The place where the water in a river or stream originates from is known as the headwaters. And an ale that uses pure water from the East Branch of the Brandywine Creek is worth heading upstream for. Victory Headwaters Pale Ale (Victory Brewing Co.; Downingtown, PA; American Pale Ale; ABV: 5.1) is a crisp and [...]
Fort McHenry is worth a visit the next time you’re in Baltimore. This star shaped fort, defended by a moat and cannons back in the day, was instrumental in the War of 1812, as it successfully repelled an attack by the British Navy and inspired Francis Scott Key to pen The Star-Spangled Banner. Speaking of [...]
Anisocoria is a term used when one pupil is unequal in diameter to the other. And a barley wine from Orlando Brewing is a real eye opener. Orlando Brewing Anisocoria (Orlando Brewing Partners; Orlando, FL; Barley Wine; ABV: 18.0), which was released in a limited edition of only 650 bottles on April 7, 2008 to [...]
For distillers who age their whiskeys for many years, the evaporation of the spirits from their barrels is referred to as “The Angel’s Share.” And a barrel aged American strong ale brewed by Lost Abbey more than lives up to this saying. Lost Abbey The Angel’s Share – Bourbon Barrel-Aged (Port Brewing Co./The Lost Abbey; [...]
The Field Museum of Natural History in Chicago is one of the world’s best. From Sue, the world’s largest T-Rex, to the infamous man-eating Lions of Tsavo, the FMNH exhibits a remarkable collection from the natural world. And I made a discovery of my own later in the day. De Proef Signature Les Deux Brasseurs [...]
The Art Institute of Chicago is a must see on your next trip to the Windy City. The museum houses more than 300,000 works of art, from ancient artifacts through the Impressionists era right up to modern works. And the city has much to offer in the way of artisan ales as well. After an [...]
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 [...]