Merry Christmas from The Beer Czar

Just wanted to take a moment out of this busy season to wish every one out there a safe and happy holiday. Merry Christmas to everyone out there. Thanks to everyone out there for your support. I hope you and your family's have a great holiday. Cheers....and Merry Christmas, we'll see you in 2012!!

I'm leaving Santa a beer, screw the cookies!

New Breweries, how much is too much...

Can you have too much of a good thing? Maybe.....??? We will see. According to "The Brewers Association", 2011 was a great year for brewery openings in America. This year, 50 brewery's in over 20 states have opened, most in the last few months.Is this good for the beer industry, or not? Depends who you talk to, and here is my take....

2011, a good year, or bad year for beer?

While options are always good to have, sometimes having too many can in fact be a bad thing. Growing up, we had 4 (and later 5) channels to choose to watch TV from. We always had something to watch. At home now, I have over 250 channels, and I can't tell you how often I can't find anything to watch. This may or may not be apples and oranges, I'll admit.

Too much beer?

Admittedly, having so many brewery's opening, some, many in fact, are doomed to fail. We won't see all 50 of these brewery's 10 years from now, most will be shuttered or bought up within the next 5 in fact.





The bad side of this, having so many to choose from, there is no way to try them all. Which isn't always a bad thing, it does mean you may miss a few great beers, and maybe even mean a few great beers, my go unnoticed. This is one argument I've heard about why all these are openings are a bad thing. I don't buy this since we can't miss what we never new we had, so this really won't effect us at all. Its sad that we may miss out on a great beer, but since we will never know it, its a none issue.

The good news, it does mean, in order for the new brewery's to succeed, and even the older already established breweries, they will have to maintain their quality, and even keep pushing the envelope and trying new things. Look at the brewery's that like to experiment. I always think of Shorts Brewing, in Bellaire, Mich. A great little brew pub in Northern Michigan. At any one time, there are upwards of 2 dozen beers to choose from that they make. With flavors ranging from banana, s'more (yes, thats what I said) peaches and creame, Key Lime, PB & J, among others, you are bound to find something you like, maybe love, and yes, even hate. Making a lot of beer doesn't mean they will all be good, but it certianly makes the odd's of finding one you will love a lot more likely.

So, look at this list (click here) of new new breweries, find one near you, and give it a shot. You might find something uniquie, and even great. Plus, its always good to support local businesses, don't you think?

Bottoms up my friends.

New Belgium vs. the microbrews..

I found this article to be quite intreasting. Worth a minute to read it....

New Belgium and the Battle of the Microbrews

Growing popularity of "Ancient" Beers...

The Washington Post had this interesting read on the growing popularity of "ancient" or historic beers in the beer community. I've had the pleasure of sampling a few of these beers offered from Dogfish Head. Midas Touch is one of my wife's all time favorites. Theobrama is, I feel, the best of their ancient ale's line. Sah'tea is also a solid offering from Sam and the bunch of Dogfish Head.

Sam C hosting a tasting I attended at
Whole Foods in Chandler, Az

                   (click the link to read the story, it will open a new window)

"Beers how they use to be Brewed"

When you take chances like this, and go way out where most other "sane" folks wouldn't dream, then you are going to have flops, and some of these, some people may feel are just that. However, if for every flop, you get a solid gem of a beer, then my hats off to brewers like Sam Calagione for having the passion and drive to give us all something a little more exciting (and historic) to fill our beer glass.

Bottoms up my friends.

Update...

Just a quick house keeping update. The Beer Czar Blog can now be accessed directly at

http://www.thebeer-czar.com/

I enjoyed a "little" Anchors Our Special Ale for Thanksgiving Dinner!

The search (and wait) is over….

A few months back, I wrote about my seemingly never ending quest to get a glass of Dogfish Heads 120 Minute IPA on tap. We have tried on numerous occasions to make it to keg tapings of said beer, only to arrive a little late, and find the keg has been emptied (sometimes in just a matter of minutes). Why do you ask? Well, if you recall, I bestowed the virtues of this beer in a previous post (120 Minutes and a Hungry Monk), but to recap, what I said about it was…..

The Elusive 120 Minute

“Now, 120 Minute IPA is a pretty special, very unique beer. This is unlike any IPA I have ever had. To produce this beer, it is boiled for a full 2 hours (hence the 120 minute designation) while being continuously hopped throughout the entire boil. It is then dry hopped in the fermentor for a month, and if that wasn’t enough, it is then aged for an additional month with whole leaf hops.”

Now, due to cost, copious amounts of ingredients and the labor this beer requires, Dogfish Head does not produce much of this beer every year. Then, a few years back, due to quality control issues and problems with the yeast, the brewery was forced to dump a whole batch down the drain. This created somewhat of a shortage of this beer, and the problem with “beer people” is, when a beer because harder to find, it becomes more desirable. So, that lack of supply seems to over exaggerate demand, which, in all honesty, sort of adds to fun of it all. My wife and I have been on a search for this beer for the better part of the last few years, so you could imagine my elation when my co-worker Chris, came to me on Monday morning and told me they were not only tapping a keg of it at “"The Watering Hole"”, they would also be selling bottles of it as well!

Cheers! Toasting at The Watering Hole

So, we got ourselves a babysitter very last minute (Thank you Christi!) and made our way to Whole Foods to hope and pray we got there in time to get a glass. Well, lucky for me, my wife, my aforementioned co worker Chris and his girlfriend Julie were able to make it there before I could, and got a table, and waited in line for a glass of this liquid gold. The tapping commenced at 5:00 sharp, and the last drop was drained from said keg exactly 20 minutes later. Luckily, upon my arrival (about 5:15), I found my wife and friends waiting patiently at a table with 3 full glasses of 120 Minute! (Julie was not nearly as excited as we were for this beer, and instead opted for a glass of Dogfish Head’s Bitches Brew instead). So, with great anticipation, I raised my glass, took two quick sniffs, savoring the rich aroma of this beer, before putting the glass to my lips, and taking an intense, flavorful first sip…..

My empty glass of 120 Minute, and newly acquired bottle!

Now this is a pretty unique beer in all aspects. This beer drinks more like an after dinner liquor rather than a beer. Certainly not a beer you chug (at 18% abv, there is no need too!). It pours a rich, golden dark strew color, with a thin lacing of head rimming the glass. This is a surprisingly balanced beer for such a hop bomb. As you would expect, the character is made up chiefly of a strong, citrus hop character, however, there is a nice caramelly, almost molasses taste that lingers on your tongue for quite a while after you’ve taken your last sip. Again, this is not a beer you will sit down a throw 2 or 3 back. IN fact, I am not sure I could, or would even want to drink more than one of these gems at a time!

Line for CBS at Founders Brewing Company, Grand Rapids, MI

Sometimes, the thrill of the “hunt and capture” (The Thrill of the Hunt) makes a beer far more enjoyable then you might normally find it. Now, this might very well be the case with 120 Minute, and if so, well, so be it. The thrill of finding and tasting a long sought after goal is very pleasing to anyone, and makes for a far more enjoyable experience, more so then if you could get this beer by the caseload at any Circle K or 7-11 for a few bucks. Maybe the $10 a bottle price tag (that’s for a 12 oz bottle btw) contributes to that well, but again, so what if it does. This is a spectacular beer in any case, and gives us beer geeks something to look forward to, and talk about. Like hunters around a campfire, we can now sit around our table at The Watering Hole, and tell stories of “that time” we stood in line for 25 minutes for a single glass of beer, and try and convince all the sceptics at the table how worth while it was, and how we would do it again tomorrow if we could, because, honestly, I would.



Bottoms up my friends!

120 Minute tapping....

So, I hear that they are tapping a keg of Dogfish Heads 120 Minute IPA at 5:00 at Whole Foods in Chandler. Got myself a sitter, and will be making my way over there shortly! Come join me! They will also have bottles for sale, so if you don't get there in time for the keg tapping, at least maybe you can get a couple of bottles to take home with you.

Event Review: 2nd Annual "Exceptional" Beer and Wine Tasting.

So, last night, my wife and I made our way to Viewpoint Golf Resort in Mesa for the 2nd Annual "Exceptional" Beer and Wine Tasting fund raiser for the Foundation for Exceptional Kids and SEEK Arizona. As previously mentioned, SEEK is the company my wife use to work for, so this is a cause that is very near and dear to both us.


Checking out the silent auction

While this was not a serious tasting for hardened, experienced beer or wine folks, I think this event was not only for a great cause, but also a great intro to craft beer for people that otherwise had no interest, or even knowledge of Arizona's growing craft beer industry. I will admit, I never even approached the wine table, but my wife made several trips there, and said their selection was quite decent. To no ones surprise, I spent most (all) of my time at the beer table. There was only one brewery represented there, San Tan Brewing. They had a half dozen of their beer's available to taste. There was the handful of their standard line up, as well as their brand new seasonal, "12 Daze" a spiced amber ale for the fast approaching Christmas season. They also had a couple of their beers being served by the glass (and for only $4!!). I was able to taste their Epicenter Amber Ale, Hefewiezen Wheat, Devil's Ale (pale ale), HopShock IPA, and the aforementioned 12 Daze. All in all, a small, but pretty solid line up. Their Amber Ale, is a pretty flavorful, spicy Amber Ale, not being a big fan of amber's, I did however, find this one to be a little more exciting then most. More complex then the normal amber, which was good, because normally, I find this style to be a little one dimensional, and boring.

Their Hefeweizen Wheat, is very good. Again, a little different then most hefe's, this one has a more well rounded, exciting flavor profile. A very unique, banana flavor comes right out, with a spicy, sort of clove flavor following it up.Their Devils Ale to me is a solid Pale Ale. Much like Sierra Nevada's Pale Ale, this is a pretty hoppy PA. A very drinkable beer, this is one that has been finding its way into my fridge more and more often.

Their Hopshock IPA was great! This is a great beer for any Hop Head!
I was most impressed with the 12 Daze. A spicy Amber Ale that would be a pretty nice addition to any holiday party. This would be a great beer for both the beginning beer fan, and seasoned expert alike. Not a strong beer, but with a lot of flavor, without any strong over powering flavors that might offend the less experience palette.

The Patio

 After using up our tasting tickets, my wife and I made our way out to the outdoor patio, and sat by the fire pit, and enjoyed the company of some old friends whom we hadn't seen in quite sometime, in some case, a year or more. We enjoyed some friendly conversation ranging  from the dismal state of the Arizona budget, to music, all while enjoying some great cigars, and a few glasses of my new favorite San Tan Brew, 12 Daze. I even scored a cool t-shirt supporting Crown Distributing "Drink Local" program!


My cool new shirt!



Like I said before, this event, while not a serious beer tasting for serious beer drinkers (or wine drinkers for that matter) this was a solid event. More importantly, an event for a great cause, and a ton of fun to boot.

My wife and I both want to thank Jessica, Brian and the rest of the folks at SEEK and The Foundation for Exceptional Kids, not only for putting on such a great a event, but for all the wonderful work they do (mostly unnoticed by many of us) for so many special kids in need of their help.

If you would like more information about SEEK, the Foundation, and the wonderful work they do, click here, or to contribute to their cause, and help fund their Camp Runamuk, click here.

Bottoms up my friends

2nd Annual 'Exceptional' Beer and Wine Fund Raiser...

Some of you may know, my wife is a licenced Music Therapist. Not too long ago, she worked for a wonderful company, Seek Arizona. Working with music to promote emotional, cognitive, psychological and physiological functioning in children with various learning and cognitive disabilities. In fact, just this morning I was reading an article regarding Arizona Congresswoman Gabriel Gifford's rehab using Music Therapy as part of recovery from a gunshot wound she suffered to her head back in January. When the economy crashed, funding for her discipline, as well as many others was cut so dramatically, that we were no longer able to absorb all the pay cuts that the music therapist had to take (more then 50% of their pay) and she was forced to seek out other employment, something she really hated to do. Sadly, my wife's story is not unique, and unfortunately all to common in today's economy. Money for music therapy and so many other therapies is seriously lacking, and in need of help. So SEEK Arizona is having is 2nd Annual 'Exception' Beer and Wine tasting this Friday Evening, at the Viewport Golf Resort in East Mesa. This is a very affordable, and even more worth while event that I hope you will take the time to attend. Tickets are just $25 when pre-ordered, and only $30 at the door. To pre-order tickets, please call 480-902-0771, or email Allie here. Or feel free to drop me a line (Email the Beer Czar) and I will be happy to get you any info. I hope to see you there!
Look forward in the near future for my write up on this event!

(Click the picture to enlarge)

Tis the Season.....

Well, we are rapidly approaching that time of year again! Christmas is almost upon us, and with it comes the rapid secession of holiday parties, midnight shopping sprees, and the inevitable lengthy children’s wish lists! I’ve read studies that say drinking increases around the holidays, they say because of the stress, and the fact that some people do get depressed around the holidays. Well, that may be one of the reasons; but I say drinking increases because, well, let’s face it, Christmas beer is the greatest season for beer and beer lovers! Seems obvious to me!

Over the next few weeks, I plan to write a fair amount on the topic of Holiday Beer. It is, like I said, the best season for beers, at least in mine and many other beer minded people I knows opinion. I think one of the reasons is because “Christmas Beer” range in styles, from Porters, Fruit Beers, Barelywines, Winter Warmers and a few others. Most have a few things in common however, such as dark, rich flavors, normally high(er) ABV, and a mild to strong spice note that normally consists of nutmeg, cinnamon, all spice and some others. Making this family of beers perfect for those cold (or for us in Arizona, mildly brisk) winter evenings gathered with friends and family.

Again, I plan to write about some of my favorite Christmas Brews in the very near future, and I thought I would start with a few of the ones I look forward to every year, those being the Samuel Adams Winter Classic’s Variety Pack. This 12 pack consists of 6 different beers (2 of each). They rotate some of the offerings every year, and I have to say, I think this year’s lineup is the best there has been in the last 4 or 5 years at least. As with any Sam Adams variety pack, Boston Lager makes up 2 of the beers, that is standard. However, two other beers in the pack every year are their Holiday Porter, and one of my all time favorite Christmas Beers, Old Fezziwig, their Winter Warmer. This year’s mix of beers also contains their Winter Lager, Chocolate Bock, and Black and Brew, a rich Chocolate Stout.

Since most everyone has had the Boston and Winter Lagers, I won’t write about them here (if you want my opinion on these beers, or any questions, feel free to drop me a line, I’ll be happy to share with you), I did want to take some time to mention the other beers in this pack however, so here goes.

The Chocolate Bock, a beer I’ve heard many mixed reviews on, (seems people either love it or hate it), was one I haven’t had before. I wasn’t expecting much, given the reviews I read, and the fact that Bock’s are among my least favorite beer styles. This however, surprised me, it drinks more like a chocolate stout, just not as bitter, with a slight bock funk to it, for lack of a better word. A very drinkable, quite chocolaty enjoyable beer that I enjoyed greatly it while sitting outside by our fire.

The Black and Brew was another one that I had never had before, and was very much looking forward to it. While not an “exciting” beer, it certainly is a very good one. The flavor isn’t strong, but it is very noticeable. A rich, roasted espresso flavor comes clearly through in both the nose, and the first taste, and has a creamy, rich flavor that finishes with an almost fruity cheery taste. All in all, and very enjoyable beer, and a nice stout for someone that isn’t accustom to drinking stronger, heavy beers. A good “gateway” stout!

What a GREAT Label!

The Holiday Porter is a great beer! While not a holiday beer in the traditional sense, it is a classic sort of British Style Porter, even though it is listed as an American Porter. This has a strong hop note for a Porter in the aroma, and the flavor has some great chocolate notes. Other flavors you may find are malts, nutty flavors, even some caramel. A very fine, drinkable, silky Porter! Not to mention, it has one of the greatest labels of any Holiday beer as well!

Now, for my favorite of this pack, and probably my favorite beer that Samuel Adams makes. Old Fezziwig, their Winter Warmer. This beer is solid! A fine example of a drinkable, enjoyable, but not an over the top winter beer. The flavors are pronounced, but not over powering. The look is a nice, dark brown beer, with nice fluffy head. The beer smells of winter spices, and pine (doesn’t get much more Christmas like than that!) malt and even some alcohol, which I didn’t expect from a beer that is only 5.9% ABV. The taste is actually quite complex, hints of pine and citrus, with more cinnamon spice and malty caramel that follow. This is a very smooth, drinkable, yet very flavorful beer, that will go nicely at any holiday party, or other Christmas gathering.

This 12 pack is a great, affordable (I found it on sale for just $9.99!) way to get a taste of the beers this season has to offer, and all the beers are very drinkable, and easy for even the beginner beer drinker to drink and enjoy. So have some friends over, put on your favorite Christmas music, and really take your time, and drink and savor these beers. With the range of flavors in this pack, you are bound to find a few that you enjoy, and in some cases, you may even love.

Keep an eye out for more Christmas Beer ideas in the days and weeks to come, and in the mean time….



Bottoms Up my friends!