Good morning, all, and happy Sunday to you. As I’m sure we’re all sitting here this morning recovering from great beer-filled weekends, I wanted to post some links and stories of interest.
First, the Sam Adams Beer Lover’s Choice program is back for 2009. You may remember in 2008 when the Blackberry Whit beat out the Coffee Stout for mass distribution for the year. Well this year, the contest is between a Pils and an “Ale” (correct me if I’m wrong but I thought Sam Adams already made an Ale?). They’re being described as:
Samuel Adams Pils
Similar to a traditional Czech Pilsner, our Samuel Adams Pils is brewed with a blend of five Noble hops varieties from each of the world’s only remaining Noble Hops growing regions. The spicy, herbal and citrus hop character is well balanced by the Weyermann Bohemian Pilsner malt, adding honeyed malt character and full body without adding sweetness. ABV is 5.2%Samuel Adams Ale
This IPA style Ale is brewed with a carefully selected blend of hops from top German, English and American growing regions. It is dry hopped with Anthamum, Simcoe and East Kent Golding hops for a powerful fruity and earthy aroma. The intense hop character is balanced by the old German style malt lending a unique sweetness, full body and tart finish. ABV is 5.8%
To find Beer Lover’s Choice events near you so that you can taste the two potential brews and cast your vote for your favorite, check out the Beer Lover’s Choice website.
Once again, Chow.com has chosen their top ten summer beers for 2009. The beers making the list this year are:
- Sierra Nevada Kellerweis
- Bell’s Oberon
- Dogfish Head Festina Pêche
- Russian River Brewing Company Blind Pig IPA
- Oskar Blues Mama’s Little Yella Pils
- The Bruery Trade Winds Tripel Ale
- Nøgne Saison
- Brouwerij Kerkom Bink Blond
- Jolly Pumpkin Calabaza Blanca
- Cantillon Rosé de Gambrinus
For a brief write-up of each beer and a peak as last year’s list, check out the article on CHOW.com. Which is your favorite from the list?
The folks at Flavorwire.com were lucky enough to (virtually) sit down with DIY filmmaker Anat Baron who recently created the beer industry documentary Beer Wars for a brief but informative interview.
We planned on only discussing the film — which which follows the owners of Dogfish Head and Sam Adams as they go toe-to-toe with that largest and most powerful brewery in the United States — but in the process, she schooled us in the history of brewing legislation and broke our hearts with the news that one of our favorite Trappist beers now has more in common with Bud Light than Chimay.
Check out the Baron interview at Flavorwire.com and do your best to catch Beer Wars in a theater near you.
And lastly, check out the latest issue of The Maine Magazine (formally Port City Life) or follow this link for a brief quote from yours truly (they think I’m an expert! heh) about what new-for-summer-2009 Maine beers to drink.
Comments
The only two on this list that I can get in Houston are Mama’s Little Yella Pils. I got the Festina Peche while in Maryland though. The rest aren’t available on tap or in bottle in Houston (but I haven’t been to Flying Saucer in a month, so they may have the sierra nevalda). I didn’t like either of those 2, but Pilsner is not my fave style and Festina Peche is my first berlinerweissse. But, I don’t really like wheat beers either so….I’m a fan of Kolsch and Golden Ales for summer. Flying Dog Tire Bite is awesome. Also, New Belgium Mighty Arrow is one of the best pale ales I’ve ever had. Those are my summer beers. Pyramid’s Curveball isn’t bad either.
Cool, a whole movie about beer. Cannot wait to see it!