Grand Cru, Rodenbach

This is a style of beer known as Flanders Red Ale, so called because it originated in the West Flanders region of Belgium. Very complex, these beers are typically sour and tart because they are traditionally blended and aged in casks using special yeast strains.

Poured from a 750ml corked bottle into a Konings Hoeven trappist ale goblet first surprise is the beer is not red in colour, but brown. Flavour and aromas insanely broad in spectrum - vinegar, plum, rason, sour cherries, oaky, woody, tannic, fruity but not overly tart. Incredibly balanced, I found Grand Cru less mouth-puckeringly tart than some sours I've tried (thinking "La Folie" by New Belgium here) and not as sweet-and-sour tasting as "Duchesse De Bourgogne". Easily the best sour beer I've tasted (admittedly I'm a bit of a novice in the style, been dabbling in sours for about a year and probably have tried a half dozen). For such a great beer I'm surprised at how affordable this is (about $8.99 retail) I would bet this would be awesome cellared. Refreshing and a relative low ABV of 6% makes this a very quaffable beer. World class.

Rating : A+

More about this beer from the brewery:  http://www.rodenbach.be/

RODENBACH Grand Cru consists of one-third young beer and two-thirds oak-matured beer for two years. The result is a complex beer with a great deal of wood and esters, vinous and with a very long aftertaste, just like a vintage wine.

RODENBACH Grand Cru undergoes two stages of fermentation before it acquires its sweet-sour flavour.

The first stage of fermentation is unique because top-fermentation yeasts cohabit with lactic flora: so-called mixed fermentation.

RODENBACH Grand Cru only acquires its fruity bouquet, which is unmatched by any other beer, after maturation in oak casks.

The oak casks are crucial to the process. Each cask is made by the brewery's cooper using exactly the same method employed since 1821. Only the nicest wood without knots or gnarls is used. No nails or screws are used. To make the barrel watertight (or should that be beer-tight), the cooper stuffs reeds in-between the staves. Only the riveted iron cask rings hold the cask together.

A brief history of the brewery:

Originally founded in 1820 by Alexander Rodenbach who bought a small brewery in the canalside town of Roeselare, Belgium. It was not until another relative, Eugene, visited England in the 1870's to study brewery techniques that the brewery adopted the stale, sour styles that would make them famous....

He travelled to southern England, where he trained for a time in industry and gained in-depth knowledge of the London Porter style of beer: intentional acidification with maturation in wooden casks. He refined the "vinification" process in oak vats ("foeders") in order to enhance the quality of the acidified beer. So, he was the founder of the current RODENBACH brewery.
He died at the age of 39 with no male heirs.

Fast forward to 1999 when the family sold the brewery to Belgium brewing conglomerate Palm Breweries but happily they seem intent on preserving the great history (and taste) of Rodenbach. Apparently it is still brewed in the original oak vats in Roeselare but bottled at Palm.

http://www.palm.be/

P.S.

I've become enamoured with sour beers and I'm gratified that it's a style that seems to be catching on with more beer lovers .Every week sees more customers ask for a sour beer recommendation at the store where I work. I think part of it may be directly linked with the new "Muddy Waters Bar and Eatery" http://www.muddywatersmpls.com/ that recently opened around the corner on Lyndale and 29th, I've had several customers say they have had a sour beer on tap at MW and are looking to buy it. Checking the tap list that beer appears to be none other that Rodenbach Grand Cru.

"Grand Cru" - a term given to the finest beer of a brewery, one thought to typify the house style. Often used by Belgian brewers (Roger Protz, "300 Beers to try before you die").

Creme Brulee Imperial Stout, Southern Tier

Part of Southern Tier's "Blackwater" Series of Imperial beers this is a special treat. First thing that hits you when you crack open the 22oz bomber is the aroma - it smells amazing! Just like the delicious burnt custard dessert it is named for (who knew that it had such a contentious history by the way - read the bottle yourself for more details on this) it smells just like creme brulee.

The pour is not as impressive, a rather ho-hum routine black body with a light tan head and not much in the way of carbonization or lacing. The taste however is a revelation - roasty caramel, vanilla, butterscotch with a sugary sweetess. Not for the lactose intolerant! This dessert beer is a definite sipper that should be shared and enjoyed in moderation as it gets a little sickening. I will admit it seems a little out of place drinking this in the middle of August, this seems more appropriate for a crisp Autumn evening, which is why I bought an extra bottle to cellar. I suggest you do the same! This is an absolutely unique beer that deserves your attention. Best enjoyed in a snifter at 42F, 9.6%ABV.

More info from the brewery :

PLEASE NOTE: This is a Milk Stout. Lactose sugar is added and is present in the product.
We are not the harbingers of truth as some may suggest but it may indeed be argued that our brewing philosophy is tantamount to a dessert with a bellicose past. How, you may ask, would a brewery determine a likeness to hard-coated custard? Our response is simple; it’s all in the power of history, and of course, the extra finesse needed to top off a contentious treat with definition.
By comprehending the labyrinthine movement of time, one would not think it strange to trace the errant path of an ordinary object such as a cream dessert only to discover that it has been the cause of cultural disputes since the middle ages. The British founders of burnt cream and from Spain, crema catalana, both stand by their creative originality and we respect that, but it was the French Crème Brûlée, amid the strife of contention, that survived to represent our deliciously creamy brew.
9.6% abv • 195º L • 25º plato • 22 oz / 1/6 keg
2-row pale malt / dark caramel malt / vanilla bean / lactose sugar / kettle hops: columbus / aroma hops: horizon
Rating: B (to be re-visited)

I must admit I didn't enjoy this beer as much as I remembered, last year I was blown away by it. Not sure if it's because it's just too early (mid-August) to be drinking such an exotic brew or if it just needs to sit awhile. I'll have to see what I think when I crack open another bomber in a couple months. One thing for sure it does not match the velvety luxurious richness of "Choklat", which I enjoyed more. Incidentally, is it just me that thinks it's ridiculous to already see Octoberfest and Fall seasonal releases already on the beer shelves before summer is even over? Seems like it gets earlier every year. As much as I like a decent marzen I can't bring myself to have one until at least September.

Useless information alert :

Creme Brulee is also know as Burnt Cream, Crema Catalana or Trinity Dessert and is a dessert consisting of a rich custard base topped with a contrasting layer of hard caramel, usually served cold. The earliest know reference to the term creme brulee was in a cookbook dated 1691 by French chef Francois Massialot.

So their you have it....(thanks Wikipedia).

Lagunitas Little Sumpin' Wild Ale

"Another big sister of the little sumpin' sumpin' ale. Loads of malted wheat for a curious malt foundation and a light colour, but our Belgian yeast leaves a huge flavour and complexiness".

Classified as a Belgian Pale Ale, this has all the hallmarks of a Lagunitas beer - piney, citrus, grapefruity hops. Don't be fooled by the light golden yellow pour, this is a big beer, with a 9.4% ABV to match. Brewed with a Belgian yeast strain (Westmalle) that imparts a spicy, orange and a hint of honey, has a subtle dry finish. With 72 IBU's I'd be more inclined to call this a double IPA or a Belgian IPA but whatever you want to label it it is undeniably delicious. I've rarely been disappointed with Lagunitas' seasonals (Brown Shugga, Hairy Eyeball, Undercover Shutdown Ale are all favourites) and it's true that using a blindfold you could identify the trademark Lagunitas taste but so what? It's all good.

I'm an admirer of any brewery that gives value for money (Sierra Nevada immediately springs to mind) and Lagunitas always does - $9.99 or so a sixer is a steal for this delectable brew.

Little Sumpin' Wild Ale 9.4%ABV 72.51 IBU's Original Gravity (OG) 1.082

Rating : A-

Footnote :

I had the good fortune to meet Karen Hamilton (Midwest Regional Vice Manager) just as I had decided to feature Lil' Sumpin" Wild as my pick of the week at the store I work at it this past week. What a great lady! She told me that her brother actually owned the brewery and they purposely strived to brew beers that offered affordability as well as having the same distinctive Lagunitas trademark taste. They want people to detect that it's a Lagunitas brew. To her credit she also said that many bars had told them they could command "Hopslam-esque" prices for their "Hop Stoopid" beer (retails for about $4.99 for a 22oz bomber) but they don't care, they want to remain affordable and approachable. Not that I need any incentive to drink Lagunitas but that refreshing approach just makes it taste that little bit better!

"Beer Speaks, People Mumble".

More info :

http://www.lagunitas.com/

Address : 1280 North McDowell Boulevard, Petaluma CA 94954
Ph: 707-769-4495

Favourite Places, Twin Cities : The Republic, Minneapolis

The former Sgt. Preston's spot in Minneapolis' Seven Corners area has been cleaned up and given a make-over. No longer college frat bar, it's been transformed into a bit of a gastro-pub with a great tap list (32 taps) and even better food. I must admit that it might seem a bit of a stretch to include a bar barely open a couple of months in my favourite places but having been there no fewer than 10 times (approx. 8 more than when it was Sgt. Preston's) I think I can speak from a position of authority. I like this place. A lot.

Best of all it has a great Happy Hour, Daily  4-6pm (yes that really means daily as in seven days a week not the lame M-F routine) - $3 domestic taps (in this case this truly means domestic, as in all non-European beers are included, not just Summit, Schell's and the like). HH also features house wine and rail drinks for $3 and food specials (fries - which are awesome by the way - chips and gluacomole are $3 each while burgers and fish tacos are both $5).

Happy Hour Menu 4-6pm Daily

As mentioned, Republic has a great tap selection with 32 beers offered on tap. Highlights include Fulton Worthy Adversary ($5), Two Brother's Cane and Ebel ($5), Left Hand Milk Stout ($5) along with no less than four Surly brews. They also have a strong Belgian selection, Kwak, Saison Du Pont, Tripel Karmeliet and Duvel all make an appearance, all at  a reasonable price ($6). Another favourite is Matacabras by Dave's Brew Farm (when I was last in the price had went up from $5 to $6 a pint but not extortionary by any means). Another nice feature is they also have a "beer of the day" (which they normally announce on twitter) on a recent lunch visit it was Founder's Dirty Bastard, at 8.6%ABV I showed admirable restraint I thought by limiting myself to just the 2 pints! Even without happy hour or daily special the beer is very affordable, I counted about  a half dozen selections at $4 a pint (including Bell's Two Hearted), certainly some of the best prices in town. In case you don't believe me here's t beer list :

Food menu is compact with an emphasis on quality and affordability, sandwiches, burgers (five are offered featuring local grass-fed beef or wild acres turkey), everything on the menu is under $10 bucks, even the entrees, with the exception of the hanger steak ($17). One slight annoyance is that burgers and sandwiches do not come with fries which means if you want them it will cost you an extra $4. Admittedly they are delicious and are a huge portion, perfect for sharing but a bit much for a single diner. Some of the items we have tried on the menu, along with ratings :
Sandwich - Grilled cheese, cheddar, chevre, tomato on whole wheat ($7) Fantastic!
Sandwich - Rosemary chicken breast, roasted tomatoes, mozzarella, toasted whole wheat ($8) Very Good
Burger - Aged cheddar, bacon, carmelized onion ($8) Fantastic!

Salad - Hanger Steak, bibb lettuce, bleu cheese, hard bolied egg ($9) Good
Entree - Local sausages, roasted tomatoes, mustard ($9) Disappointing

Another great feature of the place is how friendly the staff and owners are, on my most recent visit co-owner Rick recognized me and took the time to shake hands and chat for a few minutes. A nice touch. The other co-owner, Matty (O'Reilly, owns the Aster and 318 Cafe) is almost as friendly as well (!). The place has a great patio, spacious, almost rivalling Town Hall Brewery across the street.



A captivating audience

More info :

Republic at Seven Corners
612-338-6146
221 Cedar Avenue South
Minneapolis MN 55454
Hours : 11am - 1am Daily
Happy Hour : 4-6 Daily

Website : http://www.republic-mn.com/

Parking : Is a nightmare! With light-rail construction in full swing, many of the nearby parking meters (enforced until 6pm daily) are covered. I recommend parking in the pay lot behind the Jewel of India ($3 except for special events) or look for a meter further afield. Parking is also avalable in the ramp adjacent to the Holiday Inn but use only as a last resort, rates are ridiculously expensive (one recent 2 1/2 hour stay after 5pm on a weekday cost me $13)!

"The Don" : Town Hall Brewery

Apologies dear reader for the internet silence, it's been almost two months since my last post. Contrary to rumours I have not been in re-hab (!) Call it what you will - lack of muse, performance anxiety, or writer's block (more likely writer blocked - which is Northern Irish parlance for being drunk haha). On a brighter note, the free time has allowed me to catch up on my scrapbooking, so all was not lost. But as the ad says you never know when the right moment will strike, the view from the bath tub is exhilirating and I promise that if this column takes longer than four hours I will seek medical attention.

Onward...



"The Don" Special Bitter at Town Hall



As a life-long Leeds United "sufferer" (symptoms include, but not limited to, nausea, upset stomach and diarrhea -  prognosis is terminal)  you can imagine how "chuffed" (British : quite pleased, delighted) that my Local, Town Hall Brewery, released a beer in March to commemorate the 50th anniversary of "The Don" taking charge of Leeds. Donald George Revie, "The Don", was born July 10th 1927 and died at the age of 61 on May 26th, 1989 of motor neurone disease. It seems fitting today being the 22nd anniversary of his death I finally get around to writing this post. The Don was United's greatest manager and transformed the club from a forgotten provincial rugby town into a European soccer powerhouse. Not only did he preside over the most successful era in the club's history but he was a visionary ahead of his time and his profound influence inspired a loyalty among his players that was legendary. Not without his detractors, of course, success brought predictable revulsion outside of Yorkshire, but we remember him with respect and fondness and as the greatest figure in the club's history. "We all hate Dirty Leeds" is the ultimate compliment after all.

Don Revie and Billy Bremner, FA Cup Final 1972

Oh, the beer you ask?

"The Don" pours a beautiful copper orange and is a bitter that expertly disguises it's substantial 8% ABV. Malty, sweet and biscuity with a hint of honey this is a delicious and superbly crafted beer. Even better cask-conditioned, the flavours become more pronounced and enjoyable. In short a really nice beer (tasting notes from March 26th) and no, it's not on pint-club!

B+

P.S. - Full disclosure -it should come as no surprise to learn that this was not in fact a tribute from Town Hall for Don Revie. Rather....

"This Special Bitter was made in memory of Don Younger of the famed Horse Brass Pub in Portland, OR. Thanks Don for inventing beer bars!"

No matter, RIP Don's, you are both legends.

Indulgence : Southern Tier Choklat Imperial Stout

I used to think that Young's Double Chocolate stout was the epitome of dessert beers (I know some restaurants feature it on their dessert menus) but Choklat by Southern Tier (Lakewood, NY) blows it out of the water. This is pure chocolate in a bottle, luxurious, deliciously decadent, bursting with cocoa, espresso and dark chocolate malt - a totally amazing taste sensation, you have to wonder how it's possible to get a beer to taste so much like chocolate. Rich, sweet, roasty, pours a Guinness black with a nice tan head. Anyway, did I mention it tastes like chocolate?! Picked up a bomber of this for around $10 at Blue Max Liquors in Burnsville in January. Too bad this is a seasonal - released in November as part of their "Blackwater" Series of Imperial Stouts - as I could drink this year round. Really looking forward to the June release of the beer that introduced me to ST - Creme Brulee Imperial Milk Stout - another sensational beer that has to be tasted to be believed. A word of caution about Choklat - it packs a wallop at 11% ABV that is undetectable in it's sweet goodness, so best savoured in moderation (a trait I am certainly not known for)!

A+

More info :
                   Southern Tier Brewing Company
                   2072 Stoneman Circle
                   Lakewood, NY 14750
                   'PH: 716-763-5479

Website :    http://www.southerntierbrewing.com/index1.html

Favourite Places, Twin Cities : Aster Cafe

Located on historic Main Street,  reportedly the oldest street in Minneapolis, the Aster Cafe is a gem of a place to spend a couple of hours, particularly on a dreary drab Sunday afternoon, which is when we found ourselves visiting. Even better than the picturesque setting in the shadow of the Stone Arch Bridge and the cobblestone lined street overlooking the Mississippi is the daily Happy Hour, 3-6pm, which features $3 domestic taps, house wine and $5 cocktails, as well as $5 cheese plates and flat bread pizza, if food is your thing.

Of course, I'm only here for the beer and the menu, although short, is eclectic and interesting enough,with an admirable focus on local beer. Minneapolis' Fulton being well represented with 3 taps - Sweet Child of Vine, Lonely Blonde and Worthy Adversary as well as Lake Superior's (Duluth, MN) Kayak Kolsch. Offerings from further afield included Rush River's Unforgiven Amber, Furthermore's Fatty Boombalatty (both WI), Bell's Two Hearted, Founders Dirty Bastard (both MI), Left Hand's Sawtooth Ale (CO) as well as Kwak Amber Ale (Belgium) and Tilburgs Dutch Brown Ale (Holland). The only cider on tap is Ace Pear (CA).

Alas, I was disappointed they no longer offered Kwak at HH for $3, which I had enjoyed on a previous  visit. According to the waitress they finally realized they were losing money on it - at $7.25 regular price it's still a good deal however.

With it's exposed brickwork and eccentric layout, the Aster has more of a comfortable coffee shop vibe than a bar. On this particular sleepy Sunday afternoon it was less than half- full but once the weather warms up and the courtyard seating opens I'd imagine it will be harder to find an opening, until then the perfect spot for enjoying a  pint of Worthy Adverary (9.2% ABV - not bad for $3 a pint)! was found on the elevated "music stage"  in front of the window overlooking Main Street.

A view of the bar from the stage :



Further info:

Address :  125 SE Main Street (St Anthony Main), Minneapolis MN 612-379-3138

Ph: 612-379-3138

Parking : Plenty of pay meters on Main Street (enforced daily) but side-streets not enforced on weekends.

Website :  http://www.aster-cafe.com/