Back to the Barrel
I mentioned my appreciation for oak-barrel aged beers last week. And my love for the oak tree won’t be going away in 2012.
In fact, I spent part of New Year’s weekend sampling the barrel-aged stuff – when I wasn’t sprawled on the couch watching bad TV, or spending time quietly reflecting on how the Ashton Kutcher/Demi Moore breakup will affect us all in 2012.
My first bit of research was sampling New Holland Dragon’s Milk Ale. The oak-barrel aged bottle of goodness was smooth, rich and had a subtle oak flavor. At 10 percent ABV it was perfect for sipping at dinner. I also splurged on a bottle of Allagash Curieux (see below), which was well worth the 18 bucks.
Strong barrel-aged beers seem well suited to help Wisconsinites get through January and February (high alcohol content either keeps you warm or quickly makes you forget about miserable weather). You can sample plenty of varieties yourself around Milwaukee:
Romans’ Pub (3475 S. Kinnickinnic Ave., 414-481-3396) has the delicious Central Waters Bourbon Barrel Stout on tap, and a Dragon’s Milk ready to be tapped soon.
Burnhearts Bar (2599 S. Logan Ave., 414-294-0490) is tapping a Bell’s Black Note bourbon barrel stout on Feb. 2 at 7 p.m. Mark the date on your calendar because this highly regarded brew is black gold.
And if you look carefully you can treat yourself to Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Ale or O’so Bourbon Barrel Night Train at places like Sugar Maple (441 E. Lincoln Ave., 414-481-2393) and Stubby’s Pub and Grub (2060 N. Humboldt Ave., 414-763-6324). The Bomb Shelter (1517 S. Second St.) also has plans to have Hinterland Bourbon Barrel Whiteout and Goose Island Bourbon County Stout hit the taps soon.
It could be a long winter. But thankfully there are plenty of places to go to warm up.
Short Pour
After my post a few weeks ago featuring beer ads, I’ve received a few great suggestions and links for other legendary suds ad work. As far as newer ads go, this was one of my favorites. It was submitted by a loyal reader from Viroqua.
Quick Taps
My beer sampling on New Year’s Eve included Tecate, Miller High Life, a Three Floyds Gumball Head, Founders Pale Ale and one tap of PBR.
Water Street Brewery marks its 25th year in existence in 2012. Not bad for a place that opened on a mostly empty Water Street in the late ‘80s.
Barley Pop of the Week
Allagash Brewing makes good stuff, and Curieux, a bourbon barrel-aged ale by the brewer in Portland, Maine, is a prime example. I uncorked a 750mL bottle on New Year’s Day and found it to be an exceedingly good way to start 2012. The 11 percent ABV concoction has a serious bourbon finish that’s tasty but not overpowering. Treat yourself.
Events Brewing
Live large at the latest Leinenkugel Beer Dinner at Bacchus (925 E. Wells St., 414-765-1166) on Jan. 26. For just $55 you get some seriously tasty food from the upscale Bartolotta’s joint paired with offerings from Leinie’s. Some examples? Citrus cured pork belly with Sunset Wheat, and corned beef with a duck fat potato cake and Leinie’s Creamy Dark. Decadent. Call Bacchus for more info.
Homebrewers, want to learn some tricks from the ancient Egyptians? Discovery World (500 N. Harbor Dr., 414-765-9966) hosts the Ale Through the Ages brewing series beginning Thursday at 6 p.m. Learn how to brew a date-infused ale that was around way before Gettelman. The two-night session includes brewing this Thursday and bottling on Friday, Jan. 20. The cost of $25 is a small price to pay to learn something.
