Saturday, December 27, 2014

Epic Craft Beer In Low Down County

Since the end of the year is fast approaching, this will be the final post of 2014. Historically, I end the blog year with something either epic or reflective. This year is definitely more on the epic side.

Last weekend, I set out on another one of my epic beer drinking quests. On this particular occasion, we journeyed to the Leesburg, Purcellville and Lovettsville region of Northern Virginia to pop in on one of the area’s a surging craft beer markets. I don’t use the word “surging” loosely in this sense – Leesburg is home to Crooked Run and the Beer Joint (formerly Vintage 50), Purcellville is home to Adroit Theory, Corcoran, Old 690 and Belly Love and Lovettsville has the Mad Horse Brewpub. Not only that, but two major national breweries have taken notice and are moving into the area – Victory (out of Downingtown, PA) will be building a brewpub in Leesburg and Flying Dog (out of Frederick, MD) will be opening a hop farm/farm brewery in nearby Lucketts. Clearly, the area is booming with craft-brewed excellence.

So we went up there and spent the weekend drinking their beers.

We started with the Mad Horse Brewpub in Lovettsville. Mad Horse is one of those craft beer jewels that you would never know was there until you happened upon it (or unless you’re obsessed like I am). They had a solid flight of beers that consisted of their Hefrageous Hefeweizen, Blonde Bunny Blonde Ale, Resurrection American Pale Ale, It’s A Trap Belgian Golden Ale, Justus Lager American Light Lager and S. O. Stout. Their beers were all very approachable (which they told us was on purpose) and only the Belgian golden ale had any kind of nose on it. Still, they were all solid and the friendly and knowledgeable staff and overall atmosphere and experience were great.

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Very warm, casual and inviting brewpub with great
beer and great food!
Next, we found ourselves at Crooked Run, a very small nano-brewery in the Tuscarora Mill shopping center in Leesburg. Crooked Run is a perfect example of how to maximize space, because they have none, and still manage to make pretty delicious beer. The beers we had that day were their Red Kolsch Irish Red/Kolsch, Breakfast of Champions American Pale Wheat Ale, Shadow of Truth Black Belgian Tripel, True Vision Belgian IPA and You’re Cool Cucumber Mint Wheat. They were all quite tasty and trended more towards experimental, particularly the cucumber mint wheat which was a lot better than it sounds. Owner/Operator/Brewmaster Jake Endres was there, and was fully willing to engage his beer drinking customers.

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Small but awesome, and the beers are terrific!

Next up was the Beer Joint (formerly Vintage 50) in Leesburg. While the Beer Joint has the ability to make beer, and has historically made beer under the Vintage 50 flag, the Beer Joint is currently not making beer. Courtesy of the Virginia ABC, who decided to take the re-branding and ownership change as an opportunity to wield authority and rescind their license. The Beer Joint has reapplied for a new license, but until they get it, their tanks are dry and the beer they sell is someone else’s.

Next on the schedule was Adroit Theory in Purcellville. Adroit Theory is both exactly what you imagine it is and nothing like what you imagine it is at the same time. They have a large space – a warehouse – that is fully decorated and stocked with merchandise and marketing. They have a large cold room, production space, bar area and even a second story above their kitchen that they use to store odds and ends. They have the look and feel of a large production brewery, but they are a nano. They have a ½ barrel system and they contract with Beltway Brewing Company to handle the rest of their demand. Their beer is really amazing though. They had twelve beers on tap, including their Tenebris Barleywine, Trendy T.R.I.P.A. Triple IPA, B/A/Y/S Cognac Barrel Russian Imperial Stout, Ortolan Bunting Strong Ale, Zero Coffee IPA, BLVCK Celebration Imperial Porter, Caramel Macchiato Stout, Black Pepper Saison, Persona Non Grata Saison, Ginger & Lemongrass Wheat and Jicama Blonde Ale. These beers were all north of 7.5% ABV (most ranging towards 10%) and were very impressive, particularly the Trendy Triple IPA and Caramel Macchiato Stout.

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Drink art indeed! Delicious brews at Adroit Theory!

After Adroit, we went to Belly Love Brewing in Purcellville. Belly Love is new, but their beer was pretty good. They had Shut the Fook Up Pale Ale, My Bitter X IPA and Eye of Jupiter Oatmeal Stout. All were tasty and solid representations of the styles. The food at Belly Love was also pretty good, but there was some incense burning in the tap room that really spoiled the atmosphere. It was difficult to enjoy the good beer and food with the incense in the room. Other than that, Belly Love was pretty good.

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Belly Love beer is really good! Welcome new brewers!

Our last stop was Corcoran Brewing Company in Purcellville. Corcoran also has a solid and expansive flight of beers to choose from. The beers I had while I was there were their Wheatland Pale Wheat Ale, Waterford Wit, Corky’s Irish Red, Padawan Pumpkin, P’ville Pale Ale, Loco IPA, Hops The Bunny IPA, Slainte Dry Irish Stout, Paeonian Porter and Jeb Stuart Stout. I have to be honest – by this point in the weekend, I wasn't exactly all the way there anymore (I blame Adroit Theory) but I do remember Corcoran’s beers tasting pretty good. I particularly liked the Jeb Stuart, the Loco IPA and the Padawan Pumpkin.

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Great selection and quality brews at Corcoran! Cheers!

One brewery we did not get to visit was Old 690. We missed them by one day, as they had a hearing on the Thursday prior to our arrival with Loudoun County officials to remain open in spite of a zoning ordinance violation. The short story is that Virginia legalized farm breweries in May and Old 690 opened shortly thereafter, but Loudoun County has not changed the county ordinance to allow farm breweries, meaning Old 690 was operating against the county law. The particularly irritating part is that the county already intends to change the ordinance and allow farm breweries on 23 January 2015. So in other words, Old 690 will be fully compliant in one month, but until that time, they have to shut down… all because Loudoun County is dragging their feet. Total drag.

But other than two instances of government interference, too much incense and a bit of a headache, the weekend was a total success and will go down in history as another successful beer quest. I recommend all of these breweries to you weary beer travelers, if you find yourselves in the northern-most section of Northern Virginia.

I hope you all have a wonderful and safe New Year's Eve that is filled with great beers like the ones I wrote about here today. There is large, potentially huge news in 2015, but for now, you're just going to have to wait for it. Unless you know it already, in which case... no spoilers!

Here’s to craft-brewed happiness… Cheers!

Saturday, December 13, 2014

Ten Beers-a-Drinking...

Tis the season
There are less than two weeks until Christmas, which can only mean one thing… it’s time for me (and every other beer blogger for that matter) to publish a list of Christmas beers you must go try immediately. I know I do this every year, and many of these beers don’t change from year to year, but that should only serve to strengthen their case for why you should go drink them immediately. If you’re new, and would like to see past lists, click here and here.

And honestly, these Christmas beer list blog posts are some of my highest click-count posts, so obviously the readers are clamoring for more Christmas craft beer recommendations… who am I to argue with the people?

I will, however, refrain from using gimmicks this year – just 10 craft-brewed delicious Christmas-themed brews to get you through the holidays and increase your overall merriment. These are in order, starting with the best, in my opinion. The descriptions below, however, are those of the breweries themselves and are not my opinion. Let’s hit it.

1) Hardywood Park Craft Brewery’s Gingerbread Stout (GBS)

This beer is so good, it scored a 100 on BeerAdvocate. That should be enough of a reason right there, but if you need more… GBS is an imperial milk stout brewed with fresh local ginger and honey. The flavors range from milk chocolate and vanilla to honeycomb, cinnamon and a snap of ginger in the finish. The beer pours a dark mahogany color and has a caramel colored head and silky mouthfeel. Bourbon vanilla beans and cinnamon dominate the nose, making for a truly special drinking experience.

Like freagin' Christmas in a bottle!

2) Tröegs Brewing Company’s Mad Elf

The Mad Elf, a cheerful creation to warm your heart and enlighten your tongue, is a combination of cherries, honey, and chocolate malts that deliver gentle fruits and subtle spices. Fermented and aged with a unique yeast, this ruby red beer has significant warming strength that underlies the pleasant character of this intriguing yet delicious Ale. These guys vary from year to year, so even if you've had one before, you should definitely have one again. But tread cautiously – that alcohol heat does not mess around!

3) Great Lakes Brewing Company’s Christmas Ale

Great Lakes Christmas Ale is another perennial favorite. It pours ruby red with a beautiful white head and the flavors range from sweet roasted barley to honey, cinnamon and fresh ginger. There are also very subtle hops involved, but the spices dominate the flavor and aroma. The ABV is a modest 7.5%, so it’s a bit less menacing than the first two I listed – overall a wonderful treat to be had.

So that's how it gets to Virginia

4) Anchor Brewing’s 2014 Anchor Christmas Ale

Another Christmas beer that changes every year, and is always delicious, is Anchor’s Christmas Ale. This year is their 40th Christmas Ale, and just as in the 39 previous editions, the intent is joy and celebration of the newness of life. Not a lot is published about the recipe of this beer – Anchor has listed everything as “Top Secret” – but it pours a dark ruby red color and has a balanced sweet and holiday-spiced flavor and aroma profile that is sure to delight.

5) St. Louis Brewery’s Schlafly Christmas Ale

Schlafly’s Christmas Ale is a warming winter ale that blends the spices of the season with sweet caramel malt.  Orange peel, juniper berries, ginger root, cardamom and cloves are added for spiciness.  They also use honey in the fermentation process, which raises the ABV without producing too much heat from the alcohol content. The beer pours a beautiful deep copper color with white head and is 8% ABV. Sure to smooth the rougher edges of enjoying each other’s company this season.

Glogg it is not, delicious it is

6) Southern Tier Brewing Company’s 2xMAS Ale

2xMAS Ale was inspired by a Swedish concoction known as Glogg. This holiday brew combines traditional brewing ingredients with figs, orange peels, cardamom, cinnamon, clove and ginger root, perfect for knocking the ice off of toes while raising spirits – another reason to toast the season.

7) Avery Brewing Company’s Old Jubilation Ale

Old Jubilation is an English old ale / winter strong ale that has a gorgeous mahogany hue, a hint of hazelnuts, and a finish reminiscent of mocha and toffee. No spices, just a perfect blend of five specialty malts – two-row, special roast, black, chocolate and victory malted barley. Combined with bullion hops, this non-spiced holiday warmer is delicious, and a welcome addition to your holiday plans.

Baby it's cold outside...

8) Anderson Valley Brewing Company’s Winter Solstice Seasonal Ale

Winter Solstice is a take on the classic style of “winter warmer.” Boasting a deep amber hue and rich mouthfeel, its creamy finish will lift your spirits. Hints of toffee, spice, and caramel tease the senses making this the perfect ale to share with friends and family during the cold days and long nights of winter.

9) Port City Brewing Company’s Tidings Ale

Tidings Ale is a strong Belgian style blond ale brewed with local Maryland wildflower honey and Virginia wheat. These special local ingredients store away the flavors and essence of summer, and later warm us during the cold winter months. It is gently spiced with coriander, cardamom, fresh ginger and grains of paradise.

Good tidings we bring...

10) Boston Beer Company’s Sam Adams Old Fezziwig Ale

Spicy & bold, this festive ale is bursting with the flavors of the season.  With a full body and spice it’ll help those long winter nights pass more quickly.  The rich malt character creates notes of sweet toffee, caramel, & roasty chocolate while classic holiday spices like cinnamon, ginger and orange peel dance on the tongue bringing with them the celebratory spirit of the season.

This is certainly not an all-inclusive list, but it is my top ten Christmas beers, as of 2014. These are all available for purchase in the Northern Virginia area, so those that are local to my neck of the woods should have no trouble finding these treats. And in the case of number one and nine, there is no reason you Northern Virginians couldn't stop into the breweries themselves to try these delicious brews in person. Now THAT is a recommendation. Happy holidays!

Here’s to craft-brewed happiness… Cheers!

Saturday, December 6, 2014

Want to Make Your Christmas Party Better?

It happens every year when the calendar page turns to December (or perhaps earlier if you spend a lot of time in department stores)… it’s time to start thinking about Christmas. There’s a lot to think about – gift giving ideas, travel plans, party arrangements, you name it. This time of year can overwhelm even the most tenacious tactician among us. This is why helpful blogs like the one you’re currently reading are so *valued* this time of year.

For example, I’m about to give you the solution to your holiday party hosting woes. Specifically, “How do I keep my party guests from getting bored and thus making my Christmas party an abject failure?” I’m glad you asked.

The answer is a traditional white elephant gift exchange, except that all the gifts are craft beer.

If you’re not familiar, in a white elephant gift exchange, each participant brings a wrapped but unlabeled gift and then the group takes turns unwrapping a gift from the communal pile of gifts. Draw numbers to determine who goes first. After the first person has unwrapped his/her gift, the next person can either steal the first person’s gift (causing the first person to have to unwrap a different gift) or choose a different gift from the pile to unwrap. The stealing and gift unwrapping continues until everyone has had a turn and all the gifts are unwrapped. It is customary to set ground rules limiting the number of steals per turn so that the game doesn't take hours to complete.

Now imagine playing this game with beer.

Here are some suggestions

Each participant brings a delicious craft beer of their choosing, wrapped and unlabeled, and puts it into the gift pile. Then, we all take turns opening beers and stealing beers from each other until we all have something delicious to take home and enjoy. What a great way to make your Christmas party awesome and memorable.

For planning purposes, I suggest you decide ahead of time on things like quantity and price so that all the gifts are of relatively equal value. For example, have everyone bring a 22 ounce bomber or have everyone bring a six pack. Perhaps set your maximum price at $10. This way, value is a non-factor when people decide to steal, and it’s all about the beer itself.

You can also determine a theme for the exchange, like a specific style of beer or a particular location of the breweries. You could make it a “local beer only” exchange, or even an “opposite side of the country” or “only Japanese beers” exchange.

There are, of course, other games and craft beer activities that you could arrange to make your party that much better, but trust me… this one will be a hit. Your guests will always be talking about that time at your house that so-and-so stole that great craft beer from what’s-her-name. You’ll be the toast of the town!

You might say, you'll go down in history... just like a certain red-nosed reindeer

More holiday craft beer advice to come. Free of charge. All month long.

Here’s to craft-brewed happiness… Cheers!