Saturday, October 11, 2008
GABF Day Two
Just a few notes before I head back to finish off the murder of my liver and taste buds that I began on Wednesday night:
*I am firmly convinced that Six Rivers Brewery out of McKinleyville, Calif., is one of the great undiscovered gems in America. The Fearless Tasting Crew has made it a necessity to stop there every year for its chili beer, made with four types of chili and standing out as the best of its kind in the country. But last night we delved deeper and found a Sour Bomb that ranks as one of the most pucker-worthy of the festival and a robust porter with as deep a java taste as I've found.
*Every year there is a hip flavor that more breweries seem to be trying. This year, it's honey. And, wow, does it not work. I've tried a couple of honey lagers or ales, and the result is the same: The honey taste either is lost or just confuses what the brewer seems to be trying to do. I had a honey saison last night from a brewery that shall remain nameless that was by far the worst beer I've tried this show. Let's see if we can move past this trend as quickly as possible.
*Midwestern beers are not just the Milwaukee's Best clones of the world anymore. An increasing number of breweries from that region are generating talk and respect. Wisconsin's New Glarus, of course, has always been one of the attention stealers of the festival. But Goose Island, Jolly Pumpkin, Lakefront, Three Floyds and Upland are among those giving you good reasons to stay over in the far section of the convention hall after you've waited in the 15-minute line for your NG Raspberry Tart.
Just a few notes before I head back to finish off the murder of my liver and taste buds that I began on Wednesday night:
*I am firmly convinced that Six Rivers Brewery out of McKinleyville, Calif., is one of the great undiscovered gems in America. The Fearless Tasting Crew has made it a necessity to stop there every year for its chili beer, made with four types of chili and standing out as the best of its kind in the country. But last night we delved deeper and found a Sour Bomb that ranks as one of the most pucker-worthy of the festival and a robust porter with as deep a java taste as I've found.
*Every year there is a hip flavor that more breweries seem to be trying. This year, it's honey. And, wow, does it not work. I've tried a couple of honey lagers or ales, and the result is the same: The honey taste either is lost or just confuses what the brewer seems to be trying to do. I had a honey saison last night from a brewery that shall remain nameless that was by far the worst beer I've tried this show. Let's see if we can move past this trend as quickly as possible.
*Midwestern beers are not just the Milwaukee's Best clones of the world anymore. An increasing number of breweries from that region are generating talk and respect. Wisconsin's New Glarus, of course, has always been one of the attention stealers of the festival. But Goose Island, Jolly Pumpkin, Lakefront, Three Floyds and Upland are among those giving you good reasons to stay over in the far section of the convention hall after you've waited in the 15-minute line for your NG Raspberry Tart.
Labels: Great American Beer Festival, Six Rivers Brewery
Comments:
<< Home
Hey Ed, good meeting you at GABF. I did a lousy job of scouring the floor, as evidenced by the fact that I missed Six Rivers. Did they have their Kona Porter? That is my favorite coffee beer ever.
If you've had a chance to start it, hope you're enjoying Red, White, and Brew.
Cheers,
Brian
Post a Comment
If you've had a chance to start it, hope you're enjoying Red, White, and Brew.
Cheers,
Brian
<< Home
