02/17/2012  
Volume 252

Welcome to the Bi-Monthly Installment of the Fresh Beer Times.
Dedicated to letting you know where and when you can find the freshest beer in South Florida
In This Installment
Upcoming Events
New Arrivals
Craft Account Updates
Raise Your Glass to the Beer Cocktail
The Lighter Side of Dark: Debunking the Myths Surrounding Dark Beer
An Hour a Day Keeps the Butter and Bananas Away

Scroll down to see our new sections for featured Beer Pairing and Cooking with Beer Recipe of the week!

Stay up to date!


 

Join Our Mailing List

Featured Beer Pairing

Twisted Pine Billy's Chilies and Cornbread

 

Making a batch of cornbread to go with your chili? Next time instead of milk, add Twisted Pine Billy's Chilies beer to the mix. Your corn bread will still be super moist, but those 5 chilies in the beer will keep your taste buds hoppin'.  

Featured Recipe

Vegetarian Chipotle and Chocolate Stout Chili

By: What Would Cathy Eat?

 

Difficulty: Moderate

 

Try a veggie-friendly chili made with your favorite chocolate stout. It is an easy weeknight meal and is great to freeze for later.

  

Ingredients

 

-1 3/4 cups Pinto beans, soaked overnight or quick-soaked
-2 links Field Roast chipotle vegetarian sausages, crumbled
-1 tsp + 1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil 
-1 large green bell pepper diced
-1 large yellow or white onion, diced
-3 large cloves garlic, minced
-2 tsp ancho chile powder
-2 tsp hot or mild New Mexico chile powder
-2 tsp chipotle powder
-1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
-1 tsp ground cumin
-2 tsp ground coriander
-1 1/2 tsp dried Mexican oregano
-3/4 tsp salt
-1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
-3 Tbsp tomato paste
-1 26-oz. carton Pomi chopped tomatoes or Muir Glen canned crushed tomatoes
-1 12-oz. bottle Chocolate Stout
-1 Tbsp instant espresso powder
-2 tsp molasses (or substitute brown sugar)
-1 1/2-oz. bittersweet chocolate, chopped
-1 Tbsp freshly-squeezed lime juice
-Cooked brown rice (optional)
-Toppings: Avocado, red onions, cilantro, yogurt or sour cream (soy or regular) 

   

Drain the soaked beans, then place in a large saucepan and cover well with fresh cold water. 

 

Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer until tender, about 1 hour, adding water as necessary. 

 

Let them sit until you're ready to use them, then drain, reserving the cooking liquid.

 

Heat a teaspoon of oil on medium-high heat in a large, heavy-bottomed pot. 

 

Add the crumbled vegetarian sausages and cook for 3 minutes, stirring a few times (it will stick; it's ok).

 

 Remove to a plate.

 

Heat the remaining oil on medium heat in the same pot. 

 

Add the onions, garlic and peppers. 

 

Cook for 8 minutes, stirring frequently and scraping the bottom of the pot to incorporate the sausage remnants that stuck to the pan. 

 

Add the tomato paste, chili powders, cumin, coriander, oregano, salt and pepper. 

 

Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently.

 

Add the tomatoes, beer, espresso powder and brown sugar or molasses. 

 

Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 15 minutes. 

 

Add the reserved vegetarian sausage and beans and simmer very gently for 10 minutes. 

 

If the chili seems much too thick, add a little of the bean cooking liquid. 

 

Stir in chocolate and lime and turn off the heat.

 

Serve on cooked brown rice with your toppings of choice, or refrigerate and serve the next day, when it's even better.

Fresh Beer Represents:
AMERICAN CRAFT BEER:
Avery Brewing
Belfast Bay Brewing
Blue Point Brewing
Boulder Brewing 
Breckenridge Brewery
The Bruery
Buffalo Bill's 
Cisco Brewers
Clipper City Brewing 
Dogfish Head Brewing
Flying Dog Brewing
Fort Collins Brewing
Gordon Biersch Brewing
Highland Brewing
Hoppin' Frog
Jolly Pumpkin Artisan Ales
Left Hand Brewing
Magic Hat Brewing Co.
Narragansett
New Planet Beer
Oskar Blues Brewing
Peak Organic Brewing Co. Penn Brewing
Red Brick Brewing
Rogue Ales
Saranac Brewing 
Sea Dog Brewing
Shiner Beers
Shipyard Brewing
Southern Tier Brewing 
Stone Brewing
Stoudt's Brewing
St. John's Brewing 
Summit Brewing 
Terrapin Brewing 
Thomas Creek Brewery
Twisted Pine Brewing 
Victory Brewing

LOCAL FLORIDA BEER:
Inlet Brewing (Monk in the Trunk)
Holy Mackerel Beer
Cigar City Brewing
Saint Somewhere
Tequesta Brewing
The Native Brewing Brands (ie. The Eleven, Native Lager, and Thunderhead Red)

 

IMPORT BEER:

Arcobrau

Ayinger

Baird

Belhaven Brewing

Bellegem's

Bitburger

Blanche de Bruxelles

Cantillon

Carib

De Proef

Drie Fonteinen

Gayant

Greene's Organic 

Hopf

Innis & Gunn

Ise

Konig

Krombacher

Lefebvre

Lindemans

Malheur

Mikkeller

Orval

Palm

Reutberger

Samuel Smith's Brewery

Schonramer

Steenbrugge

Theakson

Timmerman's

Well's and Young's

Westmalle

Zatec

 

CIDERS AND MEADS:
Aspall Ciders
B. Nektar Meadery
Chaucer's Cellars
Julian Hard Cider
Redstone Meadery
Samuel Smith's Organic Cider
Strongbow (in select areas)
Woodchuck Ciders (in select areas)

 

SPIRITS:
Palm Ridge Reserve 
Rogue Spirits
Siesta Key Rum
Want to Get Some Fresh Beer in Your Establishment?

Adam Fine - General Manager

954-629-7971


Ray Nickolaus - Sales and New Business Manager
561-339-0004

Chris Montelius - District Sales Manager : Miami-Dade County
407-375-4203

 

Blake Panichella - District Sales Manager : South Palm Beach and Broward County 561-847-5485

blake.panichella@brown.com 

 
Ryan Fischer - Sales : Broward County - East 
954-654-4512
ryan.fischer@brown.com  

Eric Pugh - Sales : Broward County - West 
954-661-2893

Chris Moyer - Sales : Palm Beach County - North
561-632-7316
chris.moyer@brown.com  

Brian Torres
- Sales : Palm Beach County - South
561-370-5567
brian.torres@brown.com  

Josh Brent- Sales : Miami-Dade County - Design District thru Aventura
954-654-3012
josh.brent@brown.com

Dave Crisafi - Sales : Miami Dade County - Midtown thru Coconut Grove and Miami Beach
305-219-4315
 
Rich Abrams - Sales : Monroe County 
423-956-3991

Troy Hangen - Sales: Treasure Coast
772-494-3053

Ian Salzberg  - Minister of Beer Communications

561-291-9551
ian.salzberg@brown.com 

 

John Linn  - Baron of Beer Happenings

561-755-7456 

 
Jennifer Miller - Beer Bard
561-876-3519

 

Adam Fine
The craft brewing and drinking community is obsessed with both variety and uniqueness. How else can you explain the likes of beers like Ghost Face Killah, made with Ghost Peppers, one of the worlds hottest peppers. Not to forgot Noble Rot, a beer brewed with a fungus called botyris. (Editor's note: Botyris has been used in the wine industry for centuries and is by no means poisonous). Craft beer drinkers cannot seem to get enough of this stuff! Now I haven't tried Noble Rot yet, but I will tell you that Ghost Face will melt your face off! If you are a fan of hot, and I mean a serious fan of hot, spicy sweat while you are eating your food. Then this beer will knock your socks off. For those of you who are not....BE AWARE AND BEWARE! This beer should come with a warning label. I won't be drinking it again, however I am actually looking forward to braising some pork in this stuff! 

 

And on the topic of the unique and unusual, check out Cigar City's latest collaboration brews with The Bruery from California. They did three different treatments of this particular beer. One aged on cedar, one aged on lemon wood and one aged on grapefruit wood. Sounds pretty interesting doesn't? Buy one, buy two or buy all three to compare. 

 

Hmmmmm...some pork braised in Ghost Face...some appetizers with Noble Rot and a three course pairing of all the Dos Costas beers.....sounds like a great party to me.

 

Cheers,

 

Adam Fine

Director of Hoperations

Upcoming Events:   

  

February 18
Check out Crown Wine and Spirits (1300 N. University Dr., Coral Springs, 33071) for a great craft beer tasting with over 30+ craft beers including: Young's Double Chocolate Stout, Well's Banana Bread, Blue Point Toasted Lager, Terrapin Hopsecutioner, Breckenridge Vanilla Porter, and Holy Mackerel Panic Attack. The cost is $10 per person and runs from 7 to 9 p.m.
 
February 21
Get your Fat Tuesday on with Cigar City at South Shore Tavern (502 Lucerne Ave., Lake Worth, 33460) and maybe Phil will get a little wild for some beads. They will be pouring some special beers all night. The party starts out back in the Tiki Bar at 7 p.m.

 

February 22
Stop by ABC Fine Wine and Spirits (500 21st St., Vero Beach, 32960) to sample a selection of wine, spirits, and craft beer. The cost is $10 per person and runs from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
 
February 23
Come try the unique and innovative brews of Cigar City Brewing out of Tampa, Florida, and pair them with delectable dishes from Puccini's Pizzeria (1100 Linton Blvd., Delray Beach, 33444). For $10 you can get a great Cigar City beer flight and a complimentary pizza tasting. Look for your favorites such as: Hotter then Helles, Florida Cracker, Oatmeal Raisin Cookie, Jai Alai, Cubano Espresso, and White Oak Jai Alai. This great deal is only going to run from 7 to 9 p.m., so make sure you get there early to reserve your slice!
 
February 23
Check out Sea Dog Pint Night at Tap and Cork (300 SW 1st Ave. Las Olas Riverfront, Fort Lauderdale, 33301). Order a Sea Dog and keep your first pint glass (while supplies last)! Make sure you try a Blue Paw sake bomb! The bombs start dropping at 5 p.m.   
 
February 24
Put on your bowling shoes and roll on down to Splitsville (Suite 202, 5701 Sunset Dr., South Miami, 33143) for a Shipyard Pint Night. Order a Shipyard Old Thumper and make sure your first pub glass (while supplies last) does not end up in the gutter! Don't be a turkey, show up when the clock strikes 9 p.m. You can spare a Friday night so don't split out too early. Do you think I could have fit any more puns in that description?   
 
February 25
Stop by  Total Wine (1906 Cordova Rd., Fort Lauderdale, 33316) and try some great Florida crafted beers from Native Brewing Company from 2 to 4 p.m.
 
February 25
Join the discussion about local beers here in Florida at Whole Foods Gables (6701 Red Rd., Coral Gables, 33143) with Phil from Cigar City and John from Brown Distributing. The class is free to attend and starts at 7 p.m.
 
February 25
It's time for a Panic Attack! Head to English Tap and Tavern (5050 Town Center Cir Ste 247, Boca Raton, 33486) where Holy Mackerel brewer Bob Gordash will sample his award-winning brew! This event will run from 6 to 8 p.m. 
 
February 28
Take a break from the grind with World of Beer (4437 Lyons Rd., Coconut Creek, 33073) and Terrapin Brewing Company. Be indulgent with a Wake 'n' Bake stout. Don't worry, we won't tell. They will also have Hopsecutioner, Rye Pale Ale, and some special bottles. The party starts at 7 p.m.

 

February 29
Stop by ABC Fine Wine and Spirits (2693 N. University Dr., Coral Springs, 33065) to sample a selection of wine, spirits, and craft beer. The cost is $10 per person and runs from 6 to 8 p.m. Remember Leap Year tastings only come around once every 4 years.
 
March 1
Dogfish Head Brew Night at World of Beer Clematis (101 N. Clematis St., West Palm Beach, 33401) will not only have your favorite Dogfish Head Ales such as 60 and 90 Minute IPAs, but will also have 120 Minute (on draft!), World Wide Stout, Midas Touch, Noble Rot, and Faithfull Ale as well as some great bottles. A bottle of 120 Minute IPA will be raffled off during the night as well. With the purchase of any Dogfish Head beer you will earn a raffle ticket (no limit per person) and at 9 p.m. you can see if that bottle is yours to take home! Chef Rivera will be cooking up some tasty pairings to go with the brews and a live DJ will be spinning after the raffle! The fun starts at 7 p.m. 
 
March 1
Start your month off right at Total Wine (14750 Biscayne Blvd., North Miami, 33181) with Adam from Native Brewing Company and try some of his great Florida crafted beers. This tasting will run from 6 to 8 p.m.
 
March 2
City Link Boca Beerfest at Mizner Park (327 Plaza Real #315, Boca Raton, 33432) will be a huge one-night beer festival with a selection of over 100 of the world's best brews and selected wines. Dance the night away with local bands and stop by your favorite local food truck for a quick bite in between brews. Check out their website for more information. 
 
March 31
New Times Beerfest at Huizenga Park (32 E. Las Olas Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, 33301) is your chance to sample over 100 craft brews, listen to great music, watch NCAA bastetball in the deluxe viewing area, and eat food from local restaurants. Check out their website for more information.  
New Arrivals:   

  

Cigar City  

 

CIGAR CITY BREWING

 

Dos Costas Oeste Cedar - This saison is a collaboration between Cigar City and The Bruery is a high gravity ale with coriander, ginger, and sweet orange peel. It is aged on cedar wood spirals. 9% ABV (bottle only).

 

Dos Costas Oeste Grapefruit - This saison is a collaboration between Cigar City and The Bruery. It is a high gravity ale brewed with coriander, ginger, and sweet orange peel. It is aged on grapefruit wood spirals. 9% ABV (bottle only).

 

Dos Costas Oeste Lemon - This saison is a collaboration between Cigar City and The Bruery. It is a high gravity ale brewed with coriander, ginger, and sweet orange peel. It is aged on lemon wood spirals. 9% ABV (bottle only).

  

Dogfish  
 
DOGFISH HEAD BREWERY
 
Noble Rot - This saison-esque science project is brewed with pils and wheat malts and fermented with a distinct Belgian yeast strain. Two unique wine grapes also provide a source of fermentable sugars. The first addition is from viognier grape that has been infected with a benevolent fungus called botrytis, which reduces the water content of the grape while magnifying the sweetness. The second addition is from pinot gris grapes that go though a process called dropping fruit, where large clusters of grapes are clipped to amplify the quality of those left behind. It has a spicy white wine body and a dry tart finish. 9% ABV (bottle and draft).  

 

Tweason'ale - Dogfish Head replaced the classic barley foundation of beer with a mild sorghum base, making this beer their first gluten-free beer with gusto! There are hints of molasses and pit-fruit that are balanced by vibrant strawberry notes and a unique complexity that comes with the addition of a malty buckwheat honey. 6% ABV (bottle and draft). 

 

 

 

JULIAN HARD CIDER

 

Julian Hard Cider - The Julian Hard Cider recipe originates from 1670 colonial America and is comparable to the finest British ciders. Unlike many "imposter" hard ciders on the market, it is easy to have more than one pint of Julian Hard Cider as they do no use concentrated apple juice or additives which leave the drinker with a lingering sugary film and after-taste. 6.99% ABV (bottle and draft).

 

Julian Hard Cider Cherry Bomb - This cider is handcrafted with juice from the Montorency Cherry and blended with their already premium hard apple cider. It gives you the perfect balance of tart and sweet. 6.99% ABV (bottle only).

  

Southern Tier  

  

SOUTHERN TIER BREWING COMPANY

  

Eurotrash Pilz - This beer was born as a way for Southern Tier to propagate their yeast for the summer seasonal Farmer's Tan, but it has now taken on a life of its own. Fitting perfectly between Old Man Winter and Hop Sun, this new addition will help bridge the gap between winter and summer. Eurotrash Pilz is a lightly carbonated, malty pilsner, and is perfect for session drinking. 5.2% ABV (bottle only).

  

 

Twisted Pine

  

TWISTED PINE BREWING COMPANY

  

Ghost Face Killah - This beer is brewed with 6 zany peppers: Anaheim, Fresno, Jalapeno, Serrano, Habanero, and Bhut Jolokia, or the Ghost Pepper. Aroma of smoked chillis fills the nose on first whiff and immediately on the first sip it does have a nice golden wheat flavor. This will only last for a fleeting moment before the temperature rises. Just hold on, the warmth of this beer will set in for a long spicy burn. There is only one finish on this beer - HEAT! 5% ABV (bottle only)
     
Other returning favorites hitting the shelves:
Look out for returning hits such as: Boulder Mojo Risin' Double IPA (draft and bottle), Dogfish Head Namaste (bottle and draft), Peak Simcoe Spring Ale (bottle and draft), Avery Collaboration Not Litigation Ale (bottle and draft), Boulder Kinda Blue Blueberry Wheat (bottle and draft), Blue Point Spring Fling (bottle and draft) and No Apologies (bottle and draft).  
Craft Account Updates:                  

               PALM BEACH COUNTY    

 

KENNEL CLUB (1111 N. Congress Ave., West Palm Beach, 33409) - Not only are they going to be hosting an event for the World Series of Poker on February 16 to 27, but they also now carrying Magic Hat #9. So if your poker face isn't up to par, at least your beer glass will be winner. 

   

BROWARD COUNTY

NATIVE FLORIDA TAPROOM AND MUSIC HALL (2006 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, 33020) - The newest addition to downtown Hollywood's dining and entertainment district, this music hall will feature live music nightly by local and national artist. They also will be serving up your favorite craft beers from the following breweries: Native, Shipyard, Bluepoint, Holy Mackerel, Cigar City, Magic Hat, Stone, Southern Tier, and many more.  

TAP AND CORK (300 SW 1st Ave. Las Olas Riverfront, Fort Lauderdale, 33301) - Come check out this new laid back bar that is serving up not only wine, and sake bombs, but some choice craft brews. They are going to feature 20 new draft lines and have up to 50 bottles from your favorite breweries such as: Left Hand, Shipyard, Rogue, Dogfish Head, Blue Point, Breckenridge, Victory, and many more.

THE MANOR (2345 Wilton Dr., Wilton Manors, 33305) - Wilton Manors biggest party spot is now carrying  your favorite craft beers. Choose from the following great selection: Young's Double Chocolate Stout, Magic Hat #9, Stone IPA and Arrogant Bastard, and more. This place has great beer, great food, and great atmosphere. Make sure you check it out today!   

 

MIAMI-DADE COUNTY    

THE GOOSE (3008 Grand Ave., Miami, 33133) - The newest specialty beer and lounge has laid her golden egg in Coconut Grove. She will feature a rotating beer menu and cater to those who like a unique micro brew. She is featuring favorites from Avery Brewing Company, Cigar Cigar, Dogfish Head, and many more. This goose is no ugly duckling! So come on down and give her a whirl. 
 
SUNSET TAVERN (7232 SW 59TH Ave., South Miami, 33143) - Stop in today for a Banana Bomb! It's Well's Banana Bread Beer with a shot of Bailey's, Banana Liqour, and Creme de Cocoa. Also available now is Dogfish Head Tweason'al and Left Hand Fade to Black.
 
HOUSE OF DOGZ (456 W. 41st St., Miami Beach, 33140) - This restaurant is not only serving up some of the best dogs in town, but a great collection of kosher beers including: Innis & Gunn, Left Hand 400lb Monkey, Stone Oaked Arrogant Bastard, Left Hand Blackjack Porter, Narragansett Lager, Monk in the Trunk, Thomas Creek River Falls Red, Dogfish Head 60 Minute IPA, and many many more. Stop by today for a brew and a dog.

 

LOEWS MIAMI BEACH HOTEL (1601 Collins Ave., 33139) - This Miami Beach staple is now serving up a fine collection of craft beers. Stop by on a hot day for a cold draft of one of these quality ales: Holy Mackerel Golden, Monk in the Trunk, Cigar City Maduro, Magic Hat #9, and Left Hand Milk Stout. You can even pick up a frosty bottle of one of these great beers: Sam Smith Nut Brown, Cigar City Jai Alai IPA, Native Lager, Dogfish Head 60 Minute IPA, Rogue Dead Guy Ale, and Palm.

 

THE FEDERAL MIAMI (5132 Biscayne Blvd., Miami, 33137) - One of the newest restaurants in Miami is going to be serving up some great craft brews from your favorite breweries including: Boulder, Southern Tier, Oskar Blues, Red Brick, Victory, Ruckus, Rogue, Shiner, and Woodchuck. Make sure you stop by and check it out!       
 

TREASURE COAST  

 

WALDO'S RESTAURANT (3150 Ocean Dr., Vero Beach, 32963) - Right on the Atlantic Ocean at the Driftwood Resort this restaurant is now carrying the following selection of beers: Left Hand 400 lb Monkey, Left Hand Milk Stout, Red Brick Laughing Skull, and Sea Dog Blue. Make sure you stop by, grab a brew and bite and enjoy paradise.         

 

Special Beers Being Added to Accounts:
 
BLUE PARROT BAR AND GRILL (801 Brickell Bay Dr., Miami, 33131) - New on draft: Kostritzer, Bitburger, Krombacker Dark and Krombacker Weizen.  
 
CERVEZAS (5835 Sunset Dr., Miami, 33143) - New on draft: Avery Collaboration Not Litigation and Red Brick Hoplanta.
 
CROWN WINE AND SPIRITS CORAL GABLES (1590 S. Dixie Hwy, Coral Gables, 33146) - New in bottles: Dogfish Head Tweason'ale and Stone Sublimely Self Righteous.
 
GREEN STREET CAFE (3468 Main Hwy., Coconut Grove, 33133) - New in bottle: Wells Banana Bread Beer.
 
ROCCO'S TACOS (1313 E. Las Olas Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, 33301) - New in bottle: Breckenridge Agave Wheat Ale.
 
SAKAYA KTICHEN, DOWNTOWN MIAMI (125 SW 3rd Ave., Miami, 33127) - New on draft: Monk In The Trunk, Magic Hat #9, and Holy Mackerel. New in bottles: Dogfish Head 60 Minute IPA and 90 Minute IPA, Ayinger Brauweisse, Boulder Hazed And Infused, Cigar City Jai Alai, Left Hand Polestar Pils, Native Lager, Rogue Black Soba, Red Fox, White Crane and Buckwheat, Shipyard Export and Light, Peak Nut Brown, Summit Horizon Red, Victory Golden Monkey, and Avery White Rascal.    
 
STOP N' SHOP PONCE (5885 Ponce De Leon Blvd., Coral Gables, 33146) - New in bottle: Julian Cider Cherry Bomb, MacTarnahan's Spine Tingler, Avery New World Porter, Dogfish Head Tweason'al, Avery Hog Heaven, Southern Tier Eurotrash Pilz, and Blue Point No Apologies. 
 
SUNSET CORNERS WINE AND LIQUORS (8701 SW 72nd St., Miami, 33173) - New in bottle: Julian Cider Cherry Bomb, Avery Hog Heaven, Avery Collaboration Not litigation, Dogfish Head Tweason'ale, and Dogfish Head Noble Rot.
 
TITANIC RESTAURANT AND BREWERY (5813 Ponce De Leon Blvd., Coral Gables, 33146) - New on draft: Young's Double Chocolate Stout. 
 
WHISK GOURMET FOODS AND CATERING (7382 SW 56th Ave., South Miami, 33143) - New on draft: Avery IPA. 
 
WHOLE FOODS CORAL GABLES (6701 Red Rd., Coral Gables, 33143) - New in bottle: Dogfish Head Tweason'al and Namaste.         
Raise Your Glass to the Beer Cocktail 
By: Jessica Gelt, Los Angeles Times


Say goodbye to the drinker's golden rule, "Beer before liquor, never been sicker." A new style of mixing the two favored forms of alcohol is emerging with frothy force in L.A.'s increasingly sensual drinkscape: the beer cocktail. Novel mixtures of beer, gin, vodka, whiskey, juices, infusions and herbs, beer cocktails are pouring two of the city's most hedonistic obsessions - craft beer and mixology - into a single glass, one that showcases the properties of fine beer rather than shunting it to the side as just another ingredient.  
 
Look closely at the drink menus of the city's finest bars and you'll likely see a beer cocktail peering back at you. Matthew Biancaniello at the Library Bar in the Hollywood Roosevelt hotel infuses gin with Cascade hops and mixes it with IPA, grapefruit juice, lemon and honey; upstairs at the Spare Room, Naomi Schimek makes a winter drink called the Robert Frost with apple juice, Amaretto, lemon juice and Magic Hat No. 9. Jonathan Kleinbart (part of Julian Cox's bar program) has a drink on Playa's menu made with Port Brewing's Old Viscosity, Cognac, egg yolk, honey and sherry. Brady Weise makes one with vodka, Yeti stout and cr�me de cacao at 1886 in Pasadena, and Aidan Demarest features another at Neat in Glendale with Old Rasputin stout, gin, egg, ginger beer and Tabasco. 
 
By: Ashely Rouston
 
I get a kick out of messing with unsuspecting folk at trade shows and beer festivals. When they ask me for a taste of my lightest beer, I always pour them my Stout. And when they look at me like I'm crazy, I laugh and explain that, although dark in color, the Stout is lowest in alcohol, lowest in calories and lightest in body. Often times, this gets them to at least taste it. And more often than not, I watch people have an epiphany..."I usually don't like dark beer, but this one is good." 

 

Oh poor dark beer, always being judged by the color of its malt. Unfortunately, most people have the misconception that the color of beer is directly related to its weight. In the mind of most consumers, dark beers are rich, heavy and full of calories. And conversely, they think that the paler in color a beer is, the lighter it is in body, alcohol and calories. Although both are not entirely wrong assumptions, I have made it my mission to debunk the myths surrounding dark beers.

   
An Hour a Day Keeps the Butter and Bananas Away 

By: Justin Williams

    

The Dogfish accountant's day is just beginning, and there's a pile of monthly reports to plow through, but this daily ritual is just as important to the brewery as keeping the books. 

 

Angela slips into a narrow room on the first floor. It's like a confessional with four cubicles. She takes a seat and flips on a light switch. A few seconds later, a small door swings open in front of her.

 

"Angela!"

 

That's Ryan Mazur, one of Dogfish's quality control technicians. From 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. every weekday, Ryan runs an in-house sensory panel that decides whether each batch of beer Dogfish brews is fit for shelves and taps.

 

"OK, Angela. You ready? Five samples today."

 

Ryan, who slings words with the speed of an auctioneer, starts sliding snifters through the door.