Category: Q&A

Q&A: What’s Your Favorite Beer of 2019?

Published November 27, 2019

Jenna @thebrewlocker

I couldn’t decide on one favorite beer from 2019, so I narrowed it down to two. Although, I could probably choose at least three more! 2019 was a good year for beer. The two I picked are both Michigan brews. Old Nation’s Strawberry M-43 is every bit like the original just with an added punch of strawberry. Perrin’s Pineapple Upside Down IPA was phenomenal. Pretty sure I bought like seven six packs. I just couldn’t get enough of it! It was velvety, smooth with loads of pineapple.

Jeff @letshavesomebeershow

I pondered this question for quite a while. My favorite beer…. what one beer stood out amongst the rest? I’ve had so many incredible beers this year that it felt nearly impossible to choose. Then I looked closer at the question. Perhaps “favorite” doesn’t have to be judged by flavor alone. Perhaps other factors such as experience play into it as well. Then it hit me.

Just last week I returned from a pilgrimage to Belgium, the home of Lambic beers. While I was there, I had numerous beers that blew my mind, however one stood out above the rest.

One night, my friend and I were in Bruges at a bar called Le Trappiste. We were joined by a Chocolateir friend we made the previous night. When scanning the sour menu, one beer carried a hefty price of 50 euros. I asked the bartender why it was so expensive. He said, “I have never been lucky enough to try it myself, but many have told me that this is one of the best beers they’ve ever had. It’s special. It’s not a casual beer.” Of course at that point, I knew I had to try it.

This beer is called Framboise Lambiek from Geuzestekerij De Cam. The second this beer touched my lips, I was in love. It was sour, funky, and flavorful. The raspberry came through beautifully without overpowering the beer. It was absolute magic. And to top it off, I was sharing it with one of my best friends, a new friend, and the bartender in a beautiful Trappist bar in Belgium. It was a special experience and that is why Framboise Lambiek was a favorite beer of 2019.

Jamal @thehopcircles

I smirked when I read this question and immediately replied in my head “Double Dry Hopped Space Diamonds” from Other Half Brewing. You never forget hat first sip, so if you’ve had the luxury of trying this specific beer from Other Half then you know!

Tanya @babels_cameron

Without question, my absolute favorite beer this calendar year was Tampa Heights-based Hidden Springs Ale Works’ Darkness in the Light, and not solely for the fact that this barrel-aged imperial stout with cookies and cream — think dense and silky with the slightest edge of seductive, tongue-coating bourbon; amounting to utter and unequivocal liquid Oreo — could turn even the most reluctant stout-phobic into a devotee. Not solely neither, for the fact that shortly after acquiring one bottle post-release, I placed a phone call requesting another six; nor for the fact that its label — designed by Tampa Bay artist and illustrator Arielle Katarina — is absolutely, stunningly RAD. Darkness in the Light is my favorite beer more so for the fact that after receiving those six additional bottles, I became dedicated to cracking them in as many zip codes-, atop as many kitchen countertops, at the back of as many breweries-, and with as many friends- as humanly possible. Over the past year, it’s served as both an endowment and a bridge; and just as many stories, laughs, and moments were shared over those bottles as were respective pours and sips. It doesn’t get better than that.

Mandy @beerswithmandy

Picking just one beer from the whole year is tough, so I’m going with the beer I recommended the most this year, Allagash’s Farm to Face. Since it’s brewed as a pale pale before being inoculated with bacteria and peaches it has more body and complexity than other American sours making it a great starting point for people just getting into mixed fermentation beer or looking for something special to share. It’s one of the few beers that has captured that fresh peach essence for me. Notes of pie crust from the malt complement the tart, tangy peach and apple flavors, perfect for sipping slowly and enjoying outside!

Paulina @holapaulina

My favorite beer of 2019 was definitely Silver Moon Brewing’s F* Cancer. Not only was it a solid IPA, but it brought people together for a great cause.

It is a cause I’m personally affected by as I have been going through treatment for Papillary Thyroid Cancer since last year. A friend I met on Instagram was kind enough to send me 2 cans because I was unable to find it locally, but then a taproom actually had a tap takeover. By the time I got to the event, the taproom was packed and they completely sold out of hats and shirts. I was lucky enough to snag a pint glass. Every time I drink out of it, I will be reminded of the fact that I’m kicking cancer’s ass!

Jamel @colvinology

It’s an absolute toss-up this year between the return of one of my favorite variants, Old Nation’s Strawberry M-43, and a total surprise from Untitled Art and Angry Chair, the absolutely fantastic Cookies and Cream stout. These beers are polar opposites, one being a juicy hop bomb with an incredible, sweet strawberry jam finish, and the other a smooth, dark stout that tastes exactly like a boozy liquid Oreo cookie. I’d like to think the duality of my pick represents some deeper duality in myself, an equal appreciation for disparate flavor profiles and absolute aesthetic difference. Honestly though, I’m just bad at making decisions. Cheers.

John @ispybarguy

My favorite beer in 2019 has to be “Mint Condition,” an American Imperial Stout from Bottle Logic in Anaheim, Calif.

It’s not some highly-sought after beer, but mint chocolate chip is my favorite ice cream and it was my first sip of Bottle Logic. I was amazed at how vivid the mint chocolate chip taste came through, and At a boozy 12.2% abv, you know I felt warm and fuzzy after sippin’ it.

Michael @sirfoodsavage

My 2019 beer of the year with out a doubt came from one of my favourite breweries! Sawdust City Brewing up in Gravenhurst, Ontario. They came up with a 52 week challenge. 1 new beer a week! With one of the brewers leaving, who previously created a hot seller called Juicin’ a NEIPA, he decided to up the ante and create a bad ass 9% New England Style double IPA called Super Juicin! It sold out online within hours and it was worth the price! So by far my favourite of 2019 was Super Juicin’! So check out Sawdust City because they make damn good beer and hopefully Super Juicin comes back!

Nick @pairingwithbeer

The beer for 2019 for me was “Lightworks” from Laylow Brewery, a Trinidadian-inspired Belgian wit with hibiscus.

The “Lightworks” witbier from Laylow Brewery is a year round offering on tap at the brewery, and named after an MF Doom song of the same name. The beer is heavily inspired by Trinidadian culture. The team at Laylow have partnered with Trinidadian chef, Young Animal, and, given MF Doom has a Trinidadian background, the team were moved to make a beer that spoke to this culture. Ever had a “sorrel”? That’s right, the Trinidadian hibiscus tea is the inspiration for this delicate Belgian wit – it’s an incredibly refreshing offering that is perfect for day drinking, especially with its friendly 4.6% ABV.

Pouring a pleasant, slightly hazy pink with a little head that dissipates quickly, the hibiscus wit comes with mildly fruity, floral, and spicy aromas. The nose is followed by an amazingly refreshing tasting beer: mild tart, muted sweet, subtle spice, and all in it’s neatly contained light body. This is easy to drink, and absolutely delicious, I must say. It’s taste more than lives up to the exciting colour.

Colin @thebeoirdad

I can’t decide between the two, but both were beers I’ve had on my wish list for years that I finally got to try this year.

New Glarus Brewing Company’s Wisconsin Belgian Red.

And Russian River Brewing Company’s Pliny the Elder.

Both lived up to the extensive hype and then some. Everything I hoped and dreamed for! The latter was shared with Taylor (aka @mylovelyladyhops) who also popped her Pliny cherry with me at the same share!

@beerdrankshawty

Combustible Pineapple? Why that name? The can definitely did the name justice, but in a landscape of can-art over selling the actual liquid product, I felt the need to investigate further. With a skeptical mind-set, I crack the can. Let’s get it crack-can…Off the bat my nose filled with the aroma of fresh cut pineapple straight from Star Corridor! Time to taste. As the liquid pineapple beer juice flowed down my inner neck regions, I caught a sweetness on the midsections of my tongue, with a slight bitterness on the back end. As I exhaled stomach air outward my largest face hole, there was a very noticeable vanilla air accent. I would guess this beer has lactose present. I look at the can, and BINGO! This Pineapple Milkshake IPA is all that It claimed and more! At 7.5 abv, you’ll definitely have a greatest than average night. We’ll let that be our little secret.

Lisa @hopsandflipflops

My pick for favorite beer of 2019 is Orlando, FL based Ellipsis Brewing’s Fruit Punch Project with Marshmallow. The original (non marshmallow) was great but the marshmallow adds that warm, sugary vanilla WOW factor to the strong, tart, tropical, tangy fruit punch flavors.

This beer pours a vivid deep glowing red with a light foam head that disappears quickly. This beer came out in the summer and sold out in less than 30 minutes after its release. I have been guiltily holding on to my last can because it’s that good!

Amanda @idrinkbeerok

Holy cow!! This was a hard one! I’ve had so many wonderful beers this past year. Just so y’all know, Georgia Breweries are killin it! But since y’all made me pick one, I had to go with this one. POG from Scofflaw Brewing Co. was already a favorite of mine so after having this one, hands down had to be my favorite of the year! When they say X2 they mean it.. Masked higher ABV which I love! I highly recommend trying to get your hands on this one if you can! Keep checking on my page to see more amazing local Georgia beers!!

Laura @_laura_brittany

My favorite beer of 2019 was of course a IPA but not any IPA it was a sour IPA with some amazing fruit added. Elon from Kings Brewing Company had lemon peel, vanilla bean, pineapple, hibiscus, cranberry, and pomegranate. The fact the I enjoy both my fruit, sour, and an IPA all in one was orgasmic.

Patrick @PatrickWatches

Bell’s Hopslam is one I had recommended to me by a friend, and I’m always looking to try something from my original home state. With the Hopslam, you’ve got a DIPA that lifts the ABV without needing to divert into the juice/citrus flavors we commonly see. Not that those are bad (I enjoy them) but sometimes you want a change of pace. Here, you’ve got a honeyed sweetness that creeps in, balanced with a tartness that comes on the back side of the sip. Combined with a thicker mouthfeel than you might expect, Bell’s Hopslam will definitely twist your expectations for what a higher-ABV IPA can be.

Zack @broakland

Hands down, the best beer I had this year was Russian Rivers Velvet Glow.

Eduardo @Papi.Chulo.of.Craft

I couldn’t just pick 1 favorite beer for this year it would be to hard but I had 2 clear standouts that I cannot stop dreaming about. Both from Other Half brewing, both stouts, both Banana variations.

Snowbirds 3 VIP Version
Other Half/ J. Wakefield Collaboration
VIP Version for Pastrytown. With coconut, Emperors toasted coconut, marcona almonds and wild Thai banana.

All 5th Anniversary Everything Imperial Stout W/ Banana
Brewed with wild Thai banana, cacao nibs, macadamia nuts, coconut, toasted coconut and vanilla.

Kyra @craftbeer_barbie

One of my favorite beers this year was King Julius from Tree House Brewing.

Nikki @nicole_marie_confetti

My favorite beer of 2019 is This Time It’s Personal from Asylum Brewing. This simcoe forward DIPA is the closest beer I’ve come across to describe as the PERFECT combination of both hoppy AND delicious. I can easily drink this beer all night!

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Q&A: What’s Your Favorite Beer Cocktail?

Published November 11, 2019

Emily @abrewtifulmess

I’m not sure I could pick just one. Just as I like to constantly be trying new beers, I also like to experiment with fun new cocktail ideas, so of course beer cocktails are no different.

If I’m honest , my go to cocktail is probably a margarita and in the past I’ve experimented with beer cocktails using a sour Gose because the salt and the tart just lends itself so perfectly for that combination. But now a days there are a lot of blurred lines between the beer and cocktail world and many beers out there sound more like cocktails than beers. So I decided to experiment with a new recipe.

I decided to make a Gin Fizz using Other Half Brewings Ramos Gin Fizz, a 6.8% Berliner Weisse with gin botanicals, orange blossom water, lemons, limes and milk sugar.

Of course with a name like that it was an obvious connection, but I find when making a beer cocktail, picking a cocktail that has some sort of soda in it is an easy way to incorporate the beer. Simply sub out the soda for the beer and your drink will still have all the right proportions and carbonation with just some added flavors (and alcohol) from the beer.

The recipe for this Gin Fizz was:

4 ounces Sour Beer (Other Half’s ‘Ramos Gin Fizz’ Berliner Weisse)
2 ounces good quality Gin
1 ounce lemon juice
1 ounce simple syrup
1 egg white
Carnation for garnish (optional)
(Serves: 2)

Instructions:

Divide the beer evenly amongst the glasses. (Roughly 2 ounces per drink depending on the size of your glass)
Add the remaining ingredients (except the garnish) to a shaker, without ice. Shake vigorously for 1 minute. This makes the egg white nice and foamy.
Add ice to the shaker and shake again for another minute. Strain into your glasses with beer.
Garnish with an edible flower, lemon wheel, or anything else you think looks pretty!

Natalie @beautifulbooze

I love the Bee’s Knees cocktail, and any time I have the opportunity to make a cool variation I jump at it, like this Beer-y Bee’s Knees. I know, the name isn’t very creative, but it’s pretty straight forward, just like the cocktail. I used the traditional gin and lemon juice base then, added in some strawberries when crafting the honey syrup to give it a little seasonal kick; the hardest decision was, what beer to use to top it off. I ended up with the Founders MÀS AGAVE, because it had more going on than your regular lager, and contributed to the final product. The bitterness worked deliciously, sitting on top of the cocktail and balancing everything with each sip I took.

Recipe:

1.5 ounces Gin
1 ounce Lemon Juice
½ ounce Honey Strawberry Simple Syrup
Top with Founders MÀS AGAVE (approx.. 2 ounces)

Method:

Combine all ingredients, except beer, in a cocktail shaker with ice
Shake to chill and combine ingredients
Strain into a cocktail glass over fresh ice
Top with Founders MÀS AGAVE
Garnish & Enjoy!

Jadon @brewjayofficial

A Hispanic twist on a beermosa, with one part orange juice to four parts Saison (in my case Saison DuPont) with a squeeze of lime, a rim of Tajin spice, and an extra lime slice for aesthetics. The orange juice mellows the natural pink peppercorn spice of the Saison. The lemon hint that you normally would taste from Saison DuPont, compliments the citrus of the orange juice and the spice of Tajin. The lime adds additional acidity, and blends with the salt from the Tajin just enough. Finally, you can add the dregs from the bottom of the DuPont bottle to bring out an additional layer of complexity of slight bready flavors. I have also had friends add hot sauce to give this a kick, but even for a spice-lover like myself, I can take it or leave it.

Nicole @nicole_marie_confetti

Michelager!

Start by pouring some chamoy and tajin on separate sides of a plate…rim the cup with chamoy first,followed by the tajin..it will stick perfectly! Next add some splashes of worcestershire sauce, then 4 or 5 drops of preferred hot sauce..next add clamato …so that about 1/4 of glass is filled….stir well! Finally add Scurveza Mexican Lager brewed by Asylum Brewing until its right below the rim… squeeze some fresh lime and enjoy!

Stephanie

I like a Dark and Stormy IPA. A Dark and Stormy is similar to the popular Moscow Mule, only with dark rum instead of vodka. I like to add some IPA for a craft beer twist.

For the IPA something juicy or citrusy is best to compliment the lime and rum. I like the hop bite the IPA adds, so I prefer something with some bitterness. At 60 IBUs Secret Trail’s Hazy Trail worked great.

Add juice from ½ a lime to your glass.
Add a few ice cubes.
Add 6 oz of chilled ginger beer.
Add 6 oz of chilled IPA.
Add 1 oz dark rum.
Stir.
Garnish with lime.

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Q&A: What’s on Your Mt. Rushmore of Classic Craft Beer?

Published October 3, 2019

Colin @TheBeoirMan

Consider me skewed, y’all (if that didn’t give it away already) but I’m Texan so one of my responses should not come as a surprise to you at all.

George Washington
First American President? Well then, this would be Yuengling. The oldest operating brewing company in America (circa 1829) so this is practically, and still remains, the first and oldest craft brew in the good ol’ US of A. Whenever I travel outside of Texas and see this available, no matter what else is on tap, THIS is my first beer. Because ‘Merica! 🦅🇺🇸

Theodore Roosevelt
I mean…if any one of these four guys represents Texas spirit to me, it’s ol’ Teddy. Ironic that he’s a New Yorker, right? Remember that comment I made? Well then this should be no surprise.

Shiner Bock. This was my first “craft beer”. Being a Texan, this is STILL the quintessential Texas beer. Ruby Red? Prickly Pear? Cheer? I don’t care what new hotness is out there, Shiner will always be something I can drink.

Thomas Jefferson
I have no cool simile here. Instead, number 3 is New Belgium Fat Tire. I turned 21 in 2006 while I was in college in Fort Collins. Yeah…NBBC and Odell in my backyard? I acclimated to craft beer REAL QUICK.

Abraham Lincoln
My first step into craft outside of my local scene as a young craft beer drinker was Sierra Nevada’s Pale Ale. To this day, that is my benchmark for ALL American Pale Ales and IPAs. This beer is one of the few that stands the test of time. Not many open up into different flavor profiles as you drink them quite like this one does

Jeff @letshavesomebeershow

My list of classic American craft beers is pretty extensive, but there are a few that stand out above the rest. My craft beer journey started with Sierra Nevada, and their Torpedo IPA will always be one of my favorites. It’s got that fantastic hop bite while still having a beautiful balance of citrus and pine notes. Another classic would be Stone IPA. I grew up in SoCal and this beer is iconic in its traditional west coast flavors. Finally, one of my absolute favorite beers of all time, Russian River’s Pliny the Elder. This beer literally brought tears to my eyes when I drank it for the first time. The dry hopping in this beer is nothing short of perfection.

Chelsea @21stamendmentgirl

What beers are on my Mt Rushmore of beers? As those who are on the actual Mt. Rushmore have had an impact on history, I wanted to highlight beers that have had an impact of my history and shaped me into the beer lover that I am today. I used to collect beer labels when I first started drinking craft beer (this was before Untapped) and the beer that start is all was Victory’s Golden Monkey. I had no idea what a “Belgian Tripel” was but I was going to try it because I liked the label art. I should tell you, I had a rule for collecting my labels. I had to finish the whole beer in order to keep the label. That first tripel was a labor of love, nowadays it’s just love. Second would be Hell or High Watermelon, by 21st Amendment (and no, my handle isn’t because of this brewery but I do love their beers). It was the first time I had bought a beer because of the can art. Not only did this beer have incredible can art but I was amazed by how unique, different and well-crafted a beer could be that was not a “traditional style” beer. Third? I would have to say that that honor would have to go to DC Brau’s Corruption. It’s not because I work there (and I love working there), but because of what DC Brau has meant to the city of DC. They have been trailblazers that have helped usher in the craft beer scene that we have now today. I wasn’t much of a craft beer drinker when I moved away from DC after college, but I was when I came back, I saw DC Brau Corruption on tap EVERYWHERE and thought that they had always been a part of the DC beer scene. Little did I know that they had just started a few years before I moved back. To me, they are DC’s beer. Lastly, I would have to say the Raspberry Stout from Hardywood. Hardywood was the first brewery that I had ever gone to visit for the sake of visiting. I remember standing outside playing cornhole with my friends and watching a line form for what I found out, was the gingerbread stout release (I had no idea that beer releases were a thing) and remember wondering “why are they waiting in line for beer?” I took a sip of my raspberry stout as I watched them wait and went “ah, yes…now I get it.” No, none of these beers are flashy or “whalez”, but they are great beers that have each written a chapter in my personal beer history. Each had such a lasting impact that they deserve a place of honor in my Mt. Rushmore of beers.

Jamal @thehopcircles

Wow this was a tough one but I’ll have to say Bourbon County from Goose Island, Stone IPA from Stone Brewing, Dale’s Pale Ale from Oskar Blues & Sierra Nevada’s Pale Ale. Adding Bourbon County ahead of other classic’s was a difficult decision but if you know the history behind this beer then I hope you’ll understand why I’ve picked it.

Katie @hoppy_face

I would definitely consider Sam Adams to be an American staple for craft beers around the country. But more locally to New Hampshire where I have grown up and lived my whole life I would say Smuttynose old brown dog ale is what comes to mind. This is def the classic example of the American brown ale and has been around for at least 20 years.

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Q&A: What’s Your Favorite Brewery to Visit?

Published September 26, 2019

Tanya @babels_cameron

Without question, one of my absolute favorite breweries to visit is Sante Adairius’ brewery and taproom. Situated alongside the California coast in Capitola — a short distance from New Brighton State Beach and Monterey Bay — SARA is quaint, welcoming, and warm. With its gorgeously-appointed interior (think makeshift tables constructed from barrels and art- and photograph- bedecked walls) and equally comfortable exterior (imagine vividly-designed murals and communal tables nestled amongst imposing foeders) this pet-friendly space doles out some of the loveliest liquid in one of the most picturesque locales I’ve ever seen. Beer for me, will always in part be about the memories it evokes, and whenever I crack a bottle of SARA, I can’t help but call to mind those pastel-painted beach cottages, rugged cliffs, and swaying sea grasses of Capitola as well — and that’s a wonderful thing! BIG Bonus: Aptos Street BBQ is a short drive down the street and worth every unctuous bite!

Lisa @hopsandflipflops

Good questions! I think my favorite brewery to visit would be Ology Brewing in Tallahassee, Florida. Their team is just the best and that sometimes makes the experience that much more enjoyable. Last time I visited, they were having a bottle release and their staff showed up early to cook breakfast for anyone in line during our line share. They made pancakes (with some of their own sour beer) and bacon for everyone who wanted any! The space is small but bottle share friendly and you can often find a group in the back socializing over an impromptu share and they might invite you to join whether you have a bottle to share or not. It’s definitely a community.

Ology makes the best range of beers from the super funky mixed-culture Dynamic Fermentarium Sours to barrel aged stouts to the Juice Lab Berliners (my fave!). So there’s something for everyone. They also added a cellar program where you can order older aged bottles to drink in the taproom. The cellar bottles come delivered and poured from a crate similar to the vibes of a Cantillion basket. I love the sleek concrete bar along with the contrasting barrel tables and chemistry nuanced logo branding. It’s always a good time and very welcoming! I’d highly recommend a visit if you’re in the area. Ology is in the process of expanding and I’m sure there’s only more good things coming!

Amanda @idrinkbeerok

My favorite brewery to visit, as of right now, is Jailhouse Brewing Company based out of Hampton,GA. The atmosphere and hospitality are amazing! I love the fact that it was an actual historic jail! They have an indoor taproom called the Watchtower and an outside patio called The Yard. Besides all that, they have great beer! There is also a really good restaurant right across the street called Tierra Mia and they will also deliver to the brewery. Definitely check them out if you’re ever in the area!

Michael @sirfoodsavage

As @sirfoodsavage, not only do I love great craft beer, I need a brewery that food is top notch. For me the brewery I always trust up here in Ontario for both great craft beer and food is Redline Brewhouse out of Barrie, Ontario! They are pretty local to me and always pump out great craft beer! The Clutch APA never lets me down and they always crush the DIPA game in my opinion and the staff are great! I always enjoy my time when I go to Redline Brewhouse!

Odell @brewbroshtx

My favorite brewery to visit is Angry Chair Brewing, located in Tampa, FL. I’m a huge fan of the sweet pastry stouts, which they do very well. The beer descriptions vs taste are always spot on. (Have you ever tried their German Chocolate Cupcake stout?) It’s a fun brewery to visit, especially during Tampa Beer Week; #dontparkonfern

Ed @gothops.blog

I’ve only visited once but Jester King in Austin, Texas was beyond awesome. Definitely one of the most inviting and comfortable breweries I’ve ever been too. The brewery is located in what is known as the Texas Hill Country so the drive there is just as nice. If it was allowed, I would live there!

Nikki @nicole_marie_confetti

My favorite brewery to visit is Asylum Brewing in Anaheim CA, one of the first stops on the la palma beer trail. It’s a very welcoming atmosphere and the beertenders are some of the coolest in the industry! The owners are also awesome guys who always love chatting with customers and talking beer!

The beer here (duh) is phenomenal! They have something for everyone…from Double IPAs to lagers to imperial stouts. My go to beer here is an incredibly dank and delicious IPA called Monsters We Breed. Asylum is definitely orange county’s hidden gem !

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Q&A: Do you Cook with Beer?

Published September 4, 2019

Jessica @themostprost

Yes! I have used Modern Times’ Black House Coffee Oatmeal Stout to make a delicious stout ice cream! I have a huge sweet tooth, so the chance to combine two of my favorite things, beer and ice cream? Uhm, yes please!! The beauty of an ice cream recipe is that you can get mega-creative with what beer you use in the mix… it’s fun to experiment with different stouts to see what you end up with. No matter what stout you use, it will almost ALWAYS end up delicious, so don’t be afraid to go wild with it!

Other than ice cream, I haven’t cooked too much with beer, but I am excited to! Beer-battered fish, beer cheese, and beer-marinated steak, are just a few on my list of beer-centric recipes to make! Cheers!

Brad @thatlastdrop

Yes, I do cook with beer. Mostly with curries however my favorite recipe is simply cooking a traditional South African dish we call “Potjiekos” which directly translates to “Pot Food” so like a stew and we cook using these big iron cauldrons on an open fire adding oxtail or beef with various vegetables and potatoes for a few hours.

I like to then add a strong flavorful IPA (my favorite is Devils Peak, King’s Blockhouse IPA) to the last half an hour or even marinade the meat in it over night. Absolutely delish! Cheers!

Taylor @mylovelyladyhops

I love cooking with beer! My favorite recipe is a Texas Chili with roast chuck (large chunks), lots of fragrant spices, onions, peppers, tomatoes and an imperial stout. I like to use an oatmeal stout. It’s rich, hearty and delicious!

Laura @southernbrewreviews

Yes!

I love cooking with beer! Not only is it a great excuse to pop open a cold one, use a little in your dish and drink the rest, it’s a great flavor enhancer to most dishes!

Beer is so diverse these days, you can pretty much find any style or flavor profile you’re looking for to add to your favorite dish or sauce.

I make unique condiments based on brews. I love subbing vinegars out with tart sours in BBQ sauces, or stouts when I’m want something richer. Other than sauces, I have been known to add beers to the typical beer-friendly dishes: chili’s, appetizer dips, soups & chocolate cakes.

This year my goal is to make a cranberry sauce at thanksgiving with craft beer. (last year there were so many great cranberry sours available, it’d be silly not to try it!)

Drew @average_blokes_critique

I’m experimental. My Wife doesn’t think I’m an amazingly versatile cook because I generally cook the same things for us for meals but when I’m on my own and she’s away travelling I’ll get fancy and throw out the recipe books (that I can barely follow anyway). Beer wise I look at the style – Recently it was “Sticky Hand Shake” by Nomad Brewing which was a date paste infused imperial brown ale. I instantly knew I could reduce it into a sauce and whilst I was doing that decided to throw in some bananas for good measure. As it was reducing I fried up some french toast, pan fried some more bananas and the result was a delicious breakfast (which I ate in the afternoon). It paired quite well with the rest of the beer. I was only missing walnuts.

With so many different types of beers on the market these days and so many strange and wonderful flavours, how can you not think about trying some in a recipe or two!

Jackie @thatonebeergirl

Yes but only as a novice. I’ve been only cooked beer cheese but would love more recipes. @beeroness is goals for cooking with beer!

@BeerDrankShawty

I use Imperial IPAs, with sriracha butter base, and a beef bouillon cream sauce , drizzled with egg whites as well as a balsamic vinaigrette spread over lettuce for my burger base.. LITERALLY!! The best burger dressing in the world. And It’s documented #duH

Monica The Italian Craft Beer

I’m a polysaccharides-girl (a girl that had cold pizza for breakfast), and I love to bake bread. It is so relaxing to work the dough and to observe it slowly rising. I also adore the scent of the fresh-baked bread in my house and to eat a warm slice of bread fresh out of the oven, with a pinch of salt and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. So, here you are my favourite beer-bread recipe: HONEY & BOCK BEER BREAD. It is simple and quick to make, although delicious. It has a soft texture, caramel/honey aroma and rustic touch of the Bock beer.

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Q&A: What Beer are You Saving for a Special Occasion?

Published August 14, 2019

Jen @pumpedtopour

The Holy Hermit from Moonraker Brewing!

I am saving it to share with my beer friends who have yet experienced any craftbeers from Moonraker. I am excited for them to try one of the best breweries in California. Sharing is Caring!

@_laura_brittany from @craftedandcuffed

I thought it couldn’t be more perfect than to save our birthday gift for a late night concert date coming up with my husband!!! Do you all know how great date nights end? Hopefully with dessert, am I right??? Well I’m not much for desserts but my husband on the other hand has enough of a sweet tooth for us both! So albeit despite my traditional taste choices like IPA’S, Sours or a Berliner Weiss, I recently have been allowing my pallet to try, savor, and appreciate the various different dessert style stouts out there. Now more often than not when we walk into a brewery, I find myself starting off with an imperial or pastry stout. Best part of it all is since we both enjoy great craft beer, this has turned into a dessert we both can enjoy. With that being said I’m saving this delicious mouth watering, pallet warming Imperial Stout with coconut, cocoa nibs and vanilla called “After Hours” by Arrow Lodge Brewing.

Haley & Jamie from @wanderbrewbc

We are terrible at saving beer! Every time we head out into the mountains or out on the road to live our vanlife we consider it a special occasion! Next beer we plan to drink on top of a mountain or lakeside is a Dunder Beist – Norwegian Farmhouse IPA by Another Beer Co., from British Columbia, Canada.

Eddie G. @Papi.Chulo.Of.Craft

Hard to say I have one beer I’m saving for a special occasion. I’d consider any occasion I get to share a beer with friends a special moment or occasion. However, with that said I am notorious for buying multiple bottles at once. Usually in groups of three. One to drink, one to save, & one to trade. At this point I have over 48 bottles waiting for their special occasion. They sit in a box awaiting the day they get put in my beer fridge for cooling along with the others in queue. But if I had to narrow the most special bottles I’ll continue to hold on to it would be non adjunct bourbon barreled aged stouts or Lambics.

Adam & Katie of Ale Adventures

TALKING WATERS BERZERKER IMPERIAL STOUT – BARREL AGED. We are saving this beer for Christmas 2019!

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Q&A: What’s Your Favorite Beer Book?

Published July 31, 2019

Kristine @womensbeercollective

When asked ‘what is my favorite beer book’ I had to take a pause, and for a brief moment felt slightly down on myself for not seeming more studious! You see, I believe everything I’ve learned about beer has come from listening, doing, drinking and brewing. Not to say I’m not a lover of books, because I have many! However, the books I collect are gorgeous eye candy for the food and beer lovers out there, and so much more! … Because they are cookbooks! I am excited to share a few of my favorites with you!

THE BEER PANTRY, cooking at the intersection of craft beer and great food by Adam Dulye and Michael Harlan Turkell. Exquisitely illustrated with upscale recipes that all incorporate beer. The best part is they have made a list of suggestions for each menu item of what beer style to pair with it … even down to the brewery name!

THE CRAFT BEER COOKBOOK and CRAFT BEER BITES COOKBOOK, two that I have in my collection from Jacquelyn Dodd. Let me just say that this delightful woman and chef really knows how to have a good time! Anything I’ve made from either of these books, that include beer, have been crowd pleasers! To see all her amazing food photography her IG is @thebeeroness and I promise you will drool!

By all means, don’t be fooled into thinking that I am an amazing cook!! I just really enjoy cookbooks, and have always been this way since a child. It’s not always about actually cooking for me, but the enjoyment of turning the pages of each beautiful image and making a list of what could be. Cheers!

Marilyn @littlemariii

Food On Tap Cooking With Craft Beer by Lori Rice – This is my favorite book because it includes two of the things I love; craft beer and food. This book takes it beyond pairing beers with dishes, it has amazing photography and recipes for dishes that are cooked with beer. Just to see how it all comes together is an awesome process. I also love that you, yourself can recreate these dishes and have some friends over and have your own beer dinner.

Jackie @TheBeeroness

I’m not going to say mine, that would be lame. The first beer book I feel in love with is The Brewmasters Table by Garrett Oliver. He’s an absolute legend and the gold standard for beer writing. I also really enjoyed reading The Craft of Stone Brewing because I would read absolutely anything Randy Clemens wrote. And I firmly believe that The Beer Bible by Jeff Alworth is a must own, he’s just so damn brilliant.

Nick from PairingwithBeer.com

The Ontario Craft Beer Guide is an excellent survey of the Ontario Craft Beer scene (as of 2017 in the second edition of the book), with introductions to more than 200 breweries and 1000 beer reviews and tasting notes. Very accessible for the 90+ percentile of the market that is still unfamiliar with the craft beer scene: this book gets you familiar without any pretentious, snobby language. A fantastic reference, and an informative read.

Paul @beernerdtravel & Ashley @hoppinthemap

We loved Brewing Classic Styles by Jamil Zainasheff and John Palmer! It was a huge help and jumping off point when we first waded into the sometimes intimidating waters of home brewing. We haven’t done any brewing since hitting the road, but it was awesome to get to try some of Jamil’s beer (@hereticbrewing) while touring California and even used it as a prop in our favorite beer selfie!

Matthew Ellis Host of Heroes By The Pint

Books about beer, if only this would have been apart of English class maybe i would have been a scholar. Anyways I would have to say Business For Punks by James Watt Owner of Brewdog is a must read, and a book I always go back to. It has such a strong focus on the business of beer as well as business practices for any entrepreneur.

As a home brewer I’ve also spent hours doing my homework by reading Craft Beer for the People (and I’ve got the paper cuts to prove it). Again a Brewdog book bought to us by James Watt, Martin Dickie and Richard Taylor. CHEERS!

Liz @brew.babe

One of my favorite beer books is Beers of the World by David Kenning. When I first moved in with my fiancé, he always had this book on his coffee table and I spent a lot of time reading it. David Kenning covers all sorts of beers. From Canadian ones to Slovenian and New Zealand beers! He displays a picture of the bottle with the poured pint along with a background description of the beer, the Brewery, location, style, ABV, serving temperature, and food pairing. I have the book displayed on my dining room bookshelf along with my cooking and pastry books.

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