Brewery Feature: Surly

First post of the new year, thought I'd make it count and feature a brewery that I've recently been incredibly impressed with. Having had a fair amount of their offerings, I thought it was about time to feature them as they certainly conjure up some tasty brews.

The Brewery

As many craft breweries do, Surly has grown from very humble homebrewing roots to one of the most talked about American craft breweries in just eight years. Founded in 04', Surly has certainly come a long way but kept things simple by dialing back distribution and deciding to keep the beer in it's home state of Minnesota. While most of us "beer geeks" wish that all of our favorite breweries would expand their distribution, there are numerous reasons to keep them close to home. One that I find particularly interesting and unique is that Surly is highly active in their community with various programs they created within Surly Gives A Damn. Aside from their community projects, Surly is also one of the original craft canning breweries. Can's really are better for the beer and the environment and I am an active craft can supporter. Additionally, Surly was the first craft brewery to use the "Tallboy" 16oz. canned four pack. More beer and less waste; awesome! Not to mention, their cans have killer artwork. Between the aggressive color schemes, quirky caricature logo, and the precise layout, they're certainly some of my favorites.

The Beer

Having had numerous Surly offerings, ranging from their flagship IPA to their annual imperial stout and the only (as far as I know) canned Saison, I was glad to finally obtain their hoppy claim to fame; Abrasive. This double ipa (apparently the first in Minnesota) brewed with oats certainly lives up to it's name. This thing is abrasive and loaded with wonderful hop notes despite only being brewed with two hop varieties; Citra and Warrior. The Citra hops were apparent from the second I cracked the can. Tons of tropical fruits, floral notes, and citrus. To my surprise, there is a solid caramel malt back but without the rich sweetness that can potentially overpower the delicious hop flavors. The mouthfeel was a nice surprise as it had a very fluffy carbonation and nice oily feel. The finish was clean and crisp with a solid grassy bitterness.  Overall; Abrasive certainly lived up to it's BA hype and has been my favorite offering from Surly, thus far.

Surly's Abrasive Ale: 8.8% abv, "120ish" IBU's

All in all, I must say, my only disappointment is that Surly beer is not easily obtainable as I rarely make it to the mid-west, let alone Minnesota. However, I can understand and appreciate their business model and if you're interested in trying some Surly beers, I would highly recommend setting up a trade as they do produce some great offerings. Additionally, there are a few online retailers that do ship beers to certain states, so that is another option. Feel free to contact me if interested in learning how to obtain some Surly beers as I am always happy to help people try the beer they are after. Cheers!

Memories & Reflections: The Best of 2011

 This year alone, I visited 7 countries (France, Belgium, Germany, Sweden, Ireland, England, and Scotland) & 12 states (NY, NJ, DC, CT, PA, NC, SC, FL, GA, WA, and OR). Throughout my globetrotting I visited numerous breweries, met many interesting people, and tasted at least 500 beers this year! As exciting and intriguing as that all sounds, with the good come the bad and there were certainly some trials and tribulations this year (getting deported from Europe being the big one). 
So, without further ado, here are my highlights of 2011. Since I have so many of them, I figure I'd break them down into ategories and will let the pictures pretty much speak for themselves...

BEST OF THE BEST CATEGORY

Best Memory: Proposing to Emily on our UK trip. Edinburgh, Scotland.

Best Beer: De Struise Double Black 24%abv Imperial Stout.

Best Surfing: Pacific City, OR.

 BEST BEERS: TOP 5 "SOURS"

Cantillon Fou Foune 2010 & 2011 tasted at Express D'Lyon. Paris, France.

Cigar City's Guava Grove tasted in our apartment. Paris, France.

Nogne/Mikkeller's Tyttebaer tasted at Brewdog Bar. Edinburgh, Scotland.

Zwanze 2011 tasted during Cave a Bulles Zwanze Day. Paris, France.

Mikkeller's Spontanframboos tasted at Brewdog Bar. Edinburgh, Scotland.

BEST BEERS: TOP 5 IPAS

Ballast Point's Sculpin...a whole case of it under the xmas tree. Spokane, WA.

Mikkeller's Nelson Sauvignon tasted in our apartment. Paris, France.

Wachusette's Larry tasted at my parent's house. Spokane, WA

Mikkeller's Sorachi Ace and Mont Saleve's Biere de Noel tasted in our apartment. Paris, Fr.

 BEST BEERS: TOP 3 IMPERIAL STOUTS 

Portsmouth's Kate the Great tasted at our apartment. Paris, France.

Founder's CBS tasted at our apartment. Paris, France.

Cigar City's Hunahpu's tasted at my parents house. Spokane, WA.

BEST BEERS: TOP 3 SURPRISE FAVORITES

Schlenkerla's Urbock tasted at my in-laws. Nurnberg, Germany.

Founer's Blushing Monk tasted at my buddy Abe's. Philadelphia, PA.

Two Beers' ISA tasted at my parents

 TOP 3 BREWERY VISITS

Full Sail Brewery. Hood River, Oregon.

Pelican Brewpub. Pacific City, OR.

Wrecking Bar Brewpub. Atlanta, GA.

(FOR THE BEER GEEKS) TOP 3 TASTINGS

Jordan's house. Paris, France.

Patrick's house. New Brunswick, NJ

Simon's house. Paris, France

FOR THE FOODIES (TOP 3 EATS)

Thanksgiving in Germany.

Home made breakfast burritos in Paris.

Lunch break pizzas in Paris.

So there you have it, the highlight's of my year (at least the ones that I have photos of). Hope everyone has a great New Year's Eve full of good times and great beers. Cheers until next year!

Beer Bar Feature: Manito Tap House

Despite craft beer becoming increasingly popular in the last 10 years and Spokane being the second largest city in Washington State, it's been a pretty sad state of affairs for good beer, here in the 509. However, this last year, Spokane has seen some major improvements as the beer scene has progressed by leaps and bounds each time I have made my inevitable return to Eastern Washington. Spokane's newest addition, Manito Taphouse, is certainly the most impressive and welcome addition to the local beer scene. Located in a very central spot of the South Hill, Manito Tap House is Spokane's premier gastropub. Sporting over 50 taps, most of them constantly rotating, there is no doubt that there is something for everyone on any given day! Within these fifty some odd taps there are an abundance of local, regional, and limited releases offered daily which is certainly impressive for any beer community, let alone Spokane's!

Less than half the taps are pictured; who would have thought that a view of the cold room could be such an impressive centerpiece (obviously the owners of MTH)!

 Their main focus aside from beer appears to be their dedication to being as "green" a restaurant as they can by taking simple yet necessary precautions to ensure they are doing their part. While their food menu is rather small in comparison to the tap list, they offer simplistic and quality items that have the potential to pair perfectly with your choice draft.

On my first visit, I was happy to see that the place was packed. New businesses need the communities support and I was glad that the MTH has been so well received. Despite the lunch crowd occupying the majority of the seating options, there was an open table and we made sure to quickly grab it. As I said, the menu is simple, but the focus is quality over quantity. Burgers, sandwiches, salads, and a nice variety of side options make up the bulk of the menu. Well, at least the lunch menu. I opted for the Grand Burger; a locally sourced all beef burger. Topped with smoked bacon, ale caramelized onions, & Rogue Creamery's Blue Cheese, this is essentially my ideal burger! For the accompaniment, I contemplated the mac & cheese, until I heard that the soup d'jour was beer & cheese...done deal. To pair with my meal, Firestone Walker's 14th Anniversary was the perfect choice. With decadent notes of dark chocolate, toffee, espresso, and oak layered upon one another this beer was certainly worth the dollar to ounce ratio that it retails for. I was certainly glad to be able to get a glass before the keg kicked!

The picture doesn't do the food justice, you'll just have to taste it for yourself!

 In both individual and overall aspects, I was thoroughly impressed by MTH. Beer wise, the selection is impressive and served in the appropriate glass at the proper temperature. The food was equally well executed. From the bun to the bacon, everything was as it should be. Not to mention, the beef they offer was incredibly fresh and flavorful while being cooked to exactly what I requested (medium rare, the proper burger preference). Finally, and always important when eating out, the service and vibe was enjoyable. The staff was friendly and attentive, without being bothersome (my typical complaint while dining in the states) even while the place was packed!As for the vibe, the design, layout, and decor is both beer-centric and comfortable. All in all, an excellent first experience, and I look forward to my next visit to the Manito Tap House. For those of you in/visiting the Spokane area, keep an eye on their facebook page as they constantly update their taplist with exciting new offerings. Cheers & Happy Holidays!

Here we go again...

As most of you know, I am back to the states for another couple of months. Unfortunately, the visa request was denied, but that doesn't mean that we are giving up just yet. A new portfolio has been submitted and I am hoping that third times a charm! From now til late February, I will be in the states, with the "home base" being good ol' Spokane WA. On the bright side of things, it is Christmas time, it is only two and a half months, and surprisingly enough, the beer scene in Spokane is finally getting somewhere! In the last year, 2 breweries have opened, 2 beer bars have opened, a third brewery is scheduled to get approval any day, and the distribution has improved every time I come back. With that said, keep an eye out for a beer bar feature of the Manito Tap House! Had a killer lunch there yesterday and with the constantly rotating tap selection, I am pretty sure it's going to be my new hangout while in Spokane!

Beer Destination Feature: Atlanta, GA

Georgia is definitely a beer rich state and continues to grow in terms of breweries and distribution. With so many famed destinations, up and coming breweries, and beer bars; it was about time to get out of the burbs and go explore ATL.  Having frequented Greens' so many times over the years, I figured we should check out downtown Atlanta's famed beer store; Hop City. Located conveniently next to one of the 5 Seasons locations, this shop was definitely worth the trip downtown. Between the huge European selection, growler fill station, and freedom to separate sixers to make your own six-pack, I can see why this is a favorite of ATL beer geeks. Despite the great selection, I had a hard time picking something out because of my trips to Green's a few days prior. Oddly enough, the majority of beers that I walked away with were from Scandinavia...it's always mind blowing to see the beers that get exported and are readily available in the states but are impossible to find in Europe!

Brewed by De Molen for the brother of Mikkel from Mikkeller and named after a Placebo song...definitely the highlight find from HopCity!

As far as beer bars go, as usual I did my research and decided on two that were must visits. For those of you that know Atlanta, the first choice is pretty obvious. With fame comes a crowd and if you don't mind one, the award winning Brickstore Pub is a must visit. Walking into this old brick building you are welcomed into a boisterous atmosphere that's a hybrid of Belgian and German beer culture. There are two bars in this multi-level beer haven, the downstairs is the American Craft selection, and the upstairs, also known as the "Belgian Bar" has an eclectic mix of European beers. Unfortunately, I didn't have my camera with me but I enjoyed several great beers including a Double IPA from Norway, an oaked version of Terrapin's Big Hoppy Monster, and for dessert a delicious pint of Founder's Breakfast Stout. The food was pretty solid as well, I opted for my usual stateside favorite; Pastrami on Rye with Mustard. All in all, this place deserves it's reputation, hope to make it back sooner than later!

I'm not sure how long this next pub has been around but I really wish I had heard about it sooner. Located in the Little Five Points neighborhood, the Porter Beer Bar has a killer, constantly rotating tap selection. I've heard it can hold quite a crowd as well in the evenings but fortunately enough we were there mid-afternoon and enjoyed the picnic table patio area that sits you right on an eclectic little street reminiscent of Tucson's 4th Ave.

The Porter Beer Bar

While perusing the extensive beer menu, I noticed a couple of beers that I knew I needed to try. The only problem was that I also knew there was no way I would be able to drink a full pour of Mikkeller's White Wine Barrel Black and a sour Barleywine colab of Terrapin & BFM. Our server was gracious enough to offer me a small pour of each which was more than enough. The next time we are in the ATL area, I will definitely be checking out the website to see what's going on!

Left to Right: Mikkeller Black Hole White Wine * Terrapin/BFM Barleywine.

Last but not least, and definitely the highlight of our ATL exploration, the Wrecking Bar Brewpub is conveniently located down the street from the Porter Bar in a historic Plantation home. Established just months ago, they are off to a running start and are brewing some killer beers in their first year in operation. Our server, a home-brewer and fellow beer geek, was more than happy to talk beer with us and even gave us a sample of his home-brew (there was a homebrewers meeting going on this particular evening in one of the dining rooms). My favorites were their IPAs one of which was deemed a German Style IPA and the other being a solid West Coast style IPA. The beer was fresh, balanced, and full of character which is a sign of great knowledge and ability.

Das Hopfen IPA served in a miniature pint.

Just prior to heading out, I asked if it would be possible to get a quick tour of the brewery. Sure enough, the head-brewer was just finishing up the home-brew meeting and was more than happy to show us around. We learned about their up and coming Barrel Aging program, the history of the building, and had a nice chat about traveling and brewing. I am looking forward to seeing the progression of this brewery and have no doubt in the following years they will be a force to be reckoned with in the American Craft brewing scene!

The brewery setup with plenty of room to grow!

Fresh Hop Beers are here!

I realized I needed to get this thing up quick, especially sense the winter beers are starting to show up on the shelves already! Here are a few reviews of some fresh hop beers that I've been enjoying this fall and should be available to most everyone in the states.

Up first, a nationally available favorite of mine that I always look forward to...

Sierra Nevada: Estate Home Grown
This is the 3rd annual fall release from Sierra Nevada is brewed with their own hops and barley that are organically grown right next to the brewery in Chico. This wet hop ale is rich and flavorful with pungent herbal hops with undertones of floral and citrus. The malt presence is equally as rich and zesty which makes this beer a hearty and well balanced IPA. While the price is a bit steep ranging anywhere from ($8-$12), what sets it apart from the rest is the "homegrown" aspect. It's like paying a few extra bucks to get grass fed locally sourced beef or farm fresh vegetables. Those few extra dollars go a long way when you are going for quality over quantity!


For those of you down South, this was an interesting change of pace...

Terrapin's So Fresh & So Green, Green
This is the 2nd release of this annual fresh hop ale that I've deemed a hoppy amber (despite BA categorizing it as an IPA). With a transparent mahogany hue this thing is loaded with floral aromatics. It's got a fairly rich caramel malt back with undertones of citrus and a lingering sweet floral note probably due to the fact that it is a single hop beer using the Challenger hop variety. Amber ales pair great with pizza and I'm willing to bet this would be excellent with your favorite pie. Slightly higher on the bomber pricing on this one ($7 average).



Finally, this is a favorite pale of mine and is distributed widely throughout the states...

 Great Divide's Fresh Hop
With most breweries focused on using their allotted fresh hops for an IPA or overly hopped beer, Great Divide dials it back and showcases what fresh hops can do for the good ol' pale ale. Incredibly crisp yet oily, this fresh hop ale is so balanced and refreshing I wish it was offered in six packs. A grassy hop presence dominates the palate with hints of citrus/floral hops and a mild malt back and subdued bitterness in the finish. It certainly is a subtle beer and not only is it refreshing to the palate but it's also refreshing to know that American breweries can go back to their roots and producing a simply great tasting beer. On the more reasonable side of bomber pricing with an average of ($6).

On my way back to Paris... quick stop in Philadelphia, PA.

Philadelphia has always been a place that I have wanted to visit, for several reasons. It just so happens that one of the most common and direct flights to Paris happens to be from Philly. Knowing I would have a couple of days to kill before catching my flight across the pond, I contacted a fellow BA and trading partner of mine for some suggestions and he was generous enough to give me a place to stay and show me around town before heading off to Paris.

They certainly looked a lot larger in the movie, but they were still awesome to see.

The "Rocky stairs"

One of the most famous skatespots in the world is in Philadelphia; Love Park...which unfortunately is now illegal to skate...good thing I didn't have my board because I would have been very tempted!

 A favorite television show of mine is based out of Philly; It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia.

I was hopeful that Mac and Dee might be at their pub "Mac's"...as close as I was gonna get.

Big surprise, Philly also has an amazing beer scene. Between it's numerous Belgian beer bars, extensive distribution both domestic and international, and a handful of local breweries, Philly is most definitely a craft beer city.

A pretty epic tasting with a beer trading buddy of mine

Definitely the highlight, an amazingly rich and complex raspberry beer from Founders.

Despite the time crunch, we even managed to make a visit to Philadelphia's largest brewery, Yards. Paying homage to our founding fathers and the styles of ales they drank, Yards managed to have an eclectic and interesting take on British styles.

Yards Brewing Company: Philadelphia, PA.

Pub style tasting room with an excellent view of the brewery.

The keg had just kicked, so I opted for a bottle of their double Ipa.

And what would a trip to Philadelphia be without a  cheese-steak or two...which happened to be the only thing I ate while there!

An interesting pairing; cheesteak and a Pretty Things Quad!

Finally, I am back in Paris and writing this post as we speak. I'm glad that my summer has come to an end but it certainly was full of great beers. As usual, Stateside! will come to an end and AmericanBeerGeekinParis will be back in action; hopefully for quite some time. CHEERS!