Beer 336 - Sante Adairius Rustic Ales Opening Weekend
This past Memorial Day weekend, a new brewery opened up the doors to their tasting room down in Capatola, California (near Santa Cruz). It has not been an easy journey for them, as anyone who follows them on Facebook has seen, with multiple “Opening Days” cancelled by license problems and other issues. However, the day finally came, and the tasting room was filled with great beer and great people.
The tasting room is a fairly intimate space in a small strip in an industrial park right off the highway, so getting there was not much of a problem. The space is really nicely decorated with some empty barrels to imbibe on, and some really nice rustic decor. There are even some empty bottles lining some of the walls that would make any beer geek jealous. While the space was very nice, the real reason I was down there was to see how the beer was, and to be honest, the beer really exceeded my expectations.
They had six beers on tap for the day (though one kicked fairly early), and while they were not serving flights due to the busy day, they said that was something that would be introduced in the future. The tap list had a good range of beers including some regulars like a Belgian Golden Ale and a West Coast IPA to get started on, and then some more interesting beers including a barrel aged Tripel with Brett and a Belgian style porter/dark farmhouse beer also spiked with Brett. My favorite beer of the set was a Farmhouse IPA that so perfectly combined the great hoppy west coast IPA profile with some Belgian yeast character.
All of the beers we tried were really solid, and a couple were really excellent. Most importantly to me, I really felt like I got to try some new and different things with those barrel aged beers. On top of the great beer, the thing that impressed me the most about this visit was the range of beers and how special some of them were, even from day one. If this is opening weekend for this young brewery, I cannot wait to check out what they have in store for the future.
Beer 335 - Anchorage’s Galaxy White IPA
So far Anchorage is four for four as far as quality beer is considered, which is a pretty darn good track record. Here is there most recent release, which jumps on the recent trend of White IPAs. Reading the label there seem to be some interesting ingreditents in this one, including kumquats, so hopefully it will be a good one. So here is Anchorage’s Galaxy White IPA.
The label on this one is another nice one, but the colors are a bit more dull and it does not jump out quite as sharply as the others. The beer pours a clear golden yellow color with a finger of frothy white head. The head fades down fairly slowly leaving behind some thick lace. The aroma is a mix of citrus and tropical hops with some Belgian yeast esters, light fruit, pepper and other spice, oak, and some funky Brett.
The beer starts off with some citrus and tropical hops with some grapefruit flavor and some spices and Belgian yeast esters. Through the middle some oak, funky Brett, and bitterness come through alongside a bit more yeast esters. The finish is a mix of citrus and tropical hops, light spices, funk, oak, and some bitterness. It feels medium bodied with a bit more than moderate carbonation. It is smooth with a dry, bitter, and lightly spicy finish.
This is yet another beer from Anchorage that really exceeds already high expectations. The combination of the interesting Galaxy hop alongside the Wit yeast, Brett, and barrel aging again add so many layers of complexity the beer. On top of that it is very nicely balanced and very smooth. I cannot wait to see what else Anchorage has to offer in the future.
Beer 334 - Marin’s Platypus Venom Imperial Stout
Today was City Beer Store’s 6th Anniversary, and their Anniversary party was full of great beer and great people. All of the beers from their 5th Anniversary were flowing and showing how well they have developed since last year, which was a real treat. Alongside these beers, was a new beer from Marin Brewing Company for their 6th Anniversary. Described as a bit of a “kitchen sink” Imperial Stout, here is the Platypus Venom.
Starting with the label, this is one my favorite labels I have ever seen. I love that they put both City Beer Store’s Platypus and Marin’s Heron together on this one to mirror City Beer Store and Marin’s Arne Johnson. Really a fun idea, and the shirts featuring the label that the employees were wearing looked fantastic. Pours a very dark black color with just a touch of brown and a finger of thick and frothy chocolate colored head. The head fades down fairly slowly leaving some nice lace clinging to the glass. The aroma if full of roasted dark chocolate malts with some fairly strong black licorice, molasses, coffee, and some booze. Even with just the nose, it is obvious this is going to be a big beer.
The beer starts off with a mix of roasted dark chocolate malts with some light coffee and a hint of smoke. Through the middle, stronger dark chocolate flavors come through with a kick of black licorice. The finish is a mix of star anise, dark chocolate, molasses, and a bit of booze. It feels full bodied with mild carbonation. It is fairly thick, but still smooth, and has a nice chocolaty and warming finish.
First let me say Cheers! to City Beer Store on six years. I have only been around for one of those, but I have had plenty of great trips there already. This is really a great beer to celebrate the occasion as well. I am a bit fan of Star Anise, so I thought that flavor was at a great level here. Enough that it really stood out, but not enough that it took over. I also think this will age fantastically, and cannot wait to try it with a bit of time on it.
Beer 333 - Anchorage and Dogfish Head’s The Tide and its Takers
So far I have been very impressed by the beers from Anchorage, so when I found out that they were collaborating with Dogfish Head, one of my favorite breweries, I was even more excited. Both known for stepping out of the box a bit, Anchorage with the Brett and Dogfish Head with ingredients, I was expected a pretty good beer. So here is their collaboration beer called The Tide and its Takers.
The label on this one is another really nice one in a similar style to the rest. The only surprise is that Dogfish Fish head is barely mentioned at all. The beer pours a hazy golden-orange color with a finger of frothy white head atop. The head fades down fairly slowly leaving behind some nice lacing. The aroma is a mix of lemon, orange, and other citrus hops with some funky Brett, Belgian yeast spices, some oak, and a touch of tart light fruit.
The beer starts off with some tart lemon zest and other citrus hops alongside some farmhouse funk and Brett flavor with some Belgian yeast spices. Through the middle, some oak comes through with some stronger yeast flavors, coriander, and clove with some mild bitterness. The finish is a mix of tart and funky Brett and yeast flavors, a bit of citrus hops, pepper and other spices, and a touch of oak and white grape. It feels medium bodied with moderate-plus carbonation. It feels very smooth with a dry, tart, and lightly spicy finish.
This is a really interesting take on the Tripel style that combines some traditional aspects of the style with some twits thrown in. The Belgian yeast flavor, smoothness, and balance all capture the Tripel style with some added complexity from the Brett and barrel aging. In addition, it also really hides the alcohol level dangerously well.
Beer 332 - Anchorage’s Bitter Monk
Even just trying two of Anchorage Brewing Company’s beers, my excitement seems to be growing at an exponential rate since they have each been so fantastic. So when I heard that the third beer was a Belgian-style DIPA, spiked with Brett, and aged in Chardonnay barrels, my expectations were quite high. So here are my thoughts on Anchorage’s Bitter Monk.
The label here is another good one. It has that great combination of a good mix of colors and style and information. It pours a hazy golden-orange color with a finger of frothy white head. The head fades down very slowly leaving behind some nice lacing. The aroma is full of citrus and tropical fruit hops with some grapefruit, orange, and pineapple, with some Belgian yeast, Brett, funk, lemon, and some oak. The hops in the nose really come through nicely along with the yeast characters in a very unique and wonderful way.
The beer starts off with lots of citrus and tropical hops with some strong grapefruit, pineapple, and orange flavor and some bitterness alongside some Belgian yeast esters coming through. Though the middle, some light pine comes through with stronger bitterness, oak, and some Brett funkiness. The finish is a mix of citrus and tropical hops, bitterness, oak, Belgian yeast, Brett, and some funk. It is a bit heavier than medium bodied with a bit more than moderate carbonation. It feels smooth with a dry, bitter, and funky finish.
This beer really knocked my socks off. I have never experienced the combination of strong hop flavors and Brett before, and have even been told by other brewers that they are flavors that would be at odds. Apparently, Anchorage Brewing Company thought otherwise and the end result is a beer that proves their point. The complexity and boldness of this beer are wonderful and I find myself enjoying each sip more and more, especially as it warms up a touch.
Beer 331 - Anchorage’s Love Buzz
After really enjoying the Whiteout Wit, the first release from Anchorage Brewing Company, I was very excited to see what they had coming next. I was especially impressed with their control over the Brett character in the beer and wanted to see what they would do with those flavors in other styles. So here is a Brett infused Saison from Anchorage called Love Buzz.
This is another great label that has this great aesthetic and color that is colorful and eye-catching, and still find a way to include all of the necessary information. The beer pours a hazy golden-orange with a finger of frothy off-white head. The head fades down fairly slowly leaving behind some nice lace. The aroma is a mix of Belgian yeast esters and Brett, with some tart and sourness, coriander and clove, lemon and other citrus, and a touch of light fruit and some oak. My taste buds are already very excited just getting a whiff of this beer.
The beer starts off with tart light fruit, Brett, funk, and some lemon and other citrus flavor with a bit of spice. Through the middle, some oak comes through with some Belgian yeast flavors with some clove and coriander. The finish adds just a touch of sourness with some more lemon and citrus flavors, barnyard funk, some oak, light tartness, and a bit of spice. It feels medium bodied with a bit more than moderate carbonation. It feels smooth with a dry and lightly tart and spicy finish.
This one from Anchorage is even better than I expected it to be. I really like the addition of the Brett flavor and the dry hop to the Saison base. It gives the beer added complexity and punch that really takes the beer to another level. The balance is really nice from start to end and gets even better as the beer warms up a bit.
Beer 330 - Anchorage’s Whiteout Wit
To find one of the best new breweries of 2011, you would have to travel outside the continental US, all the way to Alaska. Started by an ex-Midnight Sun brewer, Anchorage Brewing Company has consistently pumped out beer that has all been received with very high praise. Here is their first release, a Brett spiked Witbier called the Whiteout Wit.
I really like the labels on these Anchorage beers. They use the clear labels which I tink look great, and they are very nice and colorful, white still displaying all the necessary information. The beer pours a clear golden-yellow with a finger of frothy white head. The head fades down at a normal pace leaving behind some lacing. The aroma is a mix of lemon zest and sweet wheat with some funkiness, barnyard smells, and some brett. Hint of green apple sourness and oak as well. The aroma is nice and sharp for a Witbeir.
The beer starts off some barnyard funkiness, brett, some green apple sourness, a bit of wheat, and some tart lemon zest. Through the middle, some light oak flavors come through with a hint of spices alongside some mellowing tartness. The finish is a mix of wheat, tart lemon zest, funky brett, and a hint of oak. It feels medium-light bodied with moderate carbonation. It feels smooth with a dry, tart, and crisp finish.
This is a really great and complex Witbier, that is definitely a step more bold than your average Witbier. The base beer itself captures the elements of the style well, while the Brett really adds some great complexity to the beer. I like the funkiness and extra tartness added to the beer and the end result is a super refreshing and balanced beer.
Beer 329 - The Bruery’s Batch 50 Grand Funk Aleroad
Even though it was the winner of a much earlier contest, The Bruery’s Batch 50 release was actually after the Batch 300 release. The reason for this confusion is that in order to recreate the Batch 50 winning beer, it took three years. Al Buck, now known as the owner of East Coast Yeast, won the contest with his ambitious Gueuze-style ale, that The Bruery tried to recreate. The result is the Batch 50 G.F.A.R..
I like the light colo scheme on this one and the sort of spiral pattern in the background. The beer pours a fairly clear golden-orange color with a thin layer of frothy white head. The head fades down pretty quickly leaving behind very little lace. The aroma is a mix of sourness, funk, green apple and other light fruits, lemon, and some oak. There is a nice sharpness to the aroma that is strong without being too powerful.
The flavor starts off with some sharp sourness and funk with some acidic lemon and some green apple tartness. Through the middle, some oak comes through with a touch of vanilla, other light fruit sweetness and some more funk and wild yeasts. The finish is a mix of sourness, funk, light acidity, lemon, vanilla, and oak. It feels medium-light bodied with a bit less than moderate carbonation. It feels smooth with a sour and tart finish that lingers.
This was an ambitious beer for both Al Buck to create and for The Bruery to attempt to recreate. However, three years of patience really paid off as this is a darn solid American example of the Guezue style. The funkiness and sourness of the beer is really nice and while it might fall a bit short of the complexity of a traditional Belgian Guezue, this is a really great effort from an American brewery.
As an added note, this beer was bottle conditioned using some of Al’s East Coast Yeast, which is just an awesome touch that I commend The Bruery on trying out.
Beer 328 - The Bruery’s Batch 300 Tripel
The Bruery has now released two beers brewed in honor of winning homebrew entries in their competitions. The was the first of them to be released. This beer is a Belgian-Style Tripel with some extra Citra hop thrown in alongside some oak. Leave it to a homebrewer to do something different and interesting. The result was called the Batch 300 Tripel.
The label here is another nice one from The Bruery with a nice color scheme. Plus it gives some props to the homebrewer who won this recipe, Grant Phillips. The beer pours a bright and cloudy golden-orange color with a finger of frothy white head atop. The head fades down fairly slowly leaving behind some good lace. The aroma is a mix of citrus hops, grapefruit, oak, Belgian yeast esters, some spices, and a bit of fruity esters. The hops really jump out nicely which is getting me pretty excited about this one.
The beer starts off with some citrus hops with some grapefruit flavor and bitterness with some Belgian yeast esters in the background. Through the middle, some oak comes through with some more spice, light bready malt, and some fruity esters. The finish is a mix of citrus hops, bitterness, Belgian yeast, oak, and some spice that linger. The beer is medium bodied with moderate-plus carbonation. It feels smooth with a dry, bitter, and slightly spicy finish.
This is a really great American take on the Tripel style. I am really enjoying the extra kick of hops that was thrown in this one and the citrus flavor and bitterness that comes with them. I also think the oak cubes are a nice touch that add some depth to the flavor. My only comment is while the label says it is a good candidate for celleraing, the hop flavor is rally nice right now and I do not know how that will stand up with age.
Beer 327 - The Bruery’s Provisions: Collaboration Series: Chocosaurus Rye
The Provisions beers from The Bruery are special releases that are limited to only the Reserve Society members and at The Bruery Provisions store and tasting room. This means that most of them are one-offs and tend to be a bit different and unique. For 2012, they are doing a few collaboration beers for their Provisions releases. The first of them is with another brewery close to The Bruery which I wrote about recently called Bootlegger’s. Their collaboration beer is a black rye lager with cocoa nibs and vanilla beans called Chocosaurus Rye.
The label here is the standard Provisions label, which I think is clean and classic. I think it has a bit of the text blending into the background problem, but not as bad as the Dogfish head collaboration label. The beer pours a dark black color with a hint of brown mixed in and a finger of frothy chocolate colored head. The head fades down at a normal pace leaving behind some thick lace. The aroma is mix of cocoa nibs, burnt chocolate malts, vanilla, and rye. There is a touch of smoke, lager esters, and sweetness. The aroma really opens up nicely as the bere warms up adding some more strength and complexity.
The flavor starts off with some bitter chocolate, vanilla sweetness, and some burnt chocolate malts. Through the middle, some roasted chocolate and coffee flavors come through with some rye spiciness. The finish adds a touch of smoke, with some bitter chocolate, vanilla sweetness, and some rye, and a touch of lager esters that linger. The beer feels medium bodied with mild carbonation. It is smooth with a sweet roasted chocolate and dry finish.
In case you did not know, I am a fan of Dark Lagers and an even bigger fan of Rye Beer. So this combination was something that I was very excited about. The good news is that it did not disappoint in any way. I rally like the combination of the smooth and cleanness of the Dark Lager with the rye, chocolate, and vanilla flavors added. This is really a fantastic beer.
