Not sure who sells the beer or wine you want- Check the link below
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http://www.abc.state.va.us/tmtax/dis_fran_desig.jsp

 

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Wednesday Dec 9th 2009
We have a lot to catch up on, so this will be a LOOONG email about craft brew. I typically like to feature 5-6 beers and/or breweries for each email, but this is the make-up version for Sep, Oct, Nov & Dec.  I'll list items in alphabetical order by brewery - ending with Holiday beers and Ciders.  I hope to resume the monthly newsletters after the new year.
 
On another note, it's been an incredible year in Charlottesville and surrounding areas for craft brew, and for Hop & Wine in general.  Many thanks to all who promote, sell, and enjoy the finest beers found here, and elsewhere for that matter.  Our goal is to promote the craft of brewing regardless of who distributes it. We as a community are growing rapidly by introducing others to the wonderful idea that beer, like wine, can actually have flavor and pair with food in incredible ways.  It's about the beer folks.. about damn good beer!  And that, my friends, deserves the ka-clunk of heavy mugs.
 
Cheers, Happy Chanukkah (or Hanukkah), Merry Christmas and best wishes for another prosperous year.  Prost
 
Chip
 
PS - if you received this email as a forward, I hope you enjoy. And, you can go to http://www.CraftBrew.net to sign up for next months newsletter.
 
 
21st Amendment
Monks Blood... kinda
  
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
So this is a good news/bad news kinda thing.  My accounts in Harrisonburg, Culpeper and points North are able to get this.  Charlottesville, Staunton and points South, I'm sorry but as of now you can't.  So why did I mention this? 1. This is an awesome beer, and 2. I'm hoping 21st Amendment will allow me to bring it you.  Click the image above to view what 21st Amendment had originally posted.  And, if you can get your hands on some, do it!
 
  
 
Anderson Valley
Poleeko Gold in Cans (Next year we'll get Summer Solstice in cans as well)
 
From their website:
 
At 5.5% ABV, Poleeko Gold Pale Ale’s golden color and generous use of Pacific Northwest hops establish a distinct style, separate from any domestic or European beers. The honey-gold pale ale is crisp and clear, with an unusual lightness and dryness for such a full-flavored ale. The arousing abundance of hops adds both a floral bouquet and a lively, citrusy finish. It is excellent alone, or with full-flavored meals and spicy dishes. Poleeko Gold Pale Ale is not only available in 12 oz can 6-packs, but also in 12oz 6-pack bottles, and draft.
 
  
Winter Solstice Seasonal Ale
 
This is one of my favorite seasonal beers, but Rusty Ralston from the Elephant Journal puts it best:
 
 "I took one drink and I was in heaven. I drink a lot of good beer, and it’s rare that a beer truly hits me in the heart and jolts me into the upper echelons of beer ecstasy . It’s been a while, actually. But the Winter Solstice Ale is the perfect combination of seasonal qualities. The alcohol percentage sits at 6.9% so you can just have another instead of adding wood to the fire. It has a wonderful malty smoothness without being syrupy, and the very slight bitterness is counter balanced by waves of sweet caramel and toffee. It’s perfect, definitely my favorite of the season. I took a six pack to a party a couple nights ago, then bought another six today for my own holiday cheer! I can’t get enough. AND, to top it off… Anderson Valley Brewing Company is solar powered! So, not only can you consume the best beer of the season, but you can do it in eco-style!"
 
 I couldn't agree more!!! 
  
 
 
Avery
 DuganA
 
This is a double IPA weighing in at 8.5%.The mission was to create a more sessionable version of their Maharaja (another one of my all time favorites).   I'm here to tell you this is one hoppy dude. I found this description on Beer Advocate: 
 
"Big bitter, resiny hops
smash the tongue first. Plenty of citrus fruit just like the nose. Sweet doughy malt backbone on which this beer is built, gives it some balance. Slightly peppery and yeasty. Finishes dry with another bitter surge of hops. The 8.5 percent ABV is well hidden."
 
Also in from Avery:
Czar Russian Imperial Stout
Hog Heaven Barley Wine
White Rascal Wit (year 'round offering)

 
Bell's
The Winter Lineup
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
All of the above are now in, however- Double Cream, Java & Cherry seem to disappear as fast as we get it.  We do have a few Christmas Ale kegs left so grab one for the Holidays! Also... you know what January means!  Hopslam will be hitting the streets, and as always it will be allocated based on sales.  It's Larry's way of supporting the establishments that help support him - which sounds more than fair to me.
 
I should also mention that we now have two of their finest in 1.32 gallon "Party" size kegs.
 
 
 
 
 
Bison Organic Brew 
 Is now back in stock.
 
Chocolate Stout - has won silver medals at both the Great American Beer Fest and the World Beer Cup.  Probably their best seller in this market.
 
Honey Basil Ale- infused with organic honey for its aroma and a hint of sweetness and fresh organic basil to lend a slight herbal note and basil aftertaste—a perfectly refreshing brew.  Pair this beer with pasta and marinara sauce, maybe some sautéed shrimp and the basil in the beer leaps forward on your palate. 
 
 
This is THE food beer! I'm pleasantly amazed by the many pairings our local chefs can dream up based soley on this beer.
 
 
 
Butte Creek Organic Brew
 Is also back in stock.  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Founded in 1996, Butte Creek Brewing Company is one of the pioneer certified organic micro-breweries in the United States. Butte Creek's Organic Pilsner won a Gold Medal at the 2006 Great American Brewers Festival (GABF)substance. The hops also keep the beer in balance, preserving drinkability and, just as importantly, the interest to pursue it. 
 
We currently offer their Pilsner, Pale & IPA.
 
Dogfish  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
120 minute back in the house! You know all about these.. 
 
World Wide Stout back in as well!
 
On the way soon - Fort: An ale brewed with a ridiculous amount of pureed raspberries (over a ton of em!). Fort has a Belgian Ale type base, then we follow a similar fermentation process as we use on our other high ABV beers, 120 Minute IPA and World Wide Stout.
 
 
 
Duck-Rabbit
This brewery from North Carolina has done extremely well in our area.  Almost too well, as it's very difficult to keep enough in stock.  The brewery is trying it's best to keep up with demand but I suggest you grab some as soon as it arrives.  I post arrivals of this as well as other brands on twitter.
 
What's in right now 
12oz: Amber, Martzen & Milk Stout
 
Kegs: Brown, Milk Stout & Wee Heavy Scotch
 
 
 
 
 
Erdinger is now distributed by Hop & Wine statewide!
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Erdinger is the world's largest producer of wheat beer.
 
Erdinger Weißbräu reached the top of the world Weißbier market by combining tradition and innovation. By German law enacted in 1516, only wheat beer brewed locally in the town of Erding, in accordance with strict quality controls, can be called Erdinger Weißbier. Founded in 1886 and owned since 1935 by the Brombach family, Erdinger Weißbräu is among the largest private breweries in Germany. Annually it produces 1.5 million hectoliters of the Bavarian classic wheat beer, also known as Hefeweizen, and exports it to more than 70 countries. Placing special importance on traditional bottle fermentation, the brewery uses family recipes handed down for generations.
 
 
Founders
 
Another of my favorite breweries! We almost always carry a steady supply of the top four lables.  The bottom three are seasonal/limited beers, each of which packs a tasty punch.
Quotes taken from Beer Advocate:
 
Backwoods Bastard: Smooth syrupy malts that lend flavors of vanilla and roasted malt, which leads into a great bourbon profile. Honey, vanilla, oak, caramel, slightly astringent alcohol flavor. Man the vanilla note in this really stands out, I love the lingering aftertaste of the vanilla on this. Wow, chocolate creeps in on the back of the vanilla as well.
 
Curmudgeon 9.3%: The smell is vanilla syrup, oak, tabacco, and booze soaked fruits.  Taste is sweet and rich. The alcohol is so well hidden.Very complex and the flavors just explode. It's a barrage of slightly smokey-oaked-boozey and candied fruit flavors
 
Breakfast Stout 8.3%:  Layers of fresh roasted coffee and milk chocolate take center stage along with a wholesome oat character that certainly adds a breakfast characteristic. A bitter dark chocolate surrounds any of the layers leaving a slightly bitter finish. A true pleasure to drink and certainly deserving of the hype.
 
Kentucky Breakfast Stout should be out after the new year- you'll want to grab that one fast too!
 
 
 
He'brew Kosher Beer
Hanukkah Dec 12th - 19th 
 
HE'BREW Jewbelation Bar Mitzvah: This year, Shmaltz Brewing Company comes of age! Celebrate their 13th anniversary with Jewbelation Bar Mitzvah, brewed with 13 malts, 13 hops, and punching in at 13% abv. Bring on the braces, awkward suits, and frizzy hair, and join the Tribe
 
From Ratebeer.com where it rates a hefty 95: Tastes of roasty espresso powder, molasses, dark chocolate, zesty rye, crumbled snickerdoodle cookies, and smoked black licorice. Oh, and lets not forget the dark fruitiness. In the background, there’s a perpetual, bold bitterness peering through the heavy blanket of malts. Warming finish
 
Also: Significant savings on a 5 case drop of Genesis and Messiah Bold 6 packs - mix & match. If I don't mention it - kick me!
 
 
Moylan's White Christmas
  
From Draft Magazine: We don’t know where breweries got the idea that winter beers had to be big, black, and abrasive, but we’re glad Moylan’s chose to ignore the memo. Open the bottle and you’ll catch a whiff of an aroma that’s unlike anything we’ve sniffed before, let alone out of a bottle that says “Christmas.” The taste is citrusy to be sure (that’s the orange zest talking), but with the addition of cinnamon, mace, coriander, curacao, and white pepper, it’s decidedly wintery, too. A background of cinnamon and pepper plays up the pithy orange peel notes, and the whole show takes place on an effervescently light (but still solid) stage. A bitter finish is a nice surprise, making Moylan’s contribution to the holiday bunch one of our top choices this season.
 
6% Available in 22oz but VERY limited as of today
 
 
 
 
New Holland
Cabin Fever is back!
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Robust in character yet smooth in delivery, Cabin Fever is a roasty brown ale and a hearty, comforting companion for long, mind-bending winters. Its rye, roast and raisin notes play off a subtle caramel sweetness and culminate in a dry finish.  There are flavors of coffee and mocha present as well as a little bitterness, which helps enhance the dark chocolate and coffee notes. Excellent with roasts, stews, caramelized onions and snowfall.  Now I didn't write that, but I can say that I enjoy this beer a great deal.  So much that I have a case in storage as we speak.
 
 
Also in for the season is Pilgrams Dole which is named after the bread-and-ale rations given to travelers for sustenance on pilgrimage during 14th Century Europe. Beer and religion have a long relationship; one reason that so many monks developed trappist ales was so they could use them as a means of sustenance while on fasts.  A nice writeup is here: http://chicagoist.com/2007/05/16/chicagoists_bee.php
 
 
 
We received another small shot of Dragon's Milk as well. 
 
What New Holland has to say:  A barrel-aged, strong-ale with a soft and rich caramel-malt character intermingled with deep vanilla tones dancing in an oak bath. Unmistakably distinctive and hauntingly remarkable, Dragon’s Milk’s warming complexity pairs well with smoked meats and cheeses, red meat, or a nice cigar.
 
  
I like this one a lot... seems I like quite a few of the beers in this newsletter....
 
 
 
Speakeasy from San Francisco
is now back in VA!
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Big Daddy IPA - Pale color. Hop aromas very evident. Dry and crisp. Balance toward the hop aroma and flavor, with a hint of toasted malt character. 6.5%
Malt Advocate Magazine- 90Points
Beverages&More IPA Tasting- 100Points (1st Place)
1999 California State Fair- Gold
 
Prohibition Ale - Amber color. Caramel notes and citris hop aroma. Good balance between malt and hops on palate with a clean hoppy finish. 6.1%
1998 World Beer Cup - Bronze
World Beer Championship -Bronze
2002 SF Bay Guardian -Best Beer
 
Untouchable Pale Ale - Pale color. Hop and malt aromas. Balanced beer with unique malt and hop interaction. Clean finish with lingering hops on the palate. 5.5%
2002BEVMO Pale Ale Tasting- 100pts(1st place)
Celebrator Beer News Blind Panel Tasting- 3rd Place
 
Double Daddy Imperial IPA - Copper color. Huge hop aroma. Bitter, hoppy and warming alcohol on the palate. Finishes incredibly dry and clean for such a big beer. 9.5% I Love it!
 
Word on the street is these guys are now bottling 22oz versions of these as well as a few new ones.  No word yet on when/if these will make it to the East Coast....
 
 
 
Stone
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Best Carving I saw this year!- Carved by the staff at Michaels Bistro here in Charlottesville.
 
Double Bastard & Russian Imperial Stout -- We have a few cases of these left, and we also have a handful of Double Bastard 3 litre bottles. 
 
 
Victory
A new one from this incredible brewery:
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Yakima Twilight ~Available November-January - Classified as an American Strong Ale (8.7%) with an A- on Beer Advocate 
 
From their website: The tenacious grip of big, juicy hop aroma and character slides smoothly into rich, dark malts. This heavyweight battle between fresh, Yakima Valley hops and dark, roasted malts is resolved harmoniously as the flavors merge to deliver complex satisfaction with a warming edge. Enjoy the ‘twilight’ for the bright and brassy hops!
 
Also in:
Moonglow Weizenbock ~ This dark amber wheat beer features fruity and spicy aromas galore.  Significant strength underlies the pleasant citric appeal of this bock beer. Redolent with the flavors of harvest fruit, Moonglow typifies the traditional weizenbock-style so thoroughly enjoyed throughout Bavaria. Left unfiltered, its unique yeast strain gives Moonglow a radiance all its own. 8.7%
 
Old Horizontal ~ A luxurious, warming barleywine rich with aromatic hops and dark, candied fruit character that hides its epic strength masterfully 10.5%
 
 
Williamsburg Alewerks 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Grand Illumination - 2009 Grand Illumination Ale, Celebrating Williamsburg's December 6, 2009 Grand Illumination, has been released. You will find it for sale at discriminating Tidewater purveyors of fine wines and spirits, at AleWerks Brewery Store and in selected fine dining establishments. It is a Barley Wine Ale, rich in caramel and complex hop flavors (Amarillo, Cascade, Pearle and Columbus). Balanced a little on the sweet side, it is the perfect finally to a great holiday meal (try it with chocolate).
 
Coffeehouse Stout returns for the winter season starting second week in January. As last year, it is a robust milk stout to which 30 Lb of fresh roasted (Williamsburg Coffee & Tea) Guatemala Antigua Coffee has been added at the end of the boil. Enjoy it for breakfast with toast or after dinner with ice cream or something chocolate, or by itself.
 
By the way, keep an eye on these guys! They are brewing some VERY good beers as of the last year. This is a local brewery on the upswing.
 
 
Holiday & Winter Beers
 
 
Anderson Valley Winter Solstice
Bell's Christmas Ale
Bell's Winter White
Delirium Noel
Eggenberg Samichlaus
Gouden Carolus Noel
He'brew Jewbelation 13
Moylan's White Christmas Lager
Noël Des Géants
Ridgeway:
  Bad Elf Winter Ale
  Bitter Ale
  Criminally Bad Elf
  Lump of Coal
  Pickled Santa
  Santa's Butt
  Seriously Bad Elf
  Very Bad Elf
 
 
Apple and Pear Ciders
 
 
JK Scrumpy's Hard Cider - Every sip is like a hearty bite of one
of the orchard's organic apples. The bubbles trip across the tongue and leave you wanting more.
 
JK Scrumpy's Solstice Hard Cider- Lightly spiced with ethically traded cinnamon, vanilla and a wee drop of syrup from our old Maple trees on their farm.  Enjoy this wonderful cider cool or gently warmed, savor a tipple to reflect on your last year and bountiful new year beginning.  Available in 22oz bottles
 
 
Sir Perry Pear Cider
Pours nearly clear, like light white grape juice. The aroma is something between white wine and apple cider, tastes very similar to apple cider, although less tart and a little lighter, but with no distinctive pear taste. 6% but very little alcohol taste, very refreshing if a bit sweet - like a dry spumante with a hint of natural pear. Available in cans and kegs.
 
 
 
BlackThorn Cider
First made in the seventies, it is now one of Britain’s best known and widely drunk ciders. This year, their Master Cider Makers worked together with their most loyal fans and other cider drinkers to give Blackthorn cider a new and improved taste.  The new flavour is slightly mellower than before but is still made from English cider apples and retains the crisp, dry taste that is distinctively Blackthorn. Available in cans and kegs.
 
 
 
  
 
 
 CraftBrew Twits
 
I update the CraftBrew twitter account as new arrivals enter the warehouse and with news about my favorite breweries.  Every once in a while I'll also post what is on tap around Charlottesville and the surrounding areas.  You can follow the news as it happens at: http://twitter.com/CraftBrew
 
 
 
 
 
 
whew!!! you made it to the bottom -
grab yourself (and a friend) a pint!
 
 
 
 
 
****This message contains trade information which may be confidential and privileged. Unless you are the addressee (or authorized to receive for the addressee), you may not use, copy or disclose to anyone the message or any information contained in the message.  In addition, even if you are the addressee, you may not have been an intended recipient of this message.  If you have received the message in error, or feel that you received the message in error, please advise the sender by reply e-mail or telephone: 540-256-1258 and delete the message immediately.  Thank you very much.
 
    
 
 
Quote for this week:  
 
A Short Brewer's Rant...
 
Hey, we like the idea of cheap beer like any other person, but we have learned that quality and artisan products costs something to make well.  Next time you pay $1.85 for a 12 ounce cup of coffee in a paper cup, think of how much you are willing to pay for a 6-pack that took 3 weeks to brew, bottle in glass, pack in colorful cardboard 6-packs, ship somewhere, and keep cold...all for $7.99 on sale???...are you kidding me?  FYI: 6 x $1.85 = $11.10.  You can make great coffee at home in 10 minutes, but not beer.  Beer is good for our lives. 
 
 
Patronize a local bottle shop and experiment with some new brews

--Del Grande

Brewer at Bison Brewing Company 

 

 

Beer Festival info: 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
World Beer Festival in Richmond, Virginia set for June 12th 2010
 
 
 
Savor~ An American Craft Beer & Food Experience in Washington DC set for June 5th
  2010
 
 
 
Other News
 
 
 
Nøgne Ø is coming out with a few more brews. We're trying to secure these for VA.
 
 
 
 
That whole 21st Amendment thing about not being available in Charlottesvile.. all I can say is we're trying. 
 
 
 
 
LUCIFER belgian triple is now back in the US
 
 
 
Straffe Hendriks is also back in the US
 
 
 
Oskar Blues Ten Fidy is now available & 12 packs of Dale's Pale are floating around.  I can't say enough about this brewery... AWESOME!!! 
 
 
 
Brasserie des Géants Goliath and Noel are both back in stock. 
 
 

New Wines

More on these in the next newletter...

 
 
 
 
Lucas & Lewellen Vineyards from Santa Barbara County California
 
 
 
 
 
Gustave Lorentz from Alsace France
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The Fine Print:
 
1. If you want to forward this on, feel free...   
 
2. Don't hold me to anything I say - arrivals and inventory fluctuate drastically due to circumstances I hope I never... EVER, find myself in control of!
 
3. Please call me with questions concerning what is featured here, or with any other beer or wine you might be interested in. I can probably help you find it.
 
4. Beer is fun! I don't care which side of the bar or business you are on, and I've been on a few sides of each.  Share the love, pass on the goodness, and enjoy the hard work and dedication these brewers bring to the table.
 
 
  

 

 

The last newsletter ....

 

 


 
Tuesday June 30th 2009
 
 
 
Beer Geek Alert!!!
The best from the rest of the world!!!
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Nogne O
Norway’s first microbrewery, the name Nøgne Ø means "naked island", a poetic term used by Henrik Ibsen to describe any of the countless stark, barren outcroppings that are visible in the rough sea off Norway's southern coast. We think the name also gives a symbolic picture of what the two Norwegian home brewers did early 2002, when they decided to found a new brewery. Their urge to share their passion of good beer was unbearable. Their vision was to bring diversity and innovation into commercial brewing of real ale. The result – Nøgne Ø. : http://bit.ly/YLRj3 
 
Now Available:
  Dark Horizon 2 (already sold out for now)
  Porter
  Imperial
  IPA
 
 
 
Mikkeller
In Denmark it’s the association of Danish Beer Enthusiasts’ more than 11,000 members, who awarded Mikkeller the best Danish brewery, while it’s the international beer website RateBeer.com that placed Mikkeller among the absolute world elite on the yearly RateBeer Best list from January 2007. On the same website, many of Mikkeller’s beers are also among the best in the world.  http://bit.ly/Qr8EX
 
Now Available:
  Stateside IPA
  Beer Geek Breakfast
  It's Alive
 
  
Dieu Du Ciel
One of the most respected craft breweries in Canada.  The tiny ‘Dieu du Ciel!’ brew-pub, just at the edge of Montrèal's city center, has developed an incredible reputation and a devoted following in only a few short years. The young brewer, Jean-François, has never had any formal training as a brewer, but he is a natural, with superb skills and flawless instincts. http://bit.ly/KP5kC
Now Available:
  Péché Mortél
  Dernière Volonté
  Corne du Diable
  Route des Épices
  Rosée d'Hibiscus 
 
  
 
 
Stone 13th Anniversary 
You want this:
 
Stone 13th Anniversary Ale is a dry-hopped Imperial Red Ale.
 
Said head brewer Mitch Steele of the beer, it “pours brilliant deep red with a light tan foam. Up front, the aroma is all piney, resinous and citrus hops. Upon tasting, the hops are still on the front, and they are balanced with the malty, toffee-like flavors contributed from the blend of crystal and amber malts. The finish is deliciously bitter, with a touch of warmth provided by the 9.5% alcohol.”   http://bit.ly/ymnug
Available in 22oz

 
 
 
Weyerbacher Zotten
From Weyerbacher Website:
 
Zotten (rhymes with verboten)
 
Weyerbacher Brewing Company, announces the release of Zotten, a Belgian-style Pale Ale and a brand new addition to their seasonal line-up.
 
This is bottle conditioned, with a small amount of yeast sediment and carries the distinctive flavors of the house abbey yeast strain that Weyerbacher uses for its Merry Monks’ Ale. At 6% abv, this is one tasty session beer. With a dry hoppiness for balance and fruity notes on the palate the bottle conditioning finishes this beer with a very nice complexity.
Available in 4 packs and Sixtels 
 
 
 
He'Brew Rejewvenator 2009- Year of the Date 
 
 
From a recent review:
About 400 gallons of fresh-pressed, fiber-packed California date juice were incorporated into a hop-heavy fermentation (five varietals were employed) featuring not one, not two, but three yeast strains. "They were a total experiment," says Cowan of employing crisp lager yeast and sweeter, candied abbey and trappist yeasts. "The dryness of the lager is a wonderful balance to the richer, fruitier elements of the Belgian ale yeasts."
 
The nicely bubbled doppelbock-Belgian dubbel hybrid tastes of dark brown sugars and sun-baked raisins, of mouth-coating malt and ripe fruit, with a snappish finish.
Available in 22oz and Sixtels
 
 
  
 
 
Lagunitas
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Highly Rated
From a recent review:
A Little Sumpin' Sumpin' Ale
ABV: 7.7%
It smells like a light refreshing beer, very pleasant.  The flavor is more citrus, lemon being by far the most articulated, accompanied by a bit of malt graniness and plenty of piney hoppiness to keep it from being one dimensional. A slight bitterness lingers in the finish, but to me it just creates the perception that I'm drinking a serious beer with some substance. The hops also keep the beer in balance, preserving drinkability and, just as importantly, the interest to pursue it.

This is a light-bodied beer, with a spritzy carbonation that moves the beer quickly across the palate. In my opinion Little Sumpin' has the perfect mouthfeel for this type of beer. Light and spritzy without being thin or watery at all, that prefect cleansing and finishing dryness that makes you yearn for the next sip.

For me the only factor hindering drinkability is the abv, because it's light, tasty, balanced, highly quaffable & you would never guess that this beer was over 7% alcohol, if asked I would've just guessed a standard light type range around 4-5% abv, not a trace is present in the flavor. I could easily see downing a couple of these while watching a movie or outside BBQ'in and before you know it Little Sumpin' just knocked you over the head. So enjoy it, but watch your back!
 
Nuf Sed! This is a limited release, so grab A Little Sum... nevermind.  Available in 6 packs
 
 
 
 
 
Also in:
**Lucky #13 (killer red ale!)
**Imperial Stout
**Hop Stoopid
**Censored
**All core items
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Avery Maharaja
 
Maharaja back in the house, last round of the summer!
From the Avery website:
Maharaja is derived from the sanskrit words mahat, - "great" and rajan - "king". Much like its namesake, this imperial IPA is regal, intense and mighty. With hops and malts as his servants, he rules both with a heavy hand. The Maharaja flaunts his authority over a deranged amount of hops: tangy, vibrant and pungent along with an insane amount of malted barley - fashioning a dark amber hue and exquisite malt essence.

This newest Avery Dictator completes the "Dictator Series" joining the likes of The Kaiser & The Czar. Be aware that The Maharaja is a limited release only available for the summer. Welcome to his kingdom!

  • "Best hop-delivery vehicle"- Men's Health Magazine
  • "American brewing at it's best"- Beer Advocate Magazine
Available in 22oz and Kegs 
 
 
Also in:
**White Rascal
**Karma
**Reverand Belgian Quad 
**Ellie's Brown 
**IPA
 
 
 
 
 
 
Avery Anniversary Saison
 
From the Avery website:
SIXTEEN is a harmonious combination of jasmine, peaches and honey fermented with an unmistakable Belgian yeast strain, all weaving a marvelously spicy and fruity, massively estery and dry, saison ale."
 
Beer Style: Saison Ale
Hop Variety: Sterling
Malt Variety: Two-row barley, pale malted wheat
OG: 1.065  ABV: 7.69%
Adjuncts: peaches, jasmine and honey
Availability: One and done. 
 
Avery website:  http://bit.ly/eTvlp
 
Available in 22oz
 
 
 
 
New Holland
Imperial Mad Hatter
From New Holland Website:
 
A robust renovation of the India Pale Ale. Assertive dry-hoppying provides an aromatic telltale nose, indicative of the bitter symphony to follow. Bold hop character with lively grapefruit and citrus notes.

20° Plato, Alc. 9.4% by Vol.
 
Available in 22oz & Sixtels
 
Beer Advocate reviews here: http://bit.ly/19RrfM
 
 
 
Oak Aged Mad Hatter
Oak Hatter is aged for 3 months in a Woodford Reserve barrel.
Only available in sixtels
 
 
 
 
Fentimans Botanically Brewed Beverages (There are so many questions regarding these killer soda's I thought reposting this would be helpful)
 
 
*Please note, these are craft soda's - not an alcoholic beverage
 
Originally crafted in the North of England, Fentiman’s beverages are crisp, refreshing, and botanically brewed. A British institution, Fentiman’s was founded in 1900 by Thomas Fentiman and uses much of the same brewing traditions in every batch made today. This line is a return to the roots of real soft drinks, each bottle is brewed with care for a full ten days. The natural occurring sediment is actually left in the bottle to ensure the flavor and goodness of the natural ingredients ends up staying in the bottle. The result is a true soft drink taste that has not been recreated in any commercially produced sodas.

Wonderful on their own, they also allow for some amazing cocktail creations. For the traditional British cocktail dark and stormy, try the mixing Fentiman’s ginger beer with good dark rum. Or create your own unique cocktails.  Mixologists - this is right on!!!  They also brew a tonic with lemon grass that makes the best gin & tonics on the planet (my humble opinion, of course).
 

 
Craftbrew Twits
I update the craftbrew twitter account as new arrivals enter the warehouse and with news about my favorite breweries.  I also try to post what is on tap around Charlottesville and the surrounding areas.  You can follow the news as it happens at:
 http://twitter.com/craftbrew 
 
****This message contains trade information which may be confidential and privileged. Unless you are the addressee (or authorized to receive for the addressee), you may not use, copy or disclose to anyone the message or any information contained in the message.  In addition, even if you are the addressee, you may not have been an intended recipient of this message.  If you have received the message in error, or feel that you received the message in error, please advise the sender by reply e-mail or telephone: 540-256-1258 and delete the message immediately.  Thank you very much.
 
    
 
 
Quote for this week:  
 
Fill with mingled cream and amber,
I will drain that glass again.
Such hilarious visions clamber
Through the chambers of my brain.
Quaintest thoughts--queerest fancies,
Come to life and fade away:
What care I how time advances?
I am drinking ale today.

--Edgar Allan Poe

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The Fine Print:
 
1. If you want to forward this on, feel free.  
 
2. Don't hold me to anything I say - arrivals and inventory fluctuate drastically due to circumstances I hope I never find myself in control of!
 
3. Please call me with questions concerning what is featured here, or with any other beer or wine you might be interested in.
 
 Enjoy the day, why not!
 
 
  

 

 

 


 
Wednesday May 13th, 2009
New Hop and Wine Catalog in effect June 15th
Featuring new breweries, and a few minor price alterations.  Changes in inventory and pricing are available now, email me for more info. 
 
 
 
A recent list of what's in the warehouse can be found here, please note that some items may not be available in certain locations due to circumstances well beyond my control - this is simply a reference of what is currently in stock.
 
 
 
 
 
What's New:
Click on images for more details on brew or brewery
 
 
Bell's Oberon 5L Party Cans
Picnic's, Parties, Poker Night, or just 'cause it's summer!
 
 
You know what Oberon is: spicy and fruity, the color and scent of a sunny afternoon... and now you're able to share even more of that sunny afternoon.  This is the bucket full of Uber Oberon!  Limited quantities available, so snag some sun in a can - as fast as you can!
 
 
 
Duck-Rabbit
Just approved for sale in VA, a solid line-up from our friends in North Carolina.  But first, a word about their labels:
 
All Duck-Rabbit beers display the brewery’s logo, a silhouette which can look like a duck’s head or a rabbit’s head, depending on the viewer’s perspective. “Before I was a professional brewer, I taught college philosophy. A version of the duck-rabbit picture appears in a philosophy book I admire and I wanted to use a logo that recalls my former life,” explains Philippon. Erb connects the logo with the company specialty, saying, “Many people don’t see beyond their first impression of a dark beer: color. The Duck-Rabbit line-up demonstrates that different dark beers can be refreshing, thirst-quenching, hoppy, balanced, and robust. With our beer as with our logo, a second look might reveal something you didn’t expect.”
  
 
The Duck-Rabbit Amber Ale is a medium bodied beer with a lovely tawny copper or bronze color. This brew emphasizes malt complexity with layered caramel malt flavors. We put a lot of effort into getting this amber ale just right and we're extremely proud of the result!
 
 
 
The Duck-Rabbit Brown Ale is an American brown ale brewed with loads of hops from start to finish (it’s hoppy and beautifully bitter). Amarillo hops in the boil provide a spicy citrusy bitterness. Saaz dry hops in the fermentor provide a refined flowery aroma. These hops are supported by a grain bill of seven varieties of malt. Oh yeah!
 
The Duck-Rabbit Porter is very dark in color. This robust porter features a pronounced flavor of roasted grains reminiscent of dark chocolate. Also, Paul and Brandon add oats to the grist to give a subtle round silkiness to the mouthfeel. We’re confident that you’re really going to love this yummy porter!
 
 
 
The Duck-Rabbit Milk Stout is a traditional full-bodied stout brewed with lactose (milk sugar). The subtle sweetness imparted by the lactose balances the sharpness of the highly roasted grains which give this delicious beer its black color.
 
 
Available in 12oz,   15.5 Kegs
 
 
 
Victory Hop Wallop 12 and 22oz 
 
We typically carry this in the six-pack format, but this 22oz version is a great alternative.  Priced the same as Baltic Thunder Porter, so more bang $ to $.  From their website:
 
We celebrate the pioneering spirit of old Horace 'Hop' Wallop and those who dare mighty adventurous things in this vivid, robust ale. As our annual homage to the hop harvest, expect loads of aromatic splendor and bitter beauty.
 
 
  
COMPOSITION
Malts: Imported German malts
Hops: American whole flowers
Alcohol by volume: 8.5%
 
 
In from Avery 
From the Avery Website:
  
Samael's Ale is a super-caramelly, oak aged English-style strong ale. Perhaps the least hoppy (sacrilege here at Avery!!) beer we've brewed, to accentuate the malt. The oak is very apparent in this rich and high gravity ale, adding additional depth and complexity with a woody and cask-like nose and a pronounced vanilla flavor on the palate. Notes for 2007 - With the addition of an additional roasted malt, Samael's now delivers subtle bitterness to add balance to the natural sweetness. 
 
 
 
White Rascal is a truly authentic Belgian style wheat or "white" ale, this Rascal is unfiltered (yup, that's yeast on the bottom) and cleverly spiced with coriander and Curacao orange peel producing a refreshingly fruity thirst quencher.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Karma We believe in Karma. We suspect most of you do, too. It truly is a global concept. Very simply put, "you get what you give." Inspired by this principle and the wonderful farmhouse and pale ales of Belgium, we've created Karma Ale, a decidedly fruity and estery ale, intricate in body and nose, all driven by a unique Belgian yeast strain. Remember, good things DO happen to good people. Here's to being good! 
 
 
  
Anderson Valley Summer Solstice - Get some!!! 
 
 
Known for their award winning, balanced beers, Summer Solstice is brewed as a tribute to the longer days of summer and the strong solar rays that fire the brew kettles at Anderson Valley Brewing Company. In the peak of summer, more than 40% of the brewery’s power needs are obtained from the sun.
 
 
A unique take on a summer beer, the cerveza crema stands out on a hot day for it’s copper color and silken, creamy texture. Summer Solstice pours a brilliant copper that captures the sunlight. A clean malt base balances a hint of cascade hops with a vanilla toffee creaminess. Weighing in at 5.5% ABV, Summer Solstice is a lightly hopped, sessionable beer as satisfying as the day is long.
 
Available in 6 packs and limited 15.5 kegs 
 
 
 
 
 
21st Amendment **Read this before you get excited**
  
**Ok crew, here's the deal:  This is basically for the Northern Virginia territories, I only mention it here because I am able to sell it in Rockingham County (H'burg), Culpeper and most points North.  For those of us in Cville, Lexington & Augusta Co - we can only hope they will ease into the rest of VA once they get a feel for the demand in NOVA and DC.  I will, of course, keep you posted as things progress **
 
 
HELL OR HIGH WATERMELON WHEAT BEER We start by brewing a classic American wheat beer, which undergoes a traditional secondary fermentation using fresh watermelon. A straw-colored, refreshing beer with a kiss of watermelon aroma and flavor.
 
 
BREW FREE! OR DIE IPA Brewed with some serious west coast attitude. This aromatic golden IPA starts with a sucker punch of six different hops to the nose, quickly balanced by a solid malt back bone. Our top selling beer at the pub, this IPA starts big and finishes clean leaving you wanting more.
 
 
 Dogfish Festina Peche
 From the Dogfish website:
 
A refreshing neo-BerlinerWeisse fermented with honest-to-goodness peaches to (get this!) 4.5% abv! Because extreme beers don't have to be extremely boozy!
 
In our Festina Peche since the natural peach sugars are eaten by the yeast, the fruit complexity is woven into both the aroma and the taste of the beer so there is no need to doctor it with woodruff or raspberry syrup - open and enjoy!
 
  
 
Available in 4 packs and 15.5 kegs during the sweaty months 
 
 
 
Lagunitas Correction Ale
(Just got VA approval, so I'll mention it again)
 
  “A Beer to help remember that things go in cycles and then to help forget what you remembered.”
 
You probably know Lagunitas, and if so you certainly love the brew they bring to the table... at such a fair price!!! This one is not yet rated (it just came out) but I'm sure it'll rock!  Very limited supply, grab a few to help you remember the last year!!!! 
 
Available in 22oz only - Limited
 
 
 
 
 
 
Also- we should also get our hands on a "Little Sumpin' Sumpin' Ale" in a few weeks.  From their site:
ABV: 7.7%
Way smooth and silky with a nice wheaty-esque-ish-ness. Just the little sumpin' sumpin' we all need to kick Summer into full swing!
 
It's listed as an IPA on Ratebeer, but I'm not so sure it reads that way from the brewery - we'll have to wait and see.....
 
 
 
Founders
 
We are expecting a massive shipment from this great brewery around May 19th.  We do have a few items still in the warehouse so check with me if you're out of stock...
 
 
 
 
 
On The Way:
Just Approved by VA, should be in stock next month...
 
 
Dieu du Ciel!
  Péché Mortél
  Dernière Volonté
  Corne du Diable
  Route des Épices
  Rosée d'Hibiscus

Drie Fonteinen
  Kriek
 
Mikkeller
  Stateside IPA
  Beer Geek Breakfast
  It's Alive

Nøgne Ø
  Dark Horizon
  Porter
  Imperial
  IPA
 
 
Daily Updates:

 

 

Craftbrew Twits
I update the craftbrew twitter account as new arrivals enter the warehouse and with news about my favorite breweries.  I also try to post what is on tap around Charlottesville and the surrounding areas.  You can follow the news as it happens at:
 http://twitter.com/craftbrew
 
Cheers!!!
 
Chip
 
 
****This message contains trade information which may be confidential and privileged. Unless you are the addressee (or authorized to receive for the addressee), you may not use, copy or disclose to anyone the message or any information contained in the message.  In addition, even if you are the addressee, you may not have been an intended recipient of this message.  If you have received the message in error, or feel that you received the message in error, please advise the sender by reply e-mail or telephone: 540-256-1258 and delete the message immediately.  Thank you very much.
 
    
 
 
Quote for this week:  
 

"Nothing lasts forever so live it up, drink it down, laugh it off.."

-anonymous

 

An eye towards the future...
 
I'm looking for these at the end of May, perhaps the beginning of June
 
 
 
Avery 16th Anniversary - Saison with Jasmine, Peaches and Honey
 
 
Dogfish Sahtea - summer offering around 6% - "we added a sort of tea made with corriander, caramamom, lemon grass, Indian Black Tea, and ramps leaves. The spicing is subtle and balanced and Sahtea is a highly-quaffable, truly-unique brew with a full-mouth feel."
 
These guys are dropping fire heated rocks into this brew to bring the fermentation temp up... CRAZY WILD!!!
 
***Also, due out soon is the Dogfish Squall IPA - limited to the east coast to start... hope we're part of the release!
 
 
~~~~~~~~~ 
 
We'll probably (hopefully) get this at the end of June, beginning of July...
 
 
Stone 13th anniversary, only they know what is in store here... but my money sits on this being a most worthy beer for the most arrogant bastard!
 
 
 
 
Nøgne Ø
 
stay tuned...
 
 
 
 
The Fine Print:
 
1. This is fun stuff, people enjoy learning about the products you carry and respect the fact you know about them!
 
2. If you want to forward this on, feel free.  
 
3. Don't hold me to anything I say - arrivals and inventory fluctuate drastically due to circumstances I hope I never find myself in control of!
 
4. Please call me with questions concerning what is featured here, or with any other beer or wine you might be interested in.
 
Thanks for reading
 
 
  

 

 

 

 

 


 
Tuesday April 21st 2009
 
A recent list of what's in the warehouse can be found here, please note that some items may not be available - this is simply a reference 
 
 
Craftbrew Twits
I update the craftbrew twitter account as new arrivals enter the warehouse and with news about my favorite breweries.  I also try to post what is on tap around Charlottesville and the surrounding areas.  You can follow the news as it happens at:
 http://twitter.com/craftbrew
 - Chip 
 
 
 
What's In This Week:
Click on images for more details on brew or brewery
 
 
Founders
Trust me, you want this!!!
 
In addition to these core items:  Dirty Bastard, Centennial IPA, Red RyePA, Porter
(maybe the pale later on)  we also have their summer seasonal - Cerise, and a small shot of their winter Double Trouble seasonal.  Breakfast Stout will be out in September.
 
As for highly allocated items, we should be getting Curmudgeon by May 1st, and Devil Dancer in July.  (we weren't able to order the KBS because we weren't 'official' on the preorder date, but bet your bottom it'll be here next March!)
 
 
Available in 12oz,   15.5 Kegs and 1/6 kegs.  Same QD as Bell's
 
 
 
 
Oscar Blues Little Yella Pils 
 
I think Dale's Pale is a damn fine brew! In fact, I enjoy their Gordon's, Old Chub, and savor the almighty 10-Fidy!  This offering is just as tasty as the image implies, and what you expect from this rapidly growing brewery... 
 
Straight from the Oskar Blues newsletter:
 
"Our upcoming new canned good is a small-batch version of the beer that made Pilsen, Czechoslovakia famous. Mama’s is made with hearty amounts of pale malt, German specialty malts, and a blend of traditional (Saaz) and 21st century Bavarian hops.
 
Our first canned lager, it’s also fermented at cool temperatures with a German yeast. This tasteful reality Czech is the perfect antidote for the watered-down versions of pilsner clogging America’s shelves. And Mama’s gentle hopping (about 35 IBUs) and low ABV (just 5.3%) mean we’re finally honoring consumer requests for a delicious but less-challenging beer. (Hey, we like a good low-dose session beer, too.)
 
Look for our Gold Metal Winner on US shelves in March. Sadly, the Feds rejected our “Take Two and Call Us in the Morning” line on the can."
 
Available in 6 packs, half kegs & sixtels

By the way, the rare Ten Fidy is also in stock for the moment...
 
  
Lagunitas Correction Ale
 
  “A Beer to help remember that things go in cycles and then to help forget what you remembered.”
 
You probably know Lagunitas, and if so you certainly love the brew they bring to the table... at such a fair price!!! This one is not yet rated (it just came out) but I'm sure it'll rock!  Very limited supply, grab some and send your investment broker one!  Hell, he/she might need two! 
Available in 22oz only - Limited
 
 
 
 
 
Stone Imperial Russian Stout
 
This beer is nothing short of AMAZING!!! 
 
Click the image to see the high ratings given on Beer Advocate
 
This is one of the best Imperial Stouts out there, hands down!  Grab some while it's still around, we sell through this pretty fast.  Let your customers know they may want to buy a few bottles: enjoy one now, and let the others age in the cellar for a few years.  The complexity profile of this bottle now, and as it ages is as good as any $100-$150 bottle of wine... simply amazing!!!
 
Available in 22oz - Limited 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Bison Organic IPA and Organic Chocolate Stout
  
From Bison Website:
Organic IPA 6 packs:
For our 6-pack IPA, we went for drinkability when crafting our recipe, one that you could actually have a couple of beers and still taste your food.  We blending 4 hops varieties together into 4  kettle additions and finish with a blended dry hops.  IPAs like this are a bit hazy from all the tannins, but you will enjoy it.  The balanced malt profile finishes dry as the aroma of hops linger on your palate.
 
 
Organic Chocolate Stout 6 packs:
This richly textured, roasty dry stout has a boost of bitter and charismatic flavor from the addition of cocoa powder in the mash. We blend five unique organic malts to create Bison's most award winning beer.
OG 1.058, 17 IBU, 2-row, carmel, chocolate, roast barley, and munich malts.
Silver  2007 California State Fair
Silver  2006 California State Fair
Bronze  2006 Los Angeles County Fair
Silver  2005 Great American Beer Festival (Foreign Style Stout)
Gold    2005 Los Angeles County Fair
Gold    2005 California Brewer’s Festival
 
 
 
  
Dogfish Immort Ale
 
From the Dogfish website:
 
Vast in character, luscious & complex. Brewed with peat-smoked barley, Immort is brewed with organic juniper berries, vanilla & maple syrup. It's aged on oak and fermented with a blend of English & Belgian yeasts. 
 
ABV 11%
IBU 50
 
Very Limited Release in 4 packs, 1/6 kegs.
 
 
Also in from Dogfish, in addition to their great selling year 'round products, we have:
 
Red & White - 750's
Black & Blue - 750's, 1/6 kegs
Fort - 750's
Aprihop - 4 packs, 1/6 kegs
World Wide Stout - individual 12oz
Palo Santo Marron - 4 packs, 1/6 kegs (one of my favorites!)
  •  
 
 
 
 
 
What's On The Way:
 
 

 
 
Cheers!!!
 
Chip
 
 
 
 
****This message contains trade information which may be confidential and privileged. Unless you are the addressee (or authorized to receive for the addressee), you may not use, copy or disclose to anyone the message or any information contained in the message.  In addition, even if you are the addressee, you may not have been an intended recipient of this message.  If you have received the message in error, or feel that you received the message in error, please advise the sender by reply e-mail or telephone: 540-256-1258 and delete the message immediately.  Thank you very much.
 
    
 
 
Quote for this week:  
 

"I went on a diet, swore off drinking and heavy eating, and in fourteen days I lost two weeks."

-Joe E. Lewis

 

An eye towards the future...
 
We'll probably get these at the end of May, beginning of June
 
 
Lagunitas Little Sumpin' - Summer limited release, pale or IPA.
 
 
Avery 16th Anniversary - Saison with Jasmine, Peaches and Honey
 
 
Dogfish Sahtea - summer offering around 6% - "we added a sort of tea made with corriander, caramamom, lemon grass, Indian Black Tea, and ramps leaves. The spicing is subtle and balanced and Sahtea is a highly-quaffable, truly-unique brew with a full-mouth feel."
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The Fine Print:
 
1. This is fun stuff, people enjoy learning about the products you carry and respect the fact you know about them!
 
2. If you want to forward this on, feel free.  
 
3. Don't hold me to anything I say - arrivals and inventory fluctuate drastically due to circumstances I hope I never find myself in control of!
 
4. Please call me with questions concerning what is featured here, or with any other beer or wine you might be interested in.
 
Thanks for reading
 
 
  

 


 
Tuesday March 31st 2009
It's been a busy few weeks so my apologies for the delay, we definitely have more than a few things to catch up on.  I've only chosen a few items to highlight but you can click images throughout for more info.  The most complete information can be found via the link below:
 
A recent list of what's in the warehouse can be found here, please note that some items may not be available - this is simply a reference 
 
- Chip
 
What's In This Week:
 
 
Bell's Oberon 
Spring is officially here!!!
 
Most of you know and love this beer as much as I do, and to you I say "Game On"! For those that have not tried this delicious brew, here is a snippet of a write-up followed by a link to the entire article:
 
"While the name "Oberon Ale" might not give you a clue as to what the beer would taste like, Oberon's label certainly does. Its main focus is an image of the sun - a symbol of summer. Its bright orange hues give a clue to the beer's color while the blue reminds you of a refreshing dip in a pool on a warm day. Most important, though, is the name of the brewery - Bell's. Bell's is a fine brewer, and make no mistake: Oberon is a fine wheat ale.

The body of Oberon Ale pours a translucent orange-straw, the same shade of orange as the label. It retains a pure white that dissipates from an eighth inch to leave behind a tiny bit of soapy lacing, like the sea foam that gets left behind when a wave crashes onto the shore. The visual motif matches perfectly with the bottle...." Read more by clicking here
Available in 6 packs and Kegs until baseball season ends
 
 
 
New Holland Golden Cap Saison
From New Holland Website:
 
Golden Cap Saison is a modern interpretation of a traditional farmhouse ale. A soft, pale beer, Golden Cap embodies the flavors and aromas of summer fields. Brewed with an ancestor of wheat called spelt, its straw-colored body, lively carbonation and a unique fermentation profile evoke fresh cut hay and cracked peppercorn.  Alc. 6.25% by Vol.
Available in 6 packs and half kegs

 
Weyerbacher Slam Dunkel
From Weyerbacher Website:
Slam Dunkel
 Slam Dunkel was a small batch release in 2007. We had such an overwhelming response that we had to put it in the seasonal rotation. We also decided we couldn't live without drinking this beer every year!  This 7% Double Dunkelweizen is unfiltered and made with over 50% wheat malt along with pale, munich, and a touch of chocolate to give it the traditional color and flavor. Bitterness is subdued to allow the Weihenstephen yeast to shine through with those traditional notes of banana and clove. 
Available in 4 packs and Sixtels 
 
 
He'Brew Origin & Lenny Bruce
 
 
Origin Pomegranate Ale
From a recent review:
This is a nice one. Its a little tart, but not fruity, a little sour but not like a lambic. Its hard to pick out what it is about this beer's taste that's addicting. Its certainly drinkable, and they picked a good ale to pair with the pomegranate. Its mouth feel doesn't have a ton of carbonation, but is instead thicker and smooth on the tongue. I like that it has a tiny bite of bubbles on the tongue at first tip, then yields to the luscious amber ale as you swish it around your mouth.
Available in 22oz and Sixtels
 
 
 
Lenny Bruce RIPA
From a recent review:
The beer is a beautiful copper penny color, with streaks of red in the light. Topped by a very thick tan head, it has bready aromas with herbal, hoppy notes. The mouthfeel is surprisingly creamy, almost buttery. It’s well-balanced with great interplay between candy sweet malt and dry, fruity hops. As it says in the name, it’s both bitter and sweet and the balance of power between these competing tastes is what gives the RIPA its soul. The finish is dry and long, and the high alcohol becomes apparent as the warmth likewise lingers in the aftertaste. A wonderful beer, and worthy of commemorating the rye … er, wry wit of Lenny Bruce’s life.
Available in 22oz and Sixtels 
 
 
 
Moylan's Hopsickle
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Highly Rated
From a recent review:
The beer pours an attractive copper-orange color with a tan head. Sticky lacing is left behind as the glass is emptied. The aroma is that of strong citrus hops with a good bit of sweet malt thrown in. The hop aroma comes across as "wet" and fresh. Hopsickle supplies a hop explosion in your mouth. It's not all citrus though. You are hit with pine and bitter notes as well. The finish is bitter with a lingering sweet malt stickiness. At 9.2% ABV the alcohol flavor comes through in the aftertaste. The flavor and mouth feel remind me of what you get from some wet hopped beers, though on a much bigger scale. The Moylan's web site doesn't offer any clues if the fresh (or wet) hopping is used, although the label mentions "fresh hops."

Moylan's Hopsickle Imperial Ale is a very nice Double IPA. Often these Double, or Imperial IPAs present characteristics that whisper Barleywine, but the big hop profile in "Triple Hoppy" keeps it solidly on the DIPA side. The dry, sharp cheese was an excellent foil for the big flavors and syrupy finish of the beer. If you are a fan of the Double IPA, this is one you should try. Available in 22oz and Kegs
 
 
 
Avery
 
Maharaja
From the Avery website:
Maharaja is derived from the sanskrit words mahat, - "great" and rajan - "king". Much like its namesake, this imperial IPA is regal, intense and mighty. With hops and malts as his servants, he rules both with a heavy hand. The Maharaja flaunts his authority over a deranged amount of hops: tangy, vibrant and pungent along with an insane amount of malted barley - fashioning a dark amber hue and exquisite malt essence.

This newest Avery Dictator completes the "Dictator Series" joining the likes of The Kaiser & The Czar. Be aware that The Maharaja is a limited release only available for the summer. Welcome to his kingdom!

  • "Best hop-delivery vehicle"- Men's Health Magazine
  • "American brewing at it's best"- Beer Advocate Magazine
Available in 22oz and Kegs 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fentimans Botanically Brewed Beverages
 
 
*Please note, these are craft soda's - not an alcoholic beverage
 
Crafted in the North of England. Fentiman’s beverages are crisp, refreshing, and botanically brewed. A British institution, Fentiman’s was founded in 1900 by Thomas Fentiman and uses much of the same brewing traditions in every batch made today. This line is a return to the roots of real soft drinks, each bottle is brewed with care for a full ten days. The natural occurring sediment is actually left in the bottle to ensure the flavor and goodness of the natural ingredients ends up staying in the bottle. The result is a true soft drink taste that has not been recreated in any commercially produced sodas.

Wonderful on their own, they also allow for some amazing cocktail creations. For the traditional British cocktail dark and stormy, try the mixing Fentiman’s ginger beer with good dark rum. Or create your own unique cocktails.  Mixologists - this is right on!!!  They also brew a tonic with lemon grass that makes the best gin & tonics on the planet (my humble opinion, of course).
 
 
 
 
 
What's On The Way:
 
 

 
 
Cheers!!!
 
Chip
 
 
 
****This message contains trade information which may be confidential and privileged. Unless you are the addressee (or authorized to receive for the addressee), you may not use, copy or disclose to anyone the message or any information contained in the message.  In addition, even if you are the addressee, you may not have been an intended recipient of this message.  If you have received the message in error, or feel that you received the message in error, please advise the sender by reply e-mail or telephone: 540-256-1258 and delete the message immediately.  Thank you very much.
 
    
 
 
Quote for this week:  
 

"One drink is just right,

two are too many,

three too few."

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The Fine Print:
 
1. To see past newsletters click here
 
2. If you want to forward this on, feel free.  
 
3. Don't hold me to anything I say - arrivals and inventory fluctuate drastically due to circumstances I hope I never find myself in control of!
 
4. Please call me with questions concerning what is featured here, or with any other beer or wine you might be interested in.
 
 Enjoy the day, why not!