Wednesday, May 31, 2006

A change of pace...

This morning I did something different. I got up at my usual hour, but instead of suiting up and heading to work I put on some shorts and took a nice stroll up the Mount, down to the Harbor and then back up First Ave. The air was heavy; a thick fog had descended on the Bay. The tympanic sounds of song birds were supported by the deep Bass tone of the ferry’s fog horn. A nice change of pace … memo to self- do this more often…

Also a nice change of a pace, the Hefeweizen is a hazy unfiltered brew that is made with a healthy dose of un-malted wheat and special strains of top-fermenting yeast. As a summer quencher it is a refreshing treat! This weekend I made it a point to chill and enjoy three different “hefe’s.” The first hefe I sampled was Franziskaner from Spaten-Franziskaner- Brau, Munich, Germany. This brew is very much a mainstream beer. It pours a hazy, bright yellow with a generous, tightly-knit head. The much anticipated aromas of fruit and spice are somewhat muted but are definitely there - predominately ripe bananas and earthy cloves as well as a pleasant yeast aroma. The taste is slightly tart with the some bread notes and a floral hop bite. In a word – refreshing. This brew is commonplace in our area. It is available on tap at Briody’s in Rumson and available in bottles in better local stores.

More difficult to find and in my opinion worth seeking out is Julius Echter Hefeweizen from Wurzbuger Hofbrau. This is a more complex and strongly flavored brew. The aroma is richly fruity, the palate is sharp and slightly tart and the appearance is a darker yellow by comparison with the Franzikaner.

Brewed closer to home, Vermont based Magic Hat’s Circus Boy is a very accessible American interpretation of the style. It is available in six-packs and as part of their “Joe’s Garage Sampler.”

Some notes on serving Hefe’s: In general this beer style has a tendency to generate an overabundant head. This can be tamed by rinsing your glass with cold water just prior to pouring and by carefully pouring it down the side until a small amount (about two inches) remains in the bottle. At this point stop pouring and swirl the bottle a few times to dislodge the yeasty sediment and then pour the remainder of the beer into your glass. Be sure to use a tall wide-mouthed glass if you can locate one. This will best showcase this great style’s exotic aroma and sunny appearance. Many places insist on serving a lemon wedge with a hefe. I recommend you pass on this, but the curious can ask their server for the lemon on the side and try it both ways.

Welcome to summer!

Thursday, May 25, 2006

Comings and Goings

This morning, while walking to the marina, I noticed that Atlantic Bagel Company was doing a brisk early morning trade. The clientele looked to be a mix of local fisherman and commuters grabbing something on the go. First Ave. is not usually that busy at 5:45 a.m. but it is always good to see a local business doing well.

Speaking of locals; it is with much sadness that I report the announced closing of the Heavyweight Brewery in Ocean Township. Tom Baker and Peggy Zwerver (a Husband and Wife team) are very active in the local craft beer scene. They are moving on to better things. While Heavyweight has been growing and making money, Tom and Peggy want to open a brew-pub where they can brew some of their own brews and also serve some of the other local craft beers as well. They have planned three more batches at their existing facility to exhaust their existing grain supply and then they will be moving on… While I wish them all the best, I am going to miss their fine brews (especially their Barley Wine and Baltic Porter) and I will be stocking up on all of them. If you are a fan I suggest you do likewise. I am sure there will be a transition party at the brewery. Look for notice here or on the Heavyweight Brewing web-page.

Another industry icon, Rolling Rock, formerly an InBev brand, has been acquired by Anheuser Busch. The acquisition includes the Rolling Rock trademarks and the recipes, but not the Old Latrobe Brewery. InBev will be selling the 1.3m barrel state-of-the art brewery to another purchaser as yet undetermined. Some are speculating that Boston Brewing Company (Sam Adam’s) and Sierra Nevada are likely candidates. There are certainly other possibilities including other U.S. Regional brewers or a brewer that is currently an import looking to bring their product to the North American market in fresher condition. I will keep you posted as I learn more.

I hope see some of you at the Atlantic Highlands PBA Ball. This year the proceeds from this charity event will benefit Patrolman Stephen Doherty to offset medical expenses. Michael Short and his team at Hunterdon Brewing have graciously donated a craft beer basket that will be available for bidding in the Silent Auction. My family and I have also donated a basket of tri-state craft brews and accessories to enhance your Bay Shore summer. It will be a great time for sure and it is another wonderful chance to socialize with old friends, make some new ones and help out a local hero too. Feel free to say Hello if you see me there.

On Monday, May 29, 2006, we will be honoring all those that have risked and sacrificed so much in pursuit of the liberty that we sometimes take for granted. This year commit to yourself that you will march in or attend a local parade, fly your flag proudly, register and vote at every opportunity and thank those that have served for their efforts. In fact each time you exercise your right to vote you are in effect thanking those that served.

To all who have served and continue to serve this great country, in peace or in war, thank you.

Until next week.

Craft Beer in Cans (Part 2)

The Bay Shore is glorious this morning; clear blue skies, rain-washed fresh air, gulls wheeling in aerial waltzes. This natural beauty always reminds me why we moved here in the first instance. What a perfect day, shame I had to spoil it by gong to work. Alas, good beer is not free, so in order to support my habit it’s off to work I must go…

It seems that a new good beer is arriving in the local stores each week this spring. Most of it is packaged in the traditional brown glass bottles. This is great, but it does limit the discriminating drinker’s options when attending venues where glass is just not appropriate. Weep and gnash your teeth no more -just in time for beach, pool and boating season we have some great new choices in unbreakable packaging. While you could always pick up inexpensive national brands in cans, as well as some of the mainstream imports, craft brews in cans have been virtually non-existent. This changed last fall with the arrival on our shores of The Oskar Blues Brewery’s “Dale’s Pale Ale” and “Old Chub” (a delightfully malty Scotch Style Ale). Now in cans and new in the local stores are two brews from Sly Fox Brewing of Royersford, Pennsylvania, “Phoenix Pale Ale” and “Pikeland Pils.”

I have taken it upon myself to sample these two examples of the brewer’s art and can say without question that these beers are both first rate. You do not have to trust me; just ask Rich Young my neighbor. Rich is often the victim of my boring monologues on beer and this past weekend was no exception. Rich is a Dale’s Pale Ale fanatic so I knew he would bite when I offered up the competition. In a side by side tasting Rich concluded that while the Phoenix Pale Ale was indeed spectacular, Dale’s was still his preferred beer. Both brews are generously hopped with West Coast Hops (lots of citrus and pine flavor), though we both found the Dale’s to have a more aggressive profile. Personally I liked the strong malt presence in the Phoenix and will definitely stock up on this brew. The preceding notwithstanding, Dale’s is a great restorative glass after a grueling day of home maintenance.

For Dan Kilduff, and, those that prefer a subtler and less aggressive brews, the Pikeland Pils, a German-Style Pilsner, may be just the ticket. The Pikeland compares favorably with Troeg’s “Sunshine Pils” and Victory’s “Prima Pils” but in a convenient unbreakable package…a blind taste test may follow. Initial comments-pours a clear sunshine yellow with a generous pillow of white head. Aroma of wet grass, green leaves and faint, bready-malts. Taste is, initially, a touch sweet but a firm but not overpowering hop presence is there to balance things out. Dan this is a great beer in a can that won’t break if you drop it while cleaning that beautiful pool of yours.

The Sly Fox brews are packaged in 12 pack corrugated cardboard cartons and available at Spirits Unlimited on Newman Springs Road in Red Bank. The Oskar Blues products are available in our town at the Copper Basket on First Avenue.

Now the only dilemma facing Atlantic Highlands is how we get good craft beer served at the Shore Casino…sigh.

Until next time…

Spring is in the air

Spring has finally come to our little slice of Paradise. The Robins are back and feasting on the worms in my backyard, the sweet sound of birdsong greets me as I walk to catch the ferry and the need for a top-coat has thankfully lapsed…Now all we need is more spring rain. The hundred or so little seedlings that Cub Scout Pack 22 planted last week need a good soak.

With the spring season comes a changing of the guard as respects the seasonal selections available at the local stores. Out with the Double Bocks and Barley Wines! Be gone all the malty and decadent Winter Warmers and Hello to all the bright Crisp Pilsners, White Ales and Mai-Bocks. The longer days and warmer temperatures have got this beer drinker yearning for something a little lighter. I yearn to pour a glass of liquid sunshine to match the delicate spring greens and other light fare that appeal to the palate this time of year. Presently I am enjoying Troeg’s Sunshine Pils, a fresh fruity take on this style. It pours a bright sunshine yellow, with a generous white head, a pleasing, fresh hop aroma and a balanced palate. This Pilsner style beer is definitely a nice refreshing glass that I readily pair with a spring salad and some fresh grilled fare.

Also new in the local stores, from the good folks at Smuttynose Brewing, Smuttynose’s Summer Weizen. In the brewer’s own words it is “ Light, tasty & full of character, … brewed with a combination of domestic and continental wheat and barley malts, lightly hopped & fermented with a Belgian wit yeast,” Sounds like it’s worth a try to me. The folks at Smuttynose take great pride in their work and it shows in their brews. Their “Big Beer Series” is a line-up of well crafted and innovative interpretations of traditional (and non-traditional) brews.

I am also looking forward to picking up some of Victory Brewing Company’s Prima Pils. This brew is available year-round - but I like to enjoy Pilsners when it is warm enough to appreciate a well chilled brew while outside. On the seasonal side, look sharp for Victory’s Whirlwind Wit. This brew is a refreshing interpretation of the Belgian Wit style. Spiced with citrus and coriander this brew pours a hazy sunshine yellow with a white creamy head and abundant carbonation. Pair this brew with some spicy Barbecue, Sichuan or Thai food.

The Patio is finished and we can’t wait to plant those Jersey Tomatoes and Jalapenos…

Til next time.

News and Brews

It is a delightful day here on the Bay Shore. This morning’s walk to the 6 O’clock ferry was very refreshing. It apparently rained a little last night and the air had that refreshingly moist quality that follows such events. The past month at work and various family events have fully occupied my time - making a weekly column a bit of a challenge to undertake. Alas, a break from work at least is in order so let me share a few items that have been tumbling around my head these past weeks.

I have been following a few exciting trends in the American brewing scene. In particular a Wall Street Journal column on Anheuser Busch noted that the brewer is looking to craft brewed and organic products to boost its flagging sales. It seems big beer has come to realize that more and more Americans want beers that actually have some taste. In fact, the have actually started to boost the hop levels in their mainstream products as well. For more info on this interesting turn click on the following link: Anheuser-Busch Lets Ohio And New England Beer Drinkers Pick Hometown Specialty Brew . Sadly, the Big Apple and environs have not been tapped for any experimental products, but the reports that I have read online about the tasting sessions have been very intriguing. Of course this news is not without its share of controversy. Many craft beer aficionados see this as another attempt by the Great Satan to drive the craft brewers out of business. Personally, I think it is very encouraging that an American Icon is reaching out to satisfy the taste yearnings of a broader audience. The converts to these brews will no doubt include many dedicated AB product drinkers who are very brand loyal and will try these brews because they are from the folks that bring you “Bud.” Most Craft brew fans will continue to support the craft brews and imports that they already know and enjoy.

Variety is the spice of life. On a given day I have around forty to fifty different brews on hand. Some I keep cold and some I cellar for future consumption. This allows me to match a brew with my mood, a meal or a guest. This also takes up a fair bit of shelf space and has driven me to purchase more singles and fewer sixes and twelve-packs. I cannot recall the last time I purchased a case of anything. In this regard, Bob the Beer Guy, the Beer Manager of Spirits Unlimited in Red Bank has arranged a selection of brews that you can purchase as a mixed six-pack. The variety of beers available changes frequently so it is a great way to mix and match and experiment with new brews and new styles. Thanks Bob!

Stone Beers have finally arrived in New Jersey thanks to Mike Short and Hunterdon Brewing! Get thee to Spirits Unlimited in Red Bank and Middletown and stock up on Arrogant Bastard, Stone Ruination IPA and Stone IPA. I understand that other varieties will follow shortly. I was fortunate enough to score a Jeroboam of Oaked Arrogant Bastard to christen our new patio with.

Lastly, this week, in the Dining and Wine section of The New York Times, Eric Azimov has written an excellent article on Belgian Lambics. Eric is a great writer and has written several articles on different beer varieties. Eric also has a blog called The Pour where he muses about all things spirituous and gives you the chance to spout off as well.

Welcome to spring, I hope to see you around town!