All About Beer bears the subtitle “Celebrating the World of Beer Culture,” and it does that quite well. This issue (January 2008) has a guide to specialty beers and ciders, pointers on creating a home bar, and a winners list from the Great American Beer Festival, as well as the US Beer Tasting Championship winners. … More All About Beer
Shropshire Blue is a full-fat cheese made from pasteurized cow’s milk. Its orange color sets it apart from most blues out there. It has a smooth consistency that is not quite as creamy as that of Stilton. It is strong and sharp with a pronounced salty flavor and a tangy aroma. My first inclination was … More Cheese Pairing: Shropshire Blue
Every so often when I go to the Pike Place Market, I venture into First and Pike News in search of beer magazines. Normally they carry a small assortment of beer and home brewing publications. A few days ago, however, my visit to the stand nearly ended in disappointment – none of my normal magazines … More Draft Magazine
Maximus is a Double IPA brewed by Lagunita’s Brewing Company in Petaluma, California. I purchased a 22 ounce bottle from Kiss Cafe in Ballard, Washington and drank it from a pilsner glass. This beer pours a clear copper color with a one-finger white sudsy head. The aroma was dominated by piney hops notes with a … More Maximus IPA
Brewed by Spanish Peaks Brewing Company in Denver, Colorado, Black Dog Ale purports itself to be an “English Style Amber Ale.” Beer Advocate calls it an “American Amber/Red Ale.” Format: 12-ounce bottle, drunk from a pilsner glass at Kiss Cafe in Ballard. This beer pours a transparent orangey-amber with a 1-finger head. The head dimishes … More Black Dog Ale
Ommegang Abbey Ale is a Belgian-style dubbel brewed by Brewery Ommegang in Cooperstown, NY. I bought it in a 750ml bottle, poured it at around 50 degrees fahrenheit, and let it warm significantly over the course of my consumption. I drank it from a brandy snifter. The pour revealed a beautiful mahogany beer with striking … More Ommegang Abbey Ale
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