Recently I came across an article re-posted by Mitch Steele, the brewmaster at Stone Brewing, along with several other prominent figures in the brewing community. The article was called How We’re Killing Craft Beer Classics. It brought to light some major points in the craft beer revolution in this day and age.
In the early 2000’s when I really started to get into beer there were only a few really great breweries producing some really great craft beer that was available throughout the country. Sure there were local places and regional breweries, but I remember looking around at the distributor for a case of something unique and finding nothing really local other than Victory, Yards, Flying Fish, Dogfish Head and Flying Dog. But these exotic beers from other states…Boulder Brewing, Sierra Nevada, and of course Stone were right there, as fresh as they could be, and ready to be sampled. To this day I believe my first double IPA was Stone Ruination. I think that’s why this article hit me in a certain way.
Ruination as we know it is no more. There will be another, and I’m sure it will be just as great, and I’m excited for it! What it comes down to though, is that Ruination was not selling the way it used to. I admit, I had it, loved it, had it a few more times, then didn’t go to it again for a few years. Why? Because I had discovered it already, and if Ruination was amazing, than other double IPA’s must be as well. So I branched out and discovered other breweries, just as we all do. And this is great! It keeps us in business and producing different and unique things for our consumers.
This article made me think. Do we do too much? Are we constantly just seeking out new and better beer? Do we often really forget some of the greats, and why do we not visit them more often?
When was the last time you had a Sierra Nevada Pale Ale, or Anchor Steam, or Sam Adam’s Boston Lager? Not out of necessity because there was nothing else on tap at the establishment you were visiting, but really sat down and enjoyed a pint of one of these beers? If you’re like me it may have been a while. We get wrapped-up in the thoughts that these large breweries are moving out of the craft sector so we don’t gravitate toward them unless they put out something small batch and rare. But we forget they pioneered the way for brewers like myself to provide you with a product and service that you love. Sierra Nevada Pale Ale is an awesome beer! Same with Sam Adam’s Boston Lager!
A wonderful part of working at The Tap is the ability to experience so many of these beers that I often forget about as well as new ones I’ve never heard of! We recently had Stone Ruination on tap. I was fortunate enough to get a small sample of it before it kicked. Man, is that a good beer. I’d forgotten how much I loved it. We also had Stone Arrogant Bastard on at the same time. I quickly went to that one as well. Delicious. I fell in love all over again.
I suppose where I’m going with my rambling is that we should explore the world of craft beer. Meet other breweries, drink their wares, support local, and so forth. But we should never forget to write home. Visit old friends and family…someday they may not be there.
That being said….I put two new beers on tap this week. The first I mentioned in an earlier blog post. The beer at the time did not have a name. It does now…Wine Wit It.
I wanted to experiment a bit with grape must (juice) and added a decent portion to a Belgian wheat ale. It created a tasty beer, blush in color with soft hints of fruit, spice, and a hint of tartness and tannin from the Pinot Noir must. I’m very excited to have this on tap!
The second went on tap this morning. A traditional Robust Porter known as MoCo Porter. Porter has a dear place in my heart. I love this stuff. To me its a true working-person’s beer! Well rounded, coffee, chocolate, hints of toffee, and a smooth mouthfeel giving you the appearance of something bigger than it really is, and low enough alcohol that you can have a few! My first experience with porter was Iron Hill Brewery’s Pig Iron Porter. To this day this version of a Robust Porter is still my epitome of what this style should be.
It’s late, and I still have a few recipes to work on for the upcoming week including a rye IPA. I also think its time for a beer. Tonight I’ll have an Arrogant Bastard. Cheers, old friend!