inc/156301200364

Other Offerings:

Fox Tail – Gluten Free Ale
Craft American – Lager
Weize Guy – Hefeweizen
Citra Rye – Pale Ale
Hop Box – Imperial IPA
Red Fox – Russian Imperial Stout

Columbus Brewing Company Sohio Stout

Columbus Brewing Company (Columbus, Ohio)

Located in downtown Columbus, you can find a very popular spot called ‘The Brewery District.’ Among many of the amazing local breweries, you can find the popular Columbus Brewing Company. Columbus Brewing Company, CBC as the locals may call it, has a variety of pale ales, IPA’s, and other seasonal hoppy selections, but as the colder weather starts to creep up, they release their Sohio stout. Sohio stout is the darkest beer that they brew throughout the year. They succeed spectacularly with their pale hoppy beers, and their stout is no exception.

Sohio stout clocks in with a solid 8.5% ABV, which is very well concealed in the brew. It pours with a light creamy head, and a rich dark brown color that appears almost black. The beer opens up with a beautiful aroma of coffee and cocoa, with a slight nutty essence. Close your eyes upon the first sip, clear your mind and experience the full rush your taste buds deserve for this smooth, warming stout. The taste reminds me of a nice warm cup of a medium roast coffee with a touch of dark chocolate. Not too bitter, but bold enough to let you know that its there. It will leave a nice coating in your mouth and hold its flavors so you can savor the beer for awhile. Go ahead and bask in its glory for a minute or two before you take your next sip. Its finish is a pleasantly bright acidic coffee tone. I personally enjoyed this finish as I took another whiff of my glass to smell the fresh coffee shop aromas. If you find this beer on tap, indulge yourself. If you stop by their brewpub, I’d recommend trying this with their Cajun jambalaya. The spicy shrimp, salmon, chicken and andouille sausage will accompany this smooth stout beautifully.

 

Visit Columbus Brewing Company at

525 Short St, Columbus, OH 43215

Monday	11:00 am – 10:00 pm
Tuesday	11:00 am – 10:00 pm
Wednesday	11:00 am – 10:00 pm
Thursday	11:00 am – 10:00 pm
Friday	11:00 am – 11:00 pm
Saturday	5:00–11:00 pm

www.columbusbrewingco.com

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Columbus-Brewing-Company/76461863704

Santa Fe Brewing Co.’s Oktoberfest Lager

Santa Fe Brewing Co. (Santa Fe, New Mexico)

Here we have yet another American tribute to a German beer, the mighty Oktoberfest Lager! I always get excited every August as I see these beers appear on the shelves. I’m not a huge lager fan but Oktoberfest style lagers really hit the spot. This one is no exception.

Brewed with 100% natural spring water, this Oktoberfest pours a beautiful and clear medium amber color with a rocky head that is creamy and aromatic. A semi-sweet crispness accompanied by smooth and silky mouth feel make this beer easily chuggable. Subtle hop spice come from Hersbrucker and Tettnanger hops backed by Pilsen and Munich malts which give it a healthy backbone.

At 6% ABV. this one could catch up to you in no time after imbibing one too many large steins worth. Santa Fe Brewing’s version is just as good as any true German Oktoberfest that I’ve had the pleasure of drinking and I would gladly pick it up again, with or without my Lederhosen on. The only thing that would make this better would be some German Sausage, a warm Bavarian Pretzel and spicy mustard on the side.

Santa Fe Brewing Co. boasts many awards in a variety of categories. They operate using eco-friendly alternatives such as solar panels and monetary credits to locals upon return of their plastic six pack holders and 12 pack cases.  The brewery also has an awesome program called “Small Batch Saturdays”, where they encourage local home brewers to come down and brew their recipes on the big brewing rig. They then tap the beers for all to come down and enjoy. What an awesome way to give home brewers some recognition.

I highly suggest you pick Santa Fe’s Oktoberfest Lager up before it’s gone for the season. You won’t be disappointed.

AWARDS:

2012 Best of the Rockies/Southwest Region, Vienna/Marzen Lager Category: US Beer Tasting Championship
2010 Silver Medal: Lager Category, Reno International Canned Beer Festival
2008 Bronze Medal, NM State Fair

Santa Fe Brewing Co.

35 Fire Place, Santa Fe, NM  87508

505.424.3333

www.santafebrewing.com

info@santafebrewing.com

www.facebook.com/SantaFeBrewing

Rumors of Columbus Brewing Company’s Bodhi in Bottles!

Columbus Brewing Company (Columbus, Ohio)

Over the past several weeks, I’ve heard rumors that Columbus Brewing Company may start bottling their most sought after beer in Columbus, Ohio… Bodhi. This double IPA is sought after citywide by local craft beer drinkers. Due to its popularity, Bodhi can be a difficult beer to come across, and once you grab yourself a pint of this fresh hopped, citrusy and incredibly smooth double IPA, you will understand why. The 8% ABV is very well hidden, which could make this beer a bit “dangerous” if you don’t know what you’re getting into.

While enjoying a pint recently, I ran into one of Columbus Brewing Co.’s seven brewers and I decided to ask him about the subject.

His reply was, “I can not confirm or deny that we will be bottling the Bodhi, but what I can tell you is that, packaging is in the works.”

Based on the brewer’s coy response, it sounds fairly promising that the locals of Columbus may receive fresh bottled Bodhi in the near future. Until then, show them that you enjoy their fresh hopped double IPA by buying a pint. You can even enjoy a fresh pint with brunch!

Visit Columbus Brewing Company at

525 Short St, Columbus, OH 43215

Monday – Thursday 11am-10pm

Friday – Saturday 11am-11pm

Sunday 11am-9pm

Or visit them at

www.columbusbrewingco.com

Weekend Beer Events at the Jersey Shore

Carton Brewing (Atlantic Highlands, NJ) – 077XX Zip Code Tour

Friday September 20, 2013 – 6:00 pm

Carton brewing will be featuring unique dry-hopped versions of their amazing 077XX DIPA (“0-dub”) at some of the best beer bars in New Jersey.  You can join the Carton folks on this unique van tour and treat your palate with these rare one-offs.  Seats will be filled on a first come first served basis.

The tour will leave from the brewery (6 E Washington Ave. Atlantic Highlands, NJ 07716), and includes the following stops:

1. Maloney’s (07747 Galaxy) Matawan

2. Bond Street Bar (07712 Centennial) Asbury Park

3. Ron’s West End Pub (07740 Simcoe) Long Branch

4. Jamian’s (07701 Apollo) Red Bank

5. Boyle’s Tavern (07750 Nelson Sauvin) Monmouth Beach

6. Barcade (077-07302 Warrior) Jersey City

7. Cloverleaf Tavern (077-07006 Sorachi Ace) Caldwell

8. Chubby Pickle (07732 Cascade) Highlands

Get more information here:

http://us2.campaign-archive1.com/?u=d19a01f8684f6875a07560cf2&id=55d7596333

or email tours@cartonbrewing.com

www.cartonbrewing.com

Kane Brewing Co. (Ocean, NJ) – 2nd Anniversary Celebration

Saturday September 21, 2013 – 12:00 pm

Congratulations to the staff at Kane Brewing Co. on their 2nd Anniversary this past August.  Be sure to join them on Saturday to show your support to this amazing local brewery.  To celebrate, Kane will be featuring 17 specialty and rare beers, check out this amazing list:

1. Seven Hundred Thirty – 2nd Anniversary ale
2. Three Hundred Sixty-Five – 1st Anniversary ale
3. Barrel Aged 365 – 1st Anniversary ale aged 1 year in barrels
4. A Night to End All Dawns – Imperial dark ale aged in barrels
5. A Night to End All Dawns COFFEE – with Rook Coffee Roasters
6. Apiary – Farmhouse Saison w/ local wildflower honey
7. Apiary Brett – Secondary fermentation w/ brettanomyces
8. Barrel Aged Overhead – IIPA aged in bourbon barrels
9. Barrel Aged Solitude – Belgian Dark Strong aged in bourbon barrels
10. Double Dry Hopped Head High – with Citra
11. Double Dry Hopped Ripple – with Nelson Sauvin
12. Malus Vintage 2012 – Belgian Dark Strong with local apple cider
13. Mosaic Overhead – IIPA double dry hopped with Mosaic
14. Silent Nights Vintage 2011 – Imperial Stout
15. Silent Nights Vintage 2012 – Imperial Stout
16. Sour Blonde – Tart Belgian-style ale aged in oak dry hopped with East Kent Goldings
17. Sea Change – 100% Brettanomyces fermented American pale ale dry hopped with Citra and Mosaic

www.facebook.com/KaneBrewing

www.kanebrewing.com