Here it is, episode 2! This week Shawn and I discuss Schell’s SnowStorm, the proper serving temperature of your beer, and the meaning of International Bitterness Units. Finally, we have a discussion on the benefits of sampler packs and “make your own” six-packs. Tell your friends about this one!
August Schell Brewing Company - SnowStorm
Style: Weihnachtsbier
ABV (Alcohol by Volume): 6%
IBU (International Bitterness Units): 26
The Beer Genome Project #2 Show Notes
0:00-0:37 - Introduction
0:37-3:08 - Schell’s SnowStorm
3:08-6:38 - Sampler Packs and Six Packs
6:38-7:43 - Tasting Tip: Proper Serving Temperature
7:43-9:15 - Style Tip: International Bitterness Units
9:15-10:15 - Conclusion
We’re getting ready to record episode two of our podcast. As such, we would like to inform our readers and listeners that we will be reviewing Schell’s winter seasonal Snowstorm. Find yourself a glass of this Minnesota beer and be ready when our podcast goes live next week.
This is our first podcast. Mike and I recorded this over iChat since we are 250 miles apart. So, from our respective living rooms in Ames, Iowa and Saint Paul, Minnesota, we recorded this podcast. This week we discuss Summit’s Winter Ale, the importance of incorporating clean glasses into your beer tastings, and notes on the differences between ales and lagers. Welcome to episode one!
Summit Brewing Company - Winter Ale
Style: Winter Ale
ABV (Alcohol by Volume): 6.2%
IBU (International Bitterness Units): 36
The Beer Genome Project #1 Show Notes
0:00-0:34 - Introduction
0:34-4:47 - Explanation of The Beer Genome Project
4:47-7:56 - Summit Winter Ale
7:56-9:04 - Tip of the Week: Clean Glasses
9:04-12:45 - Style Tip of the Week: Lagers vs. Ales
12:45-13:56 - Conclusion
This evening I made some chicken for dinner, and without a doubt, my favorite way to prepare my chicken is by smothering it in buffalo sauce. You see, not only am I constantly searching out new beers, but I am also trying various recipes for buffalo chicken with their respective sauces. In the grocery store this week I came across what is possibly the best cross-marketing product imaginable, Budweiser Wing Sauce. Now I know that Budweiser isn’t the brand you turn to when you want delicious, spicy chicken, but who can resist? That doesn’t mean I wasn’t skeptical on the sauce. What’s the verdict? It’s surprisingly good. Again, Budweiser isn’t a name that leaps to mind for good quality buffalo chicken, but they look to be making the foray into your all encompassing grill-out company. The wing sauce greets you with a fair amount of tanginess, but delivers enough spice to give it some bite that’s not too hot with a smooth taste. It doesn’t taste like beer-battered chicken, but I wouldn’t be surprised if there wasn’t a little something special in there to give it the Budweiser badge.
I saw one other example of breweries stepping outside of their cooler aisle, and that was Goose Island’s Root Beer. Goose Island is one of my favorite midwest breweries, and responsible for the ever-so fantastic Goose Island Oatmeal Stout. Unfortunately I didn’t grab a sixer of the root beer, but I plan to get it soon and follow up here with a review.
When you visit your local brewery or brewpub, make sure you check out their merchandise collection. I recently took a trip to Duluth and Superior with friends where we ate out at a place called Thirsty Pagan Brewing. It was an awesome little joint with delicious pizza and, more importantly, their own beer. If you come across the restaurant, you can buy your beer (for $5) and buy a Thirsty Pagan pint glass for a dollar more. Great deal. I have started my own little collection of pint glasses, gathered from an assortment of breweries. To my name, I only have 6, but I am only one guy. These are great pieces to celebrate your exploration of the world’s finest beers. Drinking beer out of a bottle is for parties. But if you are taking the time to relax and share a beer with friends, make sure you have pint glasses for all. The proper glass allows the beer to aerate as well as let the aroma flow freely, all a part of the tasting experience. Not to mention, friends tend to ask about the brewery whose name is stamped upon their glass. They are conversation pieces and promote discussion about your beer selection. Glasses from each brewery tend to come in all shapes and sizes, so stock up on several appropriate styles of glassware for your tasting needs. These microbrews are meant to be enjoyed and talked about, so present each beer in its appropriate glassware, and sip it as if you’re at your favorite pub.