Archive for the 'Past Brews' category
Shipyard “Smashed Pumpkin”
September 25, 2009 5:09 pm
I’m pretty excited for this newly released fall beer. It has a “B” rating on BA but I suspect that’s low. What’s not low is the alcohol by volume, it’s an 18 proof beer!
Here’s what Shipyard has to say about it;
“PORTLAND, MAINE – (July 30, 2009) – Shipyard Brewing Company announces the release of a new beer in its Pugsley’s Signature Series line. Smashed Pumpkin will be available in late August exclusively in 22 oz. bottles and on draft.
Smashed Pumpkin is a big-bodied beer with a light coppery orange color and pleasing aroma of pumpkin and nutmeg. The OG and final Alc./Vol. provide the structure and body. Pale Ale, Wheat and Light Munich Malts combine with the natural tannin in pumpkin and the delicate spiciness of Willamette and Hallertau Hops to balance the sweetness of the fruit. 1.088 OG, 9.00% Alc./Vol.
To fully enjoy all the flavors, this ale is best drunk at 55 degrees Fahrenheit. Smashed Pumpkin pairs well with sharp cheeses, nuts, lamb, hearty stews and desserts like flan or pumpkin pie. Chefs find this an excellent beer to cook with in dishes such as braised short ribs.
Pugsley’s Signature Series is named after Shipyard’s master brewer, Alan Pugsley. Pugsley is from England where he worked with Peter Austin at the world-famous Ringwood Brewery in Hampshire before moving to the United States in 1986.
Shipyard Brewing Company is located on the historic waterfront in Portland, Maine and produces 15 varieties of award-winning English style and seasonal beers. Its products aredistributed in over 35 states.”
Final thoughts – great beer. The nearly 20 Proof beer was certainly an ass kicked and did several of us in on Halloween. Or maybe it was the 3:30+AM evening. Either way, good beer that I’d get again. Thanks again to those at Shipyard who took the extra effort to get it down here.
Tapped: 10/11/09
Kicked: 10/31/09
Gritty McDuff’s “Vacationland Summer Ale†No. 2
July 22, 2009 1:47 pm
Round two!
I love this beer. We first served it in June 2008 and went through a 1/4 barrel pretty quickly. So, we got another one. Perfect for July and August weather.
Gritty says, “You can’t put summer in a bottle, but we may have come close! When the weather gets warm we roll out our summer seasonal, Vacationland Summer Ale. Vacationland is an Extra Special Golden Ale that’s light in color but full-bodied, with a snappy hop finish. A bit of extra time in the conditioning tank rounds out and mellows the ale. We use generous portions of pale malt with just a touch of wheat malt to give VSA unique flavor that’s richer than most summer brews. Cascade leaf hops add a delicate and forward hop character as well. It’s the perfect brew for all things summer.â€
Starting Gravity: 1049
Finish: 1012, ABV: 4.9%
Hops: (22 I.B.U.s) Cascade Leaf, Cascade, Saaz
Availability: 6 and 12-packs, 22 oz bottles, mini-kegs and draft,
April-August
Will be paired with Wachusett Summer Ale.
Wachusett “Summer Ale”
July 9, 2009 4:53 pm
Wachusett’s Summer and Winter beers are among my favorites from the brewery. We’re getting a 1/6 of it on tap tomorrow, paired with BBC’s Limited “Floor Malt Pilsner“.
Wachusett brewery says, “Wachusett Summer Ale SUPER REFRESHING! American wheat ale with a hint of lemon. Available in Stores: April 1st to mid September”. It has an underrated “B-” on BeerAdvocate, but I suspect I’ll end up giving it a “B” to “B+” (it’s been a while since I’ve had it).
Should go quickly – the Wachusett “Green Monsta” flew by to become the fastest consumed beer we’ve served yet.
Tapped: 7/13/09
Kicked: 9/27/09
Berkshire Brewing Co. “Floor Malt Pilsner”
June 28, 2009 4:56 pm
I’m hoping to pick this one up today/tomorrow – had a huge delay making space since we weren’t drinking much recently. Apparently this one is quite rare.
From BBC’s website, “Now Available!! Limited Specialty in DRAFT only! This Pilsner is a true lager brewed with authentic Czech Republic two row floor malt. It is light in color, dry & crisp and hopped with Czech Sazz to impart a subtle bitterness in the finish.”
From Tim (Beer guru at Colonial), “BBC is releasing a Pilsner next week. It is only made every few years but they might be bringing it back if this batch goes well.”
I’m late to pick it up (arrived early May, now late June) and I hope it’s still there. It received a “B+” on BeerAdvocate (off three ratings so far) so I’m excited to try it.
Kicked after 2 about weeks! Great summer beer.
Sam Adams “Summer Ale”
May 2, 2009 4:45 pm
On tap 5/2/09, just in time for the beautiful weather; Boston Beer Co’s “Sam Adams Summer Ale”.
It received a “B-” on BeerAdvocate, which seems a bit low (but it’s been a year since I’ve had it).
It’s currently paired with Shipyard’s “Brewer’s Choice”.
Kicked 6/27/09 – very slowly, mainly due to having a newborn on the way.
Wachusett “Green Monsta Ale”
April 11, 2009 3:53 pm
The first Wachusett keg on tap is a good one, their “Green Monsta Ale”. It has a “B+” on BeerAdvocate, which seems accurate. Should be a fast beer.
Wachusett brewery describes it simply as, “A BIG PALE ALE with an awsome balance of Belgian malts with Fuggles and East Kent Golding hops.”
Pair with Shipyard’s 2008 “Brewer’s Choice Brown Ale”.
[Update]: Wow, that went too quickly… third fastest consumed beer. It was really that good.
