Written by Abram on 14 May 2010
First apologies that I haven’t updated anything recently- I’ve been slammed with work since returning from Chicago. I have been to many great beer events, but time to type up my notes seems to keep eluding me.
Anyhow. Sunburn: Best press kit yet. I love well-thought out press kits, things that were obviously a ton of fun for someone in a marketing department or PR firm to put together. The best press kit I ever got was for a Noise music compilation, and involved a tsunami in a box, complete with sand, twigs and figurines and houses to strew about as you listened to the record. The Sunburn media kit was nearly as good. I’m used to getting sample bottles, so I opened the package expecting a couple of bottles of beer, and a blurb about the beer. To my consternation I opened the box to reveal a bottle of olive oil, and one of red wine vinegar and a jar of thyme. Also enclosed was a recipe for Sunburn Summer Vinaigrette, and behind a partition in the box two bottles of the Sunburn (aka Citra Blonde by Widmer Gasthaus regulars). I have yet to mix up the salad dressing, but I must say it is brilliant marketing.
The 15 IBU, 4.3% abv beer is a revival of Widmer’s Blonde Ale brewed with the coveted new Citra hop variety. Confusingly the bottle doesn’t tell you what style the beer is, and simply reads “summer brew.” Maybe Widmer was afraid Blonde Ale is no longer marketable in the Northwest. (A sentiment I would probably have to agree with. I think there is a perception that blonde or golden ales were crossover beers brewed in the 1980′s and 1990′s to appease mass-market lager drinkers. Sometimes though a softer beer is just what the doctor ordered. I’m working on a piece on session beers for American Brewer magazine, and Greg Hall brewmaster at Chicago’s Goose Island said “beer geeks don’t like refreshing beers.” I think that danger definitely exists, my comfort beer, the beer I go back to at the end of the day really is a massive NW IPA, but there is room for subtlety and diversity.
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Written by Abram on 06 March 2010
R & B Brewing-Ice Holes Celebration Lager 5% abv (Vancouver, BC)
This beer is brewed in jest to Steven Colbert’s calling Canadians “iceholes” on his program. It also ran afoul of Vanoc, the Vancouver Olympic (Occupation) Committee for its use of the word “Celebration” which is apparently a word to be used exclusively by liscensed vendors. The malty aroma has gentle toffee notes, the lager is a brilliant sunny gold color with a dry finish accented by clean hop bitterness. Celebrate the end of the Olympics and the return to normalcy.
Upright- Cask Six with Long Pepper (PDX)
Long pepper is a peppercorn with an aroma that reminds me of well seasoned pine boards. The aroma has notes of honey and pine shavings, a sweet viscous rye mouthfeel and a chewy sensation. The flavor has notes of spiced sangria, citrus cinnamon, and vinous notes.
Phillips-Hop Circle IPA 6.5% abv (Victoria, BC)
Sweet malt and citrusy hop aroma, brilliant copper with a long-lasting white lace, hints toffee in the aroma. Full malt sweetness balances the crisp bitterness and citrusy hop character. A hint of toastiness from malt adds depth.
Upright Oyster Stout 6.25% abv (PDX)
Bright roast aroma, roasty and dry with a hint of earthiness, an ashy dry finish with a slightly salty note. The oyster liquor added to the boil gives it a nice creamy mouthfeel that contrasts well with the ashy roast barley notes.
Walking Man- Shin Splint Imperial Red Ale 8% abv (Stevenson, WA)
Fruity aroma, red raspberry notes pair with citrusy hops, beautiful brilliant ruby color, citrusy hops and sweet malt flavors balance the high alcohol so you’d never know it was there. The perfect way to ease the pains of a grueling Columbia Gorge hike. (Nearby Dog Mountain should do the trick, switchbacking up the canyon wall and affording gorgeous (pun intended) vistas of the river and southern shore.
Fort George- Murky Pearl Oyster Stout (Astoria, OR)
Sweet caramel malt in the aroma with a hint of roast. Round roasty sweetness with rich creamy body, creamy head, great balance. Hop flavor, roast, and caramel all balance eachother well, with a dry baker’s chocolate and cocoa note, and just a kiss of briny saltwater in the finish.
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