I am so very tired of hearing article after segment after blog post about Thanksgiving wine pairing without any mention of beer or cider. Sure, when it comes to pairing, I am very biased. But in this case, as it turns out, I am right. Wine simply does not have the immense pairing potential that beer does. There are far more foods that wine hasn’t been able to stand up to, like most chocolate (yes, really), that beer doesn’t even have to sweat to match. In order to deliver tha

I once heard the term “session” explained as taking a sip, and being ready for another once you’ve swallowed the first. I don’t entirely agree with this explanation, but it’s one of the better I’ve heard. It conveys the idea that session beers are not heavy, but I also disagree with the implication that one doesn’t need to pause and think about a beer, or that session beers are flavorless with no lingering notes. But “lawnmower beer”? No. Have you ever wanted to mow your lawn

By Tuesday, the weather wasn’t getting much warmer in Chicago. We had a few breweries planned for our afternoon, plus a stroll down south Michigan Ave and a walk through Millennium Park. Monday evening was spent in the Fulton Market District, west of the river, a favorite neighborhood of the trip. I highly recommend a classy restaurant called Publican, where we were treated to an insane form of French dessert called Vacherin: a pineapple and mint ice cream pie with cinnamon m

[please pardon the appearance of ABV as some necessary upgrades are in progress!] Never mix uppers and downers, you’ve been told since your days as a doe-eyed freshman in the marching band. My college years were decidedly boring – and productive -with the caffeine far outweighing any alcohol, but I still consider that sage advice every time I see someone order a Bailey’s and coffee. Big Central barista competition, actually embraces the idea of coffee in beer, and hosts a reg

[have you tried?] features a small glimpse at the under-appreciated brew, a neighborhood gem, an oldie but goodie, a new classic, or an often overlooked treat. I frequently assert that most people, restaurants, and beers deserve a second chance. And with many breweries reinventing themselves and significantly upping their game lately, the statement is even more true. The best example I have is Alaskan, and Schell’s is not far behind — two great breweries that have become even

As part of my work at The Four Firkins Beer Store I was invited to create a “curated six pack” of beer. As the Firkins has the largest selection of single beers in Minnesota, there were very few stipulations put on my compilation. I couldn’t repeat beers that had been selected by those before me and I couldn’t pick any seasonal beers. I am honored to have my selections featured this month at the store! You may remember my amazing Minnesota Six-Pack as part of Bryan Roth’s Six

The styles we have covered already include Russian imperial stout, imperial amber, imperial rye and even imperial pumpkin. But the imperial pilsner is about as hard to spot in the wild as the Imperial California Common. Over the summer, while pouring for Odell on the Haskell’s Cruise, I tried the Odell Double Pilsner and it was everything good about the style plus a serious little punch. And that, to me, is the mark of an ideal imperial – it carries the style to new heights a

Last week I discussed the general ideas behind imperial beers including their history and significance today. I described two imperial pumpkin beers, one that was good and one that was over-the-top fantastic. Now I’m taking a look at other “imperial” styles both typical and atypical, starting with an oddity: the imperial amber. Grand Teton’s Bone Warmer, to be specific. I have a sordid relationship with beers that have red or amber in the name, but I was mostly curious about

Remember the first discussion of California Commons when I said that only Anchor Steam can use the word “Steam”? Well, evidently they’ve become a bit more lax (I assume Southern Tier needed their permission). I’m pleased to announce that Southern Tier has created a double/imperial/2X steam, which they have creatively dubbed the Double Uncommon 2X Steam. It is not unlike the original, but the high ABV really bolsters the malt component in the taste of this brew. In fact, the m

This weekend while at a friend’s housewarming, I discovered the Stevens Point Brewery Summer Sampler Pack. Two of my favorite Point beers were inside: the 2012 Black Ale and the Pale Ale. A third beer, one I would have previously ignored, was what I resolved to drink. It’s part of my effort to rediscover ambers. The bottle was not in the cooler for long enough, but I couldn’t complain, it was free beer on a patio after a 12 hour day. The Point Amber was an okay beer, but far

Well, first it was obvious that it was time to go all grain. I had learned through kits and basic equipment that A) I’m not an idiot and I can follow basic directions and B) its super fun and I enjoy the process and the product! I don’t generally write about homebrewing, but I’d like to share this little hops experiment I participated in with my brewing group. As part of Bitches Brew Crew, we decided to create a way to become more discerning about hop varieties. Each of us pl