Well, 10/28/2012, the precursor to #Sandy, was the two-year anniversary of the CBE, formerly The Craft Beer Exchange. We've gone through quite a bit. I feel like having these little gatherings where we get to try some different beer has lost it's lust. It started as a way for me to sucker you into spending 40-50 bucks (or duckets as I like to call them,) so that I could taste an array of micro/craft/import beers instead of having to invest money into a case that I might not like. Since we've started this, the game has been changed. For starters, I've created monsters. You guys have really upped the field. There was a time when you would walk glowingly to my desk to tell me about a new beer you had over the weekend from some place called Victory. "Have you ever had Hop Devil," you would ask. And I would smile, and say that I had actually seen that one around, and we would discuss how awesome it was. But now you show up at my desk asking me about breweries in the far reaches of God Knows Where, PA; and I shake my head in a completely different way then I used to. You guys quite frankly would scoff at a beer list where Hop Devil was the most creative beer to be had. Whole Foods and Wegmans as well as place called The Beer Shoppe have changed the game as well. There's also been numerous other beer bars and brew pubs that have opened, the prominence of Teresa's Next Door (which is not a porn site by the way, Baracuda,) Tired Hands, Forest and Main, a couple new Iron Hills, and the continuing ability of a hole in the wall in Glenside to bring us new and better beer consistently. Also, another NHL lockout, that according to the demographics of this newsletter, a staggering 62.5% care about (suck it Jonah.) Beyond those changes, and maybe most importantly, the imminent departure of two founding members to different states. A lot has changed. But as things constantly change, we still found a way to squeeze in CBE8. So enjoy. 'Tis the season.
I'm in the process of updating the archives, specifically because I didn't care enough to write a poem about CBE7, or that crazy trip to NJ that @pppantolones took me on to get Stone's Enjoy By. I do remember that CBE7 brought us the likes of Resin, as well as Old Bartholomew. Rest easy knowing that the inclusion of all of those beers to the master list is in the works. And due to the lack of interest and time I have given the keyboard, give a hearty *dismissive wank* to the fact that all of that information will probably not be written down. Forever. But hold on in your hearts to the possibility of a newsletter for CBE3, as well as CBE7. Because without that hope, what do we really have?
Yes, Elysian Brewing, I am over 21. Just like I've told you the past several times. And yes, Elysian Brewing, I find it rude that you would only tell me that this is a very drinkable pumpkin ale, brewed with seven and a half pounds of pumpkin per barrel, and spiced in conditioning with ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and allspice. (chuckle - it would be cool for a brewery to make a pumpkin beer spiced with ginger, and then put Ginger from Gilligan's Island on the bottle. Feel free to take that any brewer.) I really like this one, that's why I picked it. I got an early thumbs up from @Mitch295_, hope the rest of you enjoy it.
Delicious, filled with pumpkiny goodness, and has another cut picture of a turtle on it. What more could you ask for.
NEXT. Bell's beers are damn good. Surprisingly, this seems to be the only one I have record of sneaking into the CBE outside of Kalamazoo stout. I noted that it was bottled in Sept, and I thoroughly enjoyed the one I had. It can be picked up at Whole Foods Plymouth Meeting (linked to their beermenus site, huzzah.) I assume at this point, we've all had Two-Hearted IPA, well, this is the Two-Hearted of Fall. According to Bell's...
On a side note, unto itself, it's starting to get real depressing how far I have to scroll down to enter the sites, just so I can read about these beers. Can't they do something about that. Anderson Valley Hop Ottin' IPA. If you go to Mad Mex, they'll serve this to you in a gigantic glass. Ba as well as RateBeer seem to love it (did you see what I did there with the links?) I bet one of you is waiting for that to turn into a little Jackie-esque memorial. It may, it may not. Anyway, I really like the Hop Ottin', AVBC says this...
This may be unnecessary, but Anderson Valley has this thing called Boontling. It's like if people from Delco embraced the way they say "wuder," and made an online dictionary of how to understand them. There are little sayings under the caps, and on the website, and if you have enough time, you would be able to decipher things like "Hop Ottin' Bites like a can' kicky Bluetail,"to mean it bites like an angry rattlesnake. I don't get it. Just say angry rattlesnake. Dicks... That's why I get a somersetting over Wikipedia not being a cow skully. By the way, they just changed their labels, I think the old ones are crazeek.
Finally, and farewell. Or last, but least. On his exit from our esteemed club, @pppantalones picked a wheat beer brewed in May. Thanks bud, enjoy DC.
As much as I hate salads, I wanted to not like this beer because we discovered it was possibly "bad." I poured it leaving all the crazy sediment, which coincidentally looked like croutons, in the bottom of the bottom. And you know what, it wasn't that bad. I've had some not great beer from these guys, as well as some good ones. The good ones have overwhelmingly been on tap. There's some great Ba forums on their labels, as they make beers called Tramp Stamp, Brown Angel, and Lubrication. Check them out, their funny.
Until next time CBE'ers. Goody and Cohen, you will be missed, and probably deserve a much more craftily written exit. You can handle it yourselves if you want in the comments. Although I'm not 100% sure those work.
Beer me...
Yes, Elysian Brewing, I am over 21. Just like I've told you the past several times. And yes, Elysian Brewing, I find it rude that you would only tell me that this is a very drinkable pumpkin ale, brewed with seven and a half pounds of pumpkin per barrel, and spiced in conditioning with ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and allspice. (chuckle - it would be cool for a brewery to make a pumpkin beer spiced with ginger, and then put Ginger from Gilligan's Island on the bottle. Feel free to take that any brewer.) I really like this one, that's why I picked it. I got an early thumbs up from @Mitch295_, hope the rest of you enjoy it.
Next up, a new brew that I have very high regard for. Should we be surprised that it's a Lagunitas beer... Probably not. Would you be surprised that @Mitch295_ picked it... you definitely wouldn't be. It's the practically new, session inspired, DayTime A Fractional IPA. I've opined about the Lagunitas website enough, they say this...
Sometimes you want a beer, then you realize how much crap you need to do before you call it a day. This is it. Nicely dosed with Big, Round Hop Flavors and a Toasty Malt Foundation to satisfy your every need. But it still lets you stay in the game to do what needs to be done. Yup.
And there you have it. I would explain it as follows, "Want an IPA that you can drink several of and not start acting like an idiot. Yup." Could have saved their copywriter several words. And, no. That is not my computer, nor my rotary phone. I got that picture on a place called the internet. Although that phone is supersweet, and probably the one that is plugged in at my parents house right now in case the power goes out again.
In order to not surprise anyone again, we will travel south to not Maryland, but Georgia, where another Terrapin brew has been selected by none other that @stavypapa. I was a heavy proponent of bringing on pumpkin beers for this fall selection. Outside of Williamsburg Alewerks, this is only the third one we've ever had. And it's a damn good one. According to Terrapin... (side note, I'm getting pretty f'n good at this linkin' shit)
“My pick for the most kick-ass pumpkin beer goes to my good friends at Terrapin Beer Company!” – Bethany Sherwin Creative Loafing
It’s not fall at Terrapin until we can fill our steins with Pumpkinfest. This seasonal brew encompasses your Thanksgiving spread in one tasty sip. Perfectly balanced pumpkin (real pumpkin!) and spices are added to, without overwhelming, this German style brew. Expect a pumpkin pie nose followed by a strong malt backbone, low hop bitterness and authentic fall taste, all wrapped in a light bodied beer. Prost!
Delicious, filled with pumpkiny goodness, and has another cut picture of a turtle on it. What more could you ask for.
NEXT. Bell's beers are damn good. Surprisingly, this seems to be the only one I have record of sneaking into the CBE outside of Kalamazoo stout. I noted that it was bottled in Sept, and I thoroughly enjoyed the one I had. It can be picked up at Whole Foods Plymouth Meeting (linked to their beermenus site, huzzah.) I assume at this point, we've all had Two-Hearted IPA, well, this is the Two-Hearted of Fall. According to Bell's...
A smooth, toasty brown ale, Best Brown Ale is a mainstay in our fall & winter lineup. With hints of caramel and cocoa, the malt body has the depth to stand up to cool weather, but does not come across as heavy. This balancing act is aided by the generous use of American hops.
It also apparently comes in these crazy mini kegs. If anyone ever sees one (Yes, @pppantalones, I know you saw a Two Hearted one once, stop bragging,) please let me know.
On a side note, unto itself, it's starting to get real depressing how far I have to scroll down to enter the sites, just so I can read about these beers. Can't they do something about that. Anderson Valley Hop Ottin' IPA. If you go to Mad Mex, they'll serve this to you in a gigantic glass. Ba as well as RateBeer seem to love it (did you see what I did there with the links?) I bet one of you is waiting for that to turn into a little Jackie-esque memorial. It may, it may not. Anyway, I really like the Hop Ottin', AVBC says this...
Hop Ottin’ IPA is, just like Anderson Valley itself, easy for anyone to appreciate while offering depth and complexity for those who take the time to savor. Brilliant copper color with a lingering, lacy white head. The nose sings of grapefruit, pine needles, citron, roses, and bergamot. The flavor is rich in the citrusy, resiny flavors typical of the Pacific-Northwest hops packed into this beer, balanced artfully with a solid malt character and crisp bitterness leading to a beautifully dry, light herbal finish. More than just a hop lover’s dream, Hop Ottin’ IPA is a balanced beer for the ages.
As with all of our products, Hop Ottin’ IPA is never sterile filtered nor heat pasteurized.
This may be unnecessary, but Anderson Valley has this thing called Boontling. It's like if people from Delco embraced the way they say "wuder," and made an online dictionary of how to understand them. There are little sayings under the caps, and on the website, and if you have enough time, you would be able to decipher things like "Hop Ottin' Bites like a can' kicky Bluetail,"to mean it bites like an angry rattlesnake. I don't get it. Just say angry rattlesnake. Dicks... That's why I get a somersetting over Wikipedia not being a cow skully. By the way, they just changed their labels, I think the old ones are crazeek.
Finally, and farewell. Or last, but least. On his exit from our esteemed club, @pppantalones picked a wheat beer brewed in May. Thanks bud, enjoy DC.
Clementine is Clown Shoes Beer’s Belgian style White Ale. Light-bodied and crisp, this is a terrific White Ale with plenty of zest! Hazy in appearance and healthily carbonated, it utilizes Chambly yeast to energetically shape its wheat malt base. Incorporated in the brewing process is Clementine, sweet orange peel, a hint of Coriander, and Summit hops.At a sly, easy-drinking 5.9%, Clementine is dynamic and flavorful enough to satisfy discerning craft beer palates, yet light enough to count among “sessionable” beers.Poured high into a pint or traditional pilsner style glass, drinkers can sip away lazy summer afternoons. As for food pairings, it is the perfect compliment to a range of salads and seafoods or light cheeses such as Feta, Monterey and Gruyere.
As much as I hate salads, I wanted to not like this beer because we discovered it was possibly "bad." I poured it leaving all the crazy sediment, which coincidentally looked like croutons, in the bottom of the bottom. And you know what, it wasn't that bad. I've had some not great beer from these guys, as well as some good ones. The good ones have overwhelmingly been on tap. There's some great Ba forums on their labels, as they make beers called Tramp Stamp, Brown Angel, and Lubrication. Check them out, their funny.
Until next time CBE'ers. Goody and Cohen, you will be missed, and probably deserve a much more craftily written exit. You can handle it yourselves if you want in the comments. Although I'm not 100% sure those work.
Beer me...
