Sam here.
So I know we haven't posted in a wee bit but forgive me. I just finished January term which made me crazy and the thought of one more commitment drove me over the edge.
So, I know it's not quite on the drinking side, but that's okay. I wanted to share a marinade that I discovered and am improving. I got the bright idea the other day that I wanted to cook a meal other than making stupid little three ingredient soups.There's nothing wrong with three ingredient soups- they're easy to make and generally pretty healthy as well as a great fallback and cheap as all get out. NOT THE POINT. Anyway, we had people coming over and I wanted to get back the cooking prowess that I felt I once had. Since we had men on their way, STEAK IT WAS. (Actually, we had a couple of steaks we hadn't cooked yet because I was sick earlier but again, not the point)
I went to the store in search of ingredients. The recipe I found called for a dark beer and I wanted to find a good porter because the smoky flavor would compliment the meat. I picked up a 22 oz of Ninkasi's RenewAle Porter mostly because it was $3ish but also because I knew it was a good porter on tap. Ninkasi generally does really well with everything. Nathan really enjoys just about anything they put out. So, here's how you make it:
Tenderize steak. Really tenderize it.
In a container such as a bowl or a ziplock bag, mix 22- 24 oz of beer, a little brown sugar and salt and pepper to taste. Marinade steak for at least 1 hour. 2 wouldn't hurt.
Season steak with pepper and salt.
Broil for at least 10 min.
I ended up taking my steak out at 10 min because I was freaking out about it catching on fire (actually happened) but I probably could have left them in there for a couple more minutes as they were rather rare. You might try with a stout but I recommend the porter as the smoky flavor adds to the steaks flavor without masking it. I really enjoyed this and may use Black Butte by Deschutes or Dick's Lava Rock Porter next time. The latter has a very silky and smoky flavor that I loved and right out of the bottle! Also- try this on the grill if you get a chance!
Sunday, February 5, 2012
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Winter Beers: Final
Wow, the holiday season sure has a way of making you very busy. I have a backlog of stuff I wanted to talk about, but I've just not really been on top of writing about it. Sort of feel like I have seen most of what I want to know about beer.
On the plus side I have more to talk about about things other than drinking beer and rating it. Like making it! So after a little thought I have decided that I should push to write things specifically about Northwestern beers if I am rating a beer. There are after all several rating sites and lots of blogs all over the place that cover this in depth. I think talking about breweries and beers of specifically the Northwest will be more productive (occasionally will talk about special releases from California and maybe Colorado or something similar).
Thought that I would at least finish up the Winter Beers:
in no particular order, I'd say the top 5 winter beers we've had this year are:
Deschutes Jubelale
This beer has a very warming feel to it; has a lot of the malty and carmel flavors similar to what you'd find in a Scotch Ale. I had it in bottle, on cask, and on tap. Cask was great, but they were all good. Nice dark ruby color and a little thicker feeling than I thought it would be.
This beer is so very perfect for what I want in a winter beer
Jubleale
Boundary Bay Cabin Fever
This has a very similar taste and profile to Jubelale, but it is much stronger feeling. Definitely a little bit of alcohol taste in there, this WILL warm you up. I prefer the Jubelale, but Sam prefers this one.
Boundary Bay's site
Alaskan Brewing Co. Winter
I had already discussed this one in an earlier post, but the reason I like this is the Spruce tips and the overall mellow factor this beer has.
Winter Ale
Hopworks Abominable
Another one I already mentioned; the label on this one is very cool though. Not to be confused with Fremont Brewery's Abominable, which I actually don't think I have tried. More on the aggressive side.
Hopworks
Three Skulls Poison
Just thought I'd throw this is there, it was totally a random event that led us to ordering this. I think they were out of Arrogant Bastard. Had it on tap at the Pillagers' Pub in Seattle (Greenwood) on New Years. It was pretty awesome, very strong in ABV, yet had a nice, not overpowering flavor.
Three Skulls
Ninkasi Sleigh'r
Yeah, okay this is actually number 6, it's an honorable mention I suppose... but I really liked this one. Definitely check it out, because it is very different.
List of all the other winter ales we tried:
Laughing Dog Coldnose - like I said, would not recommend
Red Hook Winter Hook - inot bad, but I liked the others more
New Belgium 2 Below - similar to Winter Hook
Elysian Bifröst - while I found it quite good, it's actually more like a winter IPA; so if you want a really hoppy winter beer then for sure grab this
Rogue Mogul Madness - this one is good, but I don't see why they charge so much for it. Not worth the extra cash in my opinion.
On the plus side I have more to talk about about things other than drinking beer and rating it. Like making it! So after a little thought I have decided that I should push to write things specifically about Northwestern beers if I am rating a beer. There are after all several rating sites and lots of blogs all over the place that cover this in depth. I think talking about breweries and beers of specifically the Northwest will be more productive (occasionally will talk about special releases from California and maybe Colorado or something similar).
Thought that I would at least finish up the Winter Beers:
in no particular order, I'd say the top 5 winter beers we've had this year are:
Deschutes Jubelale
This beer has a very warming feel to it; has a lot of the malty and carmel flavors similar to what you'd find in a Scotch Ale. I had it in bottle, on cask, and on tap. Cask was great, but they were all good. Nice dark ruby color and a little thicker feeling than I thought it would be.
This beer is so very perfect for what I want in a winter beer
Jubleale
Boundary Bay Cabin Fever
This has a very similar taste and profile to Jubelale, but it is much stronger feeling. Definitely a little bit of alcohol taste in there, this WILL warm you up. I prefer the Jubelale, but Sam prefers this one.
Boundary Bay's site
Alaskan Brewing Co. Winter
I had already discussed this one in an earlier post, but the reason I like this is the Spruce tips and the overall mellow factor this beer has.
Winter Ale
Hopworks Abominable
Another one I already mentioned; the label on this one is very cool though. Not to be confused with Fremont Brewery's Abominable, which I actually don't think I have tried. More on the aggressive side.
Hopworks
Three Skulls Poison
Just thought I'd throw this is there, it was totally a random event that led us to ordering this. I think they were out of Arrogant Bastard. Had it on tap at the Pillagers' Pub in Seattle (Greenwood) on New Years. It was pretty awesome, very strong in ABV, yet had a nice, not overpowering flavor.
Three Skulls
Ninkasi Sleigh'r
Yeah, okay this is actually number 6, it's an honorable mention I suppose... but I really liked this one. Definitely check it out, because it is very different.
List of all the other winter ales we tried:
Laughing Dog Coldnose - like I said, would not recommend
Red Hook Winter Hook - inot bad, but I liked the others more
New Belgium 2 Below - similar to Winter Hook
Elysian Bifröst - while I found it quite good, it's actually more like a winter IPA; so if you want a really hoppy winter beer then for sure grab this
Rogue Mogul Madness - this one is good, but I don't see why they charge so much for it. Not worth the extra cash in my opinion.
Sunday, December 18, 2011
Winter Beers: Part 2
Take 2. Sam had finals and I was sick so there has been a real lack of anything to say as of late.
First one: Ninkasi's SLEIGH'R - a Dark Double Alt Ale.
As an aside, an alt is an ale that is fermented at lager temperatures; my thinking on this is that because it is a winter ale then it would make perfect sense to brew it at a temperature that you would be able to do anywhere. As for the dark double part, it is a darker and maltier beer, the double part simply means it is a stronger version (perhaps by double the amount of grain as is the case for belgians).
So, the Sleighr:
I think it was a very nice take on the winter ale; very nice flavor upfront, however it has almost no aroma. Big malty flavor upfront with a very subdued aftertaste with a equal mix of winter spice and hops for a very balanced finish. I personally love the approach it takes.
Oh... well I guess that's it actually. Next week we'll tackle a few more, but we were undecided on them. Then figure out the winners.
First one: Ninkasi's SLEIGH'R - a Dark Double Alt Ale.
As an aside, an alt is an ale that is fermented at lager temperatures; my thinking on this is that because it is a winter ale then it would make perfect sense to brew it at a temperature that you would be able to do anywhere. As for the dark double part, it is a darker and maltier beer, the double part simply means it is a stronger version (perhaps by double the amount of grain as is the case for belgians).
So, the Sleighr:
I think it was a very nice take on the winter ale; very nice flavor upfront, however it has almost no aroma. Big malty flavor upfront with a very subdued aftertaste with a equal mix of winter spice and hops for a very balanced finish. I personally love the approach it takes.
Oh... well I guess that's it actually. Next week we'll tackle a few more, but we were undecided on them. Then figure out the winners.
Sunday, December 4, 2011
Winter Beers; Part 1
Finals week makes for a busy schedule.
We've been saving up some winter beers and we'll see which ones we liked the most.
One of the first one's we've had was Abominable Winter Ale by Hopworks.
What an amazingly solid brew, it's pretty much what I expect out of a winter ale. Stronger in alcohol content, with a aggressively dark and malty flavor. Unfortunately that was a while ago, but I do remember having a pitcher of it and a pint of it on another occasion. Definitely a recommended ale.
Next up is Cold Nose by Laughing Dog. Had this on tap, it had a standard winter ale profile and a bit of a strong alcohol flavor. Wouldn't really recommend it, just a little on the mediocre side.
Last one for today is Alaska's Winter Ale (brewed with spruce tips). This one has a nice mellow flavor (for a winter ale at least) and some fruity notes. After a few sips in the spruce flavor kicks in as a lingering aftertaste keeping you warm and filling you with what you might call Christmas spirit. If there is one thing Alaskan Brewery does right, it's beer for the colder months.
Also, as an aside, what's the deal with Guiness? The Extra Stout stuff is not too bad, but the regular ones in bottles are just awful, do they just add water to the Extra Stout or something? On the plus side it is a sessionable stout. I wouldn't feel bad picking up a pack of Extra Stout Guiness if it weren't for the fact that I can get a pack of regional beer for way less.
We've been saving up some winter beers and we'll see which ones we liked the most.
One of the first one's we've had was Abominable Winter Ale by Hopworks.
What an amazingly solid brew, it's pretty much what I expect out of a winter ale. Stronger in alcohol content, with a aggressively dark and malty flavor. Unfortunately that was a while ago, but I do remember having a pitcher of it and a pint of it on another occasion. Definitely a recommended ale.
Next up is Cold Nose by Laughing Dog. Had this on tap, it had a standard winter ale profile and a bit of a strong alcohol flavor. Wouldn't really recommend it, just a little on the mediocre side.
Last one for today is Alaska's Winter Ale (brewed with spruce tips). This one has a nice mellow flavor (for a winter ale at least) and some fruity notes. After a few sips in the spruce flavor kicks in as a lingering aftertaste keeping you warm and filling you with what you might call Christmas spirit. If there is one thing Alaskan Brewery does right, it's beer for the colder months.
Also, as an aside, what's the deal with Guiness? The Extra Stout stuff is not too bad, but the regular ones in bottles are just awful, do they just add water to the Extra Stout or something? On the plus side it is a sessionable stout. I wouldn't feel bad picking up a pack of Extra Stout Guiness if it weren't for the fact that I can get a pack of regional beer for way less.
Monday, November 21, 2011
Bham state of mind
Sam here.
Recently, I had the privilege of returning to Bellingham, WA with some awesome friends to reminisce and gain closure to a traumatic flight from there. While there, I picked up a Boundary Bay Scotch Ale by request of Nathan. Let me tell, you first off: Boundary Bay is part of what introduced me to beer and I am happy that it was craft beer that got me into beer. Presented in this predicament is a bit of a bias towards Boundary Bay beers.
As an aside: I know it's a sentiment that is kind of counteractive to the spirit of a beer review blog, but I like to be picky about beer. I love to know almost everything about what I put into my body (and by almost everything, I mean I don't want to see the poor animal's face before it gets slaughtered). It makes me consider what quality and what quantity that I want to consume and more is not always better. For example: when you learn the balance of consumption and budget and taste- I feel like craft, even though more expensive, comes out on top and eventually bar a disorder such as addiction- moderation wins out. Plus, I feel in a true craft culture, it's not cool to chug and chug and drink like a frat boy just out of mom and dad's. Unless you've got money coming out your ears that you don't have a better place to put (your retirement, supporting the community around you) the price deters you from buying cases and consuming the cases like said frat boy.
Back to the point: Boundary Bay Scotch Ale is a smooth, and in my humble opinion mellow beer that, when you smell it, exudes Railroad Ave in Bellingham. I know it's weird to say, but I could smell Mallards (amazing ice cream shop), the rain, the bay, and a couple of the other places nearby. It definitely captures the essence of Bellingham and is, according to Nathan, truly, "nostalgia in a bottle." It does not include the bite that you get at the end of scotch ale like Old Chub or the syrupy finish Pike's Kilt Lifter. The subtle caramel and malt flavors are a nice touch as well. I would have it again if given the chance. Distance and money definitely affect access as it's not very accessible outside of the north Puget Sound or Western Washington area. If you get a chance to have it, I definitely reccomend it, especially if you're a malt snob. Hop lovers may not enjoy this beer as hops are subtle if not undetectable to my oh so informed tongue (sarcasm).
You can find the beer profile here: http://www.bbaybrewery.com/ontap.php?k=10
Edit:
The post title's namesake
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HMiBZ6s4SjY
Recently, I had the privilege of returning to Bellingham, WA with some awesome friends to reminisce and gain closure to a traumatic flight from there. While there, I picked up a Boundary Bay Scotch Ale by request of Nathan. Let me tell, you first off: Boundary Bay is part of what introduced me to beer and I am happy that it was craft beer that got me into beer. Presented in this predicament is a bit of a bias towards Boundary Bay beers.
As an aside: I know it's a sentiment that is kind of counteractive to the spirit of a beer review blog, but I like to be picky about beer. I love to know almost everything about what I put into my body (and by almost everything, I mean I don't want to see the poor animal's face before it gets slaughtered). It makes me consider what quality and what quantity that I want to consume and more is not always better. For example: when you learn the balance of consumption and budget and taste- I feel like craft, even though more expensive, comes out on top and eventually bar a disorder such as addiction- moderation wins out. Plus, I feel in a true craft culture, it's not cool to chug and chug and drink like a frat boy just out of mom and dad's. Unless you've got money coming out your ears that you don't have a better place to put (your retirement, supporting the community around you) the price deters you from buying cases and consuming the cases like said frat boy.
Back to the point: Boundary Bay Scotch Ale is a smooth, and in my humble opinion mellow beer that, when you smell it, exudes Railroad Ave in Bellingham. I know it's weird to say, but I could smell Mallards (amazing ice cream shop), the rain, the bay, and a couple of the other places nearby. It definitely captures the essence of Bellingham and is, according to Nathan, truly, "nostalgia in a bottle." It does not include the bite that you get at the end of scotch ale like Old Chub or the syrupy finish Pike's Kilt Lifter. The subtle caramel and malt flavors are a nice touch as well. I would have it again if given the chance. Distance and money definitely affect access as it's not very accessible outside of the north Puget Sound or Western Washington area. If you get a chance to have it, I definitely reccomend it, especially if you're a malt snob. Hop lovers may not enjoy this beer as hops are subtle if not undetectable to my oh so informed tongue (sarcasm).
You can find the beer profile here: http://www.bbaybrewery.com/ontap.php?k=10
Edit:
The post title's namesake
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HMiBZ6s4SjY
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Freshly Hopped Beers
We really like fresh hop beers now. I'm a big fan myself because they are typically reminiscent of a IPA's hoppiness, but are generally more subdued without losing the flavor thanks to what we'd call 'wet-hopping' (adding the hops in when they are fresh; ie. not dried out). We've had the Mirror Pond version and just recently we got a bottle of Deschutes' Hop Trip, as the name implies it is hoppy. The picture on the label is a rendition of the trucks that haul the hops to their brewery nearby. The Hop Trip's claim to fame is less than 4 hours from harvest to being a part of the brewing process.
How does it fare? Quite well actually and it's a shame that these are only seasonal. They also will very likely not age well, this is a beer that is most definitely best when had as fresh as possible. We found it to have more of a malty flavor than FH Mirror Pond, more akin to a very hoppy amber ale. Nice and dark color with a great smell off the head. Layers of hops hit you from the smell, the taste, and the aftertaste. Flavors of grapefuit are definitely there. Did I mention the hops?
Deschutes officially labels it as an American Pale Ale, 5.4% ABV, and a very low 38 IBUs.
Also... keep in mind that most IPAs are around 60 or 70 IBUs. I will definitely try to pick up this beer the second it comes out next year, honestly I'd say it beats out pumpkin beers for harvest season.
- Nathan
Hop Trip website
How does it fare? Quite well actually and it's a shame that these are only seasonal. They also will very likely not age well, this is a beer that is most definitely best when had as fresh as possible. We found it to have more of a malty flavor than FH Mirror Pond, more akin to a very hoppy amber ale. Nice and dark color with a great smell off the head. Layers of hops hit you from the smell, the taste, and the aftertaste. Flavors of grapefuit are definitely there. Did I mention the hops?
Deschutes officially labels it as an American Pale Ale, 5.4% ABV, and a very low 38 IBUs.
Also... keep in mind that most IPAs are around 60 or 70 IBUs. I will definitely try to pick up this beer the second it comes out next year, honestly I'd say it beats out pumpkin beers for harvest season.
- Nathan
Hop Trip website
Saturday, November 5, 2011
New Belgium Brewing Fat Tire
Hey, Nathan here. I just got hired at Manito Tap House on the South Hill in Spokane.
Hopefully I'll be able to get some unique insight on the backside of the house.
The last beer I had was a New Belgium Fat Tire and a Rogue Dead Guy Ale. I've mentioned the New Belgium before and I really have nothing to say about it. The fact is that I think it is a very neutral beer; I've heard people say "tastes like beer" when they try something I give them (ensue my eye rolls), but I think it actually applies here. It has a bit of hops upfront due to the Belgian influence (word is the brewmaster made the amber ale while on a trip in Belgium), however past that the malt flavors are there but they seem to fall flat into a lackluster aftertaste. I've tried this beer many times and each time I get this feeling no matter how hard I try.
Fat Tire is definitely more in the session territory, but is a little heavier than say a Hef. Then again, by American standards anything below 6% is often considered session.
So here it is, not a terribly interesting beer. Not the strongest or lightest on the tongue, but if you're not sure what to get or recommend go for this. Perfect by the pitcher, but I really do think there are better ambers or pale ales or witbiers (all comparable styles).
P.S. Dead Guy is perfect with Dubliner cheese, yum!
Here's an older picture I have of the New Belgium:
Hopefully I'll be able to get some unique insight on the backside of the house.
The last beer I had was a New Belgium Fat Tire and a Rogue Dead Guy Ale. I've mentioned the New Belgium before and I really have nothing to say about it. The fact is that I think it is a very neutral beer; I've heard people say "tastes like beer" when they try something I give them (ensue my eye rolls), but I think it actually applies here. It has a bit of hops upfront due to the Belgian influence (word is the brewmaster made the amber ale while on a trip in Belgium), however past that the malt flavors are there but they seem to fall flat into a lackluster aftertaste. I've tried this beer many times and each time I get this feeling no matter how hard I try.
Fat Tire is definitely more in the session territory, but is a little heavier than say a Hef. Then again, by American standards anything below 6% is often considered session.
So here it is, not a terribly interesting beer. Not the strongest or lightest on the tongue, but if you're not sure what to get or recommend go for this. Perfect by the pitcher, but I really do think there are better ambers or pale ales or witbiers (all comparable styles).
P.S. Dead Guy is perfect with Dubliner cheese, yum!
Here's an older picture I have of the New Belgium:
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