Bronx, NY-
While doing some reading about cask ales I realized I didn't actually know much about the term "firkin." According to Wikipedia, the name derives from the Middle Dutch term vierdekijn meaning a fourth (of a barrel). Interestingly the volume held by a firkin of beer, 41 liters, is significantly less than a firkin of wine, 318 liters. A firkin of beer roughly equals 72 pints.
-Giancarlo
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Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Weighing in on Beer Wars
Bronx, NY-
A couple of weeks ago I saw the documentary "Beer Wars" in which filmmaker Anat Baron explained and depicted the struggle between the big three brewing companies -- Anheuser-Busch, Miller and Coors -- and the craft beer movement. The movie definitely came down on the side of the small craft brewers fighting to grow in the face of the big brewers' resources and tactics. The film showcases the problems facing small brewers but it's not just a story of beer. The stifling presence of big business, which cares primarily about maintaining or growing its position in the market and not necessarily about quality, was the backdrop for the film. It raises questions about just how many opportunities there are for the small business owners or entrepreneurs that politicians and society in general claim to value so highly. My only real criticism might be the lack of a larger picture in the case of Moonshot's eventual attempt to sell to one of the big brewers. How many of these craft beers are swallowed up by the larger breweries? At what size does this typically happen?
As a proponent of small local breweries and the craft beer they make, the movie struck and emotional cord for me. After seeing the movie I didn't think there would be too much objection to it from individuals; I expected that there might be questions raised from the larger breweries, especially Anheuser-Busch. The most encouraging fact however, is that dialogue seems to be going on at an individualized level.
This week BeerUnion began following Anat Baron's "beer wars" Twitter page. There was a veritable frenzy of discussion between Anat Baron and people who had seen the movie. I was astonished that there was a significant number of comments from people who were negative about the film. Many seemed to be from those in need of clarification and I was impressed to find that these people actually received careful attentive responses without excessive defensiveness from Anat Baron's personal beer wars Twitter account (there is a movie account as well). One exchange in particular struck me on Tuesday as emblematic of the positive aspects of such a film. Idris_Arslanian tweeted back and forth with Anat Baron and while they may not have agreed, they did flesh out some interesting points from the film concerning the depiction of Anheuser-Busch.
A couple of weeks ago I saw the documentary "Beer Wars" in which filmmaker Anat Baron explained and depicted the struggle between the big three brewing companies -- Anheuser-Busch, Miller and Coors -- and the craft beer movement. The movie definitely came down on the side of the small craft brewers fighting to grow in the face of the big brewers' resources and tactics. The film showcases the problems facing small brewers but it's not just a story of beer. The stifling presence of big business, which cares primarily about maintaining or growing its position in the market and not necessarily about quality, was the backdrop for the film. It raises questions about just how many opportunities there are for the small business owners or entrepreneurs that politicians and society in general claim to value so highly. My only real criticism might be the lack of a larger picture in the case of Moonshot's eventual attempt to sell to one of the big brewers. How many of these craft beers are swallowed up by the larger breweries? At what size does this typically happen?
As a proponent of small local breweries and the craft beer they make, the movie struck and emotional cord for me. After seeing the movie I didn't think there would be too much objection to it from individuals; I expected that there might be questions raised from the larger breweries, especially Anheuser-Busch. The most encouraging fact however, is that dialogue seems to be going on at an individualized level.
This week BeerUnion began following Anat Baron's "beer wars" Twitter page. There was a veritable frenzy of discussion between Anat Baron and people who had seen the movie. I was astonished that there was a significant number of comments from people who were negative about the film. Many seemed to be from those in need of clarification and I was impressed to find that these people actually received careful attentive responses without excessive defensiveness from Anat Baron's personal beer wars Twitter account (there is a movie account as well). One exchange in particular struck me on Tuesday as emblematic of the positive aspects of such a film. Idris_Arslanian tweeted back and forth with Anat Baron and while they may not have agreed, they did flesh out some interesting points from the film concerning the depiction of Anheuser-Busch.
Monday, February 22, 2010
Beer Bread
Bronx, NY-
I've been holding on to the Trader Joe's Beer Bread Mix since Christmas and finally decided to make it with some Samuel Adams Black Lager. I was surprised at how long it took for the carbonation to die down. It mixed up nicely and the bread came out well. The bread is very cakey and you can definitely taste the beer in it.
I've been holding on to the Trader Joe's Beer Bread Mix since Christmas and finally decided to make it with some Samuel Adams Black Lager. I was surprised at how long it took for the carbonation to die down. It mixed up nicely and the bread came out well. The bread is very cakey and you can definitely taste the beer in it.
-Giancarlo
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Iron Hill Brewery
From time to time, BeerUnion will post submissions from traveling correspondent Katie Thombs. Here's her first, from an outing in Pennsylvania:
For girls night out last week, my friends and I decided to partake of some reasonably priced beer flights and pub food at The Iron Hill Brewery in Media, PA. This ended up being the perfect choice for an evening out. Everyone’s food was delicious, the service prompt and courteous. As for the beer, three of us decided to get the House Sampler. This flight of beers includes their five stationary brews, the current Belgian ale (which happened to be a very tasty pale ale), and a choice of two of their seasonals. Excepting the Iron Hill Light Lager (which was so light as to have hardly any taste), each of their beers had wonderful flavor and each of us was able to find several that we enjoyed. They even serve the flights on a sheet of paper where each beer is labeled so that you know exactly which one you are drinking - very useful when there are eight in front of you. When next near an Iron Hill brewery definitely stop in and try a flight of beers, they even sell growlers should you find one you want to take with you.
For girls night out last week, my friends and I decided to partake of some reasonably priced beer flights and pub food at The Iron Hill Brewery in Media, PA. This ended up being the perfect choice for an evening out. Everyone’s food was delicious, the service prompt and courteous. As for the beer, three of us decided to get the House Sampler. This flight of beers includes their five stationary brews, the current Belgian ale (which happened to be a very tasty pale ale), and a choice of two of their seasonals. Excepting the Iron Hill Light Lager (which was so light as to have hardly any taste), each of their beers had wonderful flavor and each of us was able to find several that we enjoyed. They even serve the flights on a sheet of paper where each beer is labeled so that you know exactly which one you are drinking - very useful when there are eight in front of you. When next near an Iron Hill brewery definitely stop in and try a flight of beers, they even sell growlers should you find one you want to take with you.
-Katie
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Unibroue Night
Manhattan NY-
Last Thursday night I finally made it to one of the beer events that happen in New York during the week and it was a good one to start with. The Belgian Room on St. Marks was featuring beers from Unibroue, which recently has been one of my favorite breweries. The bar was cramped and it was difficult to get to the tasting table where a Unibroue representative was pouring samples of Unibroue 15, 16 and Quatre-Centieme. The beer was delicious but unfortunately it was too loud for us to hear the explanations of the beer.
After struggling to get a Trois Pistoles at the bar we made our way to the back area of the bar which had tables and was more relaxed. Coming into the night I had only had La Fin Du Monde, Maudite, and Chambly Noire. I decided to go with the Trois Pistoles first and it turned out to be my favorite of the bunch. The head retention was incredible and you can definitely pick up on the accents of roasted malt and cocoa. It was very smooth for strong dark ale with an ABV of 9%. My friends Robin and Rich started with the Ephemere, which is brewed with apple must. The choice of granny smith apples gave Ephemere a nice tartness to go with its sweetness.
While waiting for the waitress to come back with my Maudite, a delicious red-amber ale, I was surprised to hear the number of my one raffle ticket announced. I was even happier to find that I had won a taster pack of Maudite, Trois Pistoles, La Fin Du Monde, and Don De Dieu. The Maudite, which was on draft, was as delicious as ever. Unibroue definitely continued to impress.
-Giancarlo
Last Thursday night I finally made it to one of the beer events that happen in New York during the week and it was a good one to start with. The Belgian Room on St. Marks was featuring beers from Unibroue, which recently has been one of my favorite breweries. The bar was cramped and it was difficult to get to the tasting table where a Unibroue representative was pouring samples of Unibroue 15, 16 and Quatre-Centieme. The beer was delicious but unfortunately it was too loud for us to hear the explanations of the beer.After struggling to get a Trois Pistoles at the bar we made our way to the back area of the bar which had tables and was more relaxed. Coming into the night I had only had La Fin Du Monde, Maudite, and Chambly Noire. I decided to go with the Trois Pistoles first and it turned out to be my favorite of the bunch. The head retention was incredible and you can definitely pick up on the accents of roasted malt and cocoa. It was very smooth for strong dark ale with an ABV of 9%. My friends Robin and Rich started with the Ephemere, which is brewed with apple must. The choice of granny smith apples gave Ephemere a nice tartness to go with its sweetness.
While waiting for the waitress to come back with my Maudite, a delicious red-amber ale, I was surprised to hear the number of my one raffle ticket announced. I was even happier to find that I had won a taster pack of Maudite, Trois Pistoles, La Fin Du Monde, and Don De Dieu. The Maudite, which was on draft, was as delicious as ever. Unibroue definitely continued to impress.
-Giancarlo
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Mönchshof Schwarz, My Favorite
Tonight while watching "Lost," I had a bottle of Mönchshof Schwarz. It's my favorite beer for its soft, creamy texture, its chocolate flavor and hint of coffee undertones. I love savoring it, letting it sit on my tongue for a little while to enjoy the bitterness. Check it out if you haven't tried it, it's worth it.
-Sarah
Monday, February 8, 2010
Fun Fact: Hop Rhizomes
Bronx, NY-
While researching if there was anyway that I might be able to grow hops in my Bronx apartment (I quickly found this to be a terrible idea), I wondered what a rhizome actually was. Apparently rhizomes are what you receive when you order some hop plants. Turns out rhizome just refers to a type of root that lays horizontal in the ground and sends up shoots from what the Wikipedia article refers to as "nodes." If you want to take a look at an easily found and cheap rhizome, just visit your grocery store and check out the ginger root. For more info on actually growing hops check out: http://www.growinghopsyourself.com/
-Giancarlo
Back to BeerUnion
While researching if there was anyway that I might be able to grow hops in my Bronx apartment (I quickly found this to be a terrible idea), I wondered what a rhizome actually was. Apparently rhizomes are what you receive when you order some hop plants. Turns out rhizome just refers to a type of root that lays horizontal in the ground and sends up shoots from what the Wikipedia article refers to as "nodes." If you want to take a look at an easily found and cheap rhizome, just visit your grocery store and check out the ginger root. For more info on actually growing hops check out: http://www.growinghopsyourself.com/
-Giancarlo
Back to BeerUnion
Friday, February 5, 2010
Alcatraz Brewing Company
Anaheim CA-
After spending much of the day at Disneyland, we decided to make the trip from our hotel to the Alcatraz Brewing Company. Alcatraz is a San Francisco themed brew pub with locations in Orange County CA and Indianapolis IN. The brewpub was complete with a reproduction of the Golden Gate Bridge. The experience was a bit odd since the place was largely empty and our party of two was seated at a round booth more suitable for
ten.
We ordered a six beer sampling and our entusiastic waiter, John, was perfectly happy to supply us with all seven of their beers, which came with short explanations of their style and taste. I have to say I was a little disappointed in the selection:
"Search Light" a light beer
"Weiss Guy Wheat" an american style
hefeweisen
"Gold Rush Steam" similar to Anchor Steam
"Big House Red" a red ale
"Drunken Uncle Dunkel" a dark Bavarian lager
"Blonde Bear Lager"
a maibock
The seasonal was simply the Weiss Guy Wheat with apricot flavoring, which I found to be overly sweet. My dislike for maibocks continued with Blonde Bear Lager as the taste of alcohol was the predominant taste. I did however enjoy Gold Rush Steam and Big House Red. Big House Red was very malty with a noticeable chocolate aroma and taste. Our waiter immediately compared Gold Rush Steam to Anchor steam, which seemed to fit well but his description of the hop character helped me identify some of the more subtle flavors e.g. pine and juniper. I ended up ordering the Gold Rush Steam to have with my pulled pork and Sarah went for the Drunken Uncle Dunkel to have with her turkey sandwich.
-Giancarlo
Even though Giancarlo didn't, and even though I'm kind of ashamed to admit it, I liked "Search Light." There wasn't much body to it, but it was refreshing. Overall, though, there was something missing from the choices at Alcatraz - the variety wasn't good. I really wasn't to crazy about any of the beers. Though I ordered the Dunkel, it was just OK. There wasn't anything there I would get again.
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