Reunion Ale 16

Reunion Ale '16 

"A Beer for Hope"  

When I see collaboration beers, I instantly get excited. Most of the times they are not in styles that I fully enjoy. But, the one I am trying tonight is right in my wheelhouse for particular style of beer. Then I got to researching the two breweries that were collaborating together. The two breweries working together on this beer I am sampling tonight is Shmaltz Brewing Company and Terrapin Beer Company. This brew is a Collaboration for a Cause. As stated on the back of the bottle: "Teaming up with Terrapin Beer Company for the sixth time. Shmaltz Brewing returns Reunion Ale '16. For 2016, Reunion was exclusively brewed at Shmaltz in Clifton Park, New York with Terrapin Brewmaster 'Spike' Buckowski traveling from Georgia to Upstate New York to help brew the latest collaboration. Each year we brew Reunion in Memory of our dear friend Virginia MacLean. Virginia lost her battle with Multiple Myeloma in 2007. It was her wish that we continue to raise funds and awareness on behalf of the Institute for Myeloma & Bone Cancer."  

Shmaltz Brewing Company

Shmaltz Brewing Company is located in Clifton Park, New York. They have been around since 1996 and have been focusing on bringing He'brew beer into the world. Shmaltz Brewing has been a collaboration of labor and creativity by so many talented/enthusiastic individuals. 

Terrapin Beer Company

Terrapin Beer Company is located in Athens, Georgia. Terrapin Beer has been around since 2002. They focus on 'creating unique experiences through the passionate brewing of the finest quality craft beers. 

Bottle of Reunion '16

Onto tonight's beer, I am sampling the Reunion '16. Reunion is a complex dark ale that is brewed with chocolate, cocoa nibs, cinnamon, vanilla, ginger, and Mexican chilli peppers. The alcohol by volume or ABV is 8%. 

Appearance of Reunion '16

Aroma of Reunion '16 ale is very complex and unique. I notice a spiced aroma that is picked up from the chilli peppers and cinnamon. The next aroma that I notice is the chocolate and cocoa nibs aroma. There is a slight hint of ginger after the chocolate and cocoa nibs aroma. The aroma is complex and all the aromas blend/assert themselves in different ways. The color of Reunion '16 is a deep chocolate brown appearance, in fact it almost has a black appearance. The head or foam of the beer was thin and quickly dissipated. There was a small foam ring around the edges of the glass. The foam is a tan brownish color. 

With all this spiced and chocolate aroma I am curious to see where this beer takes me for the taste of this brew. I took my first sip and the taste follows the aroma to a T. The only difference is the order that the notes hit you. The first thing I notice is the ginger and vanilla note. The next note that come after that is the chocolate and cocoa nibs note. The last thing I notice taste wise is the chilli peppers finishing note with a hint of cinnamon. The beer has a light to medium body. The flavors are rich and complex, which is noted from the beginning as a complex dark beer. For me this is a beer that would be perfect for sharing after a nice dinner. The complexity really comes out with all the flavors and the way the come out in particular ways in the beer. 

A Beer for Hope

Fight against bone cancer and Myeloma 

Overall, I thought this beer was a good brew. For me, the complexity was a little much and became a little overwhelming. It's a dark beer with a rich mouthfeel. I almost think what it might have been if it was a stout. The complexness of the beer is enjoyable though and shows itself of through the beer as you drink more and more. The chilli pepper addition I thought was going to be overpowering, but in actuality it was only a hint. Shmaltz and Terrapin collaboration for a cause and a beer for hope was a great brew and I cannot wait until the next one comes out.  If you want to donate to fight the link is going to posted right here: Institute for Myeloma and Bone Cancer 

Check out Shmaltz Brewing and Terrapin Beer Company on their social media and their websites: 

http://shmaltzbrewing.com

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Institute for Myeloma and Bone Cancer Research

 

Unjunct

+CartonBrewingCompany "Drink off the Beaten Craft"

Another stout a day keeps the doctor away, right? Well let's try that tonight. I am sampling a beer from a Brewery in New Jersey. I have tried one of their brews before and I have wanted to try more from them. I just have not been able to get my hands on their stuff until now. This brewery was founded in 2011 and has come a long way in five plus years, their six year anniversary is coming up in August 2017. They now have a 15 barrel brew house and were founded by Chris and Augie Carton. They created Carton Brewing Company and have not looked back since. Their focus is applying a passion for stimulating flavor to inspiration found all around them. They set out with a goal to make tasty beers in the place that their tastes had be born. Carton Brewing Company is located in Atlantic Highlands, New Jersey. 

Unjunct Stout by Carton Brewing Company

These cousins created Carton Brewing Company around where the were born and raised. I find that to be inspiring, it's like giving back to your hometown with their brews. Tonight I am trying their stout. I am sampling their brew called Unjunct. Unjunct is a stout that has an alcohol by volume or ABV of 8.5% and a bitterness or IBU of 60. From reading the side of the can, which explains the story behind the flavors and the additions to this brew, I am intrigued.

Artwork/Story on the can. 

From the side of the can background of the beer I can tell this brew is going to complex and that should come through in all aspects of the beer. As I poured this beer the first thing I noticed was the jet black appearance to the beer coming out of the can. There was a thickness to the color and the pour that coincided. The foam or head of the beer has a deep brown hue to it. In addition to that, as it pours the head is very noticeable as it then begins to thin out to a thin layer a top the glass. There is lacing around the edge of the glass as you swirl it around. The more and more I think about the aroma, the more there are so many different notes. At first you notice the coffee aroma it is complex. It's has so many different things to it: rich, smooth, sweet. Then I noticed the roasted malt backbone of the beer. the subtle sweetness that pairs with the coffee note. Going further there is a fruity ester noter in the brew that is hard to pinpoint. All of these notes are pulled together with a subtle vanilla aroma that pulls you back from the darkness/smokiness. 

Head or foam of the beer 

Appearance of  Unjunct Stout 

Taste of this is going to be hard to pinpoint after taking a whiff of the aroma of Unjunct.  I took my first sip and I instantly notice the complexity of this brew. The body and mouthfeel are medium and creamy. Almost makes me think about how this stout would be on nitro because of the mouthfeel. After noticing the body and mouthfeel, I began to pick up on the taste notes in the beer. The primary one that I notice is the roasted malt backbone in the beer. Which is paired with the complex roasted coffee notes that collides in the aroma. The next tasting notes I am able to pick up on is the fruity and spice notes in the beer. The fruit adds a layer of sweetness into the brew that has a layer of bitterness coming from the roasted and coffee notes. There is a back and forth taste fight going on as I drink this complex stout. The creamy mouthfeel helps pull out the sweetness in the beer and the medium body is solidified by the roasted/coffee notes.  The more I sip on this beer I begin to notice that the sweetness takes a backseat to the bitter side of the beer as it lingers on. They are all there, but not as pronounce as they were in the beginning. 

Check out Unjunct by Carton Brewing Company

I kept thinking the more I drank this stout, there was a certain tug and pull aspect to the beer. Almost like a Yin and Yang aspect to it. The more you notice a sweetness, the more a bitterness came after it to bring it back to even. Unjunct was a complex beer that toed the line of bitter and sweet. In chocolate terms this beer reminded me of a dark chocolate bar. You are looking for a bitter and sweet combo in the chocolate. That is what this beer brings to mind for me. I really enjoyed the beer and the constant battle between the two sides. For beer enthusiasts this is a must try. If you are looking to get into stouts this a beer you want to wait to try. I would say the more developed stout profiles you get into this is one that you could try. Unjunct is complex and nothing to fool around on. There is a noticeable booze note the more and more you get into this stout.  

Check out Carton Brewing Company on their website and their social media: 

http://cartonbrewing.com/

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Devils Backbone Comes to Philadelphia

+Devils Backbone Brewing Company 

Recently I heard that Devils Backbone Brewing Company was coming into the Philadelphia market.I was excited to hear this because I had already heard of the brewery and was curious to try more of their beer. The first beer I ever had from Devils Backbone was a collaboration between Ninkasi and Devils Backbone. The beer was called Devil Went Down to Oregon, it was a Imperial Dark Rye beer on tap at Time Whiskey Bar in Center City, Philadelphia. Then I was introduced to some of their beers at the Philly Beer Fest in January. I was sampled two of their beers at the beer fest and I really enjoyed them. First beer I sampled was the Kilt Flasher and the other beer I tried was the Vienna Lager. I talked to one of the Sales Managers at the Beer Fest and I explained that I was a beer blogger. We discussed the possible events that would be upcoming, one was a beer dinner at a local bar. As the event became closer and I was unable to attend, we discussed the events after the beer dinner. I had a great time attending the events and getting to know the Devils Backbone group/beers. 

Beers from Philly Beer Fest

Alcohol by Volume or ABV of the Brews

Before I explain all the events I attended let's dive into the history and where the brewing company is from. Devils Backbone Brewing Company is located in Lexington and Roseland, Virginia. From Philadelphia, Pennsylvania it is a five hour drive if you want to make the trip. Time to dive into the history of Devils Backbone. 

Map of the Region with Devils Backbone Location

Devils Backbone Brewing Company was founded by Steve and Heidi Crandall. The idea of craft beer was introduced to them while on vacation in Cortina, Italy, where they were introduced to a German brew Weihenstephan. The seed had been planted about craft beer and it had started to grow into idea of Devils Backbone. The more they traveled the more the began to realize and notice craft beer exposure and its link to the great outdoors. It was a commonality for most outdoors destinations. The brewpub was part of the fabric of the area. Knowing this helped push the idea for a brewpub in the Nelson County Region in Virginia.  

The name "Devils Backbone" is unique and has a history to the region. They wanted to incorporate the name into modern culture. The name was coined On September 25, 1746, eight years before the French and Indian War, a party of forty set out from Bear Fence Mountain in the Blue Ridge on one of the most legendary land surveys in American history. They had already spent two-weeks charting various wild rivers to find the true “Headspring of the Rappahannock,” its point-of-beginning as decreed by King George.  According to a journal entry from Thomas Lewis, a surveyor of the territory; “Friday, October 3rd … Thence 604 poles to the top of Devils Backbone to a Chestnut Oak we marked 31 miles. This day several of the horses had like to been killed, tumbling over rocks and precipices, and we ourselves were often in utmost danger. This terrible place we called Purgatory …”

Tap List for Tap Takeover at Isaac Newton's in Newtown, PA

Now onto the Launch Week events that I attended while Devils Backbone was visiting the Philadelphia Area. I had the pleasure of meeting the crew of Devils Backbone while they were at Isaac Newton's in Newtown, Pennsylvania. I was introduced to some of the beer representatives from the Philadelphia, Cincinnati, Manhattan areas. It was great getting to introduce myself and getting to know what their favorite beer from Devils Backbone. Devils Backbone did a Tap Takeover at Isaac Newton's with the support from Gretz Beer Company. Who is going to be distributing them in the region. For me, it was a highlight when I was able to talk to Heidi Crandall about beers and favorite styles. Another highlight was when I talked to the brewer Josh and we talked about homebrewing/ favorite styles of beers. I was introduce to the both of the Devils Backbone Philadelphia reps, John and Caitlin. I ran into some of the representatives from Gretz Beer Company and caught up with them.  There was a photobooth and a button maker at the tap takeover. Overall, I thought the Tap Takeover went over really well and a lot of people attended this particular launch week event. 

Devils Backbone Brewing Company and Gretz Beer Company 

Gold Leaf Lager- Golden Lager

4.5% ABV and IBU 17 

Personal Favorite - Black Lager German Style Schwarzbier 

5.1% ABV and IBU 22

UK IPA 19th Century English IPA

6.7 ABV and 60 IBU

Jubilee Launch Week Tap Takeover List 

Isaac Newton's  

Above are some of the brews I tried at the Tap Takeover as part of the Philly Launch Week for Devils Backbone Brewing Company. I was also able to try the Juniper IPA that was made with Juniper berries and gin botanicals. Since I had tried the Kilt Flasher at the Philly Beer Fest as well as the Vienna Lager, I made sure I tried new beers. The interesting thing that I found was that I did not have a bad beer that night. Even as I am not a big India Pale Ale fan, I found that I could enjoy the Juniper IPA and the UK IPA. 

I was able to attend another beer launch week Jubilee event in Royersford, Pennsylvania. There was live music and another tap takeover. It was at the Creekside Sports Bar and Grill. Another event that had a great turnout in my opinion. I ran into a friend and his wife at this event. I began talking about the event at Isaac Newton's, since he worked for Gretz Beer Company. I got myself a Black Lager, since I enjoyed it so much at Isaac's. While I was at the event I made myself a button bottle opener  

Devils Backbone Brewing Company

View of dance floor from the bar at Creekside 

Grabbing a pint of Devils Backbone

There were a few more events in the Launch Week that I wished I had been able to go to but was not able to make. First was the Beer Dinner with Josh French. Beer Dinner with a brewer sounds like something that would have been cool and unique. Unfortunately, I was not able to attend this event, but from what I heard about the event and the food was only great things. I later met Josh at the event at Isaac Newton's, so you could say it ended up working out. Then there was another Tap Takeover that had happened at City Tap House in University City.  Another event with live music was the event in Ardmore, PA, which was at the Ardmore Music Hall. The event featured Mo Lowda and the Humble + Rad & Kell. 

From what I saw I think Devils Backbone is going to do pretty well coming into the Philadelphia Market.  Here is a Link to the Philly Launch Week Page: PA Launch. If you are in Delaware and New Jersey make sure you are on the look out for events near you. 

Two Tap Takeover in Delaware in April. Rehoboth April 19th, Trolley Taphouse April 20, Dewey Beach Grill Brewfest April 22nd. 

New Jersey- April 1st, ATLANTIC CITY BEER FEST,  March 29th EGG HARBOR TAP TAKEOVER AND CAPE MAY TAP TAKEOVER

It was great meeting some of the Devils Backbone Family. John, Derik, Kerry, Caitlin, Steff, Heidi, and Josh. Great seeing a Brewing Company from Virginia expanding out its reach into areas where they were not before. I am all for sampling and expanding craft beer. 

Check out some of the events going on in states where Devils Backbone is expanding their reach: 

Ohio Launch Events

New Jersey Launch Events

Delaware Launch Events

Check out Devils Backbone Brewing Company out on their website and social media: 

http://dbbrewingcompany.com/

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Espressway

As winter is turning towards spring I am trying the some of the stouts remaining in my beer fridge. Soon it will not be cold enough to thoroughly enjoy a stout, as it warms you up on a cold night. Tonight I am trying a stout from a brewery I have never sampled a beer from. I am curious and excited to see their take on a stout style that I enjoy. The brewery is located in the Northeast of the United States. The New England Area for a better explanation. 

Two Roads Brewing Company 

The brewery is Two Roads Brewing Company, they are located in Stratford, Connecticut. Two Roads was founded in 2012, by four friends who always wanted to start a craft brewery. Two Roads is not just a logo on the label and the brewery, it's their philosophy. Life seems to always offer up two ways to go. Happens to that they prefer to take the one less taken and have some fun along the way. The Road Less Traveled is their philosophy for the beers and is on every beer. 

Espressway Coffee Steeped Oatmeal Stout by Two Roads Brewing Company

Now onto tonight's beer. I am trying the Espressway from Two Roads Brewing Company. Espressway is a Coffee Steeped Oatmeal Stout. In other words, it's Cold Brew Coffee Stout.  I am curious to try this brew since, I recently had a conversation with a brewer who told me to use cold brew if I add coffee into my brews. I am fascinated to see the different take on the addition of coffee into the beer. From the conversation, I had with a brewer he told me that it takes away acidity in the beer that would have been added because of the beans added into the process. Espressway has an alcohol by volume or ABV of 6.5%. Two Roads adds a mixture of locally roasted Ethiopian/Sumatra blend of beans under pressure, to create an espresso like mixture without steam. The mixtures is steeped for several days. 

Appearance of Espressway 

Let's dive into the aroma and the appearance. Appearance of Espressway as you pour it you notice the deep rich black colored appearance to the beer. As if it was just freshly roasted black coffee. The next thing I noticed was the foam/head of the beer. After you pour the beer there is a thin layer of a deep brown tint foam around the top of the beer. The rich dark chocolate colored head quickly dissipates and leaves a thin ring of foam around the edge of glass. The aroma of Espressway is tricky in a good way.  The first note that I picked up on the aroma was the roasted malt aroma. The roasted malt aroma note is rich and is very noticeable aromatically. The second note I picked up on is the coffee aroma, which is strong considering the coffee beans blended in the mixture. It is a complex and rich coffee aroma, as I figured it would be. Another aroma note I notice not as strong is the chocolate or cocoa nibs aroma. The chocolate/cocoa nibs aroma matches the dark chocolate tint of the foam. The last note I picked up on is a hint of vanilla. 

Taste is next up on the agenda. I took my first sip and I was hooked. For me, I am not a big coffee fan, but the complexity of the coffee beans added into the stout were not overpowering to a point that I could not enjoy the stout. The roasted malt notes the are noticeable in the aroma is the first thing, I noticed in the taste of the beer. There is a bitter note in the beer the coincides with the roasted malt note that pairs well with it. It is not a bitter note from hops, it is a bitter chocolate note. The coffee notes comes after the roasted and bitter notes. The coffee note does not linger. But you can tell that it is like an espresso, which comes through in the body of the beer. It is smooth and creamy mouthfeel. The end note I get is a subtle hop unique not that is not bitter, which is blended into the linger roasted notes left on the tip of the tongue. The beer finishes with a dry finish. 

Check out Espressway by Two Roads Brewing Company

Overall, I think this Coffee Oatmeal Stout was a good stout. To me I almost wish the oatmeal side asserted itself a little more for my liking. The coffee side takes more of the presences in the beer. That in no way means that I did not enjoy the beer. I did really like the beer. If you are a coffee or espresso enthusiast this is a must try. If you enjoy coffee stouts than you need to add this stout to your list to try. The name of this brew is paired well with the taste of the stout.  

Check out Two Roads Brewing Company on their website and social media: 

https://tworoadsbrewing.com/

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