Sunday afternoon around 3:30 or so (around the start of the second round of football games) we're going to be brewing at my house.
We'll be making a Blueberry wheat, hoping to get an ABV of about 8% and I think we might be able to get that.
So, if you want to come out and play, look me up.
V
Friday, December 5, 2008
Days of the Beer, December 5
The beer for today is Russian River Blind Pig.
On December 5, 1933, Utah became the 36th state to ratify the 21st Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which gave the 75% of states needed to enact the amendment. The 21st Amendment overturned the 18th Amendment which outlawed alcohol in the U.S.
There are two methods to approve amendments to the U.S. Constitution. 1. Ratification by the state legislatures of 3/4 of the states. 2. State Conventions. The 21st Amendment is the only one to have been ratified by the State Convention process. The amendment was passed this way because state legislatures were fearful of the still strong temperance movement.
The Amendment was proposed on February 20, 1933. Michigan was the first state to ratify the amendment on April 10. Wisconsin was next in April 25. Ohio, Pennsylvania and Utah all passed it on December 5. Maine and Montana ratified it after, on December 6, and August 6, 1934. South Carolina rejected it, on December 4.
The amendment put alcohol control in the hands of the states. Mississippi was the last dry state, that lasted until 1966.
As to the beer:
Blind pig, has two meanings. The first is as an establishment. Blind Pig's were saloons like a speakeasy. A speakeasy was normally a higher class venue than the blind pig. At a Blind Pig, the saloon keeper would charge customers to see an animal and provide a "complimentary" alcoholic beverage.
The other definition is of a mason jar. A mason jar was known as a pig, and an un-marked mason jar was known as a blind pig.
On December 5, 1933, Utah became the 36th state to ratify the 21st Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which gave the 75% of states needed to enact the amendment. The 21st Amendment overturned the 18th Amendment which outlawed alcohol in the U.S.
There are two methods to approve amendments to the U.S. Constitution. 1. Ratification by the state legislatures of 3/4 of the states. 2. State Conventions. The 21st Amendment is the only one to have been ratified by the State Convention process. The amendment was passed this way because state legislatures were fearful of the still strong temperance movement.
The Amendment was proposed on February 20, 1933. Michigan was the first state to ratify the amendment on April 10. Wisconsin was next in April 25. Ohio, Pennsylvania and Utah all passed it on December 5. Maine and Montana ratified it after, on December 6, and August 6, 1934. South Carolina rejected it, on December 4.
The amendment put alcohol control in the hands of the states. Mississippi was the last dry state, that lasted until 1966.
As to the beer:
Blind pig, has two meanings. The first is as an establishment. Blind Pig's were saloons like a speakeasy. A speakeasy was normally a higher class venue than the blind pig. At a Blind Pig, the saloon keeper would charge customers to see an animal and provide a "complimentary" alcoholic beverage.
The other definition is of a mason jar. A mason jar was known as a pig, and an un-marked mason jar was known as a blind pig.
So, for the end of prohibition, raise your glass to the people who stood up to the temperance movement. Have a drink for Utah, even though it's got some of the most restrictive laws about bringing beer into their state. Drink it out of a mason jar, just say it's a blind pig.
Blind Pig IPA: Blind Pig IPA was originally brewed by Vinnie at Blind Pig Brewing Co. in Temecula CA. Inspired by the original Blind Pig IPA, this beer is loaded with hop character but only has 6.0% ABV.
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Days of the Beer, December 4
The beer for today is Shoreline Foggy Loggy Lager.
On December 4, 1952, a fog covered London, England. It lasted until December 9. The fog directly caused, or contributed to the death of around 12,000 people. It became known as the Great Smog of 1952.
The fog was the result of a cold pressure system, that caused people to burn more coal than normal to heat their homes. The cold trapped the smoke lower in the atmosphere close to the ground. Coal at the time in London was low in quality and high in sulfur, as the higher quality coal was being exported to help the post-war economy.
Shortly after the fog lifted, medical services found that the fog had killed 4,000 people, many of which had pre-existing respiratory problems. Most of the deaths were from respiratory tract infections or from hypoxia (low oxygenation of blood). Others died from being suffocated by pus, from lung infections. In the weeks an months that followed, another 8,000 people died from the fog.
As to the beer:
Shoreline Brewery is located in Michigan City, Indiana, on the coast of Lake Michigan. Foggy Loggy is a pale lager and comes in at 4.4% ABV.
So, for the Great Smog of 1952, have a Foggy Loggy.
On December 4, 1952, a fog covered London, England. It lasted until December 9. The fog directly caused, or contributed to the death of around 12,000 people. It became known as the Great Smog of 1952.
The fog was the result of a cold pressure system, that caused people to burn more coal than normal to heat their homes. The cold trapped the smoke lower in the atmosphere close to the ground. Coal at the time in London was low in quality and high in sulfur, as the higher quality coal was being exported to help the post-war economy.
Shortly after the fog lifted, medical services found that the fog had killed 4,000 people, many of which had pre-existing respiratory problems. Most of the deaths were from respiratory tract infections or from hypoxia (low oxygenation of blood). Others died from being suffocated by pus, from lung infections. In the weeks an months that followed, another 8,000 people died from the fog.
As to the beer:
Shoreline Brewery is located in Michigan City, Indiana, on the coast of Lake Michigan. Foggy Loggy is a pale lager and comes in at 4.4% ABV.
Shoreline's lightest offering. This lager is styled after the first beer brewed celebrating King Ludwig's wedding to Princess Teresa of Saxon which turned into the modern day Oktoberfest. It has a nice white lacey head followed by a beautiful golden blonde hue.As far as I know, this beer is only available at the brewery. I had this beer on March 5, when Kriddy and I went on our Indiana brewery/brewpub tour.
So, for the Great Smog of 1952, have a Foggy Loggy.
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Days of the Beer, December 3
The beer for today is Firestone Walker Union Jack IPA.
On December 3, 1984, in Bhopal, India; a methyl isocyanate leak from a Union Carbide pesticide plant killed more than 3,800 people and injured 150,000 - 600,000 others (more than 6,000 would later die from their injuries).
During the night, large amounts of water entered a tank that held 42 tonnes of methyl isocyanate. This caused a chemical reaction that raised the pressure and the temperature inside the tank to over 400 degrees F. The tank wasn't designed to hold the pressure, and released the gas. The plant was located in the center of Bhopal, and the gases flooded the city. People woke up in a cloud of gas that burned their lungs.
The cause of the incident, which is labeled as one of the worst industrial accidents in history, is unknown. Some think that peopel were cleaning pipes out with water that leaked into the tank, others think it was an act of sabotage by a disgruntled worker.
As to the beer:
I had this beer recently, and it was awesome.
So, for the Union Carbide disaster in Bhopal, India, have a Firestone Walker Union Jack India Pale Ale.
*the incident was commemorated in song by the Revolting Cocks*
On December 3, 1984, in Bhopal, India; a methyl isocyanate leak from a Union Carbide pesticide plant killed more than 3,800 people and injured 150,000 - 600,000 others (more than 6,000 would later die from their injuries).
During the night, large amounts of water entered a tank that held 42 tonnes of methyl isocyanate. This caused a chemical reaction that raised the pressure and the temperature inside the tank to over 400 degrees F. The tank wasn't designed to hold the pressure, and released the gas. The plant was located in the center of Bhopal, and the gases flooded the city. People woke up in a cloud of gas that burned their lungs.
The cause of the incident, which is labeled as one of the worst industrial accidents in history, is unknown. Some think that peopel were cleaning pipes out with water that leaked into the tank, others think it was an act of sabotage by a disgruntled worker.
As to the beer:
I had this beer recently, and it was awesome.
The newest member of the Firestone family, Union Jack is the aggressive IPA that you’ve been searching for. Citrus, pineapple, and a full chewy malt profile finish clean on your palate. Over 70 IBUs and 7.5% alcohol by volume, Union Jack won’t have any problem competing with the big India Pale Ales. A beer true to its origins; deeply hopped and bolstered for a long voyage.The beer is currently only available in California, so unless you have a hook-up, you'll just have to wait.
So, for the Union Carbide disaster in Bhopal, India, have a Firestone Walker Union Jack India Pale Ale.
*the incident was commemorated in song by the Revolting Cocks*
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Days of the Beer, December 2
The beer for today is Magic Hat Circus Boy.
On December 2, 1863, Charles Edward Ringling was born in McGregor, Iowa. Charles was one of the Ringling Brothers who owned the Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus. While there, he was in charge of production.
The Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus was started in 1919, after the Ringling brothers had purchased the Barnum & Bailey Circus in 1907. The circuses ran separately for several years, but finally merged.
The Ringling brothers originally had four brothers, but by 1919, only Charles and John Nicholas Ringling were remaining. The Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus debuted on March 29, 1919, in Madison Square Garden.
Charles died December 3, 1926.
As to the beer:
Magic Hat is based out of South Burlington Vermont. They began in 1994. Magic Hat is known for puting short phrases on the underside of their bottle caps.
ABV: 5.4
Gravity: 1.055
Bitterness: 18
SRM: 5.0
Yeast: Hefeweizen Ale
Hops: Cascade & Warrior
Malts: Wheat, Pale
So for one of the men who started one of the great circuses, have a Circus Boy.
On December 2, 1863, Charles Edward Ringling was born in McGregor, Iowa. Charles was one of the Ringling Brothers who owned the Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus. While there, he was in charge of production.
The Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus was started in 1919, after the Ringling brothers had purchased the Barnum & Bailey Circus in 1907. The circuses ran separately for several years, but finally merged.
The Ringling brothers originally had four brothers, but by 1919, only Charles and John Nicholas Ringling were remaining. The Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus debuted on March 29, 1919, in Madison Square Garden.
Charles died December 3, 1926.
As to the beer:
Magic Hat is based out of South Burlington Vermont. They began in 1994. Magic Hat is known for puting short phrases on the underside of their bottle caps.
THE Hefeweizen: Unfiltered and unfettered, Circus Boy is a unique and refreshing American-style Hefeweizen.
Is he a who? Or a what? Or perhaps some of both?
ABV: 5.4
Gravity: 1.055
Bitterness: 18
SRM: 5.0
Yeast: Hefeweizen Ale
Hops: Cascade & Warrior
Malts: Wheat, Pale
So for one of the men who started one of the great circuses, have a Circus Boy.
Monday, December 1, 2008
Beer Review, Lost Abbey Judgement Day
After finishing up the first series of football games at Hooters with our 50 free wings, headed home to watch the afternoon game. Sadly, the televised game was the Jets versus the Broncos, I have no idea how that one wound up being the best option for East-Central Illinois, but it's probably the Favre connection.
To wash the game down, I split a bottle of The Lost Abbey Judgement Day with Paddy, as Kriddy was taking a nap.
The bottle said this one was a Belgian (style) Dark Quad. It poured almost purple, it was dark, and let some light through. I thought it looked kind of like tea, maybe a purple tea? It smelled winey, yeasty, and a bit of alcohol. There was some grape in it, that made it almost smell like grape bubble gum.
It had a medium to thin thickness, and was slightly effervescent. It also was very drying.
It tasted of grape, bread, raisin, and coffee. I thought I might have gotten some prune or fig in the flavor, like drinking a slightly grape-y fig newton. There was no perceivable hop bitterness in the flavor. Paddy said it was "wicked sweet". As I got down to the bottom of the glass, it started to feel very familiar. At first I couldn't place it, but I think it reminded me of Grape Mad Dog 20/20. To which Paddy said, "WTF? this high end delicious bottle of beer reminds you of $3 swill?"
Sadly, just a bit. He then said, ok, well, at least it didn't remind me of purple passion.
This beer was awesome. It came in the Port/Lost Abbey gift pack from Rob. Sadly, I won't need my California hookup for these beers anymore. Happily, it is available in Illinois, if you are willing to travel to Chicago. The beer is currently available at West Lakeview Liquors, who also will ship. It is also at Archer Liquors, who also do shipping.
Oddly, the price tag on the bottle that came from California, was the same price as I picked it up for in Chicago on Thanksgiving. I do have another bottle of this in my box from Thursday, and I think I'll be putting it down in the basement. I'll be stocking up on this one.
Days of the Beer, December 1
The beer for today is Pabst Blue Ribbon.
On December 1, 1981, the AIDS virus was officially recognized. Prior to being named AIDS, it was known as GRID, for Gay-Related Immune Deficiency (I am no relation).
December 1, is World AIDS Day. Now, granted, you are supposed to wear a Red Ribbon to show your solidarity with HIV-positive and people with AIDS, but I can't find a Red Ribbon beer, so a blue one will have to suffice.
AIDS has killed more than 25 million people between 1981, and 2007. It is estimated there are 33 million people worldwide who have HIV. In 2007, AIDS claimed an estimated 2 million people, of which, about 270,000 were children.
World AIDS day originated in 1988 at the World Summit of Ministers of Health on Programmes for AIDS Prevention.
The theme this year is Stop AIDS. Keep the Promise - Lead - Empower- Deliver.
As to the beer:
PBR is produced by the Pabst Brewing Company. Their beer is currently produced on a contract by Miller Brewing Company.
Here's Charlie Papazian's notes on it.
So, for the day where you are to show your support for AIDS and HIV folks by wearing a Red Ribbon, have yourself a Blue Ribbon.
On December 1, 1981, the AIDS virus was officially recognized. Prior to being named AIDS, it was known as GRID, for Gay-Related Immune Deficiency (I am no relation).
December 1, is World AIDS Day. Now, granted, you are supposed to wear a Red Ribbon to show your solidarity with HIV-positive and people with AIDS, but I can't find a Red Ribbon beer, so a blue one will have to suffice.
AIDS has killed more than 25 million people between 1981, and 2007. It is estimated there are 33 million people worldwide who have HIV. In 2007, AIDS claimed an estimated 2 million people, of which, about 270,000 were children.
World AIDS day originated in 1988 at the World Summit of Ministers of Health on Programmes for AIDS Prevention.
The theme this year is Stop AIDS. Keep the Promise - Lead - Empower- Deliver.
As to the beer:
PBR is produced by the Pabst Brewing Company. Their beer is currently produced on a contract by Miller Brewing Company.
Here's Charlie Papazian's notes on it.
"A contrasting counterpoint of sharp texture and flowing sweetness is evident at the first sip of this historic brew. A slowly increasing hoppiness adds to the interplay of ingredients, while the texture smooths out by mid-bottle. The clear, pale-gold body is light and fizzy. Medium-bodied Blue Ribbon finishes with a dusting of malts and hops. A satisfying American classic and a Gold Medal winner at the 2006 Great American Beer Festival."If you look at the PBR logo, you will notice a red strip behind the blue ribbon, this was put there in 1958, to commemorate the sale of 100 million barrels since the beer was first brewed.
So, for the day where you are to show your support for AIDS and HIV folks by wearing a Red Ribbon, have yourself a Blue Ribbon.
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