The Session: The Beer Book That Isn't Written

It's been a while since I've posted here. 2013 was a pretty good year on my blog but 2014 was a total wash. What happened? Who knows. A lot of incomplete stories I told from the experiences I lived but what became of them?

2014 was a great year in beer for me, & 2015 looks like it should shape up quite a bit better. Really, only time will tell but the story needs to start somewhere. Where is that you might ask? Within the pages of the newest book... that isn't written.

The book doesn't have a name. It doesn't even have a single topic. The only common thread is beer. It's more about what is missing from our community. But this causes a few issues. What is missing for me, may not be missing for you. How is that possible? A story about community that isn't equal across the board? Sounds about like life.

In the pages of my chapter in this book, one thing I find that is missing is the common thread between beers.

What exactly do I mean? We all share the same love for beer; just at varying degrees. Even a beer that would be considered technically or stylistically bad is loved by someone. Beers that were once considered the best in the portfolio are looked at as overrated. What happened?

Have we forgotten what beer was like? The constant evolution of styles and ingredients have lead to the same in the beers we drink. If we can remember their roots, we will not get lost in the world as some have. Though, forgetting where these new and improved beers originated has created a gap that a certain percentage of us see, while the majority of the community doesn't even realize that it exist. Eliminating the thread between past and present.

I feel that the major craft breweries have noticed this too; getting back to their roots. One thing I predicted for 2015, which we will see if it comes to pass in the next 12 months, seems to already be getting it's feet off the ground.

While everyone is still trying to get their hands on rare and exotic beers or those brewed with ingredients of the same vein, a few of the more popular craft breweries are taking a step back. They are taking what some might consider a huge risk. They are adding classic, even historic, beer styles to their catalog; Porters & Pilsners.

Unnecessary risk? Basic innovation? With the stigma of lagers in our world, and the track record of lagers that were added to portfolios in the past, only those who study and understand beer styles would be likely candidates to initially flock to try these beers... while the uninitiated may pass over them because there is nothing magical about the beers. By holding onto the common beer threads, we can rediscover the passion and ingenuity that sparked the revolution we see today.

So what is this beer book that isn't written about? What is my chapter within the text or maybe even just a single volume about? The past, present, & future of beer? The missing link in our community? Or the need to sit back, and relax, while we appreciate what simplicity can bring us...

Cheers!

1001 Beers: Pabst Blue Ribbon

Beer Number 63: Pabst Blue Ribbon

The beer that got me through college. So many games of Kings and shotgunned tall boys. It is funny that shortly after this I got into homebrew and then into craft beer. I am glad I did but sometimes... well, there is no sometimes!

Today, it is a brewery in name only. The company is owned by a nonprofit charitable foundation. Its products are made under contract by companies including MillerCoors. The flagship, known widely as PBR, gets its name from the many blue ribbons it won at late 19th-century beer exhibitions.

Knowing that it is charitable, makes me feel less bad about buying this one. Though, it is not a beer I drink, like at all. So,... My dad told me that this beer used to be the only served at amusement parks, and that is not hard to believe knowing that Pabst used to be a major player in the beer world. Competing for bigger share of the market and all that jazz. I never took the time to look it up. I honestly did not care that much but I do kind of believe it. Just don't go around saying that I am spreading that knowledge. I only like verified facts.



I was kind of hoping to relive my college days when I broke into this one. Though, that did not happen. Big white fluffy head (which I never saw being I never drank out of a glass), bright yellow beer (I only knew that when it exited my body), a lot of rising carbonation and some grain on the nose. A bit of honey sweetness, grainy, and light bodied. Picked up quite a bit of corn. A lot of things that I never picked up because, well, this beer was not for drinking. No beer was for drinking IMO. It all had one purpose and that was,

938 Bottles Of Beer To Go!

Cheers!

Flying Dog, Part 3

Now that we are at Part 3 of this Flying Dog takeover, where to start this one? I finished with Old Scratch last time so... Hmmm.... UnderDog Atlantic Lager?

Don't be an underdog in this crazy game called life. Now is no time to be a pawn. The kings and queens rule the board, so that's who you've gotta be. Keep your head up, stand tall, and carry on. We're pulling for you.

This beer had a touch of a grainy malt feel to it but the caramel really rounded it out. The crisp sweetness and the grassy hops are really what made this lager. It poured nice and bright with a rocky white head. The message this beer was trying to send across did let its true purpose be known. Always listen to the bottle.

Another seasonal that came out of nowhere, Garde Dog. The excerpt on this one is kind of hillarious.

Wee Wee (insert dirty French laugh here). Biere de Garde is a traditional French farmhouse ale brewed in March for drinking during the spring and summer months. Like another great French tradition, surrender your taste buds to Garde Dogs toasted aroma and spicy malty sweetness. Wee wee. Haw haw haw.

Ok, I guess it was pretty straight forward but the start and finish really got me. You have to admit, that is funny.

This beer presented the sweet malts up front and it was quite earthy. So far living up to the expectaions they set. The flavor has some clove and pepper but an odd, dry finish. I don't really know how to explain this one. Oh well I guess.



This next beer is a style that I do not know what to think of. I guess this one was not bad, but it did not sell me on the point either. Not everything has to be an IPA. Some things are good as is. Why try and reinvent it? Raging Bitch Belgian IPA. See, or maybe you don't... It was quite interesting. Grassy hops, medium body, a lot of the belgian character came through fro sure. but I just don't know... The excerpt on this one is a bit long... not that has stopped me before, but I guess I will let you pick up this bottle and read it while you figure the beer out.

Pearl Necklace says nothing interesting. Oh, well. Though the proceeds from purchase go to benefit a good cause... more oysters... probably for beer :D I have only had one of these before. I believe it was from Taps Fish House but it really intregued me. This one was very assertive and had a dark bitterness mixed with a soft feeling in my mouth... quite you. I don't really know how to pick out oysters but I am sure they were there. Maybe it was that twang I tasted. Not quite salty, but not quite meaty... maybe I don't know what I am talking about...

El Dorado. The Golden One. The ultimate prize legions spend their lives seeking. With overwhelming citrus aroma, sharp hop bitterness, and a crisp dry finish, this is the end of your journey. This is probably one of the best single hopped beers I have ever tasted. I mean, I know I have not had many but this one for sure takes the cake. Everything about this is amazing.

Horn Dog is a big malty monster of a brew. Fortunately, its wrath is moderately hopped and tastes like licorice and chocolate. Horn is such a robust beast that we have to keep it caged and contained at the brewery for a couple months before letting it integrate with the public. This beer pretty much is a description of me. I don't know how else to put it. The small tan head, a purple to deep ruby color and nice carbonation. Very malty with ripe fruits that are only a tad hot. Surprisingly though, it is very mellow though very complex. Robust but smooth like chocolate. I do get some of that licorice they were describing but the deep dark fruits are key. A great barley wine.



Wildeman His axe is stained with the blood of a thousand adversaries. We fall in behind him as he leads us into the darkness. He turns his gaze on us. "Tentanda via est!" The way must be tried. I am still torn on this style of beer. Nothing was done to convince me. I think that maybe IPAs and Belgians should not meet up. I mean, I preferred this to the Raging Bitch, but yeah...



Cheers!