Wed, 29 November 2006 Following is a conversation with a man named Martin, someone who knows a lot about Belgian beer. The question asked was a simple recommendation for a new Belgian beer fan. The answer is worth sharing. My favorites among the Belgians are the lambics, but real lambics are pretty thin on the ground, here. The only Lindemann's worth drinking is Cuvee Rene, which you seldom find. The rest of their line is sickly-sweet soda pop. Boon is usually good but highly variable. Cantillon is the best from my point of view, but most people seem to find it to harsh. I've seen Mort Subite here, but can't recommend it. Any of the (real) Trappists are well worth it, with the possible exception of Orval. This is an utterly lovely beer when it's in good condition, but it can't stand up to commercial importation. Drink it in Europe, but not here. Chimay, of course, is wonderful. Westmalle Dubbel and Tripel are generally considered to be the benchmark examples of those styles. I've once or twice seen Westvleteren beers here; they're utterly lovely, but they have no formal export program as their output is very small. Rochefort's output is scarcely larger, but I've seen them here from time to time. One of their beers is on the Belgian menu at BJ's, but they've never had it when I've asked for it. Rochefort is my own personal favorite of the Trappists. In their close cousins the "abbey" beers (Trappist styles by secular breweries), I like Affligem, and to a lesser extent Leffe. There are a lot of good examples out there and relatively few duds. One of my favorite general categories is the red and brown sour beers of Flanders, but the last few I've tasted have disappointed me. Liefman's used to be the gold standard in Flanders Browns, but some years ago they were bought out by a large brewing combine and the beer declined in interest as the technology was updated. Some years earlier they'd bought a larger kettle in an attempt to increase production, but couldn't afford to upgrade the steam plant, which wasn't up to bringing the bigger batch to a boil, so they instead went to a method of simmering the wort overnight. They also couldn't afford to maintain their own yeast strain, so they'd send a brewer with a bucket over to Rodenbach now and then. Their new corporate owners decided not to upgrade the steam plant either, and instead had the wort brewed at another plant in their chain, and trucked in to be fermented with one of their existing corporate yeasts. The last one I tasted was just a beer, with scarcely a hint of what had made it great years ago. Rodenbach seems to have suffered a similar fate. Formerly crisp, complex and aggressive, the last couple of bottles I've tasted have been dishwatery and uninteresting. Wit beers are also somewhat in flux. The American-made Blue Moon is quite pleasant. The classic used to be Hoegaarden, but it's grown blander and blander, and its owners plan to discontinue it soon. I saw a whitebeer in cans at Trader Joe's, and probably should have bought it, but didn't. The best Wit I've ever tasted was Celis White, made in Texas, of all places. Not sold here, but it used to be available in the Mountain states. There are a bunch of strong specialty ales I don't care for with names mostly similar to Delirium Tremens, Phantom, Piraat and other vaguely sinister themes. Then there's Duvel, which is the real thing. Outstanding beer, fairly widely available here, and stands importation well. Saisons are another interesting category, with DuPont the most widely available here. Ah, there are so many truly lovely Belgian beers ... - Martin Category: general -- posted at: 1:28 PM Comments[1] |
Mon, 13 November 2006 Join Mark, Mike and Rick as they taste six beers sent in by Jamey. This show has a lot going on, and starts a little slow with distractions and all the things you'd expect on election night. Beers Enjoyed: Victory Prima Pils The extended time is an afterparty of sorts, as the PBN guys become engaged in conversations focusing on East Coast vs West Coast beers and whatever else came to mind. You will notice after we 'sign off' our audio quality changes - this is due to the informal nature of the whole thing and the lack of someone controlling the mixer.Old Dominion Oak Barrel Stout Smuttnose IPA Three Floyds Alpha King Dogfish Head World Wide Stout Dogfish Head 120 Minute Imperial IPA Moylan's Hopsickle Imperial IPA 21st Amendment Watermelon Wheat 21st Amendment IPA Enjoy Show 32 Comments[2] |
Tue, 7 November 2006 Wow folks, this event kicked ass! It's noisy. It's fun. It has great beer. We hope you enjoy Rick and Tracy as they go to San Francisco's world famous Toronado bar. with 50 some-odd taps of beers that just don't suck. We hope you enjoy this as much as we enjoyed recording it. A big thanks to Russ, Jeanette, Tracy, Mike from Speakeasy Brewing, stranger number 1, number 2 and all the extras that made this production what it is. links The Toronado www.toronado.com Dude Night - The Beer Witch Project www.dudenight.net UPCOMING EVENTS The Bistro in Hayward - Barrel Aged Beer Festival 50 barrel aged beers in one place November 11 www.the-bistro.com Comments[3] |
Fri, 13 October 2006 October 17th saw the Northern California release of Deschutes Hop Trip Wet-Hopped Pale Ale, a pure celebration of the 2006 hop harvest. Of course PBN was there to welcome it with open arms. We had a great party at Vino's with the folks we know, folks we met and the wonderful folks from Deschutes. We want to thank Vino's Cheese and Wine for hosting, as well as Deschutes for providing the wonderful beers. This event is the first in what we hope to be a regular series of beer appreciation nights for the public. We had a great time and believe you'll enjoy the listen. Info Vino's Wine and Cheese 973 Pleasant Grove Blvd, Roseville, CA Deschutes Brewery website Comments[6] |
Tue, 3 October 2006 After a month-long break, Mark, Rick and Mike gather around to sample some listener provided beers (Thanks James Spencer!). In this show we sample Deschutes Jubalale, five different Avery Brewing beers, Immortal IPA from Elysian and Pure Hoppiness from Alpine Brewing. Production Note: We thank you all for the emails. It is great having an audience that appreciates the show and notices when we're slacking. In the News: 4% of US hop harvest burned in Washington Sam Adam's Long Shot Announces Winners, with a California winner! GABF results are in! Comments[2] |
Wed, 30 August 2006 Rick, Mark and Mike gather around to try beers from Wild River Brewing Company, in Grants Pass, Oregon. Mike and Rick came across WRBC on our way home from the Oregon Brewers Fest and were so happy with what we found we brought some back for a PBN tasting. Beers we sampled:
Misc Reading Comments[2] |
Fri, 25 August 2006 Summer Beers have been on the shelves for a while now, but Mark and Rick knew they had to get to them soon before they were gone. The show features good beers, Beer Geeks galore, a barking dog, and a lot of fun. Beers Sampled Sam Adam's Ginger Honey Deschutes 18th Anniversary Pilsner Sudwerk Pilsner Full Sail Sun Spot IPA Deschutes Buzzsaw Elysian 'The Wise' ESB Also Mentioned The Brewmaster's Table The Great Canadian Beer Festival Comments[1] |
Wed, 23 August 2006 Big Mike and Rick enjoy a bit more of the Oregon Brewers Fest, in Portland, Oregon. In this show we'll talk to a brewer, look at a beer trailer, talk to some folks, and even have a few beers. Enjoy! Comments[1] |
Mon, 21 August 2006 More of Mike, Rick, Good People, Great Beer and a wonderful city. This is our second part in the OBF audio clips we have. More to come. Comments[3] |
Mon, 21 August 2006 List to Rick and Mike in Portland with lots of beer, good people and a wonderful location. Comments[1] |
Fri, 3 February 2006 Intro to grains along with ramblings all about beer. Comments[1] |
Fri, 3 February 2006 Hops and American IPAs Part II Comments[1] |
Sun, 1 January 2006 Category: Washington Brew News -- posted at: 6:58 PM Comments[2] |
Sun, 1 January 2006 Deschutes "The Abyss" Imperial Stout OREGON ONLY The Abyss has immeasurable depth inviting you to explore and discover its rich, complex profile. Hints of molasses, licorice and other alluring flavors draw you in further and further with each sip. And at 11% alcohol by volume, you will want to slowly savor each and every ounce. December 1st marks the release date of this rare and eclectic ale. Available in wax-dipped 22-ounce bottles and on draft at select establishments. More info at www.deschutesbrewery.com Holiday Ale Festival November 30th - December 3rd 2006 30+ holiday beers in a Northwest environment - cold, wet, outside! More info at http://www.holidayale.com/ The Third Annual Fresh Hop Beer Tastival Saturday October 14th The tastival will feature 20+ fresh hop beers from 20+ Oregon Brewers Admission is FREE, $5 For Collector Glass, $1 Per Taster, $3 for 12oz drink. HOLY CRAP this looks good! More info at http://www.oregonbeer.org/FHBT.html OREGON BREWERS UP 24% THE FIRST HALF OF 2006 Double National Average! More info at www.oregonbeer.org Category: Oregon Brew News -- posted at: 6:56 PM Comments[1] |
Sun, 1 January 2006 November 2006 The Bistro in Hayward - Barrel Aged Beer Festival 50 barrel aged beers in one place November 11 www.the-bistro.com Pacific Brew News in Sacramento Bee, Sunday 9/17 - check it out. Russian River Brewing Company Coming soon: Hop Time Harvest, brewed with frest hops from their own hop field! This beer will be tapped very soon. BJ's in Roseville Cask Ale is Dry-hopped Piranha with Centennial Hops (9/14 to 9/21) Next week: Oktoberfest (9/21 to 9/27) Every Thursday BJ's Taps a New Cask!! Coming Soon: Sierra Nevada Torpedo - Do Not Miss This! Beermann's Beerwerks in Roseville Every Thursday and Friday Night - Dock Sales JUST RELEASED 9/14: Oktoberfest Come as you are for great beer at unbelievable prices. Stand outside, sit inside, take a brewery tour. Look for their beers in Sacramento area restaurants and stores! California Brewers Festival - PASSED, We hope you could make it! September 16, 1-5pm Discovery Park, Sacramento List of Participating Brewers A premier brewfest for Northern California, this year marks the 12th anniversary of the festival. Category: NorCal Brew News -- posted at: 6:43 PM Comments[3] |
Sun, 1 January 2006 September 9th Stone Brewing Company 10th Anniversary Celebration Folks, this one looks epic. Alpine Brewing, Russian River, Green Flash, Drakes, Rogue... just to name a few. September 5, 6 BJ's Brewhouse (Brea/Woodland Hills) FLEMISH SPECIALTY BEERS Part 2 Brea on Tuesday, September 5, 7:30pm Woodland Hills on Wednesday, September 6, 7:30pm $18 per person (pay at the door). Includes all beer samples, handouts and a souvenir glass. Must be 21 years of age. Designated drivers welcome at no charge.
Category: SoCal Brew News -- posted at: 6:40 PM Comments[1] |
