tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82776233704175809262024-03-13T19:21:32.978-04:00The Pour TravelersThe Pour Travelers follows two craft beer enthusiasts and their monkey across the country and beyond on a quest to explore the colorful beer culture of big cities, small towns, remote locations, and places with which you might not be familiar. Join us on our adventure!ffejherbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01444361671877120080noreply@blogger.comBlogger240125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8277623370417580926.post-27547327219400999132022-10-05T15:58:00.003-04:002022-10-05T15:59:05.492-04:00Texas Road Trip: Day 9 - Did I forget to mention... forget to mention Memphis? Oh yeah, and Nashville, too!<p><b> Day 9 - Little Rock > Memphis, TN > Nashville, TN</b></p><div>We enjoyed our day in Arkansas, but it was time to move along. Day 9 of the trip saw us traversing pretty much the entire stretch of Tennessee. I HAD to get back to Knoxville for a second visit to Xul... but more on that later. </div><div><br /></div><div>Entering into Memphis, the town hearkened more to fat, bloated Elvis rather than the swiveling hips, pelvis-thrusting younger Elvis in that it was kind of beat-up-looking. I'd heard more about the Nashville scene than Memphis, but we were passing through and thought it prudent to have a looksie around. Our first stop, <a href="https://wiseacrebrew.com/" target="_blank">WiseAcre</a>, sealed the deal that yeah, maybe Memphis has at least one legit brewery. Pulling into the parking lot just around opening time, we were both pretty impressed by the size and scope of the brewing facility. The walkway into the brewery passed adjacent to a neat beer garden, complete with busts of various historical figures that, in some way or another, influenced the brewery's founders.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0g__bu9POJqxsA3y5BJcO8M9XQAQMgdXmWQx2irnDfXcDtOgGt7Svq_S3pEVyqd51-YxLNDDFUYqEDXFHe_8Dx2hNozWSYL24S2_Deq0Rjru9KaKsU2a0I9wDgkPvA0qN7ttpzFZfp7g/s2048/IMG_7817.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0g__bu9POJqxsA3y5BJcO8M9XQAQMgdXmWQx2irnDfXcDtOgGt7Svq_S3pEVyqd51-YxLNDDFUYqEDXFHe_8Dx2hNozWSYL24S2_Deq0Rjru9KaKsU2a0I9wDgkPvA0qN7ttpzFZfp7g/s320/IMG_7817.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>I had fun reading WiseAcre's beer descriptions, too. If you get a chance, look them up. Being an old-school English major with a creative writing bent, I always appreciate some clever wordplay. We spent a good chunk of time here, because the beers were great, the brewery was visually stimulating, and the staff were super friendly. My first impression came with a beer called <b>Jean de Lis</b>, which was described as an Ice Pick Style Lager. There's a first time for everything, right? Turns out this unique lager is hopped with a distinctive variety grown in France (of all places!) called Strisselspalt, which lends subtle spicy notes as well herbal and floral aromas. Additionally, the beer itself is flavored with Meyer lemon and black tea, and both of these flavors seem to gel with the hops nicely. As if all that wasn't weird enough, this beer contains lactose. Not sure I ever encountered a lager with lactose. Again, first time for everything! </div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_a8vOFIYvoffhKpSlvgSxGBFy8qYf8xbHetiyS0HC9ABhio1PsrlgYHGLiWVhm0PQjD3A08I1sTGriWduBVUE_JhNnamiXMYdj_INjCcky0Mh1i3v9mXeS7P9wXonzA3PyIaUdNWbVaM/s2048/IMG_7820.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_a8vOFIYvoffhKpSlvgSxGBFy8qYf8xbHetiyS0HC9ABhio1PsrlgYHGLiWVhm0PQjD3A08I1sTGriWduBVUE_JhNnamiXMYdj_INjCcky0Mh1i3v9mXeS7P9wXonzA3PyIaUdNWbVaM/s320/IMG_7820.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>I decided to roam away from floral and herbal to the smoky side of the spectrum with <b>Dr. Gibbler</b> , a traditional German-style Rauchbier. Readers of this blog know that I am in a very small minority of beer drinkers who love smoked beers. This clean, crisp, straw-colored lager boasted a moderate smoky flavor (think a combo of campfire and bacon) with some sweetness in the backend. </div><div><br /></div><div>Staying on the lager train, I opted next for a pour of a Japanese Rice Lager called <b>Irusu</b>. If you desire a crispy beer, a rice lager is the answer. The term "crispy" has certainly become a buzz word in the craft brewing scene over the last few years, and this beer style exemplifies the "crispy boi" movement. </div><div><br /></div><div>By this time, I was craving some hops. Enter <b>Adjective Animal</b>, a double dry-hopped DIPA boasting a "wasteful pile of hops in the kettle," - their words, not mine - and another "huge tongue beating heap of hops" in the whirlpool. Lot of flavors are floating around the palate with this one: orange, tangerine, papaya, pine, grapefruit, and mango. Overall, it's a very tropical-forward DIPA featuring a blend of Denali, Citra, Falconer’s Flight, and Centennial hops. Nicely done! </div><div><br /></div><div><b>Oktoberfest: Gemütlichkeit</b></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOmiTZfYCR7RAkr2XvmTUhIpm0UPK6p58snel6BzNUYI1PJWjg97ZV5gOI7911699jontd-8iuJgcG7LFp4HW7wd-QX3pzYt_0nLVg5TtPqcvZRhOi9Yw4mwhqrJYGE570MYEj4unsQzo/s2000/IMG_2775.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="1500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOmiTZfYCR7RAkr2XvmTUhIpm0UPK6p58snel6BzNUYI1PJWjg97ZV5gOI7911699jontd-8iuJgcG7LFp4HW7wd-QX3pzYt_0nLVg5TtPqcvZRhOi9Yw4mwhqrJYGE570MYEj4unsQzo/s320/IMG_2775.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Up next was our second - and last - stop in Memphis. <a href="https://grindcitybrew.com/" target="_blank">Grind City</a> looked promising on the outside, but ultimately this brewery wasn't anything to write home about. Although it might not be fair to judge a brewery on a single beer, sometimes we don't have the luxury of sticking around for a few hours and trying 5 or 6 beers. So, as it turned out this was a one-and-done stop. </div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVi5PFH890EGByt7CsRoVqSL2wHoIkMq60ISwogzV1OEJpbKfoWqLxwkPyCa17ci35fbcUtLbAoVi7ntAnyeP4Iy8ojfA744OJFuBdb2dqum-qcCPP_pMMvY13rzfF0bbNcwNtmAWKjJ4/s2048/IMG_7821.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVi5PFH890EGByt7CsRoVqSL2wHoIkMq60ISwogzV1OEJpbKfoWqLxwkPyCa17ci35fbcUtLbAoVi7ntAnyeP4Iy8ojfA744OJFuBdb2dqum-qcCPP_pMMvY13rzfF0bbNcwNtmAWKjJ4/s320/IMG_7821.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>I kept things light and went with a pint of <b>Poppy's Pils</b>. Described as a light American pilsner, this one appeals to the prescription drug addicts, I suppose. Overall, it was pretty pedestrian and didn't entice us to stick around or seconds. Not that it was bad per se; it just wasn't memorable (except for the name, of course), so we decided to make it a short visit and get moving to Nashville. </div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC68QrbrGZDcBYpLlD5gwZt2YsqAojnoKD6YYgs0JlinEdBvlyI3YIFcW4Om4x665GMSZf8E1R-TwXPEiHmdUCC1OfS3rKi6lakA3KWyGABeIcRs0uNROjERAHMTW8P5Js3v2-jePVSqw/s2048/IMG_7824.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC68QrbrGZDcBYpLlD5gwZt2YsqAojnoKD6YYgs0JlinEdBvlyI3YIFcW4Om4x665GMSZf8E1R-TwXPEiHmdUCC1OfS3rKi6lakA3KWyGABeIcRs0uNROjERAHMTW8P5Js3v2-jePVSqw/s320/IMG_7824.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Still, it was a nice enough place, very bright and clean with a nice deck area outside. The pictures turned out nice! I was pretty excited to get to Southern Grist and Bearded Iris, both of which were high on my list for this trip. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpDe086GF84MCGOWjY1J7UYSTj3o-eM3Nkwh6rmVYdPa-MpkhJE8YnzoFf1Wq8acNluwiA0hs717AaOQkF2S5HjH4aYooSrfUSQnxDvteT9YUaow5es4wqRYjKQs1f37AMpi3fuDhc1f4/s2048/IMG_7823.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpDe086GF84MCGOWjY1J7UYSTj3o-eM3Nkwh6rmVYdPa-MpkhJE8YnzoFf1Wq8acNluwiA0hs717AaOQkF2S5HjH4aYooSrfUSQnxDvteT9YUaow5es4wqRYjKQs1f37AMpi3fuDhc1f4/s320/IMG_7823.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>When we arrived at <a href="https://www.southerngristbrewing.com/" target="_blank">Southern Grist</a>, our first stop in Music City, U.S.A., it was uncomfortably crowded and seating was limited. It seemed as though someone's 30th birthday party was happening when we walked in. The tables were messy and cluttered, and we were ready to just stand and enjoy our beer. Although the scene was chaotic, we managed to snag two open seats at the bar after a few minutes, then eventually made it to a table once it quieted down a bit. Turns out the birthday party group were about to embark on a tour of the brewery, so the cacophony of thirtysomethings died down considerably once the tour started. Thank God, because we'd heard nothing but good things about this brewery. We decided to hunker down here for a while and, as expected, the beers were solid across the board. </div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyq94gidvUAfl1qkTdxI0Tw0YP72wUWbsZijdPHOSkbSwv_iTZTeJpl2Etu5ub5wCegiYreQUq8EzOlSzJ5aQH5OM-9hJSpcfaFfGbzCxP2BWVhp0mdQGsqo0eUj83EotVzVNKj3d9NOo/s2048/IMG_7825.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyq94gidvUAfl1qkTdxI0Tw0YP72wUWbsZijdPHOSkbSwv_iTZTeJpl2Etu5ub5wCegiYreQUq8EzOlSzJ5aQH5OM-9hJSpcfaFfGbzCxP2BWVhp0mdQGsqo0eUj83EotVzVNKj3d9NOo/s320/IMG_7825.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Up first was <b>Southern Crisp</b>, an unfiltered Pilsner hopped with one of my faves - Nelson Sauvin. I really enjoyed this beer, and it got our visit off on the right foot, especialyl after the potential debacle we'd just avoided once folks from Annoyingville made their mass exodus. </div><div><br /></div><div>Next up was a beer I just had to get based solely on its name.<b> [Insert Juicier Pun]</b> - yes, that's the name of the beer! - is a juiced-up version of Southern Grist's popular New England DIPA. The key difference here is that this one is double dry-hopped with Galaxy, Mosaic and Citra. </div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMyqLHJ7p6WTvFubMzTFthfpca44fDp7gRB1qdnM1-G7QSaCNXNMeBQIYg7bb4_UhJM3bRmv3xQg1YlqPgDD9Xw9ypoT-AD9uOWpLx1rqHjiSC8wQxP8_qOX9UiTunh25gu1Nn3XKYDgM/s2000/IMG_2786.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="1500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMyqLHJ7p6WTvFubMzTFthfpca44fDp7gRB1qdnM1-G7QSaCNXNMeBQIYg7bb4_UhJM3bRmv3xQg1YlqPgDD9Xw9ypoT-AD9uOWpLx1rqHjiSC8wQxP8_qOX9UiTunh25gu1Nn3XKYDgM/s320/IMG_2786.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Lastly, we enjoyed a pour of <b>Pineapple Upside Down Cake</b>, a New England Milkshake IPA brewed with lactose, vanilla, and pineapple. Hopped with Azacca and Huell Melon, this fruit-forward treat provided a pleasant blast of tropical air in the land of honky tonks and Elvis. It's been a while since the trip, but I'm fairly certain we took home a 4-pack of this one. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOadx0uW1SUYbKgu-XgejiWnU2CPM40-oHHOspzmaqEe4iSdbfN0AErPDyskyX4JDTMNp72_2Fm6NIOmg2VUOQIjNLQLRum1zQREglQtijbUhyBjHaXZ8ofDwI2gCHV0ubW7BDkhesYLE/s2048/IMG_7830.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOadx0uW1SUYbKgu-XgejiWnU2CPM40-oHHOspzmaqEe4iSdbfN0AErPDyskyX4JDTMNp72_2Fm6NIOmg2VUOQIjNLQLRum1zQREglQtijbUhyBjHaXZ8ofDwI2gCHV0ubW7BDkhesYLE/s320/IMG_7830.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Another must-hit brewery in Nashville, <a href="https://beardedirisbrewing.com/" target="_blank">Bearded Iris</a> didn't disappoint. Turns out, one of their brewers (possibly head brewer) is originally from nearby Grantville, PA (home of our Hollywood Casino). The bartended we ended up chatting with was also from the Harrisburg area and was brought up on Tröegs, specifically Nugget Nectar if my memory serves me correctly. </div><div><br /></div><div>I had to start with <b>Homestyle</b>, the brewery's flagship IPA. This juicy, single-hopped IPA is packed full of Mosaic for a pretty complex hop character. It's also not a hazy, which I appreciated. This one is just a great fridge beer that you can throw back whenever you need a good hop fix. </div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6MG9Aq37aykvaw1WgblEXEntBOXYZ2bl4D-XZAhIXdFNXSTV4doqrr-QxhhrMqGH0MkDRB3xnHVmoLvsezihUkrAj6zoT8Qz4CIDGVJ_ESPiyFwDhCAtPGeaVrV_5TPuu5l0j2Zh9RLs/s2000/IMG_2787.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="1500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6MG9Aq37aykvaw1WgblEXEntBOXYZ2bl4D-XZAhIXdFNXSTV4doqrr-QxhhrMqGH0MkDRB3xnHVmoLvsezihUkrAj6zoT8Qz4CIDGVJ_ESPiyFwDhCAtPGeaVrV_5TPuu5l0j2Zh9RLs/s320/IMG_2787.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I hadn't had a stout all day, so I went with a pour of <b>Slender Baker</b>. This rich Imperial Stout features toasted coconut, cacao nibs, caramel, lactose, and vanilla for an enjoyable pastry experience. It wasn't mind-blowing like the Xül stout I had at the beginning of the trip, but it certainly hit the spot. </div><div><br /></div><div>Back to hops, this time with <b>Daring Duchess</b>, a DIPA blending Michigan-grown Cashmere hops and and Citra Cryo into a full-flavored, highly drinkable hoppy ale bursting with tropical mango and fruit punch. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvGt-Mt_PUz9HFgZAN1tZuICW4uzSS4SWeK3LAAQGadS8MI_xBVF5N3plS9w7N5X5mI-SqTpyZ2kLAwLYwL_x9OXdO7LO_jxqSlg1QfDExRMt-Lh1KfwfOwJVFA3XKSbvtrJ7HbqYzhwg/s2048/IMG_7831.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvGt-Mt_PUz9HFgZAN1tZuICW4uzSS4SWeK3LAAQGadS8MI_xBVF5N3plS9w7N5X5mI-SqTpyZ2kLAwLYwL_x9OXdO7LO_jxqSlg1QfDExRMt-Lh1KfwfOwJVFA3XKSbvtrJ7HbqYzhwg/s320/IMG_7831.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>The bartender at Bearded Iris tipped us off to another brewery in town called <a href="https://www.smithandlentz.com/" target="_blank">Smith & Lentz</a> that allegedly brews some tight lagers. Sold! So we carved out some time to swing in for two rounds. Since we were pointed in the direction of this brewery because of its lagers, I opted to start with a pour of <b>Kellerbier</b>, a "young"<b> </b>version of its German Pils (only 10 days cold instead of 6 weeks). Tettnanger hops give this beer a pleasant lemony aroma with some herbal undercurrents. Although the texture is pretty soft, it finishes dry and crisp on the palate. This was a joy to drink! </div><div><br /></div><div>For my last beer, I opted for <b>Together Forever</b> , a West Coast-inspired IPA hopped with Mosaic and Citra. They beefed up the hop bill with a hand-selected lot of Columbus Cryo hops to add punchy notes of citrus zest, mixed berry and a hint of dank pine, the latter of which I always look for in a West Coast IPA. </div><div><br /></div><div>Before leaving, I had to pick up a 4-pack of its house Helles Lager, called Mariachi Static, which I enjoyed at home. </div><div><br /></div><div>But we're not home yet! Just one more day to go, which includes a return to Knoxville, TN, then back home to PA. Until next time...</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfMtP-vKERVo2o0vjubQpTVSAqyx1vapuj47AzfwPDbu0m_nI31U_WYuVJY5jXvGZr_BYoP00V9Cy9TvukI699s1oPS8IP9x-9wlRvutTdb0CMSiHpepL-zn63-v9SgPpfDEUqrVvihE0/s2048/IMG_2779.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfMtP-vKERVo2o0vjubQpTVSAqyx1vapuj47AzfwPDbu0m_nI31U_WYuVJY5jXvGZr_BYoP00V9Cy9TvukI699s1oPS8IP9x-9wlRvutTdb0CMSiHpepL-zn63-v9SgPpfDEUqrVvihE0/s320/IMG_2779.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div>ffejherbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01444361671877120080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8277623370417580926.post-61099520923140733802022-08-17T13:50:00.004-04:002022-08-17T13:50:47.530-04:00The Year in Beer 2021: Top 10 new-to-us Breweries<div style="text-align: left;"><div>OK kids... here it is! With COVID restrictions easing up quite a bit in 2021, we were able to visit an unprecedented number of breweries this past year. More on our annual statistics at the end of the blog. For now, here's our picks for our ten favorite new-to-us breweries we visited in 2021. While there's no specific equation used in determining our final list, we did take all of the following into consideration: beer quality, atmosphere, service, and general awesomeness as well as our initial and lasting impressions. </div><div><br /></div><div>However, this year's task was even more daunting since we visited so many new breweries. I had to whittle down my initial list of 25 breweries, which put me at around 14. Then, Brewslut and I discussed which should be listed as "honorable mentions". It wasn't easy, but it had to be done. </div><div><br /></div><div>With all of this taken into consideration, we present to you the Pour Travelers’ Top 10 New Breweries Visited in 2021 (in alphabetical order).</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUpgd8087CLxZxuFtdvRFtDDt_1lvuS34OHlmZ-gaUB817jglD9Gf5yQNJRh5mJauD2V3SUOJubiZiURkL0Uz1VUZFcQRvWL5u7fjC0lHeA9qkfGbuVivZAkHqHQ4-kxQpQhz_LkDJC5Aif52QdeZIOoYWmoJ_QtrM25OsuvNap3wPyNb44hbIS3Y/s4032/IMG_7872.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUpgd8087CLxZxuFtdvRFtDDt_1lvuS34OHlmZ-gaUB817jglD9Gf5yQNJRh5mJauD2V3SUOJubiZiURkL0Uz1VUZFcQRvWL5u7fjC0lHeA9qkfGbuVivZAkHqHQ4-kxQpQhz_LkDJC5Aif52QdeZIOoYWmoJ_QtrM25OsuvNap3wPyNb44hbIS3Y/w400-h300/IMG_7872.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div>1. <b>Crooked Crab</b> - Odenton, MD - <i>First visited in August 2021</i></div></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div>We visited Crooked Crab on our way to a nearby pool party, and I'll be honest; I didn't have high hopes for this place. Turns out it left quite an impression on us! From a variety of excellent beers across the board to clever beer names, evocative artwork, top-notch branding, and an extremely friendly and knowledgeable staff, Crooked Crab checked off all the boxes of a great brewery. Favorite beer? We tried many but the most memorable was Stay Krispy, a Japanese Rice Lager that I took home with me. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvyj7ytzXZiQd3qhLkQB6MrpEOegPptTISE4qoAhYcxiusgp8GjNIDPVW_IAycVHaIKA5RFU2jnpAfLFBW9qEZHx6HTF4S-CO1Yui1eIYxCg19lgIHIINp69W0lHUYwD_JCP8CXo4wqhBg0MzAxvDg3evnscntBA98RSqE-P6hr01qFsOmIC2B5Z4/s2048/IMG_0476.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvyj7ytzXZiQd3qhLkQB6MrpEOegPptTISE4qoAhYcxiusgp8GjNIDPVW_IAycVHaIKA5RFU2jnpAfLFBW9qEZHx6HTF4S-CO1Yui1eIYxCg19lgIHIINp69W0lHUYwD_JCP8CXo4wqhBg0MzAxvDg3evnscntBA98RSqE-P6hr01qFsOmIC2B5Z4/w400-h300/IMG_0476.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>2. <b>DSSOLVR </b>- Asheville, NC - <i>First visited in November 2021</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div>Drinksgiving 2021 was as epic as you can imagine with any trip to this east coast beer mecca! This place was in our top 3 of Asheville, and all three of those breweries also made the top 10 list for 2021. The ratio of world class breweries per capita in this small town is staggering. I tried four completely disparate beers while visiting DSSOLVR: a Japanese rice lager, a dark English mild, a pumpkin spice vanilla cheesecake sour, and a BBA Imperial Stout with sea salt, maple, coconut and coffee. The beers were all exceptional. As an added bonus, this place is metal as fuck. I have to like a brewery A LOT to buy a shirt, and this one is still in regular rotation. </div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDEDgOfzCDy_867iaiAHWZKar8KRcK72Vv5BRKbSBLMkZQbxkaRxYR98urEB4ZZhqyIuMc-FrGy0uhy2ZA-7Fwq3SBYMmhJYz4TAgTKuO5qX-blVbR3OkvKGfy74sFXIUr3raJHkQn5nC1YzFmCPBwGpd9QH-DKNWLS138XkKI8mWHw5ULGPwY8cc/s2048/IMG_0498.JPEG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDEDgOfzCDy_867iaiAHWZKar8KRcK72Vv5BRKbSBLMkZQbxkaRxYR98urEB4ZZhqyIuMc-FrGy0uhy2ZA-7Fwq3SBYMmhJYz4TAgTKuO5qX-blVbR3OkvKGfy74sFXIUr3raJHkQn5nC1YzFmCPBwGpd9QH-DKNWLS138XkKI8mWHw5ULGPwY8cc/w400-h300/IMG_0498.JPEG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>3. <b>Eurisko </b>- Asheville, NC - <i>First visited in November 2021</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div>Another one from our Asheville "Big 3," this place hit our radar a few days before we embarked on Drinksgiving 2021 by way of our beer bud, Taylor, who went to brewing school with one of the owners. This place has the distinction of the only brewery we visited twice during this trip. Describing itself as "a place both wonderful and strange," Eurisko was just one of those places that I didn't want to leave. Exotica IV, a Sabro-hopped double milkshake IPA might have been my favorite beer of the trip. It was insanely good... so good, in fact, that I'd have bathed in it. Well, maybe not, because then I wouldn't have been able to drink it. But you catch my drift. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_KyYQMtASmWM4PuD6T9pCDIxB0Y0o0IM-MAsaW1_babWTYFTtkqdgt5yWL8F_pXE7aOak3LlAewpsEylGIDecCV9N7-BStg8f77EMYTe26kZUrkmsRUBY5ua_ye8CuWaE-BLOMNj0l6BazNwlqsd-lKMHru7ogNQZQK1xnRG1rSTvIS8jG0iEmNI/s4032/IMG_7078.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_KyYQMtASmWM4PuD6T9pCDIxB0Y0o0IM-MAsaW1_babWTYFTtkqdgt5yWL8F_pXE7aOak3LlAewpsEylGIDecCV9N7-BStg8f77EMYTe26kZUrkmsRUBY5ua_ye8CuWaE-BLOMNj0l6BazNwlqsd-lKMHru7ogNQZQK1xnRG1rSTvIS8jG0iEmNI/w400-h300/IMG_7078.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>4. <b>Human Robot</b> - Philadelphia, PA - <i>First visited in February 2021</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div>If you'd have told me 10 years ago that there would be a brewery in Philadelphia making the best lagers outside of Europe, I'd have laughed in your face. Well, that time has come. It's kind of fitting that we first visited this place - easily my favorite brewery in Philly - on Valentine's Day. Folks, I'm telling you... the honeymoon ain't over with this place. We've since stepped foot inside this brewery many times over the last year and a half since our inaugural visit (which, by the way happened by accident). Long story short: We were having a beer a few blocks away at Punch Buggy Brewing, and the owner asked if we liked lagers. I said yes. He said, "Are you going to Human Robot?" I said, "What's that?" He said, "It's a brewery about 4 blocks away." I said, "Um... we're going there next!" The rest is history. Seriously people, this place absolutely rules. To put in it perspective, the last two times we were in Philly for a weekend, we visited on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Yeah, it's THAT good!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFb6in2PuVcIxQwB7xSVdFp2tCxrPaGiNInj-FNNBS6z5KIa_Qds1rtU_jqehtLyCmheIJ7NYXwnuZ_4NWCW85nEjjj9lPXtAzdtOvYX7g4nAvpS8bvIZCmUp07Pq_dPrCQdRBFJrjNPu1vgu9itJN2vab7ysNQN2mXRnbvemBKkcLE1gESDDcBDA/s2016/IMG_7302.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFb6in2PuVcIxQwB7xSVdFp2tCxrPaGiNInj-FNNBS6z5KIa_Qds1rtU_jqehtLyCmheIJ7NYXwnuZ_4NWCW85nEjjj9lPXtAzdtOvYX7g4nAvpS8bvIZCmUp07Pq_dPrCQdRBFJrjNPu1vgu9itJN2vab7ysNQN2mXRnbvemBKkcLE1gESDDcBDA/w400-h300/IMG_7302.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>5. <b>Nepenthe </b>- Baltimore, MD - <i>First visited in March 2021</i></div><div><br /></div><div>We first visited Nepenthe on the day after my 47th birthday. Although the term "nepenthe" dates back to ancient Greece, it's likely taken from this quote by Edgar Allan Poe (who is buried in Baltimore): “Quaff, oh quaff this kind nepenthe, and forget this lost Lenore!” We've since been back a few times and it's likely our favorite brewery in Baltimore. Beer aside, their food is fantastic and their artwork is dope (if you like colorful retro sci-fi monster movies). </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHbCUhYWwlyoIhK27-NoA376D3hnf11uaGi8NT2g0u4Fe2ouTQ5IPrxbGP51FxKbwdcQULsPV7RDwHbOEIcy3zBwFjb6Sf__w0mXLgba1zyTZ6ok3vct7SoMQOjmMbSRR1zszZ9LiV7_YILKqq3fvd969G4vVcC7IFW7TP7-TC3cNqisP2rIH5PFU/s4032/IMG_7873.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHbCUhYWwlyoIhK27-NoA376D3hnf11uaGi8NT2g0u4Fe2ouTQ5IPrxbGP51FxKbwdcQULsPV7RDwHbOEIcy3zBwFjb6Sf__w0mXLgba1zyTZ6ok3vct7SoMQOjmMbSRR1zszZ9LiV7_YILKqq3fvd969G4vVcC7IFW7TP7-TC3cNqisP2rIH5PFU/w400-h300/IMG_7873.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>6. <b>Sapwood Cellars</b> - Columbia, MD - <i>First visited in August 2021</i></div><div><br /></div><div>Oddly enough, we ended up at this fine brewery after a recommendation from one of the bartenders at Crooked Crab. Since we liked <i>his </i>brewery so much, we figured we'd probably enjoy one he recommended, too. So, we altered our plans accordingly and headed to Sapwood Cellars. While they do the hazy thing well, they also dabble in everything else. We really enjoyed Molé'd, an Imperial Stout with dried chili peppers, amburana wood, cacao nibs, and vanilla beans. Brewslut bought a sweet tank top. They also host some cool food trucks and other vendors, like a cool plant bus (a converted school bus that's now a garden). Brewslut bought a plant. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjzTRHn6aks6FnNyawBq9Ic5xFkFg6hH_yX8ytmJQibq6sZUh1JtO16l6XvVRnFY3xg74FKTKigI_Nd-Dzf-cja7XyE3SEKpb1V2RNav8i64MohE9UehEpfQiy18ufuKVmZ-yLTTmbnNPgj9cVb3BrvfOcmRkIz_jLv6JR5l09I-DKOp8bQgiKe_Q/s4032/IMG_7726.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjzTRHn6aks6FnNyawBq9Ic5xFkFg6hH_yX8ytmJQibq6sZUh1JtO16l6XvVRnFY3xg74FKTKigI_Nd-Dzf-cja7XyE3SEKpb1V2RNav8i64MohE9UehEpfQiy18ufuKVmZ-yLTTmbnNPgj9cVb3BrvfOcmRkIz_jLv6JR5l09I-DKOp8bQgiKe_Q/w400-h300/IMG_7726.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>7. <b>Southern Prohibition</b> - Hattiesburg, MS - <i>First visited in July 2021</i></div><div><br /></div><div>Prior to our Texas road trip, I had received reviews of Southern Prohibition from several friends in my beer circle, and all of them were quite glowing. Not only was this brewery a highlight of that particular trip, it was also a highlight of 2021. Since only had about an hour and fifteen minutes to spend here, we made every sip count. First off, the two bartenders (one, a young male college student and the other, a young twenty-something woman), were amazingly friendly and talkative. As for the beer menu, I wanted to try everything. They even had a collab with Ingenious on tap! Southern Prohibition was a favorite of Pleeps as well. He absolutely loved the Sherbet Sherpa Banana Split. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqcxzAZkHKFe018ZL4fz8PiSuxWkXgfJJt05njssdP8LP-pY7R-E0icxbXxvGTNLhYEImtWT1JKtYwgqnlHcenBEzTHW8yazR_doLcRrGzoNFahE2AgZd4s79aztxBtDFNuoIuKoUNeOIKAv0C975nAcIIIxLlIIIOXeiu4zHFwFB0JsahGbPmKX4/s2048/IMG_7740.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqcxzAZkHKFe018ZL4fz8PiSuxWkXgfJJt05njssdP8LP-pY7R-E0icxbXxvGTNLhYEImtWT1JKtYwgqnlHcenBEzTHW8yazR_doLcRrGzoNFahE2AgZd4s79aztxBtDFNuoIuKoUNeOIKAv0C975nAcIIIxLlIIIOXeiu4zHFwFB0JsahGbPmKX4/w400-h300/IMG_7740.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>8. <b>Urban South</b> - New Orleans, LA - <i>First visited in July 2021</i></div><div><br /></div><div>Another one from our Texas Roadtrip, Urban South just blew us away. We weren't familiar with this brewery prior to our visit, but I'm glad we included it on our agenda. With a penchant for eclecticism, Urban South is firmly planted on the American end of the brewing spectrum. Think hazy, hop-drenched and lactose-infused IPAs and "glip-glop" beers (our friend Justin's term for thick, heavily fruited sours) and you can paint a pretty vivid picture of the types of beers Urban South serves. At the end of the day, all of the beers we tried were fantastic. Also, if you like the 1980's and bright, colorful geometric shapes, then you'll enjoy the tasting room. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio0lYxKKtpSOr6Iw7R0tF-yV2Xa-znukMcKfegCQ9YQCEtcHEh0RzxexeNZSklYqGXi_VuuWD9iYRCj1X1sVy6hVu_VbiMIUs2mIDsp4AnXd2RidEBZootCunUzHFasjcvS4Y2NnhlspIxKIm5147jR_RZ_ZJ6WAW7IsonBuxwxU_RH8WmPB0X5Wk/s4032/IMG_7837.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio0lYxKKtpSOr6Iw7R0tF-yV2Xa-znukMcKfegCQ9YQCEtcHEh0RzxexeNZSklYqGXi_VuuWD9iYRCj1X1sVy6hVu_VbiMIUs2mIDsp4AnXd2RidEBZootCunUzHFasjcvS4Y2NnhlspIxKIm5147jR_RZ_ZJ6WAW7IsonBuxwxU_RH8WmPB0X5Wk/w400-h300/IMG_7837.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>9. <b>Xül </b>- Knoxville, TN - <i>First visited in July 2021</i></div><div><br /></div><div>Xül Beer Co., the new kid on the block in Knoxville, came with high praise from a bartender we'd just encountered the previous night at Cascade Taproom in Bristol. It turns out it was a pivotal moment in our trip, because Xül was one of those rare places that just blew me away on every level. As a child of the 80's, this place was right up my alley. Given her vast depth of movie, TV, and pop culture trivia knowledge, Brewslut called out the fact that Xül (pronounced like and actually spelled Zuul) was in fact the gatekeeper in the movie <i>Ghostbusters</i>. The brewery itself has a very "retro modern" look that reminded me of a car dealership you might have seen on an episode of <i>The Jetsons</i>. And Xül gets bonus points for having an umlaut in its The beer, you ask? Friends, let me tell you: Xül ain't fuckin' around. I still get wet thinking about the mouthfeel of Beyond the Lines of Reason, an Imperial Stout conditioned on mounds of fresh and toasted coconut across multiple additions. Simply put: "This fuckin’ beer rules." - <i>Untappd user ffejherb, July 22, 2021</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1egHkIPcggxNk3DlshgLMdBfGgsvADgUFsJrgGK3l6vn_IngZj__z3D92pV75fe7ES2U3jH2zqrshqoNmmhh0yfIRDHgi7MQqqtVg2YK86ziD_MlltFnyi2i2NkJfFkIQ8XkiSsKLSK1fSwdITuWwVO8dE2sLmHHhhuZ1E6DT49EA8N_6QWHfpuo/s2048/IMG_0469.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1egHkIPcggxNk3DlshgLMdBfGgsvADgUFsJrgGK3l6vn_IngZj__z3D92pV75fe7ES2U3jH2zqrshqoNmmhh0yfIRDHgi7MQqqtVg2YK86ziD_MlltFnyi2i2NkJfFkIQ8XkiSsKLSK1fSwdITuWwVO8dE2sLmHHhhuZ1E6DT49EA8N_6QWHfpuo/w400-h300/IMG_0469.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>10. <b>Zebulon </b>- Weaverville, NC - <i>First visited in November 2021</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div>This brewery came with high praise from my elder beer brother, Deuane. As a matter of fact, he was confident that it would end up on our year-end list of favorite breweries visited in 2021. He's seldom wrong, and he was definitely correct in this assumption. Just north of Asheville and owned by a husband and wife, Zebulon Artisan Ales is specializes in farmhouse style ales, wild ales, sours, and historical recipes. The English Bitter I had here transported me to a tiny pub in rural England. I can't wait to get back to this place. We'll be staying much longer next time!</div><div><br /></div><div><b><u>Honorable Mentions</u></b></div><div><br /></div><div>These places were so good, I had to at least give them all a shout-out. I mean, narrowing down a list of 170 breweries to just 10 was extremely difficult... kind of like picking a favorite Rush song! So, kudos to these places as well.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOAsnkEl-MvVPjb1tUAHXDsHRozekhx-KVeRhsFLHWBYmTK6Wc1vjzg5vyxYWft3rxv9Z3MxxqlQ4KSc4KrFazEo_dQEkZFbpNUz4AqsYSrP3JFLRDUJ4PQ-vsE4krOnzoAd1GhVDxp-eUwlUHGIOVbZ5g9vdFiiSdcJFU_BMfldaLddbGWp9mXzc/s320/IMG_0518.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOAsnkEl-MvVPjb1tUAHXDsHRozekhx-KVeRhsFLHWBYmTK6Wc1vjzg5vyxYWft3rxv9Z3MxxqlQ4KSc4KrFazEo_dQEkZFbpNUz4AqsYSrP3JFLRDUJ4PQ-vsE4krOnzoAd1GhVDxp-eUwlUHGIOVbZ5g9vdFiiSdcJFU_BMfldaLddbGWp9mXzc/w400-h300/IMG_0518.JPEG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Cursus Keme</b> - Asheville, NC - <i>First visited in November 2021</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div>One of the most aesthetically beautiful places we visited in Asheville. I already included three breweries from the Asheville trip; otherwise this place would have made the list! This place had not one but two doppelbocks on their short list of Belgian and European-inspired brews, one of which was smoked... and you know me and smoked beers!</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL6cKS_S0D_ASmwSAaBH09wd7UqKjWMVQ8DGTr0xPA0UWLmn6i_-0sQ_solCsZqSzZ-uGK_ayBQsKYXfhxnfCs48BLoDbGl_zQlp1Oj11dFrHKUSAOWG0xrlQT1tNxq8a4ulNFbldMIJnm9j-6zL1CXD17zr8_WA-UNDckTxKJmdb3J_OBp4a2JbA/s2048/IMG_7794.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL6cKS_S0D_ASmwSAaBH09wd7UqKjWMVQ8DGTr0xPA0UWLmn6i_-0sQ_solCsZqSzZ-uGK_ayBQsKYXfhxnfCs48BLoDbGl_zQlp1Oj11dFrHKUSAOWG0xrlQT1tNxq8a4ulNFbldMIJnm9j-6zL1CXD17zr8_WA-UNDckTxKJmdb3J_OBp4a2JbA/w300-h400/IMG_7794.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Equal Parts</b> - Houston, TX - <i>First visited in July 2021</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Our Texas road trip was the summer of the pilsner, and this brewery's amazing German pilsner named Löggerbier was, without a doubt, one of the best pilsners I had on the entire trip. I think I drank more pilsners on this trip than most fair-weathered lager drinkers consume in a year. While Equal Parts is crushing lagers, they also do quite well in other categories, like fruited sour hazy Double IPAs and Imperial Stouts. </div></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEXZaon0jLlQU8eiXIYP9d67h1ft3zZUrZ0Ed8bj0hPTx2DD2W0B2YevuKCTI7h75GS3Kw-OkYrNrftNT5It4K-FbiEZcGYa8B9e4OmnNu2Yk9Wch70_19mDH55GVJKKZFbaSq3QY5tCzOSitflqHNbUy1xFJJaGnmTkXpn1LeaQdsJB3J_HTBwKs/s2048/IMG_2730.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEXZaon0jLlQU8eiXIYP9d67h1ft3zZUrZ0Ed8bj0hPTx2DD2W0B2YevuKCTI7h75GS3Kw-OkYrNrftNT5It4K-FbiEZcGYa8B9e4OmnNu2Yk9Wch70_19mDH55GVJKKZFbaSq3QY5tCzOSitflqHNbUy1xFJJaGnmTkXpn1LeaQdsJB3J_HTBwKs/w300-h400/IMG_2730.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /></div><div><b>Ingenious</b> - Humble, TX - <i>First visited in July 2021</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div>Ingenious would have made the Top 10, but I felt weird including this amazing brewery since we're close friends with the owner. It was a joy to finally visit Ingenious after three years... not to mention getting to hang with our friends Justin and Nate. This place is easily one of Texas' envelope-pushing breweries. Hazy IPAs? Check. Fruited sours? Yup. Milkshake IPAs (dubbed FroYo)? Tons of 'em! Mammoth barrel-aged beers with lots of adjuncts? You bet yer sweet ass! I hope we get to visit again someday. </div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixmgr6PuNBD6boQgleq_QmXJqdJGaB3Btb9t0kKdhY8fL4Kx6l-9uYAtmfx7iPCFg6vLJsB0mdlp7XWs1vTBVzo4uneB0_0LoF7hf9SuREpuBcAzYneZBrvhrefPtQ8PBs4i7sgqsW8nA0jWpkNDXeGmnPvcjlf46dDPT1sh-eoL3NnQJ-ND4kP3o/s2048/IMG_2102.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixmgr6PuNBD6boQgleq_QmXJqdJGaB3Btb9t0kKdhY8fL4Kx6l-9uYAtmfx7iPCFg6vLJsB0mdlp7XWs1vTBVzo4uneB0_0LoF7hf9SuREpuBcAzYneZBrvhrefPtQ8PBs4i7sgqsW8nA0jWpkNDXeGmnPvcjlf46dDPT1sh-eoL3NnQJ-ND4kP3o/w300-h400/IMG_2102.JPEG" width="300" /></a></div></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Right Proper</b> - Washington, DC - <i>First visited in February 2021</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div>A smoked doppelbock. A dark, robust saison fermented with a house yeast blend. A mixed-culture Foeder beer blended with a dry-hopped Farmhouse Ale. You'd think that'd be enough, but add a Fried Tofu Bowl into the mix for dinner and this place won my heart. I even got to visit again when I attended a Mastodon/Opeth show in November 2021. </div><div><br /></div><div>So, how did we fare in 2021? I'd say we crushed it! All in all, we visited 170 new-to-us breweries across 14 different states (7 of which were uncharted territories), compared to last year's paltry amount of 76 and 2019's slightly higher number of 79. I'm no mathematician, but I'd estimate that's more breweries than the previous two years combined. Brewslut wasn't able to join me at two of the new breweries, but otherwise my she and Pleeps were with me for the entire ride. With that said, we've got our work cut out for us in 2022, and I doubt we can top that number. But... who knows? </div><div><div><br /></div><div>Here's hoping that the state of the world improves in 2022 and will allow safer beer travels for everyone. Cheers!</div></div><div><br /></div><div>- The Pour Travelers</div></div>ffejherbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01444361671877120080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8277623370417580926.post-83021740644355686912022-03-15T15:50:00.001-04:002022-03-16T14:08:23.784-04:00Texas Road Trip: Day 8 - 20,000 miles to an oasis<p><b> Day 8 - Texarkana, TX > Little Rock, AR</b></p><div>We said our goodbyes the night before, as Justin had to work in the morning. Well, we said goodbye to old Major, Justin's trusty little pug who's still kicking it at 15+ years old. We packed up the car and began our three-day journey back to PA.</div><div><br /></div><div>It was a lengthy four-and-a-half drive to our first stop of the day, which was in Texarkana, TX, for lunch and our first brewery on the way home. Unfortunately, it wasn't worth the drive... although in all fairness it was "on the way" to Little Rock, AR, and broke up the drive nicely. Besides, a man's gotta eat, right Bobandy? Plus I always wanted to visit Texarkana because I dig the R.E.M. song of the same name. Thanks Mike Mills. Twenty thousand miles to an oasis, indeed. </div><div><br /></div><div><div><a href="http://www.pecanpointbrewing.com/" target="_blank">Pecan Point</a> opened in October 2014 as Texarkana's first brewery. Located next to the historic Perot Theatre, the small brewery serves small batch beers brewed in-house as well as guest taps, rotating wines, and custom cocktails.</div><div><span style="color: red;"><br /></span></div><div>Inside, Brooklyn-based architect Justin Scurlock peeled back the layers of the building's history to reveal its original structure, where customers can enjoy an intimate dining room experience or a more traditional beerhall vibe in the bar area. </div></div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1vdMCWwbVGc_s4qB0zDnSiYFNswx4MDQ5v4nz-HTVSuhctXQp7cdIMpRehHMpWzJhQLBEUPvKnWWNjlprur2hPsuHPXRprRS7ASwOoyIzsogxxF_HBgZuJcvD1eWTOrlftoD69rPdgDA/s2048/IMG_7803.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1vdMCWwbVGc_s4qB0zDnSiYFNswx4MDQ5v4nz-HTVSuhctXQp7cdIMpRehHMpWzJhQLBEUPvKnWWNjlprur2hPsuHPXRprRS7ASwOoyIzsogxxF_HBgZuJcvD1eWTOrlftoD69rPdgDA/s320/IMG_7803.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Outside Texarkana's Pecan Point.</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Sadly, Pecan Point was the furthest thing from an oasis, I'm afraid. I'll be honest; I didn't have high hopes for this place, as it looked like a cookie cutter brewery with your typical blonde ale, cream ale, porter, IPA, etc. But the place looked nice enough with an open floor plan, plenty of seating, and a friendly staff. We parked at the bar and perused the beer and food menus. </div><div><br /></div><div>Trusting my instincts, I suggested to Brewslut that we share a sampler, which is always a safe way to test the waters of a questionable brewery. I have a funny way of sniffing out a subpar brewery. Well, folks, my Spidey Sense was tingling at this place. We settled on the following flight:</div><div><ul><li><b>Twin City Pilsner</b></li><li><b>Swampdoodle IPA</b></li><li><b>Grim Porter</b></li><li><b>Bell's Dairy Milk Stout</b></li></ul></div><div>Sadly, all four beers fell squarely between lackluster and undrinkable (mostly the latter). Even Brewslut, who typically "takes one for the team" since I do the vast majority of the driving (all of the driving on this trip, actually), couldn't mute her olfactory senses and plow through the remaining beer. </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDgvCC_VVQhvhZ4H8DZD6tPTaSV68eFNqBio7IteRv3LvSk0qth2qQGAuwGNAAjK0eOl9HKr-6-6esJGmpl4NN0acj-uXlAHv9MNSpse5Uoc-mWFeV-wFFUwIIWoFZJyVYM5KAgVAJjOA/s2048/IMG_7805.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDgvCC_VVQhvhZ4H8DZD6tPTaSV68eFNqBio7IteRv3LvSk0qth2qQGAuwGNAAjK0eOl9HKr-6-6esJGmpl4NN0acj-uXlAHv9MNSpse5Uoc-mWFeV-wFFUwIIWoFZJyVYM5KAgVAJjOA/s320/IMG_7805.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Pleeps looking rather tentative at Pecan Point.</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>By design, I suppose every beer trip we take has to have a "worst brewery". If so, then Pecan Point easily gets my vote for this trip. Beer aside, we both got chicken salad sandwiches, which were passable but not great. I hate to be so critical about a brewery, but if you ever find yourself in Texarkana on your way to Little Rock and are thinking about stopping here, just keep driving. </div><div><br /></div><div>After another two hours or so on the road, we landed in Little Rock, Arkansas, at our first-ever brewery in the Natural State (whatever that means): <a href="https://www.stonesthrowbeer.com/" target="_blank">Stone’s Throw</a>. I'm glad we took Deuane's advice and went "the back way" home instead of re-treading our original route. Not only did we get to hit a couple of great little breweries, we crossed off another state on our "brewery bucket list". While we only got to three different breweries, we made our time in Arkansas count. </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm8WCD0UJiOWRnpOp9BLLYbryzPlmCujeeZppTZ69iuih3jDrN87ZDQRW1aGkiVw9rsDDlPk-DKdLr30SXOQ_GEAVqyurMoZ3tw2joE8tsFj1tJwHO7Wy5uY1_j9JO2G9SC3IDs6x-cdY/s2048/IMG_7807.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm8WCD0UJiOWRnpOp9BLLYbryzPlmCujeeZppTZ69iuih3jDrN87ZDQRW1aGkiVw9rsDDlPk-DKdLr30SXOQ_GEAVqyurMoZ3tw2joE8tsFj1tJwHO7Wy5uY1_j9JO2G9SC3IDs6x-cdY/s320/IMG_7807.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Welcome to Stone's Throw!<br /></span></i><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div><div><div>Stone's Throw was founded by four friends who met at a local homebrew club called the Central Arkansas Fermenters. Bringing their collected brewing knowledge together, the four friends turned two old Little Rock buildings into successful neighborhood nano-brewery taprooms, both of which are just a - wait for it - stone's throw away from Little Rock's vibrant neighborhoods and local attractions. Of the two locations in town, we visited the Stifft Station Taproom. The other location is situated in downtown Little Rock. </div><div><br /></div></div><div>Once we got cozy at a table and perused the beer options, I decided to go with a flight of four different beers. I started with <b>Amadeus Vienna Lager</b>, which is a reference to some old musician named Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. I think he played piano and wrote pop songs of the day. All kidding aside, I actually had the opportunity to visit Mozart's "Geburtshaus" in Salzburg, Austria, when I went to Europe with the German club. (True story: I had my very first beer at the Hofbrauhaus in Munich, Germany!) Though he was born in Salzburg, he spent the majority of his professional career in Vienna. See where this is going? One of Stone's Throw's year-round offerings, Amadeus features a healthy dose of Vienna malt and Noble hops to create a traditional copper-colored lager with caramel notes, a hint of toasty malt and a tinge of grassy, herbal hops around the edges. </div></div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguxBSCBwXFrF3kNejAhnQyGuyMzSAZwYnT7FbSbUfprs8I4MYjnmtlukW8wyiNaLeL9U8H-Fy_C3MjnvwYtv1xWSsf47AfyM9x82tCUootC_RQ4w_Qi_JaOYk6DZV2i6Oc7idnh6MX-9A/s2048/IMG_7808.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguxBSCBwXFrF3kNejAhnQyGuyMzSAZwYnT7FbSbUfprs8I4MYjnmtlukW8wyiNaLeL9U8H-Fy_C3MjnvwYtv1xWSsf47AfyM9x82tCUootC_RQ4w_Qi_JaOYk6DZV2i6Oc7idnh6MX-9A/s320/IMG_7808.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Pleeps is always a stone's throw away from good beer!<br /></span></i><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>Up next was <b>Cover Crop IPA</b>, a classic American IPA brewed with a few twists, the first being the addition of rye in the grist. Rye, one of the world's most widely-used cover crops, lends a hint of spiciness in the backend. Columbus and Cascade - two tried and true American hop varietals - brings in plenty of citrus notes to tie it all together. This was nicely balanced and flavorful, and the rye spiced things up a bit. </div><div><br /></div><div>I was in a hoppy mood, so I made sure to include a pour of <b>Ancestral IPA</b>. This one is brewed in the more hop-forward West Coast tradition. More assertive than the Cover Crop IPA in its bitterness, I'm not sure I liked it better. Rounding out my flight was <b>Barrel Aged Anni Stout</b>, Stone's Throw's anniversary stout aged in bourbon barrels from Little Rock's own Rock Town Distillery. All in all, it was an enjoyable flight and enticed me to try something else before we moved on to the next brewery. </div><div><br /></div><div>Enter <b>George Bros. Historic Arkansas Ale</b>. This beer just sounded too interesting to pass up. Here's the story, courtesy of the folks at Stone's Throw:</div><div><br /></div><div><blockquote><i>Little Rock’s first brewers were German-born Alexander and Henry George who operated a biergarten in the mid-1800s on Rock Street. For the museum’s 75th anniversary, Ian Beard, Theron Cash and Leah Lambert of Stone’s Throw Brewing drew on their own research and that of our Arkansas-made team to come up with a tribute beer similar to a 19th century George Bros. brew. The George brothers came from a warm region of Germany which suggests that their beer would have been similar to Belgian-style farmhouse ale. Additional research revealed which brewing ingredients would have been available to the George brothers. With the addition of wild Arkansas yeast harvested by Grant Chandler (Lost Forty Brewing) from plums in Dunbar Community Garden, this 75th anniversary ale is an Arkansas-made ale of historic proportions!</i></blockquote></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">All in all, everything here was solid and enjoyable. Stone's Throw was a fine introduction to the Arkansas craft beer scene, and it felt great to add another notch in our brewery bucket list. This would be our last "new state" of the trip, as we'd head back through Tennessee (one we'd just added earlier in the trip), leaving 18 more unexplored states for the Pour Travelers to traverse... hopefully some day soon. </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTu54YuwKFnlCzOUs1upwgcmjo6xZIaGqu04ekEX1U0oPi7B5D7fvV8YGRgRKhM-mgsz9hhKMef7eVGMuizywPEilm_W0a9nWO2TT5lSbduuDToNMDuYaTaClBnKAMu3nKgXdbZSrxD5c/s2048/IMG_2766.HEIC" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTu54YuwKFnlCzOUs1upwgcmjo6xZIaGqu04ekEX1U0oPi7B5D7fvV8YGRgRKhM-mgsz9hhKMef7eVGMuizywPEilm_W0a9nWO2TT5lSbduuDToNMDuYaTaClBnKAMu3nKgXdbZSrxD5c/s320/IMG_2766.HEIC" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>One last sample for Pleeps at Stone's Throw!<br /><br /></i></span></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>Our next stop, Little Rock's <a href="https://www.lost40brewing.com/" target="_blank">Lost Forty</a>, was our favorite of the four breweries we hit on this particular day. We arrived right when their brewing shift must have been changing over, because a brewer came out with a big grin on his face, grabbed some beer to take home, and made some type of "life is good" comment to us and some nearby patrons. I can relate, because working at a brewery definitely has its perks, and I always say that my worst day at Tröegs is better than my best day at my last job (which, by the way, was in the Telecom industry). This guy was happy as a clam. </div><div><br /></div><div><div>The brewery takes its name from an historic forest, which stands on 40 acres of Arkansas's last truly virgin soil in Calhoun County. I don't know much about Arkansas at all (perhaps the only thing is that Bill Clinton was governor of the state prior to his presidency), but this place just felt like Arkansas. It's hard to explain. We'd never been to the state prior to this visit, but I'd wager you'd be hard-pressed to find a brewery more uniquely Arkansas as Lost Forty. </div><div><br /></div></div><div>My first beer, <b>Easy Tiger</b>, set the tone and reeled me in right from a get-go. Described as a Mexican Lager, this GABF silver medal-winning cerveza is an easy drinker, boasting aromas of toasted malt and fresh-baked bread with a hint of citrus zest. </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6sRyN7IXntRboIGgJ3f0K6bSCMj4b3n21Ej3R2RmKU4fGVngF64pIIqWnwA994Olq5Y-1uSOxZNSiKERYKlD9Fp2rGq9kF7vCMJobTUKVqnDNSQKITRiDLOalKRUmn7tTz75zcFePPNQ/s2048/IMG_2768.HEIC" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6sRyN7IXntRboIGgJ3f0K6bSCMj4b3n21Ej3R2RmKU4fGVngF64pIIqWnwA994Olq5Y-1uSOxZNSiKERYKlD9Fp2rGq9kF7vCMJobTUKVqnDNSQKITRiDLOalKRUmn7tTz75zcFePPNQ/s320/IMG_2768.HEIC" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Pleeps was loving life at Lost Forty.</i></span></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>I followed up with a pour of <b>Rockhound IPA</b>, which seems like one of the brewery's flagship beers. Citrusy, resinous and aromatic, this one falls more on the "West Coast" side of the IPA spectrum with a balanced caramel malt character underneath waves of grapefruit and tropical hop notes. </div><div><br /></div><div>I decided to stay on the IPA path for the remainder of our visit. Up next was <b>Dig the Ride IPA</b>, which - if memory serves me - was my favorite of the three. This one packs a hefty citrus profile with a tinge of honey sweetness, but finishes on the dry side with traces of dank herbs and citrus zest. <b>Squirrel Sailor</b>, on the other hand, was closer to a NEIPA and akin to orange juice with a hazy appearance and heavy on tropical fruit. Great name, by the way. I couldn't help but think of our pet squirrel Dig Dug frolicking through a sea grass in our yard back home in PA. </div><div><br /></div><div>All in all, this was a fantastic visit, with memorable beer, atmosphere, people... and food, too. Yes, the vegan crispy cauliflower wings were amazing! I loved everything about this place and always hope that every brewery we visit can check off all the boxes. Lost Forty did it with ease.</div><div><br /></div><div>Last but not least, we had time to swing by one final brewery in Little Rock. <a href="https://flywaybrewing.com/" target="_blank">Flyway</a>, a stone's throw from the banks of the Arkansas River, is situated in the Argenta Arts District part of town and operates on a 10-bbl brewhouse. This small brewery prides itself ourselves on preserving its local land, resources and inhabitants, sourcing local ingredients, and maintaining its small, independent DNA. </div><div><br /></div><div><div>The brewery's name is derived from the Mississippi Flyway. Running from central Canada to the Gulf of Mexico, it's the largest bird migratory route in North America... right Deuane? With this in mind, Flyway invites folks to "come be a part of the migration." </div></div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRiEBTrk27XFMTvstK5vCgqDI0PIFCrRcqo7yCw3PdlM7oE1reHU2iTyOuXdZfO9KgFBs_BqwH7qXf0qNnAHI9yiaa13xAzp-awQizTjWsZJFzkvUOUSNXdD4Ge3zo2wgXDHJqHwObn30/s2048/IMG_7811.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRiEBTrk27XFMTvstK5vCgqDI0PIFCrRcqo7yCw3PdlM7oE1reHU2iTyOuXdZfO9KgFBs_BqwH7qXf0qNnAHI9yiaa13xAzp-awQizTjWsZJFzkvUOUSNXdD4Ge3zo2wgXDHJqHwObn30/s320/IMG_7811.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Bunch of bird brains at Flyaway, I'd say!</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Kestrel Kolsch</b> was an enjoyable, true-to-style Kolsch with a light but crisp body and just a tinge of citrusy, grassy hops to keep things interesting. My next beer, <b>Saison Avifaune</b>, is - according to the brewery - "an expression of this season that we'd love to share with you." Flyway believes that each particular season offers its own unique pace, weather patterns and characteristics. I found this saison to be a pleasant snapshot of this specific time and place, with notes of fresh bread, straw, bubblegum, and orchard fruit. </div><p>While we were here, we had a long conversation with a guy who was also visiting Little Rock. Talked with a local at the bar for about an hour. While the details are a bit cketchy, I think he said he was from Minnesota or Wisconsin or one of those cool states up north. Maybe I'm wrong. That's what happens when you wait until March to write about something that happened in July... especially when beer is part of the equation. Nevertheless, he was quite friendly and talkative, and made the time pass in a pleasant manner, which is always the sign of a positive brewery experience. And with that, it was time to stick a fork into Day 8. Stay tuned for our final descent into PA and the end of our epic summer trip. Until next time... </p><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj93nmGVIoPIWaqMXe0SziAYRnmVKSTusKYFgDjsA5YsXuD0dovz2te_G2RU_xSV_PxO2sU-3I53WaAAV06D-I-sUwl8-1h5jrzh5ekVqyGiZRBBg8Z8o7qQBJ2ipBtinNfYLfoI-lZz5M/s2000/IMG_2769.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="1500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj93nmGVIoPIWaqMXe0SziAYRnmVKSTusKYFgDjsA5YsXuD0dovz2te_G2RU_xSV_PxO2sU-3I53WaAAV06D-I-sUwl8-1h5jrzh5ekVqyGiZRBBg8Z8o7qQBJ2ipBtinNfYLfoI-lZz5M/s320/IMG_2769.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>ffejherbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01444361671877120080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8277623370417580926.post-26184297232447459902022-01-28T10:26:00.003-05:002022-01-28T10:26:38.622-05:00 Texas: Day 7 - Still Hoppin' Around Houston<div style="text-align: left;"><b>Day 7 - Houston, TX</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We didn't cover as much ground on our second full day in Houston as we did the previous day, but we managed to hit a few solid breweries. Up first was <a href="https://www.spindletap.com/" target="_blank">SpindleTap</a>. Open since November 2015, the brewery's name is a pun on Spindletop, an oil field located in Beaumont, Texas, that was critical in the development of the oil and gas industry in Houston during the early part of the 20th century. I suppose it's a fitting name, as everyone knows we get most of our "black gold" from the Lone Star State. I mean, "Texas Tea" is a popular slang term for oil. With that in mind, the vibe of the place naturally screamed Texas pride and oil, which is evident in its use of a derrick (i.e. oil tower) as part of its logo. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">SpindleTap also boasts a pretty sick outdoor entertainment complex they've dubbed SpindlePark, a three-and-a-half acre addition to its taproom where visitors can play a variety of sports and games including baseball, kickball, basketball, soccer, lacrosse, volleyball, corn hole, and disc golf. They even have a 9-hole mini-golf course! Sadly, we didn't get to check out SpindlePark as I wasn't privy to its existence until after we'd visited. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd3iQIKm_k98uvZvOmQuGsRT3WJCl5C1hW7MRu9plHUYu_-Tz2m4vIocHXB0rEzICRFwD6OMYB1rj5uRZG5gxLzYS9Os7hVga_j620MbEya8z3LxQfY94-JbyPRAKTwJzKpjwft4hKWqM/s2048/IMG_7793.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd3iQIKm_k98uvZvOmQuGsRT3WJCl5C1hW7MRu9plHUYu_-Tz2m4vIocHXB0rEzICRFwD6OMYB1rj5uRZG5gxLzYS9Os7hVga_j620MbEya8z3LxQfY94-JbyPRAKTwJzKpjwft4hKWqM/w240-h320/IMG_7793.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Spindletap beer selection.</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div>The bartender on duty was friendly and knowledgeable, having come from another brewery whose name escapes me at the moment. Regardless, I dug into a pour of <b>Frostbite</b>, a West Coast-style IPA hopped with Cyro Columbus, Centennial, Cascade and Simcoe. Aah, the classics! With a wintry mix of pine and grapefruit, this beer is hoppy enough to give you the frost heaves on a warm summer day. Geez... that sounds like some kind of disease you pick up around the holidays if you live in the New England region. Anyway, I say bring on the Westies. This was was pretty solid overall, so we decided to stick around for seconds. </div><div><br /></div><div>We decided to share a pour of something called <b>Ingrained 1</b>, which sounded interesting. Touted as an Imperial Stout, this 11.5% behemoth is a blend of a Russian Imperial Stout aged for 25 months in Woodford Reserve barrels, a Wee Heavy aged for 14 months in maple bourbon barrels, and an imperial chocolate milk stout aged on Madagascar vanilla beans. Obviously, there's a lot going on here. Overall, I got a lot of chocolate, roast and boozy warmth up front with some dark stone fruit and smooth vanilla sweetness in the finish. While it didn't "wow" me like some other similar beers, it was nice to share this one with Brewslut and Pleeps. You know how he loves his imperial stouts! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>Up next was <a href="https://www.facebook.com/EqualPartsBrewing/" target="_blank">Equal Parts</a>, my favorite of the three new breweries we visited on this particular day. Founded as Sigma Brewing Company, the brewery operated under this moniker for the first three years of its existence. Feeling the name Sigma didn’t acknowledge the brewery's commitment to its local community and its internal co-workers, they hired a brand strategy company and came up with Equal Parts, a name that conveys ownership of staff and patrons alike. Make sense? Good. </div><div><br /></div><div>I kicked off with a pour of an excellent German pilsner named <b>Löggerbier</b>. This was, without a doubt, one of the best pilsners I had on the entire trip... and that's saying a lot, because this was easily the trip of the pilsner. I think I drank more pilsners on this trip than most fair-weathered lager drinkers consume in a year. Everything you could possibly want in a pilsner was present in this beer: spot-on carbonation; a white fluffy head almost three fingers high; that classic Noble hop character (think herbal and citrusy with a whiff of freshly mowed lawn); and a crisp, clean, refreshing finish with just a touch of that mineral-like yeast that I love about the style. Yup, this beer is a winner! </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGRIYqakMqEpO4gu7YnjN963xLtIJbpq13vGiU77lTp9UGxOY9RsHb_2OEkNuPiioIv52WZ-g4G1YfVNEJ_RVn1AuGoGz7ja6XOjjayeZFKPmE435pxZq-4EOvD_Q22WPgqfK0arFOW2g/s2048/IMG_7796.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGRIYqakMqEpO4gu7YnjN963xLtIJbpq13vGiU77lTp9UGxOY9RsHb_2OEkNuPiioIv52WZ-g4G1YfVNEJ_RVn1AuGoGz7ja6XOjjayeZFKPmE435pxZq-4EOvD_Q22WPgqfK0arFOW2g/s320/IMG_7796.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Pleeps likes pilsners too.</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div>Since we were off to a good start, we decided to stick around for a while and dig in to the tap selection, which was quite varied. Up next was <b>Sour Spirit Journey</b>, a hybrid style described as a "fruited sour hazy Double IPA." This one checks off a lot of boxes. </div><div><br /></div><div>Up next comes a beer with a little lesson in Latin: <b>Mutatis Mutandis Mocca Vol. 1</b>. A Latin phrase, Mutatis Mutandis translates to English as "with things changed that should be changed". It's a beer series whereby each release is meant to stand on its own; however, the brewery's goal is to create two beers that build upon each other when blended. Volume 1, named "Mocca", is a collaboration with Xela Coffee Roasters and features a blend of barrel aged porter and stout, Xela Second Ward blend coffee, cacao, Vietnamese cinnamon, and vanilla.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQwmaPVATp48iwTgRVbihjS2GBrBbY6Vwm5Z2WiuTRVFFGqsR6HBtecEN4IhO4dHQuOpA8I9RM0DlPe0J0oREPwR8iOxVYfp91aHxxtZ6K-N5RuZpW2AnFrDsD-m8jCUyfyBXi39-C4mg/s2048/IMG_2753.HEIC" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQwmaPVATp48iwTgRVbihjS2GBrBbY6Vwm5Z2WiuTRVFFGqsR6HBtecEN4IhO4dHQuOpA8I9RM0DlPe0J0oREPwR8iOxVYfp91aHxxtZ6K-N5RuZpW2AnFrDsD-m8jCUyfyBXi39-C4mg/s320/IMG_2753.HEIC" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Pleeps is gettin' jiggy wit it!</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>I couldn't leave without trying the West Coast IPA. <b>Sigma IPA</b> is Equal Parts' homage to the West Coast hop bombs of yesteryear. Brewed with a trifecta of classic hops - Centennial, Citra and Simcoe - this was a citrusy, piney delight with a fairly dry, bitter finish and a sturdy malt backbone. Bring on the Westies! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxl4pui4sX2fHJ_sMwmfHXBuH8NPZ-Vshgx6RqLmuosz5Y44vCAE4tJ4uiViNmMbiOatZR_ikCaD6ksEot44YtuMBQekHBDlC88RK9TG2rpfrMUx5mSqzPDC_IubMLsiua0FZOdGRF7Zg/s2048/IMG_7794.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxl4pui4sX2fHJ_sMwmfHXBuH8NPZ-Vshgx6RqLmuosz5Y44vCAE4tJ4uiViNmMbiOatZR_ikCaD6ksEot44YtuMBQekHBDlC88RK9TG2rpfrMUx5mSqzPDC_IubMLsiua0FZOdGRF7Zg/s320/IMG_7794.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Up here in space... I'm looking down on you...</i></span></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>When we arrived outside our next stop, <a href="http://trueanomalybrewing.com/" target="_blank">True Anomaly</a>, parking proved problematic. Adjacent to the brewery, there is a paid parking lot with ludicrous pricing. Turns out it was some kind of private paid parking lot, so we skedaddled out of there and found a place on the street. </div><div><br /></div><div>With a tagline like "Drink Boldly," it's no wonder this place digs science and space. As a matter of fact, the four guys who started True Anomaly all have backgrounds in fields of science, including space-suit development, mission management, and - I kid you not - rocket science! So I suppose it <i>does </i>take a rocket scientist to brew beer... at least for True Anomaly. </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK1BvNiYNo-kqDQvmX__D-ktwHr9K-VI9_3H_ZS6US1WEcM1ps3uph0QO8aXrRgOQtm1u4nPf6Y1qZFIJxWtWsMdBgy2UVr49zk3rEIlgMptBbROfK6EKA0aB8y0_lQ3_hpL_a_XXBreg/s2048/IMG_7798.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK1BvNiYNo-kqDQvmX__D-ktwHr9K-VI9_3H_ZS6US1WEcM1ps3uph0QO8aXrRgOQtm1u4nPf6Y1qZFIJxWtWsMdBgy2UVr49zk3rEIlgMptBbROfK6EKA0aB8y0_lQ3_hpL_a_XXBreg/s320/IMG_7798.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Pleeps is a true anomaly, indeed!</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>For our one-and-done visit, I opted for a pour of <b>Scout</b>, a Mexican-style lager. Unfortunately, this was kind of a whirlwind visit since we spent some extra time at Equal Parts. From what I can recall, this was a solid interpretation of the style, with sweet corn notes, a hint of citrus and grassy hops, and a clean, refreshing finish. Light and easy-drinking... what more could you ask for in a Mexi lager? </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwf8-Txb8TWrn8H2E_h2KbCQ-DUfbXasEoC8btQ-jV9uANFYU0_ArCcH8bqngPtB57E1B6B3i57YzoYtHysw5yhhFoxl2rgSqBSzOqiNjAX-7kG62txegQoiGlslZxabzq-0MF_KqxY7U/s2048/IMG_2755.HEIC" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwf8-Txb8TWrn8H2E_h2KbCQ-DUfbXasEoC8btQ-jV9uANFYU0_ArCcH8bqngPtB57E1B6B3i57YzoYtHysw5yhhFoxl2rgSqBSzOqiNjAX-7kG62txegQoiGlslZxabzq-0MF_KqxY7U/s320/IMG_2755.HEIC" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Chillin' at True Anomaly.</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>We still had plenty more beers to enjoy at <a href="https://ingeniousbeer.com/" target="_blank">Ingenius</a>, so we made our way back to the brewery to meet the gang and partake in lots of tasty, inventive styles recommended by Justin and Nate. After all, we did drive to Texas just so we could finally hang out there. Two visits was definitely in order, wouldn't you agree? </div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSRngFrZQzO7ay3FXrhEpmKl498Nj8pIpcUzPnbgqnoh58tJ1Zq0XAqEjMa7JoF5bOLjDsBb5217cErAQ-s99K1IMvLwXIuwcpIFAxs6Kn2N5h19rj32r6rEE-RXzffzKXZG3agPWnrBI/s2048/IMG_2762.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSRngFrZQzO7ay3FXrhEpmKl498Nj8pIpcUzPnbgqnoh58tJ1Zq0XAqEjMa7JoF5bOLjDsBb5217cErAQ-s99K1IMvLwXIuwcpIFAxs6Kn2N5h19rj32r6rEE-RXzffzKXZG3agPWnrBI/s320/IMG_2762.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Dumb Dumb: Blackberry Milkshake</b> - Sour smoothie style conditioned on blackberries, vanilla beans, and marshmallow fluff. The Dumb Dumb series (named after those little round lollipops from back in the day) seems to be a home run for Ingenious. This one was quite tasty although it's pretty tough to beat the Peach Cobbler version, which is pretty freakin' amazing. </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS9ExzCS2J83UP9FBlA-mMuartDxY21hl-xUZDykefU3VZmYF8hVfU-lhH151WRYKOA9GAmzTZH1XxuoquI56EOWNgZaQxRY2XEicQ3Z0HzGI2wC6U1vx5D4mp4oQYqmm8WKfd1lLjJcs/s2048/IMG_2757.HEIC" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS9ExzCS2J83UP9FBlA-mMuartDxY21hl-xUZDykefU3VZmYF8hVfU-lhH151WRYKOA9GAmzTZH1XxuoquI56EOWNgZaQxRY2XEicQ3Z0HzGI2wC6U1vx5D4mp4oQYqmm8WKfd1lLjJcs/s320/IMG_2757.HEIC" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Pleeps got the royal treatment at Ingenious!</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Vanilla Cream Ale</b> - Cream ale conditioned on vanilla beans. Think of a beer version of cream soda. That's definitely not a bad thing. </div><div><br /></div><div>Justin also busted out an extremely limited bottle of <b>Maple Bourbon Blueberry Crumble</b>. This Imperial milk stout is aged in maple bourbon barrels and conditioned on blueberries, dark chocolate, and Vietnamese cinnamon sticks. We enjoyed bottle #17 of 60, so... Whalez, bro! </div><div><br /></div><div>Justin kept the barrel-aged stuff flowing with <b>Just Peachy</b>, an English style barleywine aged for a year in peach brandy barrels and old Fitzgerald bourbon barrels, then blended with vanilla beans, peaches, and peach ring candy. Anything with peaches gets my britches in a tizzy, and this one was enjoyable, although not quite as amazing as the Dumb Dumb. Still, a barrel-aged peach barleywine? Yes, please!</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2Zjizqp9IuuqhJSjTsWA9Mcu3mR0ak92MLM3BFc9KMR8u8dH980Jno_3jRWt8fANaJuE1YnDugtgCKLdRVsf_TemDWXaA5tmOTYsDS44mLvLAsjZS9rATg8MsRqR-UKVD8h3KgpWH-_w/s2048/IMG_2759.HEIC" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2Zjizqp9IuuqhJSjTsWA9Mcu3mR0ak92MLM3BFc9KMR8u8dH980Jno_3jRWt8fANaJuE1YnDugtgCKLdRVsf_TemDWXaA5tmOTYsDS44mLvLAsjZS9rATg8MsRqR-UKVD8h3KgpWH-_w/s320/IMG_2759.HEIC" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Pleeps likes hugs!</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Last but not least, we enjoyed more <b>Barrel Aged Imperial Peanut Butter Cup</b> . However, this time I added a "topper," a dollop of beer frozen to a frothy consistency, which floats on top to keep the beer colder and offer a "float" kind of experience. I'm generally not a fan of peanut butter in my beer, but this Imperial milk stout conditioned on chocolate, peanut butter and cacao nibs is pretty impressive. Aging this sucker in Four Roses bourbon barrels really pushes it over the cliff. </div><div><br /></div><div>After that, it was back to Justin's for more beer and even some brown liquor, which is never a good idea after a full day of drinking. Stay tuned for our next episode, which points us in the direction of home. Until next time...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD_xEo0AMoVnIcGQssYjAlAic2qRQ-huvzjk_whGTXBLmchkG2-b-H1laBBqzhChQwmG_ztJW9EAarlGj2jKSp1YFvvZ5vVQ2PFW1m5aJV9VI9_uBw6lzV_bifIx5015T6sSQ-vq4R1xw/s2048/IMG_7801.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD_xEo0AMoVnIcGQssYjAlAic2qRQ-huvzjk_whGTXBLmchkG2-b-H1laBBqzhChQwmG_ztJW9EAarlGj2jKSp1YFvvZ5vVQ2PFW1m5aJV9VI9_uBw6lzV_bifIx5015T6sSQ-vq4R1xw/s320/IMG_7801.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div>ffejherbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01444361671877120080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8277623370417580926.post-13791325479662988322021-12-17T14:41:00.000-05:002021-12-17T14:41:10.102-05:00Texas Road Trip: Day 6 - Gettin' down in H-town!<div style="text-align: left;"><b>Day 6 - Houston, TX</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b>Before embarking on our Houston brewery crawl, Justin and I picked up some breakfast to take back to the house before our Uber arrived. But first, he drove past Simone Biles' gym so I could see it up close. I was also shocked to learn that Simone actually lives in the same development as Justin and his family. Somehow I neglected to make the connection when I got Justin's address and it was located in Spring, TX. So, why am I mentioning this? Well, here's a fun fact about me: I freaking LOVE women's gymnastics. I like men's gymnastics too (I mean, can <i>you </i>do an iron cross?!), but I'm a balance beam freak, and the dudes don't do that, so I tend to gravitate to the ladies. I first became enamored with the sport when Mary Lou Retton scored a perfect 10 on her vault at the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles to clinch the gold medal in the all-around competition. But I <i>really </i>got into gymnastics around 1996 when the U.S. Women's team won the gold, which was largely due to Keri Strug landing her vault on one leg after injuring her ankle during her previous vault. It is, in my opinion, the greatest moment in sports history, and I'm even getting teary-eyed just thinking about her sticking the landing and getting carried off the floor by Bela Karolyi. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />Perhaps that's for a totally different blog, though. Let's get back to beer, eh? </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxTnVyNLDohgtVvqbis0HPh26AhQODRulRaA3rjsHmEa69atk0Fo_ZTwl-Hm7dYOnBf4dSLAJrXNvQJff7vmQE6pYWIIsUzGMVYE4cvDDUJyRMlNN1EMNQdswyVdSN767tMIlM5xkQoXQ/s2048/IMG_7759.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxTnVyNLDohgtVvqbis0HPh26AhQODRulRaA3rjsHmEa69atk0Fo_ZTwl-Hm7dYOnBf4dSLAJrXNvQJff7vmQE6pYWIIsUzGMVYE4cvDDUJyRMlNN1EMNQdswyVdSN767tMIlM5xkQoXQ/s320/IMG_7759.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Welcome to Saint Arnold!</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />Our first full day in Texas began with a lengthy visit to the elder statesman of Houston's craft beer scene: <a href="https://www.saintarnold.com/" target="_blank">Saint Arnold</a>. I'd first heard of this brewery many moons ago from Deuane, who shared a few bottles with me shortly after we'd first met. However, I didn't really know much about the brewery other than they were around since the 90s. Turns out the brewery has been around for a while; so long, in fact, that it's the oldest craft brewery in Texas. Saint Arnold shipped its first keg of beer in June of 1994, which is kind of at the tail end of the Proterozoic eon of craft beer's timeline. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEMLmU8eiMCXlyH3Sx8SzZzpNsw1vsCq2iXRZpVY2BvPivKCx9OXs83BEVPC2SvaD0KqSAYnO1I5-qJFzks7p0kiAaRPZ7rzBfhyphenhyphen6ZEZL-XJ0IzkqDSUrA7OJrV3KMtsEifv7pf_wpc4Q/s2048/IMG_7760.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEMLmU8eiMCXlyH3Sx8SzZzpNsw1vsCq2iXRZpVY2BvPivKCx9OXs83BEVPC2SvaD0KqSAYnO1I5-qJFzks7p0kiAaRPZ7rzBfhyphenhyphen6ZEZL-XJ0IzkqDSUrA7OJrV3KMtsEifv7pf_wpc4Q/s320/IMG_7760.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">View of the brewing facility from the beer garden.</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />We decided to just chill for an extended period and enjoy the vibe of the beer garden, which was quite scenic and comfortable. The beer garden and its adjacent restaurant both opened in 2018, and it boasts some pretty sweet views of the surrounding metropolitan area as well as the brewing facility, which is right across the street. I kicked things off with a pour of <b>H-Town Pils</b>, a classic Bohemian-style pilsner. This beer is rock solid, and I typically find that the more seasoned breweries tend to brew traditional styles better than their "Millennial" counterparts. While that's a fairly broad assessment, it still rings true on most occasions. Verdict? H-Town Pils crushes it! I'd also like to note that I'm glad to see the dimpled mug coming back in vogue. I recently brought my vintage Troegenator mug out of retirement and it's quickly becoming my go-to beer vessel... especially for lagers. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtYCJiYk5O4fa3705SlQMaLmq4YBnies_zaKs0Sy499bKafrcE9RvX2tHrCh7S6fim9xeSm88H6GgH9smJhjCQzNeK4a4pXmlJ0vC3vvIel6YTmjJAXCdWQ_o7m35JxcFti3VpnNh715I/s2048/IMG_2735.HEIC" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtYCJiYk5O4fa3705SlQMaLmq4YBnies_zaKs0Sy499bKafrcE9RvX2tHrCh7S6fim9xeSm88H6GgH9smJhjCQzNeK4a4pXmlJ0vC3vvIel6YTmjJAXCdWQ_o7m35JxcFti3VpnNh715I/s320/IMG_2735.HEIC" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Pleeps gettin' huggy with a dimpled mug.</i></span></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Up next was <b>Art Car IPA</b>, an American IPA featuring a variety of hops from the Pacific Northwest. With its blend of tropical fruits, sweet malt backbone and moderate bitterness, this one straddles the line between classic West Coast and NE-style hazy. I followed this up with <b>Fancy Lawnmower</b>, dubbed a "true German-style Kölsch." In all fairness, the only "true" Kölsch beer is brewed in Cologne, Germany (much like champagne produced outside the Champagne region of France). I didn't make up that rule, but someone did. Still, this one was pretty crisp and refreshing with a sweet malty body and citrusy hop character. Kölsch yeast, an ale yeast that ferments at lager temperatures, lends a slightly fruity finish. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6YZT8_A66_6yJ06rba_p8y0QLoKx7ExmaJc3P0hrCY_1DLNHWMlYrs40z_ElYm0YZKq6491E9h14dhO_uiyvEUqYkEV9T64fCrWtUp6TBZq7D-h6n0EAwIN7yk5cqzqpw01mwvZ6IQT4/s2048/IMG_2733.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6YZT8_A66_6yJ06rba_p8y0QLoKx7ExmaJc3P0hrCY_1DLNHWMlYrs40z_ElYm0YZKq6491E9h14dhO_uiyvEUqYkEV9T64fCrWtUp6TBZq7D-h6n0EAwIN7yk5cqzqpw01mwvZ6IQT4/s320/IMG_2733.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We shared a few sips of a pretty tasty <b>Russian Imperial Stout </b>before moving on to our brewery tour, which Justin suggested we do since he'd never done it. While traipsing around the brewery with our tour guide and a handful of other visitors, I sipped on a pour of <b>Pub Crawl</b>, an easy-drinking pale ale. Brewed with a simple malt bill of 2-row pale and Maris Otter (a traditional English barley), Pub Crawl is hopped with tried-and-true Centennial hops for a blast of grapefruit as well Amarillo and Galaxy to bring in some additional citrus and tropical fruit notes. It's finished with London 3 yeast, a fruity and slightly sweet strain that's typically used in New England hazy pales and IPAs. This classic pale ale with an American twist could fit snugly on either side of the Atlantic. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The tour was pretty interesting, but in all actuality most brewery tours are essentially the same. This particular one was pretty impersonal and it felt like I was just hanging out with some dudes, which was cool. But we did get a good look around the place, which I always appreciate even though I spend 40 hours a week at a brewery (and that's just for work). Obviously, we spend a large portion of our recreational time at breweries as well. So when folks usually ask me if I'm visiting for business or pleasure, I respond with a simple, "Yes." </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">One final thought about Saint Arnold; I'd be remiss if I didn't mention the artwork, which is pretty amazing. Inspired by the abbey of Saints Apostles (which later was dubbed the Abbey of Saint Arnold), the interior of the restaurant area features wooden beams designed to mimic Saint Arnold’s pointy hat, while ornate metal chandeliers allude to some of the European cathedrals Brewslut and I visited on our honeymoon trip to England and France. But perhaps the coolest thing about the space are the six alcoves each depicting colorful murals painted by local Houston artists. Saint Arnold gave the artists free reign over their own space, so each of the alcoves offer a unique interpretation of the Saint Arnold story. Here's a glimpse of one of the murals: </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWdBfzwyl-bA-dCpIrBB62jS12Yk7Lrg93jfQDmtweHpRMub_9lzjno6njB1KWt11gL2jHvumtB_nYJUcHViweWG4tNuecNqxOnh1imiDcCz22n1qFxf_Lye1g7OqS8S0w0BI5II6Pf30/s2048/IMG_7757.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWdBfzwyl-bA-dCpIrBB62jS12Yk7Lrg93jfQDmtweHpRMub_9lzjno6njB1KWt11gL2jHvumtB_nYJUcHViweWG4tNuecNqxOnh1imiDcCz22n1qFxf_Lye1g7OqS8S0w0BI5II6Pf30/s320/IMG_7757.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">One of six murals at Saint Arnold.</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Up next was <a href="https://hollerbeer.com/" target="_blank">Holler</a>, and I quickly learned that this brewery is all about lagers. Sure, they brew a wide spectrum of beers, but they have a definite penchant for bottom-fermented beers. I was excited to see a slow-pour (i.e. side handle) faucet here, a phenomenon I'd only just discovered at Human Robot in Philadelphia. Some beer drinkers believe it improves the head retention and texture of a beer (especially Euro pilsners and lagers in general), while others generally dismiss it as merely a gimmick (Randall, anyone?). If you'd like to dive down a cool little rabbit hole, <a href="https://beerandbrewing.com/patience-for-a-pint-the-art-and-science-of-the-slow-pour/" target="_blank">check out this article</a> for more on slow pours. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaAFSEplwZvv_UZSo8oVkK4BILq5cfVNxOex9Z6RReuvEV_1KPQo_JEl9mlBK4RWAhx_EKAqO3H0q9S0PT26P8M2Pwhc_DRH2n_IxdMg2iT8qeyykc2icEfq34KJKoED0AcapFJHADXN4/s2048/IMG_7764.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaAFSEplwZvv_UZSo8oVkK4BILq5cfVNxOex9Z6RReuvEV_1KPQo_JEl9mlBK4RWAhx_EKAqO3H0q9S0PT26P8M2Pwhc_DRH2n_IxdMg2iT8qeyykc2icEfq34KJKoED0AcapFJHADXN4/w320-h240/IMG_7764.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Holler for Houston, yo!</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Naturally, I ordered something on the faucet, which happened to be<b> Czech My Phone</b>, a Czech-style pilsner. This one was pretty floral and sweet, and therefore not quite as crisp as I was hoping. But it still had a nice noble hop character and went down easily. I kept to the bottom fermenting beers here and opted for a pour of <b>Patio Daddy-O</b>, a lager hopped with one of my favorite varieties, Nelson Savin. I've been encountering a lot of these "Southern Hemisphere Pilsners" as I've seen them described at a few breweries in recent months, which is due to the utilization of hops from Australia or New Zealand. Others call them "dry-hopped pilsners." Either way, these are usually hopped-up, Americanized versions of classic lager recipes. All in all, I was glad to see a brewery truly embracing the lager culture. I'd say about 6 or 7 of the available twelve beers were lagers, and I wish I could have tried them all. Oh well, I guess we'll have to wait until next time!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Meanwhile, Nate joined our tricycle and we became a 4-wheeled ATV for the remainder of the day. Nate, whom we first met through Deuane back in our Brass Rail Deli days, had recently transplanted to Houston to take up a cellarman job at Ingenious after working at Pizza Boy for a few years. So in addition to getting some hang time in with Justin, we'd also have the opportunity to visit with another friend from PA. Before we left, we got some cold brew coffee on tap and headed to our next stop. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLx7_efM7PVHO8jZN-v8TSRgbsQdoGZzKqkxdXoZVHMDYJMCKFyLtVBPvJITG_z2xn1fio-aCxJqrMBzqDhadwpaj012lUeUQQklASy4f2wUZsdbj9GehwMoMGM6cTxqBbiYB2RWdECfc/s2048/IMG_7765.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLx7_efM7PVHO8jZN-v8TSRgbsQdoGZzKqkxdXoZVHMDYJMCKFyLtVBPvJITG_z2xn1fio-aCxJqrMBzqDhadwpaj012lUeUQQklASy4f2wUZsdbj9GehwMoMGM6cTxqBbiYB2RWdECfc/s320/IMG_7765.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Remember a few blog posts ago about our day in New Orleans and how <a href="http://urbansouthbrewery.com/taprooms/houston" target="_blank">Urban South</a> was one of our favorite breweries of the day? Well, it turns out that they also have a location in Houston, which was a pleasant surprise. While the beers here were similar to what we encountered back in New Orleans, the space wasn't quite as charming. Of course, it was still bright and boasted some pops of color here and there, but the space just felt a bit more stark and white overall. I thought the dangling roller skates above the bar were cool, and reminded me of Modern Times in San Diego. Since we enjoyed Urban South's fruited sours, we stuck to "gloop glop" beers, as Justin calls them. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">First up was <b>Strawberry Daiquiri</b>, which is part of Urban South's "Double Spilled" fruited sour series. Brewed with twice the amount of fruit as its standard "Spilled" series, this one tasted like fresh, juicy strawberries pulverized into liquid form. I think there may have even been some miniscule seed remnants in a few sips. I wouldn't doubt it, since they use a boat-load of fruit for these beers. (NOTE: They even have a "Triple Spilled" series, which probably means they probably use a metric shit-ton of fruit, which is even more than a boatload if my math is correct.) </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKHRwbk_zd9qdXueH9LoSO9Fczu9HoCr7kswNx_CAgDgfxxERSDgQaFKXFn97OSxmH6yL71hOKZJzyd6AiosMma8V6_Ipj22X4f942-n8wotHr3CSgjFbzf_p9IDz5ffZvjNNIuaWRafE/s2048/IMG_2738.HEIC" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKHRwbk_zd9qdXueH9LoSO9Fczu9HoCr7kswNx_CAgDgfxxERSDgQaFKXFn97OSxmH6yL71hOKZJzyd6AiosMma8V6_Ipj22X4f942-n8wotHr3CSgjFbzf_p9IDz5ffZvjNNIuaWRafE/s320/IMG_2738.HEIC" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Pleeps is down with the gloop glop too.</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">For our next beer, we opted for another from the Double Spilled series. This time, it was the<b> Pineapple, Blue Curacao, Sprite-Smoothie Sour</b>.<b> </b>Fizzy and spritzy with lots of dank, ripe pineapple and a dash of Blue Curacao (an orange-flavored liqueur used in a variety of tropical cocktails), this was the greenest beer I've ever encountered outside of St. Patrick's Day; not "green" meaning "young" but "green" as in the color. And it's not just some boring shade of green; this beer glowed like some kind of alien liquid ooze found on a distant planet in some 60's technicolor sci-fi B-movie. While this beer definitely tasted more like a cocktail, I was impressed by its envelope-pushing blend of flavors. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We finished up with a pour of <b>Milkshake IPA: Tangerine Vanilla One-Off</b>. It was definitely a "one-off" beer, because I couldn't really find any other information on this other than its ABV, which is 7.5%. Gushing with creamsicle flavor and juicy to the core, this beer was a little bristly but quite enjoyable. While we were here, we also got to chat with the brewer a bit, who I believe is an acquaintance of Justin's. I'd imagine most of the brewers in town at least know each other. All in all, this was a fun stop on the itinerary for the day, but it was time to move on to the next brewery. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrsfi9Z-O_4IVrnUkXbwQ7ojdqulkalosnifmnqdQbAGUYxWocvfJjswpLZRjVm1ShNiEyBS_YBOno9d-NYlVA-BkEUBnvBSGCAiifw4cIlOBZlttecRkuN41YrOd8bmCzGwaUsCnZwDw/s2048/IMG_2739.HEIC" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrsfi9Z-O_4IVrnUkXbwQ7ojdqulkalosnifmnqdQbAGUYxWocvfJjswpLZRjVm1ShNiEyBS_YBOno9d-NYlVA-BkEUBnvBSGCAiifw4cIlOBZlttecRkuN41YrOd8bmCzGwaUsCnZwDw/w240-h320/IMG_2739.HEIC" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Pleeps loves cans.</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Up next, we stopped in at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/alesatanhouston/" target="_blank">Brash</a>, a cool brewery that's been around since 2015. Justin mentioned that I'd likely dig the vibe of this place and he was right! Brash is metal as fuck. Well, perhaps it's more a mix of metal and punk, but either way it's a pretty dope space. Pleeps was a little scared at first, but once he realized there was beer inside, he loosened up. Aside from beer, the folks at Brash and I seem to have a lot in common: music, an odd sense of humor (evidenced by some signs you'll see a little later in the blog), classic arcade games, and Satan. I have a feeling that these guys aren't afraid to tell you how they feel about shit, so in that respect I think Brash is a fitting name for this brewery. The space itself felt kind of like a holiday camp but for bad kids; you know, the ones who brought in butterfly knives and throwing stars to show-and-tell and used to raid their parents' liquor cabinets when they left the house for a few hours. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4MBANC0WWeGD6UZAiExD3PbevLCbC3wnSgedHSSMsN6PioWwNPo1gtZFP9xzMNp8fFIYj5sP_OW5x-QMPiaQ2VQGZOcwqb7iS9U2pGwInW4Q5LCvpPq5XmIxNVISl33EiyYi_0-Sv_rY/s2048/IMG_7768.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4MBANC0WWeGD6UZAiExD3PbevLCbC3wnSgedHSSMsN6PioWwNPo1gtZFP9xzMNp8fFIYj5sP_OW5x-QMPiaQ2VQGZOcwqb7iS9U2pGwInW4Q5LCvpPq5XmIxNVISl33EiyYi_0-Sv_rY/s320/IMG_7768.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I stayed on the lager train for my first beer at Brash, which was the evocatively named<b> Snapcrackle</b>, an extra crispy Czech pilsner. "Crispy" is quickly becoming a trendy way to describe lagers these days, especially pilsners. It's kind of like describing a stout as "chewy." True, beer is obviously a liquid and can't really possess these traits, but these adjectives can nevertheless help paint a vivid picture. With that said, I found this beer to be a little light on the crisp-o-meter. I also detected a trace of diacetyl, which is commonly found in lagers. It didn't deter me from getting a second round, though. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigelmC7oGTxtlR8bbRfmYLYHxuFezhY0N4FvpZvlkmtyrF5hvV5c5cc3UHKifk6V_ynVBoaGmq2cFRVgQ0_e2r2Pg0rEW-I6k8yJnEH8lO7cM6GGpfgNkgMZzw-zq7__G_mOtaUTC98fU/s2048/IMG_2741.HEIC" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigelmC7oGTxtlR8bbRfmYLYHxuFezhY0N4FvpZvlkmtyrF5hvV5c5cc3UHKifk6V_ynVBoaGmq2cFRVgQ0_e2r2Pg0rEW-I6k8yJnEH8lO7cM6GGpfgNkgMZzw-zq7__G_mOtaUTC98fU/s320/IMG_2741.HEIC" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Pleeps likes his pilsners extra crispy.<br /></span></i><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I couldn't leave without enjoying a pour of <b>Abide</b>, a White Russian-inspired imperial stout, which prompted me to blurt out one of my favorite lines from <i>The Big Lebowski:</i> "Careful man, there's a beverage here!" Chalk up another thing we have in common: a love for the greatest Cohen Brothers movie of all time (and that's saying a lot, because there are lots of great ones). </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">As I mentioned, there are several funny signs strategically placed around Brash's camp. Here are a few that prompted me to snap a picture. Enjoy!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJTSG4Md0XDLmzJIi8rNfJh-TCRBsHgF4M7_3JhshmcH18Ao3a_-5tgfs18ClZKwgVR4Dg3MKkvK-ToL29lY-4I3-y_7gjlzwOBpjiyDsOCYfa-csyMoFf26Ks7LqidMfZKFCodqBn1dg/s2048/IMG_7769.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJTSG4Md0XDLmzJIi8rNfJh-TCRBsHgF4M7_3JhshmcH18Ao3a_-5tgfs18ClZKwgVR4Dg3MKkvK-ToL29lY-4I3-y_7gjlzwOBpjiyDsOCYfa-csyMoFf26Ks7LqidMfZKFCodqBn1dg/s320/IMG_7769.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">They'd probably let you stab hippies, though.<br /></span></i><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu6hpNtq63xrDO6-t9AEa-KtC2_V_QWs0wCO1fTBIM4gR4GQplaCPRq93SOpYsShEAgETi8BB3yBALOxtXf_ryiDKbeOeMcEjwkTG3kO2bKNLcpih8q2rW-FHCt2QFsBrW5bbjIFGBd3E/s2048/IMG_7771.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu6hpNtq63xrDO6-t9AEa-KtC2_V_QWs0wCO1fTBIM4gR4GQplaCPRq93SOpYsShEAgETi8BB3yBALOxtXf_ryiDKbeOeMcEjwkTG3kO2bKNLcpih8q2rW-FHCt2QFsBrW5bbjIFGBd3E/s320/IMG_7771.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">On and on...</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqJpr2HocxTqJ_GbBICjjll7sFbl1MS5h_1GTHFRJ7Oe8oLQGD8fAqYgw0a6GqkoKwWIY-JzZczRo7jb6gQDLIcEVU85hF3qrUsOILFOjuSqiReyBF21DMV5ctkHNEYYIJ3sqrx2bmIRU/s2048/IMG_7772.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqJpr2HocxTqJ_GbBICjjll7sFbl1MS5h_1GTHFRJ7Oe8oLQGD8fAqYgw0a6GqkoKwWIY-JzZczRo7jb6gQDLIcEVU85hF3qrUsOILFOjuSqiReyBF21DMV5ctkHNEYYIJ3sqrx2bmIRU/s320/IMG_7772.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">I think Bube's Brewery needs this sign.</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We had time for one final one-and-done stop. <a href="https://www.astralbrewing.com/" target="_blank">Astral</a> opened its doors in March of 2019 and specializes in a variety of hop-forward ales including crisp, bitter West Coast hop bombs and hazy NE-style IPAs. Upon perusing the beer menu, I couldn't resist ordering a pour of <b>Brain Police</b>, yet another beer inspired by a Frank Zappa song. This one is a hazy IPA hopped with Mosaic and, appropriately, Zappa hops. Yes, Zappa has a hop named after him despite the fact that he didn't drink alcohol or do drugs. He did, however, consume lots of hot dogs as well as cartons and cartons of cigarettes during his lifetime. Regardless, he's got a hop variety named after him, and it's an interesting one. Grown exclusively by CLS Farms in the Yakima Valley, it's a 100% neomexicanus aroma hop that comes from - of all places - mountains found in New Mexico. But let's backtrack. What exactly is "neomexicanus"? Unlike the more familiar "humulus lupulus," turns out it's a genetically distinct, wild-growing sub-species of hop found in the dry mountain regions of New Mexico. With aromas hinting at passionfruit, mint, and "Fruity Pebbles" cereal, this is a unique hop variety to say the least. So, there's your hop lesson for today, kids. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Well, I suppose that about wraps things up for our first day in Texas. It was great to hang with some friends we don't get to see too often, and don't worry... you'll be hearing more about us all in the next installment of the Pour Travelers as we continue to traipse around the greater Houston area. Until next time...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhudrmN1icksp_m5JDgnxr0BB5_0EVSw2G6kSizcLv4XJPNr8ifQQpqnHMQmAFIPu62kPgESfO1pwbnSgZ3aYMhDiOqYUuskwiEAnrCcFx-XZNltzV76lTWNHOqRxwAZ2URNseTfPGgp5E/s2048/IMG_2737.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1539" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhudrmN1icksp_m5JDgnxr0BB5_0EVSw2G6kSizcLv4XJPNr8ifQQpqnHMQmAFIPu62kPgESfO1pwbnSgZ3aYMhDiOqYUuskwiEAnrCcFx-XZNltzV76lTWNHOqRxwAZ2URNseTfPGgp5E/s320/IMG_2737.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div>ffejherbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01444361671877120080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8277623370417580926.post-26568534033930504162021-12-09T12:11:00.001-05:002021-12-09T12:11:49.009-05:00Texas Road Trip: Day 5 - Finding Texas <div style="text-align: left;"><b> Day 5: Broussard, LA > Humble, TX</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b>The fifth day of the trip saw us logging plenty of road miles as we made our way across Louisiana and into Texas. The reward? A few days of down time in Houston hanging with our friends Justin and Nate. While we wouldn't hit many breweries on this particular day (just two, I'm sorry to report), it was time well-spent at both. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />Nate had already given me the heads up on the sick tap list currently at <a href="https://parishbeer.com/" target="_blank">Parish</a>, our first stop of the day. Located in Broussard, LA, the heart of Cajun Country, Parish actually has origins in Pennsylvania... well, kind of. Its founder, Andrew, was inspired to open a brewery after moving from Louisiana to Pittsburgh in 2003. It was there that he dove head-first into the Steel City's thriving craft beer scene. When I think back to 2003, I'd hesitate to describe the 'burgh's beer scene as "thriving," but perhaps it was compared to Louisiana. Nevertheless, inspiration took hold and he decided to move back home and help put his home state on the craft beer map. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijM1utFtJaaf7WwxHUiyYkF28kkYzLhHei94OO_-ufj0UZtyjmMJLEojy1JmGFQJJsax_Ijb7BuJktpf9N5CSV4uhT80ALcfYDhDYT8C4Sgxr9Ox1oElspA6uzs1msZfPQ99fs5BwtgbQ/s2048/IMG_7752.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijM1utFtJaaf7WwxHUiyYkF28kkYzLhHei94OO_-ufj0UZtyjmMJLEojy1JmGFQJJsax_Ijb7BuJktpf9N5CSV4uhT80ALcfYDhDYT8C4Sgxr9Ox1oElspA6uzs1msZfPQ99fs5BwtgbQ/s320/IMG_7752.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Pleeps monkeying around at Parish.</i></span></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />I'm embarrassed to say that I hadn't been familiar with Parish prior to our visit. I may have had a beer or two in passing at bottle shares, but it wasn't a brewery on my radar, I'm afraid. Known primarily for one of its year-round IPAs, Ghost in the Machine (nice reference to my favorite Police album), Parish started out small but is now one of the largest breweries in the region, distributing its beer all throughout the south.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Since it was a little over two-and-a-half hours from New O to Broussard, by the time we arrived we were pretty hungry. I think we may have skipped breakfast. Good thing we were in Cajun Country, because the bartender at Parish recommended a great little joint just up the road called BJ's Poorboy and Plate Lunches. I decided that I needed to get some catfish while we were still in Louisiana. It turned out to be a good decision, because I really enjoyed my Cajun Catfish Etouffee with cornbread. I love visiting little hole-in-the-wall bars and restaurants when we travel, especially when they're recommended by locals. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><div><br /></div><div>As for beer, I kicked off with something light. <b>Parish Pilsner</b> seemed like a good choice for an opening beer, especially to pair with catfish. Crisp and clean with a hint of mineral-like yeast (which I always appreciate), there was a nice balance of citrus, grass and peppery notes in the finish. And with that, I was off to a good start.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj-LxTWOCJIg3f_PDqLurvI1DWaDQUGO85xSqkOu2ZqkggaLSgLRKd6Z8DkhJPhH0vG7j6JprOnhwe7uWfj99gcG5sjygpMA_gJMC9JvWIHCclDDrP41jCGnOJNsJrZBzD4qKtiy3cb8w/s2048/IMG_7751.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj-LxTWOCJIg3f_PDqLurvI1DWaDQUGO85xSqkOu2ZqkggaLSgLRKd6Z8DkhJPhH0vG7j6JprOnhwe7uWfj99gcG5sjygpMA_gJMC9JvWIHCclDDrP41jCGnOJNsJrZBzD4qKtiy3cb8w/s320/IMG_7751.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Pleeps drinks pilsners too.</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>As I said, Nate tipped us off to the killer tap list that awaited us at Parish. He promised a laundry list of big, chewy barrel-aged stouts and other rare, mammoth beers, and Parish dutifully delivered. I decided to go with a flight of some serious high-gravity goodness, which included a pair of barrel-aged stouts and a delicious duo of barleywines. Now we're talkin'! </div><div><b><br /></b></div><div>First in my flight was <b>Decade One</b>, a blend of double barrel-aged imperial stouts released to celebrate the culmination of ten years of the brewery. Parish seems to have quite a robust barrel-aging program, and this beer offered a hint of what was to come with my subsequent tasters. This particular beer was barrel-aged for one year, then transferred into freshly depleted spirits barrels to age for an indeterminant number of months on whole vanilla beans. </div><div><br /></div><div>Up next was a 2020 vintage of <b>Royal Earth</b>, an apple brandy barrel-aged Barleywine. This robust barleywine spent 16 months resting in apple brandy barrels for before conditioning on a bed of crushed roasted pecans. Everyone knows the south loves its pecans! The addition of Korintje cinnamon (from Indonesia) and Madagascar vanilla add a spicy sweetness with nutty undertones reminiscent of an after-dinner liqueur.</div><div><br /></div><div>The next beer in the lineup may very well have been my favorite of the four. A collaboration with our favorite brewery from Portland, OR - Great Notion - <b>Barrel Aged Swamp Stacks</b> spent more than a year slumbering away in Willow Jane Double Oak + Maple Bourbon barrels. According to Parish, the beer is a "mashup" of two popular beer series: Parish's "Shades" and Great Notion’s "Stacks" series. The result is a gargantuan Imperial Stout clocking in at 13% ABV. Brown sugar and an array of specialty roasted malts create a warm, decadent base, while post-barrel additions of maple, marshmallows, graham crackers, and toasted coconut flakes push this beer over the edge. This complex beer evokes notes of marshmallow fluff, bourbon maple syrup and pure, utter awesomeness.</div><div><br /></div><div>Last but not least was another 2020 vintage barleywine. <b>Bourbon Barrel Grand Reserve </b>was aged for 13 months in specially selected bourbon barrels to elicit notes of English toffee, bourbon caramel, and holiday spice. Mellow yet complex, this particular version benefitted from Four Roses Bourbon Barrels, giving it - according to the folks at Parish - "a smoother, sophisticated discernment from past batches for our Decade celebration." All in all, this flight was an absolute joy to consume. Gotta love them flights of heavy hitters, right Pleeps? </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKed1Mm2aOaPH14TmEN5WDagZLadVZHaMkjBtvOUh7ccI36kCORuhyphenhyphenjy4CPHMR4i8OZ47bawKswI4FcVkmR3kS26yWRq8mk8cDI6v02XlVbnRBJj76ZJ48bJg2WNwfNEEvFecykRffAsc/s2048/IMG_7754.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKed1Mm2aOaPH14TmEN5WDagZLadVZHaMkjBtvOUh7ccI36kCORuhyphenhyphenjy4CPHMR4i8OZ47bawKswI4FcVkmR3kS26yWRq8mk8cDI6v02XlVbnRBJj76ZJ48bJg2WNwfNEEvFecykRffAsc/s320/IMG_7754.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>A flight tailor-made for Pleeps!</i></span></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>With all of the heavy hitters out of the way, I was craving some serious hops. Enter <b>Bloom</b>, a<b> </b>juicy, soft, hazy IPA loaded up to the gills with Simcoe, Citra and Nugget hops. This one delivered with a soft mouthfeel and a juicy hop profile gushing with orange creamsicle notes that provided a perfect counterpoint to the barrage of stouts and barleywines I'd just encountered. </div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibyE_JHxJP4vdnKr_8BFsJBMqMKdxpVJvqrAzHJ7ZCfZ8Yhtq6eHHr7cuPfvGdDhSZJmUBJLpXldWfMqxTKbjXj-1gx-G5lGThwWLpee8Oth26ZSRVLW4TRuihj8ngg8dKab3trBhyphenhyphenWis/s2048/IMG_2727.HEIC" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibyE_JHxJP4vdnKr_8BFsJBMqMKdxpVJvqrAzHJ7ZCfZ8Yhtq6eHHr7cuPfvGdDhSZJmUBJLpXldWfMqxTKbjXj-1gx-G5lGThwWLpee8Oth26ZSRVLW4TRuihj8ngg8dKab3trBhyphenhyphenWis/s320/IMG_2727.HEIC" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Pleeps in full "Bloom" at Parish.</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">After our lengthy visit, we made sure to pick up some to-go beer to enjoy at a later time. I snagged a 4-pack of Ghost in the Machine and Brewslut opted for a few fruited sours to add to our collection. Thinking that I might never get back to this fantastic brewery, I was sad to leave. But we had to push forward. We were getting so close to our final destination. </div><div><br /></div><div>A long, nearly 4-hour drive to Texas ensued, and we finally landed in Humble, just north of Houston, at our destination: <a href="https://ingeniousbeer.com/" target="_blank">Ingenious</a>. This was the impetus of the trip, ladies and gentlemen. After watching Ingenious from the sidelines for the last three years, it's great to see how the brewery has grown to become a widely respected brewery of the southern craft beer scene. I'm really proud of Justin and company for helping put Texas on the map as far as envelope-pushing breweries go. Sure, there are plenty of great breweries stretched across the sprawling boundaries of the Lonestar State, but Ingenious not only carved out its own niche; it also brews some incredible beers. Hazy IPAs? Check. Fruited sours? Yup. Milkshake IPAs (dubbed FroYo)? Tons of 'em! Mammoth barrel-aged beers with lots of adjuncts? You bet yer sweet ass! Ingenious also has a line of unique beers inspired by breakfast cereals like Boo-Berry, Count Chocula and Frankenberry. I've had all of these "monster cereal" beers, and they are all fantastic... with my favorite being the one inspired by Yummy Mummy, although I've never had that particular cereal. Go figure!</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQFG1W87Hm52Yjk-lQkUP1hsd5nccCqKPPU8wRYE29Z3znmRNkjCa6TUYYuLIcHhColhwv4DYhIY7Gitui_EsOXHZmi5b8ROx894SiZEza9IFmxlVYqB0pg8SomVw1Ae_gJFoeWFOjLnE/s2048/IMG_2730.HEIC" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQFG1W87Hm52Yjk-lQkUP1hsd5nccCqKPPU8wRYE29Z3znmRNkjCa6TUYYuLIcHhColhwv4DYhIY7Gitui_EsOXHZmi5b8ROx894SiZEza9IFmxlVYqB0pg8SomVw1Ae_gJFoeWFOjLnE/s320/IMG_2730.HEIC" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Finally made it!</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div></div><div><br /></div><div>Once we landed at the brewery and greetings were out of the way, I quickly learned that Justin still spends most of his time toying with broken junk (he's a urologist, remember?) and only devotes a few hours each week to the brewery. With that said, he's very hand-on and actively involved in the QA process, and isn't afraid to put the kibosh on a beer if it isn't up to snuff. Gotta respect that, right? </div><div><br /></div><div>At any rate, let's get into the beers. Of course, Justin was a gracious host and pretty much gave us carte blanche. After checking out the tasting room and brewing side of the operation, we decided to just hang out at a common table in the cellar where employees sit around and chat over lunch or a few beers. As I've already mentioned, Ingenious is a pretty prolific brewery. Check out this list of beers we sampled during our inaugural visit:</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Fuzzy Navel Double FroYo</b> - New England hazy milkshake double IPA with peaches, oranges, and milk sugar. Their "FroYo" beers are some of my favorites they produce. Fun fact: Justin actually shipped a sixtel of a coconut vanilla FroYo one year to FOJ, which was my first experience with the series. Needless to say, it was a huge hit among guests at the event. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><b>Smarty (Tiger's Blood)</b> - Tart Berliner conditioned on strawberries, watermelon, and coconut. Brewslut was all over this one!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><b>Double Juicy</b> - Juicy New England DIPA double dry-hopped with Citra, Mosaic, and Galaxy.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><b>Camp Fires and Ghost Stories</b> - Imperial milk stout conditioned on chocolate, marshmallow, and graham crackers. Nate named this one, which is perfect for a S'mores stout. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><b>Smarty (Grape Ape)</b> - Tart Berliner conditioned on grapes, blueberries, and blue raspberry.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><b>Scuba Squeeze</b> - New England Style Double IPA double dry-hopped with Nelson, Motueka, and Citra.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><b>Coconut Madness</b> - Russian Imperial Stout aged in bourbon barrels and conditioned on both raw and toasted coconut flakes. Like myself, Justin is a huge fan of coconut stouts (more on that later). </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><b>Citra Pils</b> - Classic American Pilsner dry-hopped with Citra. This one was fresh and ready to be shipped to GABF for entry in the 2021 competition. For a brewery that tends to stray from traditional styles, this one was pretty spot-on. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><b>BA Imperial Peanut Butter Cup</b> - Imperial milk stout aged in Four Roses bourbon barrels and conditioned on chocolate, peanut butter, and cacao nibs. I got it topped with one of the signature "frozen beer toppers." Decadent and delicious... and a perfect way to cap off this epic tasting at the brewery! With that, we were back to Justin's house to catch up and share more beers. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVJ3E1abfcawu4P78Jyzpav02z-i-FrP2dOLSZFqsBkl9dk9ig9Orv3IJBGljIdQqFrJpBVrt_kGF5nAaq4IvXSB0fnJ4gb4t6ssfQzPW3IbCS5SE2rxll_4BkNOt31beeLTAV5jF-QKE/s2048/IMG_7755.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVJ3E1abfcawu4P78Jyzpav02z-i-FrP2dOLSZFqsBkl9dk9ig9Orv3IJBGljIdQqFrJpBVrt_kGF5nAaq4IvXSB0fnJ4gb4t6ssfQzPW3IbCS5SE2rxll_4BkNOt31beeLTAV5jF-QKE/s320/IMG_7755.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Frozen beer topper for the win!</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Well folks, stick a fork into our first day in Texas. There's still plenty to see here - including more on Ingenious - so be sure to tune in next time as we lollygag around the greater Houston area and dig into its thriving craft beer scene. Until next time...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm_1ryD3soAX21VqXGfYSEhIL-FDZyh_4FS5_y3gk77i-1w5QAUtRz3FbzXkg2WU4cDRCxweJO-VfX7AFvIuKcYD6kn1XlWZML9ENILz9Ra1YKuRUhnkk1X3ZiTsz6A_rrUQUhgHSuvrM/s2048/IMG_7753.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm_1ryD3soAX21VqXGfYSEhIL-FDZyh_4FS5_y3gk77i-1w5QAUtRz3FbzXkg2WU4cDRCxweJO-VfX7AFvIuKcYD6kn1XlWZML9ENILz9Ra1YKuRUhnkk1X3ZiTsz6A_rrUQUhgHSuvrM/s320/IMG_7753.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div><br /></div></div>ffejherbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01444361671877120080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8277623370417580926.post-2449082691127970392021-11-16T14:16:00.002-05:002021-12-09T12:10:17.670-05:00Texas Road Trip: Day 4 - Lucky 7 in The Big Easy<div style="text-align: left;"><b>Day 4: New Orleans, LA</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />One of the reasons we'd decided to drive to Texas in lieu of flying was due to the fact that we'd be able to pass through a number of states we hadn't had the opportunity to visit yet. One such state was Louisiana, home of one of the country's most beloved cities, New Orleans. I'll be the first to admit that Mardi Gras in no way, shape or form appeals to me. Like, at all. I mean, I <i>guess </i>I could get down with witnessing some drunk 21-year-olds dumping out their funbags for a few strands of plastic beads, but I simply become too annoyed too quickly with large masses of young, drunken buffoons. However, I was informed that chaos of this magnitude only occurs on Bourbon Street during Mardi Gras (and maybe Jazz Fest... 'cuz everyone knows how crazy jazz fans are). I'd spoken to several friends who had visited New Orleans, and all of them assured me it's the best city in the country. (Maybe it would be a close second, as I doubt any American city will ever topple my all-time favorite: San Diego.) With this in mind, I made it a point to block out an entire day on the itinerary dedicated to traipsing around this historic city. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">When we returned from our trip, several people asked us specifically about New Orleans and how we enjoyed our visit. We were asked if we hit up this music venue or that restaurant. Friends wanted to know how we liked the French Quarter and which bars we popped into on Bourbon Street. They wanted to know our favorite BBQ joint and soul food kitchen. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />In reality, we didn't do any of the usual stuff most folks do in New Orleans. We went to seven breweries, then went back to the hotel and crashed. So I suppose I squandered our time in New O, but the breweries were generally fantastic, and perhaps the only thing I regret is missing out on seeing at least one set of jazz at a small music venue or club. But you gotta do what you gotta do. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFIHEZ3Ni2CY0ld2mOxRIqf26_Nag0ITk78CyGkgH_iNGi5PYqZY9Z3ZQYKTZV5_Bqn7DpLEE8pqpWS_PExMZm99SCLECr6BQCBchtWYcwiz5ilPDvej7DO3i6xi0Ro-h050nteVgGxuA/s2048/IMG_7731.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFIHEZ3Ni2CY0ld2mOxRIqf26_Nag0ITk78CyGkgH_iNGi5PYqZY9Z3ZQYKTZV5_Bqn7DpLEE8pqpWS_PExMZm99SCLECr6BQCBchtWYcwiz5ilPDvej7DO3i6xi0Ro-h050nteVgGxuA/s320/IMG_7731.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">First stop of the day: Port Orleans!<br /></span></i><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We kicked off the day at <a href="https://portorleansbrewingco.com/" target="_blank">Port Orleans</a>, arriving just around opening time. I believe we were the first patrons of the day. Since it was early and our first stop, we opted for a flight. Here's the skinny:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div><b>Dorado </b>- Crisp, light-bodied Mexican lager with just a hint of sweetness. This beer was absolutely crushable and I didn't think twice about taking home a 6-pack.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Riverfront Lager</b> - Inspired by the traditional beers of Munich, Germany, this golden lager is crafted with a distinct American sensibility. The aroma is fruity with a hint of peach, while the flavor is moderately sweet with a soft, malty character and crisp, clean finish.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Vice Versa</b> - Hazy IPA featuring a malt bill of oats, malted barley, and wheat that's generously hopped with 5 pounds per barrel Citra, Mosaic, and Lotus. Lotus is one you just don't see all that often, although I've come across this variety here and there. Lotus is an experimental hop variety developed under the <a href="https://www.hopsteiner.com/" target="_blank">Hopsteiner</a> breeding program. It's a tenacious variety that apparently outperformed thousands of siblings born of the initial cross breeding experiment. Fast forward a decade or so, and Lotus is one of the trendiest new hops out there. With exceptional aromatic characteristics, Lotus hops lend a huge smack of orange and vanilla as well as more subtle notes of candied grape and tropical fruit aromas. I'd love to try a single-hopped IPA with this variety!</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Hoptical HDHC</b> - DIPA hopped with Citra. The acronym HDHC actually stands for High-Density Hop Charge. In essence, Port Orleans uses what they describe as a "ludicrous amount" of Citra Cryo hops (remember those?) at a rate of a whopping 6 pounds per barrel to amplify the citrus fruit character of this very drinkable 8% ABV DIPA. </div></blockquote><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc6o23EYvkxU65OYvNOmBcSoK1mb1SlJBuS8AJgdcbDGDyYr3tep2Qcd5YdPa9XyFMwT8HZcIV3ciXgeR44f4Qty9HT8XElwZDsQosrlZ4KQXcGESWcBYprzpcEAQWFBp2wyrIz0gw2lI/s2048/IMG_7733.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc6o23EYvkxU65OYvNOmBcSoK1mb1SlJBuS8AJgdcbDGDyYr3tep2Qcd5YdPa9XyFMwT8HZcIV3ciXgeR44f4Qty9HT8XElwZDsQosrlZ4KQXcGESWcBYprzpcEAQWFBp2wyrIz0gw2lI/s320/IMG_7733.JPG" width="320" /></a> </p><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Aside from some delicious beers, Port Orleans also hosts a killer taco stand inside the brewery. Avo Taco (a play on avocado), serves up some tasty artisanal tacos and bowls as well as signature house-made guacamole. Seriously, these were some of the best fish tacos I've had outside of San Diego, and that's saying something! I also had shrimp tacos, which were bangin' as well. I'm glad we decided to have a late breakfast/early lunch, because the tacos were legit and did not disappoint. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">As if beer and tacos weren't enough, apparently Port Orleans has some free-range neighbors strolling about the immediate area. I'm not sure if this was a "petty-pet" rooster or what, but he was struttin' around like he owned the place. Like George Carlin once said, "Chickens are decent people." Like this guy...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN8CNnPaBk-utaXv3TzYuFsgXh-F1tenLKQgPKQKCmKuu2shsvYf3m3pPa3SlCN1veABqt_J1wwt5tsc0D1ku4zK1B8JtbytaISDgjnzlzsk9az4icn5LpP48OkR2-1RsKdiCKAXy_5Es/s2048/IMG_2695.HEIC" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN8CNnPaBk-utaXv3TzYuFsgXh-F1tenLKQgPKQKCmKuu2shsvYf3m3pPa3SlCN1veABqt_J1wwt5tsc0D1ku4zK1B8JtbytaISDgjnzlzsk9az4icn5LpP48OkR2-1RsKdiCKAXy_5Es/s320/IMG_2695.HEIC" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>New Orleans LOVES the cock!</i></span></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Exactly one mile east of Port Orleans on Tchoupitoulas Street (I'm thinking the first "T" is silent) along the Mississippi River our second stop of the day awaited. <a href="https://www.nolabrewing.com/" target="_blank">NOLA</a> arrived on the scene shortly after its founder discovered there was literally no beer being brewed in New Orleans. It was presumed that Dixie (a popular southern brand) was still brewed within city limits. However, it turns out that Hurricane Katrina forced Mid-City Brewery (who produced Dixie beer) to close, prompting its owners to "contract brew" the beer at an out-of-state facility. With nary a brewery in town, NOLA rose from the ashes of Katrina and thus revitalized the city's fledgling beer industry.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNNs1IxImkNzos61AOC0MVgV3aph1WCX2qgIEQNszaV5QT4elaWhFvP9C4raEBY0Yl2SK5gH4JkNOZZFWwtpWYbJufPN3FSAbnewpV3q0VoCdiCXNK3Krrz76m5Bs6tE2jTVV7GK6OTn8/s2048/IMG_7734.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNNs1IxImkNzos61AOC0MVgV3aph1WCX2qgIEQNszaV5QT4elaWhFvP9C4raEBY0Yl2SK5gH4JkNOZZFWwtpWYbJufPN3FSAbnewpV3q0VoCdiCXNK3Krrz76m5Bs6tE2jTVV7GK6OTn8/s320/IMG_7734.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">View from our barstools at NOLA.<br /></span></i><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>The brewery is also associated with NOLA Pizza Company, a New York-style pizzeria situated in-house. Since we were adequately stuffed from taco overload at Port Orleans, we unfortunately didn't delve into the pizza, which looked quite tasty. Plus NOLA offers some pretty sweet lunch specials (similar to Pizza Port in San Diego) where you can get a slice, a salad, and a house beer for one low price. </div><div><br /></div><div>Back to beer, I felt another flight was in order. Here's the deets on my spread:</div><div><br /></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div><b>Summer Lager</b> - Munich-inspired Helles Lager brewed with honey malt for a rich, bready malt character.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Arabella </b>- Inspired by peach lemonade on the porch after a hot summer day, Arabella is sour fermented with 100% Lactobacillus as well as peach puree.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Hoppyright Infringement</b> - DIPA (had it a few years earlier but apparently forgot!)</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Bourbon Barrel Black IPA </b>- American IPA with a bold, roasted malt character aged in Buffalo Trace barrels.</div></blockquote><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCrhu-9uWbkSeKZElh2uDtqQLD8Xeko3CcFvVWXPVYDNpJGOzpUAstWbnLS7X8c3AXxl0g-4oaXsNdWNSP5JMFpB-lIkYnjWE_tJvhUwm2x_dBTk5JnxoVDW9ViJImY9aGgS2LYVgPOdY/s2048/IMG_7736.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCrhu-9uWbkSeKZElh2uDtqQLD8Xeko3CcFvVWXPVYDNpJGOzpUAstWbnLS7X8c3AXxl0g-4oaXsNdWNSP5JMFpB-lIkYnjWE_tJvhUwm2x_dBTk5JnxoVDW9ViJImY9aGgS2LYVgPOdY/s320/IMG_7736.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Pleeps says, "Here's one for the calendar!"</i></span></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div> </div><div>Both Brewslut and I felt the quality of the beers at Port Orleans was superior to that of NOLA, but overall our beers were solid. </div><div><br /></div><div>Next on our itinerary was <a href="http://urbansouthbrewery.com/" target="_blank">Urban South</a>. Simply put, this place just blew us away. We weren't familiar with this brewery prior to our visit, but I'm certainly glad we included it on our agenda. Urban South opened its production facility and taproom in 2016 and immediately began pushing the boundaries of what American craft beer can be. </div><div><br /></div><div>While the brewery claims to combine traditional European brewing with the "brashness" (their word, not mine) of new American styles, I think its penchant for eclecticism is firmly planted on the American end of the brewing spectrum. Think hazy, hop-drenched and lactose-infused IPAs and "glip-glop" beers (our friend Justin's term for thick, heavily fruited sours) and you can paint a pretty vivid picture of the types of beers Urban South serves. With all the beers we had the opportunity to sample, the brewery definitely falls more in the realm of "brash and American" versus "traditional and European." At the end of the day, though, its beers are absolutely fantastic. </div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0dmeDEmb7Bqrl1XjCarR9CebJudOCYrHKf4LdIuCWKdi9XGbTCgalGQRbx0QGhzQHGb5cDOOSO2olEPFx8obsA1zJPHr03MjllHGBdj0Vame1_f-6-Y-LGSq394R07XVfluirtHhj0ss/s2048/IMG_7737.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0dmeDEmb7Bqrl1XjCarR9CebJudOCYrHKf4LdIuCWKdi9XGbTCgalGQRbx0QGhzQHGb5cDOOSO2olEPFx8obsA1zJPHr03MjllHGBdj0Vame1_f-6-Y-LGSq394R07XVfluirtHhj0ss/s320/IMG_7737.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Inside the brewery and tasting room, I felt like I was transported back to the 1980s. The decor and color scheme is vibrant and whimsical. Bright, colorful geometric shapes filled the room, and a wave of beach vibes washed over me as I glanced around upon entering. I immediately knew we were going to have fun here. Urban South is the type of brewery you'd loathe only if you were a clinically depressed sociopath. The flavors and aromas of the beers here were indicative of the playful design of the space.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I found it difficult to land on a starting point, as there were easily between 20 and 24 beers on tap. We decided to go quantity over quality and order a bunch of small sample-sized pours so we could try several different beers. </div><div><br /></div><div>First up was <b>Nectar Cream Snoball Juice</b>. Man, what an introduction to Urban South! This beer offers a twist on its popular Snoball Juice IPA, which is inspired by the classic New Orleans treat, the "Sno-ball." A snow-ball is a customizable sweet made with a mound of fluffy shaved ice, then flavored with sweet syrups and topped or stuffed with a number of mix-ins and add-ons. For its beer version of this sweet treat, Urban South adds almond and vanilla as well as a heavy dose of lactose to create a decadent yet hoppy beer. </div><div><br /></div><div>It's pretty difficult for me to pick a favorite beer during our visit, but if you held a crossbow to my head (everyone uses a gun... how boring!), I'd probably pick <b>Muddled: Fuzz</b>. Imagine that, a peach beer! Inspired by a Peach Fuzz cocktail, this sour ale is packed full of peaches and displays undertones of ripe banana and juicy orange. </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju92k3v56YNf5t4mZ__1Xkj1_cVF_-EC91QavAiJefhiOstrPWU0tvAyX9bVol23FGDx5-VNgWByjCzlSpmwQD3cD26VZ5jZK-XNlqs49GgO7chPYF9p7GGSHlY3nyox3BBlKbf0Nbrwc/s2048/IMG_7741.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju92k3v56YNf5t4mZ__1Xkj1_cVF_-EC91QavAiJefhiOstrPWU0tvAyX9bVol23FGDx5-VNgWByjCzlSpmwQD3cD26VZ5jZK-XNlqs49GgO7chPYF9p7GGSHlY3nyox3BBlKbf0Nbrwc/s320/IMG_7741.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Pleeps enjoying our visit to Urban South.</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Up next was <b>Oh the Humidity</b> (great name, by the way). "Nice!" I thought as I read the description of this beer. "Cantaloupe!" One of my favorite summer fruits is cantaloupe, and I'm continuously dumbfounded as to why more breweries don't brew more melon-based IPAs or fruited sours. Although cantaloupe and mango sounds like an odd combination, this fruited sour ale was delicious, displaying both delicate notes of ripe melon and more aggressive tropical flavors of mango. </div><div><br /></div><div>Back into IPA territory, it was time to try a beer called <b>Grapefruit Holy Roller</b>. For this beer, Urban South took its flagship NEIPA and cranked up the grapefruit to 11. Hopped with Citra and Mosiac, the addition of grapefruit pushes this beer of a cliff into an abyss of pithy citrus goodness. </div><div><br /></div><div><div>It was time to appease Pleeps, as he was champing at the bit to try a beer called <b>Very Berry Banana</b>. Any time we encounter a beer with banana in it, Pleeps instantly begins salivating. This particular beer is part of Urban South's <b>Tropitoulas Series </b>of fruited sours.<b> </b>The series takes its name from the street on which the brewery resides (the aforementioned Tchoupitoulas Street).<b> </b>This version features mixed berries and banana. Needless to say, Pleeps was on it! </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0n7tGAKqGsz40JWa0DNpaFkgCXwl4SWyTHSBIdjSQEUrjR8h2T9O6Q4ciUKLhIVtTJUuQosQsbJvBs0WTbVKYqThb5Spb6iN4afgY65Uoeh1KNZ4EhvSQuh3MSk6cWPffcQ2iUpUnh1s/s2048/IMG_7742.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0n7tGAKqGsz40JWa0DNpaFkgCXwl4SWyTHSBIdjSQEUrjR8h2T9O6Q4ciUKLhIVtTJUuQosQsbJvBs0WTbVKYqThb5Spb6iN4afgY65Uoeh1KNZ4EhvSQuh3MSk6cWPffcQ2iUpUnh1s/s320/IMG_7742.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Pleeps is two-fistin'!</i></span></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>It doesn't end there. We were digging the fruit beers here so we continued to sample small pours of a few more beers. Up next was <b>Building Lives</b>, a beer brewed in collaboration with Son of a Saint, a local charitable organization. This sour boasts huge additions of guava and banana to create an intense blast of tropical fruit. Proceeds from sales of this beer benefit Son of a Saint. Not one, but <i>two </i>banana beers? Pleeps was in heaven!</div><div><br /></div><div>We also tried the <b>Lime Cucumber Gose</b>, an unfiltered kettle sour wheat beer with kosher salt. This refreshing beer is made even more thirst-quenching thanks to the addition of key lime and juice from fresh cucumbers. This one was through-the-roof light and refreshing, and soooo drinkable! </div><div><br /></div><div>I couldn't leave without trying Urban South's take on a smoked beer.<b> </b>A collaboration with with Bhramari Brewing out of Asheville, <b>Smoke Show </b>begins with a base of flaked corn, flaked rice, flaked wheat and Golden Promise malt. The grain bill also features 20% of bourbon barrel-aged smoked malt from NC's Riverbend Malting. This one hinted at some mellow smokiness, but was more toasty and caramel-forward overall. </div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeQusCkcwldPmhLf_PNwbLRuD2_f25jCvC0JVvXqquhETfc0T2rV1z_7tDrlXyDyj3ylQK_HfhfcJxwx-9zhVKx7oS8ZOgiOxxcQGweL4TgbuM8vMPxNIKYB0a_5n0ArQWPKz3LEmZf58/s2048/IMG_7738.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeQusCkcwldPmhLf_PNwbLRuD2_f25jCvC0JVvXqquhETfc0T2rV1z_7tDrlXyDyj3ylQK_HfhfcJxwx-9zhVKx7oS8ZOgiOxxcQGweL4TgbuM8vMPxNIKYB0a_5n0ArQWPKz3LEmZf58/s320/IMG_7738.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFQ8fQX0x_vRZRgVqgNElzyl4rtpeD7uRs0kbyytq_exHG-03tuW29ntX5B0DNFxbZWTJK7Rea8-PlaKd-iTDUjnYQbE3i6KvpeqdZP3nq3xEBHGk09mgBM7j7MjonzftmdayWuX_BkRI/s2048/IMG_7739.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFQ8fQX0x_vRZRgVqgNElzyl4rtpeD7uRs0kbyytq_exHG-03tuW29ntX5B0DNFxbZWTJK7Rea8-PlaKd-iTDUjnYQbE3i6KvpeqdZP3nq3xEBHGk09mgBM7j7MjonzftmdayWuX_BkRI/s320/IMG_7739.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDrM7elLEZFc8N2WkQqC0Gcs2i84_4udkblHR3_OQczN_BDQ-3Y8_5elkhU-LVPVTgt4PnvfAYocEjEws_M6pMCufhU1VgqES7dO9VgKGDEnPUiduATPQoroiAiWcFw5tPooU54sk60Eg/s2048/IMG_7740.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDrM7elLEZFc8N2WkQqC0Gcs2i84_4udkblHR3_OQczN_BDQ-3Y8_5elkhU-LVPVTgt4PnvfAYocEjEws_M6pMCufhU1VgqES7dO9VgKGDEnPUiduATPQoroiAiWcFw5tPooU54sk60Eg/s320/IMG_7740.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Looks kids... it's a Three-Pleeps!</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>After our visit, I knew this was going to be one of our favorites of the entire trip. Pleeps had an absolute blast, and was excited to try two different beers brewed with bananas... at the same brewery! By the way, you're in for some more Urban South shenanigans once we hit Texas. We were both surprised... but you'll have to wait until Day 6 to learn more.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcNkLyrmnEoQYP46Hg8XkcsjJicKvbE0oXZ-ebJYqrCiYg4Ltg-Y9pGr-zKNxw3_EP-hmwjWe9xxpWaoQtbzHvg1yIps-b6dz0qPyoZ3RpXnkFpS64i07EpKbX7rEfXpoI7LQ2oMZA7Jk/s2048/IMG_7743.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcNkLyrmnEoQYP46Hg8XkcsjJicKvbE0oXZ-ebJYqrCiYg4Ltg-Y9pGr-zKNxw3_EP-hmwjWe9xxpWaoQtbzHvg1yIps-b6dz0qPyoZ3RpXnkFpS64i07EpKbX7rEfXpoI7LQ2oMZA7Jk/s320/IMG_7743.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>After an amazing experience at Urban South, it was off to <a href="https://www.parleauxbeerlab.com/" target="_blank">Parleaux Beer Lab</a>, which took us northeast along the Mississippi River. The brewery's name is derived from a bit of French wordplay. Since the brewery is near the river, they took the French word for "bywater" (par l'eau) and parlayed it into a unique name for the brewery. Language for the win! </div><div><br /></div><div>This place was right up my alley. You basically just order a beer and sit in the middle of the production space among the sacks of malted barley, fermentation tanks and other assorted implements and ingredients used in the brewing process. We parked at a small couch with a coffee table and just enjoyed the view of some kegs and stainless steel tanks what I assumed was the fermentation cellar. I was definitely "in the zone" at Parleaux, a sensation not <i>entirely </i>synonymous with "loaded," which oftentimes strikes at some point between breweries 3 and 4 during any given day of beer traveling. It didn't hurt that the beers here were fantastic. </div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIU6VzhNt9DueYmcK0p31aB58JkuRpFJ4C0GFywAISuDjoJXFS19NYy9nuUuezuisiy_QjRx9r9x5fX04QqBvkhS1Qz9nfeD5Zh9-hOMU29ylRrHO3ZfAsqZ5gwswwfIIjQ8ym5jx907Y/s2048/IMG_7745.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIU6VzhNt9DueYmcK0p31aB58JkuRpFJ4C0GFywAISuDjoJXFS19NYy9nuUuezuisiy_QjRx9r9x5fX04QqBvkhS1Qz9nfeD5Zh9-hOMU29ylRrHO3ZfAsqZ5gwswwfIIjQ8ym5jx907Y/s320/IMG_7745.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Chillaxing with my main monkey at Parleaux.<br /><br /></span></i></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div><br /></div><div>First up? Here we go again with the pilsners. This time, it's an "international style pilsner" called <b>Truth & Consequences </b>that's hopped with Nelson Sauvin, one of my favorite varieties from New Zealand. The white grape and citrusy zing of this hop really spruced up this pilsner, giving it a pop of crisp fruit in the finish. </div><div><br /></div><div>After an enjoyable first quaff, I stuck with another lager. However, this one was quite different than the one I'd just imbibed. Enter <b>Ruby Coaster</b>, a foeder-aged smoked Helles Lager. They had me at "smoked." Of course, they also had me at "foeder" and again with "lager," making it a trifecta of some of my personal favorite things about beer. If I'm not mistaken, this may have been my first smoked beer of the trip, and it didn't disappoint. </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilUX-1hDch-_QYXpZOyZYazIe7U9zT3pEIw5SC-C4_7rig9eeHHUNG0aYtsa_Ksd4K7ps2-SWg-bVlEdqZY7gKBo5sxxxURVlCwzQhmOWTGpfQRM62BjYMaJg8VGMijTR7K5UIrcNkUsA/s2000/IMG_2714.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="1500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilUX-1hDch-_QYXpZOyZYazIe7U9zT3pEIw5SC-C4_7rig9eeHHUNG0aYtsa_Ksd4K7ps2-SWg-bVlEdqZY7gKBo5sxxxURVlCwzQhmOWTGpfQRM62BjYMaJg8VGMijTR7K5UIrcNkUsA/s320/IMG_2714.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Pleeps getting the hang of Parleaux.<br /></span></i><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>After a few relatively tame beers (although Ruby Coaster was smoky as all hell), I tend to crave hops. <b>If and Only If</b>, listed on the board as a DIPA, piqued my interest. Check out its unconventional yet amusing beer description:</div><div><br /></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><div style="text-align: left;"><i>True or false: You can grow delicious hops if and only if you are between the 40° and 54°N parallel. FALSE! “If and Only If” was massively hopped with African Queen, a hop grown near the 34°S latitude line in South Africa. This hop, along with the Slovenian Styrian Dragon, yields a double IPA with enormous berry and stone fruit flavors and aroma. Clocking in at 8.6%, “IF and Only IF” occupies a biconditional delicious dank state if and only if enjoyed fresh.</i></div></blockquote><div><br /></div><div>Turns out I saved perhaps the most special beer for last. <b>Famille: Foeder Aged House Saison </b>was created to celebrate Parleaux's 4th anniversary. In 2019, the brewery installed a lovely oak foeder to use exclusively for aging its house saison, which is inoculated with a special house culture. The grain beer for the base saison utilizes German pilsner and Vienna malt as well as spelt, raw wheat, and flaked barley, while the hop combo features German Tettnang and Cascade. The beer is then fermented and aged in the foeder with the Brett-forward house culture. </div><div><br /></div><div>But that's not all that's special about this beer. According to Parleaux, Famille is a "solera inspired beer." What exactly does this mean? I didn't know either, so it's Google to the rescue! Turns out solera brewing is a beer-making process that dates back hundreds of years. Think of it as the "circle of barrel-aging." Whether beer or wine or sherry, the concept is the same. In the case of this particular beer, whenever Parleaux packages Famille, they refill the foeder with fresh wort to feed the house culture and also to blend with the aged beer already present. Pretty cool, eh? </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMLrGMfIXXQRsN_KOfQJTSgLc2hgJla2vlF302UGkyCpclymJKNl5z7wLQI8T57PVTKG_kWGOmeWFN-Wo9R0q8uVoZKGca5_jhXl8gTqXtFWi1mNmW9oHwpwT_oj_lZ_KFT8viDWlrgj8/s2000/IMG_2718.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="1500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMLrGMfIXXQRsN_KOfQJTSgLc2hgJla2vlF302UGkyCpclymJKNl5z7wLQI8T57PVTKG_kWGOmeWFN-Wo9R0q8uVoZKGca5_jhXl8gTqXtFWi1mNmW9oHwpwT_oj_lZ_KFT8viDWlrgj8/s320/IMG_2718.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Pleeps holds on to his beer at Parleaux. </span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>Up next, it was off to <a href="https://courtyardbrewery.square.site/" target="_blank">Courtyard</a>. Inside, this place came across as dark and kind of uninviting, to be honest. The tasting room was so dimly lit that I didn't even get any pictures. We felt kind of out of place at first but slowly got a little more comfortable once the beer was flowing. Inside, the brewery's mish-mash of eclectic design elements warrants its self-imposed title of "neighborhood dive brewery." Can't say I've come across that term before, but I love me a good dive bar, so kudos to Courtyard for embracing that aesthetic. </div><div><br /></div><div>Courtyard opened its doors back in 2014 on a 3-bbl system when New O was still fairly undeveloped with regard to its craft beer scene. The city has always been about bars, not breweries. NoLa was pretty much the only game in town. Over the years, the brewery managed to gain a following through its honesty and integrity when it came to the brewing process (i.e. they'd dump beer if it wasn't right). This is a practice I definitely embrace, especially in this day and age where breweries pretty much get one shot at impressing someone... right, all you FOMOs out there? </div><div><br /></div><div>Sadly, we didn't spend a lot of time at Courtyard, but after reading this <a href="https://www.goodbeerhunting.com/blog/2017/9/20/confusion-is-craft-the-courtyard-brewery-in-new-orleans-la" target="_blank">amazing article</a> by the folks at Good Beer Hunting, I'd wished we did. (It's a great story and I urge you to take a few minutes to read through it at some point.) I opted for one of its few house beers called <b>Preach!</b>, a DIPA hopped with Citra and Mosaic. Can't go wrong with that hop combo! It's one of the brewery's signature beers, so I'm glad I got to try something that's a favorite of the locals. </div><div><br /></div><div>Up next was a stop at <a href="https://www.zonymashbeer.com/home" target="_blank">Zony Mash Beer Project</a>. Relatively new to the scene, Zony Mash opened its doors in September 2019. The brewery is situated in the historic Gem Theater, one of just two remaining African American movie theaters still remaining in New Orleans. Inside, the seating for the tasting room bleeds into the brewhouse and fermentation cellar, though everything is situated in a modern-looking space with an open floor plan, bright colors and zig-zagging blonde wood accents. </div><div><br /></div><div>But what about the brewery's name? Well, I thought Zony Mash was a quirky name for a brewery, to say the least. Turns out the brewery's moniker pays tribute to an album by the classic New Orleans funk band, The Meters (<i>Cissy Strut</i> or <i>Tippi-Toes</i>, anyone?). There's a bit of music trivia unbeknownst to me prior to going down a Google rabbit hole. </div><div><br /></div><div>While we were digging the space and the beers, Zony Mash turned out to be a one-and-done stop for us... and I'll tell you why. But first, let's talk about the beer. I opted for a pour of <b>Refried Confusion</b>, a fluffy pale ale hopped with two of my favorite varieties: Nelson Sauvin and Citra. The beer was enjoyable enough, as was the snack we got from a local food truck. To be honest, I can't even recall what we ordered (it was probably tots), because what was about to unfold is largely what I remember about Zony Mash.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>************WARNING: RANT ALERT!!!</b><b>************</b></div><div><br /></div><div>If you partake in or enjoy Zumba in any capacity, kindly skip over the following paragraph. </div><div><br /></div><div>I haven't had a good rant in a while (maybe I have, but who's counting?). At any rate, here it is. Zumba really needs to go away. Any exercise where a group of women in yoga pants prance around in a circle and occasionally clap their hands and yell "Woo!" in unison can just cease to exist... especially when it's done in a public place and there is drinking to be done. My eyes rolled so many times while we were here that I might be permanently be cross-eyed as a result. The intolerable music that blared from the speakers while Zumba takes place only compounds my utter disdain for this activity. I could see Zumba classes at the Zima factory, but not a small craft brewery, especially with customers present. I think I'm going to go on record and say this was a worse experience than a screaming child at the next table. Maybe not <i>multiple </i>screaming children, but certainly one loud-mouthed toddler. So to all you Zumba disciples out there... go to a real gym and actually EARN your beer. </div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjtluPciNU1ZPNB9sA1tlzydZiAQZlvWIc62ctnbcnLI-9O2-99ce2FSTBXZdrYah3vazvgRwxF_A7kBZ0lOzbK4UloJuBy4X6ZD3bAzxiQ_nNv7U5hFL2nvafQt7CT24oxrkYKm9Vs2o/s2048/IMG_7747.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjtluPciNU1ZPNB9sA1tlzydZiAQZlvWIc62ctnbcnLI-9O2-99ce2FSTBXZdrYah3vazvgRwxF_A7kBZ0lOzbK4UloJuBy4X6ZD3bAzxiQ_nNv7U5hFL2nvafQt7CT24oxrkYKm9Vs2o/s320/IMG_7747.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">No Zumba for Pleeps, thank you.</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>With that said, our beers were enjoyable. Of course, that's in relation to the horde of ladies partaking in Zumba, which was the complete opposite of enjoyable. I would have liked to stick around for seconds, but by the time Zumba ended, the tasting room area turned to chaos, so we shuffled off to our last brewery of the day.</div><div><br /></div><div>We arrived at <a href="https://www.secondlinebrewing.com/home" target="_blank">Second Line</a> just in time for trivia, and the place was packed. It was a pleasant summer evening by the time we arrived (perhaps around dinner time) and we managed to snag a tiny table in the outside beer garden area, which was more like a courtyard. I'm always down with some good old competition while I'm drinking, so this provided some entertainment while we enjoyed a beer outdoors. Unfortunately, you had to have an app on your phone to participate, and there were like 3 questions per round, which meant a lot of dead space. Oh well, at least the beer was solid. </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg7t5RrEHQU603aeqc-jEDMCOXR5Nb52LhmJP1WjMc6IUQpiebN8LEvPiHELpMPHiZh7yDlBc-P1Ox7m0RJBNdiieagzVxkZexr8U64XteINinPUNODoASxAEs688NIlws_A3UeSifctA/s2048/IMG_2721.HEIC" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg7t5RrEHQU603aeqc-jEDMCOXR5Nb52LhmJP1WjMc6IUQpiebN8LEvPiHELpMPHiZh7yDlBc-P1Ox7m0RJBNdiieagzVxkZexr8U64XteINinPUNODoASxAEs688NIlws_A3UeSifctA/s320/IMG_2721.HEIC" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Pleeps is ready to hit the sack!</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>I was just happy to chill outside for a bit and soak in some fresh air. By this time of day, I was pretty exhausted and just wanted to kick back for a bit before heading to our hotel to retire for the evening. A sampled a pair of beers during our visit while throngs of locals competed for trivia glory. </div><div><br /></div><div>My first beer was <b>Nutfluff</b>, a porter brewed with hazelnut, coffee, marshmallow and cocoa. I followed this up with a <b>West Cost IPA</b>, which seem to be making a slight resurgence these days. One can only hope. Unfortunately, I was lost in a pre-evening haze during our visit to Second Line, so I'm afraid I can't speak to the overall quality of the beers here. I will say that I ordered a second beer, so they must have been pretty solid. By now, it was time to stick a fork in me. I tried to coerce Brewslut into checking out some live music at one of the city's many venues, but she was three sheets to the wind. It'll have to wait until next time. </div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Well kids, that does it for our day in New Orleans. Although we didn't partake in jazz, BBQ or flashing our ta-tas, we still enjoyed our time in this historic city and really got to dig deep into its recently burgeoning craft beer scene. Stay tuned for our next installment, which continues through Louisiana and finally delivers us to our destination: Houston, Texas! Until next time...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbus9M1W5r6I_MbVkVwBOleheF1Y-1UFYq_f_kBh1fTW-FNQyR2y9xNA1c6EjOPNM7UnuUbKtooU6zntidgBRD2_-E2605jImWco5B1uHqQ0GJM68WELPJ614o1S9HicDZgxxBe1XrPh8/s2048/IMG_2712.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbus9M1W5r6I_MbVkVwBOleheF1Y-1UFYq_f_kBh1fTW-FNQyR2y9xNA1c6EjOPNM7UnuUbKtooU6zntidgBRD2_-E2605jImWco5B1uHqQ0GJM68WELPJ614o1S9HicDZgxxBe1XrPh8/s320/IMG_2712.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><div><div><br /></div></div>ffejherbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01444361671877120080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8277623370417580926.post-68121833064584531662021-11-03T14:47:00.003-04:002021-12-09T12:10:03.762-05:00Texas Road Trip: Day 3 - From cotton comes magnolias<p><b> Day 3: Birmingham, AL > Hattiesburg, MS</b></p><div>The third day of the trip saw us cover a lot of miles but only hit a few breweries. For all intents and purposes, it was more of a travel day, which probably wasn't a bad thing since it was a Sunday and most breweries are either closed or have limited hours. Add to that the fact that we were traversing much of the south's craft beer void (Alabama and Mississippi, in this instance), we opted for quality over quantity. </div><div><br /></div><div>We began the day with a leisurely drive to Birmingham, AL, for our first stop of the day: <a href="http://www.ghosttrainbrewing.com/" target="_blank">Ghost Train</a>. Having been burned many times by referring to Google for hours of operation, I always defer to a brewery's actual web site when planning our itinerary. Turns out the folks at Ghost Train failed to update their site in the wake of COVID-19 (thanks, 'Rona). I was glad to see their hours indicated an 11 a.m. open time; this meant we could get an early start and arrive right at opening time. We arrived at 10:45 a.m. only to learn that we weren't just 15 minutes early... we were an hour and fifteen minutes early. Yes, kids, they didn't open until noon. We saw some musicians unloading their gear from the previous night's festivities, and one of them mentioned that they didn't open until 12. M'wah, indeed. Since our options were limited, I figure we'd just hang around for an hour and drink coffee until they opened for business. Turns out we didn't have to do that, because once they found out we were visiting all the way from PA, they invited us in and basically let us have free reign of the place. </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9iTo8SD-ljPZMLSLPo0Jowlg5OijZBVyFBKKfLTMiMa_DCOl_NVajEzS-YogF4tTfBUHtGUfILxd4kRGz6frgVZFJKukzcQQscLFGnwcNWf4lJEAyoDgclxPJQaNHK-1MOqQNLTwSPi4/s2048/IMG_7719.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9iTo8SD-ljPZMLSLPo0Jowlg5OijZBVyFBKKfLTMiMa_DCOl_NVajEzS-YogF4tTfBUHtGUfILxd4kRGz6frgVZFJKukzcQQscLFGnwcNWf4lJEAyoDgclxPJQaNHK-1MOqQNLTwSPi4/s320/IMG_7719.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Tap handles inside Birmingham's Ghost Train Brewing.</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div><span>Since October 2016, Ghost Train has operated in the facility previously occupied by Cahaba Brewery, which is situated in Pepper Place Market (thought it reminded me more of an industrial park instead of a market). This makes perfect sense, as brewer/owner Taylor DeBoer had been a former co-owner of Cahaba. But the story goes back even further. Prior to occupying this space, Ghost Train brewed at Crooked Letter Brewing in Mississippi. So the name "Ghost Train" has been in the regional beer scene's lexicon for the better part of a decade. </span></div><div><br /></div></div><div>Since they guys on duty were still getting things opened up for the day, we decided to park ourselves at a table and hang for a bit. Brewslut and Pleeps sipped on a beer while I took a quick stroll around the brewery to snap some photos. The Ghost Train guys were super cool and gracious enough to offer us beers even though they weren't even open to the public yet. Gotta love that kind of hospitality! </div><div><br /></div><div>I noticed a pilsner on the tap list, so I started with that. However, I failed to recognize that this was, in fact, an Imperial Pilsner weighing in at 10% ABV. Not the best beer with which to start off my day. Regardless, <b>Incognito </b>is crispy and crushable with a floral hop flair and hint of herbaceous spice as well as some fleshy tree fruit. Of course, the beer is aptly named, as I doubt anyone would deduce that this sucker was in ABV stratosphere of double digits!</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYOubt3o8wiwNdKESrxtlH9XsBFdK5Fxo4XM2jdyr6-p9bDiDoXIV4L8xq183xKpGUOXLdFcWkXflEnTYtwxJQiJC4LJXplUtNgG-1zoDD0AdvtDWIsXtTWdbDqnf9VrBV321RGweNlP8/s2048/IMG_2685.HEIC" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYOubt3o8wiwNdKESrxtlH9XsBFdK5Fxo4XM2jdyr6-p9bDiDoXIV4L8xq183xKpGUOXLdFcWkXflEnTYtwxJQiJC4LJXplUtNgG-1zoDD0AdvtDWIsXtTWdbDqnf9VrBV321RGweNlP8/s320/IMG_2685.HEIC" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Pleeps says, "All aboard the Ghost Train!"<br /></span><br /></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>Upon finishing my pour of Incognito, I bellied up to the bar and started chatting with the staff. We enjoyed a few samples and I mentioned I worked at Troegs. None of the guys heard of my employer, which was kind of cool. I always like traveling in states where Troegs isn't available because I love sharing beers with folks who appreciate it. We proceeded to go through just about everything they had on tap, including a tasty wild berry sour called <b>Kaleidoscope </b>and a straight-up Kolsch called, simply, <b>Good-Ass Kolsch</b>. Then we started getting into the IPAs. I tried a bit of the hop-heavy <b>Gulf Coast </b>IPA, which was right up my alley. This one is fairy dank and laid-back with notes of pine resin and grapefruit. </div><div><br /></div><div>After all these, it was time to sample a few beers from its Allurium DIPA series. Numbers 3 and 5 were available, and I sampled them both! They just kept pouring... and pouring... and pouring, and who was I to stop them? The two beers I sampled were #3 and #5 in this DIPA series. <b>Allurium 3 </b>features a hop combo of Simcoe and Sabro to provide a blast of juicy citrus fruit with a splash of coconut and stone fruit around the edges. <b>Allurium 5</b>, on the other hand,<b> </b>is hopped with Azacca and Amarillo to produce a tropical-forward flavor profile boasting heaps of mango and citrus with subtle traces of summer melon and even peach. Both of these were in the 9% ABV range, so I kept to small sample-size pours. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Afterwards, I shared some Troegenator with the guys, which everyone absolutely loved. I also left a few cans behind (as well as a hefty tip for the hospitality), and we were on our way to our second - and last - stop in Birmingham before heading into the uncharted waters of Mississippi. <div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpn0kg2fYu83uQwTlzdgh4XzxCedXMkn0Ba_9j8c90dm0VfoAPnVPuxHL6WczTcyUXcA8c0Iag0FrIYjNk-pBh-GnvP8Gop00_KVElxo-H1v6fM2XnJHUu6xlEhsGN8o3St95_VjW6cic/s2048/IMG_7723.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpn0kg2fYu83uQwTlzdgh4XzxCedXMkn0Ba_9j8c90dm0VfoAPnVPuxHL6WczTcyUXcA8c0Iag0FrIYjNk-pBh-GnvP8Gop00_KVElxo-H1v6fM2XnJHUu6xlEhsGN8o3St95_VjW6cic/s320/IMG_7723.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Inside Birmingham's TrimTab Brewing Co.</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://www.trimtabbrewing.com/" target="_blank">TrimTab</a> was another brewery recommendation from Uncle Jedi. He obviously knows his turf quite well, as this place was solid any way you slice it. Founded in 2013, this Birmingham-based brewery focuses on a diverse portfolio including expressive IPAs, experimental stouts and a variety of fruited sour beers. </div><div><br /></div><div>But what the hell is a "trim tab"? </div><div><br /></div><div>A quick search on Google reveals that a trim tab is a small surface on the trailing edge of a larger control surface (i.e. a small rudder on a larger rudder... not to be confused with a Dutch rudder). For example, a trim tab on a boat or airplane can be manipulated to counteract opposing forces of resistance. In essence, trim tabs help to stabilize the vessel, which is achieved by adjusting the angle of the tab relative to the larger surface. </div><div><br /></div><div>OK, enough with all that scientific gibberish. </div><div><br /></div><div>Metaphorically speaking, it's a small, unassuming piece of equipment that seems insignificant but ultimately serves a much larger purpose. It's kind of like Ringo in the Beatles; it wouldn't be the same band without him. According to the brewery: "At the end of the day the trimtab is the actual source of how all direction and balance is achieved."</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdxhyphenhyphenyGv7_qoJi0-hiSLdddMBOHNNAo9BFzoiWsrBkpq3Age3de4qqDtvDDxkdYLi2tyT5q8E1gSH5Y_7NvUTTSp3e9Ah4PIx9Am6lhVIx9DjOm3fksjj0BEQU8VHRr80XP-YvPB842jw/s2048/IMG_7724.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdxhyphenhyphenyGv7_qoJi0-hiSLdddMBOHNNAo9BFzoiWsrBkpq3Age3de4qqDtvDDxkdYLi2tyT5q8E1gSH5Y_7NvUTTSp3e9Ah4PIx9Am6lhVIx9DjOm3fksjj0BEQU8VHRr80XP-YvPB842jw/s320/IMG_7724.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Inside TrimTab. Squiggly wins!</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Like several other stops thus far, I kicked off with a lager. This one is from its experimental <b>Gallery Series</b>, and was notated as <b>#041: Agave Lager</b>. I love when breweries experiment with ingredients and processes and take risks. This beer was crisp, clean and extremely refreshing, with a pop of sweet agave nectar in the finish. </div><div><br /></div><div>Another line of beers the folks at TrimTab offers is "Beach Club," a rotating series of fruited sour ales inspired by tiki and island-influenced cocktails. Brewed with pink guava, tangerine, sea salt, and lactose, a beer called <b>Floatation Device</b> sounded quite tasty. This one turned out to be right up Brewslut's alley. </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMRbQMFTbZoj1NB5kBlUufHQcvdBDRukULvJ2uiiSiaYPOFDFPtOJMGFdGlRdy2JoBy2MIYEU34wmQ8nEgfzhXyIYJ2iBb1vG_cH6760dUsPPxtzSTwJ-DwAql26ZzHzCVmH28FjokP-o/s2048/IMG_2686.HEIC" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMRbQMFTbZoj1NB5kBlUufHQcvdBDRukULvJ2uiiSiaYPOFDFPtOJMGFdGlRdy2JoBy2MIYEU34wmQ8nEgfzhXyIYJ2iBb1vG_cH6760dUsPPxtzSTwJ-DwAql26ZzHzCVmH28FjokP-o/s320/IMG_2686.HEIC" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Pleeps chillin' at TrimTab.</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Brewslut loves her sours, so she also opted for a pour of <b>Margarita Gose</b>. Kettle soured with lactobacillus and brewed with Himalyan pink sea salt, coriander, and sweet orange peel, this tart beer also benefits from the addition of ruby red grapefruit and fresh-squeezed key lime juice. This one featured a nice blend of bright lime, pithy grapefruit and a pinch of saltiness with a refreshing finish. </div><div><br /></div><div><div>We had to end on a big note, so I thought it only fitting to share a pour of something special. Enter <b>Language of Thunder Cumulus</b>, a bourbon barrel-aged imperial stout conditioned on vanilla beans and toasted coconut. Ooofa! This one was over the top with notes of bourbon-soaked coconut, Macadamia nuts, smooth vanilla and rich cocoa. We savored this mammoth, chewy stout, which clocks in at a hefty 9.8% ABV. While it certainly wasn't teetering on the upper scale of the imperial stout spectrum, it nevertheless packed a pretty serious punch. </div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>After a pleasant visit to TrimTab, we set off on our three-and-a-half-hour drive to Mississippi to visit one of my most anticipated breweries of the trip. I had received reviews of <a href="https://www.soprobrewing.com/" target="_blank">Southern Prohibition</a> from several friends in my beer circle, and all of them were quite glowing. I was pretty sure this was going to be one of the highlights of the trip, and I'm glad to say that it was!<div><br /></div><div>Opened in April 2013, Southern Prohibition Brewing is located in downtown Hattiesburg, MS. Downtown Hattiesburg isn't what I'd call a metropolis. As a matter of fact, it seems as though Shamokin, PA, might have more happening on its main drag. The outside of the brewery is very industrial and somewhat akin to a warehouse or automotive store (think Auto Zone or the Pep Boys... Manny, Moe and Jack). Once inside, however, the atmosphere changes dramatically. </div><div><div><span style="color: red;"><br /></span></div><div><br /></div></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDnPSvfd-W9LlFlsfFV8dZfSNuBX1GQ59FTp5lF0MoQ0mCNaeocJ8vjHmPQsvnQ1Gp6cHn3JrifqbxaTV5hR3XS6sOQr0ihNCb5-lKrJkTOtQsDfxm9e6zmmSkcAdZnhHkVWx0S4aTQUw/s2048/IMG_7725.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDnPSvfd-W9LlFlsfFV8dZfSNuBX1GQ59FTp5lF0MoQ0mCNaeocJ8vjHmPQsvnQ1Gp6cHn3JrifqbxaTV5hR3XS6sOQr0ihNCb5-lKrJkTOtQsDfxm9e6zmmSkcAdZnhHkVWx0S4aTQUw/s320/IMG_7725.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Outside Mississippi's Southern Prohibition Brewing Co.<br /></span></i><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>Upon entering, we were greeted by an oddly appointed Victorian-style room with a large screen TV, a fireplace and some highbrow leather armchairs and other period furniture. Even the wallpaper would have been up to snuff for Queen Victoria's library. Continuing up a narrow hallway, we arrived at the tasting room, which looked more like something you'd find in a brewery. A long bar occupies the wall on the right, and the room - with cinderblock walls and a concrete floor - is sparsely decorated with some barrels and scattered seating. The beer board above the tap handles provides the focal point of the room, which was fine by me. After all, we were here for the beer. </div><div><br /></div><div>Sadly, we only had about an hour and fifteen minutes to spend here. With such a small window of opportunity, we made every sip count! First off, the two bartenders (one, a young male college student and the other, a young twenty-something woman), were amazingly friendly and talkative. Oddly enough, the place was virtually empty. Perhaps folks from Mississippi don't believe in drinking on the "Lord's Day." Fine by me! We basically had free reign of the place during our visit. </div><div><br /></div><div>Southern Prohibition is one of those places where I want to try just about everything it had to offer. With limited time, I opted to open with a sample flight. I opened with three small pours of the following beers:</div><div><b><br /></b></div></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Space to Face</b> - Hazy IPA hopped with Galaxy and Citra. Thanks to a healthy dose of lactose, this one is velvety smooth with a fruity character and crushable drinkability. That's my kind of hazy! I was quick to grab a 4-pack of this to enjoy at a later date. </div></div></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></div><div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Sherbet Sherpa Banana Split</b> - You know Pleeps wouldn't let us leave without trying this beer. Loaded with banana, coconut, strawberry, and vanilla, this beer comes across as liquid sherbet, so mission accomplished, I suppose. Pleeps was all over this one... as was I! I'm always skeptical about banana beers, but this one delivered. </div></div><div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></div><div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Cake Walk Chocolate Turtle Cake</b> - Another one of Pleeps' favorites, this decadent Imperial Stout mimics a chocolate turtle cake. Part of the "Cake Walk" series, this dessert beer features plenty of adjuncts including lactose, caramel, cocoa nibs, and roasted walnuts. Yum, yum, gimme some!</div></div></blockquote><div><div><br /></div><div>Everything in my flight was pretty amazing, so we continued sampling beer until we had to leave. Again, I'm not sure if or when we'll ever be in Mississippi again, so I figured we might as well take advantage while the taking was good. </div><div><br /></div><div>I followed my stellar sampler flight with something called <b>Double Fluff</b>. This time around, the inspiration was another famous southern dessert - blueberry apricot crumble. Packed with a laundry list of scrumptious ingredients including blueberry, apricot, pecans, marshmallows, honey granola, and a pinch a cinnamon, this beer is southern hospitality in a glass!</div><div><br /></div><div>We ended our stellar visit at Southern Prohibition with a pour of <b>Crowd Control</b>, a dry-hopped DIPA showcasing Mosaic hops. Sticky and fruity with a solid malt backbone, this was a flavorable yet well-balanced DIPA with plenty of citrus, tropical, and berry-like fruit notes. What a way to stick a fork in our visit to this fantastic brewery!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIEpkQ-VXl3EM8TKm3xFU_poZhyphenhyphenuzhv1OQJLpFSjKo1M-aV5A4SeEDqeaPtDl2kCChccIgRkHUHilkK1Mt5MSdGY3v7c8sU3d478WQ42NuyUsxzZfNhwxRVTGfK9IwFRj_4ry6q48hv90/s2048/IMG_7726.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIEpkQ-VXl3EM8TKm3xFU_poZhyphenhyphenuzhv1OQJLpFSjKo1M-aV5A4SeEDqeaPtDl2kCChccIgRkHUHilkK1Mt5MSdGY3v7c8sU3d478WQ42NuyUsxzZfNhwxRVTGfK9IwFRj_4ry6q48hv90/s320/IMG_7726.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Pleeps enjoying our flight at Southern Prohibition.</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>While we were at Southern Prohibition, we caught wind of another small brewery in Hattiesburg called <a href="https://www.colludiumbrewing.com/" target="_blank">Colludium</a>. We hadn't planned on hitting another brewery, but we figured we might as well. I mean, when is the next time we'll be in Mississippi? </div><div><br /></div><div>Colludium is about board games as much as it is about beer. Boasting more than 100 games of all kinds, this place provides a really inviting atmosphere perfect for friends to gather and spend a few hours kicking back some beers. With a hodgepodge of mix-and-match tables and chairs, shelves of games, and other assorted knick-knacks, I felt like I was hanging out in my grandparents' attic, or perhaps Auntie Wainwright's bric-à-brac. However, the main difference here was the addition of beer. </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSoTCwlNbReLgMp7XrDSVJ0uvVkZbZulMRbFI46Lgd75dXhuhU6YsB0nO2_aITyEvCW5lILEsBAfURhy7P1KFxEpfHMlCU7efsCo9Bm4WP9AZkgH4uvyC02t2maRsn572Dmm-fkbkyT58/s2048/IMG_7729.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSoTCwlNbReLgMp7XrDSVJ0uvVkZbZulMRbFI46Lgd75dXhuhU6YsB0nO2_aITyEvCW5lILEsBAfURhy7P1KFxEpfHMlCU7efsCo9Bm4WP9AZkgH4uvyC02t2maRsn572Dmm-fkbkyT58/w320-h240/IMG_7729.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">A wall of games awaits at Colludium.<br /></span></i><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>Turns out the actual name of the brewery was also inspired by the two owners' love of games. With origins in Latin, the word "colludium" refers to sporting or playing together and is also linked to the word "collusion". </div><div><br /></div><div>The tap list was light, as expected for a tiny brewery, so we opted for a one-and-done visit. As hard as it was to abstain from getting knee-deep into a game of Scrabble or Hangman, we decided to stick with beer and conversation. With that said, I opted for <b>Wizards of the West Coast</b>, a West Coast IPA, while Brewslut went with <b>Peach Sour Up</b>. I couldn't really find any details on either of these beers, but I do remember the IPA being a little off with a tinge of diacetyl, an off-flavor reminiscent of buttered popcorn to which I'm extremely sensitive. Otherwise, it tasted like an old-school IPA with the classic "C" hops for a mix of citrus fruit and some pine. One the other hand, Peach Sour Up was quite pleasant. If I had to guess, the base beer was likely a kettle sour (perhaps a gose or Berliner base beer). In the end, this refreshing beer offered a subtle peach flavor paired with some mild acidity and tartness. </div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAUaXJlmGfUgyF8w5Aj07PzEZUVvyomihyPF0-QKF8cVsYClUqRwnfRQs5gEMZwsYMaQIMtmTDCPRGaKq6afqeMSkf8S7cgBDD_g5-pmfbcAmHjiludb6rwlqqdKqkthAS3fPoehzPMME/s2048/IMG_7728.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAUaXJlmGfUgyF8w5Aj07PzEZUVvyomihyPF0-QKF8cVsYClUqRwnfRQs5gEMZwsYMaQIMtmTDCPRGaKq6afqeMSkf8S7cgBDD_g5-pmfbcAmHjiludb6rwlqqdKqkthAS3fPoehzPMME/s320/IMG_7728.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Inside Colludium's bric-à-brac... I mean brewery!<br /></span></i><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br style="text-align: left;" /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Well folks, that's a wrap on Day 3. We had another hefty travel day in store for us on Monday (not a great day for visiting breweries), followed by a brief respite in New Orleans, our first-ever visit to this historic city. Tune in for Part 4 as we continue onward to our destination: Houston, TX! Until next time...</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEUumnrYm0J2BZ_GnhIxbJKQVOCAFU8IDOtBAJOOZq32xKEaBhvqO49BZwCEZ3PApKxdWqMiFIQ5AcTflpiooW25F9gp0X9LoCxT8BPplWMhIq_GZSjrMgEGcdTqjq8M9WdTFVs6WCKHo/s2048/IMG_7749.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEUumnrYm0J2BZ_GnhIxbJKQVOCAFU8IDOtBAJOOZq32xKEaBhvqO49BZwCEZ3PApKxdWqMiFIQ5AcTflpiooW25F9gp0X9LoCxT8BPplWMhIq_GZSjrMgEGcdTqjq8M9WdTFVs6WCKHo/s320/IMG_7749.JPG" width="240" /></a></div></div></div>ffejherbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01444361671877120080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8277623370417580926.post-42075600322094054312021-10-20T11:31:00.002-04:002021-10-20T11:38:24.602-04:00Texas Road Trip: Day 2 - Sweet Home Chattanooga and other tales from the Deep South<p><b>Day 2: Knoxville, TN > Chattanooga, TN > Trussville, AL</b></p><p>We didn't have a very far drive to get to Knoxville on Saturday, so we had the luxury of sleeping in a bit. There are apparently a ton of breweries in Knoxville, and I'm glad we had the luxury of splitting them up over two visits. (We'd be hitting Knoxville again at the tail end of the trip.) First on the agenda was a visit to <a href="https://www.balterbeerworks.com/" target="_blank">Balter Beerworks</a>. I scoped out its web site prior to organizing our itinerary, and discovered that they opened earlier than most breweries and also served food. This is something I often tend to overlook when planning our trips. A man's gotta eat, Julian! So this seemed like a good place to start for our afternoon in Knoxville, TN. </p><div><div>Like many breweries, the impetus of Balter started with homebrewing in a garage. The hobby quickly turned into a passion and eventually a career choice. After rehabilitating an old service station in downtown Knoxville, Balter opened its doors in February 2016. Balter prides itself on crafting all its foods daily from scratch, using the freshest ingredients available. The brewery itself preserves the history of the service station while still managing to create a comfortable and inviting modern space for its customers to enjoy fresh beer and scratch-made food. </div></div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitwjjCHMXo1ryKM4jr8hDeLUx_Wq0Z_TwAAskVE1V_ps_CIggcKUKXZx4ybHKUtz5-pfnmKuL76j_1ldsy7zi80-CBYFjHXxRVt9iSQhKHt46EGh5p4RBPh_g47bnALYpjVwiM5YYH2fc/s2048/IMG_2666.HEIC" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitwjjCHMXo1ryKM4jr8hDeLUx_Wq0Z_TwAAskVE1V_ps_CIggcKUKXZx4ybHKUtz5-pfnmKuL76j_1ldsy7zi80-CBYFjHXxRVt9iSQhKHt46EGh5p4RBPh_g47bnALYpjVwiM5YYH2fc/s320/IMG_2666.HEIC" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Pleeps doin' his thang!</i></span></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Since this was our first stop, why not begin the day with a coffee porter? That's just what I did with <b>Bear Blend</b>, an Oatmeal Porter brewed with local coffee from Three Bears Coffee Company. I mean, does any brewery use Folgers or Maxwell House in its coffee beers? God, I hope not. I guess Bud or Miller might, if they ever decided to brew a coffee beer. </div><div><br /></div><div>I followed up the coffee porter with <b>Firebelly</b>, described as a Classic IPA. This feisty IPA boasted moderate bitterness with lots of grapefruity character courtesy of Cascade hops. Even though it drank more like a classic northwest pale ale, I ain't complainin'. </div><div><br /></div><div><div>While we were at Balter, I discovered a bit of unfortunate news: I'd been given back the wrong credit card from our server at Elderbrew the night before. Once I discovered this, I racked my brain as to how this possibly could have happened. I quickly recalled that he asked me my name two or three times while he was looking through his carousel of cards. After a minute or two, he held up a card that looked exactly like one of mine and asked if it was mine. Since he was about 10 feet away, I said yes. He handed it back to me, I placed it firmly inside my wallet and didn't think twice about it. Eighteen hours and 120-odd miles later, I'd realized that I'd been handed the wrong credit card. To say I was irate is a bit of an understatement. I ended up spending about 30 minutes on the phone with my credit card company trying to cancel the card in the event that mine was given to some jackoff who might go on a spending spree. So unfortunately I didn't get to fully enjoy our time at Balter. It really is a cool place and, if I recall, the food was very good. From now on, I'm definitely going to make sure I get the right card back from bartenders when I close out a tab. Live and learn. </div></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs0IeB4DufHk-YsQ8JP0lkbZGoIWSd-VVYudV3gfoG0FPXeNwobLdNaRNme1JiU97oUxWf1ksV8Vt_HSX7ynEJk3mhej6jJbTh4jIdHUXolVdJW25bALMPq3UsmG8mMoL3XA0OnXt4oDM/s2048/IMG_7695.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs0IeB4DufHk-YsQ8JP0lkbZGoIWSd-VVYudV3gfoG0FPXeNwobLdNaRNme1JiU97oUxWf1ksV8Vt_HSX7ynEJk3mhej6jJbTh4jIdHUXolVdJW25bALMPq3UsmG8mMoL3XA0OnXt4oDM/s320/IMG_7695.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Outside Knoxville's Pretentious Beer Co.<br /></span></i><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>Our next stop was <a href="https://www.pretentiousbeerco.com/" target="_blank">Pretentious Beer Co.</a> With a name like "Pretentious," I must admit that I though this place was going to be pretty high on the douchebag spectrum. Like not even a little bit douchy; more like metric shit-tons of douchbaggery raining down upon me as I ordered my beer. Turns out I couldn't have been more wrong. This was easily one of the most memorable breweries of the entire trip. </div><div><br /></div><div>Why is that, you ask? Survey says? Number one answer on the board... Pretentious Beer is actually the sister company of Pretentious Glass. Founded in 2018, Pretentious Glass Co. started with owner Matthew Cummings selling handcrafted glassware on Etsy to pay for his studio space as a side hustle. Eventually, the company blossomed into a full time gig. Surprisingly, he was able to open the glass company with no additional owners, investors, or bank loans. I must say that this was the first time I'd come across something so novel as a brewery that creates its own glassware by hand in an adjacent facility. It really added a sophisticated flair to the presentation and made for a totally unique, elevated experience. They even offer tours of the glass facility, which sadly we could not enjoy during our visit. If you'd like to go down a quick rabbit hole, you can read all about the intriguing process of glass blowing <a href="https://pretentiousglassco.com/process/" target="_blank">here</a>. </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqmVD_7bSNJvj5KRO94DjOkXHFckTIlY_yx0byT78pRu-xF4Ktn2aY5F6vWqwVFhCxpvF-Awh7gMxWP0eJcPu9_fbcOiAIK0_bmw3yghWybvRRq2n7FQvDJZIrR5eNfZhp8fVAMNo9AGY/s2048/IMG_7701.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqmVD_7bSNJvj5KRO94DjOkXHFckTIlY_yx0byT78pRu-xF4Ktn2aY5F6vWqwVFhCxpvF-Awh7gMxWP0eJcPu9_fbcOiAIK0_bmw3yghWybvRRq2n7FQvDJZIrR5eNfZhp8fVAMNo9AGY/s320/IMG_7701.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Curio of glassware at Pretentious Beer Co.<br /></span><br /></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>On the brewing side, Pretentious crafts one-off experimental brews served exclusively in its tap room, which - like its artisan glassware - was built by hand. Actually, pretty much <i>everything </i>at Pretentious is made by hand; not only the exquisite hand-blown glasses, but also the hardwood bar, the chairs, tap handles, etc. It's no wonder why this place has created a haven for fellow local community artisans. </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh94KYKueDN2wKH-j3J0U3iaQV4HBvRDlsh-vQBFaZoZO1dwC8BjhnLqmx9m7yfLjf98A5MtSHuP9e45zEoflte7DgN4gunAR8iM-KohxD02xb7b7gHlUunqC_6X-hMTF_GbJxiBE702I/s2048/IMG_7698.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh94KYKueDN2wKH-j3J0U3iaQV4HBvRDlsh-vQBFaZoZO1dwC8BjhnLqmx9m7yfLjf98A5MtSHuP9e45zEoflte7DgN4gunAR8iM-KohxD02xb7b7gHlUunqC_6X-hMTF_GbJxiBE702I/s320/IMG_7698.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Our view from the bar at Pretentious.<br /><br /></span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>So, let's move on to the beer, shall we? I started off with <b>Good Times</b>, a pilsner brewed with rye Crystal hops. I honestly can't recall if I'd ever encountered a pilsner brewed with rye before. It stands to reason that I must have, at some point, at one of the countless breweries we'd visited, somewhere, came across a pilsner with rye. However, I was drawing a blank. So let's say this was the first time. (I'm sure if I referred to my Untappd check-ins, I'd likely find that I had one about three months prior to this.) This beer came across as crisp and clean with a hint of dry spiciness, courtesy of the addition of rye to the grain bill. I enjoyed this beer quite a bit, and the glass in which it was served heighted the experience. </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcrLKqWF0dxunXcAkGqB8YfRBcDDOdi0a0RvYACOIiaq_EDVOQtuBdW5BHkXhaRIYPLk9lp84XxVcSon2RcvNa33b1TK0lhM9d-ycOJZOE_kwe_IFSXlIsgw7p2oIwG2Znocom-BY_3tQ/s2048/IMG_2667.HEIC" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcrLKqWF0dxunXcAkGqB8YfRBcDDOdi0a0RvYACOIiaq_EDVOQtuBdW5BHkXhaRIYPLk9lp84XxVcSon2RcvNa33b1TK0lhM9d-ycOJZOE_kwe_IFSXlIsgw7p2oIwG2Znocom-BY_3tQ/s320/IMG_2667.HEIC" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Pleeps loves him some Good Times!<br /></span></i><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>I decided to keep things light and opted for a pour of the humorously named <b>Glassholes</b>. This Pale Ale is smooth and fruity with a wash of peach and orange thanks to hopping with Galaxy, one of my favorite varieties. Like Good Times, this was served in a unique glass created by Pretentious Glass Co. and made for an enjoyable quaff. Overall, this was a great stop and I'm glad we had time to hit Knoxville twice on the trip. This town definitely has a lot to offer beer-wise. I'd love to take a tour of the glass facility next time we're in this neck of the woods.</div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8iPq4nxUKAVOLDhBY6PRW7qpY3G8l6PGrST2ktA1KgaRQ91pUhWyH682N1HoGw8VXJCfM0E4basOI-U2xFIgyug0LQ-bv-3ru9pDDWzkJHfa6LrV6sZ-3iX4906w6svjCjsBsUyx49eo/s2048/IMG_7697.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8iPq4nxUKAVOLDhBY6PRW7qpY3G8l6PGrST2ktA1KgaRQ91pUhWyH682N1HoGw8VXJCfM0E4basOI-U2xFIgyug0LQ-bv-3ru9pDDWzkJHfa6LrV6sZ-3iX4906w6svjCjsBsUyx49eo/s320/IMG_7697.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Pleeps says: "Only Glassholes fling poop!"<br /><br /></i></span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>I had high hopes for our next stop. <a href="https://xulbeer.com/" target="_blank">Xül</a>, the new kid on the block in Knoxville, came with much praise from the bartender we'd just encountered the previous night at the Cascade Taproom in Bristol. It turns out that our visit to Cascade was a pivotal moment in our trip, because Xül was one of those rare places that completely blew me away on every level. </div><div><br /></div><div>When we pulled into the parking lot, the first thing that struck me was the odd building in which the brewery is situated. It had a very "retro modern" look that reminded me of a car dealership you might have seen on an episode of <i>The Jetsons</i>. Turns out my assumption was correct, as the building used to house a Volkswagen dealership. </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeWXMmS4ublPT0piIKFw4k-AgIQbV6boq0bJ-3PQgOCvBSvIkNBJGfdDyxKhCO2_4Xf0p9f8SGyzjaxCJ8q1Ov8O9txqqJ-2n2r9OjpoNR8tFTWarruuSdjZUo6FRGC7eLWXAuhRChCQ4/s2048/IMG_7702.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeWXMmS4ublPT0piIKFw4k-AgIQbV6boq0bJ-3PQgOCvBSvIkNBJGfdDyxKhCO2_4Xf0p9f8SGyzjaxCJ8q1Ov8O9txqqJ-2n2r9OjpoNR8tFTWarruuSdjZUo6FRGC7eLWXAuhRChCQ4/s320/IMG_7702.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Outside Knoxville's Xül Beer Co.<br /></span></i><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div><div>As a child of the 80's, this place was right up my alley. I immediately felt at home here. Given her vast - almost labyrinthine - depth of movie, TV and pop culture trivia knowledge, Brewslut called out the fact that Xül (pronounced like and actually spelled Zuul) was in fact the gatekeeper in the movie </div><div><i>Ghostbusters</i>. While the beer is forward-thinking and of-the-moment, its tasting room hearkens back to the decade of my youth. Its merchandise dons iconic logos and characters from the era such as G.I. Joe and Robocop (I bought the Robocop T-shirt), and some of its beer names are steeped in nostalgia as well. (Side note: I later learned that Xül's quartz bar was inspired by a similar one found at Brooklyn's Tørst, a bar we'd visited several years ago with our beer bud, Nate, who we'd also be hanging out with in a few days in Texas.) </div></div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk8ZHE7oEzNSoHyDnREb3REqm_qXugYBdj-lnBLHghcNc6xuRc8ptpRxO_M_3fvMXJL0hQLC4UA39f7xiX4jxdGiQxxOuk8Ydv2j20Fc-jrVfJl5bVvLBJCQkaUoryepq4mps9Yh79Ehc/s2048/IMG_7704.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk8ZHE7oEzNSoHyDnREb3REqm_qXugYBdj-lnBLHghcNc6xuRc8ptpRxO_M_3fvMXJL0hQLC4UA39f7xiX4jxdGiQxxOuk8Ydv2j20Fc-jrVfJl5bVvLBJCQkaUoryepq4mps9Yh79Ehc/s320/IMG_7704.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Out seat for the duration of our (first) visit.<br /><br /></span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>The bartender at Cascade mentioned that Xül had been "killing it" and were making world-class IPAs. Man, to think that I wouldn't have discovered this brewery had we not stopped into Cascade for a quick one makes me think that perhaps spontaneity yields the best results when traveling. </div><div><b><br /></b></div><div>So with that in mind, I decided to make my first beer at Xül an IPA. After all, I owed it to the guy from Cascade, right? Enter <b>If Lost, Please Return</b>, a hazy IPA hopped with Citra, Citra Cryo and Mosaic. By now, you know about my love/hate relationship with hazies. Part of me just wishes that the style would disappear into oblivion, while the other part stumbles on an amazing one every once in a while, reaffirming my faith that perhaps hazies are here to stay. This was one of those times. The aroma, flavor, texture, mouthfeel, and finish were all spot-on. After a few sips, I began to understand the enthusiasm of my new friend from Cascade. Yes, kids... this brewery ain't fuckin' around. </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgomXWkM2nf97auGtbEflUxTrG3csdJRKsNKb18SZzVctGcj81cXirEvU3ZTo62C-Oc-rj0v1L2FwTkXlK0vQTYATlkgFV3g38tTWGpLsqgvTNUeI2o4x8yMiutpaGTFIOzilqIfoNY2pM/s2048/IMG_7705.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgomXWkM2nf97auGtbEflUxTrG3csdJRKsNKb18SZzVctGcj81cXirEvU3ZTo62C-Oc-rj0v1L2FwTkXlK0vQTYATlkgFV3g38tTWGpLsqgvTNUeI2o4x8yMiutpaGTFIOzilqIfoNY2pM/s320/IMG_7705.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">If lost, please return... to my gullet!</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><br /></div><div>After an enjoyable IPA, it was time to travel to the opposite end of the spectrum and enter the dark side of Xül. The next beer I tried elicited one of those reactions for which I yearn with each and every brewery visit we make on a given trip. <b>Beyond the Lines of Reason</b> stirred my loins. Conditioned on mounds of fresh and toasted coconut across multiple additions, this decadent stout has the distinction of perhaps the greatest texture I've ever encountered with a stout. The mouthfeel was the stuff of legends. I didn't want to swallow this beer; I just wanted to swish and swirl it around my mouth and across my tastebuds until the end of time. I was excited to see bottles of this world-class beer available for take-out, and I bought one without hesitation (although I wish I'd bought more) because it was <i>that </i>good!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>After an amazing experience at Xul, it was off to Chattanooga, TN, to hit a few places before landing in Alabama for the evening. First up was <a href="http://huttonandsmithbrewing.com/" target="_blank">Hutton & Smith</a>. I'd assumed this brewery was named after its two owners, but a quick perusal of its web site debunked that theory. Rather than paraphrasing, I'll simply provide a direct quote from the brewery's web site:</div><div><br /></div><div><div><div style="text-align: left;"><span><i><span></span><blockquote><span> </span>James Hutton and William "Strata" Smith are considered the fathers of modern geology, and rightly<span> </span>so. In "The Theory of the Earth", Hutton, a Scot from Edinburgh, illustrates the concept of deep time - the immense expanses of time over which geological changes occur. The Englishman Smith produced the first geological map of the earth, a revolutionary feat, detailing regional geology. Scots and Brits had been drinking beer for ages before any of these revelations came to mind, and it is rumored that our two friends sometimes strayed to focus on their love for tasty brews. Though we can only speculate, it is almost certain that at some point they imagined what it might be like to brew their own beer. We pay meager homage to these two beer drinking pioneers of their field by opening Hutton & Smith Brewing Co. in their names.</blockquote><p style="text-align: center;"> </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdT24NlZb2k79LbXUEGdKq0Y_aD_kt26qs2qbRINeedq3Pudv3DP8uuJxD8GZQXUBYYMerwtbUeCqCQ05z-6mLbLDj8RxTZFkl-JAz2hyDcXHsxNySlxYSVBoZWyOT-VD0_Md2FnUeuls/s2048/IMG_7706.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdT24NlZb2k79LbXUEGdKq0Y_aD_kt26qs2qbRINeedq3Pudv3DP8uuJxD8GZQXUBYYMerwtbUeCqCQ05z-6mLbLDj8RxTZFkl-JAz2hyDcXHsxNySlxYSVBoZWyOT-VD0_Md2FnUeuls/s320/IMG_7706.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Plenty of beer to be had at Hutton & Smith.<br /></span></i><br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table></i></span></div></div></div><div>I rarely order a Doppelbock at a brewery - much less lead with one! - but I decided to give this one a shot. The beer itself, <b>Taylor Doppelbock</b>, gets its name from our server who helped brew it. Her name, obviously, is Taylor. Assuming she had brewed it, I inquired with her about the beer and asked if she was a brewer. Turns out that the brewers at Hutton & Smith let each employee come up with a concept for a new beer or a style they'd like the brewery to release, and they work with the employee to make it happen. So I suppose it's kind of like job shadowing. Pretty cool, eh? This beer in question is a classic interpretation of the German-style strong lager. Working at Troegs, I know all about doppelbocks ('Nator, anyone?) or the "double bock" as we call it. Malty with hints of toasted bread and crackers, Taylor finishes smooth with a subtle sweet, slightly fruity finish and hint of booze. Turns out I had some 'Nator in tow, and gave her a can since she was such a fan of the style. I hope she enjoyed it! </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6ohNvfl7ToFwBac1_31eMBI9HJCC2aJr_w9Gkt4iBTPXXzdw7vJNq5Wm5DPE-L3M0QXKo3d9jC8FtyK5PQnVwPBZiyTy3RzQC7A-VzGt3PgnU633V4jmjmquSw80xD7BXihM-n03uFO4/s2048/IMG_7707.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6ohNvfl7ToFwBac1_31eMBI9HJCC2aJr_w9Gkt4iBTPXXzdw7vJNq5Wm5DPE-L3M0QXKo3d9jC8FtyK5PQnVwPBZiyTy3RzQC7A-VzGt3PgnU633V4jmjmquSw80xD7BXihM-n03uFO4/s320/IMG_7707.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Pleeps looking picture perfect at Hutton & Smith.<br /></span></i><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>The other two beers weren't as memorable, but not because they were inferior; they just didn't have a story attached to either of them the way Taylor did. I opted for a pair of hoppy offerings after the doppelbock: <b>Igneous IPA</b>, a dry-hopped IPA with citrus and pine notes; and <b>Elvis Legs</b>, a DDH Double featuring Citra, Talus and Simcoe. This was the first of four different beer releases for the brewery's 6th anniversary. How could I not try a beer called Elvis Legs? Perhaps the next one would be named Elvis' Pelvis. </div><div><br /></div><div>After Hutton & Smith, we had one more stop to make in Chattanooga. <a href="https://www.oddstorybrewing.co/" target="_blank">OddStory</a> firmly believes that beer and storytelling go hand in hand, and this small brewery strives to embrace that notion by encouraging folks to gather together, share stories and make new ones over a beer. Oddly enough, this was the least memorable brewery of the day. While I don't recall its beers being flawed, I just don't have much of a recollection of the place itself or the two beers I sampled during our visit. Upon browsing through some photos on Google, I quickly remembered the tasting room being extremely packed. We managed to grab two vacant bar seats after sitting at a barrel-turned-table for about 15 minutes or so. Even the line for the food truck out back was ridiculous. I mean, good for OddStory for packing in the peeps. After all, it was late afternoon on a Saturday, which is prime time for any brewery worth anything. With so many people occupying the place, it was difficult to get a snapshot of the room or pick up on a particular vibe. Consequently, we spent much of our time people-watching while we sipped our beers. </div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJbLMHA3gKb0LjiHk5vLbsewF0Orl-zL6taTOL9aLCH2lyoDIsRdeSYlK0Iwds5pAVRw4A7ICYkzbCPIZOFaSXM-4cxdwsgiypzc1Gs_jyhNKJU6uXtqT41Qw8EZeAtF58Ar6oi72quZA/s2048/IMG_7708.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJbLMHA3gKb0LjiHk5vLbsewF0Orl-zL6taTOL9aLCH2lyoDIsRdeSYlK0Iwds5pAVRw4A7ICYkzbCPIZOFaSXM-4cxdwsgiypzc1Gs_jyhNKJU6uXtqT41Qw8EZeAtF58Ar6oi72quZA/s320/IMG_7708.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Pleeps has got the Monkey's Heart.</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div></div><div><div><br /></div></div><div>First up was yet another pilsner for me called <b>Forgotten Fortress</b>. This one is a classic German-style Pils brewed with 100% Pilsner Malts and Noble hops. Traditional to the "T". I followed up with a West Coast IPA called <b>Monkey's Heart</b>. Boasting seven varieties of hops, it's a bold, slightly bitter IPA reminiscent of the kind of IPAs we'd encounter 10 years ago while driving around San Diego. Pleeps made sure to get his share of this one, too. He's got a lot of heart already, our little Pleeps! </div><div><br /></div><div>After a quick stop in Chattanooga, it was off to Alabama, another first state for us on this trip. On our way to our first stop in Trussville, which happened to actually be Ferus (more on them shortly), we noticed a brewery called <a href="http://www.slagheapbrewingcompany.com/" target="_blank">Slag Heap</a> on the opposite end of the sprawling parking lot as we pulled in to Ferus. Might as well stop in for one beer, right? I mean, who knows when we'll be back in Alabama.</div><div><br /></div><div><div>Opened during Labor Day weekend 2018, Slag Heap is part of Trussville’s “Quad One” downtown center, which is part of the town's revitalization plans. One of its attractions is its large outdoor concert stage, which was in use when we arrived... by a Lynyrd Skynyrd tribute band. I kid you not, folks. There's nothing like rolling into Alabama for the first time and hearing some good ol' Confederate flag-waiving, rifle-totin' southern rock blaring as you get out of the car. </div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKYNvI1gC7cZ_sYVS-sGvJhAJX4K_pr7Ej_zkA7Yg8PLsSJc9HRltPGKG-MmQC1PN-UnYdGP14V8Ts7wUAubBDXp5aYieJt8Y3rC1GfMyiRwkI74rdZcnJsUps15x0XF1m9oFF3unZ7rk/s2000/IMG_7711.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="1500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKYNvI1gC7cZ_sYVS-sGvJhAJX4K_pr7Ej_zkA7Yg8PLsSJc9HRltPGKG-MmQC1PN-UnYdGP14V8Ts7wUAubBDXp5aYieJt8Y3rC1GfMyiRwkI74rdZcnJsUps15x0XF1m9oFF3unZ7rk/s320/IMG_7711.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Pubbin' it up with Pleeps!</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div>I decided to keep things traditional, so I opted for a nitro pour of <b>Q's Moneypenny</b>, an English-style pub ale (similar to Boddington's). The style itself is antiquated and therefore a pretty rare sight at craft breweries where everyone is trying to be the new Tree House. Malt forward with low hop bitterness and a light ABV, this nitrogen-poured ale was exceptionally smooth and delicious. I easily could have tossed another one of these down, but alas we had to get to our final destination of the evening, as we'd put on quite a few miles - somewhere around 350 - already. </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizY0fQqLnicxmctpOmUzMNQwR62i70PU1nMUFkC3IwGYOZ1BmIvh9zDsVu0XJwfa2ZHrdgWgklzlApPJDDQHaChFkuy156ORAzToX1rhN8nmaNuNRCi8e3R9VrriWoXHoMFmn2ULyaras/s2048/IMG_7714.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizY0fQqLnicxmctpOmUzMNQwR62i70PU1nMUFkC3IwGYOZ1BmIvh9zDsVu0XJwfa2ZHrdgWgklzlApPJDDQHaChFkuy156ORAzToX1rhN8nmaNuNRCi8e3R9VrriWoXHoMFmn2ULyaras/s320/IMG_7714.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Artwork inside Ferus Artisan Ales</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Our final stop of the day, <a href="https://www.ferusales.com/" target="_blank">Ferus Artisan Ales</a> (also in Trussville), was one of a few breweries Uncle Jedi recommended. We'd try to meet up with UJ and his better half, Joan, as they live in Alabama, but they were also on the road doing some of their own beer traveling. (You think <i>we </i>go to a lot of breweries? These two should write their own beer travel blog!) With the Slag Heap audible we'd just called, I was hoping we'd get to Ferus before the band finished its set, as I assumed the majority of them would descent upon the brewery and we'd get shut out or have to wait a ridiculous amount of time to get seated or even served. Turns out we beat the crowd to the punch and were able to secure seats at the ample wrap-around bar that occupied the center of the fairly large tasting room. </div><div><br /></div><div>Although its name implies beer that is "untamed, uncivilized, and rough," I found this place and its beers to be anything but. With that said, the term "ferus" also applies to the brewery's passion for adventure and all things wild and avante garde. I can certainly embrace that philosophy. From this sense of adventure stems everything from wild and sour beers, crisp pilsners, hop-forward IPAs, full-flavored stouts, and a variety of barrel-aged beers.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE4jm7ZDxIPuSu8BOiCEj9xa0bedbJIalQH5D1Il0a5VDSMGYwNeRia6K1EEnHnV2ARUjbV0OqLqKkPqBRCPKIzI9lam6v0hI409njIHkmKUf5-MuI_w63bpQWbvh5pVg6qp0z9Db9140/s2048/IMG_7713.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE4jm7ZDxIPuSu8BOiCEj9xa0bedbJIalQH5D1Il0a5VDSMGYwNeRia6K1EEnHnV2ARUjbV0OqLqKkPqBRCPKIzI9lam6v0hI409njIHkmKUf5-MuI_w63bpQWbvh5pVg6qp0z9Db9140/s320/IMG_7713.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Pleeps says, "Enough with the pilsners. Gimme a stout!"</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>I apparently neglected to check in my first beer, which was a delicious pilsner aptly named <b>Pilsner</b>. This one was a straight-up German-style pils brewed using 100% Pilsner malt and hopped with spicy Noble hop varietals. As I said before, this was the trip of the pilsner. I think I drank more pilsners and lagers on this trip than during any previous trip we'd taken. I enjoyed this one quite a bit and made sure I grabbed a 4-pack to enjoy at home.</div><div><br /></div><div>Speaking of appropriate albeit unimaginative names for beers, I followed up with the <b>IPA</b>, an India Pale Ale showcasing big citrus hop aromas with subtle bitterness and a soft mouthfeel thanks to the use of oats and wheat in the malt bill. </div><div><br /></div><div>We finished with a shared pour of a big Imperial Stout called <b>Ursa Rex</b>. After reading the laundry list of ingredients in this sucker - coffee, coconut, cocao nibs, roasted pecans, Tahitian vanilla beans, and lactose - I knew this was going to be the beer to cap off the evening. This was quite tasty, although I couldn't help comparing it to Beyond the Lines of Reason, the stout I'd had earlier at Xül. All in all, it was a fine visit and the perfect beer with which to end our second day.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJafuQ4C6oyoCM8HoB5vOpblRxCueKHTVlFWuLmuKltf4RUu6piPvMn2FHoBbiQbLGMitOUrlAH8k-GAqYQkDrQVl8f709mwg4F6ciAgjNyHWL0WBGFSnkz9iuirfJ4R32gdqz0zRAGV8/s2048/IMG_7717.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJafuQ4C6oyoCM8HoB5vOpblRxCueKHTVlFWuLmuKltf4RUu6piPvMn2FHoBbiQbLGMitOUrlAH8k-GAqYQkDrQVl8f709mwg4F6ciAgjNyHWL0WBGFSnkz9iuirfJ4R32gdqz0zRAGV8/s320/IMG_7717.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Pleeps aka the Stout Whisperer.<br /><br /></span></i></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div><br /></div><div>We're just getting started, kids! Aside from my credit card misfortune, it was a fantastic day, with Knoxville really knocking our socks off. Tune in next time as we head into to Birmingham, AL, and make our way into yet another new-to-us state, Mississippi. Until next time...</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiTWHSeOM16mhTLk_ZXS3q-B6kBlPJ6a-K9r_Gy5x-93-A4MQPc9RxFzqZmkwJpI67hyCcxG11pO_yVJcRkdB38UR9SMnhPNshywRQlfJP78b8al_dTANTAOQ_Ff9xvYD1ocOtIWEdagE/s2048/IMG_2680.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiTWHSeOM16mhTLk_ZXS3q-B6kBlPJ6a-K9r_Gy5x-93-A4MQPc9RxFzqZmkwJpI67hyCcxG11pO_yVJcRkdB38UR9SMnhPNshywRQlfJP78b8al_dTANTAOQ_Ff9xvYD1ocOtIWEdagE/s320/IMG_2680.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>ffejherbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01444361671877120080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8277623370417580926.post-45649169617174250802021-09-29T15:14:00.003-04:002021-10-20T11:38:08.459-04:00Texas Road Trip: Day 1 - You got your Tennessee in my Virginia!<div style="text-align: left;">The time had come. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Yes indeed, it was time to make a serious dent into our brewery bucket list. In recent years, our long-time beer friends Deuane and Carolyn had inspired us to visit at least one brewery in each of the fifty states. Several years ago, they stuck a fork in their list with a trip to Alaska for a premier barleywine festival. (Note to self: must add that to our list!) In looking at our own list of brewery visits (yes, I keep track of them all via an Excel spreadsheet), I realized that we were just over the halfway mark, with 26 states under our belt. Not too shabby, right? Of course, the number of breweries we'd visited since we began our beer travels a decade or so ago was well over 800. Nevertheless, we knew we still had a lot of ground to cover if we wanted to hit our goal before we get too old and senile to travel. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">So, after a year-and-then-some of being cooped up in the house (thanks, 'Rona), we felt it was time for a road trip of epic proportions. We'd been wanting to get to Texas to visit Ingenious Brewing Company for the last three years, and we decided that this was the year to do it. Originally, we'd planned on flying down for a few days, staying with our friend and Ingenious mastermind, Justin, and hitting up some breweries in the greater Houston area. However, in light of all the issues with traveling and airlines in general (thanks again, 'Rona), we decided to bite the bullet and drive the 1500-odd miles (one way, mind you!) to Texas and bypass all those meddling airlines. I mean, we already had driven to Minnesota to visit the Twin Cities a few years back. What was another 4 hours? We could do it. Actually, I could do it, as Brewslut wasn't behind the wheel for even one mile of the trip. Although we did Uber around Houston with Justin for a day, it was all me, baby. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">First, a little backstory on how we became friends with Justin, proprietor of Ingenious Brewing. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We met Justin over a decade ago at the good ol' Brass Rail Deli, where Brewslut used to work part-time. Back then, he was in the process of completing his residency at Hershey Medical Center and he eventually came to be known as "Dick Doc." After all, he was studying to become a urologist. Over time, he became part of our extended beer family, inviting each other to tastings and other events like Imminent Liquidation and Ffej of July. He'd also been homebrewing with a fellow medical colleague, Mike (ask Brewslut about him), and they would share their creations with us when Justin hosted a tasting night. I specifically remember one evening when they had six different beers on their makeshift tap system (essentially a converted chest freezer). I tried all of them, and they were fantastic. I said something to the effect of, "Man, you guys should open a brewery. These are all better than most of the beers the new breweries are making around here." I wasn't blowing smoke, either. They were legitimately fantastic. I remember one Imperial Stout they brewed that was inspired by Westbrook's Mexican Cake, with chocolate, cinnamon and peppers. It was off the hook! Justin's goal was to land his dream "dick doc" gig in his home state of Texas and open a brewery, where at the time there really wasn't much going on craft beer-wise. <br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Well, turns out that's what happened. Fast forward three years, and the brewery is crushing it in the Houston area and the surrounding region. As if getting to hang with Justin wasn't enough, our old pal Nate, who'd worked at Pizza Boy for a few years and was part of our extended beer family, had recently moved to Houston to take a job at Ingenious too. So we got to do a bit of double-dipping. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I started working on our itinerary months in advance, first sketching out a general travel route with a laundry list of brewery options along the way. After a few weeks of piecing the puzzle together, it was already starting to look like an ambitious undertaking to say the least. After several weeks of tweaking and seeking the advice of a few well-traveled beer friends (thanks Deuane, Uncle Jedi and Cornelia!), we landed on a firm itinerary that would have us traverse a grand total of eight states (nine if you count the northwestern tip of Georgia), six of which were uncharted Pour Travelers territory. (Technically, the grand total is ten, because I left out Pennsylvania, our home state.) That's a lot of miles to cover in eleven days. So, I assumed about seven to eight hours of driving for each of the first three days with several brewery stops along the way. Our goal was to leave on Friday morning and make it to Texas by Tuesday afternoon. (Hint: we achieved our goal.) </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Day 1: Home > Roanoke, VA > Abingdon, VA > Bristol, TN/VA</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">So, let's begin at the top with Day 1, which began with a lengthy drive from Annville, PA, to Roanoke, VA, for our first afternoon of the trip. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjueSa-rT8qxIlajQr9-Hk5xkXmBMs0yKJ2Rrz7bqbYVbtpheceZO1ZP5_pgwq0CLWVqqA3gVfdrt_Dc4vcxqfE4KUPgihujSqOPGfZ9ySVBamONXaTTYMNPiW7IHiH66rUG-d0JozHa44/s2048/IMG_7668.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjueSa-rT8qxIlajQr9-Hk5xkXmBMs0yKJ2Rrz7bqbYVbtpheceZO1ZP5_pgwq0CLWVqqA3gVfdrt_Dc4vcxqfE4KUPgihujSqOPGfZ9ySVBamONXaTTYMNPiW7IHiH66rUG-d0JozHa44/s320/IMG_7668.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Inside Roanoke's Golden Cactus Brewing.</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I firmly believe that the first brewery we visit sets the tone of the whole trip. If we have a great experience, it tends to be a good omen for what's to come. I absolutely loved <a href="https://www.goldencactusbrewing.com/" target="_blank">Golden Cactus</a>. The atmosphere of this place transported me directly to San Diego. Once we discovered there was a legit taco restaurant a block away, it really felt like Ocean Beach. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div>The spacious brewery occupies the old Nehi soft drink factory, a company that produced fruit-flavored sodas in the first half of the 20th century and changed its name to Royal Crown (RC Cola, anyone?) in 1955. After clearing out the factory's interior, the folks at Golden Cactus brought in some talented Interior Design students from Virginia Tech, who transformed the utilitarian warehouse into a magnificent brewery and tasting room. </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim02WZyxf39OR4OrMbuAvOvMAVYpG-f16iPa22Y0iOdVVb7VQGyXLkuRz5uE5Sqf8CG-kfVg3F_Kym9pLMtacjSU4oE-W-8cxlZT8E46ZQuWQtNPhUM2lBefX82Y5q2vuWjPZTlkIgaYE/s2048/IMG_7672.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim02WZyxf39OR4OrMbuAvOvMAVYpG-f16iPa22Y0iOdVVb7VQGyXLkuRz5uE5Sqf8CG-kfVg3F_Kym9pLMtacjSU4oE-W-8cxlZT8E46ZQuWQtNPhUM2lBefX82Y5q2vuWjPZTlkIgaYE/s320/IMG_7672.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Another interior shot of Golden Cactus Brewing.</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: left;">As I meandered around the spacious tasting room to snap a few photos, I discovered a small koelschip (or coolship for all you yanks) behind the bar area. Although it was empty, I was surprised to find one at such a small brewery. If you're not in the know, a koelschip is a broad, flat, open-top vessel used to cool wort. Oftentimes, it is used to inoculate wort naturally. As it cools, a variety of airborne particles, bacteria, microflora and other "funk" in the air float in, allowing the beer to ferment spontaneously and capturing the terroir of a specific region. It's quite rare to stumble across this piece of brewing equipment at a brewery. Two that immediately come to mind are Allagash and Pen Druid. Sadly, the current tap list didn't feature any beers utilizing this process.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfyHXnILXjCq1IhR17aXOX5i9DwbuiChNovOBIsnWRRVgABRCoEYPeg6m19rbAL1mDhUHESt-7ce-nwXbFtm3PZiCo0WdxxcGeqh74SaaJvqXT6mY60tnOGcrFTaVvoUzh_abCSJMt8-c/s2048/IMG_7670.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfyHXnILXjCq1IhR17aXOX5i9DwbuiChNovOBIsnWRRVgABRCoEYPeg6m19rbAL1mDhUHESt-7ce-nwXbFtm3PZiCo0WdxxcGeqh74SaaJvqXT6mY60tnOGcrFTaVvoUzh_abCSJMt8-c/s320/IMG_7670.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Koelschip at Golden Cactus.</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We ordered our inaugural beers of the trip and I placed an on-line order with <a href="https://tucostaqueria.com/" target="_blank">Tuco's Taqueria Garaje</a>, which was just a block away. We hadn't eaten yet, and it's never a good idea to drink on an empty stomach. About fifteen minutes later, I returned with a variety of delicious tacos that paired fantastically well with our beers. First up was a farmhouse-style Saison called <b>Thistle </b>brewed with agave and Saaz hops. Sweet, citrusy and slightly spicy, this beer really hit the spot and worked well with my shrimp tacos. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKIdyuwWN8gpsrhW4-W99ouTf_NE4L0FtUvvUL8nosh-0tqbk6C6qsloLskzvL_ndyJVdodP_6Zvj1ukuYLvJ5Wcgc3KniKWN0TKv0JoO5MdAAc-SKb3xcDSrxxgRx9LkgFNF-7iXi-Aw/s2048/IMG_2648.HEIC" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKIdyuwWN8gpsrhW4-W99ouTf_NE4L0FtUvvUL8nosh-0tqbk6C6qsloLskzvL_ndyJVdodP_6Zvj1ukuYLvJ5Wcgc3KniKWN0TKv0JoO5MdAAc-SKb3xcDSrxxgRx9LkgFNF-7iXi-Aw/s320/IMG_2648.HEIC" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Pleeps loving life!</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I followed it up with another enjoyable beer, <b>Pils R Güd</b>, a dry-hopped Italian Pilsner. So, what exactly qualifies a pilsner as "Italian"? Well, it obviously has its origins in Italy, but the style was popularized by one of my favorite American breweries, Firestone Walker. But before it gained some momentum in the states, the style began its life back in 1996 as a failed attempt by a brewer at Birrificio Italiano to brew a traditional German pilsner. It's an intriguing story, and if you'd like to go down that rabbit hole, check out this great article from <a href="https://www.hopculture.com/what-is-an-italian-pilsner/" target="_blank">Hop Culture</a>. </div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6MvYw3C10r8l_LntFuq7RMZ8QMHp3HM9069tzkJnGmzi1PhqsBc6SRNkd1UlR9DKAYf-rNN7xEFFJdhE82cw54U8Jzvvb4TIYBlwx1fmDqXLPP9bEq69PW1_7qzOo-sNf5N1s2Lu5gL8/s2048/IMG_7671.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6MvYw3C10r8l_LntFuq7RMZ8QMHp3HM9069tzkJnGmzi1PhqsBc6SRNkd1UlR9DKAYf-rNN7xEFFJdhE82cw54U8Jzvvb4TIYBlwx1fmDqXLPP9bEq69PW1_7qzOo-sNf5N1s2Lu5gL8/s320/IMG_7671.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Cool painted bar at Golden Cactus.</i></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">All in all, this was an amazing first stop on the trip. The beers were definitely up to snuff, the ambiance was right up our alley, and the woman tending bar was friendly and talkative. Golden Cactus even has a "brewery dog," although I can't remember her name. She was a sweetie, though, and we gave her some tortilla chips for being so well-behaved. So needless to say this place is very dog-friendly, for those of you who travel with your puppers. What a great start to our trip! </div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVgj_xPzWwJfPY00Sv2g5ylb5EwUqidE65d_7njo12PBDNexSmn-QZ-l8nYU81z-jEFThIGS_G8J2vFB0O5I21lbWYIIapez14bRcVdlSWaU-quzP2p6Uz7c88MN_NwJYqDPdN3BSfbEk/s2048/IMG_7673.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVgj_xPzWwJfPY00Sv2g5ylb5EwUqidE65d_7njo12PBDNexSmn-QZ-l8nYU81z-jEFThIGS_G8J2vFB0O5I21lbWYIIapez14bRcVdlSWaU-quzP2p6Uz7c88MN_NwJYqDPdN3BSfbEk/s320/IMG_7673.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Careful not to get pricked, Pleeps!</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Diagonally across the street from Golden Cactus is <a href="https://biglickbrewingco.com/" target="_blank">Big Lick</a>. We didn't even have to find a new parking spot. How convenient! Touting itself as Roanoke's first microbrewery, Big Lick opened its doors in September 2014. The spacious location houses a 15-bbl brewhouse, tasting room, and - at more than 6,000 sq. ft. - the largest permanent beer garden in the area. We're more indoor types, so we opted to sit inside and scope the place out. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsu22A1UCFydt0fTzciBVEQKfjn7vRFmo6J_8U5DprTLCQKgroYDO8lAmwZYIgGB48_vhXoE-N5j0m1dWy7JEbExt497Tww39BVYIURCjad8-bqWHG_pXekV0yJrrhd3jfCyVUjfYW6e8/s2048/IMG_7675.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsu22A1UCFydt0fTzciBVEQKfjn7vRFmo6J_8U5DprTLCQKgroYDO8lAmwZYIgGB48_vhXoE-N5j0m1dWy7JEbExt497Tww39BVYIURCjad8-bqWHG_pXekV0yJrrhd3jfCyVUjfYW6e8/s320/IMG_7675.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Outside Big Lick Brewing</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;">Inside, the Tasting Room sits atop the brewhouse, so you can peek down and check out what the brewers are doing while you sip your beer. (HINT: They're either brewing or cleaning.) Accented with lots of natural wood and black railing, it's a clean, modern space that's casual and unpretentious. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwIvwkwiizP_SwAyR6mqc27HueAoOs_qpvX9hn0a8U1nGVGcrW1paCLNIt9Nbnqc-pvOU91O_CETQ6E9PHopA-c3DY-qVtGNKCm2dMF3Uy6kCELMtsW7agF_WlKsa0YFdhNhu5f64fblg/s2048/IMG_7676.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwIvwkwiizP_SwAyR6mqc27HueAoOs_qpvX9hn0a8U1nGVGcrW1paCLNIt9Nbnqc-pvOU91O_CETQ6E9PHopA-c3DY-qVtGNKCm2dMF3Uy6kCELMtsW7agF_WlKsa0YFdhNhu5f64fblg/s320/IMG_7676.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Conversely, inside Big Lick Brewing</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Up first was a half pour of <b>RND Coffee Stout</b>. At first, I thought this was a small batch "R&D" (i.e. research and development) beer, but it turns out RND is the name of a local Roanoke coffee roaster. This tasty stout features a blend of Ethiopian and Tanzanian beans to impart hints of French roast, chocolate, and a spritz of citrus. It was a tad thin for my personal preference, but it was enjoyable nonetheless. I rarely find a coffee stout that I don't like. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqMl8kn0Sg6tqi8BMKZAnrx2YdCc0TpdPIfwHRWuhNtLYtZWs1abBdxvmUvRmhLOXb5MFktdqu-0VEEh0IZkOHc0EhLKBlhtXb9vf8eU_oPYUNAwwY9fpZs8MDHnV9VB7xiUQHcugInTI/s2048/IMG_7678.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqMl8kn0Sg6tqi8BMKZAnrx2YdCc0TpdPIfwHRWuhNtLYtZWs1abBdxvmUvRmhLOXb5MFktdqu-0VEEh0IZkOHc0EhLKBlhtXb9vf8eU_oPYUNAwwY9fpZs8MDHnV9VB7xiUQHcugInTI/s320/IMG_7678.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Chillin' with Pleeps at Big Lick.</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">As I was perusing the beer menu for my next pour, I noticed another Italian Pilsner, which prompted my mind to announce quietly, "Look at that! Another Italian Pilsner on tap. Let's get that!" <b>Peste Italian Pils</b> is a crispy (that's becoming a buzz word descriptor for lagers these days) beer with a clean malt character and Euro hop flair. According to the beer description, "peste" translates to "naughty girl" in Italian.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi005sgU-Q0d0bSK4f0zU0r4KROFJzlw3ZnUPIw2Tvv-ItWgmt3aeR4WDPiu-nL2ps7aHgtz_ljkE6SEmjPjb9Bxd1yXe6i94utUaofVw1KD1HIHSKhCu-f8fEyIQ3VyJVJ08nUBxKvk98/s2048/IMG_2650.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi005sgU-Q0d0bSK4f0zU0r4KROFJzlw3ZnUPIw2Tvv-ItWgmt3aeR4WDPiu-nL2ps7aHgtz_ljkE6SEmjPjb9Bxd1yXe6i94utUaofVw1KD1HIHSKhCu-f8fEyIQ3VyJVJ08nUBxKvk98/s320/IMG_2650.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Pleeps + beer = happy!</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Of the three breweries we visited in Roanoke, the only one I knew about was <a href="https://afogbrewing.com/" target="_blank">A Few Old Goats</a>. I'd actually never tried any of its beers, but I found out about this brewery after my friend Eric from Covered Bridge Brewhaus - knowing my affinity for goats - brought back a T-shirt for me from this brewery after one of his beer trips. I mean, I probably would have planned to visit anyway based solely on the name of the place. You know... GOATS!!! </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Located on the west end of downtown Roanoke, A Few Old Goats Brewing (AFOG) opened in 2018 on a small 2-barrel nano brewhouse. The 2,000-square-foot brewery is situated at the West Station Flats, a building that previously housed Roanoke's health department until 2016. Inside, the small brewery and adjoining tasting room featured - obviously - lots of sweet goat artwork, toys, wallpaper, and other decorations adorning the greatest of all animals. Clearly, the owners have a collective penchant for all things goat. Can you blame them? </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">With just a handful of beers on tap, I decided to pull up my big boy pants and try a pair of higher gravity beers. First up was an Imperial Milk Stout called <b>Collusive Resistance</b>. Clocking in at a humble 8.5%, this beer boasts plenty of milk chocolate character with splashes of coffee and cream. I enjoyed this one quite a bit, I must say.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2lozO5mGZ_blUk47E7PDBptmHEHntpwlrdgaNML7ECr9Hfhd52udcne7Ik5YZAAKah6kHtE3wKFcu4zF6DKrwLSxXWXjIpCsyHiwaPrzMtUAx6xoVVmprqEHOw8QhGOzu5ZuVNbmqVw0/s2048/IMG_7681.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2lozO5mGZ_blUk47E7PDBptmHEHntpwlrdgaNML7ECr9Hfhd52udcne7Ik5YZAAKah6kHtE3wKFcu4zF6DKrwLSxXWXjIpCsyHiwaPrzMtUAx6xoVVmprqEHOw8QhGOzu5ZuVNbmqVw0/s320/IMG_7681.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Goats really are the G.O.A.T.</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>BBA Big Red/Stuck On Stoopid Blend with Cinnamon - </b>This sucker is a blend of AFOG's<b> Big Red Riding Wood</b>, an Imperial Red Ale, and <b>Stuck on Stoopid</b>, a 13% ABV American Barleywine. The addition of cinnamon tempers the boozy heat with a hint of sweet spice, but make no mistake: this is a mammoth beer! There's a lot going on here: sticky, resinous hops; dried stone fruit; a smack of bourbon with some cooling vanilla; and a touch of cinnamon. This one was quite tasty, and I enjoyed chatting with owner/brewer Ken (I think) about beer, music... you know, the usual. Turns out he and his wife got hooked on craft beer while living out in Cleveland (a pretty good beer city by my account), and migrated to Roanoke to open the brewery. All in all, this was a mighty fine visit. Between the beers, the conversation and - of course - the goat references and paraphernalia, this was a no-brainer stop for this goat lover. Turns out the beer was very good too, so that was an added bonus. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeATMWuHd7yJ2MXj7hoYY2J_Qwmy57E6hCN8JeXlQkyUwrWk0PHfJ5QJcdPlvDY7LMwI51wes3pk43pg2tH3EczhoUNvcMVHQ1nkiWdBUllWAq1GMZkC4tE5-osNuyvValY_tY0ySUMbg/s2048/IMG_2654.HEIC" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeATMWuHd7yJ2MXj7hoYY2J_Qwmy57E6hCN8JeXlQkyUwrWk0PHfJ5QJcdPlvDY7LMwI51wes3pk43pg2tH3EczhoUNvcMVHQ1nkiWdBUllWAq1GMZkC4tE5-osNuyvValY_tY0ySUMbg/s320/IMG_2654.HEIC" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Pleeps is always making new friends!</i></span></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">On the way to Bristol, where we'd be spending the night, we stopped at <a href="https://wolfhillsbrewing.com/" target="_blank">Wolf Hills</a>, which was recommended by Uncle Jedi. This was kind of one of those "out in the middle of nowhere" places with a roadhouse (that's right, all you Swayze fans) vibe. I feel like we kind of got the hairy eyeball from at least a few its patrons, but the staff were friendly. It seems like one of those places that is always filled with locals, and passers-by are few and far between. So, we set up shop at a small table near one of the windowsills. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Situated in Abingdon, VA, the brewery's namesake is derived from a reference Daniel Boone made about the land while hunting in this uncharted area. Local folklore suggests that Boone and one of his hunting companions spent a sleepless night along a hill after their dogs encountered a pack of wolves, which had a den in a nearby cave. There's wolves in them thar hills, indeed!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-rKvNWPuTNH70CWnHu4gXEiYUlh5IuDlt6PraUqN8Frq4AyallRVJIxia995ZAyhJz8S1dgXAV__eDtAeoZ7C9VZfavL3sTo-eEBGeebC38OoEBkXn9WZsHmfK9a9kyN3T5VINAPqBw0/s2048/IMG_7685.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-rKvNWPuTNH70CWnHu4gXEiYUlh5IuDlt6PraUqN8Frq4AyallRVJIxia995ZAyhJz8S1dgXAV__eDtAeoZ7C9VZfavL3sTo-eEBGeebC38OoEBkXn9WZsHmfK9a9kyN3T5VINAPqBw0/s320/IMG_7685.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Outside Abingdon's Wolf Hills Brewing Co.</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I kicked off with <b>Flatpicker Pilsner</b>, a clean, crisp, simple beer featuring pilsner malt, German Tradition hops, and lager yeast. I was already starting to see the writing on the wall; this was going to be the Summer of Pilsner. (Note to self: I need to do a final count of all the lagers consumed on this trip!) </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I followed up the pilsner with a pour of <b>Blackstrap Pecan Porter</b>.<b> </b>If I had a gun to my head and was asked to name my favorite type of cookie, I'd most likely blurt out molasses. I know it's not a favored flavor to most, but growing up in PA Dutch country with shoo fly pie helped solidity my love for molasses. In addition to using pecan extract, this porter features a hefty malt bill of honey malt, caramel 40, chocolate malt, and black patent, resulting in a rich, dark body. Northern Brewer hops add a tinge of earthy spiciness to balance the sweetness, while an addition of blackstrap molasses adds its signature blend of baked gingerbread cookies, brown sugar and a hint of smoke. As much as I love molasses, this one didn't really hit the "pastry" mark but the flavor was enjoyable. I was hoping for a beefier texture and fuller mouthfeel, but it came across as pretty thin overall. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0gQQkXZxsRf_S-J52r_tNd3xS_IVOlF0IT0x-5basnd2I47eU-vDMdSpcqxE3bk_2vaLWiDS2SKVGKet8IxHhos-KaQ8auWqmMoBgTVl5XWtj3p1hrgxRhhkvX5rcWvfPL7IwmmAIgVk/s2048/IMG_7688.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0gQQkXZxsRf_S-J52r_tNd3xS_IVOlF0IT0x-5basnd2I47eU-vDMdSpcqxE3bk_2vaLWiDS2SKVGKet8IxHhos-KaQ8auWqmMoBgTVl5XWtj3p1hrgxRhhkvX5rcWvfPL7IwmmAIgVk/s320/IMG_7688.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">There's a wolf in them thar hills, Cletus!<br /><br /></span></i></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">My last beer at Wolf Hills was <b>For Science! IPA</b>, an experimental IPA focusing on low bitterness and sweeter flavors. The brewers often tinker with new and different hop varieties for research... you know, for science! They've featured such hops as Amarillo, Azeca, Citra, El Dorado, and Mosaic but this beer is constantly in a state of evolution. This one came across as pretty light on the palate and drank like a session IPA. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Nothing here knocked my socks off, but it seems like a great place that caters to locals, and I could see myself visiting once or twice a week if this was my watering hole option. The beers were all pretty solid overall.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">After our stop at Wolf Hills, it was time to head a little further south to our first destination of the trip. Bristol, Virginia. Or is it Tennessee? Actually, it's both, because Bristol, Virginia, and Bristol, Tennessee, are twin cities. The boundary between the two cities is also the state line, which runs along State Street in their common downtown district. While I wouldn't call it a "destination," I chose it because the hotel prices are reasonable and there are three breweries in town... none of which were amazing by any stretch of the imagination... but more on that shortly.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGDoM4jlXFxNYJacX74JcNWZAHp7zH7MEOe_QkkOgY8KnwyGNCrWi_O4QqO98AVNbCQ4vdIZQrYwUlAvJueO_TNP9XHH460zCpXC_LhmI26B0-H4pd1eBBgUgQZ09mPii6n8tuusyoHpI/s2048/IMG_7689.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGDoM4jlXFxNYJacX74JcNWZAHp7zH7MEOe_QkkOgY8KnwyGNCrWi_O4QqO98AVNbCQ4vdIZQrYwUlAvJueO_TNP9XHH460zCpXC_LhmI26B0-H4pd1eBBgUgQZ09mPii6n8tuusyoHpI/s320/IMG_7689.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Elderbrew... our first brewery in Tennessee.<br /></span></i><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We checked into our hotel and headed to <a href="https://www.elderbrew.com/" target="_blank">Elderbrew</a>, situated on the Tennessee side of town. We managed to score a parking spot about two blocks down the street. Touting itself as "Bristol, TN's first small-batch brewery," Elderbrew crafts its beers on a 1-bbl system. I mean, how much more nano can you get? The answer is none... none more nano. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiQZQFhgWPm6A0R5csbdC-aU3h55HBd8yQSv7pCO3M3kSMK7WS0kR0DBuG2Himru4wtDqr8oQ90LkmjSfZaEfZ0i1RDbJwb7WxA_LGyJ-qegAUewJX7rbidYKIQDcQVgdYImencWfYCyU/s2048/IMG_7690.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiQZQFhgWPm6A0R5csbdC-aU3h55HBd8yQSv7pCO3M3kSMK7WS0kR0DBuG2Himru4wtDqr8oQ90LkmjSfZaEfZ0i1RDbJwb7WxA_LGyJ-qegAUewJX7rbidYKIQDcQVgdYImencWfYCyU/s320/IMG_7690.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Tap handles at Elderbrew.<br /></span></i><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Inside, the vibe of this place is awesome... kind of like 60's psychedelia meets Victorian. Sadly, we encountered just one lone Enderbrew beer on tap to be had. Even worse was the fact that said beer was an Irish Red, one of my least favorite styles. Worse than that was the fact that I just didn't enjoy it at all. To be fair, this was Brewslut's choice; I opted for a guest tap, which I rarely do, always preferring to try a house beer. So I suppose that's a testament to how much I dislike Irish Red ales. This one (named <b>Dalcassian</b>) came across as a malt bomb with a harsh, almost astringent finish. I just wasn't digging it. Brewslut didn't seem to mind, though. The other beer we tried was the oddly named <b>Manuscripts Don't Burn</b> from Print Shop (more on them at the tail end of the trip). The beer is a margarita-inspired gose with hints of key lime, salt and orange peel. Slightly tart, light and refreshing, it was much more enjoyable than the Irish Red.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I'd hoped to spend a little more time at Elderbrew, but with no other house beers available, we decided to move on. (Editor's note: Elderbrew will turn up again later on in the story... but you're going to have to wait.)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjffjUfP-qW6UsR9wEYhIETSLOJYebmIUccAOt-5XmXk8uD5exRC6AxVEly8opNJNXcVVOuPvSB1jk3C1noPXDQOuGeVuIHPjgW-3aio9CpXVLRBfOnl_kCvfNF-awUm23-bPzxiBxgNtk/s2000/IMG_2662.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="1500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjffjUfP-qW6UsR9wEYhIETSLOJYebmIUccAOt-5XmXk8uD5exRC6AxVEly8opNJNXcVVOuPvSB1jk3C1noPXDQOuGeVuIHPjgW-3aio9CpXVLRBfOnl_kCvfNF-awUm23-bPzxiBxgNtk/s320/IMG_2662.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Pleeps kicking one back at Elderbrew.</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Next on the agenda was a stop at <a href="https://www.statestreetbrewing.com/home" target="_blank">State Street</a>, which is on the Virginia side of the tracks. It seems as though State Street is the "main drag" of Bristol, as there were lots of restaurants, shops and whatnot. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Inside, the place is pretty huge and could actually double as a small music venue. There were maybe two or three other patrons occupying the tasting room when we arrived, which never bodes well for a brewery on a Friday evening. The atmosphere reminded me of an old-school brewpub that's been around for 15-20 years and stopped caring about 2-3 years in. You know those places; the ones who have been brewing same halfhearted red ale, brown ale, pale ale and fruited wheat beer since the dawn of time. There are plenty of those places around, and I can typically sniff them out. I didn't really have super high hopes for State Street - or any of the breweries in Bristol - in the first place, but I figured we might as well stop in for one while we were in town. To be fair, they have a really nice web site and have incorporated some fine photography and "beer porn." Turns out State Street just opened its doors in March 2019, so they'd only been around a little over two years by the time we'd visited. I wouldn't have guessed it. Hey, even I'm wrong from time to time. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div>After securing a seat at the mostly vacant bar, I scoped out the draft list and settled on <b>Barrel Aged Smoke Show</b>, a bourbon barrel-aged smoked amber ale. This beer should have been called Barrel Aged Shit Show, because it was a hot mess. Actually, Brewslut loathed her beer. Mine was just... well, it was pretty undrinkable but I sucked it up because it was the first day of the trip. </div><div><br /></div><div>By this time, we were in dire need of sustenance, and after a few failed attempts of trying to procure some much-needed nourishment, we were left with little options. So off to the nearby Quaker Steak & Lube for dinner! We generally dislike eating at chain restaurants; not that the food is bad, but most of them employ this phony schtick (Chachi's from <i>Office Space</i>, anyone?) that rubs me the wrong way. The food was OK but I felt dirty. Sometimes you just have to suck it up when there are no other options available. </div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">After dinner, we made our way up the street to <a href="https://www.facebook.com/cascadedraft/" target="_blank">Cascade Draft House</a> and in the process got caught in a heavy thunderstorm. I hadn't heard of this place, but while we were trying to find a place to eat, we wandered into this place because it seemed like they served food. No dice. The food truck out back was closed. On the way out, we noticed the tap selection boasted a wide variety of regional breweries with which we weren't familiar, many from Tennessee and Virginia. We decided to swing by for a quick one after dinner. It proved to be a great idea, because the bartender recommended Xül, which turned out to be a revelation... but more on that in Episode II. While we were at Cascade Draft House, I enjoyed an IPA from a brewery based out of Johnson City, TN, called Watauga Brewing Company. The beer, named <b>Divine Rights</b>, is a hazy NE-style IPA with plenty of citrusy and tropical notes. I couldn't find any details about this particular beer on Untappd or even the brewery's official website, but I recall enjoying it, which I more than I can say about the previous place we visited. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We ended the night at <a href="https://www.bristolbrew.com/" target="_blank">Bristol Station</a>, also on the Virginia side of the tracks. Situated inside the old Historical Bus Station in downtown Bristol, this brewery has allowed the history of the building to shine through. Before I knew the brewery used to be a bus station, I actually said to Brewslut, "Man, it feels like I'm waiting for a bus or a train." The brewery employs a 10-bbl system and brews primarily classic styles like pilsners, pale ales, porters, and even a rauchbier. Sadly, I didn't snap any pictures here because we were fully engaged with the customers. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Our visit here started off with a drunk guy... scratch that, a <i>fucking obliterated</i> guy... singing the Celine Dion classic from <i>Titanic </i>(a movie I've never seen... it's true, and it's going on my tombstone as my epitaph... if I don't get cremated, that is), "My Heart Will Go On." It was epic, and I managed to grab a few seconds of it on video, which I shall cherish forever. After reveling in that unforgettable snapshot for about a minute (sadly, we only caught the tail end of this Grammy-worthy performance), it was time to focus on beer. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Since it was our last stop of the night, I kept things light and ordered a glass of <b>Bristol Helle Raiser</b>, a Helles lager. The folks we encountered at Bristol Station likely did not follow suit, because everyone we encountered - save for the brewery staff - were well lubricated to the point that it was time for them all to go home. How they'd get home is another story. I spent the better part of half an hour chatting with a young Asian guy (probably in his early to mid-twenties) about life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness... and also some woman (with whom I became Facebook friends but can't recall her name) that he wanted to take home, presumably for a good old-fashioned shag. I had just enough alcohol in my system to speak in a completely liberating fashion, and I'll admit that it was probably the highlight of our first day of the trip to me. It was one of those nights where you just had to be there. All in all, it was the perfect way to end the inaugural day of our trip. And with that, it was off to the hotel for some much-needed rest before another full day of travel, which would take us through Knoxville, TN, and onto Birmingham, AL. See you in the deep south. Until next time...</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOQ9YJqlhND6O0nIhGcz7GikZkm9pGfyYIpc30Oo5HsMR6gC4XU76MdOoaZo1wwoGCdHvkbQw6AnhoER4DhM1QjhBYfHX75CK3_xzBopkcXjo9TiYqt0ClUq4MU7CBbLowAk2zIxhJdnI/s2048/IMG_7683.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOQ9YJqlhND6O0nIhGcz7GikZkm9pGfyYIpc30Oo5HsMR6gC4XU76MdOoaZo1wwoGCdHvkbQw6AnhoER4DhM1QjhBYfHX75CK3_xzBopkcXjo9TiYqt0ClUq4MU7CBbLowAk2zIxhJdnI/s320/IMG_7683.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>ffejherbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01444361671877120080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8277623370417580926.post-74599537408266448602021-09-01T12:09:00.003-04:002021-09-01T12:09:46.106-04:00Into the Valley of Lehigh rode the Pour Travelers: Part II<p>Sunday wasn't quite as ambitious as the previous day, but we still managed to get in three new breweries and make some other stops along the way. We kicked the day off at <a href="http://www.theproperbrewing.com/" target="_blank">The Proper</a> in downtown Quakertown. I must admit that I don't really recall much about this place, and I had to visit its website to jog my memory. "Oh yeah, <i>that </i>place!" I must have been excited to go to the Quakertown Flea Market... or the "Dirt Mall," as Andria called it. Well, there was a pretty awesome record store situated in there amongst the tchotchkes and other assorted bric-à-brac vendors. If anything, the people-watching here was delightful, and rivals one of my other favorite locales - The Tower City Carnival - where we saw a shirtless, skinny white kid with a tattoo across his stomach, which spelled out "Thug Life" in a pretty dope hip-hop font. Anyway, I found a stack of Little River Band albums for a buck each. Have you heard about the lonesome loser? Nope, because I win! </p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5FGMPSO5kAf0K4R8UOPok-EmlPd1YQoV3BFmyRzXoQ-Inv2Trg1FZAxRJ9_KRsBSXOf-ASz-Bl9M46pKBt5Ag6rZciihwUUHLkl3RirL3Q7LK5T5oB4h6EeDezP61p9uvY8fqMrU6xww/s2048/IMG_7585.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5FGMPSO5kAf0K4R8UOPok-EmlPd1YQoV3BFmyRzXoQ-Inv2Trg1FZAxRJ9_KRsBSXOf-ASz-Bl9M46pKBt5Ag6rZciihwUUHLkl3RirL3Q7LK5T5oB4h6EeDezP61p9uvY8fqMrU6xww/s320/IMG_7585.JPG" width="240" /></a></p><p>Anyway... beer. Unfortunately, I couldn't really dig up more details about any of these beers other than their styles. Here's what I samples while visiting...</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b>I'm Walking Home</b> - hazy IPA</li><li><b>You Can't Fix Stupid</b> - American IPA</li><li><b>Rosario </b>- Mexican Lager</li></ul><p></p><p style="text-align: left;">I'd like to say that these were somewhat enjoyable, since I had a few half pours... but who knows? I'm usually not this forgetful so early in a particular day, so perhaps the beers were lackluster. I guess I'll need to visit again to make a fair assessment. </p><p>We also swung by a place called <a href="https://www.sagealleybrewery.com/" target="_blank">Sage Alley</a> for a one-and-done. I remember sitting at the bar here, and the place was screaming with assorted Memorial Day decorations and other patriotic flair. I do, however, remember enjoying my pint of <b>Wise Crack</b>, a West Coast IPA dry-hopped with Azacca, Simcoe, and Mosiac hops for a big citrusl and floral punch with a fair amount of that dry bitterness that's a signature of the style. I'm fairly confident this one produced some tasty hop burps, something I really miss in a world overrun by hazy IPAs. </p><p>However, my favorite of the day was probably <a href="https://www.yergeybrewing.com/" target="_blank">Yergey</a>. I had a feeling that Yergey was someone's name, and I was correct in my assumption. Owner and head brewer Jim Yergey is in fact a retired chemist who decided to open a brewery in Emmaus, PA, back in 2016. We decided to sit outside for our first round because the main tasting room was pretty full. </p><p>I rarely gravitate toward Scotch ales, but I couldn't resist <b>Wee Love Scotch</b>. Once I saw that it featured a touch of peat-smoked malt in the grain bill, I was sold. Big and malty, this tasty ale boasts notes of dark caramel, toffee, stone fruit and, of course, peat. </p><p>I followed up the enjoyable Scotch ale with a West Coast IPA called <b>Runners Reward</b> . Wow, back-to-back westies at two breweries! Hop forward with tropical fruit and subtle cedar notes, this complex IPA also features splashes of coconut and a tinge of pine resins, then finishes dry and bitter, as it should.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4OylXEgkJpMp1-iL65d-7DXFsDqW0lfnrwYrZlSHDOaH83dCmLcz0NAhB8M-VpB1gdnuTFM6YEhsoJhloY3iY6iDklxytNwmjVcuklpmJf-vDWeUJISVS1uemU07qz94e9q_1qZaCeTk/s2048/IMG_7589.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4OylXEgkJpMp1-iL65d-7DXFsDqW0lfnrwYrZlSHDOaH83dCmLcz0NAhB8M-VpB1gdnuTFM6YEhsoJhloY3iY6iDklxytNwmjVcuklpmJf-vDWeUJISVS1uemU07qz94e9q_1qZaCeTk/s320/IMG_7589.JPG" width="320" /></a></p><p><br /></p><p>After a pleasant visit to Yergey, it was time to head back to basecamp for additional drinking and other assorted festivities. (Saj knows what I'm talkin' about.) We spun some of our new vinyl acquisitions and got a few more rounds of karaoke in before hitting the sack. Stick a fork in another memorable Memorial Day weekend!</p><p>But that's not all, folks! </p><p>On Monday, we realized we were pretty close to one of Freewill Brewing's tap rooms, but when we arrived we realized we'd miscalculated their hours and were over an hour early. D'oh! So we decided to head to nearby <a href="https://roundguysbrewery.com/" target="_blank">Round Guys</a>, a brewery that's been around for close to a decade and we'd still hadn't visited. Back when they opened in 2013, one of the brewery's flagship beers was a Berliner Weisse (still is, actually). This was still a relatively unknown style to many beer-drinking folks. We'd stumbled upon this style a few years earlier while visiting Nodding Head in Philadelphia, a brewery generally credited to reviving the style in the U.S. Brewslut in particular immediately took a liking to this style and it has since become a favorite of hers, if not her absolute favorite beer style. We'd actually had Round Guys Berliner and, truth be told, we weren't too jazzed with it. With that said, we decided to test the waters with some other styles, so I opted for a flight of four beers across a broad spectrum of styles. Here's the lowdown:</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b>Desert Cruiser</b> - German pilsner. Simple enough. </li><li><b>Professor Booty</b> - NEIPA. Aaaaah, Professor... what's another word for pirate treasure? Four out of five professors say, "Well, I think it's booty!" </li><li><b>Rebirth of Cool</b> - Collaboration with Back Yard Beans featuring Punch in the face Cold Brew Coffee blended with Round Guy's Russian Messenger Stout. "Messenger" stout? That's the first time I've heard of that descriptor for a stout. Must be some sort of Russian traitor. </li><li><b>Pagan Poetry</b> - Quad aged in mead barrels. Rich, smooth, and dangerous. Hopefully that's a reference to the Bjork song of the same name. </li></ul><div>Nothing really stood out to me as above average, so we just stuck with our initial flights and hit the rocky road. Still, it was cool to get to Round Guys after so many years. Put another notch on my lipstick case, right? </div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQryoAp9s2Qp1xgDBZX4a7Bej9kzi-msded1l_k8UkWBz6hIXz2NDxyPqSrp9Obi6pav7tNfgF9vSFsnKySS-j0NxNKwHVX7Iz18PlZQbXyEAoTqx7LilYjbAfAJx_0Kitc0hzpD44IqU/s2048/IMG_7586.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQryoAp9s2Qp1xgDBZX4a7Bej9kzi-msded1l_k8UkWBz6hIXz2NDxyPqSrp9Obi6pav7tNfgF9vSFsnKySS-j0NxNKwHVX7Iz18PlZQbXyEAoTqx7LilYjbAfAJx_0Kitc0hzpD44IqU/s320/IMG_7586.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>On the way home, we decided to hit up <a href="https://collusiontapworks.com/lititz/" target="_blank">Collusion</a> at its new site in Lititz. Easily my favorite brewery in York, PA, I'm glad they opened a new taproom half an hour closer to home. The new site is pretty bitchin'. While it doesn't have the same charm as the original site, I like the multi-level vibe of the Lititz spot. Plus it's got a stage in there, which I will hopefully grace with one of my various musical projects one of these days. </div><p></p><p>Sniffing out some hops from down under, I opted first for a pour of <b>Half Nelson</b>, a pale ale with Nelson hops. Collusion generally does justice to hoppy beers, and this one didn't disappoint. I love the white wine fruitiness of this particular hop varietal, even though I'm a dry red wine guy all the way. Still, I think this flavor works well in the contest of beer more than wine, so hooray for Nelson. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-BD4nARZiHkQkBIXQ7OTgZQNVDD8qW4WnCB6nUKwbdNYFIOw8UVahST2IUgpMGSOKp99nXrpeH06EK5PWhPa8NKoaZTZM19oEek7ncxzBk1Tj7zMgrmjiHnYhdnvqXoPEh5IlElNA6jM/s2048/IMG_7591.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-BD4nARZiHkQkBIXQ7OTgZQNVDD8qW4WnCB6nUKwbdNYFIOw8UVahST2IUgpMGSOKp99nXrpeH06EK5PWhPa8NKoaZTZM19oEek7ncxzBk1Tj7zMgrmjiHnYhdnvqXoPEh5IlElNA6jM/s320/IMG_7591.JPG" width="240" /></a></p><p>Up next was a hazy IPA called <b>Been Jammin'</b> that's hopped with Sabro incognito, HBC 586 and a touch of Eukanot and benefits from the addition of pineapple puree as well as toasted and also raw shredded coconut for a tropical twist. So, we've got lots going on with hops here, including the use of the newfangled "incognito" hops. If you're new to the blog, you might have missed my hop lesson during an earlier post. Essentially, it's an all-natural hop flavor product specifically designed to be used in the whirlpool. In other words, it delivers the impactful, variety-specific flavor outcomes brewers want, but without the process loss. So you lose unwanted vegetal flavors and gain the essential hoppy goodness of a particular hop variety. </p><p>We finished up with a shared pour of a <b>Lemon Lime Cheesecake</b> iteration of Collusion's house DIPA, <b>Homunculus</b>. This was pretty God damned awesome, if you ask me. Even if you don't ask me, I'll tell you. I can't recall having too many "cheesecake" inspired beers in the past, but this one gets an A for effort... and flavor! Nicely done.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Well, that about wraps things up, doesn't it? All in all, it was a more-than-enjoyable long weekend in Lehigh Valley with some old friends, plenty of beer, and some other assorted shenanigans as well. We're already looking forward to another weekend at Joe and Andria's pad. Until next time...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnmQlqtdrzMTahuR8Gs3S0b5HVyQoQRP59i__ryG13seIpm80yC1c32MV3jzpO2ZZjkIsFSEqehUVbBasRinDXMKRlSV07dEdifu-z-NdF7zoIGusG4CIpudgbVV3OicnEXZIx5S34-_Q/s2048/IMG_7582.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnmQlqtdrzMTahuR8Gs3S0b5HVyQoQRP59i__ryG13seIpm80yC1c32MV3jzpO2ZZjkIsFSEqehUVbBasRinDXMKRlSV07dEdifu-z-NdF7zoIGusG4CIpudgbVV3OicnEXZIx5S34-_Q/s320/IMG_7582.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>ffejherbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01444361671877120080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8277623370417580926.post-66768798430797196202021-08-20T13:48:00.002-04:002021-09-01T12:10:18.403-04:00Into the Valley of Lehigh rode the Pour Travelers: Part I<p>During the bulk of my COVID-19 lockdown, I reconnected with two old friends I hadn't spent much time with for the past decade. It's a peculiar conundrum one experiences as one gets older, whereby the passage of time seems to churn in blocks of 10 years rather than a single year. For the most part, the 2000s have been a complete blur. To me, the years between 1989 and 1999 seem far more elastic than 2000 to the present. Sorry to get all philosophical in the midst of a new beer blog, but I felt I had to bring that up. </p><p>With that said, it had certainly been a while since I spent a considerable chunk of time with two of my oldest friends. Joe, whom I'd known since 9th grade, had been a close friend during high school, college, and that odd early twenties phase where we hang out in his tiny apartment and drank a lot. He also played guitar in my first original band, Blather's Kite (I still love that name), and is currently living in the Lehigh Valley while making a living as a professional musician. </p><p>I met Saj my freshman year of college while attending Penn State Berks Campus. I walked past him in the library when I was wearing a one-of-a-kind handmade Rush T-shirt and the rest is history. The story of our friendship is just one example of many throughout my life that is a direct result of being a Rush fan. Saj has also been getting into craft beer lately, though he's one of those guys that just buys a bunch of crazy shit on Drizly, whereas I prefer visiting breweries. So this may have been his first legitimate "brewery tour" or whatever you care to call it. </p><p>So, how did we reconnect with each other? Back in the early onset of COVID, Joe invited me to participate in a Zoom call with a bunch of old friends and acquaintances from our hometown of Shamokin. Saj (though not from Shamokin) was also on the call, and we enjoyed playing Joe's warped version of Hollywood Squares. Aside from that, we just cracked a few beers and caught up and reminisced about old times. So if there's a silver lining among all of this COVID nonsense, it was re-establishing a friendship with these two moes. Thanks 'Rona... except I'm serious this time. </p><p>Without going into too much detail, I'll just leave it at this: We had all gotten into beer at some point during our lives, and we decided to form a band called Sea Donkey. (The story behind that would require its own lengthy blog post.) Saj thought the name was so funny that he got shirts made for us all to wear with pride. Since we already had merch, we figured the next logical step was to try and write a few songs. Our goal was to put together a set to perform at my annual Ffej of July music and beer backyard extravaganza. So, we felt a weekend hang was in order. Joe and his wife Andria graciously offered to have us spend the long Memorial Day weekend at their lovely 18th Century farmhouse in Lehigh Valley. In the time leading up to our visit, I put together a list of possible breweries to visit and conferred with Joe and Andria on the geography of it all. </p><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLs3OYoUeeH64SxUMzIlkzrZ2acH_6zYtuSrAJjS_5H62bKBBu-4Mwd8oEB-pcXiw0cot_IMiBObbYG9b4dEsCWBZAZmXiMWgcNLWyWGTav1lBj1kVOE_EhEHVx4Erzgikxn-bK1YXwyE/s2048/IMG_7568.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLs3OYoUeeH64SxUMzIlkzrZ2acH_6zYtuSrAJjS_5H62bKBBu-4Mwd8oEB-pcXiw0cot_IMiBObbYG9b4dEsCWBZAZmXiMWgcNLWyWGTav1lBj1kVOE_EhEHVx4Erzgikxn-bK1YXwyE/s320/IMG_7568.JPG" width="320" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p>We arrived on Friday and decided that we'd do dinner at the house, then set up and jam, leaving Saturday and Sunday open for brewery hopping and other adventures. (In the essence of time, I'll leave out most of our extracurricular activities, which included visits to antique shops, music stores, a "dirt mall," karaoke, awesome burritos, jam sessions, etc. and just stick to beer.)</p><p>First up on Saturday was a stop at <a href="https://www.mccallcollectivebrewing.com/" target="_blank">McCall Collective</a>. For now, it was the four of us minus Andria, who had to catch up on some work. A fairly small brewery, this place reminded me of a corner deli for some reason. It just had that particular vibe. But instead of hoagies, they have beer. I was excited to see a schwarzbier on tap, so I kicked off the day with <b>LV Gehts</b>. By now I'm sure you know that "schwarzbier" translates to "black lager" in German. A traditional style with notes of chocolate and coffee, it comes across as crisp and clean due to being lagered for over 4 weeks.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq_KOoGcHryps9qqHX80IZyEFLpwkeN7GedYnhD9KlhjhNcB22iymlyLUa03-VIdb7RrRwHjKtIk7pgjb59N1lDoVR8aYG35TYBOKJVCkFAPRS4kMshsCEZiuYF7Uv4OKqnLdd1wDzhXY/s2048/IMG_7570.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq_KOoGcHryps9qqHX80IZyEFLpwkeN7GedYnhD9KlhjhNcB22iymlyLUa03-VIdb7RrRwHjKtIk7pgjb59N1lDoVR8aYG35TYBOKJVCkFAPRS4kMshsCEZiuYF7Uv4OKqnLdd1wDzhXY/s320/IMG_7570.JPG" width="240" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p>I decided a second beer was in order, and something called <b>Bee Kind</b> piqued my curiosity. Brewed to pay homage to "our fuzzy, flying friends," this beer boasts 60 pounds of locally sourced honey as well as honey malt in the grain bill. Belgian farmhouse ale yeast ties in a layer of bubblegum and clove, while Nelson Sauvin hops add traces of white wine and mango. I rarely pass over a beer featuring Nelson hops, and this one was pretty solid all around. </p><p>Our next stop took us to Nazareth, home of Martin Guitars, for a stop at <a href="https://birthrightbrewingco.com/" target="_blank">Birthright</a>. Opened in March 2018 at the old Nazareth Run Inn building, Birthright offers a constantly rotating tap list of fresh beer with a complementary menu featuring wood-fired pizzas and more in a space that is equal parts rustic and industrial. Decorated with lots of natural wood, concrete floors, metal accents - including mammoth saw blades sourced from a Kutztown mill used as communal tabletops - this place felt like a pizza parlor with a brewery. Pizza and beer... two of my favorite things! </p><p>If I had to pick a favorite brewery from this weekend, I'd most likely put this place at the top of the list. Joe and Saj had a quick one before heading down the street to a guitar shop to ogle over some vintage axes, while Brewslut and I stuck around to dig into Birthright's tap selection.</p><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSilc6_Kqtqy-pVWMrD5fjdWwf7zJhGnO2VruXXIus_UooQHNSxUSd-3oWb1r2avJSOcYlRRvZw67qnGskvpv0qAD7J2Qsc7Eai4pfFdZTr5vXXKy_Gb-soOLeeq5jR_etYiepnepafA0/s2048/IMG_7571.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSilc6_Kqtqy-pVWMrD5fjdWwf7zJhGnO2VruXXIus_UooQHNSxUSd-3oWb1r2avJSOcYlRRvZw67qnGskvpv0qAD7J2Qsc7Eai4pfFdZTr5vXXKy_Gb-soOLeeq5jR_etYiepnepafA0/s320/IMG_7571.JPG" width="320" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p>I kicked off our session with <b>Natural Mystic</b>, a New England IPA. I couldn't really find any specific details on this beer, but I do know it was named after a Bob Marley song. I remember this one being quite good, so given the Bob Marley reference I'm sure this one was rife with plenty of dank cannabis and tropical notes with a hint of island reggae. Jammin'! </p><p>Although I don't eat pork anymore, my one caveat is that when I see a beer brewed with bacon, I allow myself to partake in the festivities. Birthright has one such beer, and it's called <b>The Aftermath</b> . Dubbed a "Bacon Breakfast Stout," this smoky, malty, coffee-forward treat is aged in Social Still bourbon barrels. According to Birthright's Instagram channel, they actually used pork belly rather than bacon. The beer itself is smoky, meaty and chewy, but not as think as you'd imaging. Clocking in at under 7% ABV, it's not your typical viscous imperial stout. It's smooth like a traditional oatmeal stout with hints of caramel, coffee, chocolate and smoked meat. </p><p>I finished up with a pour of <b>Multiple Personalities</b>, a double dry-hopped DIPA with Mosaic, Citra and El Dorado. Aptly named given its versatile hop combo, this beer was heavy on tropical notes but soft and pillowy, and certainly easy to drink. </p><p>While I didn't have this beer until later, Brewslut was raving about <b>Da Bomb Pop</b>, a Berliner Weisse brewed with cherry, lemon and blue raspberries. If Kool-Aid was beer, this would probably be it (although I prefer Hi-C). Oh yeah?! Oh yeah! This was definitely her favorite beer of the trip, and she bought a crowler of this to enjoy at home, which is how I had it. I agree... it was, indeed, da bomb!</p><p><a href="https://www.losttavernbrewing.com/bethlehem-on-tap" target="_blank">Lost Tavern</a> is another place we enjoyed very much and had ample time to dig into its beers and enjoy the atmosphere. A local musician was playing a variety of popular songs on solo acoustic guitar, which provided an enjoyable setting and background ambiance. While the brewery's vibe is rustic and steeped in tradition, the beers are fresh and forward-thinking. </p><p>The brewery's motto is: "Honor the Past. Craft the Future." Its story begins in Hellertown, PA, when in the 1740s Dutch settlers arrived and established a small community, with one of its first buildings being a tavern. It was common for colonists to brew beer, and taverns were generally at the epicenter of these small colonies. Over the course of time, the exact location of Hellertown's tavern had been forgotten and its details of its whereabouts is somewhat ambiguous; hence the name of this small, colonial-inspired brewery. Gone is the original tavern but not the importance of sharing a beer with a fellow neighbor. That's where this brewery fits into Hellertown's story. </p><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3utsQn_ZqeXZ6ExgZiN3TYpUlUrW0ruD4HvBLoD7axdutdYm37fgYQYCUQJDGDlzgrgXhBlIZNyHcbifqdjL7dWQ3rbd-Fo83IbykeNOmT19dzr3pO0qiUpLet-9luvjEkwYhyphenhyphenE0y9tE/s2048/IMG_7574.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3utsQn_ZqeXZ6ExgZiN3TYpUlUrW0ruD4HvBLoD7axdutdYm37fgYQYCUQJDGDlzgrgXhBlIZNyHcbifqdjL7dWQ3rbd-Fo83IbykeNOmT19dzr3pO0qiUpLet-9luvjEkwYhyphenhyphenE0y9tE/s320/IMG_7574.JPG" width="320" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p>The beer list offered quite a variety of styles and flavors, so we opted for several half pours. First up was <b>6:10 AMber</b>,<b> </b>a coffee-infused amber ale brewed with locally sourced coffee. The rich coffee notes complement the toasty malt flavors and subtle fruitiness, akin to a cup of morning coffee with some toast and jam on the side. </p><p>Brewslut decided on <b>Adult Coloring Can</b>, a big-bodied sour ale meant to mimic a dessert cobbler. Brewed with milk sugar and conditioned on blueberry, blackberry and a touch of lemon, this flavorful and nuanced ale also includes cinnamon, vanilla and brown sugar to sweeten the pot. </p><p>Of course, I had to try one of its IPAs, so in comes <b>Not a Game</b>, New England-style Triple IPA dry hopped with Galaxy, Sultana, and Citra for intense notes of candied peach rings and tropical fruit cocktail.</p><p>We ended with one of our favorite styles, a Mexican Stout called<b> Fiesta Mole</b>.<b> </b>Touted as an Imperial Mexican Hot Chocolate-inspired Dessert Stout, this rich, frothy treat was brewed with a grain bill of midnight wheat, caramel malt and flaked oats. Cold-conditioned on chocolate, vanilla, cinnamon and ancho chili peppers, this intense beer offers sweet notes of hot cocoa, cinnamon spice and mild chili heat, finishing with a cool wash of smooth vanilla. All in all, no complaints here. I enjoyed our visit here very much.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyFhyAr66VKzyk3vLMl9aM6tmpujKEB8Yn_gWsaQ4rUcS5VB5a9MjVvSWXX6gEn01hSgt4RHzcmEx355dgN9mvw7CJfH9njEVzHWvQNH5KZuhgOA36OreXO1uzWeaZZINzqAlB-ZRCr68/s2048/IMG_7573.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyFhyAr66VKzyk3vLMl9aM6tmpujKEB8Yn_gWsaQ4rUcS5VB5a9MjVvSWXX6gEn01hSgt4RHzcmEx355dgN9mvw7CJfH9njEVzHWvQNH5KZuhgOA36OreXO1uzWeaZZINzqAlB-ZRCr68/s320/IMG_7573.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p>Our next stop, <a href="https://www.bonnbrewing.com/" target="_blank">Bonn Place</a>, is one of Joe and Andria's local favorites. After visiting, I definitely concur. Every town needs a place like this. Inside, it was bustling with happy patrons throwing down a few pints. The vibe was part roadhouse, part saloon and part arts-and-crafts workshop (you can't help but notice the large chalkboard mural that adorns a large chunk of one of the walls). The time of our visit coincided with the highpoint of the day for me, meaning I was in a perfect frame of mind and my liver was adequately lubricated. The ambiance at Bonn Place is conducive to kicking back with a few beers and enjoying some great conversation with friends. In terms of the latter, you never know what you're gonna get when you put Saj, Joe and I in a room together. I'll just leave it to the imagination. Case in point... Sea Donkey.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjk05kjM8zn6F5hYaxR8xSMIvj9-t-pQA0aFORZ-hlrwyOdE-gbhE_SG1MTxC3YLVknw2Z5J9gCyOkMtZQaA1ZxO0pR3KDy6R4GhBh3STlnUEDnIecBYPyjrn_nFeJ0ymEVBa5lZqlbx4/s1024/49436_Bonn_Place_3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjk05kjM8zn6F5hYaxR8xSMIvj9-t-pQA0aFORZ-hlrwyOdE-gbhE_SG1MTxC3YLVknw2Z5J9gCyOkMtZQaA1ZxO0pR3KDy6R4GhBh3STlnUEDnIecBYPyjrn_nFeJ0ymEVBa5lZqlbx4/s320/49436_Bonn_Place_3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p>First up at Bonn Place was a pale lager with a twist. <b>A Helles Mosaic</b> features two-row pale malt and Mosaic hops exclusively. Think of it as a SMASH lager. I love me a good Helles, and this one straddles the line between crisp lager and hoppy ale. Overall, this beer provided a solid first impression. Sign me up for a second beer! </p><p>Joe and Andria said that I couldn't leave without trying <b>Mooey</b>, a light, easy-drinking pub ale that is Bonn's flagship of sorts.<b> </b>The beer promises notes of biscuit, toffee, and sexual desires. Now that's a winning combination! This was kind of like a craft version of Boddington's with a slightly elevated flavor profile and the same smooth nitro finish... you know how we do!</p><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaAFCSV_tyXJFkfyFVQN7-JGtoRrAWUuT_9ZF3NGjLos1manz4DgnaPcMQL_intP76BUPPaHTOU0hticrRrBM_pO8f1wqCLJ8hCYimnT5IOnEedXXhHkG0Th4SJMoN_HDwWDOpN-y4G8c/s2048/IMG_7579.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaAFCSV_tyXJFkfyFVQN7-JGtoRrAWUuT_9ZF3NGjLos1manz4DgnaPcMQL_intP76BUPPaHTOU0hticrRrBM_pO8f1wqCLJ8hCYimnT5IOnEedXXhHkG0Th4SJMoN_HDwWDOpN-y4G8c/s320/IMG_7579.JPG" width="320" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p>We ended our Saturday brewery hop with a stop at <a href="https://www.hophillbeer.com/" target="_blank">Hop Hill</a>, a small brewery that's been around since 2017. There was a pretty awesome musical duo performing on this particular night, and a quick scan of Hop Hill's Facebook page confirmed that it was Skylar Love, a female acoustic guitarist/vocalist accompanied by a dude playing electronic drums. While the beer here was solid (from what I can remember), I think I was more into the music. By this time of day (night), I was feeling good vibes and was drawn more to the tunes than the beer. </p><p>But beer is why were here, and I opted for a pour of a fruited ale called <b>Beach Bum</b>. Featuring the winning combination of pineapple and coconut, this beer was enjoyable and transported me to a small tropical island somewhere in the Pacific. </p><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhflKkF1j71eG52J-JWFy5RNYT42LbogafbnG7D45OrcZc-L3H77vDR4bhJMUfG7u6Wyn84IUKLnD16TLFXxHAx81ld_2XkQ0egixjbAy_y0mIz7X5oqVoKmZ39_jfLXiQqBZROcKMpyqk/s2048/IMG_7584.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhflKkF1j71eG52J-JWFy5RNYT42LbogafbnG7D45OrcZc-L3H77vDR4bhJMUfG7u6Wyn84IUKLnD16TLFXxHAx81ld_2XkQ0egixjbAy_y0mIz7X5oqVoKmZ39_jfLXiQqBZROcKMpyqk/s320/IMG_7584.JPG" width="240" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p>I followed this up with the awesomely named <b>Skadoosh</b>, a West Coast hazy IPA hopped with Galaxy, Mosaic, and Azacca. Wait, what?! West Coast and hazy don't belong in the same sentence, unless you're saying something to the effect of, "West Coast IPAs are far superior to hazy IPAs." Then it's OK. Seriously, by now it was a good time to head back to the homestead for more shenanigans, as Brewslut and I particularly were well lubricated and feeling no pain. </p><p>But wait! There's more to come. Join us next time for the conclusion of our jaunt to Lehigh Valley. Until next time...</p><p></p>ffejherbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01444361671877120080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8277623370417580926.post-88363236967174927232021-08-06T11:25:00.005-04:002021-12-14T10:03:35.550-05:00Cape May - Part II: Last of the Summer Barleywine<p>I knew it was going to be a long day on Saturday. However, the clock had a different story to tell. Turns out, both Doug and I were out of commission by 9 p.m. I've said it before and I'll say it again: having a DD is a double-edged sword. On one hand, you don't have to drive, so you can drink as much as you want. On the other hand, you can drink as much as you want. Actually, you can drink more than that. As a matter of mathematical fact, the amount you drink when a DD is in tow is directly proportional to the amount of beer it takes for one to be crowned "Drunkie McGee" at my annual Ffej of July festival. I'm sure the equation would look way more complicated than the Quadratic Formula, but you get the gist. I think the appropriate measurement is a metric shit-ton. Scratch that. I ain't moving no decimal points. It was an English shit-ton plus a hefty amount of pood (or even more so, funt) if we're talking antiquated units of weight measurement. I don't even want to get into how many slugs that would be, so we'll just stick to the good ol', tried-and-true shit-ton. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOLoJIia0RhVVrb_5VSOEeDaafXPq1EgQpgqqcXa1TCW7hyphenhyphenM12NFQYSZgtE0coWdI5u03r2wBXsEkb3rePmG_osHNeh2wXiKrNl5mhQmWhKlXctT-XIj0cdKgplBgG7zo9nRxSZK9l284/s2048/IMG_7433.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOLoJIia0RhVVrb_5VSOEeDaafXPq1EgQpgqqcXa1TCW7hyphenhyphenM12NFQYSZgtE0coWdI5u03r2wBXsEkb3rePmG_osHNeh2wXiKrNl5mhQmWhKlXctT-XIj0cdKgplBgG7zo9nRxSZK9l284/s320/IMG_7433.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Ceiling at Avalon Brew Pub</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">First up on our agenda was a stop at <a href="https://www.avalonbrewpub.com/" target="_blank">Avalon Brew Pub</a>. This place had lots of beach charm and looked inviting, but it also reeked (or perhaps I just caught a slight waft) of tourist trap. Well, maybe not a "trap" per se, but it definitely had that "chain brewpub" feel based on the names and styles of its available beers. The brewpub offers a slightly more upscale menu compared to most similar breweries and produces five different house beers and one rotating release. I decided a flight was in order so as to test the waters. Here's the scoop: </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><ul><li><b>Chill Pils </b>- Brewed in the tradition of a classic Bohemian style pale lager.</li><li><b>Belgian Beach Bum </b>- wheat beer with hints of bubblegum, clove and banana.</li><li><b>Cooler by a Mile </b>- Session IPA with a hint of citrus.</li><li><b>We Don't Play </b>- "true" West Coast style IPA with a very deep malt base and notes of citrus.</li></ul></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9Q-Ysp7p7oNllI5gGneqbd7FIVmm-MsTkfqbbbJu0uk1roerXchS5zYRaq8xyeohQYDJfP5s56SGCb1DUmglhtdkao1JSAeryKBzROh1TQJvUGXRRfii_x4i7hqW7E6VQ0M1wfN6kGxI/s2048/IMG_7434.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9Q-Ysp7p7oNllI5gGneqbd7FIVmm-MsTkfqbbbJu0uk1roerXchS5zYRaq8xyeohQYDJfP5s56SGCb1DUmglhtdkao1JSAeryKBzROh1TQJvUGXRRfii_x4i7hqW7E6VQ0M1wfN6kGxI/s320/IMG_7434.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Pleeps and a paddle.</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br style="text-align: left;" /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">As anticipated, nothing here really struck me as anything but average, so I felt a second round wasn't in order. Some of the others in the group liked the West Coast IPA, but I wasn't having it. Brewslut was in the same boat if I remember correctly. Still, it was a nice, clean place with good service and a suitable first stop of the day. </div></div><p>Up next was a brewery I'd wanted to visit for the last 5+ years. <a href="https://www.capemaybrewery.com/" target="_blank">Cape May Brewing</a> had somehow eluded us for many years. I remember the days of visiting a brewery within the first month of its grand opening; sometimes even within days. Well, it took us a decade to finally get to Cape May, as it opened its doors back in 2011. Better late than never, right? Plus we'd heard good things from many friends who had visited Cape May, so I had high hopes for a fine experience. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglES-xRQd_zD-YXhYjjbJylpDlvKl_zkvo8lmAkzsCLdJNVEbAYqECI4p3ZjJXKkyX7aqey99CtmOQT3iqCLiKpI1_5ScUCDnLsJh4RROH9kSgpSPgoC1ewdTTtDxf36QNjo0atTbo1Oo/s2048/IMG_7438.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglES-xRQd_zD-YXhYjjbJylpDlvKl_zkvo8lmAkzsCLdJNVEbAYqECI4p3ZjJXKkyX7aqey99CtmOQT3iqCLiKpI1_5ScUCDnLsJh4RROH9kSgpSPgoC1ewdTTtDxf36QNjo0atTbo1Oo/s320/IMG_7438.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Inside Cape May Brewing Company</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p>I kicked off our session with a half pour of a beer called <b>Cococabana</b>. Brewed with Sultana and Cashmere hops and weighing in at 5.8% ABV, this pale ale boasts house-toasted coconut for a gentle and silky-smooth mouthfeel, with an enticing aroma showcasing the tropical notes of the hops. This beer was absolutely delicious and I wish I'd ordered a full pour. </p><p>Up next was <b>Summa Down Unda</b>, a "crusher" of a pale ale brewed with wheat and copious amounts of Citra and Motueka (the latter a new-ish variety from New Zealand). They finish this one off with a hint of Kiwi juice (a good choice of fruit if you know anyone from New Zealand). This one was pretty light and refreshing but in retrospect, I probably should have drank this one first because it paled in comparison to Cococabana. Not that it was a lesser beer; it just wasn't as flavorful. Ok, I guess it was the lesser beer. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7T4geMFQ2tyH7-874Li8y0olJEJuQqCCHjq8v-9ySoPUT7dLc1TV-PlaQfY_n4Njgpjfsvlrfa_ZrGW5tHa77ytsvYdS3xlxUrvb2sGvRTgRZBkorT6pXXJGPnr2kLgXzcrqMWD_S9Vc/s2048/IMG_7439.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7T4geMFQ2tyH7-874Li8y0olJEJuQqCCHjq8v-9ySoPUT7dLc1TV-PlaQfY_n4Njgpjfsvlrfa_ZrGW5tHa77ytsvYdS3xlxUrvb2sGvRTgRZBkorT6pXXJGPnr2kLgXzcrqMWD_S9Vc/s320/IMG_7439.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Sing it, Pleeps! "...at the Coco, Cococabana!"</i></span></td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p>Time for another half pour, so in comes <b>Sea Chest</b>, a NEIPA brewed with a hefty malt bill of Golden Promise, honey malt, flaked rye, flaked oats, and flaked wheat to give this beer its haze for daze! This one is dry-hopped with Cashmere, Motueka, and Sultana to churn out notes of pineapple, lime, coconut, and orange sherbet. This one was enjoyable as well but still fell short of Cococabana, in my humble opinion. That beer set a pretty high bar for Cape May, unfortunately. </p><p>Lastly, Brewslut and I shared a pour of <b>Chocolate-covered Strawberry Milkshake IPA</b>. This decadent IPA attempts to mimic chocolate-covered strawberries to create a sweet, luxurious flavor profile. Brewed with a generous helping of sweet milk sugar, this IPA is then conditioned on strawberry juice and Madagascar vanilla beans to sweeten the pot even more. Another enjoyable beer from Cape May, bringing the total to four. All in all, it was a great first visit. Pleeps concurs. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioNJbvYvjSOdC0mmY3dUx_RoKtbo-MhdzD76b1_XIj_gMnd0Jt134PoT-WYVA08EuYRVWb-4lOFd1UwmLgDaGUzaKyb3WzgPqM4kCZmPhhjtaRJ5U5IKcSDrgeGgB3Sr_dIb-3yDZmNEQ/s2048/IMG_7437.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioNJbvYvjSOdC0mmY3dUx_RoKtbo-MhdzD76b1_XIj_gMnd0Jt134PoT-WYVA08EuYRVWb-4lOFd1UwmLgDaGUzaKyb3WzgPqM4kCZmPhhjtaRJ5U5IKcSDrgeGgB3Sr_dIb-3yDZmNEQ/s320/IMG_7437.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">How about Pleeps' new blue mask for the beach?</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Over to <a href="https://www.coldspringbrewery.org/" target="_blank">Cold Spring</a> next, which - according to its website - is New Jersey's first non-profit microbrewery. All profits from beer sales at the brewery support the Historic Cold Spring Village Foundation, a non-profit living history museum. While it was one of the coolest places of the day as far as ambiance - as well as one of the most packed places we visited - I'd heard the beers were less than stellar. Still, I really enjoyed the colonial vibe of this place, and it's great to see a small brewery giving back to the community. Inside, the tasting room is situated in a rustic barn with high beamed ceilings and plenty of wood. Outside, the beer garden was bustling with people; good for me, because it wasn't shady and I opted to sit inside, where there was a nice breeze blowing through the open barn doors. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRGSZTCJChJ5sU3ak-uEfCElf7mRaAnVrglOsPov3IVRFUa7eNd-mCXge1DZQ8dczvoILUfPNmZkHdWN8AgWY1_ysd3Po-SuyrpoR2vorfnR2cXB0jMQRmlpJGFuOzoFHwo6r57Ujex-M/s2048/IMG_7440.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRGSZTCJChJ5sU3ak-uEfCElf7mRaAnVrglOsPov3IVRFUa7eNd-mCXge1DZQ8dczvoILUfPNmZkHdWN8AgWY1_ysd3Po-SuyrpoR2vorfnR2cXB0jMQRmlpJGFuOzoFHwo6r57Ujex-M/s320/IMG_7440.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">The colonial-inspired Cold Spring Brewery</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Upon perusing the beer list, I noticed a beer called <b>Beer That Built the House</b>, a robust porter brewed with local fudge in collaboration with a laundry list of Cape May County breweries (apparently all of 'em). The chocolately richness of the fudge really came through in this beer, and it was easily the best beer sampled by our group. Even cooler was the fact that sales of this beer supported Cape May County's Habitat for Humanity. Giddyup!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br style="text-align: left;" /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIfevZcgUg7R94Lu2eK2fY9E1Wjjc9Vpc_Lm1hJrz6utCLMqoZKfbOztMHJjuXfK_uWVJrlaFOdMuB5SSnv3RznTA1Ty5zsVyP4hMLDrxT4pzm7WDeYExvOdi9ajovhUW-9MZMi61tMcU/s2048/IMG_7441.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIfevZcgUg7R94Lu2eK2fY9E1Wjjc9Vpc_Lm1hJrz6utCLMqoZKfbOztMHJjuXfK_uWVJrlaFOdMuB5SSnv3RznTA1Ty5zsVyP4hMLDrxT4pzm7WDeYExvOdi9ajovhUW-9MZMi61tMcU/s320/IMG_7441.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">The Beer That Pleeps Drank</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br style="text-align: left;" /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">This next place on our agenda, <a href="https://www.gustobrewco.com/" target="_blank">Gusto</a>, gets a gold star. Touted as "NJ's Southernmost Brewery & Taproom," this brewery was one of the more memorable stops of the day. When we arrived, the inside was pretty packed so we set up shop on the wrap-around patio next to a few loud-ass people (in Jersey? No waaaaay)! I suppose it's fitting to sit outside once in a while whilst visiting the beach. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The beer I ordered, named <b>Amigos in High Places</b>, proved to be quite memorable and a favorite of the day. A soft yet substantially textured Imperial Stout, the backbone of this beer boasts green coffee from Puerto Rico’s Hacienda Tres Ángeles. Featuring Maris Otter malt from the UK as well as lots of specialty malts, the folks at Gusto teamed up with their friends at the local Out There Coffee to source some freshly-landed beans processed to medium-roasted perfection. This enjoyable stout is reminiscent of milk chocolate, caramel, and - of course - coffee. Good stuff all around! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXCuO-jiyOwlkXg36Us7UuPlXo49nCJR0zxDWh0RGxijCacMaZyll6qN3N4Y277jgPPJM8uZkak9fYBaOeKfq13q6hKLku7UOOQ5ZriVnCNbYqguEUVeiFL2htF5Ueafs6gv-v33kPhrc/s2048/IMG_7443.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXCuO-jiyOwlkXg36Us7UuPlXo49nCJR0zxDWh0RGxijCacMaZyll6qN3N4Y277jgPPJM8uZkak9fYBaOeKfq13q6hKLku7UOOQ5ZriVnCNbYqguEUVeiFL2htF5Ueafs6gv-v33kPhrc/s320/IMG_7443.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Pleeps has lots of Amigos in High Places!</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">By now, I was experiencing a pretty heady mid-afternoon haze after visiting four breweries. Of course, you know how we roll. This marked the halfway point of the day, so there was plenty more drinking to be had... especially for Doug and I. Enter <a href="https://7milebrew.com/" target="_blank">7 Mile</a>. If memory serves me, this was one of the places Brewslut enjoyed during her inaugural "girls' weekend" at the beach house. A relatively newcomer on the NJ scene, 7 Mile has been around for five years and fits in well with the beach vibe of the area. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I sampled two beers here, which makes me think that Brewslut and I shared full pours. The first one, <b>New White Bronco</b>, is<b> </b>an American style Hazy IPA brewed with wheat and loaded with fruity and candy-like hops. This was a pleasant beer with the softness of a NEIPA but a decent hop punch. I'm not sure what hop varieties are used in this beer, but it came across as citrusy with a hint of tropical fruit and floral perfume. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5gO1Ro2GCCiiJ1Strkec94oD_v93OlAJ38uHjolfNNKpDQ_h2GxAeuGYq1KHjjsx4Kwp8E54RVY3_WyXJrWsR9fGFLqMbFKBv9NkHCJQVO0Gqo4JRY85c1gqih9r9cK6AT-ZQx_8sA-g/s2048/IMG_7445.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5gO1Ro2GCCiiJ1Strkec94oD_v93OlAJ38uHjolfNNKpDQ_h2GxAeuGYq1KHjjsx4Kwp8E54RVY3_WyXJrWsR9fGFLqMbFKBv9NkHCJQVO0Gqo4JRY85c1gqih9r9cK6AT-ZQx_8sA-g/s320/IMG_7445.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Pleeps is goin' all OJ on this one!</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The other beer, <b>7MIPA</b>, is known as the<b> </b>little brother of one of 7 Mile's standard offerings called 7 Suns. This session strength version displays a balance of fruity, citrusy, and resinous hop flavors with a light mouthfeel and touch of bitterness. </div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Up next was <a href="https://www.cohobrewingco.com/" target="_blank">Coho Brewing</a>. Situated in Cape May Court House (yes, that's what the town is called), the name COHO is derived not only from its location (COurt HOuse) but also as a homage to the judicial theme of the brewery itself. Even the beer names feature some clever and amusing legal jargon. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">In keeping with the theme, may I present Exhibit A: <b>Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity</b>, a ginger ale brewed with Jamaican allspice and aged on rum-soaked staves. This sounded like a fun diversion from all of the IPAs and fruit beers most of the other breweries were offering. This one wasn't as woody as I was expecting, but the booziness of the rum was pretty heavy-handed. Same with the spices, which really pushed their way to the forefront once the boozy heat subsided a bit. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Our next witness was <b>Chalk Outline</b>, a dry, slightly funky Farmhouse Ale aged on juniper berries. I've been digging gin barrel-aged beers for a while, and will typically order one when I come across one in our travels. While this wasn't barrel-aged, I thought the juniper berries might give it a gin-like character. If I recall, I believe I preferred this one over my previous selection. Regardless, it was cool to visit a place doing something a little different than most of the other places we visited. It's always nice to come across a brewery that digs experimentation. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbg2mp3YcYw20LpS_eLOTucJdJJvkMCS6mcyfXbUuy0Bj-Ukl0E5aOpkVJksS_QBsSh1uBS3Ye8Q1J08mCMCqxkrJGFVb-_uNSqc522uOA70lKtJJUlsFxTCHNWZI_08lg0sI3X4byRag/s2048/IMG_7448.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbg2mp3YcYw20LpS_eLOTucJdJJvkMCS6mcyfXbUuy0Bj-Ukl0E5aOpkVJksS_QBsSh1uBS3Ye8Q1J08mCMCqxkrJGFVb-_uNSqc522uOA70lKtJJUlsFxTCHNWZI_08lg0sI3X4byRag/s320/IMG_7448.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Pleeps is never guilty of being lame.</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">You'd think that we'd slow down by the time we got to our second-to-last brewery of the day, <a href="https://www.slacktidebrewingco.com/" target="_blank">Slack Tide</a>. Nope. Upon perusing the beer board, I noticed a barleywine; a style for which both Doug and I share an affinity. I can sometimes be a bad influence on friends, especially when it comes to beer. This was one of those times. "Look," I said to Doug. "They have a barrel-aged barleywine on tap!" His wife, Lynn, gently urged him not to partake. "I don't think you should order that, Doug." But there I was, the proverbial devil on his shoulder opposite Lynn's more reasonable angel. Of course, the devil will always bitchslap the angel and send him or her packing. So it was because of this scene that this portion of the blog was named "Last of the Summer Barleywine." I need to give credit where credit is due, though. It was, in fact, Darin who coined that phrase, which seemed to sum up this beer-soaked day perfectly and might I add quite poignantly. Well done, my hetero life-mate. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">And here comes the barleywine... and another rummy beer to add to our laundry list. Doug and I ordered pours of <b>Rum Barrel Aged Brew of '62</b>, a traditional barleywine aged in Jamaican rum barrels. The aging process coaxed flavors of tangy rum, vanilla and light spice, giving the beer a smooth sweetness despite its high ABV of 13%. Yup, there's no turning back now. We'd officially now gone off the deep end. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIVKYK2joYVo3MF_WB9QtpY2skL2UY8Qa52rCNKduoCjviVHbCUnx86F9mnzlg_wBackAr0cxO673a_yLnb97S5ZNxa6-2CFZuzO_Zm1m4WHpYZjMSz9_z7uxkrLP9UvK8ItfmHik_-cE/s2048/IMG_7449.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIVKYK2joYVo3MF_WB9QtpY2skL2UY8Qa52rCNKduoCjviVHbCUnx86F9mnzlg_wBackAr0cxO673a_yLnb97S5ZNxa6-2CFZuzO_Zm1m4WHpYZjMSz9_z7uxkrLP9UvK8ItfmHik_-cE/w320-h240/IMG_7449.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Taps at Slack Tide.</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I opted for another farmhouse ale with <b>Shore Break</b>. This one is brewed with<b> </b>sweet orange peel and a Belgian yeast strain - then dry-hopped - to elicit a crisp, sweet and citrusy flavor. But that's not all! The beer is then aged and re-fermented in Chardonnay barrels with Brettanomyces for more than a year to bring out even more complex notes of fruit and funk. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">A third beer? Um, sure why not! Here comes <b>Jacob Jones</b>. Originally called Tackle Box #4, this DIPA utilized Kveik yeast, which ferments at very high temperatures. Additionally, this type of yeast strain also helps to accentuate the tropical flavors of the hops used in this particular beer. The beer gets its name after a WWII destroyer dubbed "Jacob Jones," which was torpedoed by a German U-boat off the coast of Cape May in 1942. Given that little fun fact, I suppose it's only fitting that this beer was the one to sink my figurative battleship.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Surprisingly, I actually can remember bits and pieces of our final stop of the day, <a href="http://www.ludlamisland.com/" target="_blank">Ludlam Island</a>. Maybe not. The last three brewery visits all kind of blend together. Some highlights include: Jenny being licked by a dog; me almost losing Pleeps (apparently he fell from the hood of Brewslut's hoodie, where I placed him in a drunken stupor, after which some little girl found him); talking to random people about a number of topics; and, most memorably, Doug yelling "MOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOVE" to a female driver who was either confused or oblivious and blocking part of the parking lot. This has since been entered into our lexicon of inside jokes. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I do, surprisingly, remember my final beer, which was<b> Harry's Coffee Pale Ale</b>, a rye pale ale featuring coffee from neighbors Harry and Beans in the form of fresh, single-origin organic Honduran coffee beans straight form the roaster. Spicy rye notes mingled with roasty black coffee notes and floral and citrusy hops, which made for an enjoyable combo. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Before I knew it, I was lying on the couch back at the house and it wasn't even 9 p.m. What did I tell you about DD's, kids? The beer had gotten the best of me, and I was kind of embarrassed to go to bed at 9 p.m. But I was dozing off already, not to mention Doug wasn't faring much better over at the kitchen table. He had the "sitting up with head in hands" pose going on for about half an hour or so. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Postscript: Unfortunately, we didn't really do much on Sunday. We took a slight detour and checked out a brand new brewery in Atlantic City called The Seed: A Living Beer Project. Turns out they'd only been open for a few weeks. The people were friendly and willing to chat, the place was chill and the beers were fantastic! As a matter of fact, I recently <a href="https://www.phillyvoice.com/atlantic-city-the-seed-living-beer-project-best-new-brewery-united-states/" target="_blank">read that The Seed had been voted "Best New Brewery in America"</a> by readers of <i>USA Today</i>. Right around the corner is a cool little craft distillery called Little Water, where we samples some fine spirits and cocktails. We also took home a bottle of its pre-made Chocolate Martini, which was delicious. Afterwards, we stopped at a record store in a nearby Jersey mall and later had pizza at UNO down off the PA Turnpike. I'm definitely looking forward to getting back to the Seed, although I'm not a huge fan of AC. However, this place is enough to entice us back for sure. Until next time...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqka1O-D0KwDe_joM4vZrfKDcrQlSxo1h-6sswZ6_wB51CiDCBxbaB0AT47ubVBXVjb86eC4goRxcMSr7E0Q1SWaDj15ZX4jtNoZSzCDSEbt7lI_2xTRSEqQU9-T3K9BFkhB9KZCsMAvk/s2048/IMG_7452.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqka1O-D0KwDe_joM4vZrfKDcrQlSxo1h-6sswZ6_wB51CiDCBxbaB0AT47ubVBXVjb86eC4goRxcMSr7E0Q1SWaDj15ZX4jtNoZSzCDSEbt7lI_2xTRSEqQU9-T3K9BFkhB9KZCsMAvk/s320/IMG_7452.JPG" /></a></div>ffejherbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01444361671877120080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8277623370417580926.post-50263178838790377202021-06-24T12:34:00.003-04:002021-06-24T12:41:58.453-04:00Cape May - Part I: On the Way<p>Over the years, we've amassed a vast and varied list of friends from all over the country, many of which extend lodging to we Pour Travelers. This not only allows us to catch up with people we don't get to see too often, it also affords us the opportunity to spend more money on beer. While our friends Doug and Lynn live just up the road in Hershey, they invited us (as well as our friends Darin and Jeni) to spend a weekend at their beach house in Ocean City, NJ, just north of Cape May, an area that has recently exploded onto the craft beer scene. I'd been wanting to get down there for quite some time, as I'd heard that Cape May Brewing was a must-hit brewery. Brewslut had the opportunity to scope out this and several other breweries on a previous "girls' weekend" with Lynn and Jeni, and there was much quality beer to be had. After having to postpone our original jaunt to do - what else? - COVID (thanks, 'Rona) we rescheduled for a weekend in April that worked for everyone. While I wouldn't categorize myself as a "beach person" (you won't find a Salt Life sticker on my rear windshield), I enjoy the cool nights at the beach during the off-season, when tourists and their screaming children haven't descended onto the Jersey Shore for their annual summer vacation. Although the boardwalk lost its appeal to me back when I was in college, the mere mention of about a dozen or so breweries in the area stoked the flame and offered a new opportunity to rediscover this part of the Jersey Shore. So it was off to Ocean City, where we'd be exploring the vast landscape of breweries in and around the greater Cape May region. Even better was the fact that Darin volunteered to serve as our DD for the duration of the weekend. I find this to be a double-edged sword, unfortunately, as I tend to drink more (how is <i>that </i>possible?!) and imbibe higher gravity beers more frequently. With that said, Doug and I were in for plenty big beers this weekend, but you'll have to keep reading to learn about our shenanigans. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiznaACgM7oLbu_P4merqpAPWesAkd4fjv4eHZCK9FDLQN6d_Z558JsAD-MJSBsDFp9xkjthrqnXED-WQBcIxanGm9friJMStSrjMvh-EgKJ7WeMwkePg0n_KqINKseyskZdhCVgVLrdd8/s2048/IMG_7419.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiznaACgM7oLbu_P4merqpAPWesAkd4fjv4eHZCK9FDLQN6d_Z558JsAD-MJSBsDFp9xkjthrqnXED-WQBcIxanGm9friJMStSrjMvh-EgKJ7WeMwkePg0n_KqINKseyskZdhCVgVLrdd8/s320/IMG_7419.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Inside Philadelphia's Human Robot Brewing.</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p>When planning our weekend itinerary, I was pleased we'd be rolling through Philadelphia on the way down to the beach house. This fortunate discovery led to an obvious stop at <a href="https://www.humanrobotbeer.com/" target="_blank">Human Robot</a>. After just one visit (OK two visits; we went back again the next day), this brewery quickly escalated the rungs to the top the ladder as my favorite brewery in Philly. Even better was the fact that we were able to enjoy sitting inside (as opposed to outside in the cold). Since Darin was driving, I "relied upon myself" to dig into its many offerings. </p><p>First up was <b>Burgenstraße</b>.<b> </b>Inspired by the coal fired kettles of Germany's Franconia region, this beer's moniker translates to "Castle Road." Traditional in every sense of the word, this Zwickelbier (a lighter version of the unfiltered kellerbier or "cellar beer") features 100% Vienna malt and Hallertau hops and is brewed using the traditional <a href="https://dafteejit.com/tag/franconia/" target="_blank">Franconia-style decoction</a>. I must admit that I never much preferred drinking beer out of mugs. Perhaps when the occasion fit, I'd chug some traditional German lager from a mug. Human Robot inspired me to pull my old Troegenator dimpled mug out of retirement, and I'm happy to say that it's in frequent rotation these days (partly because I've been gravitating to lagers lately). </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5-7_kL8DaLdMnk-HMjPRltpATmq7RTbb_1SQ76l1qjFMFzHLc4lwE-En5txh32LBlr2uOfoVas0johLXqY0ZLs22lW4H5TMLmgxW7LLSRXs0hb7M-pzLJVSuVgHwrVvI61WNLN3p4PN4/s2048/IMG_7417.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5-7_kL8DaLdMnk-HMjPRltpATmq7RTbb_1SQ76l1qjFMFzHLc4lwE-En5txh32LBlr2uOfoVas0johLXqY0ZLs22lW4H5TMLmgxW7LLSRXs0hb7M-pzLJVSuVgHwrVvI61WNLN3p4PN4/s320/IMG_7417.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Pleeps is now an expert on Franconia-style decoction.</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p>Keeping things traditional with my next selection, I opted for <b>Dude Time In Cologne</b>. This single decoction Kölsch-style ale features German pilsner malt and Perle hops to achieve the dry crispness that's a hallmark of this classic German style. It's one of those beers that's kind of an ale AND a lager in that it is fermented warm with top-fermenting yeast, then conditioned at cold temperatures like a lager. Leave it to Human Robot to knock this one out of the park. I usually brush aside this particular style in lieu of pilsners or pale ales when I'm looking for something light and refreshing, but I'm glad I snagged this while it was on tap. Nicely done indeed! </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHggtQnukZ050BXaeGXMX5Ed6jS4gVAvfUf-uEFk6dsYug4e4eAdYXASBLswPetZfnCyePYky_1WGyBWW8JUaAz4NATvGkjVCy0hJ4Z9qktuA3lsLbbO6pKq8lXbBf-MtuMTBewd4xagg/s2048/IMG_7420.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHggtQnukZ050BXaeGXMX5Ed6jS4gVAvfUf-uEFk6dsYug4e4eAdYXASBLswPetZfnCyePYky_1WGyBWW8JUaAz4NATvGkjVCy0hJ4Z9qktuA3lsLbbO6pKq8lXbBf-MtuMTBewd4xagg/s320/IMG_7420.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Pleeps says: "Gimme that stange!"</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p>Since I'd only ever tried a few sips of Brewslut's beers (she had tried a few IPAs, stouts and fruit beers while I stuck to the traditional stuff), I decided to try my luck with something hoppy next. Enter <b>Future Embrace</b>, an IPA combining the sticky, dank pine resin of Simcoe with the one-two punch of mango and citrus fruit of Mosaic. I'm happy to report that Human Robot not only can produce world-class lagers, it also boasts the full spectrum of American-style beers. I made sure to leave with a 4-pack of this tasty IPA to enjoy at home. </p><p>I couldn't leave without enjoying a pour of <b>Polotmavy</b>, my favorite beer from our initial visit. This exceptional Czech Garnet Lager is subtle yet so flavorful. Translated as “half-dark,” this elegant lager boasts a slight roasty flavor courtesy of Vienna and chocolate malts. So freakin' good! Sadly, they didn't have cans available. I enjoy this beer so much that I'd likely have purchased a case if it was available. Oh well... there's always next time.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9oP3dBR8hO8i3vj_ET4ALfwcJLNnOW3nWpHVRB_vQMROy_AvW6TukvuLtLqDAG03Tw6i6jw7bTMRLAkiMKuKAgBRJMk_VhQSTjZrUV46BCYsky-wgtkZoIfy3t09vLV5M1FErIbpNz20/s2048/IMG_7422.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9oP3dBR8hO8i3vj_ET4ALfwcJLNnOW3nWpHVRB_vQMROy_AvW6TukvuLtLqDAG03Tw6i6jw7bTMRLAkiMKuKAgBRJMk_VhQSTjZrUV46BCYsky-wgtkZoIfy3t09vLV5M1FErIbpNz20/s320/IMG_7422.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Look at the head on that beauty!</i></span></td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: center;"><br style="text-align: left;" /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">After an enjoyable visit to Human Robot, it was time to check out a few new places in New Jersey. we'd yet to brewery hop around the Hammonton area, and a quick perusal of my trusty brewery map app revealed three breweries in close proximity to each other around Hammonton. Score! I thought, "might as well hit all three, right?" Everyone else was in agreement, so it was unanimous.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_tlDqqQzgXfCVZ6XmxZGNt5JH27n2JUSEgDVIwrKqdhG5FPJZZ4Vx9rQjHPWQwxpc_wTY77v9Pd85rdZDbnx63L1_APg4sHAK4-UksnwFm2dji0DkUWA08SN3HoNZtZHC30C6NmypaQk/s2048/IMG_7426.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_tlDqqQzgXfCVZ6XmxZGNt5JH27n2JUSEgDVIwrKqdhG5FPJZZ4Vx9rQjHPWQwxpc_wTY77v9Pd85rdZDbnx63L1_APg4sHAK4-UksnwFm2dji0DkUWA08SN3HoNZtZHC30C6NmypaQk/s320/IMG_7426.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div>First up was <a href="https://www.vinylbrewingnj.com/" target="_blank">Vinyl Brewing</a>. Recognizing my love (scratch that... obsession!) with records, I knew I'd at least enjoy the vibe of the place even if the beer was subpar. With a motto like "Get spun" I figured these peeps were cool to boot. Obviously, this place is inspired by music as much as it is by the beverages it peddles. Beer and music... is there a better combination? After combing through the lengthy beer list, I decided a flight was in order. Here's the track listing:</div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b>Pat </b>- West Coast IPA brewed with Vienna and crystal malt and hopped with Citra and Simcoe.</li><li><b>The Great Chipmunk Fire of '79</b> - Love the name of this beer! (I was unfamiliar with this reference, so a quick turn to Google revealed that it's taken from a quote from the Pauly Shore - remember him? - movie, <i>Bio Dome</i>. The beer itself is a light-bodied porter with a fairly smoked flavor thanks to the addition of beechwood smoked malt.</li><li><b>Mango Fuzz</b> - Brewed in collaboration with Tuckahoe Brewing, this IPA features lactose and is hopped with Citra and Mosaic... but that's not all! It's dry-hopped with more Mosaic before being conditioned on Madagascar vanilla beans and lots of mango purée. Like the brewery says, it's reminiscent of a mango Gelati. </li><li><b>Fuzz in the Matrix</b> - Blueberry, Blackberry and Raspberry Milkshake IPA.</li><li><b>Chocolate Marshmallow Party</b> - imperial stout brewed with chocolate and marshmallows.</li></ul></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgprwRprXJiGuZyQft8oJJs-01DJsjSpcdCzGm577mfEkbZCOJOySrr8UfuAcd_JBniztUEQznQMNf0ER4hkAOJBC837k2nDhNWOTfzki2c38jolcUMUBwz33Umm9EQ5FmJcu4K_fRwfrE/s2048/IMG_7428.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgprwRprXJiGuZyQft8oJJs-01DJsjSpcdCzGm577mfEkbZCOJOySrr8UfuAcd_JBniztUEQznQMNf0ER4hkAOJBC837k2nDhNWOTfzki2c38jolcUMUBwz33Umm9EQ5FmJcu4K_fRwfrE/s320/IMG_7428.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Pleeps is in the groove at Vinyl Brewing.</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">There's a lot to digest here. Overall, I wouldn't place any of these beers on a pedestal, but everything was pretty solid as far as I can recall. If memory serves me correctly, I'd say the only one I didn't really care for was the Fuzz in the Matrix, which came across a little thin. My favorite of the lot was The great Chipmunk Fire of '79 (coincidentally my favorite name too), which boasted a pleasant smoky-sweet character and a hint of earthiness. The Mango Fuzz was also memorable. (We'd hoped to get to Tuckahoe on the way home from the trip, but it didn't happen.) </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Up next, we set our sights on <a href="https://www.three3sbrewing.com/" target="_blank">Three 3's</a>. Oddly enough, I hadn't made the connection until we got there that this brewery was in fact a completely different entity than Threes Brewing, which is based out of Brooklyn, NY. This place is THREE 3's... as in how many threes are there? Three, of course! Of the three Hammonton breweries we visited, this was probably my favorite overall. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi52Xm8D0RF5I-HAshcRWwq-eCR9FY2GT8O6FrfcTLhe8YsofneranXgF0UeX7QoxY234AEi9ruZsZ2eCZ7lQ6aPeLOBvk4lTSUuTSQznquqD43e0vB4mHB6ON3fsD1DnRpKINaC3xwSyQ/s600/3+threes.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi52Xm8D0RF5I-HAshcRWwq-eCR9FY2GT8O6FrfcTLhe8YsofneranXgF0UeX7QoxY234AEi9ruZsZ2eCZ7lQ6aPeLOBvk4lTSUuTSQznquqD43e0vB4mHB6ON3fsD1DnRpKINaC3xwSyQ/s320/3+threes.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Outside Three 3's in Hammonton, NJ.</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Inside the tasting room, we were greeted by a chill, casual space void of any pretentiousness. Immediately, I was ensconced in good vibes. We parked our group of four at a high-top table and took to the ample beer list. I decided to start with a beer called <b>Tryfecta</b>,<b> </b>a hazy saison brewed with heavy additions of wheat and oats and gently hopped with Mosaic and Cascade, then conditioned on a hefty combination of local blueberries, strawberries and blackberries... 15 pounds per barrel, to be exact! Bright with a subtle fruit sweetness, this summery saison was a dry yet refreshing treat. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Up next was a beer from its <b>Twisted Cobbler </b>series called <b>Rhuby Soho</b>. This light-bodied fruit beer brings together graham cracker, strawberry, and rhubarb to create a delicate sweet-and-tart tang with subtle notes of honey. The combination of strawberry and rhubarb always creates a pleasant sweet-tart flavor, and this one was certainly enjoyable. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Around this time, one of the brewers/owners came out and chatted with us for quite a while. He filled me in on the difference between Threes and 3 Three's, which I appreciated... but not as much as the beer he sent home with us, including a tasty Helles Lager and some of the beer I was currently enjoying called <b>Sorry Not Sorry</b>. Brewed with oats, wheat, and hit with lactose, this milkshake IPA boasts "irresponsible additions" of Citra and Sultana hops to bring forth hints of creamsicle, pineapple custard and blood orange cupcakes. I made sure to reciprocate with some Troegs goodies I'd brought along for just this occasion. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We decided to hit one more brewery since we were in the area. Turns out Hammonton has three. After grabbing some coffee and a snack, we headed to <a href="https://www.facebook.com/chimneybeer/" target="_blank">Chimney Rustic Ales</a>. As Hammonton's newest brewery, Chimney was established in 2018 and has a... well, a rustic look and feel. So I suppose the name fits. Inside, we were greeted by cozy seating and wood... lots of wood. Even the tap handles are basically different pieces of wood. Rustic indeed. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6hzbXgpEJsM_hp-tRWWeYZifqKhUj-_ChF8w4loqBujsBnsploI76AndG1-R4H7-yoWJcsk486-NdT0qwfkfeDI7eE90DTF_YTXi1gI7k4pyTJ34w1WEPopDQiC6WK1kkmjlsSjherGk/s768/chimney.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="576" data-original-width="768" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6hzbXgpEJsM_hp-tRWWeYZifqKhUj-_ChF8w4loqBujsBnsploI76AndG1-R4H7-yoWJcsk486-NdT0qwfkfeDI7eE90DTF_YTXi1gI7k4pyTJ34w1WEPopDQiC6WK1kkmjlsSjherGk/s320/chimney.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Tap handles at Chimney Rustic Ales.</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The beer list was all over the map (as it should be, in my humble opinion). Everything from low ABV traditional ales and classic styles to hop-forward IPAs to fruit beers and sours were all represented. I decided to keep things light and European with a beer called <b>Nobbleberry</b>, an<b> </b>English pub style ale aged on cocao nibs. Malty with hints of toasted bread, light roast coffee, and bran muffins, this quaffable ale served its purpose. By this time, we were starting to get a little fatigued (I hit Human Robot pretty hard!) so we agreed Chimney was a one-and-done stop. And with that, we were off to the beach house to meet Doug and Lynn.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We're just getting started folks! Stay tuned for our next episode, which features an entire day of brewery hopping around Cape May. Until next time...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpUNNTKmbFgWTRUtmxOnEZs-u4ykpYQjdRyBXlaCaEYUSP8lzgXp7iOUBFSz7itHuIipWaIeKGlnypW3dYAwD3hGOA7bLhqesUpPSbl91vsZcVzu3ya0sv7nhkjhMgqVqCyKdOuS8GSKc/s2048/IMG_7425.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpUNNTKmbFgWTRUtmxOnEZs-u4ykpYQjdRyBXlaCaEYUSP8lzgXp7iOUBFSz7itHuIipWaIeKGlnypW3dYAwD3hGOA7bLhqesUpPSbl91vsZcVzu3ya0sv7nhkjhMgqVqCyKdOuS8GSKc/s320/IMG_7425.JPG" /></a></div><div><div><div><p></p></div></div></div>ffejherbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01444361671877120080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8277623370417580926.post-9361609420147568422021-05-10T20:24:00.000-04:002021-05-10T20:24:10.988-04:00Little Cabin in the Woods: Part II<p>The weekend was quickly coming to its inevitable conclusion. Tristan shipped off pretty early on Sunday morning and Taylor decided to head back to Delaware to take care of some chores, so by early afternoon the group had been reduced to the "four regulars" - D&C, Brewslut, and yours truly. Considering we had to work the following day and had a three-and-a-half hour drive ahead of us, it didn't stop us from undertaking a fairly ambitious schedule. Turns out we'd hit five breweries on this particular day, four of which were new to us Pour Travelers. </p><p>First up was another farm brewery, the brand spankin' new <a href="https://www.deathridgebrewery.com/" target="_blank">Death Ridge</a>. Situated on Higher Ground Farm on the outskirts of Culpeper County in the small town of Jeffersonton, VA, this brewery takes its inspiration from the American Civil War. The streams that wind through the property are part of what's called "Delridge Run." Originally known as "Deatherage Run," the name stems from William Deatherage, who settled in Culpeper County in 1675 after he and his two brothers had been granted 950 acres by King Charles II of England. Since the brewery is situated on part of this land, the owners decided to combine these two similar names and adopt Death Ridge as the name of the brewery. The actual site of the brewery was once used as a campsite during the Civil War, and many relics have been found all over the surrounding fields. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLbhtAdp_YdLKCnXzCyxDyWNP-Fmm_tWKzHsoptlfgKRi45qQPkVxcCp4hLpX8PczUY4CiRz7WX8s4vHugtO3KowJjwOdQoJh8LZrxAq7xUaV3-pqpwWbst5MpCUDGoteGYNzqZY20PBw/s2048/IMG_7359.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLbhtAdp_YdLKCnXzCyxDyWNP-Fmm_tWKzHsoptlfgKRi45qQPkVxcCp4hLpX8PczUY4CiRz7WX8s4vHugtO3KowJjwOdQoJh8LZrxAq7xUaV3-pqpwWbst5MpCUDGoteGYNzqZY20PBw/s320/IMG_7359.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Doesn't say anything about monkeys, so...</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>I noticed quite a bit of variety on the beer menu, so I decided that I flight was in order. Here's the run-down:</div><div><ul><li><b>Dark Mild</b> - an easy-drinking 2.5% English dark mild ale with notes of chocolate, toffee and lightly toasted bread. </li><li><b>Bonfire Lager</b> - clean, crisp Helles lager brewed with German malts and Noble hops. </li><li><b>Coffee Lager</b> - coffee-infused Vienna lager</li><li><b>Blackpowder Stout </b>- American stout offering traces of dark chocolate and coffee flavors. Brewed with Maris Otter, chocolate, special roast, and black malts.</li></ul></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwdZNNdPL04BnYVtlvCynaTbmd18AYmAhcW6Z_LVhKDjFfXsHjEQ248CZ94aeXJHwxFHKiCycseRFW9Uc8CJGOAxhImJ6VvWDNL2kXpQOjIARQR_-XPVK8KeERDVZJHvkxqLWYxngyghQ/s2048/IMG_7358.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwdZNNdPL04BnYVtlvCynaTbmd18AYmAhcW6Z_LVhKDjFfXsHjEQ248CZ94aeXJHwxFHKiCycseRFW9Uc8CJGOAxhImJ6VvWDNL2kXpQOjIARQR_-XPVK8KeERDVZJHvkxqLWYxngyghQ/s320/IMG_7358.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Like me, Pleeps prefers sitting in the shade.</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Although the main tasting room area is quite large, we decided to sit outside on the patio since Magpie was in tow. The weather was cooperating and it was a shady spot, so I had no qualms with getting some fresh air. As we worked on our beers/flights, we had a fairly long conversation with one of the owners, who told us all about the land, how the brewery got its name, and the history of the farm. He was also more than happy to chat about the beers, not to mention offer a discount when I told him I worked at Tröegs. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div>After finishing my flight, I decided to go with a full pour of <b>Brass Button IPA</b>, a<b> </b>hop-forward American IPA hopped with Citra and Cascade. I had a sip of Deuane's and it passed the taste test, so a pour of my own was in order. This old-school style IPA came across as more West than East coast (fine by me!) and hinted at notes of grapefruit and tropical fruits with a sweet, malty backbone and pleasant hop/malt balance.</div><div><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The beers here were all solid and respectable, especially for a brewery that had just opened a few months earlier (January 2021). I particularly enjoyed the Brass Button IPA, of which I had a full pour after the flight. Otherwise, I'd say I liked the Mild best of the lot from the flight. It's always nice to encounter this traditional albeit scarce beer style in our travels. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLG4HTyZc3Jt6GVYWa46OEUISM-mXYEHVlDMvTKlojRUmysiRBU7AD9s3lwUxZY_i7a35ziRzH295PPOXfHhL2cuf4bIYV4cpWreo2TvyxGaixBoxRY0bb3Fo_3awG_DDc9ad0iko_X4o/s2048/IMG_7360.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLG4HTyZc3Jt6GVYWa46OEUISM-mXYEHVlDMvTKlojRUmysiRBU7AD9s3lwUxZY_i7a35ziRzH295PPOXfHhL2cuf4bIYV4cpWreo2TvyxGaixBoxRY0bb3Fo_3awG_DDc9ad0iko_X4o/s320/IMG_7360.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Outside Powers Farm & Brewery</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Our next stop brought us to another farm brewery. Based in Midland, VA, <a href="https://www.powersfarmbrewery.com/" target="_blank">Powers Farm</a> is an integrated sustainable farm, hopyard and brewery that sits on 21-acres, although the majority of its operations take place on just two-and-a-half acres. On this land, the farm grows almost all of the ingredients it uses in its beers. Most of these come from organic and heirloom seed stock, and everything is grown sustainably without chemicals or pesticides. The farm even goes as far as to practice "companion planting," whereby it grows a wide variety of flowers to help attract beneficial insects such as bees. Its on-site hop yard is comprised of traditional American varieties, and they conduct an annual hop harvest each August. Powers Farm brews on a 5bbl brewhouse adjacent to its hop yard and garden, which churns out fresh "farm to glass" beers using the fruit, herbs and vegetables grown on-site. The farm even offers a produce CSA! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">And what they can't grow, they purchase from local purveyors and farms. Every batch of beer is fermented with custom-propagated yeast from a local lab called Jasper's Yeast, and 100% of its specialty malts are Virginia-grown and locally malted in Charlottesville by Murphy & Rude. If you're as intrigued as I am, you can read all about the history of the farm, its ingredients, and more by clicking <a href="https://www.powersfarmbrewery.com/about-our-farm" target="_blank">here</a>. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq8uyXjYZOhhTuPvofk_bm2GjtLPev9aOE79REezt65SZFQjo1HzgI0rGuuXiRzrn_G-zNGd79KiYqYcbEBNBYeO6c6c704zxs0_nXRKjX5hW4nysZQur9zoQSfbbj707xVM8ldSXED4w/s2048/IMG_7365.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq8uyXjYZOhhTuPvofk_bm2GjtLPev9aOE79REezt65SZFQjo1HzgI0rGuuXiRzrn_G-zNGd79KiYqYcbEBNBYeO6c6c704zxs0_nXRKjX5hW4nysZQur9zoQSfbbj707xVM8ldSXED4w/s320/IMG_7365.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Pleeps gets to know the beers at Powers Farm.</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div>With lots of interesting beers to be had, I opted for the<b> Lemongrass Pils</b>. I find the flavor of lemongrass to be refreshing and its aroma quite pleasant. This crisp, dry pilsner starts with a soft malt bill steeped with dried, farm-grown lemongrass added during the boil, which coaxes delicate floral aromas and the slightly citrusy flavor of this unique ingredient. This was quite refreshing and packed with flavor. I was off to a good start!</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJJUbmgqyClWQynXwDWWR-KEIMpjXbSJ9T9ZXWsdCdak5z86R3VmCX9kX-ce6F6wnY8yWEIdDLTppoC2zbmi9kNpKH-HcfUfIKlJ7BGmavh5YZxtoytEnwSiXFxjcbAqaCSY_8xgH8AqY/s2048/IMG_7361.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJJUbmgqyClWQynXwDWWR-KEIMpjXbSJ9T9ZXWsdCdak5z86R3VmCX9kX-ce6F6wnY8yWEIdDLTppoC2zbmi9kNpKH-HcfUfIKlJ7BGmavh5YZxtoytEnwSiXFxjcbAqaCSY_8xgH8AqY/s320/IMG_7361.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Pleeps has extraordinary powers!</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div></div><div><br /></div><div>I decided a second beer was in order, so I went with a pour of <b>Appalachian Corn</b>, an American-style lager brewed with a large portion of Virginia-grown red and yellow-hued, fully flavored Bloody Butcher and Golden Butcher corn. According to the folks at Powers Farm: "Bloody Butcher corn is an open pollinated heritage variety traditionally grown in Appalachia where seed savers have preserved this variety for centuries." This lager was very light and slightly crisp with a smooth, creamy texture. </div><div><br /></div><div>Meanwhile, we were starting to get hungry, and luckily a food truck called Rolling Wraps was on-site during our visit. After perusing the menu, I settled on a falafel wrap and a side of fries that was absolutely delicious! Brewslut and I also shared a pour of <b>Cold Moon</b>, an easy-drinking IPA brewed with a Virginia-cultivated yeast strain and hopped with 4lbs. per barrel of Citra, Mosaic, and Cascade. This was a light, citrusy, well-balanced IPA with a touch of bitterness in the finish. Nothing crazy; just a good, solid old-fashioned IPA. Sometimes you just need that kind of simplicity. </div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnAqIF2qirl_iAPs3bwHLxjjHOWckHed9-Cd-zMbyVMoYzwX0cvOzLqmHwKeqslYUxQ_-VMBC2isQhNFYFCeXg5Rm2lherme68YZ_py42xmacHudaNpBRORo8oZw-GVxD06jlg68CLVag/s2048/IMG_7366.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnAqIF2qirl_iAPs3bwHLxjjHOWckHed9-Cd-zMbyVMoYzwX0cvOzLqmHwKeqslYUxQ_-VMBC2isQhNFYFCeXg5Rm2lherme68YZ_py42xmacHudaNpBRORo8oZw-GVxD06jlg68CLVag/s320/IMG_7366.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">What's a farm without a tractor?</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We kind of stumbled upon our next stop, <a href="https://www.alteredsudsbeer.com/" target="_blank">Altered Suds</a>. This new brewery opened for business in 2019 with a simple business plan: to brew quality beer and have a cool place at which to enjoy it. (I think that's pretty much the goal of every small-town brewery, isn't it?) The brewery's owners and master brewer all grew up and went to school in town, which by the way happens to be Warrenton, VA. Like its off-centered beers, the brewery incorporates its collective passion for music, the arts, and - to quote them - "all things a little weird." The long, narrow tasting room ends with a small deck in the back overlooking a makeshift beer garden in the parking lot. If you're hungry, Molly's Irish Pub is right upstairs and offers a limited pub menu for guests Altered Suds. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhasVquqTooS4M3TP0mwXnBIzS1onSZ51YThMRO8i3LSfqxtY_Yf8mhpd-G97ACDan0aO57JKj5oIwIIsaEzgwxRv_k1g1lZSJtfQYT2VnL3xjw2QWwFGB4zAAUllLkSs9Rw54LpMrkL3o/s2048/IMG_7368.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhasVquqTooS4M3TP0mwXnBIzS1onSZ51YThMRO8i3LSfqxtY_Yf8mhpd-G97ACDan0aO57JKj5oIwIIsaEzgwxRv_k1g1lZSJtfQYT2VnL3xjw2QWwFGB4zAAUllLkSs9Rw54LpMrkL3o/s320/IMG_7368.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Outside Warrenton's Altered Suds Brewery.</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">After examining the eight available beers on tap, I narrowed my decision down to two IPAs. I got the low-down from the bartender and ultimately landed on <b>Late to the Tea Party</b>, an unfiltered IPA that was first released when the brewery opened its doors and has remained a fan favorite since the beginning. This was damn tasty, especially for a new brewery. The fact that they led with this beer is pretty impressive. I'd be happy if I was a local and this was the IPA I had to drink day in and day out. </div><div><a href="https://www.alteredsudsbeer.com/" target="_blank"><br /></a><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih7OhLKIiCtDDzKWs_XF7FEoAyksuNFxRfpRiHkPb7wfTWgPkip0DHPeVcXLJczPNU8EDUiV7zlChuBEt3mAXXCqFUG4exp1aRwQNwgRnQN5KzsozbMEdhldIZ_akmUoP0aALoK5wwqzs/s2048/IMG_7372.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih7OhLKIiCtDDzKWs_XF7FEoAyksuNFxRfpRiHkPb7wfTWgPkip0DHPeVcXLJczPNU8EDUiV7zlChuBEt3mAXXCqFUG4exp1aRwQNwgRnQN5KzsozbMEdhldIZ_akmUoP0aALoK5wwqzs/s320/IMG_7372.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Colorful beer boards at Altered Suds.</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">After a nice diversion frolicking through the farmlands of Virginia, it was time to continue our homeward trek. It seems like every trip we've gone on this year has included a stop at one of our favorite Frederick breweries, <a href="https://www.attaboybeer.com/" target="_blank">Attaboy</a>. It was fairly busy when we arrived, so we snagged a table outside. Once we got situated, Deuane and I went inside to order beers. When we got inside, there were two lines: the first was for people who knew what they wanted (i.e. no samplers); the second line was for those people who simply can't commit to a beer without trying it first. Heaven forbid! So wouldn't you know it, the people in front of us ask to get a flight, to which I replied, "C'mon man, didn't you see the sign?" The two of them looked at me like I was speaking another language. I was only kidding (half, perhaps), but I do wish people had more situational awareness. I suppose it comes from staring at a phone or similar device and "scrolling down" for hours on end. Oh well... I'd have to wait an extra 90 seconds for my beer. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhwFp1RV_IU1ZTmDRrvH27hDoEl0r-OEsyuiPBQyOfznbYUA5xwKJa9uThD4qJ8T5qApdvtpRWLfV3RG9HVK2Ht5OpCF2l07_6KPj3x2d89WUKZKilUgaedmtyEDHTiQ5g1QP6cov6ePY/s2048/IMG_7374.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhwFp1RV_IU1ZTmDRrvH27hDoEl0r-OEsyuiPBQyOfznbYUA5xwKJa9uThD4qJ8T5qApdvtpRWLfV3RG9HVK2Ht5OpCF2l07_6KPj3x2d89WUKZKilUgaedmtyEDHTiQ5g1QP6cov6ePY/s320/IMG_7374.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Obligatory "Attaboy, Pleeps!" caption.</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Since we've been talking about Attaboy a lot this year, let's just sit back and focus on the beers this time, shall we? This time, I opted for <b>The Whistler</b>, an old-school West Coast style IPA, which I don't ever recall having at Attaboy before. Hopped with Simcoe and Nelson Sauvin (I almost always order a beer when I see it features the latter variety), this crisp, slightly dry IPA boasts hints of citrus and juniper berry. To my good fortune, it finishes with a solid bready malt backbone and wash of good old bitterness across the palate. Imagine that. An IPA that's actually bitter. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div><br /></div><div>I followed this up with another IPA called <b>Boss of the World</b>, a 7.7% ABV hazy orange delight hopped with Citra and Strata. With hints of orange marmalade and mango, this was another winner in a long pedigree of fine beers from Attaboy. Strata hops are known to be both dank and fruity with somewhat of a weed-like aroma. A versatile variety that's been around for a little over a decade, this hop harnesses layers of fresh fruit flavors - think bright tropical fruit and juicy grapefruit - with a hint of sweet strawberry and mild cannabis vibe. </div><div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeH_ZFSu84XMNJcLkEVqGI_e_cc1F5zFtnfm1G03CKcgX_DI0dPYvkcGHHv5Fmt8CbLg7uutkhS-I5ebdBYTQ2Ci2wvSDEAfWJZqXsRljlv1uXox9TuJ4BUS17IJqvx1XjWZARQNo1_H8/s2048/IMG_7375.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeH_ZFSu84XMNJcLkEVqGI_e_cc1F5zFtnfm1G03CKcgX_DI0dPYvkcGHHv5Fmt8CbLg7uutkhS-I5ebdBYTQ2Ci2wvSDEAfWJZqXsRljlv1uXox9TuJ4BUS17IJqvx1XjWZARQNo1_H8/s320/IMG_7375.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Extreme close-up!</i></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We ended the evening at <a href="https://www.smoketowncreekside.com/" target="_blank">Smoketown Brewing</a>, which happens to be at the other end of the same block as Attaboy. We'd visited Smoketown's original location back in 2018 on my <a href="http://ffejherb.blogspot.com/2018/03/on-verge-of-44-part-1.html" target="_blank">On the verge of 44</a> birthday weekend jaunt. While we weren't terribly impressed, I always enjoy revisiting a brewery after a hiatus to see how they've evolved during the down-time. I seemed to have remembered this place more for the people-watching and less for the beer (check out the blog for details and a story about a guy we dubbed "Feets on Fire"). </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The brewery's main location is actually in Brunswick, MD. In the early 1900s, the town of Brunswick coined their famous nickname, Smoketown, after the valleys of the town were blanketed in smoke from coal trains passing through. This Frederick location opened in October 2019, complete with a 10bbl brewhouse and total brewing capacity of 40 barrels. Not too shabby! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYmMHW5NjsNO3FzmHA6tL4J_3NgO-AHpfWUSuIKDo3A4-QhqMKtwDePiB6_66ZPOxnVjzwgBoeZYvx0ecJ8lLIWKjHY3sgHh08asr9sZOcEX4leA4Js2ctUIepATXFPfT8XkhXQVc4oYg/s2048/IMG_7376.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYmMHW5NjsNO3FzmHA6tL4J_3NgO-AHpfWUSuIKDo3A4-QhqMKtwDePiB6_66ZPOxnVjzwgBoeZYvx0ecJ8lLIWKjHY3sgHh08asr9sZOcEX4leA4Js2ctUIepATXFPfT8XkhXQVc4oYg/s320/IMG_7376.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">This was our final "one and done" stop of the trip, so I had to make it count. There's nothing worse than ending an amazing drip on a down note with a shitty beer. I eyed up my choices and settled on <b>Smokestack</b>, a black IPA. Hopped with Citra and Centennial, this was a straight-up old-school black IPA with notes of bitter grapefruit amid chocolate and coffee notes. I was pleasantly surprised with this one, and was ultimately glad we swung by to check out this new Frederick location. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">And with that, it was all over. By this time, it was already dark out and we still had an hour-and-forty-minute drive ahead of us... with the new work week ready to rear its ugly head. We parted ways with D&C (and Magpie) and set the ol' GPS to the familiar "home" setting. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Well kids, another "birthday weekend" is in the books (although this was technically the week after my birthday). Somewhere out in the woods, there's a cabin that's calling my name. I'm already looking forward to next year's adventure... I just hope there's a working shower and shitter that flushes! Until next time...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsxgeSvtRmf5uEQyQF18zWQx3M1CQzW8ucjK33NG6KqU69-sssUKD1-eVA6NHegmvTEs4JIQz21PiIDmErQu-St9yGv3GTcsHqp1yBc5mdzpUSTJ1k-oXjc2fAoX9o8AvthBhO2rSwc10/s960/group+shot+Meadows+cabin.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsxgeSvtRmf5uEQyQF18zWQx3M1CQzW8ucjK33NG6KqU69-sssUKD1-eVA6NHegmvTEs4JIQz21PiIDmErQu-St9yGv3GTcsHqp1yBc5mdzpUSTJ1k-oXjc2fAoX9o8AvthBhO2rSwc10/s320/group+shot+Meadows+cabin.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>ffejherbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01444361671877120080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8277623370417580926.post-72486809818272861972021-04-29T15:54:00.004-04:002021-04-29T19:22:31.618-04:00Little Cabin in the Woods: Part I<p>For the last several years around my birthday, Brewslut and I have continued a streak of traveling with our long-time friends Deuane and Carolyn to partake in some casual brewery-hopping amid the picturesque landscapes of the Appalachian Mountains. Rather than hotel rooms or even Air B&B rentals, our lodging for these long weekends comes in the form of rustic cabins usually situated in quiet, remote areas. </p><p>For this particular weekend, we'd be "roughing it." We'd been informed by Deuane in advance that there'd be no running water or indoor bathroom; instead, we'd have to schlep water from a nearby spring or perhaps bring our own. The bathroom situation? We'd be required to use an old-school outhouse or, easier for us dudes with dangling bits, whip it out and use a nearby tree or bush. As someone who showers once daily (or more, depending on my gym schedule) and uses the "facilities" more often than the average person, the thought of not having these amenities at my disposal was nudging me to the verge of bowing out this time around. Of course, Brewslut talked me into it. Not since I'd traveled to northern Maine for a Phish festival had I not bathed in several consecutive days, and this trip would undoubtedly put an end to that streak. </p><p>So we set off one Thursday afternoon to Syria, VA, for a long weekend at Meadows Cabin, a dwelling of which Laura Ingles would likely be proud. The drive took about three-and-a-half hours (about the same time as it takes for us to get to Pittsburgh). We drove past GearHouse, Homaide and Cushwa along the way, and it killed us not to swing in for a beer at each. But it would have put the kibosh on our timeline, as we'd hoped to arrive before the sun set. After all, we had about a quarter-mile jog from our car to the cabin and would need to make a few trips.</p><p>In addition to D&C, we'd be joined by Taylor (whom you may remember from our trips to Delaware and Dogfish Head) as well as Deuane's favorite "beer son," Tristan, who has been in our close-knit circle of beer friends for quite some time (though he'd be joining us the following day). </p><p>The cabin is regularly available to members of the <a href="https://www.patc.net/" target="_blank">Potomac Appalachian Trail Club</a>, of which D&C are long-time members. In a nutshell, the PATC acquires, maintains and protects trails and land on the Appalachian Trail as well as adjacent trails and facilities in the region, and endeavors to provide a dynamic outdoor experience to hikers, nature lovers, and other outdoorsy folk. The PATC also maintains 42 cabins to provide hiking and outdoor experiences for its members as well as the general public. These cabins in its network extend from Charlottesville, VA, through Maryland and West Virginia, reaching as far north as Shippensburg, PA. To quote the PATC: "Each cabin tells a unique, vibrant story; constructed by forest rangers, PATC members and benefactors, the Civilian Conservation Corps, or even Prohibition-era moonshiners." As you will soon discover, Meadows Cabin will unravel the story of a dingy, unwashed middle-aged man who is forced to sleep in a chilly second-floor loft overcome with ladybugs and reduced to using a make-shift piss jug his wife fabricated from a used plastic one-gallon water bottle. While that all sounds abysmal to someone who takes for granted such necessities as hot running water, a microwave, and flushable moist wipes, it was a pretty amazing weekend. </p><p>Meadows Cabin is a semi-primitive chestnut log cabin built in 1913 by Edgar Meadows. It's located west of Syria, VA, on the east side of the Central District of Shenandoah National Park and features two rooms with an eat-in kitchen on the main floor and a large single room upstairs. Brewslut and I decided to take the loft, and the reason I opted for the piss jug is because the stairs were so narrow and the headspace was tight that I could see myself stumbling in the middle of the night to relieve myself only to crack my dome on the way down the stairs. While the cabin does have electricity, heat is provided by a wood stove, and the kitchen stove (which we didn't use) also requires wood. Here are some lovely photos Carolyn took of the cabin and its rooms: </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFgnTbIK3AKVSAQEUfY8BxZuxeUpAbvs7xuKZuH1zN0I0R4Q9ClFfZvEwaW-FNemyiHEc6CCyluJsA6rWXViOj61YMalH8O0eOUY52CPMOGmMEFh2Zubtfvnn10bVpJA3qXQJaiYG1-18/s1422/IMG_7383.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="1422" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFgnTbIK3AKVSAQEUfY8BxZuxeUpAbvs7xuKZuH1zN0I0R4Q9ClFfZvEwaW-FNemyiHEc6CCyluJsA6rWXViOj61YMalH8O0eOUY52CPMOGmMEFh2Zubtfvnn10bVpJA3qXQJaiYG1-18/w400-h180/IMG_7383.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikydze1cvjnq2lgNo06UCL6IUazxVNFrbiK6BYExCNqf_fD8kxFePQpahZvKdH8_2DkSik4wrMZdMP4mh1shL57K9Atyva7DlRhQWlkFzvy3KQAXqeRik-fV4IbdBSjQrnFb7GjGD4d0s/s1420/IMG_7382.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="1420" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikydze1cvjnq2lgNo06UCL6IUazxVNFrbiK6BYExCNqf_fD8kxFePQpahZvKdH8_2DkSik4wrMZdMP4mh1shL57K9Atyva7DlRhQWlkFzvy3KQAXqeRik-fV4IbdBSjQrnFb7GjGD4d0s/w400-h180/IMG_7382.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Exterior shots of Meadows Cabin.</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2YTxeoQwVvQRKyqdlLSnHFMukHCVxXKD5RtWYi4C-H9a7G_ucuLEtiiIV-GqYeDwGnCmkS-PNzRNk063-fksqfkAoeN6ryBxIq0U59ZSvIn0U-WbZUgYKksT_EN2BUCBHefHtWro1sug/s1420/IMG_7381.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="1420" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2YTxeoQwVvQRKyqdlLSnHFMukHCVxXKD5RtWYi4C-H9a7G_ucuLEtiiIV-GqYeDwGnCmkS-PNzRNk063-fksqfkAoeN6ryBxIq0U59ZSvIn0U-WbZUgYKksT_EN2BUCBHefHtWro1sug/w400-h180/IMG_7381.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3ArV-gfnVgzeKAIuLkv1QqD6ZNmidED6-QY4hJ42eROA5mRlys9C6MglLKehE2XxNc2ahy6ef-7oCsMOya3uQk9Dzg92RZqxW5GUX0AgMxBmZEKhTd0_AnL31CzU_VMDLGwqaEDcCYFc/s1420/IMG_7380.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="1420" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3ArV-gfnVgzeKAIuLkv1QqD6ZNmidED6-QY4hJ42eROA5mRlys9C6MglLKehE2XxNc2ahy6ef-7oCsMOya3uQk9Dzg92RZqxW5GUX0AgMxBmZEKhTd0_AnL31CzU_VMDLGwqaEDcCYFc/w400-h180/IMG_7380.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Upstairs loft area where Brewslut and I slept.</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqEh7juA0oQx0iRi4w3L8KOcuuLqSY_Xa1M-T2vTOihNUz4B7ekjMZCtwrSyXqTcYragCoANMitI0_eKlb_tMNvXQKKvoyfG_s3loFRAgOTyYCCk78YCEJ9cpH4km7PL3ieeK96xaemiU/s960/IMG_7379.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="659" data-original-width="960" height="274" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqEh7juA0oQx0iRi4w3L8KOcuuLqSY_Xa1M-T2vTOihNUz4B7ekjMZCtwrSyXqTcYragCoANMitI0_eKlb_tMNvXQKKvoyfG_s3loFRAgOTyYCCk78YCEJ9cpH4km7PL3ieeK96xaemiU/w400-h274/IMG_7379.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9RkG5R8Sh_ErqoBdoaBkahztAxxyuzTnLqspxseO2B9ch8t3OxJ4d9heDMkxsW1MO5ndS8mlYMxZ53x3PVfotDqz2fYUx-T2LP8bWcDR4oC5GqdzrgMiQqSQZiTUj9F_MaSb98qMx5Ik/s960/IMG_7378.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="610" data-original-width="960" height="254" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9RkG5R8Sh_ErqoBdoaBkahztAxxyuzTnLqspxseO2B9ch8t3OxJ4d9heDMkxsW1MO5ndS8mlYMxZ53x3PVfotDqz2fYUx-T2LP8bWcDR4oC5GqdzrgMiQqSQZiTUj9F_MaSb98qMx5Ik/w400-h254/IMG_7378.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Kitchen and dining room area.</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We arrived to Meadows Cabin as we'd hoped: before sunset. Although daylight was beginning to fade quickly, we made the jog to the cabin without incident. Once we got settled in, we enjoyed a plethora of beer brought by Deuane, Taylor and I. With no internet connection in such a remote part of the world, we didn't have the luxury of being able to access Untappd - first world problems, right? - but you can rest assured we sampled a fine assortment of beers including several one-off DFH beers brought by Taylor. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p style="text-align: left;">After a quick mile-long hike the following day, Tristan joined us and we were back to civilization with a few visits to some nearby breweries. First up was one that was new to all of us: <a href="http://octonia.beer/" target="_blank">Octonia Stone Brew Works</a> in Ruckersville, VA. The brewery's curious name is derived from an historic boundary marker, The Octonia Stone, located near Stanardsville, VA, which marks the westernmost boundary line of the Octonia Grant. A quick history lesson: In 1722, King George granted 24,000 acres of Virginia land to Lieutenant Governor Spotswood. Much of the grant was the very same land that Spotswood explored with his Knights of the Golden Horseshoe. On July 20, 1722, Spotswood passed on the grant to the Octonia Company, a group of eight prominent Virginians, who engraved an indigenous stone along the border with a figure (a cross atop a figure 8), which is incorporated into the brewery's logo. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_DpUAAh0A3IUec9GSExakAQLKKbGdI-PMdIoscJS8rCktR8kWcA4QKT4sEk4rDEbfAl1-BDNNTV09ZokLghXwgygetFitbPL7aPoYNI1t8sixve7Oyh_WLnXAYSVNQjcvl4aWIToya8k/s2048/IMG_7312.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_DpUAAh0A3IUec9GSExakAQLKKbGdI-PMdIoscJS8rCktR8kWcA4QKT4sEk4rDEbfAl1-BDNNTV09ZokLghXwgygetFitbPL7aPoYNI1t8sixve7Oyh_WLnXAYSVNQjcvl4aWIToya8k/s320/IMG_7312.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Cool quilt at Octonia Stone Brew Works (note the logo).</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><p><br /></p><div><div>Oddly enough, instead of a pre-Revolutoinary War vibe that would have been consistent with its origin story, we were greeted by a fairly modern-looking dwelling that was decorated with movie and music posters and memorabilia (especially the Grateful Dead). They even had a working Atari 2600 in the upstairs area, and I managed to sneak in a game of Adventure, one of my all-time favorite Atari cartridges!</div><div><br /></div><div>After perusing the menu, I opted for <b>Lode Star</b>, described as a smoked brown S'more ale. Despite being called an ale, this dark porter-like beer is actually fermented with lager yeast. Smoked and roasted malts lend a chocolatey backbone with just a hint of campfire smokiness. The addition of chocolate and toasted marshmallow syrup sweeten the pot - a bit too much, perhaps - and temper the smoky notes I'd hoped for. It was enjoyable overall, albeit not as complex as I'd hoped. With that said, I seemed to have been the clear winner of the group, because the rest of the beers ordered by our group (save Carolyn) were complete duds. Brandi's Milk Shake on You Crazy Diamond - while we appreciated the Pink Floyd reference - was completely undrinkable. We passed this abomination around the group and were greeted by a similar reaction and facial expression from all (I'll let you use your imagination). Everyone seemed to enjoy my Lode Star, though, and Deuane even decided to get his own pour after being disappointed by his selection. Sadly, he'd thought it was No Fracking Way, a fluffernutter stout that Tristan had and was equally as unappealing as Brewslut's IPA. Needless to say none of us helped him choke that one down. Aside from Deuane, this was a clear one-and-done visit. Time to move on to (hopefully) bigger and better things.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Up next was another familiar brewery, one that we'd visited during the Old Rag Shizzle weekend: <a href="https://baldtopbrewing.com/" target="_blank">Bald Top</a>. Bald Top is one of Virginia's many farm breweries, a trend that continues to grow steadily in the state due to legislation passed in 2014 allowing farms to begin operating breweries on their properties. As of August 2020, there were 31 licensed farm breweries throughout the state. Touted as "Virginia's first historic farm brewery," Bald Top is nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in the shadow of Bald Top Mountain. The brewery is situated on 53 acres of farmland that's actually listed in the Virginia Landmarks Register and also the National Register of Historic Places. On its farm, they grow five different varieties of hops to use in its beers. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I kicked things off with a pour of <b>Schwarzbier</b>, the traditional dark German-style lager I've been ranting on about for the last few blogs. This was pretty solid overall, with a dominant roasty malt character and hint of cocoa with a smidgen of crispness one would expect with the style. Not bad at all. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh73aMuUYwx2ATIwa0DiaJvJaOCaaCqSCs5eM_-muxM-WEr-Efzuo1tnrpzvnAy9eCNxsQB2gaWnKz1xC7aFz6F4JJFfCeAgV3P0t-v-iSX8o8viPhzsdJA7d5B1-_AYqcThXC8RTo4aU/s2048/IMG_7313.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh73aMuUYwx2ATIwa0DiaJvJaOCaaCqSCs5eM_-muxM-WEr-Efzuo1tnrpzvnAy9eCNxsQB2gaWnKz1xC7aFz6F4JJFfCeAgV3P0t-v-iSX8o8viPhzsdJA7d5B1-_AYqcThXC8RTo4aU/s320/IMG_7313.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Pleeps likes BOTH kinds of beer: dark and light.</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I followed up the Schwarzbier with <b>Secretly Smoked Lager</b>, a beer the folks at Bald Top promise "hints of smoked ham." The base beer is actually light amber lager but it definitely has a smoked ham flavor in the backend. This one was enjoyable, and it's always nice to see the words "smoked" on a beer menu. Meanwhile, we grabbed a few pies from the on-site wood-fired kitchen. I'm pretty easy to please when it comes to... well, just about anything... but Taylor wasn't down with the 'za here. I was more than happy helping him finish his pie, though. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Like many of the breweries in this region of the country, the view at Bald Top is impressive. With that said, we were having a nice time and decided to stay for another round, so I went big and black with a pour of <b>Russian Imperial Stout</b>. According to Bald Top, this beer is a direct descendent of its original 2017 RIS. Brewed the previous July, it had been aging ever since. This one was definitely pretty heavy on the boozy bourbon character, but notes of chocolate, coffee and vanilla mingled with the warm alcohol notes. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Friday was a short day. After hitting just two breweries, we decided to head back to the cabin, as Deuane was preparing an epic meal featuring wild-caught Alaskan salmon as the entrée. Plus we had plenty of beer to drink. To add to the ambiance, Taylor brought his portable turntable to the sparsely appointed cabin for our listening pleasure. He had asked me to pick out about ten records I thought he'd like, which I was happy to do. I actually put quite a bit of thought into my selections, and I had to narrow down my picks to twenty. I went heavy on jazz/rock/fusion with a few prog rock favorites. Herbie Hancock's <i>Man-Child</i> proved a favorite of the weekend, and he was also really excited that I brought along "Weird" Al's <i>In 3-D</i>, the only of his I have on vinyl. The record player provided plenty of entertainment throughout the weekend as we cracked open beers and enjoyed the warmth of the wood-burning oven. After a fine evening session, it was off to bed (thankfully it was much warmer in the loft compared to Thursday night... and I only had to use my piss jug once during the middle of the night). </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><div>After some breakfast and a lengthy morning hike on Cedar Run Trail in Shenandoah National Park (including some fantastic views of three different waterfalls), it was time to get cleaned up as best as we could and venture off to a new-to-us brewery called <a href="https://www.skyline-brewing.com/" target="_blank">Skyline</a>. Also known as Little Washington Winery & Brewery, this hidden gem of a place is tucked away in Virginia Wine Country's sweet spot near the Thornton Gap entrance to Shenandoah National Park. While they've been handcrafting old world-style artisan wines from its estate vines for more than seventeen years, brewing is a new venture for them. In addition to well-appointed tasting rooms, they have a wonderful deck area, sprawling, well-kept grounds and even a disc golf course. Also, they offer sixteen different classes in an attempt to educate folks on the finer points of wine and food pairing. </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgyIQSpSE2sdi0k6Nvhw5seimR7Z64NIkwvKDskeoHGo2KoBhCuDEpbZ8X6Dg6a1F5XcUSQI9WkMG3YoE514Zqx4gziCBRdLhsSeXHJBgC7LKHXCec3kvx-K8vH74Mg1ClTjgwwQ998Sc/s2048/IMG_7315.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgyIQSpSE2sdi0k6Nvhw5seimR7Z64NIkwvKDskeoHGo2KoBhCuDEpbZ8X6Dg6a1F5XcUSQI9WkMG3YoE514Zqx4gziCBRdLhsSeXHJBgC7LKHXCec3kvx-K8vH74Mg1ClTjgwwQ998Sc/s320/IMG_7315.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Pleeps exploring the grounds at Little Washington aka Skyline.</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Right off the bat, though, I felt like I was at some upper echelon country club, as a 16oz pour of beer in a plastic cup was $10 plus tax. We were all pretty vexed by this, and I joked that "the place down the road charges $10 for beer, so why can't we?" (That place is Pen Druid, a brewery I wouldn't bat an eye at spending $10 for a beer.) At any rate, I decided to go with a safe bet, a <b>Cacao Nib Porter</b>. While it wasn't worth almost $13 after tax and tip, I think I made the right decision, as some of the others weren't too jazzed about their beers. This was solid enough, with ample body, smooth creaminess, and a pleasant dark cocoa flavor amid the sweetness. The scenery was magnificent, so perhaps they worked the ambiance of the place into the cost of the beer. </div></div><div><br /></div><div>Weather-wise, it was turning into a lovely day, and we had no issues setting outside on the patio while we worked on our beers and conversed with each other. I took a little stroll around the grounds and snapped a few photos, the following of which is my personal favorite. That Pleeps... what a social butterfly. He's always busy making new friends. </div><div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBLGgqrUhglPG8ENPOObE-0rwIoI_hWkyX2E4hUQePwZxLR59y4yHvLU3mR8_1YAY4ka8YkSJs_D4-jZqr9JNjSrUjwPbEkg6_3NWK057XoOK5F1SKdwSniOjCK8Rn5ycIuxA8pNDCoyM/s2048/IMG_7317.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBLGgqrUhglPG8ENPOObE-0rwIoI_hWkyX2E4hUQePwZxLR59y4yHvLU3mR8_1YAY4ka8YkSJs_D4-jZqr9JNjSrUjwPbEkg6_3NWK057XoOK5F1SKdwSniOjCK8Rn5ycIuxA8pNDCoyM/w320-h240/IMG_7317.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Pleeps and his new pink friends.</i></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div><div>After our one-and-done visit to Skyline, it was time to head to the brewery I was most excited to visit again: <a href="http://www.pendruid.com/" target="_blank">Pen Druid</a>. I was anxious to check out the new brewery, as they'd just moved to a brand new location in Sperryville, VA, last October. Pen Druid is owned and operated by the three brothers: Lain, Van and Jennings Carney (who also perform in a psych-rock band called Pontiak that's apparently big in Europe). In conjunction with Black Hops farm, the three brothers opened Pen Druid in August 2015. The brewery takes its name from an old family farm, which sits on the Thornton River in Rappahannock County, just a few miles downstream from the brewery. </div><div><br /></div><div>One of my favorite aspects of this brewery (and also one of its most unique) is that it focuses on wild and barrel-aged beers, spontaneous fermentation, and natural carbonation. Shortly after opening its doors, the brothers cultivated its own proprietary blend of wild yeasts and bacteria from the Virginia Piedmont, which represents the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Terroir" target="_blank">terroir</a> of its native Rappahannock County. It's in this spirit that the Pen Druid brothers also began their spontaneous fermentation program utilizing two copper-lined coolships. Quick lesson for you: A coolship (based on the Flemish word "koelschip") is a broad, flat, open-top fermentation vessel, which allows wort to cool and simultaneously collect airborne yeast and bacteria to inoculate the beer naturally, thus creating spontaneous fermentation. </div><div><br /></div><div>As if using a coolship wasn't traditional enough, these guys brew on a 10bbl wood-fired brewhouse. Yes, you read that correctly... a <i>wood-fired</i> brewhouse! Now that's old-school! I can only imagine how labor-intensive their brewing process is, not to mention how difficult it must be to control the temperature of the mash boil. Brewing beer is a finicky science, so Pen Druid's archaic way of crafting its beers is a lost artform during a time of automated, push-button brewing systems with all the bells and whistles. Methinks those brewing Belgian monks of centuries past would be proud of Pen Druid!</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnGHYwROXE_e15VJX3v75fo_312kKW7PbhsCEUpkFcd-vbEQsb1UzBscxzkyilLr38lizmFn9lYEWoMA0UkUSZ2IdkyjTeGrYCOvmRzgepZUoYeFcCv5MUz2ftN9m_P4yKQHrB0gMVGB4/s2048/IMG_7319.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnGHYwROXE_e15VJX3v75fo_312kKW7PbhsCEUpkFcd-vbEQsb1UzBscxzkyilLr38lizmFn9lYEWoMA0UkUSZ2IdkyjTeGrYCOvmRzgepZUoYeFcCv5MUz2ftN9m_P4yKQHrB0gMVGB4/s320/IMG_7319.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Pen Druid's wood-fired brewhouse (above) and coolship (below).<br /><br /></span></i></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHC4AbGEHFgH2P6S0YTSLUXVPPsZyfV-s80Bepor64sJYc8R0-jEvCK8yaWS-2moE7TFAu-8UrVy-e_wvh52C8csNDN_GyOc6NYJbgCuwiCSzO8Yp0ozeSWKfMINosqe8o2NVP4rLlIaw/s2048/IMG_7318.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHC4AbGEHFgH2P6S0YTSLUXVPPsZyfV-s80Bepor64sJYc8R0-jEvCK8yaWS-2moE7TFAu-8UrVy-e_wvh52C8csNDN_GyOc6NYJbgCuwiCSzO8Yp0ozeSWKfMINosqe8o2NVP4rLlIaw/s320/IMG_7318.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>As soon as I spotted <b>Amaro </b>on its short but diverse tap list, I immediately knew I wanted it. An 11% ABV dark sour ale aged in bourbon barrels, this deep, rich amaretto-colored beer is then aged in fresh oak barrels before finally resting on organic oranges. The beer is most likely based on the Italian herbal liqueur of the same name. Amaro (Italian for "bitter") is commonly consumed as an after-dinner digestif. Its bitter-sweet flavor and thick, sticky texture was well-represented in this beer. Though it was an absolute joy to drink, I wish I'd ended with this one! </div><div><br /></div><div>The vibe at the new location was in stark contrast to the one I'd experienced two years ago. Of course, we were sitting outside on a beautiful early spring day rather than inside an old farm-style building in the evening. However, both visits were enjoyable and quite memorable for very different reasons. One thing still remained, though: the amazing beer: Up next was a pour of <b>Spiritual Nurse</b>, a lightly hopped, wild Virginia amber ale brewed with a portion of local 2-row malted barley and fermented with Pen Druid's proprietary "Flower" wild culture strain. This beer encapsulates everything this brewery is about: old world craftsmanship with a true taste of the region. </div><div><br /></div><div>I was in a charitable mood, so I excused myself to snap a few pictures. However, when I returned to the group I was joined by a recently procured 750mL bottle of a beer called <b>Spontaneous Raspberries</b>. As the label reads: "Brewed in the traditional spontaneous method. Made with malt, raw wheat from the farm at Sunnyside, aged hops, our well water and wood-fires. Conditioned on raspberries." I knew we simply all had to try this beer. I don't regret it.</div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCQRtTBB3x_rl7et3QSASAKTkaF2pjheQu_0ZBAycIdDaiuLCf5SftuwRAM53-ZaCRKbp1LgnKVPBuFsejJFHSBK_tNBfRxK4JaJishsAiYrC3QusZwaUpQzObTV9y_O1ISDToQ9kfj7A/s2048/IMG_7324.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCQRtTBB3x_rl7et3QSASAKTkaF2pjheQu_0ZBAycIdDaiuLCf5SftuwRAM53-ZaCRKbp1LgnKVPBuFsejJFHSBK_tNBfRxK4JaJishsAiYrC3QusZwaUpQzObTV9y_O1ISDToQ9kfj7A/s320/IMG_7324.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Pleeps gets in on the action... of course!</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>My expectations were high, and Pen Druid did not disappoint. Of course, I knew the beers would be top-notch (I didn't mind paying $10 for a pour of <i>this </i>beer). Add a table full of friends and a happy-go-lucky little monkey mascot, and you've got the makings of a perfect Pour Travelers day. This photo succinctly sums up our collective mood during our visit to Pen Druid:</div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqFryDC8MOd00AC0uYC9w0FpVTuNkEUhYdM777rOML6CqexEFYljDeV2TX5goOGvhRWn9eGzADIcyejaLZSGEYpVoWk30MLtBteZ5EWFQCP_EKZ4QNMyy2jnW1IHQO4hYHkrsi77NZx7o/s2046/IMG_7326.JPEG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1537" data-original-width="2046" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqFryDC8MOd00AC0uYC9w0FpVTuNkEUhYdM777rOML6CqexEFYljDeV2TX5goOGvhRWn9eGzADIcyejaLZSGEYpVoWk30MLtBteZ5EWFQCP_EKZ4QNMyy2jnW1IHQO4hYHkrsi77NZx7o/s320/IMG_7326.JPEG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Cheers to Pen Druid for a memorable afternoon!</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div><div>Up next was more familiar territory with a fun visit to <a href="http://www.hopkinsordinary.com/" target="_blank">Hopkins Ordinary Ale Works</a>. We'd been there just once before, about two years prior (also for my birthday weekend, as told in <a href="http://ffejherb.blogspot.com/2019/05/old-rag-shizzle-part-2.html" target="_blank">Old Rag Shizzle: Part 2</a>) and enjoyed it quite a bit. Not only are the beers solid with a traditional bent, the place reminded me a bit of Selin's Grove, if only for its diminutive size and quaint atmosphere and colonial décor. <div><br /></div><div>Situated in the cellar of an operating Bed & Breakfast, Hopkins Ordinary is a small-batch brewery made with locally sourced barley that's malted right up the road by Copper Fox Distillery as well as other local, seasonal ingredients like hops, honey, fruit and herbs, when available. While the tasting room is tiny yet charming, it's the Biergarten - sprawled out under a huge elm tree and surrounded by plants in the summer or a fire pit in winter - that's the focal point of this small brewery. </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiShyphenhyphenYCXzosxrNm7W0eub6ou9HsXoHACn5lw1bPY1Rj4xIyEWSak1LBGjTz-0f_07mUn5NIUi3-VRoDckrLpZyL7TdE-HStcYKZEEKS79HMtrAsbmEUnh4i1nJvMqzBayxFeik8DKPrTWY/s2048/IMG_7328.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiShyphenhyphenYCXzosxrNm7W0eub6ou9HsXoHACn5lw1bPY1Rj4xIyEWSak1LBGjTz-0f_07mUn5NIUi3-VRoDckrLpZyL7TdE-HStcYKZEEKS79HMtrAsbmEUnh4i1nJvMqzBayxFeik8DKPrTWY/s320/IMG_7328.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Entrance to Hopkins' tasting room.</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>I started with a beer I'd enjoyed on our first visit: <b>Mary's Rauch Smoked Honey Rye Ale</b>. As you already know, rauchbiers are a favorite of mine and due to their scarcity, I'll almost always order one. Occasionally I'll pass if I really craving hops, but 9 times out of 10 I'm going to order one when I encounter one. The smokiness here is fairly mild but pleasant and nuanced, with traces of applewood, tobacco and campfire all propped up by a sweet-and-spicy backbone courtesy of honey and rye added into the mix. I find this one to be a very approachable smoked beer that is equally enjoyable for novices and hardened aficionados alike. </div><div><b><br /></b></div><div>I kept things traditional and went with <b>Stony Man ESB</b>. I hadn't had an ESB in quite some time and I suddenly had a hankering for this - despite its name - malty British style. An "Extra Special Bitter" is somewhat of an antiquated style that, though once popular in the early days of the American craft beer movement, has all but disappeared at most small breweries... especially the "trendy" ones. The style is known for its balance of malty sweetness and hop bitterness. Tröegs HopBack Amber, for example, was born out of its original ESB recipe. Back in the day, it was commonplace for - to borrow from the nomenclature of the times - "microbreweries" like Tröegs, Appalachian, Stoudt's, etc. to have an ESB in its arsenal of beers. This one was a pretty solid interpretation of the style, although I prefer a tad more hop potency in my ESB. There's something about those faint fruity esters and flowery perfumes when they blend with that big caramel and toffee malt character that gets me. This style is especially magnificent on a traditional beer engine (aka "on cask"). </div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAMWpzEkDO6ld0BWAYGgBUfl5QLjpQcvxs88ViXJik2XUECFe_-jN_3ugmemzSzVMgd51aN0XZGZ-gvbFxKMmwJskscbsrUsmBrfhhupMZFvlCI_lB2cJtztOnJnyerbSPs6Fjb268doM/s2048/IMG_7329.JPEG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAMWpzEkDO6ld0BWAYGgBUfl5QLjpQcvxs88ViXJik2XUECFe_-jN_3ugmemzSzVMgd51aN0XZGZ-gvbFxKMmwJskscbsrUsmBrfhhupMZFvlCI_lB2cJtztOnJnyerbSPs6Fjb268doM/w240-h320/IMG_7329.JPEG" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Me and D acting like idiots at Hopkins.</i></span></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I don't remember a whole heck of a lot at our final stop of the day, <a href="https://shotwellrunbrewing.com/" target="_blank">Shotwell Run</a>. It was a one-and-done stop for us, as the day was quickly coming to an end. Nestled in the gorgeous country surroundings of Old Rag, Shotwell Run focuses on classic beer styles rather than hazy juice bombs, fruited sours, pastry stouts and the like. In addition to brewing beers in small batches, it also operates its on-site sister company, Blue Quartz Winery, which produces a variety of wines and ciders. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikEq7gmt6s5xEEzoPGK37oCLqS5sww0eWTkZGllgH4zsRlNVYQsX1MhlzULwKfCk031J43Gq7aDswDJ_PzdMw1Vz80RY6U9Xsi5jDY9RtqQYkBVjLdINhH1hf4EUBqVKQUlqDGI52jO5M/s2048/IMG_7330.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikEq7gmt6s5xEEzoPGK37oCLqS5sww0eWTkZGllgH4zsRlNVYQsX1MhlzULwKfCk031J43Gq7aDswDJ_PzdMw1Vz80RY6U9Xsi5jDY9RtqQYkBVjLdINhH1hf4EUBqVKQUlqDGI52jO5M/s320/IMG_7330.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Outside Shotwell Run</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div>I opted for the old-school <b>Centennial 5 Cent</b>, an IPA named not only for its contents but also the hopping process it employs. This moderately bitter IPA boasts five additions of classic Centennial hops from the Pacific Northwest for a blend of grapefruit and orange notes accent by traces of pine resin. Nothing mind-blowing here; just a solid, well-crafted IPA with a pleasant malt-hop balance and some bitterness in the backend. What else can you ask for? </div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivJPbdSAY-NXuRskA3DuJ2Qv6N0o5VdBCwQcc7k_v6A1GF4WMrN0LpMdccC50UCAongrJp__IqgxMorsOKu9RhM8zO-4u4yZPQC14FvFYkRgISfy3oly6C4dFtnjc7az6i1bI3x1cqLlY/s2048/IMG_7332.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivJPbdSAY-NXuRskA3DuJ2Qv6N0o5VdBCwQcc7k_v6A1GF4WMrN0LpMdccC50UCAongrJp__IqgxMorsOKu9RhM8zO-4u4yZPQC14FvFYkRgISfy3oly6C4dFtnjc7az6i1bI3x1cqLlY/s320/IMG_7332.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Pleeps is ready to raise the white flag.</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">By this time, we were ready to head back to the cabin and break into some of the beers we all brought to share, which was quite a haul. By the end of the weekend, the mantle of the fireplace was littered with stacks of (mostly) cans and a few scattered crowlers and bottles. We didn't hit it as hard as we did on Thursday or even Friday, as we'd already enjoyed a long day of brewery hopping. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Stay tuned for Part II, as we make our way back home, but not before hitting up some new breweries as well as an old favorite. Until next time...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPdyiYszIc7uKeuyRGh9QVfWCjXvmy94E6XsuBWgioRuBgVq40-7HqU7LJ9dOG9w4wtti4_ttsZUl_S_Q-O7bellfkiUxlnGUZbmU9tblEspFT2ZYYMFOtxpcowQCHBZfwrB0agYffBZU/s1420/IMG_7384.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="1420" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPdyiYszIc7uKeuyRGh9QVfWCjXvmy94E6XsuBWgioRuBgVq40-7HqU7LJ9dOG9w4wtti4_ttsZUl_S_Q-O7bellfkiUxlnGUZbmU9tblEspFT2ZYYMFOtxpcowQCHBZfwrB0agYffBZU/w400-h180/IMG_7384.JPG" width="400" /><br /></a></div></div></div></div><p></p></div></div></div></div>ffejherbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01444361671877120080noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8277623370417580926.post-45765799235240164222021-04-25T13:25:00.002-04:002021-04-25T17:01:01.384-04:00"Maybe I can twist you arm..." <p>We had it all planned out. Brewslut and I were going to pick up Doug and Lynn at their house in Hershey, then head down to York for lunch and hit a few breweries and record stores. Then we showed up and Doug threw a wrench into our agenda by saying, "Maybe I can twist your arm and we can head down to Baltimore." The weather was certainly cooperating, and after a brief moment of thought, I realized that Baltimore was only about another 40 minutes from York. So it was settled. We're callin' audibles like champs! Unfortunately, we hadn't planned on making the day a full-on brewery day, so Pleeps was not in tow with us. Sad panda. </p><p>We still kept true to our original intention of hitting up <a href="https://collusiontapworks.com/" target="_blank">Collusion Tap Works</a> for lunch. But first, we swung by Mothership, a great little record store on Mt. Rose Ave. in York. Things got off to a slow start for me, but once I hit the "M" section or thereabouts, I quickly had a pile of records that was going home with me. </p><p>But we're here to talk beer, so let's get to that. </p><p>Collusion is far and away my favorite brewery in York. Before I discovered a few cool record stores in town, I had no other reason to visit York aside from grabbing a few beers at Collusion. Open since September 2016, Collusion operates on a 7-bbl brewhouse as well as a 1-bbl pilot system to brew test batches. These guys came out of the gate swinging and haven't slowed down one bit, churning out stand-up versions of just about every possible beer style under the sun. IPAs, lagers, coffee stouts, fruit beers, Belgians, sours, traditional styles, and more. You name it, they've done it... and chances are they've done it well. I even had the pleasure of Collusion pouring beer at my last Ffej of July event in 2019. </p><p>Since it was early in the day when we arrived - brunch time, perhaps - I felt it was appropriate to kick off my day with a maple French toast version of its coffee milk stout, <b>Fresh Pots</b>. I'd had a chocolate cherry variant a while back, and it was quite tasty. This particular version wasn't too sweet; instead, it offered wisps of vanilla, cinnamon and maple syrup flavor amid the roasty coffee goodness of the base beer. Also, you gotta love the name Fresh Pots. I can neither deny nor confirm its origins, but I'm fairly certain the name of this beer was inspired by an old video of Dave Grohl in the recording studio with Foo Fighters, which shows him running around and screaming "Fresh pots!" at the top of his lungs. Of course, he's looking for coffee and apparently needs an abundance of caffeine flowing through his veins to make musical magic. Fair enough. (The video is hilarious, buy the way.)</p><p>I followed this up with <b>Welcome Back</b>, a delicious take on a hazy IPA brewed with flaked oats and Verdant ale yeast. (We'll get to the hops in a minute, but first I've got a public service announcement about yeast.) Although its always been an important ingredient in the brewing process, yeast has routinely taken a back seat to hops and malt when people discuss flavor and aroma profiles in beer. However, beer drinkers are slowly beginning to take notice on how yeast can completely change the profile of a beer using the same base ingredients. Developed with England's Verdant Brewing Company, this particular yeast strain produces a soft and balanced malt profile with slightly more body than a typical American IPA yeast strain, coaxing notes of apricot, tropical fruit and citrus, flavors which merge seamlessly with the character of the hops. </p><p>As for the hops, Welcome Back features some newfangled varieties including Citra and Mosaic Cryo hops (remember <a href="http://ffejherb.blogspot.com/2021/03/everything-falls-into-church-part-i.html" target="_blank">my lesson</a> on those a few blogs ago?) and - prepare for yet another hop lesson - Citra Incognito. Incognito is an all-natural hop flavor product specifically designed to be used in the whirlpool. MORE DETAILS HERE!!!!!</p><p>I ended with a pour of <b>Schwarzbier</b>, a classic German-style dark lager. I've been digging this style as of late, probably when Deuane and I had one at Desperate Times in Carlisle a while back. I've been drinking a fair amount of lagers lately, and I will typically order a Schwarzbier if I see one on tap in my travels. This was a fine example of the style, with notes of cocoa, coffee and roast. And with that, it was time to visit the restroom then hit the rickety road - OK, the interstate - to Baltimore. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZw0Fu9zdW4byYaF4VnLj4X9b71BuwDoUwKTtfr_qeXK1TFkKWPMgNuTKyfxnNAjKtwdh_JJq5Mepzi-QkX9mvCFKmlW5oC0YsxCwnRrYq9GZRRzLCVOrYJ6PVvvWjEvV3PvyJVVerJS8/s2048/IMG_7299.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZw0Fu9zdW4byYaF4VnLj4X9b71BuwDoUwKTtfr_qeXK1TFkKWPMgNuTKyfxnNAjKtwdh_JJq5Mepzi-QkX9mvCFKmlW5oC0YsxCwnRrYq9GZRRzLCVOrYJ6PVvvWjEvV3PvyJVVerJS8/s320/IMG_7299.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Outside Baltimore's Nepenthe Brewing Company.</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><p><br /></p><p>As we get down to Baltimore every once in a while, <a href="https://www.nepenthebrewingco.com/" target="_blank">Nepenthe</a> had been on my radar for a few months. I actually had it in the "notepad" section of my phone, and I remembered there was a brewery in Baltimore that somebody told me about or that I'd read about recently. A relative newcomer to the ever-growing Baltimore beer scene, Nepenthe actually started back in 2013 as a homebrew shop but eventually moved due to flooding. Built on a mission to become “a brewery with food, not a restaurant with beer," Nepenthe was born and finally moved into an expanded facility in January 2019 complete with a shiny new 10bbl brewhouse, on-site taproom, and its award-winning homebrew store. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNLuMCDKp1_sFafQQJF6WFbYfHgak5AY-B0ZlR8cOfDhvLq8OpyIEdLsXhObdJIMekX4P3QhoMXoGEthjFokdtbLegC2DILWqHZ0c5FoSjzqglxR7VBXxkLo96cn6hwzkivbudLRj6LPQ/s2048/IMG_7301.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNLuMCDKp1_sFafQQJF6WFbYfHgak5AY-B0ZlR8cOfDhvLq8OpyIEdLsXhObdJIMekX4P3QhoMXoGEthjFokdtbLegC2DILWqHZ0c5FoSjzqglxR7VBXxkLo96cn6hwzkivbudLRj6LPQ/s320/IMG_7301.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">What's on tap at Nepenthe? Lots of IPAs, for starters!</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><p><br />Being our inaugural visit, I decided to dip my toes into its offerings with a sampler flight. Since the brewery is primarily known for its IPAs, I decided to go all-in with hops and ordered IPAs exclusively. Here's the run-down:</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b>Space Jellyfish </b>- Brewed with barley, wheat, rye, oats, and honey malt, this IPA is hopped with Galaxy, Motueka and Simcoe, then double dry-hopped with the same blend. Soft yet dank with juicy notes of tropical fruit and papaya. </li><li><b>Odin's Bane</b> - DIPA hopped with Riwaka, Nelson Sauvin, Vic Secret and Mosaic and rife with bubblegum, citrus, strawberry, and a hint of white grape.</li><li><b>Pyromancer </b>- crisp, dry West Coast-style DIPA featuring Citra and Simcoe at the forefront with supporting roles courtesy of old-schoolers Chinook, Cascade and Centennial. This one boasts earthy notes, pine resin, freshly cut grass, and citrus fruit with a fair amount of bitterness on the palate. </li><li><b>Dubbabeebweepa </b>- DIPA based on an IPA called Beebweepa but amped up to 8.7% ABV. Built on the same malt base and hop bill, this hopped-up version cranks things up with extra Citra, Mosaic and Amarillo, then chucks some Galaxy into the mix for a blast of tropical citrus. This one is soft and creamy with just a hint of bitterness. </li></ul><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSoHODzTuGta82XP7Py4NBa28jCRpc6nOaBtE-jNV8Ylg7njzs0YLzXqWXIWpXiPNXJHjAdVCmfB52tjkC2x6gSPSk_6p7OGdo0yY9lx_0uNcdWixaHgmreucpOI7ZA2k5PEEw7kSamRI/s320/IMG_7302.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSoHODzTuGta82XP7Py4NBa28jCRpc6nOaBtE-jNV8Ylg7njzs0YLzXqWXIWpXiPNXJHjAdVCmfB52tjkC2x6gSPSk_6p7OGdo0yY9lx_0uNcdWixaHgmreucpOI7ZA2k5PEEw7kSamRI/s0/IMG_7302.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Where my monkey at?!</i></span></td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p>I enjoyed all four beers quite a bit, and everyone in the group was digging their selections. During our session, I was fixated on some of the brewery's T-shirts, which were on display above the bar. Their artwork is colorful and screams outer space, with equal parts Star Trek and heavy metal. Some of the designs and color schemes reminded me of various Mastodon T-shirts I've seen throughout the years, some of which I own. I was torn between two equally bad-ass designs, one for its Pyromancer and the other for Space Jellyfish. I'll never buy a shirt with a beer label if I hadn't tried - and enjoyed - said beer. Luckily, I'd sampled both of these and enjoyed each equally. After some careful deliberation, I decided on the <a href="https://www.nepenthebrewingco.com/product-page/new-space-jellyfish-tee" target="_blank">Space Jellyfish design</a>, which I felt was a bit more colorful than the design for Pyromancer. So I guess I can add yet another brewery T-shirt to the pile. I look forward to a return visit to this fantastic up-and-coming brewery!</p><p>While we were at Nepenthe, I decided to try my luck and Google "record stores near me" for shits and giggles. Wouldn't you know it, there was a record store ripe for the picking just two doors down from the brewery. What are the chances? I suppose I've got good beer karma! Doug and I headed two doors down to Celebrated Summer for a bit of digging while the ladies held down the fort at Nepenthe and enjoyed another round. Unfortunately for Doug, the selection was vinyl only; not that he needs any more CDs, though. Doug is a CD guy whose collection is so massive it wallpapers his entire man cave. He helped me look for some stuff on my want list and I left with a healthy stack of wax. I also think I re-sparked his interest in records while sifting through the rows here. I could hear the spark of the kindling firing up. (Editor's note: Doug bought a mac-daddy turntable about two weeks after our little Baltimore excursion.) After a successful stroll down to Celebrated Summer, I returned to Nepenthe with my haul and we headed to our next stop... but not before purchasing a pretty bad-ass T-shirt. (I'd be remiss if I didn't mention the awesome artwork adorning Nepenthe's cans and merch. The shirt has since been in my regular rotation of T-shirts since this little trip.) </p><p>Since Brewslut had yet to visit the new <a href="https://www.unioncraftbrewing.com/" target="_blank">Union Craft Brewing</a> space and Doug and Lynn hadn't been there either, I suggested it as our next stop. I really enjoyed our visit about two years ago for our <a href="http://ffejherb.blogspot.com/2019/07/troegs-field-trip-2019.html" target="_blank">Tröegs Field Trip</a>, and their beers are great. With a simple motto of "Beer unites!" it's no wonder why Union is a hallmark of Baltimore's burgeoning beer scene. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA3KKR03qSBgIgt2qK45mld6Kb56F_H22f3xmQzlncoD4Oc_1PdtXeFyuLu5Z-Shdtd9smVhaqNsd8fr4DeTQvz7Kd0zkqNTMIPqAsrFZfBO98B5qNbjG5bVu7rk4vIO-SjDZwzncc2wc/s2048/union.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA3KKR03qSBgIgt2qK45mld6Kb56F_H22f3xmQzlncoD4Oc_1PdtXeFyuLu5Z-Shdtd9smVhaqNsd8fr4DeTQvz7Kd0zkqNTMIPqAsrFZfBO98B5qNbjG5bVu7rk4vIO-SjDZwzncc2wc/w400-h225/union.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Union Craft Brewing (courtesy of unioncraftbrewing.com)</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p style="text-align: left;">Situated within the Union Collective business hub in Baltimore's Medfield neighborhood, Union was founded in the fall of 2011 and officially opened its doors in the spring of 2012 with the installation of a 20-bbl brewhouse and the launch of its flagship beer, Duckpin Pale Ale. After five years in a tiny location just up the road from its current site, Union set up shop in its current digs - a 148,000 sq. ft. building that was formerly a warehouse for Sears department store. In addition to its sprawling tasting room and production facility, Union boasts a sizeable beer garden, which we got to enjoy during this particular visit. (Sadly, the inside was closed to the public except for take-out beer and for customers to visit the restrooms.) </p><p>Once we were seated and I was able to peruse the beer menu, I settled on <b>Skipjack Pils</b>. But first a funny story...</p><p>Lynn and I were both trying to open tabs on some newfangled app utilized by Union that allows customers to order food right from the table. We still had to mosey over to the bar and order beers, but we needed to open a tab first. After struggling with the app for about 10 minutes, Lynn beat me to the punch and successfully opened a tab. I offered to go up and grab our beers. After a quick 20-second stroll, I was greeted by a guy around my age with pretty much the same look as me: long hair, glasses, and a fairly full graying goatee. I ordered our four beers from him and told him we had a tab open under... but before I could say Lynn's name, he said, "It doesn't matter. These are on the house!" Wait, what?! I didn't even tell him I worked at Tröegs or provided any additional information that might prompt him to comp four beers for our party. When I inquired about this, he said, "I like your look"... and not in some veiled gay way, either. Cool beans! Free beer. This guy must have some clout at Union! If you're reading this... I owe you a few beers!</p><p>OK, let's get back on topic. Skipjack, brewed with real Bohemian pilsner malt, is an exceptionally clean and crisp German-style pilsner featuring Mandarina Bavaria hops from Germany and Michigan-grown Zuper Saazer hops. </p><p>OK, hit pause for a moment if you will. </p><p>Ready for another lesson in hops? OK then, here we go! The classic Noble variety Saaz is widely known for its delicate blend of pleasant earthy, herbaceous, and spicy aromas. Traditional Saaz hops are very low in Alpha Acids and therefore primarily used as an aroma hop. It's long history dates back to more than 700 years ago with origins in the city of Zatec in - no surprise here - the Czech Republic. Brewers have been using this particular hop variety in Czech Pilsners, a favorite style of mine. The twist here is that these Zuper Saazer hops are much higher in Alpha Acids compared to plain old Saaz. Wait a minute... what the hell is an Alpha Acid? Well, it's a chemical compound found in the resin glands of hop flowers that also happens to be the source of hop bitterness. Needless to say this pilsner had an amped-up hop bite, which I enjoyed quite a bit. It was grassy and citrusy with a hint of earthy minerals... a refreshing easy drinker, just the way I like 'em!</p><p>OK, so remember the guy who was gracious enough to comp our beers? Well, he returned to our table 10 minutes later with a 750mL bottle of a limited bourbon barrel-aged stout... on the house! I'm actually on Union's mailing list and saw a blurb about a barrel-aged bottle release recently, and they sounded delicious! This particular beer, <b>Dark Spot</b>, is an Imperial Stout aged thirteen months and two weeks in 30-year-old French oak casks that previously held cognac and rye whiskey. Holy shit snacks! This black, viscous beauty poured with a thin veil of dark brown foam. Its aroma was rife with earthy oak, spicy rye, tobacco, molasses, and dark fruit. The velvety beer sat heavily on the palate and gave way to complex flavors of Belgian chocolate, coffee, and campfire notes (marshmallow and all), as well as hints of leather and roasted nuts with traces of the spirits previously occupying the barrels around the edges. If you at some point replied, "Wow!" to that description, then that's the reaction for which I was looking, because this sucker was deep, complex, rich, and decadent. What a treat! </p><p>And with that, it was time to bid a fond adieu to Union, but not before stocking up on some Duckpin Pale Ale, one of Baltimore's most beloved beers. </p><p><a href="https://ministryofbrewing.com/" target="_blank">Ministry of Brewing</a> opened its doors in early 2020 right before COVID-19 reared its ugly head (thanks 'Rona). Not the best timing, unfortunately. Actually, the brewery had its struggles prior to COVID, having experienced multiple delays to its grand opening while it waited for the City of Baltimore’s judgment on inspections and occupancy processes. Better late than never, right?</p><p>Occupying the former St. Michael’s Church in the Upper Fells Point/Washington Hill part of town, Ministry of Brewing has successfully revitalized a historic community gathering place and done it with the kind of reverence a place named The Ministry of Beer so richly deserves. I haven't been to a brewery like this since Church Brew Works in Pittsburgh, the quintessential brewery situated in an old church. This place has a very similar vibe: high cathedral ceilings, brewing equipment where the alter should be, and ornate décor with religious overtones (how could it not?). The "stations of the cross" had been removed (don't ask me what they are... I'm not Catholic). I'm glad they did, though, because it's kind of disturbing if I recall correctly from a Catholic wedding I attended several years ago. Nothing like looking at a scrawny, bleeding guy lugging a cross around while I'm trying to enjoy a beer or two. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSZzi9qrRFywGAev5QNgL2CFiXTV0oPIxy3r0D1H0bcWhJXh9wZNDJoPvVul1Tr-pUEernKCrAgh2cctC0CfH5cUBkZfHlU7pIY5exUhjDARz-4nI567iqSLWPTBoh8AWXBr0680w22RU/s2048/IMG_7303.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSZzi9qrRFywGAev5QNgL2CFiXTV0oPIxy3r0D1H0bcWhJXh9wZNDJoPvVul1Tr-pUEernKCrAgh2cctC0CfH5cUBkZfHlU7pIY5exUhjDARz-4nI567iqSLWPTBoh8AWXBr0680w22RU/s320/IMG_7303.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Interior of the Ministry of Brewing.</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><p><br /></p><p>I kept things on the light side as I knew this was our final stop of the day and I'd be driving home shortly. The beern in question, <b>Rebuilding Year</b>, is a Bohemian lager brewed with pilsner malt and Saaz hops. Yup, it's that simple. This was pretty solid overall, but not quite as good as the Skipjack I'd just enjoyed at Union. Still, I'd like to get back to this place and spend a little more time when we have the luxury of overnight accommodations. (I'm kind of sad that we couldn't get to Diamondback, one of my favorite breweries in Baltimore). Still, it proved to be a fine day with the Shirks: beer, records, and just the right amount of spontaneity. </p><p>That's all for now. Tune in next time for another installment of the Pour Travelers. Cheers!</p>ffejherbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01444361671877120080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8277623370417580926.post-14795263077756335562021-04-19T14:38:00.003-04:002021-04-19T14:38:32.212-04:00Reading, PA, and west thereof<p>Like most Fridays during the year of uncertainty (thanks 'Rona), we've hung out with our friends Darin and Jeni. Usually, we'll just order some wings from Big Daddy's or, on occasion, grab some 'za (the new, hip abbreviation for pizza) and then kick back with some adult beverages and tunes for a few hours. On this particular Friday evening, we were just about to head home when we all - in a semi-drunken state - decided to make plans for the following day. What did these plans entail? Making the short drive to our old stomping grounds of Reading, PA, an outing Jeni was surprisingly excited about. I'd never seen someone get that excited about Reading before (maybe when my brother used to buy up all the railroads on Monopoly back in the day). To her defense, when I say "Reading" I'm actually referring to "West Reading." West Reading is kind of like South Street in Philly, only cleaner and more upscale. Back when we lived in the area (Sinking Spring), we used to venture into West Reading to shop at the VF Outlets and buy horrendous pairs of Lee jeans like they were going out of style. Hey... we were in our early twenties, had little money, and Levi's were too expensive for the meager wage I was pulling in at the time (although I did save enough money to allow us to honeymoon in Europe). But back in the late '90s, West Reading was known for outlets, a diner, a sandwich shop or two... and that's about it. </p><p>Fast forward twenty-odd years later, and the strip is rife with trendy little shops, upscale drinking establishments, restaurants, and - the reason you're reading this - breweries; three, to be exact, plus a satellite tasting room for a meadery, an awesome craft beer bar, and a whiskey bar. It's kind of like the Lititz of Berks County. As a bonus, one of my favorite record stores from back in the day, Vertigo Music Trade, had moved from West Lawn to West Reading since we'd moved out of Berks County. So, yeah, we'd find plenty of stuff to do to fill up a full day. </p><p>We began our day on familiar turf: <a href="https://www.chattymonks.com/" target="_blank">Chatty Monks</a>. Since I was driving, I decided to limit my intake to one beer per stop and do my best to keep things on the lighter side of the spectrum. When we arrived, we had to wait for about five minutes or so, since there were no available outdoor tables. We actually scored a table inside (which I typically prefer, especially when no shade is available) and perused the beer list. Our server was working solo, an impressive feat considering she was waiting tables outside, inside and on the second floor, plus she was pouring her own beers and running food. Despite being a bit frazzled (who wouldn't?) she was pretty damn amazing, so we tipped her extremely well! </p><p>Anyway, onto the beer. I settled on <b>Monastery Pale Ale</b>, which is Chatty's house dry-hopped pale ale. The combination of Citra and Simcoe, two tried-and-true varieties, lends a dank citrus vibe, while - get ready for another hop lesson - Pekko hops impart subtle tea-like notes. Pekko is another variety with which I was unfamiliar, so I headed down to the library and spooled up some microfiche to do a bit of research. Actually, I Googled it (although I used to love my Library Science class in middle school). Pekko is a new dual-purpose (i.e. used for bittering and aroma) hop variety with possessing floral and herbal traits. Despite its use by some big breweries like Stone and Against the Grain, it's a variety that isn't really used widely among craft brewers. Pekko hops were initially bred by the American Dwarf Hop Association and named after the Finnish god of crops. So there's your hop lesson for the day (the more you know). This was one of my favorite beers I've had at Chatty Monks amid the baker's dozen or so beers I've had from them, and I'm pleased to know it's a house beer that I can rely on if nothing else jumps out at me when we visit again. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_XcHp3IDKxdUafTLEWbQUVmk46eATcm6DbGIhCcZ7VmnbzaE64Gr8j-G6TwEqGbTXedUuf2DvgsBkbLWYA1doIWMy9GBKvOjczkz7bRdkc7ReKOrQp3-b-IHJSnAI6dkO8LQglxBRP3s/s2000/IMG_2189.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="1500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_XcHp3IDKxdUafTLEWbQUVmk46eATcm6DbGIhCcZ7VmnbzaE64Gr8j-G6TwEqGbTXedUuf2DvgsBkbLWYA1doIWMy9GBKvOjczkz7bRdkc7ReKOrQp3-b-IHJSnAI6dkO8LQglxBRP3s/s320/IMG_2189.JPG" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div><div>Just up the street on the opposite side is Vertigo Music Trade. We stopped in for a bit and I picked up a few reasonably priced records. This place is a cool little gem that always has a solid selection of new and used vinyl as well as CDs and memorabilia. I always appreciate when a record store is in close proximity to breweries. It not only gives me a break from drinking, it also feeds my record-buying addiction. </div></div><p>Up next on our agenda was a stop at <a href="https://www.brokenchairbrewery.com/" target="_blank">Broken Chair</a>. Darin and I had visited back in November 2019 with Doug when the three of us went to see Kansas in concert (as recounted in <a href="http://ffejherb.blogspot.com/2019/11/the-point-of-bro-return.html" target="_blank">The Point of Bro Return</a>), but it was the ladies' inaugural visit. This little place with a music bent is a cool addition to the main drag in West Reading. I mean, when <i>isn't</i> a brewery a good addition to the local community? Broken Chair seems to have a fetish for fruit and pepper beers. I've seen a variety of fruit-based IPAs here as well as two habanero beers in the form of an IPA and rye stout. I decided to go with the former and try my hand at the <b>Key West Pineapple IPA</b>. A signature blend of six different hops lends some of citrus-forward bitterness, while the addition of fresh pineapple adds a hint of tropical juiciness and a touch of dankness to sweeten the pot. This one was pretty enjoyable, and I find that pineapple is always a pleasant fruit addition to IPAs to coax out more tropical notes. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCNEMPqjiNRm7wgEbIp23AssP6Bl7ZlewUV7VF5D5_ZUwSNmqrGQzvA98Fn7JFxnK-ZLtL6LHibNsAdRskwinsDdkp9WpVIzJXkeJcxo3WKMjm2k_T2GL52lXumgNnlScng1alhW0-q50/s2048/IMG_7266.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCNEMPqjiNRm7wgEbIp23AssP6Bl7ZlewUV7VF5D5_ZUwSNmqrGQzvA98Fn7JFxnK-ZLtL6LHibNsAdRskwinsDdkp9WpVIzJXkeJcxo3WKMjm2k_T2GL52lXumgNnlScng1alhW0-q50/s320/IMG_7266.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Oooh, what's </i>that<i> smell?!</i></span></td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">To remain compliant with the still-lingering "gotta eat while you drink" rule in PA (which has since been revoked, I'm pleased to report), Broken Chair dolled out compact cheese, meat and cracker snack trays that were similar to more upscale Lunchables. Works for me! I will say I'm definitely relieved that some of the weird COVID restrictions have finally been lifted. The things you take for granted like sitting at a bar and drinking a beer... </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9bNmJ8C_YJVubTI0GwYOkZ7Q1Nm602yVsYNF29VuRdBPtTepuvosMBg1Bg3huVklsH17qYmK_zr1fqBOs6l2yeyNNAPr8czjgYxsRILXftmrtPyeoomua7yW3LSitzV9djpoWca_CAP0/s2048/IMG_7264.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9bNmJ8C_YJVubTI0GwYOkZ7Q1Nm602yVsYNF29VuRdBPtTepuvosMBg1Bg3huVklsH17qYmK_zr1fqBOs6l2yeyNNAPr8czjgYxsRILXftmrtPyeoomua7yW3LSitzV9djpoWca_CAP0/s320/IMG_7264.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Another new mask, Pleeps?</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><p><br /></p><p>On the way back up to the other end of the street, we stopped in at <a href="http://www.rebelhivemeadery.com/" target="_blank">Rebel Hive Meadery</a>. Darin and I stopped in here on one previous occasion when we were out record hunting. It's basically a small tasting room where you can sample four different meads for free, purchase a small glass to enjoy on-premises, or buy some bottles to enjoy at home. My personal favorite was <b>Jazzy Java</b>, a delicious mead cold-infused with gourmet Jazzy Java from Reading Coffee Roasters gourmet Jazzy Java. This tasty libation boasts notes of cinnamon, pecan, and chestnut with a sweet coffee and cream finish. Absolutely delicious, if you ask me. Brewslut agreed. We also enjoyed Cherry Lee Lewis, made with sweet and tart cherries. This one drank like a heavily fruited Belgian fruit beer with plenty of tart cherry pie filling flavor. We left with one bottle of each to enjoy on another occasion.</p><p><a href="https://willowcreekbeer.com/" target="_blank">Willow Creek</a> was the one new brewery we got to hit on this particular day. Founded in 2018, this small, veteran-owned brewery is a great addition to the West Reading scene and features year-round outdoor seating in its adjacent beer garden. Deuane had visited a few weeks prior, and gave it thumbs up. When we arrived, the place was pretty packed due to a birthday party for someone. There was even a live bagpiper blowing out Scottish melodies like they were going out of style. We made our way to the back of the long, narrow room and decided to snag a table out in the beer garden. After a few minutes, one of the owners came out carrying what appeared to be a guitar amp that turned out to be a pretty sweet Bluetooth speaker and told us we could play whatever music we'd like. Darin had just signed up for Spotify and had a prog rock playlist all ready to go (much to the chagrin of the patrons around us, I'm sure). So it was Rush, ELP and Kansas to the rescue! Good music always makes any brewery visit more enjoyable, especially a shitty one. However, that wasn't the case with Willow Creek. Turns out I had my favorite beer of the day there. Even more strange was the fact that it was a pineapple coconut porter.</p><p>Wait, what?</p><p>Yes. Pineapple. Coconut. Porter. I know, I know... sounds weird, right? Suddenly, my memory lept back to those old Reese's Peanut Butter Cup commercials: "Hey, you got your pineapple in my porter!" No, wait... hold on. "You got your porter in my... um, pineapple?" </p><p>OK, so the beer in question is called <b>Gobshite</b>. The name itself conjures images of someone struggling uncomfortably on the toilet for half an hour after swallowing a ball of Play-Doh, silly putty or - even worse - Slime (you know, that green slimy stuff from the 80's... I got it stuck in my hair once). </p><p>In all seriousness, let's get back to the crux of the blog. So, coconut porter... I get. It's become a fairly popular style and I've had some amazing ones over the years (Three Hour Tour, anyone?). But the addition of pineapple into the mix, albeit intriguing, had me scratching my head. I'd wanted to try the West Coast IPA, but quickly realized that it was on the "coming soon" list and not the actual tap list. So I decided to give it a shot. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhMBoY7gSRLmCOfgozoBMydQxcDEo44ikbYetYRCdQQgvuxFw7eMZCdX6mVOnfT7G-wN9Mg5kUyhw_aAhV2P4Y3nMzzj9HNHoTR-auhr6hMYOb-G9irFaHoCtUzKwFGBIvRDdadh8AVKQ/s2048/IMG_7268.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhMBoY7gSRLmCOfgozoBMydQxcDEo44ikbYetYRCdQQgvuxFw7eMZCdX6mVOnfT7G-wN9Mg5kUyhw_aAhV2P4Y3nMzzj9HNHoTR-auhr6hMYOb-G9irFaHoCtUzKwFGBIvRDdadh8AVKQ/s320/IMG_7268.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Thankfully, Pleeps refrained from flinging his Gobshite.</i></span></td></tr></tbody></table><p><br /></p><p>After Willow Creek, we headed across the street to <a href="https://www.facebook.com/thewhiskeybaratwinedown/">The Whiskey Bar</a>, which shares its space with Winedown Cafe & Winebar. Jeni is definitely more of a "brown liquor" drinker compared to the rest of us, so we made some time to swing by for a drink. We secured a table outside, complete with a little gas fire, um... pit, I guess they're called? Perhaps I'll coin the term "Flaming Table," which seems appropriate I suppose. Whatever it's called, it served its purpose and provided a bit of warmth in the nippy late March air. I sipped on an ounce of Buffalo Trace while Brewslut and Darin stuck with beer and enjoyed a can of DFH Slightly Mighty. Jeni, meanwhile, worked on a flight of three different whiskeys. The atmosphere was enjoyable and the presentation was upscale, but the service was lackluster. Still, it's a good alternative if you need a break from beer. We all can use a little more whiskey in our lives, right? </p><p>Our final stop of the day found us venturing across the river from West Reading to Reading proper for a stop at <a href="http://sauconybeer.com/franklin-station" target="_blank">Saucony Creek Franklin Station</a> for dinner and drinks. This was our first time visiting this cool new satellite location for the small Kutztown-based brewery, and it definitely had the coolest vibe of all the places we visited on this occasion. </p><p>Opened in July of 2019, the Franklin Station site boasts a constantly rotating line of twenty taps and an adventurous menu that complements Saucony Creek's wide variety of beers. In addition to its house beers, they also serve a selection of PA wine and spirits.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_8cMbh20vsoilkSkXXLOUP9iyEooiWJNCKZXMd0lhlbDC7wcVVeE0h0NTm-2bHjqphZp03k_OowUMGbqsGhIOTfDKXt-UlOPPcEpIDds0MObgzaHgOOmonkQiGviN67hve97LxcnivVw/s2048/IMG_2193.JPEG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_8cMbh20vsoilkSkXXLOUP9iyEooiWJNCKZXMd0lhlbDC7wcVVeE0h0NTm-2bHjqphZp03k_OowUMGbqsGhIOTfDKXt-UlOPPcEpIDds0MObgzaHgOOmonkQiGviN67hve97LxcnivVw/s320/IMG_2193.JPEG" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p>Located on Franklin Street at the intersection of Seventh Street (aka the railroad tracks), the brewpub operates in the previous Reading Railroad Franklin Street Station, which was built in the early 1930s and completely restored in 2013. Inside, the main dining area is vast and spacious with a 30-ft. high ceiling, ornately detailed walls and trim, and lots of natural light. The large windows allow customers to enjoy the passing trains, which frequently roll by at numerous times throughout any given day. (We experienced a few while we were there.)</p><p>The place was pretty packed (for 50% capacity, anyway) when we arrived, and an acoustic guitarist was performing in the loud, boomy room. (When I was walking out of the bathroom, he actually recognized me and pointed to his stool, which had one of our Solar Federation stickers proudly affixed to it. No wonder why Darin called me "the mayor"; every time we go somewhere together, I get recognized. That's the price of fame, I guess!) We were forced to sit outside or wait an hour and a half for a table indoors. However, there's plenty of seating outside at this location, complete with wood fire ovens to help keep folks warm on chilly nights. (I'm still not sure how Darin made it with no hoodie while we were there. I had a hoodie and blanket wrapped around Brewslut and I, as the temperature dropped considerably over the last few hours.) </p><p>By this time of the day, we were pretty hungry (although we'd been snacking throughout the day). I kept things light and opted for a pour of<b> Kutztown Lager</b>, a crisp, easy-drinking American-style amber lager. With a well-rounded sweet malt profile and hint of noble hops, Saucony Creek adds a smidgen of smoked malt to add a bit of depth to the malt character. I'd had this one before, and it's a reliable little lager that drinks like a champ. </p><p>Since we were waiting a while for our food to arrive, I decided to order a second beer. The temperature was also dropping quickly, so I figured some more alcohol would help warm me up a bit. I opted for another coconut beer this time around with <b>Kokosnuss Fur Dich!!</b>, a porter brewed with oatmeal and conditioned on a bed of coconut flakes toasted in-house at the brewery. This beer was fairly soft and cuddly with just a hint of coconut in the finish, though not as coconut-forward than the Gobshite from Willow Creek. </p><p>Although it took a really long time to get our food (like, an hour and a half), they weren't even going to seat us because apparently all of their line cooks up and quit that very same night. I didn't mind; I was enjoying some fine beer in the company of good friends, my best bud, and my main monkey. Loving life, as it were. My veggie flatbread hit the proverbial spot. We also had a great conversation with some folks from upstate NY who were visiting some friends in the area, one of which happened to be a big Tröegs fan. I gave the one guy (arguably the biggest beer fan of the group) a business card, so hopefully he's reading this. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyi9RHA3m2OmQsWSKwTdcKI0Gx7AqS_uqNP73SGCjQs66dl_5jjHbOYZnsOz6NokocJABUOkEf-yG07jalerYJ9GCqgKFYbJiVj210voKzoZ9ZDRQjqnaslcKa2b9hEXwSdRdoKkztYM8/s2048/IMG_2194.JPEG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyi9RHA3m2OmQsWSKwTdcKI0Gx7AqS_uqNP73SGCjQs66dl_5jjHbOYZnsOz6NokocJABUOkEf-yG07jalerYJ9GCqgKFYbJiVj210voKzoZ9ZDRQjqnaslcKa2b9hEXwSdRdoKkztYM8/s320/IMG_2194.JPEG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Pleeps keepin' warm and toasty at Saucony Creek.</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">If you're rooted in the same general area as we are (Lebanon, Dauphin, Lancaster Counties), West Reading is a pretty painless drive and you can easily spend several hours there without getting bored. Throw in Saucony Creek's Franklin Station site (just a few minutes away), and you've got a perfect day trip. Thanks for reading. Until next time...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKwyOSTNpiTBKmdbYOlgjCl94at0XLP5pHFR4j_7DOd7lEWAkar99zXbDxo5PrxsvDNpq6Fj6KMTV3EOaTagZULl_NQVI6hOevxZoDygXxXKW7XoYAfMkH4mMNiSzTRRDTBnrL9A7hEVA/s2048/IMG_2192.JPEG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKwyOSTNpiTBKmdbYOlgjCl94at0XLP5pHFR4j_7DOd7lEWAkar99zXbDxo5PrxsvDNpq6Fj6KMTV3EOaTagZULl_NQVI6hOevxZoDygXxXKW7XoYAfMkH4mMNiSzTRRDTBnrL9A7hEVA/s320/IMG_2192.JPEG" /></a></div><p></p>ffejherbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01444361671877120080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8277623370417580926.post-7345941378330641262021-04-14T14:45:00.001-04:002021-04-14T14:45:30.638-04:00Everything Falls into Church - Part III: Back home through the land of Mary<p>Like any other trip, this one had to come to an end too. Of course, our last day always includes several stops as we make our way back to good ol' Central PA. We'd pretty much expunged our options for the immediate Fells Church/Arlington/Alexandria area, so I looked further north to find an appropriate place to visit as we started our trek home. </p><p>Rockville, Maryland's <a href="https://truerespite.com/" target="_blank">True Respite</a> made the cut. The small brewery's logo - a keyhole - and well-curated tap list garnered my attention while I was searching for a suitable candidate as Sunday's first stop. I was always drawn to antique doors with wide keyholes for some reason, which seemed to be in abundance in many of the older homes in my hometown of Shamokin. The imagery of the keyhole also represents discovery and unlocking a mystery, which has always appealed to me. So the logo kind of sucked me in. (They have really intriguing <a href="https://truerespite.com/about/brewery" target="_blank">brand and origin stories</a> that I won't waste time paraphrasing; I recommend just clicking the link and reading for yourself.) </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnU-qYMdaUy_rz5pzN3ZlbmmAySmHG49_E6Wm1K543PiKKb1UN4C07bgm9irq004zXK8lft7vEST8OF-guR796hU3E_QktCGGmRlGifeBpupuJqlrd1F3-omsujGaUKnXsS8b4QFqjytM/s2048/IMG_7188.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnU-qYMdaUy_rz5pzN3ZlbmmAySmHG49_E6Wm1K543PiKKb1UN4C07bgm9irq004zXK8lft7vEST8OF-guR796hU3E_QktCGGmRlGifeBpupuJqlrd1F3-omsujGaUKnXsS8b4QFqjytM/s320/IMG_7188.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Inside True Respite's Rockville, MD, taproom</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>Upon perusing the tap selection, I immediately noticed a <b>Lichtenhainer</b>, an antiquated German-style sour ale brewed with smoked malt, which is a style I love and just don't see all that often. I think I can count the number of times I've run across one on tap using a single hand (thumb included). If you're a smoked beer like me, this is kind of a holy grail beer style due to its scarcity and niche. As far as sought-after beers go, I'd put it on the complete opposite side of the spectrum as a hazy NEIPA, fruited milkshake sour, or pastry stout with fifteen ingredients. So when we arrived, needless to say the first beer I ordered was the Lichtenhainer. It was well-executed and enjoyable. If you've never had one before, think of the lightly tart gose with its wheat backbone and lemony zing paired with a rauchbier but not quite as smoky. The smoky character is a bit more subdued than what you'd get with a smoked porter or traditional rauchbier. So the next time you see one on a beer menu in your travels, give it a try.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsZTnmogr0JNSDtjjsZM3qC6NuGOxiPRFjNIf5F7pt9QXu3bkjAIDjnkUrn8tEV14V2681t5CKtRZCnBqhfnCixLA7s1q6NxTRZvu_FgJ3IGW-u0FSj1Rd8co9Bjka4-CYrou0LBFUNFc/s2048/IMG_7187.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsZTnmogr0JNSDtjjsZM3qC6NuGOxiPRFjNIf5F7pt9QXu3bkjAIDjnkUrn8tEV14V2681t5CKtRZCnBqhfnCixLA7s1q6NxTRZvu_FgJ3IGW-u0FSj1Rd8co9Bjka4-CYrou0LBFUNFc/s320/IMG_7187.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Pleeps: "I ain't afraid of no Lichtenhainer!"</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><p><br />Up next was <b>Fox</b>, a classic unfiltered German-style pilsner. The twist here is that Fox is dry-hopped with two unusual hop varieties: Jarrylo and Kazbek. (Geek alert! I'm going to provide some fun facts about these two seldom-seen hop varieties, so feel free to skip ahead if you'd rather just look at pictures of Pleeps.) </p><p>Jarrylo (pronounced 'Yar-i-lo) is a newer American variety not meant for IPAs or other hop-forward beers. However, when paired with a crisp pilsner base, this variety lends subtle hints of ripe banana, delicate pear, citrus and a hint of spice. Simple, lighter beers tend to benefit from this understated hop variety. Kazbek, on the other hand, has origins in the Czech Republic and borrows its name from Mt. Kazbek, a dormant volcano in the Caucasus Mountains, which stretch across the intersection of Europe and Asia. This variety is akin to the Czech Saaz hop; only it's more of an amped-up version with potent citrus notes of bright lemon and grapefruit. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7Z93tDDfCkQ1iPoo2Khq-zjxb0aahoA5tpgua7H2RCGF-CIqtTcXmaN5ZD8FJpw0UBJV0WYxEA_KM0frVWbizG7pCXpkBLyheC4MzMr1CL4MHAg7ZnVUe9EdSIyvOjqOnqgTsK0Df1Gw/s2048/IMG_2119.JPEG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7Z93tDDfCkQ1iPoo2Khq-zjxb0aahoA5tpgua7H2RCGF-CIqtTcXmaN5ZD8FJpw0UBJV0WYxEA_KM0frVWbizG7pCXpkBLyheC4MzMr1CL4MHAg7ZnVUe9EdSIyvOjqOnqgTsK0Df1Gw/s320/IMG_2119.JPEG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Here's looking at you, Pleeps!</i></span></td></tr></tbody></table><p><br />OK, so there's your hop lesson for today. This beer definitely ventured into hoppier territory; not bitter, mind you, but flavor-wise. I definitely picked up on the enhanced lemon and citrus notes. It's always a pleasure to come across a finely-crafted pilsner, and this was one of 'em. </p><div>From the Fox I moved to the<b> Vulture</b>, a black IPA brewed with old-school Cascade, Centennial and Amarillo hops. Aaah, the good ol' days! I'll never understand why Black IPAs didn't become more of a fixture on beer menus across the country. Sure, they're not uncommon per se, but you won't find 3 or 4 of them simultaneously on the board at a brewery. (I'm lookin' at you, NEIPA!) Come to think of it, the percentage of - and I'll use simple terms here - "good" vs. "bad" black IPAs I've had over the years is a very high number; meaning to say that I've been burned far less by a black IPA than, say, a West Coast IPA or NEIPA, or even a Session IPA. Vulture adds to that high ratio of "good" ones... and True Respite is three for three (if you're keeping score at home). All in all, it was a great first impression. I hope our travels carry us back to this area sometime in the future so we can dig deeper into True Respite's beers.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhguIPej3L0fOGkyHQ9LMnUCkgKEhzKDGa2_6BSQUwmgGh36WPYoQ0voe4g-jP7CdsJ4mNadvHBnEZGK_5sT9i3cbMJRNTa6Go5KUDmoAGMWvWl48u5h7dSEbqNQwg8shJRqzqis9HPa_Y/s1280/IMG_7189.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhguIPej3L0fOGkyHQ9LMnUCkgKEhzKDGa2_6BSQUwmgGh36WPYoQ0voe4g-jP7CdsJ4mNadvHBnEZGK_5sT9i3cbMJRNTa6Go5KUDmoAGMWvWl48u5h7dSEbqNQwg8shJRqzqis9HPa_Y/s320/IMG_7189.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Everybody's got something to hide except...</i></span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><p>After a delightful visit to True Respite, we were off to more familiar territory. Yes indeed, it was time for another stop to one of our favorite beer towns: Frederick, MD. First up was <a href="https://jugbridgebrewery.square.site/" target="_blank">Jug Bridge</a>, a brewery we'd just discovered earlier this year during our <a href="http://ffejherb.blogspot.com/2021/01/frederick-overnighter.html" target="_blank">Frederick Overnighter</a> jaunt. As soon as we entered the small taproom, the bartender called out, "Hey, Tröegs guy!" I'm not gonna lie to you... I enjoy getting recognized. Perhaps I have a unique look (for better or - probably - worse), which makes me an easy guy to pick out in a crowd. Of course, there was no crowd this time. I was wearing a mask, though. Anyhow, for some reason I'd thought we'd visited much longer ago than two-ish months, but time seems to have slowed down during the last year's oppressing COVID-19 times. Perhaps that's been the silver lining in 'Rona's otherwise black, miserable cloud. "Freeze this moment a little bit longer." Right Neil? </p><p></p><p>When we first visited Jug Bridge, I was completely enamored with a beer called Companion3, a West Coast IPA aged in gin barrels that previously had been used to house port wine and later dry-hopped with spruce tips and Mandarina Bavaria hops. It was freaking amazing, and I didn't hesitate to tell the fine folks at Jug Bridge about my infatuation with this beer. Of course, it was no longer available, as I've been told I got the last two crowlers when we visited in January. Lucky me! </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV-7Nakxuo-U33uxVzCKdQ7Gb7fnh73mp2N-_MaqU_zSBUAp4boNADjW8Wk15u0yk5wlIGrDQcF6n6swI78M1Ce6GdxipeZR8C6A1HAP2_x-ndHHgyeDRAa3Voe4Lt3-wxbcLmQRBv2V8/s2000/IMG_2122.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="1500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV-7Nakxuo-U33uxVzCKdQ7Gb7fnh73mp2N-_MaqU_zSBUAp4boNADjW8Wk15u0yk5wlIGrDQcF6n6swI78M1Ce6GdxipeZR8C6A1HAP2_x-ndHHgyeDRAa3Voe4Lt3-wxbcLmQRBv2V8/s320/IMG_2122.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Pleepin' around at Jug Bridge.<br /></span></i><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p>This time around, I enjoyed a pair of beers that were vastly different than Companion3 but were enjoyable nonetheless. First up was <b>Path Forward</b>, a dark lager fermented with a Norwegian Kveik lager yeast strain, then dry-hopped with Idaho 7. This beer was pretty interesting in that it straddled the line of a black IPA (some roasty and chocolate notes) with a contrasting lemony, citrusy character and a touch of pine and earthy black tea leaves. I've been drinking a lot of dark lagers as of late, and this one was more of a hybrid than a traditional dunkel or schwarzbier. </p><p>For my second beer, I settled on a French saison called <b>Ruban Rouge</b>. The beer appeared as a lovely golden orange with a slight haze and a pleasant aroma of black pepper, lemon rind, and earthy spices. French saison yeast always strikes me as slightly sweet and sticky but with a fairly dry finish, and this beer possessed those qualities. Overall, this was a fine interpretation of the classic French farmhouse ale. </p><p>It was great to get back here again so soon after our first visit, and I'm glad to add another must-stop brewery to our list of favorites in Frederick. Pleeps even met a new buddy, and he was also wearing a blue mask. He seems to make friends wherever he goes. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTuKFg0jZ922L9skRzxZkjbgaaRulvxpa5lLv7BX0q-TJDb4lOXveapEw8qTcJ1uojIQbepYBx2HlAvLFLcbgmcLHK___mka0JdNvlWjy5AHBXPkA27FQqJdZKsBKUNP6CuSpqwEsWvWQ/s2048/IMG_7190.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTuKFg0jZ922L9skRzxZkjbgaaRulvxpa5lLv7BX0q-TJDb4lOXveapEw8qTcJ1uojIQbepYBx2HlAvLFLcbgmcLHK___mka0JdNvlWjy5AHBXPkA27FQqJdZKsBKUNP6CuSpqwEsWvWQ/s320/IMG_7190.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Pleeps making more friends!</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><p>We seem to be clocking in quite frequently at <a href="https://www.attaboybeer.com/">Attaboy</a> these days. Our travels over the last year or so have taken us through Frederick on numerous occasions, and it's not like we need an excuse to stop here anyway. You've undoubtedly read about our numerous visits to Attaboy, so I'll spare regaling you with unnecessary details. In a nutshell, it's one of our favorite breweries in Frederick (and there are quite a few of 'em these days, kids). </p><p>Brewslut and I shared pours of two beers: <b>Tarts McGee (Strawberry & Soursop) </b>and<b> </b><b>The Famous Lion</b>. The former, a tart and tangy offering from its cleverly named Tarts McGee (no longer on vacation, apparently) brewed with strawberry and soursop, a slightly acidic tropical tree fruit related to the custard apple that resembles a pear with a spikey exterior. Its flavor is said to resemble a combination of strawberry and apple with sour citrus notes but with a thick, creamy texture similar to a banana. It's an interesting fruit to say the least. Attaboy does a fine job with these sweet-tart beers, and we typically encounter one on tap when we visit, to which Brewslut tends to gravitate. </p><p>The Famous Lion, on the other hand, is a NEIPA hopped with Citra and Strata. OK, so you probably thought you were off the hook with lessons in hops. Well, I'm sorry to inform you that I've got another one. Strata was first hop variety to be released by the Oregon State Aroma Hop Breeding Program based in Corvallis, OR, in 2009. Its dominant flavor profile is an unusual one for a hop: strawberry. While this beer did present a whiff or strawberry, it was also quite heavy on the citrus fruit, with an apparent orange note and hint of pith. The folks at Attaboy equate it to a glass of Sunny D (not the dreaded "purple stuff" at the back of the fridge). I dig. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXJYh72ADECAA0oG0edqRhBjwRwaE7Z0zhi4oMERlmGfG14MCo4qdOW_Y-C1O-SlW8Eu3KmE4k9ZVdFSkapLyY10oJkYeYEYo8Ph3472cdFMgvcBpFsizuBXl2zS3sE1eFH-FeRf8Vs1w/s2048/IMG_7191.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXJYh72ADECAA0oG0edqRhBjwRwaE7Z0zhi4oMERlmGfG14MCo4qdOW_Y-C1O-SlW8Eu3KmE4k9ZVdFSkapLyY10oJkYeYEYo8Ph3472cdFMgvcBpFsizuBXl2zS3sE1eFH-FeRf8Vs1w/s320/IMG_7191.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Attaboy, Pleeps!</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><p><a href="https://www.idiombrewing.com/" target="_blank"><br /></a></p><p>Of course, no visit to Frederick is complete without a stop at<b> </b><a href="https://www.idiombrewing.com/" target="_blank">Idiom</a>, which has become a fast favorite of we Pour Travelers. Since we were ready for dinner by the time we arrived, it seemed like an opportune time to stumble onto one of our favorite local food trucks: Boxcar Burgers. They serve up some slammin' burgers including one of the best plant-based protein burgers around. The fries are pretty solid too! </p><p>With our dinner plans solidified, it was time to focus on beer. Although Idiom produces some amazing hop-forward beers, I decided to switch gears and venture toward the dark side. Enter <b>In a Nutshell</b>, an American Porter layered with chocolate malts, toasted coconut and coconut cream. It seems a lot of breweries are churning out coconut beers these days, and this one was definitely up there with the best of them. Great beers aside, Brewslut and I always appreciate the names of Idiom's beers. Perhaps it's the English majors in us that recognize the clever wordplay. See? It's not just another pointless brewery moniker. </p><p>For some reason, I enjoyed just one lone beer at Idiom. We'd thought about stopping at Fourscore in Gettysburg on the way home, but it was time to stick a fork into this guy, because I was done. In my advanced age, I seem to be getting less motivated to stretch out our final day of a trip. More often than not these days, the couch seems to be calling my name on Sunday round about 7 or 8 p.m. I suppose it's probably the reason why I like to pack as much in as possible on Friday and (especially) Saturday. </p><p>Alas, the tale has come to an end. Thanks for following us on our most recent weekend escapade to "parts unknown" (you know... where the Green Bastard resides). Pleeps is already ramping up for our next adventure, so stay tuned for more Pour Travelin'. Until next time...</p><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirLTDuBWVqZePfQZuatx7cNga0RW39JXWLpRcw9LWq4zFG-l3_998vyyT9MCWi-ks1XLBAcAuSZWnUTWiIC03NH2HMKkY9utgD_J-qBcNlfzMpVNSDnMllb66Xqu97-WoSg34hsq3MHfo/s2048/IMG_2108.JPEG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirLTDuBWVqZePfQZuatx7cNga0RW39JXWLpRcw9LWq4zFG-l3_998vyyT9MCWi-ks1XLBAcAuSZWnUTWiIC03NH2HMKkY9utgD_J-qBcNlfzMpVNSDnMllb66Xqu97-WoSg34hsq3MHfo/s320/IMG_2108.JPEG" /></a></div></div>ffejherbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01444361671877120080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8277623370417580926.post-79159218618967645772021-04-07T16:38:00.001-04:002021-04-07T16:42:54.542-04:00Everything Falls into Church - Part II: Springing into our nation's capital<p>When I was putting together our itinerary for this particular weekend jaunt, I was not aware that Silver Spring, MD, was in such close proximity of our home base. Upon further investigation, there appeared to be a few solid-looking breweries we could check out, so we laid in a course for nearby Silver Spring. I'll never turn down an opportunity to visit uncharted territory. </p><p>First up was <a href="https://www.silverbranchbrewing.com/" target="_blank">Silver Branch</a>, which I must admit set the bar for the day pretty damn high. First off... gnomes! My initial attraction to this place was cemented by its variety of beers featuring gnome references and whimsical illustrations of those cool little mythical folk that dwell in trees and vegetable gardens. We've already talked about our small tribe of gnomes - and cousins/uncles/grandpas of Pleeps - in previous blogs, so you're likely familiar with our penchant for these diminutive creatures. </p><p>Initially, the location posed some parking issues, which caused us to have to park a few blocks away. Otherwise, Silver Branch seems to have everything going for it. A comfortable, casual space with its own vibe, one of the friendliest staff we've ever encountered, and fantastic beer across the board. And lest not forget the gnomes, which is like the icing on the cake! </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUx6XGE-wQyZgp92nRdUo2N36XiQbM3y_GqSRXYe405Id6WLertAPoU7kvVQ9lu-NpRvyli9kqxqeIpzybbrD2NaZd4pcAohuGx-WZ0UySUwFy0UVVu_gp5_BxQERzl-jxnBgH6gAlZ9s/s2048/IMG_7161.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUx6XGE-wQyZgp92nRdUo2N36XiQbM3y_GqSRXYe405Id6WLertAPoU7kvVQ9lu-NpRvyli9kqxqeIpzybbrD2NaZd4pcAohuGx-WZ0UySUwFy0UVVu_gp5_BxQERzl-jxnBgH6gAlZ9s/s320/IMG_7161.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Pleeps hangin' with all his gnomies!</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><p><br /></p><p>Located in bustling downtown Silver Spring, MD, Silver Branch was founded in January 2017 by a pair of long-time beer lovers who shared a deep appreciation for four distinct brewing cultures: North America, Belgium, the British Isles, and Central Europe. So it's no wonder that their taproom brings together the feel of a classic American taproom, a traditional British pub, a raucous German beer hall, and a Flemish cafe. </p><p>I learned that one of the owners/brewers did an internship of some kind with Brasserie DuPont, a telltale sign that its saison, cleverly named Beyond the Gnome World, would be a home run. Turns out it won a gold medal at the 2020 GABF competition! <i>Editor's note: I didn't have it on tap during our visit, but I brought home a 6-pack of cans. It's a world-class saison for sure!</i></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9v7OFyLyw0ENp8lqfmDiKARQd4zZ_rH9PTc7ZCqoDaMNJecRoXAbaTAXD5agxbYqd3Q_9OziQGqhSD8tDagF38EzYT5dqwf-SnHJqAroUe4g2Mw8ztmCkZ5HtCDkm58CfPrDeBa9T0jI/s2000/IMG_2097.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="1500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9v7OFyLyw0ENp8lqfmDiKARQd4zZ_rH9PTc7ZCqoDaMNJecRoXAbaTAXD5agxbYqd3Q_9OziQGqhSD8tDagF38EzYT5dqwf-SnHJqAroUe4g2Mw8ztmCkZ5HtCDkm58CfPrDeBa9T0jI/s320/IMG_2097.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Silver Branch flight: nuthin' but winners!</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><p><br /></p><p>There was a lot to be had on the beer list during our visit, so we thought a sampler flight would be in order. Here's the run-down of the beers we sampled:</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b>All My Gnomies!</b> - Belgian-influenced hybrid IPA with fruity American hops and a spicy saison yeast strain. </li><li><b>Downtown Double Shake</b> - Milkshake IPA brewed in collaboration with Idiom... one of our favorites. This IPA boasts big tropical notes, especially pineapple, with a hint of orange creamsicle.</li><li><b>Obsidian Castle</b> - Dark lager with subtle chocolate and roasty notes. Czech-grown Saaz hops add a tinge of grassy, herbaceous tones.</li><li><b>Lord Squeegee Tropical Cocktail</b> - Inspired by a tropical fruit cocktail you might find at an all-inclusive beach resort, this imperial sour screams pineapple and tangerine with a refreshing tartness. Silver Branch also promises hints of "orgeat," a flavor with which I am unfamiliar. Once again, Google comes to the rescue! Turns out orgeat is actually a syrup - not fruit - made from almonds, sugar, and rose water or orange flower water. With a pronounced almond flavor, it is used in a variety of - you guessed it - cocktails. </li><li><b>Squeegee Can Man</b> - Collaboration with Oliver Brewing. Brewslut was all about this beer. Think key lime pie with a tasty graham cracker crust and abundant sweet and tart notes. This one rivals another similar beer we've had in the past, Breaker Brewing's Limelife. </li><li><b>Vanilla Latte Chronicle</b> - Chronicle stout infused with light-roasted coffee beans from Nicaragua and Guatemala as well as lactose and vanilla. Bright fruity and complex chocolate flavors from the coffee enhance the base stout's rich malt and mellow roasted flavors.</li></ul><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8m1no0tmbGGje8FIM1icbJ_2zWNqQVJkIltTNYAJpyXIen02REp8-tGmEZ3V7fVvVNl5ZGq0HxEfxyeJE5JCeVOdbMboxGvQPE9awDZmtPpOYE6HdIov9TFBOzj-SOgo-D_2NVd6rISQ/s2048/IMG_7160.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8m1no0tmbGGje8FIM1icbJ_2zWNqQVJkIltTNYAJpyXIen02REp8-tGmEZ3V7fVvVNl5ZGq0HxEfxyeJE5JCeVOdbMboxGvQPE9awDZmtPpOYE6HdIov9TFBOzj-SOgo-D_2NVd6rISQ/s320/IMG_7160.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Bonus points for the gnomes at Silver Branch!</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><p>All of these beers were pretty exceptional. Rarely do we encounter a sampler flight without at least one dud, but we weren't disappointed with anything at Silver Branch. We rounded out our visit by putting together a killer mixed case including two sixers of Brewslut's favorite (Squeegee Can Man) as well as the aforementioned Beyond the Gnome World and a milkshake IPA collab with one of our new favorite breweries, Frederick MD's Idiom, called Downtown Double Shake. I was fine carrying this case of beer four city blocks. All in all, this was a great start to our day and Silver Branch definitely has been penciled in on our "Top Ten" list for 2021. We'll see if they can make the cut. </p><p>With lots to accomplish throughout the day (i.e. drinking), it was time to bid a fond farewell to Silver Branch and move on to the next stop on our itinerary. Right off the bat, <a href="https://www.astrolabbrewing.com/" target="_blank">Astro Lab</a> reminded us of a brewery we'd visited in Portland, OR, during our epic 2016 trip called Ecliptic. Upon entering the small, rectangular taproom, we were greeted by a spacy logo painted on the wall and a menu rife with IPAs. An "astrolabe" represents history, journeys, innovation, and craftsmanship, so I suppose it's a fitting name as any for a brewery that strives to push the boundaries of craft beer's ever-expanding landscape. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">More specifically, Oxford defines an "astrolabe" as follows:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>an instrument formerly used to make astronomical measurements, typically of the altitudes of celestial bodies, and in navigation for calculating latitude, before the development of the sextant. In its basic form (known from classical times), it consists of a disk with the edge marked in degrees and a pivoted pointer.</i></div></blockquote><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Sounds pretty spacey to me. We'd also been informed by someone during our visit to Silver Branch that Astro Lab "has the IPA thing down" (a paraphrase, of course), so we decided to dive right in. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5Eq5nQ6OIZw9IaqB2iS4z8H10oKx8yFyeaF4rMLVu018NI-ClNUQHyODo9PNUdY3KstbxW8Bne-e6_Ye7IldEqqb2p7NdXYlKNCNHNWZv8_xKlj5DoRgCvCwrTL2iYN3I-yLi-fUwecQ/s2048/IMG_7162.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5Eq5nQ6OIZw9IaqB2iS4z8H10oKx8yFyeaF4rMLVu018NI-ClNUQHyODo9PNUdY3KstbxW8Bne-e6_Ye7IldEqqb2p7NdXYlKNCNHNWZv8_xKlj5DoRgCvCwrTL2iYN3I-yLi-fUwecQ/s320/IMG_7162.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">All in all, we sampled four different beers at Astro Lab, and they were all enjoyable. Coincidentally, my first beer was actually an Imperial Pilsner called <b>Luminous Spheres</b>. I was initially drawn to its unusual hop combination for a pilsner: Nelson Sauvin, Motueka, and Riwaka, all varieties from New Zealand. This one was really fruity on the nose, eliciting hints of lime, white grape and lemon. The natural carbonation offered a tasty bready backbone and a fairly hefty body for a pilsner. Well, it <i>is </i>an "imperial" pilsner, so I suppose that's part of what makes it imperial. I was more than satisfied and we decided a second round was in order. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Meanwhile, Brewslut was working on a pour of <b>Hi Ry</b>. Actually, we shared all four of the beers, so I enjoyed this one as well! This succulent DIPA boasts peach and candied citrus in the aroma with aggressive citrus notes and a hint of peach on the palate. A hint of rye lends a spicy creaminess that complements the lightly dank finish nicely. This may have been my favorite of the lot, which doesn't surprise me. I'm a sucker for peachy beers and I happen to love the spiciness of rye. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBCWWtxK4JUMyZFu4Eqsc_m9BWLzI-rVq-Re1k0T1Gn9GghFPGgqCrRj9G4nAP2QPIR6tGJ-VXEi1gXi0CvY4Yy2htHxkE3q-Wey5K7xTCZaIy724VmN4m35kzoZd4H-eZHbVSOva1nyE/s2048/IMG_7164.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBCWWtxK4JUMyZFu4Eqsc_m9BWLzI-rVq-Re1k0T1Gn9GghFPGgqCrRj9G4nAP2QPIR6tGJ-VXEi1gXi0CvY4Yy2htHxkE3q-Wey5K7xTCZaIy724VmN4m35kzoZd4H-eZHbVSOva1nyE/s320/IMG_7164.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">For our second round we tackled two more half pours. First up was <b>Fresh As</b>, a straight-up American IPA boasting juicy tropical fruit and citrus with an underlying hint of passionfruit and pine. Soft on the palate yet bright and refreshing, this was another enjoyable IPA. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The last beer I sampled was <b>About Turn</b>, which was described as a New England IPA. I found the hop bill to be quite peculiar for a NEIPA: Chinook, Cascade and Mosaic, largely old-school hops. This one was bursting with citrus in the form of bright orange, grapefruit and just a touch of pine. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRGCWGgmA_iuFRCRkuGe4l80hjZeLF-ku7C6K8LIUDtIbudVqZYROw5FH2hjgnx5dlaXrbUMu-3UcirDK2vtfT6akvp9wAn1DAC5rG-NvmyqtVEbWoItbyW_GNHx7BUMZeqorgvqPDUTc/s2048/IMG_7163.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRGCWGgmA_iuFRCRkuGe4l80hjZeLF-ku7C6K8LIUDtIbudVqZYROw5FH2hjgnx5dlaXrbUMu-3UcirDK2vtfT6akvp9wAn1DAC5rG-NvmyqtVEbWoItbyW_GNHx7BUMZeqorgvqPDUTc/s320/IMG_7163.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Pleeps gettin' it done!</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">All in all, there's plenty of good stuff at Astrolab, especially if you dig IPAs. (I mean, who doesn't?) I certainly wasn't disappointed with anything I put in my gullet. The place had a chill vibe that I always appreciate, and our server was friendly and on-point, so no complaints here.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We arrived at <a href="https://www.denizensbrewingco.com/" target="_blank">Denizens</a>, our third and final stop in Silver Spring, with no reservation. Its outdoor beer garden looked packed to the gills, and we were told it would be about an hour until we could be seated. We left our name and phone number with the greeter in the event that something opened up sooner, but I was certain that we would miss out on this place. After a quick jog back to the car, we decided to head to the next brewery on our list. Surprisingly, the greeter called me less than five minutes after we left. We'd just got into the car and started driving, so we turned around, grabbed our original parking spot and secured a seat all the way at the back of the beer garden. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivOIkMXDqCN6rrfaU6vRy_yb8bMjwZ7_pWF4r29P64LQeB_j4eHUjBOgN9fA2oLz1qlOaDfqNuPztHsFAKBiAq2IFMqm8SaXVoSgc709m8WatYHLOeMYn1gEOXqGE5tBMqx1_f-kgFqic/s2048/denizens.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivOIkMXDqCN6rrfaU6vRy_yb8bMjwZ7_pWF4r29P64LQeB_j4eHUjBOgN9fA2oLz1qlOaDfqNuPztHsFAKBiAq2IFMqm8SaXVoSgc709m8WatYHLOeMYn1gEOXqGE5tBMqx1_f-kgFqic/w400-h225/denizens.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Outside Denizens. (Photo courtesy of Montgomery Community Media)</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">One peculiar aspect of the beer garden at Denizens was that the ground didn't have grass, or gravel, or even cool little stepping stones you might encounter in an <i>actual </i>garden; instead, we found ourselves trodding upon Astroturf. The entire ground was covered with it. While we were here, a friendly and hungry - aren't they all? - Beagle occupied much of my attention during our visit. One of his owners gave him some kind of mammoth bone to nosh on for a bit, but took it away from the poor little mutt midway through him tearing it to shreds... right down to the cartilage. She took the mangled piece and placed it in a bag on their table, and the dog responded with a confused look all the while salivating for the remainder of the bone. I will say that I was amused for several minutes as I watched the little guy tear apart the bone with such canine fervor and skill. Sadly, I was so enthralled with the dog that I neglected to snap any other photos during our visit. Sometimes dogs trump beer... and that's ok. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2bnzArNmoyD66y-_9x-xgGJclbj5YMuwZ4ymx86qXl8b4qKZ6rGqT3J7VGa0vNi930THtDSB3t-vdYwVRB15o4XFJKYlXKbkwVRojTOR_Ldv9sHBEY6msf1__U2YKI715oFfBreTPWUM/s2048/IMG_7167.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2bnzArNmoyD66y-_9x-xgGJclbj5YMuwZ4ymx86qXl8b4qKZ6rGqT3J7VGa0vNi930THtDSB3t-vdYwVRB15o4XFJKYlXKbkwVRojTOR_Ldv9sHBEY6msf1__U2YKI715oFfBreTPWUM/s320/IMG_7167.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Just a dog and his bone.</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">But this is a beer blog, so I digress. The beer I was enjoying during all of this was called <b>Born Bohemian</b>, an excellent name for a Czech-style pilsner. Hopped with Saaz (of course!), this tasty pilsner displays delicate notes of wildflowers and subtle spices. This was a refreshing beer overall, and the fact that we were sitting outside on a surprisingly pleasant late winter day amplified my enjoyment of the beer immensely. However, this would be a one-and-done stop for us, so it was time to shove off.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>After our quick stop at Denizens, it was time to head south into Washington, DC. I was a little worried about the traffic on a Saturday, but we fared pretty well and managed to snag a parking space just around the corner from the site of our first-ever brewery visit in the nation's capital: <a href="https://www.rightproperbrewing.com/" target="_blank">Right Proper</a>. Surprisingly, we were seated quickly and efficiently despite the place looking to be fairly crowded. We secured a cozy little 2-person table near the back of the long, narrow brewpub. I was happy we'd be sitting inside. I don't mind having a beer or two outdoors, but I prefer to eat indoors, especially during the cooler months. Besides, we would have missed out on one of the more aesthetically pleasing breweries of the entire weekend. The murals decorating the building enhanced the ambiance of the space. One of my favorites features an assortment of colorful animals shooting laser beams, flamethrowers and other assorted weapons of mass destruction at each other. Come to think of it, it should have been a bit disturbing to an animal lover like myself, but I thought it was cool as shit. I tried to get a good photo of the mural, but sadly I could not. Never fear, though... it's Google to the rescue. Check it out!</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj72JnVNgOubdb565Xr-jAikJ54tevTVR4rURcPjNV6lJB7KyPx0_im_FRN7CqvUBwS6TimuFhJOaJrLqwMO6yi-rWMG9_GFBkCmAT0KVcU-g4WDwt2jr4l4Rezhsj56UdGwI86EhcSnyo/s900/panda_mural.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="438" data-original-width="900" height="312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj72JnVNgOubdb565Xr-jAikJ54tevTVR4rURcPjNV6lJB7KyPx0_im_FRN7CqvUBwS6TimuFhJOaJrLqwMO6yi-rWMG9_GFBkCmAT0KVcU-g4WDwt2jr4l4Rezhsj56UdGwI86EhcSnyo/w640-h312/panda_mural.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">When animals attack... each other! Mural inside Right Proper in Washington, D.C. (courtesy of Right Proper Brewing)</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>Once we got settled in, it didn't take me too long to figure out which beer I wanted. I almost balked due to the high ABV; however, a smoked doppelbock is just too good to pass up. Smoked beers are uncommon to begin with, but coming across a smoked doppelbock at a brewery is like tripping over a Tyrannosaurus Rex femur in your backyard while cutting the grass (even rarer because I don't even cut our grass). So I felt it was the right decision at the right time. <b>Bawk! Bawk!</b> is the 900th beer brewed at Right Proper's Shaw location since opening back in 2013. Strong, rich, and smoky with a deep malt character evocative of cocoa, coffee, tobacco and rawhide, this strong dark lager utilizes roasted barley, Munich and cherrywood smoked malts in its grain bill to elicit those campfire notes in which fans of the style truly revel. After the initial smokiness faded, a complex sweetness quells the palate with notes of dried stone fruit, light toast, and chocolate in the finish. This one was a real treat! </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjCWydpMwU_PZmjfzQ60G6uMJLQef-kkJR0bElflxS01w235Hm1VI2mm6thYxJNmcCa0VwmNaYsrXbeeXjOuY-5JnoLxMO2oBkq34pr-JQW31f8MMvwFF59q5fb3RUhaBiWgMmpLeIsGU/s2048/IMG_7168.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjCWydpMwU_PZmjfzQ60G6uMJLQef-kkJR0bElflxS01w235Hm1VI2mm6thYxJNmcCa0VwmNaYsrXbeeXjOuY-5JnoLxMO2oBkq34pr-JQW31f8MMvwFF59q5fb3RUhaBiWgMmpLeIsGU/s320/IMG_7168.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Thank you Pleeps... bawk bawk!</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>I decided to keep things on the dark side and step outside of my comfort zone for my next beer.<b> Dead Key</b> is a dark, robust saison fermented with a house yeast blend. The base beer then rests - or as the folks at Right Proper say, "ripens" - for seven months in Apple Brandy barrels from District Distilling. The result is a strong, alluring farmhouse ale with layers of charred sugar, stone fruit and a pronounced brandy character. While the yeast blend keeps things on the dry side, dispensing this beer via a blend of nitrogen and CO2 produces an exquisitely creamy texture, which is unusual for the style. All in all, I'm really glad I tried this beer.</div><div><br /></div><div>To put a cap in our visit, we shared a pour of <b>Plastic Palace</b>, one of Right Proper's foeder creations. You probably know what a foeder is, but if not, it's basically a huge wooden vessel typically used for wild and spontaneous sour ales. If you've been to Tröegs, we have three towering ones in our "Splinter Cellar" that are viewable from HersheyPark Drive. This particular beer was concocted by blending a mixed-culture Foeder beer with a dry-hopped Farmhouse Ale. This complex beer finishes with slight acidity and subtle sour funk tempered with notes of grapefruit peel, cherry and a touch of spice. </div><div><br /></div><div>In retrospect, I'm really glad we visited Right Proper around dinner time, because our meal was fantastic. Immediately upon perusing the menu, the Fried Tofu Bowl jumped out at me. I try to eat veggie as often as possible, although I still dabble in fish and foul on occasion. I was really happy with this dish, which included beer battered tofu, couscous, kale, roasted sweet potatoes, chickpeas, and roasted red peppers with harissa aioli and smoked paprika vinaigrette. All in all, this place was right up there with Silver Spring. Amazing food, a relaxed atmosphere, and slightly off-kilter but finely executed beer is always a winning combination. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOzNFsqRP37mkSUKbTmU6hzyHsReelUqJOQ6ZuByMwzc-jr_HhQUGMF9T_f-w2Pj5EO2pxcEZBk7z2gLNzYzTiTF_-3KLvDsJIn1jTFckc0SJj0VNxgVAdsXY3cwZR3BJwjbX__fFOZmM/s2048/IMG_2102.JPEG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOzNFsqRP37mkSUKbTmU6hzyHsReelUqJOQ6ZuByMwzc-jr_HhQUGMF9T_f-w2Pj5EO2pxcEZBk7z2gLNzYzTiTF_-3KLvDsJIn1jTFckc0SJj0VNxgVAdsXY3cwZR3BJwjbX__fFOZmM/s320/IMG_2102.JPEG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Pleeps is always in a Right Proper mood.</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><p>After an incredible experience at Right Proper, it was time to head to another DC-based brewery called Red Bear Brewing. However, when we arrived there were apparently no tables available and the wait was over an hour, so we balked. Walking back to the car, I decided to Google "breweries near me" and was pleasantly surprised with the results of the search. So we kind of stumbled onto <a href="https://otherhalfbrewing.com/location/washington-dc/" target="_blank">Other Half</a>, which we didn't even know had a satellite location in DC. Turns out it was less than a mile away from Red Bear, according to Google Maps! </p><p>Other Half opened its doors back in 2014 in Brooklyn, NY, and started to shake things up in the Mid-Atlantic craft beer scene almost immediately. We'd visited its small Brooklyn facility several years ago (perhaps a year or two after they opened), and it must have been during my blogging hiatus, because I have no written recollection of our visit. I do remember a feisty brewery cat who thought he (or she) owned the place. I also remember the beer. Very, very good beer. Especially IPAs. They make a couple few good ones. Other Half also loves collaboration beers, and they've brewed collabs with tons of world class breweries from all over the world, including Omnipollo, Equilibrium, Great Notion, Modern Times, Burley Oak, Trillium... the list goes on and on. </p><p>We were lucky to arrive about an hour or so before they closed, so I thought we could squeeze in two beers while we were there. The layout of the place is pretty sweet; it was like drinking on a rooftop bar, but everything was really spread out. We secured seating at a small barrel-made-table at the intersection toward the end of the entrance and the walkway leading back to the restrooms. Our table happened to be within close proximity of the can coolers, so was able to peruse the insane curation of colorful cans and bottles available to take home. (Trust me, I took advantage of this!) </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO8sCfco5Xhoi995ZcDequewkNqoWPxCi3_PPK0gkRCUMDlwN81zF2ZfDnYLfTNcrpZG-o_9yXBy-_HYUtdMup5ojZLko08GrvmISwQOtZIyPr1k5V9YSzoBEE0Lq4OHAGOJMuzQGZZVQ/s2048/IMG_7181.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO8sCfco5Xhoi995ZcDequewkNqoWPxCi3_PPK0gkRCUMDlwN81zF2ZfDnYLfTNcrpZG-o_9yXBy-_HYUtdMup5ojZLko08GrvmISwQOtZIyPr1k5V9YSzoBEE0Lq4OHAGOJMuzQGZZVQ/s320/IMG_7181.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Pleeps is ready to dig in to Other Half!</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div><div>I kicked off with a pour of <b>Blue Crab</b>, Other Half's tribute to one of Maryland's true hallmarks and cool creatures one can pull from the Chesapeake Bay. Hopped with some tried-and-true U.S. classics - Citra, Mosaic and Simcoe - this soft but flavorful IPA really hit the spot and might have been my favorite IPA of the day. </div><div><br /></div><div>I decided to stick with IPAs (as one would do at Other Half), and opted for <b>DDH Stacks on Stacks: Southern Hemisphere</b>...<b> </b>DDH, of course, meaning Double Dry-Hopped. A variation on Other Half's Stacks IPA swaps out Mosaic, Citra, and El Dorado for Nelson Sauvin, Motueka and Moutere, three varieties from New Zealand. This beer didn't suck, either. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXZfD7xM-NHsbqhpcby9Xk3am1d7kyUogvL6npiKTKjRs0tyF-iEh2EOqW5ADjlC4REew4Vc13jo7TIqKNXyCvJzjBawwv2_thsXwAikSJxDwQRhB_jJ2c6ZgPUPeDlX-1dr7LHDNZ114/s1280/IMG_7183.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXZfD7xM-NHsbqhpcby9Xk3am1d7kyUogvL6npiKTKjRs0tyF-iEh2EOqW5ADjlC4REew4Vc13jo7TIqKNXyCvJzjBawwv2_thsXwAikSJxDwQRhB_jJ2c6ZgPUPeDlX-1dr7LHDNZ114/s320/IMG_7183.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">OK, back to the beer coolers. In addition to a mixed case of random IPAs, DIPAs and TIPAs, I stumbled on two beers that I knew I couldn't get away from leaving behind if Pleeps had any say in the matter. Both were not only imperial stouts, but both also feature bananas as a key ingredient. So I splurged on behalf of our precious little monkey mascot and traveling companion. Man, he's so spoiled. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikJgNYSVEf7yLySXF1Fy1un8RUsn2Q_RDudf5D0tmgmuj_PvFc6ulap8lEl1x7D2leIG2ZGpPy4t_TmRazdx2uB2wChn5t-zFSAgZRVBkzT-tMi6nUpEYzZr8CFb_JHGO38VCG3Gt19Wo/s2048/IMG_7182.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikJgNYSVEf7yLySXF1Fy1un8RUsn2Q_RDudf5D0tmgmuj_PvFc6ulap8lEl1x7D2leIG2ZGpPy4t_TmRazdx2uB2wChn5t-zFSAgZRVBkzT-tMi6nUpEYzZr8CFb_JHGO38VCG3Gt19Wo/s320/IMG_7182.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Pleeps is still waiting for us to crack open this one!</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><p><br /></p><div>We had time to knock off one more place, so we made our way back to the hotel and made a slight detour to nearby Arlington for a quick one at <a href="https://www.newdistrictbrewing.com/" target="_blank">New District</a>. Arlington's first production brewery since 1916, New District borrows its name from a time when Arlington County was actually part of the District of Columbia. The brewery's logo portrays the Key Bridge, a local landmark, extending across the Potomac river. It was already pretty late in the day, and I was even questioning whether or not I "needed" another beer, but you know me... there's always room for one more when it comes to beer. In retrospect, I kind of wish we'd just gone back to the hotel. </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyqh3w9L2gnsPilo13Cz6n_JAMiN4w1Ksra8WveIvBv6KbgBuOwVTn6FKuU4EHjwn_RejKj4Og0FXD7lO2x7p0g_lvVEYlIgBiy13TJpuSKj1QGSY-khoNM6PjZHJwBubkSp3F2VA3Y1I/s2048/IMG_7185.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyqh3w9L2gnsPilo13Cz6n_JAMiN4w1Ksra8WveIvBv6KbgBuOwVTn6FKuU4EHjwn_RejKj4Og0FXD7lO2x7p0g_lvVEYlIgBiy13TJpuSKj1QGSY-khoNM6PjZHJwBubkSp3F2VA3Y1I/s320/IMG_7185.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Inside New District's taproom.</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>We ordered a pair of IPAs and decided to split them. I settled on <b>National Landing</b> - 6.2% IPA, while Brewslut chose <b>Dog Park Days</b>, an 8% DIPA. I couldn't find any other details on either of these beers on its website or Untappd. Something was afoul with National Landing, I'm afraid. There was a definite off flavor hovering around (likely diacetyl, but my memory is hazy) that just put me off. Brewslut fared much better with Dog Park Days, which was a pretty solid DIPA with sticky citrus and pine notes amid a sweet malt backbone. I'm glad we decided to share our beers, because this was a bit of a let-down after an enjoyable visit to Other Half. Perhaps I was just fatigued after going to five other breweries the same day. Whatever the case, I just wasn't feelin' it. So after this one-and-done stop, it was time to head back to the hotel for some much-needed rest. </div><p>A great experience at our first brewery of the day typically serves as a good omen. Aside from getting shut out at Red Bear and a dud beer at New District, it was a fine day. Honestly, missing out on Red Bear didn't really bother me too much, as we were able to call a quick audible and land at Other Half, which - not to make assumptions - is likely the superior brewery. </p><div>Well that's all for today, kiddos. Thankfully, we're almost at the finish line, because I have a bunch of other shit to write about. This blog thing is turning into a bona fide part time gig again now that travel restrictions are starting to loosen. Join us for the conclusion of this little weekend jaunt in the near future. Until next time...</div><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiorX2SrbYmS1EhRCldmmEiVPzPvn2Z2M0HubQyIo6SWPx6C8pAm_M3qpqSSCxGom5RPikcyFrMzXVlo3jIE7KSvFYdkspN3abgRt5GicKru_inpxBknhU2CWYdKWD5tVJeBuTTsz9Jlms/s1280/63616116849__A301D5D1-E9F3-4B68-863D-0047078CF574.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiorX2SrbYmS1EhRCldmmEiVPzPvn2Z2M0HubQyIo6SWPx6C8pAm_M3qpqSSCxGom5RPikcyFrMzXVlo3jIE7KSvFYdkspN3abgRt5GicKru_inpxBknhU2CWYdKWD5tVJeBuTTsz9Jlms/s320/63616116849__A301D5D1-E9F3-4B68-863D-0047078CF574.JPG" /></a></p><div><div><p></p></div></div>ffejherbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01444361671877120080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8277623370417580926.post-76772119667849692532021-03-22T14:36:00.002-04:002021-03-23T19:12:03.242-04:00Everything Falls into Church - Part I: Docking at Port City and ending in the Caboose<p>OK, I'll admit it... the title of this blog is dumb. But that's how my mind works. It's a blessing and a curse. With things slowly starting to return to normal, we've been soothing our cabin fever with a few quick weekend excursions to nearby regions to explore uncharted territory. On this particular weekend, I was supposed to be playing a gig with Solar Federation in Pittsburgh; however, as with all of my gigs throughout 2020, this one was postponed to a later date. Thanks 'Rona. Brewslut took a rare personal day to accompany me, and we'd planned to spend a day hitting up our favorite Steel City breweries. When our plans were thwarted, we decided to keep our PTO on the books and figure out an alternate game plan. </p><p>Upon examining a beer map of Virginia, I noticed that a fairly large portion of the state remained unexplored for us. Turns out the Falls Church/Fairfax/Alexandria/DC area has lots going on beer-wise. It also happens that Silver Spring, MD, is a mere hop, skip and jump away from where we settled on staying - Fells Church, VA. Already, the itinerary was coming together in my head. </p><p>For some reason, our first stop of the trip - <a href="https://www.portcitybrewing.com/" target="_blank">Port City</a> - wasn't on my initial list. However, Deuane gave this brewery an enthusiastic "thumbs up," so we added it to our agenda. Since they opened earlier than most other area breweries, we decided to start our day there. Well, actually, that's not entire true. I started by hitting a nearby record store an hour before Port City opened, while Brewslut went up the street to a local coffee place I'd discovered. I'm always on a quest to feed the demon when it comes to record stores. And if you're anything like me, buying records is nothing short of an addiction. I suppose it's better than gambling or heroin. So after about 45 minutes of digging, we were off to Alexandria, VA, for our inaugural visit to Port City. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB9iSDvoQ6ZVcIQ2pzAujgNrFhn-b5vIjX9KyVpMzeVdljoPpzhCUyspDPR35hSfFKZIjRm3U7PXlToP7wGL62LXBdhRCMZqY4rUS162cK-F4mH1CtWxpY03sQk77ClQ0NRJNiSh1fOO0/s2048/IMG_7139.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB9iSDvoQ6ZVcIQ2pzAujgNrFhn-b5vIjX9KyVpMzeVdljoPpzhCUyspDPR35hSfFKZIjRm3U7PXlToP7wGL62LXBdhRCMZqY4rUS162cK-F4mH1CtWxpY03sQk77ClQ0NRJNiSh1fOO0/s320/IMG_7139.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">First ones here... first ones here...</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p>We were the first people to arrive right as Port City was opening for the day. Actually, I'd made advance reservations because the weather forecast promised "warmish" temperatures and they only had outdoor seating. I didn't want to get there to discover a Friday lunch rush or something. We needn't have worried, because nobody else was there. </p><p>We grabbed a table at the far side of the beer garden. It was a tad brisk and windy, so we had one of the nearby heat lamps turned on. Like a few other breweries we'd visited during COVID, all ordering was done via an app and paid for with each transaction. With that said, I tried to order a pilsner but user error ensued and I ended up with <b>Essential Pale Ale</b>. However, it was a welcome blunder, because this was a textbook pale ale: deep golden in color with hop aroma reminiscent of citrus fruit. Nothing fancy. Not a hazy juice bomb or a Bourbon Barrel-aged Chocolate Coconut Coffee Raspberry Pastry Stout aged on Madagascar vanilla beans, cocoa nibs and 50 lbs. of Cinnabons. It's just a delicious, drinkable, no-frills pale ale. Score one for Port City in my book! </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi52nmhHnYNrUAe_pnifH91kL4XAs-xraj4DcWJEDbgEB77rnZE0pNP_vyoR6y93DLDLLaKYA4YNHoPheFL0A2opnI6nxzKCkQfwOVwHQnH4lPFlt6vsNqSOZILJmMgF0NBtg4Tqz501Ao/s2048/IMG_2077.JPEG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi52nmhHnYNrUAe_pnifH91kL4XAs-xraj4DcWJEDbgEB77rnZE0pNP_vyoR6y93DLDLLaKYA4YNHoPheFL0A2opnI6nxzKCkQfwOVwHQnH4lPFlt6vsNqSOZILJmMgF0NBtg4Tqz501Ao/s320/IMG_2077.JPEG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Pleeps is ready!</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p>I loved the fact that we were in Virginia and didn't have to order food at every stop. Regardless, I decided to keep things light and simple with my next beer, <b>Golden Export Lager</b>. This European Export style, also called a Dortmunder, is characterized by a deep golden hue and a slightly higher ABV compared to, say, a helles. Additionally, the Export style is maltier than a pilsner and hoppier than a helles. This one boasts notes of lightly toasted malt and floral hops with soft bitterness and a clean, dry finish. This was another winner as far as I was concerned. </p><p>Brewslut was eyeing up a beer called <b>Colossal One</b>, so we decided to share a pour as our final beer at Port City. Described as a Belgian imperial stout aged in red wine barrels, Colossal One is brewed in celebration of Port City's anniversary, which occurs is in the dead of winter. So I suppose it's only fitting that they brew a very strong, very dark high-gravity beer to keep folks all warm and toasty inside. Westmalle Trappist yeast provides the beer's Belgian flair, offering a tinge of phenolic spiciness and some pleasant fruity esters. However, deep down this beer is all about decadent cocoa and dried stone fruit with flashes of espresso, Swiss chocolate, and just a touch of citrus zest.</p><p>All in all, Port City provided an enjoyable experience. Although we didn't get to enjoy this impressive-looking brewery from the inside, we had nice chats with the greeter and our server. It's also refreshing to see a mid-sized production brewery churning out tried-and-true beers and more traditional styles rather than jump on a bandwagon craze. Everything we had here was solid... better than solid, actually. I look forward to returning once things get back to normal so we can check out the entire brewery. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4FvQfRp1dbjVgH2booU431TrQ1Y1icjn1c6DFQq0VHgYs8hhACeLFr6o17Rp63YysbUXl_zy63ubDssP4VMBXWA3Z_q2k3IFe0Wu7skEvnNrUSOQL6LMOvmI3jCbG1vDbmsMRUPqpdYQ/s2048/IMG_7143.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4FvQfRp1dbjVgH2booU431TrQ1Y1icjn1c6DFQq0VHgYs8hhACeLFr6o17Rp63YysbUXl_zy63ubDssP4VMBXWA3Z_q2k3IFe0Wu7skEvnNrUSOQL6LMOvmI3jCbG1vDbmsMRUPqpdYQ/s320/IMG_7143.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">The colorful world of Aslin.</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p>Our second stop of the day was the only brewery with which I was previously familiar: <a href="https://www.aslinbeer.com/" target="_blank">Aslin</a>. Also situated in Alexandria, Aslin has a second location in Reston, VA, which I originally thought was the main location. Turns out I was wrong. Regardless, we'd had several of its beers in the past and have been routinely impressed across the board. However, the brewery has a penchant for pushing innovation and creativity, and our visit definitely seemed to drive that notion home. Upon perusing the beer board, we were greeted with a cornucopia of styles ranging from pilsners and lagers (I even took home a 4-pack of a dark Czech lager, which was delicious) to an assortment of IPAs from one end of the spectrum to the other to... well, just really odd-sounding beers with disparate ingredients (more on two of those beers in a bit). </p><p>I dipped my toes into the water and opted for something on the lighter end of the IPA spectrum:<b> Don't Dial in and Focus</b>.<b> </b>This IPA is triple dry-hopped with Citra, Mosaic and Galaxy to elicit notes of juicy peach and zesty citrus fruit amid accents of mango and pine. With its peachy character and huge hop nose, this beer proved to be a good starting point. </p><p>For my next selection, I decided to go a bit more experimental with <b>IPA #2</b>. This beer is part of Aslin's Brewer's Series, which spotlights the recipe of a particular brewery who creates and executes his own recipe from start to finish. This mouth-watering, tropical IPA features milk sugar and is dry-hopped with Amarillo, Simcoe, and Galaxy and conditioned on pineapple and coconut. This beer was pretty damn amazing, and I did not hesitate to take home some cans of this fantastic limited release.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz0TKtPJK6wrhZ5Mx-3U3AOZU7zk8BJ_n8mc9leTfuCz2J7GWQfU_LCHdK0UNvr1XEJenBtARyp6Ugh35tHC-7KhIJ6zlXwbaZjxBty8tS-RsoH8hc3mWQoB57T98joGJj_b0djA7wV64/s2048/IMG_2081.JPEG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz0TKtPJK6wrhZ5Mx-3U3AOZU7zk8BJ_n8mc9leTfuCz2J7GWQfU_LCHdK0UNvr1XEJenBtARyp6Ugh35tHC-7KhIJ6zlXwbaZjxBty8tS-RsoH8hc3mWQoB57T98joGJj_b0djA7wV64/s320/IMG_2081.JPEG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Pleeps gettin' down to business at Aslin!</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p>Remember those "odd" beers I mentioned two paragraphs ago? Well, it's time to tackle a pair of them right now. First up is <b>Durango Doug</b>, and I'm not gonna lie to you... I love the opening of this beer's description (even though I have no idea what it means):</p><p><i><span> </span>Remember Corvette Steve? We’d like to introduce you to his cousin, Durango Doug. Doug would love <span> </span>to help you take that dresser to the Goodwill this weekend but there’s not much room in the back ever <span> </span>since he put in those sick 18” Rockford Fosgate subs. </i></p><p>Durango Doug is an interesting sour ale loaded with raspberry, blackberry, strawberry, hazelnut, maple and marshmallow. Man, I'm telling you... marshmallow is going to be the new ingredient craze of 2021. I've encountered at least a dozen beers with marshmallow since the tail end of 2020, and most of them have been great. The goal here was to hearken back to a few of the favorite sugary Saturday morning breakfast cereals of childhood's past. However, the maple definitely nudged its way to the forefront, giving this one more of a French toast vibe rather than cereal. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUtthtlAhlQ5LhbYgZq074vd9OZ9lT8MesSSlAgW3PpMQ-D_Q4VLhhTLg5tDENrBLLJ9ojAEuVUw9Pny-D6KBovxI7pnL9Uy6Tdbjq_YZ4aM0_opBK0TJJVvV8IbI0n3NBVUHxEUbyHjc/s2048/IMG_7146.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUtthtlAhlQ5LhbYgZq074vd9OZ9lT8MesSSlAgW3PpMQ-D_Q4VLhhTLg5tDENrBLLJ9ojAEuVUw9Pny-D6KBovxI7pnL9Uy6Tdbjq_YZ4aM0_opBK0TJJVvV8IbI0n3NBVUHxEUbyHjc/s320/IMG_7146.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Beer... it's what's for breakfast!</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p>Speaking of breakfast beers, up next was something called <b>Brunchies</b>.<b> </b>Brewed in collaboration with Troon Brewing, Brunchies is a sour IPA brewed with blueberries, maple, lemon and coffee. Wait... lemon? I'm not sure how lemon factors into that odd equation. Perhaps I needed to use the quadratic formula. Despite its promising list of ingredients, this one fell a little short with me overall. I appreciated the experimental nature of this beer, though. </p><p>Overall, it was great to finally get to Aslin, as it had been on our radar for several years. The space and atmosphere reminded me of Modist Brewing based in Minneapolis, MN, which was a stand-out on <a href="http://ffejherb.blogspot.com/2018/09/the-great-taste-caper-2018-day-5.html" target="_blank">our epic trek to Great Taste of the Midwest</a> back in 2018. Even the beers were done in the same vein. Fortunately, my memory of breweries remains at least partially intact thanks to my diligence at keeping this blog alive. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidC_TVosXkjsee4d751l0zOqyYZKmLu4Os38kRClj9ZXc5ZEK_zrdBeUZr7pIokI4-hbdkHagJ1wGne_Y40pMQjBSy9uuPM3a5rD_ucy3ViQzpAMzVi5aLRczFQnMt1o0kHRVFRJdRbSY/s2048/IMG_7148.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidC_TVosXkjsee4d751l0zOqyYZKmLu4Os38kRClj9ZXc5ZEK_zrdBeUZr7pIokI4-hbdkHagJ1wGne_Y40pMQjBSy9uuPM3a5rD_ucy3ViQzpAMzVi5aLRczFQnMt1o0kHRVFRJdRbSY/s320/IMG_7148.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Gettin' chubby with it!</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p>After a chill visit to Aslin, it was time to set the GPS to Fairfax for our next brewery visit: <a href="http://www.chubbysquirrelbrewing.com/" target="_blank">Chubby Squirrel</a>. I'll admit that I'd never heard of this brewery prior to putting together our itinerary for the weekend. Located in the heart of downtown Fairfax, this tiny brewery touts itself as "your neighborhood brewery" and is apparently the first craft brewery in Fairfax proper. I always say that every town needs its own small brewery. Chubby Squirrel is a quaint little place situated in the Courtyard Plaza Shopping Center, so there's plenty of parking available. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLnAF3l0ygu2_q1GYSsPaLuik8gC89gw_kzy0QDTMAjM-867Lv6QsWqTV3dz1SBLxQpI_EnxCQXbR-3_GOhccDPy7rvWxHpCTRg1-93lhfinDQdnU7JNaeCWp4yYIywb6fhnftHP0liNE/s2048/IMG_7149.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLnAF3l0ygu2_q1GYSsPaLuik8gC89gw_kzy0QDTMAjM-867Lv6QsWqTV3dz1SBLxQpI_EnxCQXbR-3_GOhccDPy7rvWxHpCTRg1-93lhfinDQdnU7JNaeCWp4yYIywb6fhnftHP0liNE/s320/IMG_7149.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Chubby Squirrel welcomes you!</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p>By this time of the day, we were feeling a bit peckish. Luckily for us, Chubby Squirrel offers a condensed menu featuring snacks and small bites. Inside, the place feels kind of like a pizza or sub shop; it's a long, narrow room with a counter at the very back. I'm an animal guy, so I dug the squirrels, though. (We actually have a family of squirrels living in our old tree in our yard who've been named Dig Dug, Dozier, Bull, and Paulie Walnuts.) After perusing the menu, we settled on pierogies and grilled wings. Both hit the spot and added some more fuel in our tanks. Meanwhile, Pleeps was off making new friends. I knew he'd find a kindred spirit at this place!</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMsAhaNnMmn-FHvMaMOgU6bxjtbGTFqLqRgQ1P5ChWUlIK6jrAB4EORSRWau4CIaXzi4yD_ADNler6Cf4wxDuvY1_uXS9gF11zWD7QQ8Vy0-InT82G5d4TZAsiR0ihA48JRCndvOdvaLE/s2048/IMG_7150.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMsAhaNnMmn-FHvMaMOgU6bxjtbGTFqLqRgQ1P5ChWUlIK6jrAB4EORSRWau4CIaXzi4yD_ADNler6Cf4wxDuvY1_uXS9gF11zWD7QQ8Vy0-InT82G5d4TZAsiR0ihA48JRCndvOdvaLE/s320/IMG_7150.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Pleeps is looking rather svelte next to the chubby squirrel.</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><p><b><br /></b></p><p>Anyway, onto the beer. The selection was modest, with about six to eight beers on tap. We eventually landed on <b>The Mangolorian</b>, a boozy Triple IPA with brewed with mango, orange, and lactose. Weighing in at 10% ABV, Brewslut and I decided to share a pour of this heavy hitter. The obvious Star Wars reference wasn't lost on us, despite the fact that neither of us had ever seen an episode of the Mandalorian. Overall, this was fairly enjoyable, but in the grand scheme of things I don't think I could have handled a full pour of this beast, especially given our ambitious timeline for the day. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXODlS6_IMAnUyDnTeTppObQR9muIBUvAhZyiW9GUZ4JTL25CPsnorJ0tS840-vdWztBPBGIWkpV57z5LGl8a-irxMGa2Tue1Ga-6hE6bu2k7uhsW1lanY9veQJWhQqwD_EU6d5gta5HI/s2048/IMG_2086.JPEG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXODlS6_IMAnUyDnTeTppObQR9muIBUvAhZyiW9GUZ4JTL25CPsnorJ0tS840-vdWztBPBGIWkpV57z5LGl8a-irxMGa2Tue1Ga-6hE6bu2k7uhsW1lanY9veQJWhQqwD_EU6d5gta5HI/s320/IMG_2086.JPEG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">That chubby squirrel... what a nut!</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p>After our fairly lengthy session at Aslin, we needed to recharge a bit, so I suppose one shared beer (albeit a 10-percenter) was a sound decision. Fortunately for us, nothing else on the beer menu was calling our names, so we left this as a one-and-done stop. It was time to bid a fond farewell to Pleeps' new pal, the chubby squirrel, and set our sights to the next stop. </p><p>When I checked out a map of the area, it looked like there was a lot going on in Falls Church. Turns out our next three stops were all located in the Falls Church area. First up was <a href="https://solaceoutpost.com/" target="_blank">Solace Outpost</a>, a satellite location of Solace Brewing in Sterling (Sterling, Virginia... baaah baaah burky burrrr!), home of my favorite comedian, Patton Oswalt. Solace launched in 2016 and expanded to this second location after the previous tenant, Mad Fox Brewing Company, closed its doors in July of 2019. </p><p>We parked on the street around the block and, unbeknownst to us, took the long way around the block. Oh well. I always appreciate getting a bit of exercise when we're binge drinking (which, according to Letterkenny's Pastor Glenn "is a form of alcoholism"... although I beg to differ). OK, I guess "binge drinking" does, in fact, imply negative connotations, so let's just call it "brewery hopping." </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlD-zCR7DdcUgyjtReH-LIGL6ReKUF-iiReELXjPMtHgcRXOHyQC46kFs3NtBvmTlE86oGWiH08YJW3_z3nDaqMAwbZJ8lvLzBOJssl5npVlIDomiUiKNrxUdLi9fYJDsipj186dcEqCA/s2048/IMG_7152.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlD-zCR7DdcUgyjtReH-LIGL6ReKUF-iiReELXjPMtHgcRXOHyQC46kFs3NtBvmTlE86oGWiH08YJW3_z3nDaqMAwbZJ8lvLzBOJssl5npVlIDomiUiKNrxUdLi9fYJDsipj186dcEqCA/s320/IMG_7152.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">How 'bout a picture of some tanks?</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p>Inside, the dimly-lit space captures a chill, cozy vibe and features a long, curved bar and lots of wood plank accents throughout the space. We sat at a high-top table for four right inside the side entrance. For some reason, I felt like I was in Oregon when we were here. Perhaps it reminded me of a particular brewery we visited out there. For whatever reason, my thoughts immediately went back to that awesome trip. </p><p>The food at Solace Outpost is provided by Sauced and boasts the tasty trifecta of "pies, thighs and fries." I must say that these are a few of my favorite things. After some discussion, we opted for the Bama Chicken pie featuring garlic butter, mozzarella, crispy chicken, red onion, banana peppers, and white barbeque sauce. It was quite tasty to say the least, especially the crispy thin crust. </p><p>As for the beer, this was a one-and-done stop for us, and it was perfect timing because we arrived during Happy Hour! The beer I ultimately decided on was <b>Capturing Moods</b>, a pale ale brewed with flaked barley, wheat and Munich malts and hopped with Citra Cryo in the boil and double dry-hopped with Comet after fermentation. Now you might be thinking to yourself, "What's with this newfangled "Cryo" designation? I've heard of Citra hops, but what's this Cryo business?" Cryo Hops is a trademarked brand of hops that utilizes "cryogenic" processing (i.e. they're frozen in liquid nitrogen). During this process, whole-leaf hops are separated into concentrated lupulin to help preserve all of the hop's oils and resins. What does this accomplish? Well, it boosts the hop potency considerably and produces an enhanced hop flavor. Traditional hop cones and pellets contain undesirable vegetative material that can add astringency or bring forward unwanted flavors. Cryo Hops, however, eliminate this issue. The more you know...</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiHwDaZq_7vGDQ9B2OagY3HEZSCfs326Z1keMDB5cX0GHob0UCuPbG6wDp5IZUUZVCVDOI0E8FtDBzwJUOPhVsjrjsTHmuNRCGyvjIbmt-HzPOkIP_Dct_w7p3U4knUy3-kWYeFlCE7AM/s2048/IMG_7151.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiHwDaZq_7vGDQ9B2OagY3HEZSCfs326Z1keMDB5cX0GHob0UCuPbG6wDp5IZUUZVCVDOI0E8FtDBzwJUOPhVsjrjsTHmuNRCGyvjIbmt-HzPOkIP_Dct_w7p3U4knUy3-kWYeFlCE7AM/s320/IMG_7151.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Pleeps betwixt a pair of brews at Solace.</i></span></td></tr></tbody></table><p><br /></p><p>After a slight refueling at Solace, it was time to head over to <a href="https://settledowneasybrewing.com/" target="_blank">Settle Down Easy</a>, the second of three breweries in Falls Church on our list for the day. A brewery with a music bent, Settle Down Easy opened for business in 2018 and borrowed its name from lyrics to the Grateful Dead song "Ramble on Rose." Actually, the brewery almost had to settle for another name, as "Settle Down Brown" was copyrighted by Odell Brewing out of Ft. Collins, CO. But when the owners of Settle Down Easy explained to Odell that the name was a tribute to the fallen brother of one of the owners, Odell allowed the small Virginia brewery use of this meaningful name. </p><p>The beer selection during our visit included about a dozen taps of varying styles, and it was a Schwarzbier that jumped out to me.<b> </b>The aptly named <b>It's a Lager That's Dark</b> is a classic German-style dark lager similar to a dunkel but with the addition of roasted and debittered black malt. Noble Tettnang and Saaz hops add a tinge of spicy and floral notes, while a traditional yeast strain lends a crisp, clean finish. This one was pretty solid overall, and I'm always pleased to see a Schwarzbier (same with a Rauchbier) on tap when we travel. </p><p>Since they offered half pours, we opted for a second round. This time, I went with <b>Birt's Bock</b>. Named after a friend of the brewery who picks up spent grains to feed his cattle, this medium-bodied bock (i.e. strong lager) features notes of toasted bread and caramel. </p><p>There was also a little taco stand right over by our table. Their prices were right, so I opted for a little snack and grabbed a taco. It was about the size of two regular tacos and hit the spot for sure (although I felt a little queasy the next day, which may or may not have been the result of said taco... just sayin'). </p><p>Settle Down Easy was pretty solid overall, and I definitely appreciated the music-centric vibe of the place, with its plethora of rock band flags and banners adorning the entire wall above the main entrance. They also seemed to be pretty busy during our visit, so good for them! </p><p>Our third and final Falls Church brewery of the day was <a href="https://audaciousaleworks.com/" target="_blank">Audacious Aleworks</a>, and it was easily our most social visit of the day. More on that later, though.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaRNsloFNPDeUyAeFgEZv7pF8pVkMIs9ilP8lbYvtp4FkDW5eMVzHCXD5hL3a251kC7CiaXtxfn6InfLeHEBv4cM9oea80OTB3AGtzcm4F5KefCQz0BWYSH_W6UZ43RWSiz7Cn0REVz3U/s2048/IMG_7155.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaRNsloFNPDeUyAeFgEZv7pF8pVkMIs9ilP8lbYvtp4FkDW5eMVzHCXD5hL3a251kC7CiaXtxfn6InfLeHEBv4cM9oea80OTB3AGtzcm4F5KefCQz0BWYSH_W6UZ43RWSiz7Cn0REVz3U/s320/IMG_7155.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Pleeps says, "Blue is nice!"</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p>There was much to be had on the beer menu; everything from sours and coffee beers to IPAs and a variety of traditional styles were represented here. After a few moments, we settled on two coffee-forward beers and shared them. First up was <b>Hazelnut Espresso Stout</b>, a pastry stout sweetened with lactose and finished on espresso and hazelnuts. The other was called <b>Bombastic Birdie Beans</b>, which I found to be a peculiar name. This flavorful blonde ale is brewed with Madagascar vanilla beans and (hence the beer's name) Birdie Blend coffee from a local Falls Church coffee roaster called Rare Bird. So there you go! Both of these were solid offerings overall.</p><p>As I was heading back to our table (adjacent to the brewhouse), I overheard a table of three guys talking about one of my favorite TV shows of all time - Seinfeld. I sat down and my ears perked up as they began discussing whether Seinfeld was better than Friends. (They all agreed correctly that there was no comparison; Seinfeld was the superior show.) So I got roped into a lengthy conversation about classic TV, beer and a myriad of other things with this friendly trio. Meanwhile, Brewslut was starting to show signs of fatigue and kept Pleeps company by allowing him to climb around on the wall separating us from the brewhouse. That's Pleeps... always monkeying around. I decided it was time to stick a fork in our visit, so I grabbed a few cans of Joyous to give to the trio of guys with whom I passed an enjoyable hour (one of them was already a Tröegs fan)! Although Brewslut was fading, I talked her into one final stop of the day... which isn't hard to do, by the way. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggJZgMQ6kdcnENz9rnDitjxLrps9chyL_b3m74y4qSKQdMbUBu71SLMEv4U5YtgyTg5SvkLr5tXyMqzIYndtADO-cuWLphPq2AGxUU43Rt8wIOTSmbto3UWp420k8vj8G4oD_IyKM65d8/s2048/IMG_2093.JPEG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggJZgMQ6kdcnENz9rnDitjxLrps9chyL_b3m74y4qSKQdMbUBu71SLMEv4U5YtgyTg5SvkLr5tXyMqzIYndtADO-cuWLphPq2AGxUU43Rt8wIOTSmbto3UWp420k8vj8G4oD_IyKM65d8/s320/IMG_2093.JPEG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Pleeps being Pleeps.<br /><br /></span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><p>We had planned on hitting <a href="https://caboosebrewing.com/fairfax-va/" target="_blank">Caboose Commons</a> for breakfast on Sunday, as they opened a little earlier than most of the other breweries on our list. It's a good thing we decided to swing by on this particular evening, because we learned that they didn't actually open until 11:30 a.m., not the 7 a.m. I'd thought. (Yes, that's early for a brewery but in pre-COVID days, they offer a killer breakfast and brunch that sadly we were not able to enjoy. Thanks again, 'Rona.) At any rate, we arrived about two minutes prior to last call. We told the greeter that we were just going to be grabbing one beer and heading out. She seated us, and by the time my QR code scanned and we were ready to order, last call was made and I couldn't place my order. I'd thought we'd been pipped at the post. However, the manager on duty was kind enough to let us, um, manually order a beer (actually live and in person). That was mighty kind of him. </p><p>I decided to end big and ordered a pour of the <b>Rum Barrel Aged Tiramisu Stout</b>, an imperial stout aged in - you guessed it - rum barrels with the help of cacao nibs, whole coffee beans, Madagascar vanilla beans, and lactose. Turns out this beer was the first beer release of the 2021 Caboose Barrel Club! I mean, I'm not even a card-carrying member... plus we rolled in late... so I suppose I should count my blessings. It was might tasty, but the rum character just wasn't sitting well with me. Once it approached room temperature (which it barely did because we only had about 30 minutes to spend here), it mellowed a bit. </p><p>Meanwhile, Brewslut was digging her <b>Mango Milkshake IPA</b> with its tropical, juicy fruit flavor and faint herbal, almost peppery hop bite to add some contrast. Since we only had time for one beer each, we decided to share these. I'd typically prefer the imperial stout, but this milkshake IPA was legit and I ultimately decided it was the superior beer of the two. </p><p>Caboose definitely had the potential to be one of our favorite stops of the day, but we just didn't have enough time to soak it in, unfortunately. Breweries in this area like to make "last call" 30 to 45 minutes before closing. We're used to 0 to 15 minutes here in PA, so it was an adjustment we tried to make (more on that in Part II). I'd love to visit in post-COVID times so we can enjoy their breakfast with a nice, roasty coffee stout or beermosa. </p><p>Well, that's it for Day 1, folks! Tune in again next time for Part II of our Virginia adventure, which actually will take us to Silver Spring, MD, and down into our nation's capital before traversing back to base camp. Until next time...</p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghLyc7hGfLRQcNv2YFIYmAp8NdBY0HC20Xz7nh2T0AudGIuu7tfBT185c6whkYGaxJEhv2A_ArJrW893UDXOqXTjLGALIqhPKK4v5RDfgqRV8zYkqeQLCGUWzPMdghFUuWtSYL5E78e4c/s2048/IMG_2092.JPEG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghLyc7hGfLRQcNv2YFIYmAp8NdBY0HC20Xz7nh2T0AudGIuu7tfBT185c6whkYGaxJEhv2A_ArJrW893UDXOqXTjLGALIqhPKK4v5RDfgqRV8zYkqeQLCGUWzPMdghFUuWtSYL5E78e4c/s320/IMG_2092.JPEG" /></a></p>ffejherbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01444361671877120080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8277623370417580926.post-77204202017054407572021-03-08T12:49:00.004-05:002021-03-08T12:49:44.970-05:00A Weekend Fit for a President - Part II: Gettin' Schwilly in Philly<p style="text-align: left;">Since Sunday was Valentine's Day, I felt it prudent to make a reservation for our first stop, the ever-popular <a href="http://evilgeniusbeer.com/" target="_blank">Evil Genius</a>. Coincidentally, neither Brewslut nor I had ever been to Evil Genius, so we were able to finally add it to our long list of breweries visits. </p><p style="text-align: left;">I must admit that they've been somewhat hit or miss with me over the years, and I can never seem to decide if I like their beer names. On one end of the spectrum, you have the nonsensical (i.e. Purple Monkey Dishwasher). On the other side, there's the truly epic (i.e. Has Anybody Tried Turning 2020 Off & Back On Again?). Then there's a whole lot of hashtags, movie quotes, and cartoon references all squished in the middle. I've had some good beers as well as some not-so-good beers from this new-ish brewery. Upon turning to Google for some history on the brewery, it seems this particular taproom opened back in 2017. For some reason, though, Evil Genius seems to have been around longer than that. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiDqYVynZGAwaQCRDiOsaeF1RE0SVNpJIvvCrNE1ShE5LltkE3wNTBUjIcQKjvSDHjKWIC9HIF7e2DUuHqGxdOlIPzCaUSw2KitakMHl8-m48dzDllU4FbCYYIRV31mVWRzBj59ltdqHU/s2048/IMG_7062.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiDqYVynZGAwaQCRDiOsaeF1RE0SVNpJIvvCrNE1ShE5LltkE3wNTBUjIcQKjvSDHjKWIC9HIF7e2DUuHqGxdOlIPzCaUSw2KitakMHl8-m48dzDllU4FbCYYIRV31mVWRzBj59ltdqHU/s320/IMG_7062.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Welcome to Evil Genius.</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">As for the taproom, it's got an awesome old-school industrial warehouse vibe with lots of exposed brick and metal ceiling beams. The night before we visited, they hosted a <i>Back to the Future</i>-themed event that I must admit looked pretty amazing. The entire taproom was decorated with "Save the Clock Tower" fliers and other references to the movies, and the back area even featured a small stage complete with an "Enchantment under the Sea" banner. One can only hope that they were able to secure a Marvin Berry & the Starlighters tribute band to provide the entertainment. Nobody... and I mean NOBODY... would dare to say they were just too darn loud. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOZ9VKfoxlSYnb1Taer6MLQn0OAhcsuU2arDqLbYDt_arLs782imZF4kOVvDUWiSVs8s34Gwh_fWkuMOjHoj3XIxqMKiXQCD3xCdbi3BMzeJ2ZNeesLTFIE9GWT45fBHqi7b0O_96FiKI/s2048/IMG_7064.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOZ9VKfoxlSYnb1Taer6MLQn0OAhcsuU2arDqLbYDt_arLs782imZF4kOVvDUWiSVs8s34Gwh_fWkuMOjHoj3XIxqMKiXQCD3xCdbi3BMzeJ2ZNeesLTFIE9GWT45fBHqi7b0O_96FiKI/s320/IMG_7064.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">"...we'll be back in a while, so don't nobody go nowhere."</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">In spite of all the breweries popping up across the country, Evil Genius (which, by the way is an awesome name for a brewery) seems to have carved out its own clever niche... certainly among its local competitors. It's refreshing to see a brewery not taking themselves so seriously (I mean, their "About" section on Facebook declares: "Very silly names for very serious beers. Our moms think we're cool." Of course, whose mom <i>doesn't </i>think her kid is cool?</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDsRuWfYZu9L2ApcCHBOPQhYKpNTLDxmS8WrBbkvPZATPPU5kImT97mCn5jAR39cCDBkq_lFlh5rvfZ4osKEUJ6YwEqmfj-zUKzvJtd-xrbYCiFhb8RLhrsuXqQRorJIM7wKGKI2MjU4U/s2048/IMG_7061.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDsRuWfYZu9L2ApcCHBOPQhYKpNTLDxmS8WrBbkvPZATPPU5kImT97mCn5jAR39cCDBkq_lFlh5rvfZ4osKEUJ6YwEqmfj-zUKzvJtd-xrbYCiFhb8RLhrsuXqQRorJIM7wKGKI2MjU4U/s320/IMG_7061.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Inside the Evil Genius tap room.</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">At any rate, let's get into the beer, shall we? </p><p style="text-align: left;">Turns out my peach clause was in full effect, and I opted for <b>#SORRYNOTSORRY</b>. See? A hashtag! I told you! All kidding aside, this Peach IPA features a blend of Azacca, Mosaic and Simcoe hops to produce a fruity yet hoppy blast of juicy peach backed with tropical fruit and light citrus. I enjoyed this one quite a bit and made sure to grab a 4-pack of cans before we left. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaTzchKD6PwR3iZ1HR6nEJmkWXGDc25tgeYWrfiqsFdhKK1ZADu5niiLQTcdHOXAz0OjgziuIF4iBnCe5w613Hokgse3Un7_BCl-IXp4KYo7lIswCyJY6wUK4wyHeQubstvDtmqJ40NSM/s2048/IMG_7065.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaTzchKD6PwR3iZ1HR6nEJmkWXGDc25tgeYWrfiqsFdhKK1ZADu5niiLQTcdHOXAz0OjgziuIF4iBnCe5w613Hokgse3Un7_BCl-IXp4KYo7lIswCyJY6wUK4wyHeQubstvDtmqJ40NSM/s320/IMG_7065.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Pleeps is masked up and ready to go!</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">Meanwhile, Brewslut was enjoying a peach beer of her own with <b>The Gang Gets Quarantined</b>, a sour ale brewed with peach and mango. She was quite pleased with her decision to order this beer, and I concurred. Pleeps thought it was pretty tasty as well. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuWy8PZ2DM2b9pTkmesSRnIn8XXnG7wqRJwqC3ZiyTvhaZkLCccxBfKMltLB4xxBzGNFN3RE88nMNIs0vPiKHwXGJls7bMj0znZWCZWevW0STPhm1olraEwJYoPNRUbaayQX1uZvT93JY/s2000/IMG_2036.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="1500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuWy8PZ2DM2b9pTkmesSRnIn8XXnG7wqRJwqC3ZiyTvhaZkLCccxBfKMltLB4xxBzGNFN3RE88nMNIs0vPiKHwXGJls7bMj0znZWCZWevW0STPhm1olraEwJYoPNRUbaayQX1uZvT93JY/s320/IMG_2036.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Pleeps standing tall with the gang at Evil Genius.</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: left;"><br />I went into Evil Genius with no preconceived notions, and it turns out I was pleasantly surprised. The staff was great, the vibe was awesome, and the space was comfortable. I was also impressed with my beer, and our food (grilled cheese and tomato soup) was very good as well. I'd like to get back here post-COVID and park myself at one of these cozy-looking sofas. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgncIoOnwTYX9yWNhB2fCg_LU-cXacpb-eIlUnLRQ6YkL2tQ7CH7JIDnvZmFdG5xMTDhQkcQ8zVyjsHpPS00nZxvTdj8z4hoRl1XKhr6A1JrSfYlhwe4rpcZNtAeJdLx494Luemdz87ddA/s2048/IMG_7063.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgncIoOnwTYX9yWNhB2fCg_LU-cXacpb-eIlUnLRQ6YkL2tQ7CH7JIDnvZmFdG5xMTDhQkcQ8zVyjsHpPS00nZxvTdj8z4hoRl1XKhr6A1JrSfYlhwe4rpcZNtAeJdLx494Luemdz87ddA/s320/IMG_7063.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Can't wait for some couch time at Evil Genius!</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">All in all, it was a pleasant experience, and now that we visited I totally get what Evil Genius is all about. </p><p style="text-align: left;">Our next stop was another new brewery for the Pour Travelers, <a href="http://punchbuggybrewingcompany.com/" target="_blank">Punch Buggy</a>. Situated in the Kensington neighborhood of Philly, Punch Buggy is a tiny garage brewery with lots of rough-and-tumble charm. The brewery's name takes inspiration from an orange punch buggy (a name typically given to a Volkswagen Beetle) driven by one of the owners during his college days. Punch Buggy opened its doors in August 2019 with a 1 bbl brewhouse and eight taps, which they've kept constantly rotating since the beginning. </p><p style="text-align: left;">When we arrived, the entire city block right outside the brewery's front door was closed due to construction. (Earlier in the day, we had one <i>hell </i>of a time getting into the city due to a massive construction project on the way to Evil Genius... but when <i>isn't </i>Philly under construction? They should look into expanding the dreaded Schuylkill Expressway, arguably my least favorite stretch of road in America.) </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXlBicPebuFXuKObzt0MWuVG0eW_5-s6cerI-57y0bxi6ArKvp5APCGX5KkDN9ccR6fFtwT0hEidsd7rspiA17_oXmuHiOIpT6Bywp07sZXxjOoCWN6qgQWP009Gyz7E007EdEUsCUpdk/s2048/IMG_7067.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXlBicPebuFXuKObzt0MWuVG0eW_5-s6cerI-57y0bxi6ArKvp5APCGX5KkDN9ccR6fFtwT0hEidsd7rspiA17_oXmuHiOIpT6Bywp07sZXxjOoCWN6qgQWP009Gyz7E007EdEUsCUpdk/s320/IMG_7067.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Outside Punch Buggy's small garage brewery in Kensington.</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">Inside, the place was equal parts tasting room and storage area. We parked ourselves at a small plastic table adjacent to dozens of 50-pound sacks of malt. Perusing the beer menu, I was greeted with several hop-forward ales, a stout, and a raspberry hibiscus sour, among a one or two others. We decided to share a pair of half pours, so I opted for a "Smash" beer - "single malt and single hop" - called <b>Bru-1 Smash</b>. I inquired about the type of malt and hop varietal used in the beer, and unfortunately the bartender didn't know. However, one of the owners was on-hand and he told me. Of course, I'd since forgotten and I was unsuccessful in finding any information online. I'm fairly certain it was a simple recipe featuring Pilsen malt and Citra hops, so let's go with that. The beer certainly had a distinct citrusy character backed with some subtle malt tones reminiscent of honey and lightly toasted grains. Quite drinkable, if I may say so.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5A2nDCea-Zy2O70JyAqz_pjOJbWWa9f2wZEE4vez1zFFiIWrJyAmKGcmVIVuad51oKARci6WCB8Wgt_B4qDU8YHYhQizA6ZtAJHoi0CFxlnQ05EAC8dBfW79kbE6eYNSIq1obQ8xQiF4/s2048/IMG_7068.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5A2nDCea-Zy2O70JyAqz_pjOJbWWa9f2wZEE4vez1zFFiIWrJyAmKGcmVIVuad51oKARci6WCB8Wgt_B4qDU8YHYhQizA6ZtAJHoi0CFxlnQ05EAC8dBfW79kbE6eYNSIq1obQ8xQiF4/s320/IMG_7068.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Pleeps makin' friends with the fuzz.</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">Brewslut went with the humorously named <b>Stout Flavored Stout</b>. Slightly dry and roasty with a hint of coffee and chocolate notes, this stout sits somewhere between Export and American. Body-wise, it was perhaps a tad thin for my preference but otherwise this one captured the roasty character of the style nicely with just a slight slap of earthy hops on the palate. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdaMHEnoNhh0zrNvXS2swG586eQlNoHAUO2JElnE-C6H1MRg-WiYSbyRJod6MfI4cH1uwuL95z569BKyQOuxgHhM9TcBxR3sSzNegrjKShF7Q99u2AwGvKfi0NXDPUWccABKazGN7_l3g/s2048/IMG_2037.HEIC" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdaMHEnoNhh0zrNvXS2swG586eQlNoHAUO2JElnE-C6H1MRg-WiYSbyRJod6MfI4cH1uwuL95z569BKyQOuxgHhM9TcBxR3sSzNegrjKShF7Q99u2AwGvKfi0NXDPUWccABKazGN7_l3g/s320/IMG_2037.HEIC" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Pleeps loving life!</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">We were satisfied with our first impression, so we decided to share a pour of <b>Zip Zap Hazy IPA</b>, one of Punch Buggy's most popular offerings. This NE-influenced IPA is hopped with Azacca, Simcoe and Vic Secret for a well-rounded hop profile boasting citrus, tropical fruit, creamsicle and a hint of pine. This may have been my favorite of the three beers we tasted during our visit. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTfc_S3Jrj_iMVp1UsbgvL-nqe_KnhoBzHxBA6NIO-pPS2LmTEJBuDZaHTDsRvTubcli5FV0g37WcWWc1argWa7UuNwrlBU2NGpLpsrzLRLd68Xq6yVUZfi6HLMMqD38FP_9Bu36lz6Fg/s2048/IMG_7069.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTfc_S3Jrj_iMVp1UsbgvL-nqe_KnhoBzHxBA6NIO-pPS2LmTEJBuDZaHTDsRvTubcli5FV0g37WcWWc1argWa7UuNwrlBU2NGpLpsrzLRLd68Xq6yVUZfi6HLMMqD38FP_9Bu36lz6Fg/s320/IMG_7069.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Pleeps helps us with our pour of Zip Zap IPA.</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">While we were chatting with the owner of Punch Buggy, he asked about other breweries we were planning to visit, and I threw out a few names from our agenda. He suggested a nearby place called <a href="https://www.humanrobotbeer.com/" target="_blank">Human Robot</a>, mentioning terms such as "world-class pilsners" and "award-winning lagers," which piqued my attention not unlike dangling a piece of meat in front of a dog's face. Actually, I'd heard about this brewery in passing but couldn't remember when or where. Despite being on the Philly beer scene for a little over a year, this brewery failed to pop up on the beer mapping website I typically use. Well, it sounds like I need to find an updated beer mapping web site, because this place blew my mind! </p><p style="text-align: left;">Like Punch Buggy, Human Robot is situated in the Kensington neighborhood, having set up shop at the previous site of St. Benjamin Brewing Company, a brewery we hadn't had the chance to visit while they were open. Although we sat outside on the sidewalk at a tiny two-person table, I did get to scope out the place when I visited the men's room. The food component of Human Robot comes courtesy of Poe's Sandwich Joint, and while we didn't eat, the food we saw others enjoying looked great. </p><p style="text-align: left;">The brewery takes its name from the two ends of the spectrum to which its beers extend. The "human" side of the brewery refers to its penchant for classic, European-styles such as traditional lagers and pilsners, while the "robot" side is a reference to out-of-the-box styles that blend more trendy American styles and unusual ingredients. So to categorize our visit, I delved into the "human" side, while Brewslut opted for the "robot" side. (However, we debated this little fact about Human Robot; Brewslut suggested that the "human" side should pertain to the experimental end of the brewing spectrum because human beings are perpetually curious. The "robots," on the other hand, are cold in nature and are effective at mimicking a specific task for which it was created to perform... in this case, brew traditional beers exactly like Europeans do.) I love when we have these types of discussions rather than spend too much time on our "devices." After thirty years, it's refreshing to know that we still have stuff to talk about. But enough of my yackin'. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiflV_tvT7MXpqbvj2zBqQGnCGynPInQ5pHZVywggubK0PHX9UaFn1vHM8Agv8xVYghkuSW-FEhvPrB2qzOCLikqh12ymizyumTT6Zx47jyFL0-k8b-_NLS9TEQblypyFduVwLhxviPlXE/s2048/IMG_7079.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiflV_tvT7MXpqbvj2zBqQGnCGynPInQ5pHZVywggubK0PHX9UaFn1vHM8Agv8xVYghkuSW-FEhvPrB2qzOCLikqh12ymizyumTT6Zx47jyFL0-k8b-_NLS9TEQblypyFduVwLhxviPlXE/s320/IMG_7079.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Human Robot, located in Philly's Kensington neighborhood.</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">First up was a beer called <b>Polotmavy</b>, described as a Czech Garnet Lager. The word "polotmavy" actually translates from Slovak to "half-dark" meaning "amber." A distant cousin of the Vienna lager, this style boasts a nutty, bready and caramel-like malt flavor without a sweet, cloying finish. This particular beer utilizes "decoction," a traditional and intensive method of mashing. The gist of decoction is basically this: you remove part of the mash, boil it, and return it to the main mash, which is held at a constant temperature. I'd actually heard of this term about a year or so earlier, when we did some R&D tests at Tröegs with a few Scratch lagers using this method. In earlier brewing times, most breweries used this method. Many traditional (i.e. German) brewers claim that it helps develop malt character, depth, and superior foam. After drinking this beer, I wholeheartedly agree!</p><p style="text-align: left;">Brewing lesson aside, this dark amber-colored lager boasts a slight roast flavor courtesy of Vienna and chocolate malts. This beer was so delicious and fresh with a rich, full-flavored malt character and creamy, foamy head. This was also the first time I became privy to the traditional side-pull draft beer faucet (aka Czech beer faucet). Essentially, this way of dispensing beer controls the flow of beer to create a creamy head whereby the faucet is submerged into the mug (in this case, a traditional dimpled mug) to create a silky, sweet head of foam. When all of these pieces come into place, it creates a world-class beer like Polotmavy. Seriously, people. This beer was stunning. It turns out I was just getting started, because they were <i>all </i>this good. </p><p style="text-align: left;">Up next was a traditional Czech pale lager called <b>Czech 10°</b>.<b> </b>I find that Czech-style beers have a bit more flavor and complexity than its German counterparts. This lightly hopped lager offers an exquisite bready malt character balanced with a hint of floral spice. The quintessential noble hop Saaz complemented by German Pils and Munich malts is a match made in heaven. This was one of the best lagers I've ever had in my life, and I was immediately transported to Europe despite the fact that I was freezing my ass off on a small metal table a few feet from a Philadelphia gutter. Sometimes beer works its magic, and let me tell you... this beer was magical! </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGimgov2OMDwvmSvegXtPKzSk0ull3WZ_EqC4p7uO_crS_oTjxz1rFTZsftXdGHaNQDjZb5q6_SSB_QFJkWE_fu7KaQ_T5WvR6LJmYVhnBjWrToB_kTkJdsSfQ4F55P43I7p7jwxg6EcQ/s2000/IMG_2038.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="1500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGimgov2OMDwvmSvegXtPKzSk0ull3WZ_EqC4p7uO_crS_oTjxz1rFTZsftXdGHaNQDjZb5q6_SSB_QFJkWE_fu7KaQ_T5WvR6LJmYVhnBjWrToB_kTkJdsSfQ4F55P43I7p7jwxg6EcQ/s320/IMG_2038.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">How about some Peach Mango Splash?</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">While I was enjoying the "human" aspects of the brewery, Brewslut was dipping her toes into "robot" territory with a pair of equally stunning beers. She kicked off with <b>Peach Mango Splash</b>, yet another peach beer we encountered this weekend. She followed it up with another tasty beer called <b>TastyRoboCake Coffee Crumb Stout</b>, a stout brewed with a few cases of (presumably) Tastykake coffee cakes. I'm usually skeptical about beers brewed with ingredients like cookies, cake, etc. but I had a few sips of this and it was pretty damn amazing. By this point, I was sure there was nothing this brewery couldn't do. Most breweries have their forte, but Human Robot seems to have all of the bases covered. Seriously folks, I can't say enough good things about the beers here. Case in point, stay tuned for more commentary coming up. I just couldn't stay away from this place! </p><p style="text-align: left;">After an amazing first impression at Human Robot, it was time to traverse uncharted territory and head into the historic Germantown neighborhood of Philadelphia to check out <a href="https://www.atticbrewing.com/" target="_blank">Attic Brewing Company</a>. The first craft brewery in this section of Philly, the impetus for Attic took shape back in 2010 like most other small breweries... as a homebrewing experiment. When owners Todd and Laura Lacy weren't brewing, they were traveling all over the country to visit breweries for inspiration. After falling in love with everything Germantown had to offer, the couple knew it was the perfect place to open their dream brewery: a 6,000 sq. ft. facility with a 10 bbl brewhouse. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrc7Zfl0ONYf4ajul0a8j0Z4hUTtfW9EjleDtHgJ1MghUile3HPZHcpii5mMs0sfQuQkHczeN-bZTl6YQxs3bQnKuFGzmUTWUXoiPmhKBijVye0zOBeMbtcUmAa4eteN2mo4Cobk2o79k/s2048/IMG_7070.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrc7Zfl0ONYf4ajul0a8j0Z4hUTtfW9EjleDtHgJ1MghUile3HPZHcpii5mMs0sfQuQkHczeN-bZTl6YQxs3bQnKuFGzmUTWUXoiPmhKBijVye0zOBeMbtcUmAa4eteN2mo4Cobk2o79k/s320/IMG_7070.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Outside Germantown's Attic Brewing Company.</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">Shortly before deciding to visit Attic, I learned that one of our ex-Tröegs brewers, Bogdan, had been working there for a bit. After Tröegs, he had brief stints at Forest and Main as well as Trillium as its Head of Mixed Fermentation before joining Attic as its head brewer. I'm not sure of all the details, but I was excited that Tröegs alumnus was at least in part responsible for the beers at Attic. </p><p style="text-align: left;">Attic's taproom definitely has a lot of character. When we arrived, I was immediately reminded of an antique complex. We snagged a small two-person table pushed up against the bar (no bar seating in PA... thanks 'Rona) and began to have a look around. The far wall to the left of the 1920's style wooden bar features a montage of portraits and other photos of regular Attic customers. Brewslut actually recognized one of them as our friend (and past FOJ Drunkie McGee recipient) Charles. Colorful Tiffany-style lamps decorated the ceilings, and a mix of exposed brick and weathered wood provided a rustic ambiance. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVvy1wS1KYKKl1M9LRLNVRGvaDSxBMJpUMuhc7ja85XpP7mnGXMieQz_DJCKju6Ak5xMGbz8W3cIgjDiAxzQl_cNYYPRQBQb9GltBCqq_LiHd3tMXHLDZiFdRrGpHz1qM7WY8jdd2dJrk/s2048/IMG_7072.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVvy1wS1KYKKl1M9LRLNVRGvaDSxBMJpUMuhc7ja85XpP7mnGXMieQz_DJCKju6Ak5xMGbz8W3cIgjDiAxzQl_cNYYPRQBQb9GltBCqq_LiHd3tMXHLDZiFdRrGpHz1qM7WY8jdd2dJrk/s320/IMG_7072.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Welcome to Attic Brewing Company!</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">Outside, Attic also boasts a makeshift beer garden thanks in part to its large parking lot area. While it was chilly outside, the weather didn't stop a motley bunch of locals from enjoying a beer outdoors. Across the lot, a local food truck beckoned me, as we had already started to feel the pangs of hunger set in. Upon perusing the small menu, I was delighted to find what we coal crackers call "Pot Pie" on the menu (essentially baked pulled chicken mixed with boiled potatoes and squares of scratch-made dough in a light chicken-based broth). I forget what the guy in the food truck called it, but to Brewslut and I, it was classic pot pie as we both know it... and it was freakin' delicious! </p><p style="text-align: left;">Beer-wise, they had a few draft features for Valentine's Day weekend, so I opted for <b>Love Bird Oatmeal Stout</b>, a roasty, toasty, dry stout brewed with lots of flaked oats. It's not a style to which I typically gravitate, but it was only 5% ABV and on special. Brewslut apparently failed to check in her beer on Untappd, but if I remember correctly, it was a Mexican Lager (or was it?). Who knows? It's hard enough keeping track of my own beers... and Pleepleus. Pleepin' ain't easy, you know!</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiKV1Gomhb4om-XRYfjKSeHV4hmR0XBD-CXRRX0naydwf_oH-6-Lyj3hD1XEaLfVLxlDxiSRxKDYVY-6UNH-PaTn5USNO1Wk4J1IGJ21KE-L6HRgKIJoc2C9dPFLnu8zresF2XtH2WX0o/s2000/IMG_2041.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="1500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiKV1Gomhb4om-XRYfjKSeHV4hmR0XBD-CXRRX0naydwf_oH-6-Lyj3hD1XEaLfVLxlDxiSRxKDYVY-6UNH-PaTn5USNO1Wk4J1IGJ21KE-L6HRgKIJoc2C9dPFLnu8zresF2XtH2WX0o/s320/IMG_2041.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Pleeps is just a love bird at heart!</i></span></td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">We decided to swing by <a href="http://crimeandpunishmentbrewingco.com/" target="_blank">Crime & Punishment</a> on our way back into the city, but it turned out to be a quick stop. They were only open for pick-up and take-out, so we figured we'd grab a few crowlers to enjoy at the hotel and/or home. During our short visit, Tröegs came up so I shared a few beers with the guys who were working, and they reciprocated with a complimentary crowler. Here are the two beers we decided to take with us:</p><p style="text-align: left;"><b>Big Swifty</b> - This is the first IPA from C&P to utilize Incognito hop extract in the kettle. Since the name is derived from a killer Frank Zappa tune (I'm a huge fan), this one is dry-hopped with Galaxy and new varietal Zappa. The C&P guys say it tastes like 2 a.m. Fruit Loops, and it definitely has that vibe, boasting flavors of lemon-lime, citrus zest and tropical fruit. </p><p style="text-align: left;"><b>Tender Bender</b> - IPA hopped with Citra and double dry-hopped with another newer hop called Strata. If Name of the beer notwithstanding, I preferred this one a bit more. This hop combo coaxed juicy notes of mango, sugar-coated grapefruit and "dank winter nugs" as the C&P boys say. Gotta love them nugs!</p><p style="text-align: left;">Since we couldn't hang at Crime & Punishment, we had some free time. We intended to stop at <a href="https://yardsbrewing.com/" target="_blank">Yards</a> on our way home on Monday around opening time, but with a bit of extra time on our hands, we decided to end our Sunday night there. Yards is a Philly institution and needs no introduction. We've enjoyed its beers for years. Love Stout and Philly Pale Ale are two beers most Pennsylvanians seem to take for granted, but they have a longstanding track record for a reason... they are damn fine beers. Upon arriving, I wasn't sure if we'd have to sit outside under the pop tent affair or if we could wrangle seats indoors. Turns out the tasting room was only sprinkled with patrons, so we had no trouble getting in. </p><p style="text-align: left;">I started off with a pour of something from Yards' First Draft small-batch series called <b>Winter Lager</b>. Described as a Dunkel Lager with a complex roasted malt character, this full-flavored lager is aged on Saxby’s whole coffee beans to coax additional notes of cocoa and hazelnut. It's hard for me to pass up a beer with coffee in it, and this one did not disappoint. </p><p style="text-align: left;">Speaking of coffee beers, I decided to "go big or go home" with my next beer. OK, so perhaps I should say "go big AND go home," because this was my last beer of the day... and man, was it a doozie! <b>BA Cold Brew Tripel</b> is a lovely whiskey barrel-aged Belgian-style Tripel with cold brew coffee. This beer was really enjoyable and put a cap on a fine day in Philadelphia. I always like visiting Yards, and this particular occasion was extremely chill in comparison to other part visits (especially during loud soccer games). After that Tripel, it was definitely time to retire for the evening and make our way back to the hotel to recharge our batteries. </p><p style="text-align: center;">+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +</p><p style="text-align: left;">On Monday, we didn't have much of an agenda since the majority of the breweries in the area were closed. We'd planned on hitting Yards before leaving Philly, but with Crime & Punishment only open for to-go beer, we called an audible. Not a problem, as I immediately made the executive decision to return to <a href="https://www.humanrobotbeer.com/" target="_blank">Human Robot</a> for another few rounds. Although we sat outside in a makeshift wooden patio with a few heat lamps, we got to chat with one of the owners/brewers for quite a while. He was struggling with some electrical work and was trying to avoid a trip to Home Depot for parts. So I was able to pick his brain and learn a lot about the brewery (most of which was already provided to you earlier in this installment). After our amazing initial experience on Sunday, I simply had to go back for seconds. Lucky for us, Human Robot is open 7 days a week, which is a rarity in the craft beer world these days. Being open on a Monday definitely makes planning an itinerary so much easier. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWdpANOXAw_qXYpvdiS2_YMKHd-8aUQqlbmYey9af8wh6Cm61EZEPTvgdnjWlgUUzl9t1FWkPm8wgOAThAwqsc6gjYSF1jzVsLsyE2vn8ztFcRGxl3LY-i6iwWRwGa_kGWuUBJsLCUm9Q/s2048/IMG_7076.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWdpANOXAw_qXYpvdiS2_YMKHd-8aUQqlbmYey9af8wh6Cm61EZEPTvgdnjWlgUUzl9t1FWkPm8wgOAThAwqsc6gjYSF1jzVsLsyE2vn8ztFcRGxl3LY-i6iwWRwGa_kGWuUBJsLCUm9Q/s320/IMG_7076.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Pleeps says, "Look at the head on that mug!"</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">For this visit, I enjoyed a pair of excellent pilsners. First up was <b>Il Cielo</b> (translates from Italian to "the sky"), a rustic Italian-style pilsner that's dry-hopped exclusively with Tettnang. So, what's the difference between an Italian pilsner and, let's say, a German pilsner? Essentially, an Italian pilsner is simply a German-style pilsner that's been dry-hopped with European hops for maximum aroma. Now that's a style I can get on board with! Similar to the noble Saaz hop, Tettnang imparts subtle fruity and citrus notes with a pinch of earthy, herbaceous tones. </p><p style="text-align: left;">Similar to Il Cielo, my next beer was a Polish-style pilsner called <b>Niebo</b>, which by design also happens to translate to "the sky," but in Polish.<b> Niebo</b> is delicately hopped and dry-hopped entirely with Lubelski, the oldest and most traditional noble hop of Poland. This was indeed a uniquely flavored pilsner with a bouquet of lavender and assorted wildflowers. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLSHEO2Lj7PINBBoYXlcV-JzZtCNhByl-o5GJumZmNkziI4dVD7Eyf0Nl3IlVRAGYwspwFAb_laASZQNi4NQGvgyKJLgebLPKOmduVNzwR6XtUnN9M4uWoq6lF0zusfd-zDMWppiwE4Gk/s2000/IMG_7075.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="1500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLSHEO2Lj7PINBBoYXlcV-JzZtCNhByl-o5GJumZmNkziI4dVD7Eyf0Nl3IlVRAGYwspwFAb_laASZQNi4NQGvgyKJLgebLPKOmduVNzwR6XtUnN9M4uWoq6lF0zusfd-zDMWppiwE4Gk/s320/IMG_7075.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">I'll sit anywhere for a beer from Human Robot!</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">We decided to hit up the relatively new <a href="https://www.slyfoxbeer.com/malvern" target="_blank">Sly Fox Malvern</a> site, as we hadn't been there before. I always enjoy their beers, especially traditional styles like the ones we drink during the Bock Fest and Goat Races (i.e. the best beer festival of all time by a single brewery... sorry Dark Lord Day fanboys). Unfortunately, by this time of the trip I was kind of already checked out and wanting to be home on my couch. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUzOsanafCPG-7vt1wd38mwMDtVfKPMPfGRONW2XKrNBqGBDR5n7CeFUG4qYqOfVybaHLZD2ffqEzNJmoeFIGS0FDt8X4HXgsR1S0I3jj8xQWYcJaGref98Wk5lyS5ec4vT1_3TjH5vbA/s2048/IMG_2046.HEIC" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUzOsanafCPG-7vt1wd38mwMDtVfKPMPfGRONW2XKrNBqGBDR5n7CeFUG4qYqOfVybaHLZD2ffqEzNJmoeFIGS0FDt8X4HXgsR1S0I3jj8xQWYcJaGref98Wk5lyS5ec4vT1_3TjH5vbA/s320/IMG_2046.HEIC" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Pleeps, our trusty co-pilot.</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">Since we were back in PA, we needed to comply with the "gotta eat" policy, but luckily Sly Fox had some cool mini-apps for Happy Hour. So we noshed on some tasty soft pretzel bites and chips and salsa while we enjoyed our last beers of the weekend (well, until we got home, anyway). I opted for something light since I was pretty fatigued from a long weekend of drinking, so I went with <b>Reality Czech Pilsner</b>, a 3.9% ABV Czech-style pilsner. As much as I love Sly Fox (especially its German-style lagers and bocks), I just couldn't help comparing this to the beers I'd just had at Human Robot. While Reality Czech was enjoyable, it just didn't compare to Human Robot's lagers. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_EioOxkoxAqNyav1eeXPZPcka42dMylzdwU03-e-1jgeC01U_F2UOrKIIljHcI47yT9OXDjYfAgHeBeaEKy-B5nbMPY71VAFk4GsZ0ZLvQ5GVboGYRbVpdTgwKLV4kvF0qEOwGpTGOiU/s2048/IMG_7081.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_EioOxkoxAqNyav1eeXPZPcka42dMylzdwU03-e-1jgeC01U_F2UOrKIIljHcI47yT9OXDjYfAgHeBeaEKy-B5nbMPY71VAFk4GsZ0ZLvQ5GVboGYRbVpdTgwKLV4kvF0qEOwGpTGOiU/s320/IMG_7081.JPG" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">Meanwhile, Brewslut went with a 16-ounce can of a double dry-hopped IPA called <b>Baby Sparkles</b>. Sly Fox referrs to this beer as a "Pottstown-style IPA" in lieu of what it actually is... a NEIPA. This occasional release features a healthy dose of oats and double dry-hopping courtesy of El Dorado, Simcoe, and Citra for a juicy hop experience. This was one of the more enjoyable IPAs I've had from Sly Fox, whose forte is typically the aforementioned German styles. Nicely done! </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2eZmvdymqZ0KoYRs-swq4buLuHSx8CinrcOALMTbDpO_zai2LwVkuSheXedX192w9H3NwwrEqW7VI4kE23arOiJ2fJEULg0JPQ-2JFbARTXfj2E6eNuZYQA6ekMCtZ85DRqbQJ8-QGSc/s2048/IMG_2055.HEIC" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2eZmvdymqZ0KoYRs-swq4buLuHSx8CinrcOALMTbDpO_zai2LwVkuSheXedX192w9H3NwwrEqW7VI4kE23arOiJ2fJEULg0JPQ-2JFbARTXfj2E6eNuZYQA6ekMCtZ85DRqbQJ8-QGSc/s320/IMG_2055.HEIC" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Pleeps gettin' his sparkle on at Sly Fox.</i></span></td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">It turned out to be a quick one-and-done stop, as Pleeps - like me - was ready to get back on the couch with his family. Pleeps is a well-traveled superstar celebrity, but even he needs a rest every once in a while. Of course, come the following weekend he's raring to go and do it all over again. What a warrior!</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCx7yBaKBA9oT8Apj815ij7KIo3oEQh2IB7z665xgNI9gwwEj8XqZjnnvrGym6WQzkFmUCM5AwgrZE5dNko-wNq4WXhv_meHYLtemWKIJ2uLoNzQh8I_l9tdIgIDBYgR3ePhxni3LwLsg/s2048/IMG_2044.HEIC" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCx7yBaKBA9oT8Apj815ij7KIo3oEQh2IB7z665xgNI9gwwEj8XqZjnnvrGym6WQzkFmUCM5AwgrZE5dNko-wNq4WXhv_meHYLtemWKIJ2uLoNzQh8I_l9tdIgIDBYgR3ePhxni3LwLsg/s320/IMG_2044.HEIC" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Pleeps is already packed for the next trip.</i></span></td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">Well, that's a wrap, folks. Stay tuned for another all-new blog, which follows us on another long weekend to uncharted Pour Travelers territory: Falls Church, VA, and the surrounding area as well as Silver Spring, MD, and our nation's capital. Thanks for reading, kids. Until next time...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiirQ_w3MN6DVuebniKg02xDPg8YA3iFJkaI5hTFQ01lgqVbuLYtwiwbXrkzI9SPRrJonxdm7-sH2-BSQedCv_iI7u60cF6Ek3o8bPwCRQ_n_Px_N3PmInHXVMSnofk-LFSdeG7rXCe16k/s2048/IMG_2050.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiirQ_w3MN6DVuebniKg02xDPg8YA3iFJkaI5hTFQ01lgqVbuLYtwiwbXrkzI9SPRrJonxdm7-sH2-BSQedCv_iI7u60cF6Ek3o8bPwCRQ_n_Px_N3PmInHXVMSnofk-LFSdeG7rXCe16k/s320/IMG_2050.HEIC" /></a></div>ffejherbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01444361671877120080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8277623370417580926.post-62439195288513648092021-02-24T16:07:00.002-05:002021-02-24T16:11:35.834-05:00A Weekend Fit for a President - Part I: Jaunting 'round Jersey<p>For the last several years, we always get an itching to visit Philadelphia and its neighbors across the river in New Jersey. We're typically able to find a good hotel deal in the Cherry Hill, NJ, area, and this year was no different. We settled on the long President's Day weekend for our annual brewery hopping jaunt. (Being a teacher, Brewslut already had the day off, while I had stockpiled a ton of PTO over the last year... thanks 'Rona!) </p><p>We'd been lucky the past few years and enjoyed unseasonably warm weather during our trips. Unfortunately, this particular weekend turned out to be a bit dicey. The forecast had called for the possibility of snow and freezing rain, which is never welcome in our travel plans. However, we decided to take our chances and gamble with the possibility of inclement weather. It turns out we ended up dodging the bullet, as we didn't start to get precipitation until we were leaving our last stop of the trip and were only about an hour from home. Sometimes you just get lucky. </p><p>But let's start at the beginning, shall we?</p><p>The initial stop on our agenda for Saturday took us to the first of many new-to-us breweries called <a href="https://kingsroadbrewing.com/" target="_blank">King's Road</a>. Founded in 2016 by a group of five friends, King's Road set up shop in Haddonfield, NJ, a town that had been dry since 1873. The name of the brewery refers to its address on historic King's Highway, which is touted as "America’s oldest road." (Fun fact: the 1,300-mile road was laid out in 1650 eventually built by order of Charles II of England, who directed his colonial governors to link Charleston, South Carolina, and Boston, Massachusetts. It was finally finished in 1735 and just happens to run through Haddonfield, NJ, hence the name of the brewery.) </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_6gDXKtO8hQ9uHci5y_d6bjutz8XlWdyRvRG70-k-wWiKIKSAw5_0T62f72tjsXb72Yv-zhkXBuAGkXPPVeYlbNGOA49KCardOA2NtLRdOr5ZIAms9LrQg_BpRfrLAVlXPHYDluaEZ0E/s2048/IMG_7042.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_6gDXKtO8hQ9uHci5y_d6bjutz8XlWdyRvRG70-k-wWiKIKSAw5_0T62f72tjsXb72Yv-zhkXBuAGkXPPVeYlbNGOA49KCardOA2NtLRdOr5ZIAms9LrQg_BpRfrLAVlXPHYDluaEZ0E/s320/IMG_7042.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Our first of many flights this weekend.</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p>The town of Haddonfield itself reminded me of a Lititz or New Hope in that the streets were bustling with people popping in and out of quaint little shops and boutiques. We were surprised to learn that parking in the municipal lots was free on the weekends. What?! That's unheard of, especially in Jersey (Asbury Park, for example, encorces meters until 2 a.m. Fuck that hoodwink!) Of course, we found on <i>after </i>we fed the meter fifty cents (still cheap by big city standards, I suppose). So we parked in one of the lots and made the short yet brisk two-block walk to the brewery, which is situated right on the main street. </p><p>We managed to arrive shortly after opening time, so it was easy to find a seat. With COVID-19 still in full swing, we were layered up just in case we'd need to sit outside during our visit. I was even sporting my longjohns, thermal undershirt, winter hat and multiple layers including a hoodie and jacket. So we actually got to de-layer a bit as it was much warmer inside. For our first beers of the weekend, we opted for a flight of four house beers to test the waters. Here's the run-down:</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b>Winter Reign</b> - New England-style Pale Ale with hints of raspberry jam, orange peel and pine, layered on a biscuity malt base. Soft and fruity with virtually no bitterness. </li><li><b>Galactic Vengeance</b> - Galaxy-hopped version of Ample Vengeance IPA with a dominant passionfruit character as well as notes of citrus and peach. </li><li><b>Keepin' On</b> - Double NEIPA hopped and dry-hopped with a combination of El Dorado, Hallertau Blanc and Simcoe to produce a fruit-forward character with notes of dried apricot, mango, and pear.</li><li><b>Good Night </b>- Imperial oatmeal stout brewed with Dutch chocolate and conditioned on Madagascar vanilla beans and cacao nibs. Rich and decadent with hints of vanilla and a combo of bittersweet, dark, and milk chocolate. </li></ul><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5bDekdGIROQtSO7EscOEgiNaisFFQOOLyFO-UQp6sOxdyCe8uc3boF3ecqVPXBr-iQjMeuXITus20Z1CE3jSR7FAwyPl8Z1ehDmnAcPMEk-X7vGXQzta9G9FHQTYCMgvRd9eGPycRYWE/s2048/IMG_2019.HEIC" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5bDekdGIROQtSO7EscOEgiNaisFFQOOLyFO-UQp6sOxdyCe8uc3boF3ecqVPXBr-iQjMeuXITus20Z1CE3jSR7FAwyPl8Z1ehDmnAcPMEk-X7vGXQzta9G9FHQTYCMgvRd9eGPycRYWE/s320/IMG_2019.HEIC" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Pleeps is just getting started!</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><p><br /></p><p>While all of the beers were satisfactory, I must admit that I had a tough time discerning the very subtle nuances of the three hoppy beers based on their flavor profiles. They all seemed to flow into one another with very miniscule differences. Perhaps each beer utilizes the same malt base and yeast strain. With that said, I found all of the beers to be enjoyable, with the DIPA being my favorite of the lot. The server who took my order was impressed that I ordered the beers in the appropriate order in which they were to be sampled (i.e. least hoppy to hoppiest and ending with the stout). Gold star for me, I suppose. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhKvKQsXpk6Y0gKfu7TQf2CbovntgWb9EkgZjJNW2UgrOkv1oFra67EWeeG9zQFjEGu81TiX2PyfPyYRssj3G3-eRp6kOWBj4uGVGx6d4uoxC6NsO9M5Y_CXnBrRMChnif2AqIpovKNYw/s2048/IMG_7045.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhKvKQsXpk6Y0gKfu7TQf2CbovntgWb9EkgZjJNW2UgrOkv1oFra67EWeeG9zQFjEGu81TiX2PyfPyYRssj3G3-eRp6kOWBj4uGVGx6d4uoxC6NsO9M5Y_CXnBrRMChnif2AqIpovKNYw/s320/IMG_7045.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Interior of Berlin Brewing Company.</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p>Things were pretty quiet at our next stop, <a href="https://www.berlinbrewco.com/" target="_blank">Berlin Brewing</a>. Established in 2014 and situated in an old cinderblock building in downtown Berlin, NJ, the brewery with its town's namesake captures the feel of pre-Prohibition baseball. The interior of the taproom is decorated appropriately with old memorabilia and equipment, and its walls adorn some baseball-inspired murals. Oh, and then there's <i>this </i>in the men's bathroom. Brace yourselves, ladies!</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQV3pkZ974-8INsvPUVMDS4RF9j3EOEb-7U35WgFVFsKjhrPJB46CTEB89BPF0ah1okDURxzXu1LY_cLp5q_ngMF-kAeAUUubm-i78RcSzNMWSM_ywW3BPQyGFOWz6jOXgEtuq36gJ4Ws/s2048/IMG_7044.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQV3pkZ974-8INsvPUVMDS4RF9j3EOEb-7U35WgFVFsKjhrPJB46CTEB89BPF0ah1okDURxzXu1LY_cLp5q_ngMF-kAeAUUubm-i78RcSzNMWSM_ywW3BPQyGFOWz6jOXgEtuq36gJ4Ws/s320/IMG_7044.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Baseball porn, anyone?<br /><br /></i></span></td></tr></tbody></table><p>Man, that Pete Rose is a hairy sumbitch! But I digress. Berlin Brewing Company was started by two friends who shared a love of beer and baseball, so they decided to go all-in and open a small brewery in 2014. I'd checked out the website in advance (as I always do) and was delighted to find a series of beers names after gnomes. We have a small family of gnomes at home, and you may even remember Great Grandpa Thoughtweaver, whom we'd acquired during our inaugural trip to Liquid Shoes Brewing in Corning, NY. Needless to say, we were hoping one of these beers with the aforementioned "gnomenclature" would be available.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEganUbYe7TgUpToHE1q9kb_xakUDwR_p-KZaxCsqVMj6E3KZXxfatwF-9KeBXriOCFE8PPPHuRJhQG-T1ItBnjPZYbvbOKgafzwm8Pao8icQcs5PlnvGSuJytZ8jvzmZfozsNYu9F9pwso/s2048/IMG_7048.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEganUbYe7TgUpToHE1q9kb_xakUDwR_p-KZaxCsqVMj6E3KZXxfatwF-9KeBXriOCFE8PPPHuRJhQG-T1ItBnjPZYbvbOKgafzwm8Pao8icQcs5PlnvGSuJytZ8jvzmZfozsNYu9F9pwso/s320/IMG_7048.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Vintage baseball memorabilia at Berlin Brewing.</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><p><b><br /></b></p><p>We decided to share another sampler flight, as we had a pretty ambitious schedule to keep. I mean, when <i>don't </i>we have an ambitious itinerary? Here the skinny on our flight:</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b>Wooly Willy </b>- Golden stout with a delicate blend of lactose, coffee, vanilla, and chocolate. </li><li><b>Gnomastè </b>- NEIPA brewed with wheat and oats, then hopped and dry-hopped with a combination of Barbe Rouge, Styrian Cardinal, and Callista to elicit flavors of ripe grapefruit, passionfruit, tropical fruit and a hint of strawberry.</li><li><b>Bitch with a Bat</b> - OK, this one was really left of center. Berlin took its strong ale, Humble Bitch, and aged it over white ash planks. This one straddled the line of labyrinthine complexity and hodge podgedness (I think I just created a word there). Equal parts Belgian strong ale, Flanders Red, and West Coast IPA, this beer had lots going on with it. Then add the fact that it was aged over white ash planks - a first even for me! - to elicit complex charred wood and light smokey notes. While I'm not sure I could have downed an entire 16oz glass, this one just sounded too intriguing to pass it up. It definitely gets an "A" for effort!</li><li><b>Down Goes Drago</b> - I had to get this one just because of its name. I must break you! Named after the villian in <i>Rocky IV</i> (a movie I was obsessed with when I was a kid), this Russian Imperial Stout was aged in three different barrels: Jim Beam Bourbon, Rock Hill Distillery Rye Whiskey, and maple syrup. The barrels were then blended to concoct this 13.5% heavy-hitter. Trust me, if you drink an entire pour of this one... you will lose!</li></ul><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjma4wsjUM07m6inaPMvjdl-0jHC51TbX4TIsWjgtISTka08rPMRjqxyIqXY7R7J-iNCHGD6SPQzRUFivzB7MKq1iklTi_ww3RByl4OCNzOen2YEPYu3twVByf5OY0KW4qrU47kkgcdUak/s2048/IMG_7046.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjma4wsjUM07m6inaPMvjdl-0jHC51TbX4TIsWjgtISTka08rPMRjqxyIqXY7R7J-iNCHGD6SPQzRUFivzB7MKq1iklTi_ww3RByl4OCNzOen2YEPYu3twVByf5OY0KW4qrU47kkgcdUak/s320/IMG_7046.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Pleeps is ready for the starting lineup at Berlin Brewing.</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Overall, I found this to be a well-rounded representation of the various styles offered at Berlin. Aside from the unusual nature of Bitch with a Bat, my favorite offering was probably Wooly Willy. I've been enjoying golden stouts quite a bit these days, and typically gravitate to them over Irish or export stouts. Ironically, I drink my coffee black, and golden stouts usually incorporate vanilla or some other sort of ingredient to approximate "cream and sugar" in the beer's flavor. Go figure!</div><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheifwaCj2Zo9hkltybDbd4fcj_PNY68GkiCF3SN-tJqDXEgtmBbXJz1oVmqog00tBFnMiDdAvJlaYqht77m0vQOT8HhoWhVaQQx9-bpSSY8F-XHlW8cnM5KBwsH8zB03oPqJmzq274XxQ/s2048/IMG_2021.HEIC" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheifwaCj2Zo9hkltybDbd4fcj_PNY68GkiCF3SN-tJqDXEgtmBbXJz1oVmqog00tBFnMiDdAvJlaYqht77m0vQOT8HhoWhVaQQx9-bpSSY8F-XHlW8cnM5KBwsH8zB03oPqJmzq274XxQ/s320/IMG_2021.HEIC" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Pleeps is pinch-drinking at Berlin Brewing.</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><p><br />Our next stop in nearby Atco, NJ, was <a href="https://www.brothertonbrewing.com/" target="_blank">Brotherton Brewing</a>, which turned out to be our favorite new find of the day. Incorporated in 2015, the brewing facility and taproom are currently situated in the historic Atco Firehouse, and the folks at Brotherton have taken pride in preserving the spirit of the building's heritage. However, the brewery's roots were established in nearby Shamong Township, where Eurpoean colonists in 1758 established the first Native American reservation on 3,000 acres of land that would come to be known as the Brotherton reservation. So there's <i>another </i>history lesson for you today!</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8NpT65213j359QNv3TLmg2tz9rDTenCZzeMQE-GYqOTB2t54aoSqaguydLmRB9NOuJdr2vMHSgEB99yEgpqjoNYPt7nycAHh6N7FteEjHgz3oKUUgPsj27itf_JXIxWHnzJ_N8t0ka74/s2048/IMG_7049.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8NpT65213j359QNv3TLmg2tz9rDTenCZzeMQE-GYqOTB2t54aoSqaguydLmRB9NOuJdr2vMHSgEB99yEgpqjoNYPt7nycAHh6N7FteEjHgz3oKUUgPsj27itf_JXIxWHnzJ_N8t0ka74/s320/IMG_7049.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Outside Brotherton Brewing Co. in Atco, NJ.</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><p><br /></p><p>Inside, the taproom was fairly crowded. In addition to the actual seating area, there were additional tables set up in the brewing area to facilitate more customers. We snagged a table in the fermentation cellar area next to an old keg filler. Our table was a large wooden spool, which was quite resourceful. The beer menu was diverse and plentiful, so we each opted for our own flight this time. </p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b>Pine Barrens Pilsner</b> - Traditional German-style Pilsner brewed with noble hops and German pils malt. Crisp and well-balanced with light floral notes.</li><li><b>Green Earth</b> - American Pale Ale brewed with rye, oats, and Munich malt and hopped with Citra and Simcoe for hints of pine resin, grapefruit, fresh-cut grass, and earthy orange rind.</li><li><b>Swarthy Invader</b> - Imperial Stout weighing in at 9.6% ABV</li><li><b>When the Curtain Falls</b> - Blonde farmhouse ale inspired by the rustic beers brewed in Northern France. Brewed with oats, wheat and rye, the mash is then boiled for three hours before undergoing a high-temperature fermentation. Malty, spicy and dry with notes of toasted marshmallow and wildflowers.</li></ul><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVyX4XueFpWGmHQHfmYDfobauegrAFw4JiSxfxQO1cluUwEJKNa0kYf7Xj_hPB_Uk6v2k6P2M5so-0ByRT4WgEufTQ2tIxcPQ3q2TbVJqvag-iIbLkPwuE6es8SE41Va580LfZMnWpfwQ/s2048/IMG_7052.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVyX4XueFpWGmHQHfmYDfobauegrAFw4JiSxfxQO1cluUwEJKNa0kYf7Xj_hPB_Uk6v2k6P2M5so-0ByRT4WgEufTQ2tIxcPQ3q2TbVJqvag-iIbLkPwuE6es8SE41Va580LfZMnWpfwQ/s320/IMG_7052.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Pleeps is our personal Vanna White!</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><p><br />Overall, everything was executed very well, with my favorite being a tie between the pilsner and pale ale. The pale ale in particular, had quite a lot of character for a somewhat boring, antiquated beer style. This beer was fresh and exuberant with lots of hoppy flavor, some mild bitterness (which I always appreciate) and a sturdy malt backbone. I wouldn't hesitate to return to this place during our next visit to the area. </p><p>Our next destination kept us in the town of Atco for the aptly named <a href="https://www.atcobrewingcompany.com/" target="_blank">Atco Brewing</a>. In doing some preliminary planning for our itinerary, I noticed that this brewery had released several variations of its Messenger Boy stout, which is a reference to the iconic confectioner Whitman's. If you've ever bought candy as a gift for your girlfriend, mom, grandma, aunt, etc. then you undoubtedly are familiar with this company's classic sampler box of chocolates. See?</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpEstKx9b5LsOppOVU55dBnXMUK6uoqd-zOWpbdNtPDPejUnwglej5LcDmsDR0FJzbRj7j7TDR4KJEhgIi-P0fu5x43X7_LZbmiE34q1gQpI8n2awdyKbPBWbimqm26yNcKlApMZenFdU/s480/whitmans.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="343" data-original-width="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpEstKx9b5LsOppOVU55dBnXMUK6uoqd-zOWpbdNtPDPejUnwglej5LcDmsDR0FJzbRj7j7TDR4KJEhgIi-P0fu5x43X7_LZbmiE34q1gQpI8n2awdyKbPBWbimqm26yNcKlApMZenFdU/s320/whitmans.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>"MC Pee Pants doesn't just want candy .... He needs it." - Meatwad</i></span></td></tr></tbody></table><p><br />Whitman's is one of the largest and oldest brands of boxed chocolates in the country. Its confections have been produced since 1842, first by Stephen Whitman in Philadelphia and now by Russell Stover Candies. "Messenger Boy" refers to a mascot of sorts that was added to the box in 1915 and served as part of Whitman's adversing campaigns. Would you look at that? More fun with history! </p><p>The Messenger Boy sampler flight included the following four beers:</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b>Chocolate </b>- The original release in the series, this stout is brewed with lactose and conditioned on cacao nibs. </li><li><b>Chocolate Cherry Cordial</b> - Next up, this variation include cacao nibs, lactose as well as Maraschino cherries.</li><li><b>Orange Chocolate Cream</b> - The third release in the series combines cacao nibs, lactose, and orange cream.</li><li><b>Toasted Coconut Cream with Hazelnut</b> - The fourth and final variant combines cacao nibs, lactose, toasted coconut, and hazelnut. </li></ul><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1AhkIAFs7Pg28WK_GtshyrEPsnXvUz2Ewbz4MkKbVdz2OXM3lg7x2we-fBg4EjesN5JCZgfJ8RL9B2o6FmWU_O9p0QaiIPOz1JSfVOs2rzMzGNM4HcyQ0PT25F0U5zTx5ou1IxW1FEmw/s2048/IMG_7053.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1AhkIAFs7Pg28WK_GtshyrEPsnXvUz2Ewbz4MkKbVdz2OXM3lg7x2we-fBg4EjesN5JCZgfJ8RL9B2o6FmWU_O9p0QaiIPOz1JSfVOs2rzMzGNM4HcyQ0PT25F0U5zTx5ou1IxW1FEmw/s320/IMG_7053.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Pleeps is anxious to dig into the Messenger Boy sampler!</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p>The toasted coconut cream with hazelnut was far and away our favorite. It had just the right blend of toasty nuttiness with a complementary tropical flair courtesy of the coconut. I got more of a toasted coconut flavor rather than the chemical-y off-flavor found in some other coconut beers we've had in the past. Conversely, the cherry cordial version missed the mark a little bit and came across more akin to a Ludens cough drop. Still, it was cool to sample these variations side by side and compare them. I thought it was a cool concept as well, so kudos to that. </p><p>Over in nearby Marlton, NJ, we hit up another new place called <a href="https://www.drinkzeds.com/" target="_blank">Zed's Beer</a>. Also known as Bado Brewing (named after owner Geoff Bado), Zed's offers "approachable craft beer" in a variety of styles from in a cozy setting just off Marlton's main drag. Oddly enough, Bado got into brewing by accident after receiving a Mr. Beer kit as a gag gift. I suppose everyone has his or her origins. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA04tutStQZNIhovcFzAOKuJKvCzGWzcp9Modlnj80F31-uWUfZGTGwf7Uk0oXKhfeK5s0cVUFasrLNNOATFeRg5W_elcFSFWvQQhNGGy03WhRas-kFwSb_r7Fl0vwv-iC0bApADXsjFE/s2048/IMG_2024.HEIC" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA04tutStQZNIhovcFzAOKuJKvCzGWzcp9Modlnj80F31-uWUfZGTGwf7Uk0oXKhfeK5s0cVUFasrLNNOATFeRg5W_elcFSFWvQQhNGGy03WhRas-kFwSb_r7Fl0vwv-iC0bApADXsjFE/s320/IMG_2024.HEIC" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Pleeps is ready for some Z's... and not the sleepy kind!</i></span></td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p>Inside the taproom, we were greeted by an open floor plan with visible access to the brewing equipment. We were lucky enough to snag a comfortable little nook near the entrance with soft seating, pillows and our own coffee table. In keeping with our tradition of the day, we opted for another shared flight to try a variety of beers. Here's the scoop:</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b>West Coast IPA V9 </b>- We went back to our favorite V9 and decreed it the reigning Champion. The hop blend is true to style with citrus and mango notes, and just the right punch to the palate.</li><li><b>Beermosa </b>- a Radler-style beer brewed to mimic everyone's favorite staple brunch beverage, the Mimosa. Light and citrusy. </li><li><b>Dunkel Lager</b> - Our Dunkel features a strong, aromatic backbone of Munich caramel that lingers on the pallet. Made the right way--We lagered the beer for more than a month. </li><li><b>Mahaleb Sour</b> - Sour ale brewed with Mahaleb spice to contribute notes of toasted almond, cherry and vanilla notes. A Philly Sour yeast strain introduced a tart, funky character. </li></ul><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKbnq42DmPWdtdy3c1OrrIDytXQX3iwdCfQgm47r9vtxHpdd-t7e10b3nW8-7VXAeq2qHerTYmHzhVdBApj-CYnjPL2W2DCZfNSASIPWfmLUEZb-Wf96HvB_cCr2wFXnoChQFDbOMY_qA/s2000/IMG_2025.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="1500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKbnq42DmPWdtdy3c1OrrIDytXQX3iwdCfQgm47r9vtxHpdd-t7e10b3nW8-7VXAeq2qHerTYmHzhVdBApj-CYnjPL2W2DCZfNSASIPWfmLUEZb-Wf96HvB_cCr2wFXnoChQFDbOMY_qA/s320/IMG_2025.JPG" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p>Nothing in the sampler really grabbed us or convinced us to stay for another round, which was fine, because I knew we'd be sticking around at our next stop for quite a while. With that said, Zed's was a cozy place with friendly people and solid beers... something that every town needs! </p><p>One of our favorite breweries in the area (along with Spellbound, which we skipped this time due to the geographic layout of our itinerary) is Cherry Hill's <a href="https://forgottenboardwalk.squarespace.com/" target="_blank">Forgotten Boardwalk</a>. Since 2014, this brewery found a way to blend the whimsy of the Jersey Shore (I mean, who <i>didn't </i>vacation there as a kid?) with consistent and slightly off-kilter beers, like its Funnel Cake cream ale. The small but charming taproom includes skee ball, funhouse mirrors and provides a Coney Island, carnival-like vibe. Add to all of that its evocative, clever artwork (its mascot is a three-eyed feline and tap handles are cat tails) and you've got yourself the makings of a fantastic brewery. Unfortunately, the skee ball machines had been removed to accommodate more seating due to the limited capacity restrictions. </p><p>We'd been visiting Forgotten Boardwalk now for several years, and if we'd ever been on the fence about the legitimacy of this place, let me tell you... this visit would have evicerated any previous doubt we may have had. First off, the servers here are always amazing and knowledgeable. Last time, we actually spent a few hours with the marketing manager at the time as well as Jamie, the owner. They were gracious with sharing beers and even stuck around well after hours to continue our chat. </p><p>The place seemed pretty packed when we arrived, and at first it was looking like we might not get in. It was already dark and extremely chilly outside (and icy!), and even though we were layered up, I was really hoping to sit inside. Thankfully, they have been using the brewing and fermentation area for additional seating during COVID-19, so we were able to at least get in and sit down. It was a bit chilly in the back, but it was better than being outside. </p><p>There were a few beers (IPAs, actually) that sounded fantastic, so I asked our server and he instantly recommended a beer called Tower #4. This particular beer, <b>DDH Tower No. 4 (Citra & Sabro)</b> expands on the original Tower No. 4 IPA. While it uses the same base malts and kettle hops as the original, this version is double dry-hopped with two heavy-hitters: Citra and Sabro. Holy shit! I've had well over 30 different beers from this brewery, and in my opinion, this beer is its crowning achievement. Boasting a pillowy mouthfeel and complex flavors of tangerine, light mint, and tropical fruit, this delicious beer finishes with a hint of cedar wood and coconut cream. Man, I was giddy with this beer. While I've enjoyed almost all of the beers we've had here over the year, I don't recall having this type of reaction to one of its beers ever! There was no way I wasn't going home with a 4-pack of this beer. Yeah, um, scratch that... TWO 4-packs! </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM8IZnBM6CzxgGsywU6_46j29-Y-nwEpRKC8U7Iyf4nlwO-4XqG-MErhuE0jRWvVaI1XEZtBwKaQHpGIvckhVentYiyfNS89AIUkrRYVzDs9bgnN-iUSMhJD9GWsqd1Rt5hQdRTQD2rq8/s2048/IMG_2026.HEIC" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM8IZnBM6CzxgGsywU6_46j29-Y-nwEpRKC8U7Iyf4nlwO-4XqG-MErhuE0jRWvVaI1XEZtBwKaQHpGIvckhVentYiyfNS89AIUkrRYVzDs9bgnN-iUSMhJD9GWsqd1Rt5hQdRTQD2rq8/s320/IMG_2026.HEIC" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Pleeps still going strong at Forgotten Boardwalk.</i></span></td></tr></tbody></table><p><br /></p><p>After being blown away by my first beer, I shifted gears and went with <b>Last Brunch</b>, a coffee porter brewed with cinnamon and vanilla. This was a solid porter with a moderate coffee aroma, which gave way to a hint of roast and smoky chocolate with a slightly sweet vanilla finish. I'd had this beer on one other occasion, and it was better than I'd remembered. Of course, I seldom meet a coffee beer I don't like. </p><p>I decided to go big with my next beer. <b>Angry Mike</b>, an American style barleywine, features Vienna and caramel malts, a pinch of rye, and Cascade hops. This big, chewy beer is fermented warm with Omega Horindal Kviek yeast to elicit a fruity aroma and flavor reminiscent of stone fruit (apricot and peach) and a hint of tropical pineapple. I really dug this beer quite a bit. If I was Mike and had a tasty beer like this named after me, I'm not so sure I'd be too angry. Drinking it certainly didn't make <i>me </i>angry. </p><p>As a postscript, I asked for a sample size pour of <b>Morro Castle</b>, a smoked beer. Inspired by the German rauchbier, this beer utilizes a grist of nearly 50% European beechwood smoked malt. Toasty, rich and chocolatey, its the beechwood character that stands front and center, lending a smooth and savory smokey character as well as hints of sweet tobacco leaves. I really can't say enough about this visit. I dropped off a nice selection of Tröegs beer for the staff and made sure to leave a bottle of BBA Nator behind for Jamie, who unfortunately wasn't working when we stopped by. </p><p>We had time to swing by one last brewery for the day before calling it quits. Located less than 2 miles away from Forgotton Boardwalk in Mt. Laurel, <a href="https://boutthehops.com/" target="_blank">'Bout the Hops</a> opened its doors in December 2019. Situated in an all-too-familiar industrial complex, this new brewery boasts a 1 bbl nano brewhouse as well as a larger 5 bbl system, which allows them to rotate up to 18 different taps at any given time. </p><p>We agreed we each had one more beer in us, so we deviated from our typical game plan of the day and forewent a sampler flight in lieu of our own single pours. I settled on <b>Cobbler Gobbler</b>, a milkshake IPA brewed with lactose, peaches and graham crackers. Can you guess which incredient helped me make my decision? HINT: His name is Peaches! Yes folks, it's another peach beer for me, I'm afraid. I simply can't resist a beer with peaches in it. Meanwhile, Brewslut opted for the cleverly named <b>SpongeBob SourPants</b>, a sour ale brewed with pineapple and passionfruit. I recall the beers here were tasty, but it was getting late and we were pretty drained by this point. I always feel bad for the last brewery of the day, because it's usually a quick one-and-done stop and seldom sticks in my memory compared to the other places we visit during the day. I suppose that's the effects of alcohol at work, right? </p><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPckbsxL9zyBBrOJ8WQj8QfyJBV3lJKll1_d9LSP_fpwtHLpy1MPZJn485ae4_rPMelY1stoHDzqPwmMGAGcUg21EmJpFZCRxa5oBzYYx8Yzx7Xz3jrZm5DUFeJ_gxevyZH3ZLJpLx-iE/s2048/IMG_7058.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPckbsxL9zyBBrOJ8WQj8QfyJBV3lJKll1_d9LSP_fpwtHLpy1MPZJn485ae4_rPMelY1stoHDzqPwmMGAGcUg21EmJpFZCRxa5oBzYYx8Yzx7Xz3jrZm5DUFeJ_gxevyZH3ZLJpLx-iE/s320/IMG_7058.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Pleeps was ready to gobble up my Cobbler Gobbler!</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">And with that, it was time to head back to the hotel and get some rest. All in all, it was an extremely productive day for us, with a grand total of six new-to-us breweries to add to our ever-expanding list. Brewslut and I both agreed that Brotherton took top honors for the day, although I don't think we had what I'd call a "bad beer" all day. That's always a plus! </p><p style="text-align: left;">Stay tuned for Part II of our President's Day beer weekend as we head back across the river for a day in the City of Brotherly Love. Until next time...</p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifm5W1LGfzF0Bv4ReJWYbT0_mfyRYCTdCL5CnMJxWyxlImqrolNg-QIdg_ccLbKtBcbsX6Srus5IuVkADhSNLfVTlfLwoWS94ZQlxbbgFcO7Fbp6sJtZeY6AKzFCXxGuCCiNf7r0_D1uA/s2048/IMG_2032.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifm5W1LGfzF0Bv4ReJWYbT0_mfyRYCTdCL5CnMJxWyxlImqrolNg-QIdg_ccLbKtBcbsX6Srus5IuVkADhSNLfVTlfLwoWS94ZQlxbbgFcO7Fbp6sJtZeY6AKzFCXxGuCCiNf7r0_D1uA/s320/IMG_2032.HEIC" /></a></p>ffejherbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01444361671877120080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8277623370417580926.post-12546093791602361602021-02-19T12:42:00.004-05:002021-02-19T12:52:26.733-05:00The Pour Travelers Take Delmarva: Part III<p>After a quick pre-game beer before heading out (an apt choice with Sun-Day-Feels, a sour ale brewed with Viognier grape juice, peaches, blood oranges, lemon, and lime), Sunday began on a high note with an impromptu tour of <a href="https://www.dogfish.com/" target="_blank">Dogfish Head</a>'s brewing facility in Milton. We didn't plan it that way; we were going to call ahead to make a reservation while en route to the brewery, but we got to talking and forgot to call. When we arrived, there was a solid 90-minute wait. Luckily, Taylor brought along his keyfob, which gave us VIP access to the entire brewery. Honestly, this was much cooler than sitting under a huge white tent and enjoying a beer. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnLxhuCX58gcW3S3f1cHf-X2uydgXCQ2Tv2kVm-R73DpaDXYRmF1pAYzOs_genTUrOnbEGTkTqX37vMcSFeYow8bgAlOO5WbO2ME1IjlmDDLkGbVkZjepvPut-tRufxO4JRzy9QNVFX40/s2048/IMG_6902.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnLxhuCX58gcW3S3f1cHf-X2uydgXCQ2Tv2kVm-R73DpaDXYRmF1pAYzOs_genTUrOnbEGTkTqX37vMcSFeYow8bgAlOO5WbO2ME1IjlmDDLkGbVkZjepvPut-tRufxO4JRzy9QNVFX40/s320/IMG_6902.JPG" width="320" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p>For the next two hours or so, we strolled casually around the brewery, sipping various beers as we stopped to check out specific areas of the impressive facility. Somewhere along the way, we sampled some <b>Walking Run</b>, a hazy, hoppy pale ale brewed with English pale ale malt, wheat malt and flaked oats. Soft and pillowy with a pleasant malt flavor, this pale ale finishes with tropican and citrus fruit notes. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqJrkXGYyXUoDpVg-A9sNr_OFF7MefLwXqZgqmh3AfDZ1Il2OGIPiCrL0H3ifeuFOkBKuVG1D50jEogxsUgbjmLhECTDPz5Su3g2YgKVu0e5kiauAjj9dsEEvY7T-qqQXe7K45hloVWIg/s2048/IMG_6899.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqJrkXGYyXUoDpVg-A9sNr_OFF7MefLwXqZgqmh3AfDZ1Il2OGIPiCrL0H3ifeuFOkBKuVG1D50jEogxsUgbjmLhECTDPz5Su3g2YgKVu0e5kiauAjj9dsEEvY7T-qqQXe7K45hloVWIg/s320/IMG_6899.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">DFH is sportin' some serious wood!</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><p><br /></p><p>Over in the barrel room, Taylor pointed out that DFH's barrel-aging space was slowly being snuffed out by the recent explosion of Truly, a series of hard seltzers that became part of DFH's repertoire upon merging with Sam Adams. Taylor mentioned that they employ temp workers virtually around the clock just to pack mix cases of this highly popular - for lack of a better term - alcoholic soft drink. I suppose one has got to pay the bills, right? </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYSrA68-NxGgq9sWQ_-mqwPldJxZNcmiY1eMNMYR96RymYURKnJReHU_hvOB018VjamM0-hnokc5W0RoWqDuMjUfZgnY4pfG0O7pipTgaa5zmcI8iUPOK4IS1PX5YpCZjMVyaE167t0eQ/s2048/IMG_6900.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYSrA68-NxGgq9sWQ_-mqwPldJxZNcmiY1eMNMYR96RymYURKnJReHU_hvOB018VjamM0-hnokc5W0RoWqDuMjUfZgnY4pfG0O7pipTgaa5zmcI8iUPOK4IS1PX5YpCZjMVyaE167t0eQ/s320/IMG_6900.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Looks like some World Wide Stout right there.</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><p><br /></p><p>While we milled around the barrel room, Taylor offered to crack open a Pour Travelers' choice.<b> </b>After perusing the many cork and cage bottles strewn about the packaging area, I settled on<b> Ouvert Operation</b>, an open-fermented saison aged in gin barrels. This one had me at "gin barrels." Although I'm not a huge fan of gin itself, I became quite enamored with gin barrel-aged beers a few years ago when we visited Oregon. It seems as though this trend kicked off out west and worked its way eastward over the subsequent months. While gin barrel-aged beers are hard to come by on the east coast, it didn't surprise me one bit that DFH had one available. I enjoyed this one quite a bit and it was one of the many highlights of our little VIP tour.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdahEP6nqFUrF4yTYIW-Ab0e6tOPGjrU0ULnufN-Tp_HWWhku0qooBwX9NhFnfuUUDHoIO5cC1s0NJJiWgs00a9LF0jepyK6ak0FMbc30c_4Fca0YFp0Hz__hWxGB0ji4lVAZcxpzOjH8/s2048/IMG_6901.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdahEP6nqFUrF4yTYIW-Ab0e6tOPGjrU0ULnufN-Tp_HWWhku0qooBwX9NhFnfuUUDHoIO5cC1s0NJJiWgs00a9LF0jepyK6ak0FMbc30c_4Fca0YFp0Hz__hWxGB0ji4lVAZcxpzOjH8/s320/IMG_6901.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Pleeps wants a lesson in mixology.</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p>Speaking of highlights, we also got to sample uber-fresh <b>90 Minute IPA</b> from one of the brite tanks in the fermentation hall. Although most jaded beer geeks might brush off this iconic beer in favor of trendier hazies and juice bombs, <i>Esquire Magazine</i> has called 90 Minute "perhaps the best IPA in America." I must admit that even I take this one for granted despite it being an early favorite of mine back in my young Padawan days. I will say that this tasted very good; so good, in fact, that I had two pours from the brite tank! IPAs with an extreme hop character and supporting malt backbone seem to be a thing of the past these days. This one has such a distinct flavor profile that I could likely pick it out of a line-up of 10 different IPAs. </p><p>Another highlight was drinking a can of our COVID-19 fridge beer, <b>Slightly Mighty</b>, while relaxing and chatting in the quality laboratory. Brewslut and I have tried a handful of these new "lo-cal" pale ales and IPAs, and have decided unanimously that this one is our favorite. Slightly Mighty boasts all the flavor and tropical aromas of typical full-flavored IPA, but with just 95 calories and 3.6 grams of carbs. While it's brewed with locally-grown barley, this beer's magic ingredient is monk fruit, which delivers body and complexity without the excessive carbs. This sucker is light, flavorful and crushable! It was a Club Mease favorite of ours during the summer months out at the pool for Minkie Ball. (I won't elaborate on this... just know it's hella-fun!) </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7dyT9hMVHLmp_Zrdyi2JJsLAZ1GWhgU3wVyTUQxkwi3D-Y0A8i9t9aY2lAC_BOyrGY3073aNWpszs0lpU6yDLrYZK7LIMdxngN3PbCB2SJjbGmjTjd3FuxAVp5BVGrOaoEXS-iEnuCBE/s2048/IMG_6898.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7dyT9hMVHLmp_Zrdyi2JJsLAZ1GWhgU3wVyTUQxkwi3D-Y0A8i9t9aY2lAC_BOyrGY3073aNWpszs0lpU6yDLrYZK7LIMdxngN3PbCB2SJjbGmjTjd3FuxAVp5BVGrOaoEXS-iEnuCBE/s320/IMG_6898.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Taylor, our guide and innkeeper.</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p>Although I work at a brewery, I still tend to geek out and get giddy when I visit a brewery I admire. DFH has such an amazing facility with so many different facets, and it was a joy having a great tour guide and free reign to explore. Many thanks to Taylor for the hospitality and great conversation!</p><p>We decided to make a quick stop at <a href="https://brimminghornmeadery.com/" target="_blank">Brimming Horn Meadery</a>, which we'd enjoyed quite a bit last time. Taylor wanted to drop off a few beers for the owner, who'd just had a death in the family. Unfortunately, he wasn't around during our visit. (I had fun chatting briefly about metal last time, as he's an all-around fan of the genre.) At any rate, we stuck around for a quick one in the heated tent around the back of the building. I opted for <b>Shirley Temple</b>, a mead brewed to mimic the non-alcoholic drink of the same name. The classic version is traditionally made with ginger ale and a splash of grenadine, then garnished with a maraschino cherry. This light and flavorful mead boasted the requisite notes of cherry and ginger and was quite enjoyable. This turned out to be a quick one-and-done stop, but we did pick up a few stovepipe cans of a few things (because, you know, 12% meads should come in 19.2oz. cans) and went on our merry way.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg9NHz5obyC3nKyD9rnnhCKErZDK-OCp1aHZLx8HAjQOeI5NQNJE3k6D6WUu5gRLntxWqigrT2MBSykdRSAVvxj05b2XbgL9Zo9VxtORgr8tTkruBH4Q0S-sUpDw10o8394vkZPD-StLU/s2048/IMG_6904.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg9NHz5obyC3nKyD9rnnhCKErZDK-OCp1aHZLx8HAjQOeI5NQNJE3k6D6WUu5gRLntxWqigrT2MBSykdRSAVvxj05b2XbgL9Zo9VxtORgr8tTkruBH4Q0S-sUpDw10o8394vkZPD-StLU/s320/IMG_6904.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Outside Big Oyster Brewing in Lewes, DE.</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p>One of the breweries I was most excited to revisit was <a href="https://www.bigoysterbrewery.com/" target="_blank">Big Oyster</a>. The 6,000-square-foot facility and brewpub is situated on King's Highway, just outside of Lewes, inside Fins Ale House & Raw Bar. Last year, we enjoyed lunch there but I only sampled one lone beer. That was about to change! </p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtttIDCosBXHg-esdyGvVQ97j4YN6HImTLKBOY0JF0HItLu292O_fKJGvetwtLGYg3zM9V7xk9SI-uGssiz1ioetTPcz5VPpic0svH5O8lBY7BHQ_S_vLWArzoq1V83_rYYYMgbFRKa7I/s2048/IMG_6906.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtttIDCosBXHg-esdyGvVQ97j4YN6HImTLKBOY0JF0HItLu292O_fKJGvetwtLGYg3zM9V7xk9SI-uGssiz1ioetTPcz5VPpic0svH5O8lBY7BHQ_S_vLWArzoq1V83_rYYYMgbFRKa7I/s320/IMG_6906.JPG" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p>Taylor and I both ordered Hammerhead, Big Oyster's flagship IPA. However, we were given pours of a much lighter beer, which we deduced was in fact <b>Hammer Light</b>, a low-calorie version of Hammerhead IPA. While it was solid, I wish the waitress would have informed us of this because we would have ordered something different. </p><p>Meanwhile, Brewslut was enjoying one of the brewery's fruit beers called <b>Triple Pineapple Dreamsicle</b>, an amped-up version of Pineapple Dreamsicle featuring more lactose and oats. I had a few sips of this and was sufficiently blown away. Creamy vanilla and tropical fruit mingles to create a soft mouthfeel and initial sweetness, which gives way to a huge smack of tropical hops akin to - no surprise here - pineapple. This one was delicious and prompted us to purchase a pair of 4-packs to bring home. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9A_6IGJ1OofIB2CdqGxLD13M3ccqn_9HN-fcH-xtudJ6cmfedEskZTBcmYBucKkaI9Zvs5xM2lJcZb8Er1wd-aE4z4MRHdC0k-mfjfynRG4fNtrhjr7j0gZ4jT5ZHA232aBae9JFL47w/s2048/IMG_6907.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9A_6IGJ1OofIB2CdqGxLD13M3ccqn_9HN-fcH-xtudJ6cmfedEskZTBcmYBucKkaI9Zvs5xM2lJcZb8Er1wd-aE4z4MRHdC0k-mfjfynRG4fNtrhjr7j0gZ4jT5ZHA232aBae9JFL47w/s320/IMG_6907.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Pleeps says, "More pilsners, please!"</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><p><br /></p><p>We happened to arrive at Big Oyster smack dab in the middle of its awesome Happy Hour, so we enjoyed discounted pints and lunch specials. Oh, and oysters! For my lunch beer, I opted for <b>Public Pils</b>, a fine Pilsner brewed with authentic German Weyermann Malt and classic Czech Saaz hops. This went well with the plate of oysters on the half shell we shared as well as my fish and chips. After a fantastic (and reasonably priced) lunch, we also picked up a good case-worth of beers to take home and enjoy. Our recent beer acquisitions wer starting to take up much of the back of the CRV. In addition to Triple Pineapple Dreamsicle, we also grabbed some <b>Triple Delaware Dreamsicle </b>(think dry-hopped Orange Julius)<b> </b>as well as <b>Hammerhead IPA</b>. More beer for our pile! With full bellies, we shipped off to our next stop of the day. </p><p>We skipped over <a href="https://crookedhammockbrewery.com/" target="_blank">Crooked Hammock</a> during our last visit, so I suggested we stop for a one-and-done. While Taylor promised we wouldn't be wowed with any of the beers, I will say that the vibe of this place absolutely captures the Delaware beach area to a "T" and probably had the coolest beach atmosphere of all the places we visited on this particular trip. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh8a4MY3eCtFMOfasCvJF8fit5eaq8y5PCOgcqyBoyoLHqenV7Z-SwX4eF364HwKmbNgO56gOh7daObXA70PIi9RuiJCliEZ4U2GXuspidx_eOC0qEfa4h5nGa7UzLe_rIbLxw7JJQ2rw/s2048/IMG_6908.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh8a4MY3eCtFMOfasCvJF8fit5eaq8y5PCOgcqyBoyoLHqenV7Z-SwX4eF364HwKmbNgO56gOh7daObXA70PIi9RuiJCliEZ4U2GXuspidx_eOC0qEfa4h5nGa7UzLe_rIbLxw7JJQ2rw/s320/IMG_6908.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">It's a Jeep, it's a brewery... it's Crooked Hammock!</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p>Like so many other folks who decide to open a brewery, Crooked Hammock's story isn't much different. Fed up with the daily 9 to 5 grind of his corporate gig in big city, owner Rich Garrahan decided he was ready to kick back and do something fun. He decided to ditch his shirt and tie in favor of flip-flops, and he moved to Rehoboth Beach to open Crooked Hammock, whose motto is likely "take it slow and live life easy."</p><p>Actually, I was quite pleased with my beer selection: <b>Permanent Vacation</b>. Brewed in collaboration with Brandywine Coffee Roasters and Mug & Spoon in Rehoboth Beach, this imperial coconut coffee stout proved a pleasant dessert beer after our recent lunch at Big Oyster. Boasting equal parts shaved coconut, fresh roasted coffee and rich chocolate malt, I was pleasantly surprised with this beer. However, this turned out to be a one-and-done stop for us, as I was eager to head over to our next stop and dig into a few beers. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEVeIYbQMwwRok0ZWWFkhVko71eni7Cdl4rbPi2CKlhb_LaJzemDXGIKLPOxdUZMbMaCMVh4_iYDTu37mu40pYHPJhlWzVBrwvvcSZ6tCIQ3H6efw94DlNxhyphenhyphenRDm-U9COpb_dkCevxrXM/s2048/IMG_6912.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEVeIYbQMwwRok0ZWWFkhVko71eni7Cdl4rbPi2CKlhb_LaJzemDXGIKLPOxdUZMbMaCMVh4_iYDTu37mu40pYHPJhlWzVBrwvvcSZ6tCIQ3H6efw94DlNxhyphenhyphenRDm-U9COpb_dkCevxrXM/s320/IMG_6912.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Pleeps is ready for his own permanent vacation!</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p>Up next was <a href="https://thompsonislandbrewing.com/" target="_blank">Thompson Island</a>, a relatively new place we'd visited last time around. The brewpub is the first of its kind opened by Delaware restaurant group, SoDel Concepts, which operates several successful restaurants in the area. The brewery takes its name from an island between Rehoboth Beach and Dewey Beach known as the Forgotten Mile, an area popular with hikers and birders. Since I work in marketing at Tröegs, this place had always been on my radar (SoDel Concepts served as consultants when Tröegs introduced its Snack Bar back in 2012). With Thompson Island, Tröegs reciprocated and lent a hand with recommending a state-of-the-art brewhouse designed specifically for the restaurant. The brewpub itself is modeled after popular SoDel activities like bonfires, kayaking, paddle-boarding, fishing, and general "salt life." </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYf9GNpMR-qbpl1hjzA2LPsIZELX4dLtJ23Xo9VtJmTKDl3hACZK6TDy4MGIQViSr1aqWN1T0-beOmIrnMjoQlc0fHHBT4xyjSsdVMI48CGXzzaJ0yeK9-JNS2MgHuvdqI0KszwXZdUE4/s2048/IMG_6913.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYf9GNpMR-qbpl1hjzA2LPsIZELX4dLtJ23Xo9VtJmTKDl3hACZK6TDy4MGIQViSr1aqWN1T0-beOmIrnMjoQlc0fHHBT4xyjSsdVMI48CGXzzaJ0yeK9-JNS2MgHuvdqI0KszwXZdUE4/s320/IMG_6913.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Outside Thompson Island brewpub.</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p>Since I only sampled one beer during last year's initial visit, I opted for a flight this time. Call it an effort to test the waters with a variety of beers. Here's the scoop:</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b>Impervious </b>- West Coast IPA with notes of pine and grapefruit with a dry, resinous finish.</li><li><b>The Shoals</b> - Rich imperial stout conditioned on cocoa nibs and Guatemalan coffee from Swell Joe Coffee of Lewes, DE.</li><li><b>Escapades </b>- sour ale brewed with tons of peach and pineapple. You know my peach rule, kids!</li><li><b>Cosmic Cow</b> - Sweet stout with hints of milk chocolate, coffee, roasted malt and toffee.</li></ul><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfbi9_R66CrS4FzNDKd9DE7Uh4NHmn81gTO0nrf7UdDwz0w_oBOpNckiVtvF6s8x_cM6c0N84CnbCGre8j8mGw1nfWhtOvsr2iVLpJKud_g2R-cHWMEXVd5FuTGe0Go_jrOaIwm5A8brs/s2048/IMG_6915.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfbi9_R66CrS4FzNDKd9DE7Uh4NHmn81gTO0nrf7UdDwz0w_oBOpNckiVtvF6s8x_cM6c0N84CnbCGre8j8mGw1nfWhtOvsr2iVLpJKud_g2R-cHWMEXVd5FuTGe0Go_jrOaIwm5A8brs/s320/IMG_6915.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Pleeps poses with my Thompson Island flight.</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><p><br /></p><p>If memory serves me, I enjoyed all of these quite a bit, with my favorite being The Shoals. It's tough to compete with a tasty coffee stout in my book. This visit was in stark contrast to our previous visit, as the place was noisy and bustling with people. This time, we got to sit at a quiet table and enjoy some conversation with our beers. The beers also seemed to have improved over the last year. I'm glad to see this place doing well. </p><p>Like last year, we couldn't leave without a second visit to <a href="https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/8277623370417580926/1254609379160236160#" target="_blank">Dewey Beer Company</a>, and this year was no different. There's no need for me to go on about how much I love this place. Let's just leave it as this: Dewey is a two-visit brewery when we're in the area for more than two days. </p><p>I decided to dive into the fruited sours this time around (as Brewslut did on Friday night). First up was <b>Secret Machine - Strawberry Angel Food Cake</b>. I had a swig of this one on Friday and it was quite delicious, so I felt obligated to enjoy a full pour of my own. This tastes like sweet strawberry shortcake with vanilla icing. Of course, it was brewed with more than 30 lbs. of angel food cake! </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnl9TAdZ86962fuiCAmDDBpyt214V6iuSQkIrsOrx7pX8jOg7DZUvZEv0vJCu2S6xQ3sSo2Kfwe06ugu3N8ehw_Clf9P8uvNMKjPdkM-RPR83fVuG1DMSBt_7JVgu5reoH2meDo3Tasww/s2048/IMG_6918.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnl9TAdZ86962fuiCAmDDBpyt214V6iuSQkIrsOrx7pX8jOg7DZUvZEv0vJCu2S6xQ3sSo2Kfwe06ugu3N8ehw_Clf9P8uvNMKjPdkM-RPR83fVuG1DMSBt_7JVgu5reoH2meDo3Tasww/s320/IMG_6918.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">There's no bread, let them eat (er, drink) cake!</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p>Similar to its Secret Machine series, <b>Thrills </b>is another line of heavily fruited sour beers offered by Dewey that are equally as delicious. To be honest, I'm not even sure what the difference is between these two lines. Perhaps one of them uses lactose and the other doesn't. Whatever the case may be, this particular Thrills beer I samples,<b> Strawberry, Mango, Orange</b> was pretty damn impressive. Citrusy and tangy with a thick, fleshy mango character, this smoothie-like beer was delicious and surprisingly multi-dimensional. While the mango character was the dominant flavor, the orange and strawberry complemented the tropical-forward bent of this beer, making for an enjoyable quaff. End result? This stuff goes down waaaaaay to easliy! </p><p>I couldn't leave without ordering something on the hoppy side of the spectrum. After the one-two fruit punch of the aforementioned beers, it was time for <b>Victorious Secret</b>, an IPA brewed hopped with Galaxy, Motueka and Vic Secret. This one features wheat flakes in the malt bill to elicit a fluffy mouthfeel. After the fruit overload I experienced from my previous two beers, it was nice to quell the sweetness with some serious hops, and this beer did not disappoint. And with that, it was time to retire for the evening and head back to Taylor's and wind down another enjoyable visit to Delmarva.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiIzFlb0wqt2CChV6T0e_0nvKrvjWV_qFJ2iYAQ3zcHE8f0MA8UpvYe9zQfefd3X-q_YHQ4Lo0b2uDyFZ090iC4jXRSo0YHO1F0mCpSp7lnWJTq_ARcj7a8UwXYGeQF7bgCQ59MXOWV_c/s2048/IMG_6916.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiIzFlb0wqt2CChV6T0e_0nvKrvjWV_qFJ2iYAQ3zcHE8f0MA8UpvYe9zQfefd3X-q_YHQ4Lo0b2uDyFZ090iC4jXRSo0YHO1F0mCpSp7lnWJTq_ARcj7a8UwXYGeQF7bgCQ59MXOWV_c/s320/IMG_6916.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Pleeps knows the end of the trip is near.</i></span></td></tr></tbody></table><p><br /></p><p>Back to Taylor's, things definitely started going south. After drinking all day, we decided to crack open several more beers, including a relatively new DFH beer called <b>Horkin' Heapload</b>, a 9.1% ABV Imperial IPA. We also dug into more Marc Ribbilet videos on YouTube and carried on throughout the evening with plenty of laughing, drinking, and talking. After a while, <i>this </i>is what that looks like... </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGugSxUavCRG4oUHKz2woru923_fSfQwTd3HtbXxeaI2LoM534Ega_0ckKhgYshnBmnSZ_o4IuNlaBBxN9Pt0kd_F1pZFduSfrUMyLU9kqK8T7yvKFq7HLNRjjTynF1yNkDHaIFXztMLs/s1280/IMG_6921.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGugSxUavCRG4oUHKz2woru923_fSfQwTd3HtbXxeaI2LoM534Ega_0ckKhgYshnBmnSZ_o4IuNlaBBxN9Pt0kd_F1pZFduSfrUMyLU9kqK8T7yvKFq7HLNRjjTynF1yNkDHaIFXztMLs/s320/IMG_6921.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Shots are seldom a good idea after drinking all day.</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b><i>Post-script: </i></b>We decided to just hightail it back home on Monday and grab some dinner at <a href="http://www.troegs.com" target="_blank">Tröegs</a>. Breweries are seldom open on Mondays (consider it the "weekend" for bartenders and brewery staff), and the ones that are typically open around 4 or 5 in the afternoon. I was anxious to try our new Scratch release, <b>Scratch #429 - Pale Bock</b>. I feel one of our fortes as a brewery is making great lagers, and this one was solid. The combination of Vienna and Munich malt is coupled with a robust fermentation with our tried-and-true House Lager yeast. At 8% ABV, this one was quite quaffable and boasted notes of honey, saltine crackers and fresh baked biscuits. </p><p>Well kids, that wraps things up for this adventure in Delmarva. Tune in next time for another installment of the Pour Travelers blog, which will take us to nearby Cherry Hill, NJ, and Philadelphia, PA, for our annual winter beer trek to one of our favorite nearby beer regions. Until next time...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpswYlrhyRiKdGOhfep6PybaKvomjWf9pE6IAImhB9x6lXiaWiyniKnfiBYFjBnx7N2QqbJadC0OjfVN5ibCGI2wuRlL1veb6FQF2tTP4E0-ithyphenhyphenqaRUQY3rFaFrjzZkTqmcF7reH7kvc/s2048/IMG_6922.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpswYlrhyRiKdGOhfep6PybaKvomjWf9pE6IAImhB9x6lXiaWiyniKnfiBYFjBnx7N2QqbJadC0OjfVN5ibCGI2wuRlL1veb6FQF2tTP4E0-ithyphenhyphenqaRUQY3rFaFrjzZkTqmcF7reH7kvc/s320/IMG_6922.JPG" /></a></div>ffejherbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01444361671877120080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8277623370417580926.post-68677042237562529032021-02-02T11:59:00.001-05:002021-02-02T12:10:07.244-05:00The Pour Travelers Take Delmarva: Part II<p>After breakfast on Saturday morning, we suited up and were ocean-bound for our first stop of the day. Lucy, Taylor's dog, joined us for this outing, which kicked off with a nice 10-block walk up Ocean City's boardwalk to a familiar brewery, <a href="http://backshorebrew.com/">Backshore</a>. We'd first visited last year and were excited to discover that head brewer Nate is a huge Rush fan. We bonded over that, and he'd actually brewed a beer for the recently departed Neil Peart, which he dubbed "The Professor." It was a fitting tribute to the legendary drummer, and Nate was kind enough to share his last crowler of the beer with us. Gotta love Rush fans!</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeH-xOiCBT2Dyaf6kQPiOmkN80xboXQvbWhmIkCXcj9Kf7bY4egFXfkrKlHaETG-U4vRFS93ud9UwgXtOr1zyxp_77bHCpuxAkfA5ejwalslF4rICLZ1n-OWiBmm53ZQXsBm0JVynr_J0/s1600/backshore.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeH-xOiCBT2Dyaf6kQPiOmkN80xboXQvbWhmIkCXcj9Kf7bY4egFXfkrKlHaETG-U4vRFS93ud9UwgXtOr1zyxp_77bHCpuxAkfA5ejwalslF4rICLZ1n-OWiBmm53ZQXsBm0JVynr_J0/s320/backshore.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Back at Backshore.</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p>To refresh your memory, Backshore is located right on the boardwalk in Ocean City, MD. The small nano brewery opened its doors in 2012 with a meager six tap lines. Nate brews on a small 2-bbl system and offers a variety of styles with an ever-changing tap list including many one-off beers. </p><p>It was an unseasonably mild January day, and people seemed to be taking advantage of the warmer-than-usual temperatures. When we arrived, there was a line of people waiting for beer, and many of the outside seats were already occupied. We finally made our way to the front of the line after about ten minutes and had the chance to peruse the small beer selection. All three of us decided to go with <b>Joe Joe Power Rangers</b> coffee stout, a fitting beer since it was still early in the day. Equal parts chocolate, roasted coffee and vanilla, this beer was pretty solid overall. We enjoyed a one-and-done beer outside, which meant Lucy could join in on the fun, too. Several other people had their dogs in tow as well (some more well-behaved than others). </p><p>Before we left, we were able to chat with Nate for a few minutes, who was actually super busy preparing food for the large crowd that had decended upon Backshore on this beautiful winter afternoon. I made sure to bring a can of the recently procured Limelight (which we'd scored <a href="http://ffejherb.blogspot.com/2021/01/frederick-overnighter.html">a week earlier in Frederick, MD</a>, at Idiom Brewing). He mentioned that he loved the can and decorates the brewery's Christmas tree with empty beer cans, so I left the empty with him for next year. Maybe we'll make it back next year early enough to see the tree!</p><p>Prior to arriving at our next stop, <a href="https://www.sinbrewing.com/">Sinepuxent Brewing Company</a>, Taylor mentioned that we'd be in for a surprise at "one of the breweries today." Once we learned it was a farm brewery, Brewslut quickly squashed my anticipation by correctly guessing that they had goats on the property. How do you make a cool brewery even cooler in my book? Add goats. It's as simple as that! I was glad to see that there were two goats, because every goat needs a buddy. With that said, meet Sammy and Maggie. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRQQIoR1wU6qk2ezEUNffc9wDLJ9jjrP727PqPIXWkmN5AG9xni59gGBfRJ0myHQRQeGHRL1gfO9IWKUwWY8J3X664oNJLCF9q8Xr5gk7mjFJt7jYVJkOlRc3sc0nz4SJa4KUOGk9NN0M/s2048/IMG_6884.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRQQIoR1wU6qk2ezEUNffc9wDLJ9jjrP727PqPIXWkmN5AG9xni59gGBfRJ0myHQRQeGHRL1gfO9IWKUwWY8J3X664oNJLCF9q8Xr5gk7mjFJt7jYVJkOlRc3sc0nz4SJa4KUOGk9NN0M/s320/IMG_6884.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Sammy, the agile one.<br /></span></i><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYp0GBXt9bV9c9IuQR-VoRp5H3HO2ibnlhJ8GRwULFMfk65vcnnMVVYNd8HN7kGISDtHon1SdoaGoqpTD0F1zvdBSJRGcN4EUSqym-SVJPrCBQTS8IpZIXp7uCQSy8GrCc5p8xaFNcFx8/s2048/IMG_6885.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYp0GBXt9bV9c9IuQR-VoRp5H3HO2ibnlhJ8GRwULFMfk65vcnnMVVYNd8HN7kGISDtHon1SdoaGoqpTD0F1zvdBSJRGcN4EUSqym-SVJPrCBQTS8IpZIXp7uCQSy8GrCc5p8xaFNcFx8/s320/IMG_6885.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Maggie, the chill one.</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p>Sinepuxent is nestled between Ocean City and Assateague Island along scenic Route 611. Its tasting room and brewery are located on a sprawling 17-acre farm, where Sinepuxent grows many ingredients such as hops and grains used in its beers. They also offer berry picking during in-season months, outdoor games, and even a smoothie bar featuring an all-natural, healthy menu. And, of course, goats. Let's not forget about the goats. <div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrkPPB4fnvvfQJdOQFXCIyEE8ho8-RefUe3-vxOo7LEozcykbxBt7gYRBajjbkTgo3TlJMYB324Xdam-5JbU0Ye_K5GDX2LOCwDpKAGAI4lfNDhMX8uK8Vu9zLDZ-rlsH8x88_KML0ATk/s2048/IMG_6888.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrkPPB4fnvvfQJdOQFXCIyEE8ho8-RefUe3-vxOo7LEozcykbxBt7gYRBajjbkTgo3TlJMYB324Xdam-5JbU0Ye_K5GDX2LOCwDpKAGAI4lfNDhMX8uK8Vu9zLDZ-rlsH8x88_KML0ATk/s320/IMG_6888.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Outside Sinepuxent's small tap room.</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><p><b><br /></b></p><p>I decided to give the <b>Pilsner Sin Brew</b> a shot. As we've discovered throughout our travels, beers from farm breweries that grow their own ingredients can be a crap shoot, but not only was this a fine pilsner, it actually exceeded my expectations. I found this to be flavorful and crisp with a delicate malt character, dry finish and just a hint of that mineral-like yeast flavor that hits my palate's sweet spot. This beer embodies everything I love about the pilsner style. Chalk up another solid pilsner for this trip!</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD0oJ7Kfj1Z6Rx-X92uctMMnH0pjfZkgZxfIl3BZ5ChtDnibvOT-zNu-yVGrJKwrlCmpz-fxk1uHOOml4eZgiYv4YGhCa-6Am_j6l7hZ3lfuiLr0-y1bC2ag311P5uXnAbVF5VJP2kOPE/s2048/IMG_6887.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD0oJ7Kfj1Z6Rx-X92uctMMnH0pjfZkgZxfIl3BZ5ChtDnibvOT-zNu-yVGrJKwrlCmpz-fxk1uHOOml4eZgiYv4YGhCa-6Am_j6l7hZ3lfuiLr0-y1bC2ag311P5uXnAbVF5VJP2kOPE/s320/IMG_6887.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Enjoying Pilsner Sin Brew on a chilly January day.</i></span></td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">I kind of nursed this beer since I knew it would be a long day, but I did try Brewslut's IPA and Taylor's Saison, which were both excellent as well. Beer aside, I also spent a little time getting acquainted with my new four-legged friends. By this time, Sammy was chowing down on some tasty pelletized goat food and Maggie was just chilling. The goats also took my mind away from the chilly, windy afternoon weather we were experiencing. Several folks had fires going strong at nearby firepits, but after about 30 minutes, we were starting to feel the bitterness in our bones. Kudos to the guy performing acoustic guitar for the dozens of folks braving the chilly conditions and hanging out in the great outdoors. In light of this, I felt obliged to throw a few sheckles into his tip jar. These are tough times for musicians, eh (again... thanks 'Rona). </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBkigSjtuqSE6xWveRU7e-b2kB4gHF8C7oXkJBcMPFFuA68ohDIr_xkxvrLSmbZPoUofkjgMFznwlhpYUiCRY3VOjc0FR_5MfhvG-LOLPEwTzgJb4vf1DIMANIW8ABY53UTbQzwkQRL9g/s2048/IMG_6891.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBkigSjtuqSE6xWveRU7e-b2kB4gHF8C7oXkJBcMPFFuA68ohDIr_xkxvrLSmbZPoUofkjgMFznwlhpYUiCRY3VOjc0FR_5MfhvG-LOLPEwTzgJb4vf1DIMANIW8ABY53UTbQzwkQRL9g/s320/IMG_6891.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Sinepuxent's little on-site general store.</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">Overall, I was pleasantly surprised with Sinepuxent, and - even though it took me a dozen tries to remember the name of the brewery - I definitely want to spend a little more time here during our next visit and sample a few more beers. Nicely done, Sinepuxent! I just hope it's a little warmer outside next time we swing by. </p><p>I'm not gonna lie to you. I was pretty damn excited to get back to <a href="https://burleyoak.com/">Burley Oak</a> again. By this time of the day, we were pretty hungry. Luckily, we had the wherewithall to order a pizza in advance so it would be ready around the time we were scheduled to arrive at the brewery. (There's a bitchin' pizza place right across the street called Burn Wood Fired Pizza.) </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIr7xURCFtw3eIIznJzH4sERpVkX2_s-IZP8qM4BE_-knZOYyPJDlr1wwTqGXfmzX-ai5VK7fsQKCCQlAul33_9BlQm9O_IhuKMGhqhkglfB5wQjdntONHdnSBH32YTYkOJOcypIaRMMg/s2048/IMG_6892.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIr7xURCFtw3eIIznJzH4sERpVkX2_s-IZP8qM4BE_-knZOYyPJDlr1wwTqGXfmzX-ai5VK7fsQKCCQlAul33_9BlQm9O_IhuKMGhqhkglfB5wQjdntONHdnSBH32YTYkOJOcypIaRMMg/s320/IMG_6892.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Back at Burley Oak a year later.</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><p><br /></p><p>I started off with a pair of beers from Burley's J.R.E.A.M. series. They always seem to be concocting some interesting fruit combinations with these beers, and this visit was no different. I picked out the two that sounded most appealing. First up was <b>Flying J.R.E.A.M. - Blueberry, Coconut, Banana</b>, a sour ale with lactose conditioned on blueberry, banana, and coconut. This one made me sad that we left Pleeps to "sleep in" back at Taylor's. He always gets excited when we encounter a beer with bananas in it. I knew he'd love this one. Thankfully, they had cans available to-go, so I did the right thing and grabbed a 4-pack so he could try it. Banana is a tough ingredient to brew with, and I'll admit that the coconut was the dominant flavor of the three. Blueberries offer a hint of earthiness and faint tartness, but otherwise this one struck me as tropical-forward. </p><p>The other J.R.E.A.M. series beer I enjoyed was <b>Strawberry, Cherry & Marshmallow Pie</b>, a sour ale brewed with lactose and conditioned on strawberry, cherry, marshmallow, cinnamon, vanilla, and brown sugar. I'm going to go on record and predict that marshmallow is going to be one of the trendy new ingredients used in beers for 2021. To be honest, I'm OK with that. I mean, if we're talking about the pantheon of candy, Marshmallow Peeps are at the top of the totem pole in my eyes. I've already encountered several beers boasting marshmallow as an ingredient this year. These beers range from IPAs to fruited sours. I must admit, this one was pretty damn delicious and may have been my favorite of all the beers I tried at Burley Oak during this particular visit. Scratch that. It <i>definitely </i>was my favorite! Cherry was the dominant flavor, although there was a faint berry sweetness and fluffy texture, perhaps thanks to the addition of marshmallow. </p><p>Up next, I decided to try something from the newish "CocktAles Series," a series of barrel-aged, cocktail-inspired sour ales. <b>Old Fashioned</b> is an imperial sour ale inspired by the cocktail of the same name. This dark, tart, and slightly sweet ale is conditioned on cherries and orange zest to add a bright citrus note, which mimics the classic Old Fashioned cocktail. I'm glad I didn't get a full pour of this one. I appreciated it for what it is, but its flavor was quite piquant. This one is best kept in small doses. </p><p>I decided to end with <b>The Brackish</b>, a huge, chewy imperial stout aged in rum barrels brewed in collaboration with Dark Seas Division. I was unfamiliar with Dark Seas, so a quick perusal of Google revealed it to be not a brewery, but rather a retail company whose products are inspired by coastal explorers and their lifestyle. Seems in-line with the geography of Burley Oak to me. This one was available in 750mL bottles, so I'm guessing the label was created by the folks at Dark Seas. Regardless, this one was pretty enjoyable but not as much as the much-hyped (for a reason) J.R.E.A.M. series beers. The body and texture of this beer were both on par for the style, but I found it to be a tad briney with a muted rum experience. I'll also go on record and say that I prefer bourbon barrel aging over rum on most days (unless we're talking Oil of Aphrodite or Marshal Zhukov’s... then it's up for debate). Still, this one was enjoyable, although for my money it's Burley's fruit beers that take the cake.</p><p>Our next stop of the day took us to Parsonsburg, MD, to <a href="https://www.talltalesbrew.com/home">Tall Tales</a>. Founded in 2011, this small brewery is situated on 22 acres boasting an outdoor bar and plenty of seating to enjoy the picturesque landscape. Since it was rather frigid outside, we opted to sit inside (at the bar, no less... something we hadn't done in a while). The food here looked amazing, but unfortunately we had just scarfed down a pie during our visit to Burley Oak. The menu features a variety of dishes prepared with whole ingredients in wood-fired Italian ovens. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcGJ3m1EkZomYZiSjS4l8c4c4zzObP_1ifT0kHJYVODNCj62vQzh306yyWiTmVpQKzmslPEUaZ6PW2cRsb_-57eSLoKqRfGPK3ElRpkuDn9gA0sdK7_ztc4sM5tJtEdrgUgzKUDRqpic8/s2048/IMG_6894.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcGJ3m1EkZomYZiSjS4l8c4c4zzObP_1ifT0kHJYVODNCj62vQzh306yyWiTmVpQKzmslPEUaZ6PW2cRsb_-57eSLoKqRfGPK3ElRpkuDn9gA0sdK7_ztc4sM5tJtEdrgUgzKUDRqpic8/s320/IMG_6894.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Tap handles at Tall Tales.</i></span></td></tr></tbody></table><p><br /></p><p>The beer list was pretty extensive, so I opted for a flight of five beers. Here's the lowdown:</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b>Delmarva Dank</b> - Double NEIPA (couldn't find any additional details on this one, unfortunately)</li><li><b>Liquid Denial: That Blue Milk</b> - light sour ale blended with fresh blueberry and peach purée</li><li><b>Liquid Denial: Wildberry</b> - similar to That Blue Milk but with a tart mixed berry character</li><li><b>Galactic Black</b> - Black IPA boasting citrus and pine notes with a hint of roasted malt flavor </li><li><b>Secret Stache</b> - Neapolitan Ice Cream stout brewed with cacao beans, vanilla beans and strawberry puree</li></ul><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg_hCKQbi4O-kzUueUimgfx2hHMRUefRlDyci6eiWQcvQZd6BIeUV9LZQNXk6mCR07j_2RzEce2vff4MUM1ZITMXfwHT060zvTNwBFPQUaj_Y0xVdPEYt7kpyfUa7NHGRV3tsbOH1Jn_w/s2048/IMG_6895.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg_hCKQbi4O-kzUueUimgfx2hHMRUefRlDyci6eiWQcvQZd6BIeUV9LZQNXk6mCR07j_2RzEce2vff4MUM1ZITMXfwHT060zvTNwBFPQUaj_Y0xVdPEYt7kpyfUa7NHGRV3tsbOH1Jn_w/s320/IMG_6895.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Something's missing from this photo. Where my monkey at?!</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><p><br /></p><p>Overall, while nothing stood out as amazing, nothing offended me either. The beers were all pretty enjoyable and on par with the majority of the small breweries we visit. If I had to pick a favorite, it was probably the black IPA. This style seems to be making a resurgence over the past year or two, as I see more and more of them popping up at breweries we visit. I'm not sure why black IPAs disappeared for a while, because I've always enjoyed them. Perhaps the hazy IPA craze is slowly starting to fade a bit and IPA drinkers are searching for alternate flavors. Either way, I'm definitely pro-black IPA. Coffee IPA? Even better! </p><p>Our visit to Tall Tales must have coincided with that weird part of the day when there's an apparent lull and you're just going through the motions. By this time, we seemed to have been a bit disengaged. Perhaps it's because Pleeps wasn't in tow. Either way, it was off to another brewery and I was ready for my second wind to kick in!</p><p>When Taylor asked if we wanted to swing by <a href="https://www.evolutioncraftbrewing.com/">Evolution Craft Brewing Company</a>, I thought about a few things silently. First, I thought, "Of course I do!" Next, I pondered why hadn't I thought about it in the first place. Lastly, I wondered why we hadn't ever been there before. I'd long been a fan of this Salisbury, MD-based brewery since first enjoying a pair of its IPAs - <b>Lot No. 3</b> and <b>Lot No. 6</b> - many moons ago. This fantastic brewery has been churning out great beers for almost a decade, so it was a nice surprise to finally get to this brewery, which I've enjoyed pretty much since the beginning. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQUV3FqMHWZxaV9BEkChOokxfHyluEtQiIC8rq8Zh8Tjff-povTdhfBJTz1UKXaZt6plKypF470Kb1K6RBiQjaLm_INua1bZN3UXxcTL2adlVuvkjyGjz65vdCz4SqRdJNAK_6o2HgTsE/s2048/IMG_6897.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQUV3FqMHWZxaV9BEkChOokxfHyluEtQiIC8rq8Zh8Tjff-povTdhfBJTz1UKXaZt6plKypF470Kb1K6RBiQjaLm_INua1bZN3UXxcTL2adlVuvkjyGjz65vdCz4SqRdJNAK_6o2HgTsE/s320/IMG_6897.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">This is the only pic I snapped at Evolution for some reason.</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><p><br /></p><p>Apparently I was on a pilsner kick of sorts for this trip, because I opted for <b>Delmarva Pure Pils</b>. Perhaps because I was driving and needed something light. Either way, I don't need an excuse to enjoy a crisp, refreshing pilsner. This golden, citrusy lager is Evo's take on the Czech-style pilsner. Floral and citrus zest notes abound, courtesy of German Saphir and Opal hops. This was another winner for me and a fine addition to the growing list of quality pilsners I enjoyed during this trip. </p><p>We also got to sit at the bar at Evolution. However, it felt more like a neighborhood bar than a craft brewery. Apparently, there were several seating options at Evolution. When I visited the restroom, I noticed a bar at the other end of the building. Sandwiched between them is a barrel room with additional seating. We must have chosen the "college bar" area, as a group of boisterous twenty-somethings with baseball caps and polo shirts were gathered at a nearby table. They were all drinking some bright blue liquid that looked like Windex (there's no accounting for taste, I suppose). After witnessing this annoying display, I'm quite content being in my mid-to-late forties at the moment. God knows what kind of music these cretins listen to if they're content with drinking Windex. I reckon them chemicals done messed up their brain compartments! </p><p>So that about wraps up Saturday, folks. We had wanted to make it to Loakal Branch, an off-shoot of Burley Oak, but they have limited hours and it ultimately wasn't in our cards. Also, it was a bittersweet, somewhat stressful day, as we thought we may had misplaced Pleeps (which is why you haven't seen any pictures of him in this blog post). However, when we arrived back at Taylor's house, he was still lying snug in his little bed. He must have had too much fun on Friday night and slept in. Usually he's up before any of us, champing at the bit in anticipation of our first brewery visit of the day. Sorry, Pleeps. It happens every once in a while. Until next time...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7wxd1E0jxCiSoFdjIvOqnAqp_7GIsmzS1kHX7I8F0ybBtyiY2QEMzD1M7grj417gESjIYqsijG4DyFwNkmvlpKCJ6ffTnWgw8lbU-Gh8PmvABD0C823fq-RQnbFdFAzolJ1j2sGA35zE/s2048/IMG_1953.heic" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7wxd1E0jxCiSoFdjIvOqnAqp_7GIsmzS1kHX7I8F0ybBtyiY2QEMzD1M7grj417gESjIYqsijG4DyFwNkmvlpKCJ6ffTnWgw8lbU-Gh8PmvABD0C823fq-RQnbFdFAzolJ1j2sGA35zE/s320/IMG_1953.heic" /></a></div></div>ffejherbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01444361671877120080noreply@blogger.com0