November 2010 Beer Newsletter PDF Print E-mail

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Westside Liquor Beer Newsletter November 2010

BACKYARD BEER PANEL

Hello Beer Friends, due to the wind and the rain we decided to move the backyard panel to the man-cave to conduct our beerology experiment (there were no complaints).   We are tough here in Minnesota but we are also smart.  We did not want to introduce any flying contaminants or water down our beer unnecessarily.

2o Below Winter Ale

Brewed by New Belgium Brewing Company

Made in Fort Collins, Colorado USA

  

Style: Premium Bitter/ESB (Extra Strong Bitters)

Seasonal: Winter         Alcohol By Volume: 6.6%    IBU: 30

  

COMMERCIAL DESCRIPTION / HISTORY LESSON
Pull on your wool socks and crack open a 2° Below Ale. This tasty winter warmer started life as a small batch beer brewed for the Al Johnson Uphill Downhill - a telemark ski race in Crested Butte, Colorado. The Uphill Downhill celebrates the exploits of Al Johnson, letter carrier extraordinaire, who delivered mail by ski in the late 1800's. Dry hopping during fermentation creates a floral nose with a hint of pepper and spicy, subtle undertones. 2° Below provides a bright, hoppy palate and a cheery warm afterglow.


Al

Tim

Dan

Pat

Mr. Sloan

Mrs. Sloan


Appearance

4

4

3.9

4

5

3

Clear caramel color with a nice head that dissipates quickly

Smell

5

4

4

4

4

4

Dried fruit smell hint of flowers roasted nuts

Taste

4

3.5

4

4

3

2

Roasted caramel malt flavors to start but the bitterness from the hops slowly takes over, finishes dry and piney not in a bad way

Mouth Feel

4

3.5

4

3.5

4

3

Smooth with very light carbonation. Not as strong or as dark as other winter ales that I have tried (Al)

Drinkability

4

3.5

4.5

3.5

3

1

Goes down pretty easy. Lighter than most winter ales yet very flavorful.

Overall

4.2

3.7

4.08

3.8

3.8

2.6

      3.70

This beer is my first Winter Ale I have tried and I found this very different than other ales.  This ale did not score the highest marks of the craft beers that we have tried but we all would drink it again (except Mrs. Sloan thanks for trying it)  We scored this above average with a 3.7 out of 5 rating (Mrs. Sloan dropped the average .2%).  The experts rated this at a 3.27 with 594 people rating (ratebeer.com).  I found that the piney notes reminds me of a nice cozy fire on a cold winter night and the 6.6% alcohol content helps with the warmth.

 I would pair this with a good fall /winter seasonal hearty meal such as sweet potatoes, dark meat or wild game, stuffing, au grautin, or chile con queso.

  

I would like to thank the Backyard Beer Panel (might become the man-cave beer panel),  Al Al-Rifai, Tim Gilbert, Dan Strack "Strackman", Mitch Sloan and his lovely bride Christina Sloan for helping me with this wonderful task (maybe I will get my wife to try next month).

  

Supporting Local Beer
There are many ways to support your local beer scene, and it doesn't mean that you have to stop buying your favorite imports. All we're suggesting is that perhaps you think before you drink and try to introduce more local beer into your life.

Here are some ideas:
Visit your local brewpub, pull up a seat at the bar and explore their beers. Visit a local brewery, take the tour and have some samples. Take home a growler of beer too, because not only will the beer be extremely fresh, but you'll also be tempted to bring the empty back for a refill.

Swing by your local package store and buy local. Most local beers are also cheaper than domestic or foreign imports, and again, they'll most likely be fresh. And, the more local beer purchased, the more these places will stock them. Many stores are also open to consumer suggestions.

  

Notable Quote: "I feel sorry for people who don't drink. When they wake up in the morning, that's as good as they're going to feel all day." - Frank Sinatra


Please, join me in supporting the beer makers of America and enjoy your beer.


You're Beer Friend,

Pat Best
 
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