Rethinking The Institution Of Beer

I just read an excellent article on how, in America, our beer (and drinking) culture as a whole need to have a shift in perception.  From the article, the author, Max Feldhake,  proposes that “rather than drinking for the sake of becoming heavily inebriated, let us drink for the beer’s sake”.

I couldn’t agree more.  Even though the craft beer revolution in America has began changing this skewed perception, we have a long way to go, judging from the less than 5% market share craft brewing has.  We should “drink for the beer’s sake”!

Sierra Nevada Summerfest

Sierra Nevada Summerfest
Sierra Nevada Summerfest

I just had a chance to taste the new seasonal from Sierra Nevada, Summerfest.

Although I don’t normally like pilsners, it was a nice version of one. It was very crisp and had a nice malt flavor with a bit of spicy and floral hops tat finished nice and clean.  The label states it is for “enjoyment on warm summer days”.

It was a good pilsner, and I look forward to enjoying more this summer.

Have you tried Summerfest?  What did you think?

New Belgium Ranger IPA

Ranger IPA
Ranger IPA

I just had the chance to try New Belgium’s Ranger IPA.

At first, there was an aroma of citrus.  Upon tasting, there was a bit of citrus, pine, and mango.  It is balanced, and not too bitter.  With the finish, here is enough hops to make it an IPA.  I can taste the three hops used, Cascade (adds a citrus flavor), Simcoe (adds a bit of mango), and Chinook (gives it a nice bitterness).

It was a good IPA and would try it again.  Have you tried Ranger IPA?  What did you think?

Anchor Brewery Sold Today

I found out today from Brookston Beer Bulletin that the Anchor Brewery in San Francisco, the main brewery that started the craft brewing growth in the US, was sold to The Griffin Group, and the conglomerate has been renamed to the Anchor Brewers & Distillers.  From the press release:

“Anchor Brewing Company has a long history in San Francisco and The Griffin Group is ushering in an exciting era while maintaining our proud, time-honored history,” said Fritz Maytag. “Combining Keith and Tony’s passion for the Anchor Brewing Company, their industry experience and expertise only means that Anchor will be enjoyed in San Francisco for generations to come.”

“Since 1896, Anchor Brewing Company has been an icon of San Francisco’s history and culture,” stated Griffin’s Founding Partner, Keith Greggor, “I am honored to bring Anchor Brewing Company into our family of craft beers and artisanal spirits through establishing Anchor Brewers & Distillers, LLC.”

It’s interesting nothing was said before the sale.  What do you think about the sale of Anchor Brewers?

Bell’s Brewing Oberon

Bell's Brewing Oberon
Bell's Brewing Oberon

The great thing about summer is the beer!  I was able to pick up a 6-pack of Oberon, the summer seasonal from Bell’s Brewing.

At first, there is a strong orange/citrus aroma.  The taste is a sweet wheat and orange, balanced by a nice hop note.  It is very mild, and has generous carbonation.  It is nice, and light, and finishes clean.  Although Oberon has a slightly higher ABV (6.8%) than most wheat beers, it doesn’t seem like it.

Have you had Oberon?  What did you think?