#occupyinsertcity

While everyone is busy protesting with their #occupyinsertcity I say the the world could benefit more from a celebration. Life's problems are some much more easily solved over a good beer. So let's all raise a glass and #occupybrewpub. I'll have aDFH Punkin Ale.

#craftbeerinstadiums

The most wonderful time of year is very quickly approaching... football season (thank you NFL players and owners). And while tailgates are full of all sorts of wonderful foods & drink, the taps on the inside of the stadium can be limited to the normal big brand American lagers & lights. Well, some craft beer fans have a had enough and they are calling for a movement, #craftbeerinstadiums. While I like the idea of enjoying an imperial IPA or mocha porter while watching my favorite teams, I have to say that I side with some of those opponents to this proposed movement. Face it, it is hard enough slapping down $8 for a domestic light beer after paying $90 for a ticket. What do you think a marked up stadium sized DFH 90min would run John Q. Public?

This is a grand idea, but I think us enthusiast will have to enjoy our craft beer in the parking lot and the Bud Light in the stands.

A Must See for Any Beer Consumer... Beer Wars Movie Trailer

We at Shipwater just recently finished watching a very educational, entertaining, and eye-opening film... Beer Wars. Created and directed by beverage industry veteran, Anat Baron, this film sets out to expose you, the consumer, the behind the scenes activities of what brewers large and small must do to get their beers on the prime shelf space at your local retail store. You will see the depths that the Big 3 (or now, Big 2) beer companies will go to to make sure that their brand is on the tip of your tongue when the bartender asks you, "What will ya have"? You'll also be introduced to the mavericks fighting these beer giants... beer heroes like Jim Koch, Dick Yuengling, Sam Calagione, and Kim Jordan.

Whether you are someone who likes to sample from different small breweries or are a devoted Miller Lite drinker, this is a movie you should watch. It goes well beyond beer, and speaks to the larger issue of consumer choice.

Cheers!

DFH 90 Min Imperial IPA Review

Tonight we're #gettngslizzerd on Dogfish Head's 90 min Imperial IPA. This is a very complex and flavorful IPA that pours a bright glowing amber color and leaves a nice lacing head. The smell leaves you wondering about the taste. You know it is an IPA, but the malt balances well against the aroma hops. The flavor is bursting with citrus that you'd expect from an IPA but with a sweet malty goodness. The feel is quite smooth but leaves a dry aftertaste.

I'm worried that I'm not ranking the beer high enough. For quite some time this was my favorite IPA, but then I had Thomas Creek Brewery's Up the Creek and that flat out changed my perception of this beer style forever. All IPA's are measured against this... Had I not had an Up the Creek before, this one would rank much higher.

Coming in with an ABV of 9%
Overall Grade: 82.50 / 100
Look: A-
Smell: B-
Taste: B-
Feel: B-
Buy Again? Maybe

#gettngslizzerd

If you haven't already heard... Dogfish Head, craft beer fans, and the Red Cross come together after a Twitter faux pas to make the world just a little better. So happy to hear stories like this. Read the story here.

-Cheers

Dogfish Head's Burton Baton

This beer is a real favorite here at Shipwater. Sam delivers again with this blended English Old Ale and Imperial IPA. Dogfish ages these in oak tanks at the end of fermentation which really adds to the already exciting flavors.

The beer pours a light amber, even orange tint with a light tan head. The smell is even better than the site with heavy floral and citrus scents. It is sweet to taste at first, but then complex flavor of hops, citrus, and malt take over. It provides a smooth refreshing feel followed by a wonderful explosion of citrus & acid that lingers long on the tongue with a pleasant after tastes.

Measuring in a 10.0% ABV and 70 IBU. This beer is memorable.

Overall: 93.63
Look: A
Smell: A-
Taste: A+
Feel: A-
Buy Again? YES

A Good Read

Just a quick post to share a good read. I recently received a copy of Sam Calagione's book on entrepreneurship, "Brewing Up a Business: Adventures in Entrepreneurship from the Founder of Dogfish Head Craft Brewery".

Whether you're a fan of business, beer, or both; so far this is a great read. Check out the link below. I hope you enjoy it like I do.

Cheers!