Beer gypsies, the Trollingers, me and Julie of Bruisin' Ales
It’s been eons since I wrote much about mommy’s little equilibrium enhancer. Why? Because I’ve been trying to cut back on the quantities of beer I imbibe. Before summer fest comes beer fast. Also, my beer metabolism just ain’t what it used to be. So sad.
I was equally saddened to miss meeting beer rock star, Sam Calgione of Dogfish Head brewery, last weekend. Sam was delayed in Charlotte on Friday night, and I had to get home for a tag team night with E-spouse, so I missed the guy. And I hear he’s just my type–low-key, swarthy, and brimming with beer facts. For photos and dets of Sam’s visit to Ashevegas, visit Bruisin’ Ales loverly blog.
To honor Sam, I bought some Midas Touch and took it to Atlanta with me for an impromptu beer tasting at a party Saturday night. Midas is made using an ancient Turkish recipe (I made up that it was Sumerian, but I was wrong). It’s brewed with honey and grapes, which makes it a bit mead-like. I like it, but as a dessert beer, not a sipping-at-a-party beer. Next I’d like to try the Raison D’Etre, described by Dogfish Head as a deep mahogany ale brewed with beet sugar, green raisins and Belgian yeast. Yum!
I also took some of Highland Brewing’s Cattail Peak Wheat to Atlanta (a craft beer desert whose only watering hole is Sweet Water Brewing). I heart this beer. It’s now organic. Hurrah! It’s a smooth summer drinking beer with body.
In other brew news, we, the city of Asheville, tied with Portland, Ore., for number one beer city in the U.S. Yes, we did. And to celebrate, there will be a hops-infused party at The Orange Peel on June 26, sponsored by both the Peel and Mountain Xpress. It should be a blast.
Also, I hear the Asheville Tourists are sponsoring a beer festival on August 22 at McCormick Field. That’s less than a month before Brewgrass (Sept. 19), but Brewgrass is, as always, sold out, so I guess it’s not much competition.
So that’s three local craft beer parties this summer. Oh, be still my pounding heart.
Yes, on a per capita basis, we Atlantans just don’t get it (good beer). Sweetwater rules the town, but don’t forget about Atlanta Brewing. http://www.atlantabrewing.com/
How could I forget Atlanta Brewing–in only for their great graphic design!
I tried Dogfish Head 60 (or was it 90?)minute IPA on our recent trip to Raleigh (Flying Saucer rules!!). Excellent beer. I wish we could get it here in Louisiana!
“–if only…”