I have been a huge fan of West Coast IPAs for some time now, and had the chance recently to savor two of the world’s best. I reacquainted myself with the first one, while trying the second ale for the first time. Suffice to say, it was a very rewarding experience. Russian River Pliny The [...]
In 2008, Unibroue brewed a beer to commemorate the 400th anniversary of Quebec City, the first fortified city in North America. Through the past four centuries, this city has grown to become one of the most culturally diverse on the continent. Joie de vivre (Joy of Living) has long been the motto of Quebec, and [...]
While the official start of Fall is two weeks away, it’s nice to see that breweries around the country have gotten an early jump on distributing their pumpkin ales. I’m a big fan of this style of beer, and it was nice to try a couple of old favorites, in addition to a new one, [...]
I went to check out Datz in South Tampa with Anne and Blanche today. I’d heard from reliable sources that it’s a deli reminiscent of the classic New York style venues I’d grown up with. Add to the fact that they have a new lounge and loft bar, which carries an extensive list of wine [...]
When Anne and I were in Asheville recently, one of our stops was The Thirsty Monk. This brewpub has been noted for its extensive selection of craft beers, particularly from Belgium. We ordered some pub fare, along with a couple of outstanding Flemish ales. Verhaeghe Duchesse De Bourgogne (Brouwerij Verhaeghe; Vichte, Belgium; Flanders Red Ale; [...]
Our friend Brian was in town, so Anne and I met him for drinks at World of Beer. Angie pointed out that they had just tapped the latest offering from Cigar City, and I was eager to give it a try. Cigar City Maduro Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Brown Ale (Cigar City Brewing; Tampa, FL; American [...]
We stopped by BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse in Pinellas Park on Sunday for dinner, and noticed that they had an abbey ale as the special on draft. Beer Advocate had it listed as retired, but BJ’s is brewing it again. I can definitely attest, after a couple of pints, that everything’s back to Normal! BJ’s [...]
It’s an annual right of passage at the beginning of February that two world renowned Imperial IPAs make their mark upon the craft beer world. The first, Russian River Pliny The Younger (Russian River Brewing Co.; Santa Rosa, CA; Imperial India Pale Ale; ABV: 11.0), has become the Holy Grail for many beer enthusiasts. While [...]
With the explosion of the craft beer industry, it seems like ales and lagers are giving wine a run for its money as the drink of choice. In fact, many breweries have started to age their ales in oak barrels which give them a distinct wine like character. This “crossover” is producing beers that appeal [...]