Beer Camp 118: The Experience Part 1

When it comes to my time at Beer Camp... I really don't know what to say... or maybe how to say it. I feel that no matter what I put down it will seem like I'm being that guy with the really funny story that no one laughs at. And then I would have to follow it up with, "Well, you had to be there.", which is kind of true in this case.



When I arrived in Chico, the first thing I did... well, I checked into my hotel room. But after that! I sent over to Sierra Nevada and got a seat at the bar. The first beer I grabbed was the Christmas Jam Session Ale, which was a collaboration with someone in Asheville... but that is not what is important... It is just what kicked everything off.



After a few more beers, more members of our group showed up, plus the members of Beer Camp 117 we were told to make or way upstairs for a concert in The Big Room... I honestly don't remember now who was playing, but they had a pretty awesome sound and they were different. Even when they were covering popular songs. Beer Camp had not even officially started yet but things just kept getting more awesome and more awesome. Did I mention that after the show, we headed out to a local bar? We may or may not have kicked every Sierra Nevada keg they had there at the time... and possibly raced around the place on Big Wheels... But not before snagging this photo... and we may or may not have ended the night with a bottle share........... but that is enough about Day Zero.



Well... morning came. Why would they want to get started at 8am? That makes no sense but we all made it! We started the day by watching all of our videos and a little tour... and beer... But hey, I don't care what time it is ever. QA everybody, QA. It was shortly after this, I got to taste Torpedo straight from the fermenter... I wondered if ever again Torpedo would taste this good. We just got a brief taste of the brewery at this time. The tour was, I guess an introduction to the brewery. There was far more to see than what we saw but we had to "get back" to start discussing and determining our recipe.



We had quite a bit going back and forth on the recipe. One of our first ideas, a Saison, was kicked back because of available yeast. We were considering a sour beer... but that got kicked back also, for obvious reasons. We selected a few base styles we wanted to go for but it essentially came down to IPA. Yup. A few of us tried to push for the Wheat Wine angle. We ended up using a bit of wheat in our beer and kicked the ABV up to 8%. We had a huge selection of hops to go with and we discussed what flavors from malt we wanted and even the color, etc etc etc. We even thought it would be cool to age it on Spanish Cedar. Something we were totally able to do, and give this beer it's own flair. 

The brewers, Abraham and his team, came up with the full recipe based on what we discussed. It came out looking like this. I cannot wait to taste it. My party is coming up very soon!

This is just part 1 of this epic experience... this was just the morning, and I can't even do that justice here. I don't know a way to help you experience it other than being there. I will try, though. 

Cheers!

Beer Camp 118: The Journey

Well, this has been a long time coming but with the Sierra Nevada Beer Camp Across America Variety Box and the Beer Camp Across America Tour starting up soon, I figured I might as well get this out now. Kind of build up to it and me going to Mills River for the final stop of the tour. So, as annoying as I was... Here is the first part of my 3... or 4... or 5 part mini series on Sierra Nevada Beer Camp! The Journey, The Experience, The Spoils, The Box Set, and then Mills River. I hope you enjoy.



Anyway you look at it, Chico, It's a hell of a town. I mean, I have been there before but this time the experience was like none other. And I really have everyone online to thank for it. I know by the time you are reading this it is either too late or too close but if you can make it out to my party on July 12th in Raleigh... COME OUT!!!! Anyway, you may not know much about Chico other than the fact that is where Sierra Nevada resides. So what is it? Some random college... Yes, but there is more to it. A world of magical mystics and wonder.

Toward the end of last summer, Sierra Nevada reopened their consumer Beer Camp contest. This was the 3rd year that they have ran the Beer Camp contest publicly. It is usually reserved for people within the industry; bars, distributors, sales reps, yada yada, to explain to them the beer making process and what Sierra Nevada is doing that is innovative and above the rest. They design and brew a beer during the Camp while touring the facilities and tasting everything in sight. When I found out about this contest, I had to enter! But you already knew that, right?



The video I put together was called "The Best Beer In The World" which was pretty much a take on Tenacious D's song and video Tribute. After the fact, a buddy pointed out that I probably looked like an asshat because the videos from the rest of the group, and even those who were not fortunate enough to get it, were talking about how great Sierra Nevada's beer is and my video featured me brewing The Best Beer In The World... No help from them... It's a method... It worked in this case. I had a few employees tell me they pulled for my video, so WIN!

The Best Beer In The World from L Allen Huerta on Vimeo.

I submitted my video and then I had about 55 days to spam the internet and ask for as many votes as I could from the world... I am sure you remember that. Especially those of you who blocked or unfollowed, uncircled, unwhatever it is you do. I had a pretty good hold on 4th/5th place until about the last week. I had dropped out of the running and then back up to 9th numerous times. I was freaking out, begging, and pleading to have everyone help me. The worst part of the whole voting process was when they decided to extend the contest another 15 days... especially after I was promising that they only had to vote for me for 3 more days and then I would leave them alone from my constant spam. I was drained at that point. I seriously did not want to go on. But being as close as I was, I was not going to waste this chance.

The contest ended and I had just made the top 10. Such a relief... but then there was nothing to do for about 2 and a half months... and then, I arrived...



Cheers!

It's Been A While...

Yeah, I've only had this blog for a few years but it seems that I go really strong for the majority of the year and then when November rolls around... It kind of dies. Not that I have been taking a break from beer! No, not at all.

By this time you should all know that I have been to Beer Camp, even though I have not yet shared my story. I did a homebrew advent calendar... with some intersting beers... I only mentioned those on two occasions. I have been to a few breweries... yet, I have not talked about that either haha. Even a trip to see The SC Beer Fairy... I am really slipping.

So, what am I doing now? Studying to take the BJCP Tasting Exam this May!!! Well, I don't techinically have a seat yet. But I am Number 2 on the waiting list. With my experience of people who drop out and talking to the exam proctor, I feel I have a good chance at getting in. I should know by the end of the month or in early February. He said he is going to start collecting the deposits then and that is typically when people back out.

I plan to start a post about the categories I am going over... I just need to get off my ass, once again. Until then... I guess BLARG! Lets get a move on it!... and the 1001 Beers I am behind on... Cheers!

Sierra Nevada Beer Camp (2013)

So, it's unofficially official!!! I will be heading to Beer Camp this December!!!... Though, that last 12 hours or so was a real... how do I put this... lets just say I was scared like EFF!!!! We have come a long way since I first posted the announcement of my video.



I have so many people to thank for this and I cannot think of ways to thank you all enough! That last push to the finish was the key and I really am so appreciative!!! You have no idea! I guess I better put in my time off from work very soon. I hope that the official announcement comes quick!

But anyway, to celebrate (or get me through the last stressful hours of voting) I decided to drink a bottle of each of the currently released Beer Camp Beers! I wanted to do this sooner but I thought I might hold off a bit. Good thing I did! Check out my video below!!! Not like you haven't seen it already though...

The Best Beer In The World from L Allen Huerta on Vimeo.

I was disappointed by the fact that they were all essentially IPA's but I guess I can look past that as I am trying to think of ideas to pitch and collaborate with the other attendees. So, here we are starting with Beer Camp #93!



What better beer to do it with, too? Celebrator? That is TOO Perfect!!! Granted this IPA was not brewed for me, but hey. I can imagine.



A very floral, light piney nose on top of an awesomely crisp, clean copper body. A nice bubbly off white head with very distinct pine notes sticking to your throat and drying up on the finish. Some light juicy tropical notes, a bit of light sweetness and a light bready background but a very solid IPA overall. Made to the best standards and clocking in at 6.9% ABV. Not the beer I think about when going to Beer Camp, but this beer should be the definition of the style. Bravo!



I know one of the guys that was a part of this beer last year, OC Beer Blog as you might know him. He even used the tap handle in his car for a while as his gear shift! How bad ass is that? I love the name, too. Plus the label art is to die for! Sleight Of Hand. It only makes me wonder...



Honestly, this was my favorite of the bunch. And I am not just saying that. I just love the way the flavors all came together and at 8% ABV with 52 IBUs. A nice dark malt aroma and a bit charred and burnt. The first sip you get that roastiness with some nice Belgian fruitiness and a sharp hop bitterness. I feel it was more pronounced back when I first got this box but it is still very good. An amazing background on this beer. So full and flavorful. Dark Fruit, Dark Malt. I have never been into Belgian IPA's... though this one is a Belgian-Style Black IPA, but this one is fantastic!



This is a beer I know nothing about, but it was a creation of the last beer camp as well... well, the competition rather. Not the last beer camp. Blood Shot aka: What one would say about me if they saw my face right now.



At 8.5% and 95 IBUs (9.5% and 100 IBUs was the initial batch)the malty with a light spicy nose, that kind of reminds me of rye and a very distinct pine or... how do I put this aroma... I am not sure but it comes through in the taste too with a heavy sweetness and a strong bitter attack. Deep ruby color (my bad, the bottle says crimson) and an off white, amber tinted head. Some great flavors in there. Another very solid "IPA" out of this kit. I wonder what the future holds.

Now! Lets (unofficially) Celebrate!



Cheers!

Sierra Nevada Beer Camp

So, once again it is that time of year where Sierra Nevada has opened up their Beer Camp contest and released a 12 pack of some of their favorite beers. Actually, I have no idea how they select what beers go into the packs. The first year, they were all random numbers... and I think the same as last year. This year Batch #93, 94, & 95 are in the mixer. I will post my thoughts on those beers really soon... and it gives me more opportunities to plug this post.



Why do I want to plug this post? Well, I am need your votes! The more votes I get, the higher my odds of going to Beer Camp are. The title of my video is, "The Best Beer In The World", which is kind of a parody of Tribute from Tenacious D. Basically it follows me as I am to bring a demon The Best Beer In The World. You can check out the video over at the Sierra Nevada Beer Camp site. You are allowed to vote once a day between now and September 30th now that my video is live!!! Please help :D and have your friends help... and their friends help... and maybe their bosses... but hey, that might be pushing it.



There are some things I wish I could have done differently, but for only 10 minutes of shooting and then cutting this video together in order to get it submitted 3 days past opening, hey... It is done and submitted!!! More time for votes! I'm off to a decent start already, but those that were submitted at the very beginning already have over 100 votes, so I need to catch up and maintain it for almost 2 months... This could be tricky as new submissions roll in... but it will be worth it. And it was a very fun video to shoot. Anyway, I am sure you will hear more details about this later. For now, Enjoy my video, Enjoy some good beer, and Thank You For Your Votes!!!!

Cheers!

Beer Camp

The time has come once again to release the beers of Beer Camp. Sierra Nevada is even offering up the contest again... will I make another video... hmmm... Check out mine from last year. It would be a great escape from work. Though, I cannot wait until They open the new location out here in Asheville. I guess only time, and if an idea comes to mind, will tell. Especially since I only have until the end of the month!



The first beer of this go around will be the Imperial Pilsner. The beer is described as,

Packing a big hop-forward punch and bright crisp finish, this golden pilsner features a hearty dose of "sticky," resinous Crystal and Pacifica dry hops, which balance the light-bodied yet complex malt backbone.

Would I agree? Yes. HAH! This was a very tasty pilsner. Though, a pilsner for sure. It took the things that I could never really get my head around and flipped it completely. The hops blended really well even though this was an "Imperial" version... not that I really know what that means in this style...





This next beer I am expecting big things from just because of the reputation Sierra Nevada has. Floral IPA. They are pretty much just as big as Stone, (even though they are bigger than Stone), of a name when it comes to IPA's. I expect nothing but the best.

This unique take on the traditional IPA style pairs the bold and intense aromas of whole-cone hop "flowers" with aromatic natural rose hips and petals for complex aromas and unexpected flavors.

Upon opening the bottle you get that deep, big floral nose immediately. The scent pretty much fills the whole room. Now that is what I call quality. I was expecting a really bitter beer just from my experiences with Sierra Nevada but flavor is what runs the show here. A nice caramel and bready background with the sweet juicy hops lying over it. Like I said, I was expecting big things and look what I got. A masterpiece.



Maybe the Oatmeal Stout was not the next best to go with, but lets call it a palate cleanser.

This big oatmeal stout is midnight black in color-with a big, roasty, mocha-like aroma. It has a silky body from the use of rolled oats, and a round and lasting finish. Perfect as an after dinner treat.

Very good advice there about after dinner. I had it before dinner so I guess I don't listen to things that I am told but it was a damn fine oatmeal stout. Alcoholic on the nose and in the flavor but very mellow and full bodied malt profile. It has some nice stout crispness but the oatmeal really helps to balance this one. Sweet and yeah. I know right lol.

This Imperial red Ale takes the intense hop profile found in a traditional double IPA and turns up the malt. It has big aromatic hop notes of grapefruit, peach, and melon-balanced by smooth and surprisingly robust malt body.

The fruity flavors are the major production of flavor in this brew. It does just as it says. This was probably a perfect written description. This beer is not about the bitterness of a double IPA. It is all about the flavor and that is what I love. So many people ignore that when they throw IPAs together. Seriously, another great brew. Point blank.

This pack has actually impressed me a lot more than the one released last year. And I loved the Weizenbock they released. All of the beers in this pack seemed to flow together and not really just try to stand on their own... maybe they wanted to attract more customers by using a similar flavor profile, or maybe they just decided to pull out the big guns this year... either way, Beer Camp did well.

Cheers!

Sierra Nevada

Wow... Just Wow...



I don't really know what to say about this place. It was a beyond amazing experience coming here. I really wish that I would have gotten into town earlier or was able to stay another day here but yeah. I really wanted to do the tour and see everything hidden in that place, especially since I didn't get into Beer Camp :'(

The restaurant and tasting room were fricken ridiculous. It was like a 5 Star Restaurant... or at least what I image one to be like. It totally fits the brewery but I was expecting something a lot different. I don't really know, but not what I saw. It was sooooooo nice... and I was amazed by the beer.



As if you did not know that already. I got to taste several beers I have been looking for and found one of the worlds most secret, amazing tasting porters. I understand that the Pale is their Flagship beer, but people should really find this Porter. I used to only drink their Pale and Torpedo, being they are also more widely available than any of their other beers. In my area anyway. I finally got to taste Life And Limb and retried Big Foot 2011. I really have to find bottles of L&L and get a 6er of Big Foot 2012 to taste against my 2011 and future batches.

I thought it was pretty damn cool too that the whole parking lot was filled with Solar Panels. The lot also looked into their hop fields. I wanted to just run through them but I figured hopping the fence would have been more trouble than it was worth. I cannot wait to go back there again. I got my growler filled with their Porter and next time I go, I want to ride my bike.

Beer Camp

Ahhh, Beer Camp. In the craft brew world this has been a topic of discussion since the new variety pack was released. Even more so since Sierra Nevada announced that entries were being accepted for that Golden Ticket allowing one to come to the brewery and have a mystical time partying and drinking with Oompa Loompas. At first I just shrugged off the idea with thoughts like, “I would never win. What is the point of me entering?”, but after seeing numerous tweets from Sierra Nevada that there were literally only 10 entries, I figured what is the worst that could happen?

I am currently going through a major transition in my life, from that of being a Civilian and becoming a Soldier, and what better way to sound off the past than to get myself in the running for this competition. Shortly after I dedicated myself to doing this, I started thinking up ideas for the script. I thought I had the perfect idea, completely dorky and sure to get some attention. But then SWMBO, AKA Nikkee, had something way better up her sleeves. She wrote out the majority of the script one day while I was out for a run and as soon as I got back she began constructing the costumes.

So I am kind of a Super Hero nut… and use a lot of spandex whenever I wear a costume… This brought on the creation of HopMan! He would die for a good brew and fights for those who are against that fizzy yellow beverage that is often passed as beer and the corporate clutches of the evil Bun Light!

I strutted my stuff for a while wearing The HopMan Uniform and then figured it might be a good idea to plan a few things out. We figured the house would be the easiest place to shoot this thing and we could be done with it in no time. We assembled the last of the props and blocked out the whole scene. We had a few issues but once we worked through those, everything was ready to go.

The video is available Here. I hope that you all get a chance to watch it and that you enjoy it as much as I had fun making it. I really hope it catches the attention of the judges. That would be beyond amazing. The event takes place, literally days before I leave for Basic Training. Though this leaves us with one question, Will Craft Beer prevail? Or will Bun Light continue to keep us blinded from the truth? Find out at Beer Camp! (hopefully)

Hooah!