Hillside Liquor Store has just received a very large order of Sierra Nevada products from Chico California. http://www.sierranevada.com/index2.html
Fans of their beer might remember that the last time we had it was in September, and quantities ran out quickly!
This time around we received 6 packs of: Celebration Ale, Pale Ale, Stout, and the Porter, as well as a 650 ml of the Pale Ale.
Celebration Ale is brewed for the winter season, and is robust and rich as well as being dry-hopped for a lively intense aroma. Celebration Ale is made with Centennial, Chinook and Cascade hops as well as Two-row Pale and English Caramel malts. 6.8% alcohol
With an ale as big as Celebration, you need a dish assertive enough to hold its own. Rich meats such as prime rib, lamb, or wild fowl underscore Celebration’s huge aroma, making a wonderful holiday meal. Intense, earthy pastas also work well—try goat cheese ravioli, a rich fettuccine, or gnocchi with Gorgonzola cheese sauce.
Sierra Nevada Pale Ale is probably the most well-known of all of Sierra Nevada's beer. It is a delightful interpretation of a classic style with a deep amber color and an exceptionally full-bodied, complex character. Generous quantities of premium Cascade hops (as well as Magnum and Perle) give the Pale Ale its fragrant bouquet and spicy flavor.
“Sierra Nevada Pale Ale is the flagship beer, the one that made Chico famous. It is a flawless beer that opens with bright, perky high notes of maltiness and orange blossom and segues into a delectable hoppiness.”– Elaine Louie, Premier Beer—A Guide to America's Best Bottled Microbrews
Sierra Nevada's Pale ale with its assertive hop flavor goes especially well with spicy cuisine, since its clean flavors counterbalance the richness of many hot dishes. It also goes well with starters and salads, its spicy complexity stimulating both appetites and conversation.
The Porter is dark, rich and delicious medium-bodied ale with a creamy head. The Porter’s smooth flavor (malty with hints of caramel) comes from a blend of deep-roasted barley malts.
This beer has both Golding and Willamette hops as well as Two-row Pale, Munich, Chocolate and caramel malts. 5.6% alcohol.
While porters are traditionally paired with steak (think Porterhouse), its deep maltiness is an equally perfect match for the rich, smoky flavors of grilled portobello mushrooms. The creaminess of Porter’s chocolate and caramel malts also makes it a perfect accompaniment to desserts, especially those made with chocolate.
The Stout is creamy, malty, and full-bodied, as well as satisfyingly rich. Caramel and Black malts give the Stout its deep, dark color and pronounced roasted flavor.
5.8% alcohol, the stout also contains Magnum, Cascade and Willamette hops and Two-row Pale, Munich, Caramel and Black malt.
“Sierra Nevada Stout is admirable from nose to finish, with notes of malty sweetness to the palate but plenty of bitterness available to set up a stimulating counterpoint.”
Black malts give Stout a smokiness that demands an equally intense flavor pairing. Smoked or raw oysters are a traditional accompaniment, but other shellfish serve equally well. For vegetarian dishes that stand up to Stout, try lentil stew, marinated eggplant, or smoked tempeh. Stout also makes a delightful dessert beer when matched with creamy tiramisu or toasted almond biscotti.
– Christopher Finch, A Connoisseur’s Guide to the World’s Best Beer
For more information about hops (humulus lupulus) and the effect they have on beer try here:http://beeradvocate.com/beer/101/hops.php
For more information about malt and adjuncts, try here:http://beeradvocate.com/beer/101/malts
For reviews of beer from around the world, try here: http://beeradvocate.com/
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Driftwood's Brother Bart's Belgian Brown
Just arrived today at Hillside Liquor Store from Driftwood Brewing (Victoria's newest brewery) is the Brother Bart's Belgian Brown Ale. This Belgian style Dubbel comes in at 7.5% alcohol and is selling for $6.25- it is a very limited release, so grab yours soon!
The tasting notes say that it is a traditional Belgian style Dubbel brewed with dark candi sugar that imparts a rich caramel note that mingles seamlessly with the spicy character of our Belgian yeast.
As it just came in today, none of us here have tried it yet, but check back soon for updates!
The tasting notes say that it is a traditional Belgian style Dubbel brewed with dark candi sugar that imparts a rich caramel note that mingles seamlessly with the spicy character of our Belgian yeast.
As it just came in today, none of us here have tried it yet, but check back soon for updates!
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Valentine's Day
Happy Valentine's Day! For those of you who are short on cash, or ideas and are dreading the thought of another hearts, flowers and chocolate day, here are some helpful ideas:
Phillips Brewing Longboat Chocolate Porter- Chocolate and beer, together at last. This beer is a nice example of how chocolate complements the typical flavours of porter, (rich coffee, chocolate, cocoa and smoky malt) but is not overwhelming. Available in a convenient "shareable" size of 650 ml, this beer is also only $4.50, meaning that you could actually get two, and not have to share.
Canoe Brewing Habit Espresso Stout $5.75- Also available in a 650 ml bottle, this beer has aromas of chocolate covered coffee beans- so strong that when you take the first sip it is almost expected to have the sweet crunch that an actual coffee bean has. Deliciously rich, and smooth with great coffee and chocolate flavour, this would also make a great shareable beer.
Young's Double Chocolate Stout- $3.50 for 500 ml. This one is a little too small to share, but it has lots and lots of chocolate flavour- perfect for those who don't really like the taste of beer, but do love chocolate.
Now, for those who are looking for something fun to do with their chocolate/coffee beers, many places suggest pouring half the beer into a glass and then pouring an ounce of a raspberry liqueur over it, making a chocolate raspberry concoction. We suggest the Elephant Island Framboise 375ml for $19.90 (as it tastes like they jammed fresh raspberries in the bottle, this is also delicious over ice cream, or in sparkling wine), but you could also use raspberry or strawberry vodka, or even Cassis- we have the Boudier 750 ml bottle for $39.99. Cassis is the traditional ingredient in a Kir Royale, made of sparkling wine with an ounce of Cassis poured into it.
If that seems too difficult, then Lost Coast Brewing has solved the problem with their Raspberry Brown, which is the Downtown Brown infused with real raspberries. All of the yummy dark richness of the Downtown Brown is still present, but it finishes with a subtle hint of raspberry. Available in the 650 ml bottle!
If beer isn't your thing, then why not try a sparkling wine.
Fresita Sparkling Strawberry is available in two sizes- 200ml or 750 ml. It originated as a sparkling Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Muscat blend with hand-picked Patagonia strawberries added to it. The result is a very strawberry bubbly concoction that isn't overly sweet.
We also have the Canella Sparkling Strawberry, which is Prosecco with real strawberry pulp added to it. The result is awesome! And only $17.90 for a 750 ml bottle.
If strawberries are not your favourite flavour, Canella also makes the Bellini, with Prosecco and white peach pulp. White peaches have a more intense yet delicate flavour than regular peaches, and this Bellini makes you wish that they always tasted so good. $17.90 for 750 ml.
There are also a couple of Moscatos worth mentioning. Moscato is an Italian sparkling, on the sweeter side but with low alcohol content. Sometimes described as "pop for grown-ups", Moscatos have aromas of cotton candy, strawberry and grapes, and the flavours are usually of strawberry, cherry, grapes with a hint of orange blossom. These pair extremely well with fruity desserts, but are also fun to drink by themselves. We suggest either the Mionetto Il Muscato (look for the blue label and crown cap) or the Petalo Il Vino D'amore with the rose label.
If you'd rather make cocktails, then consider some of the Van Gogh flavoured vodkas- think Raspberry, Espresso, Double Espresso, Dutch Chocolate or Pomegranate.
There are also 50 ml bottles of Double Espresso, which would make a great cocktail mixed with the 50 ml bottles of Absolut Raspberry.
Ask in-store for cocktail ideas, or for the staff recommendations for great wines, beer or spirits. We'd be happy to make your Valentine's something special!
Phillips Brewing Longboat Chocolate Porter- Chocolate and beer, together at last. This beer is a nice example of how chocolate complements the typical flavours of porter, (rich coffee, chocolate, cocoa and smoky malt) but is not overwhelming. Available in a convenient "shareable" size of 650 ml, this beer is also only $4.50, meaning that you could actually get two, and not have to share.
Canoe Brewing Habit Espresso Stout $5.75- Also available in a 650 ml bottle, this beer has aromas of chocolate covered coffee beans- so strong that when you take the first sip it is almost expected to have the sweet crunch that an actual coffee bean has. Deliciously rich, and smooth with great coffee and chocolate flavour, this would also make a great shareable beer.
Young's Double Chocolate Stout- $3.50 for 500 ml. This one is a little too small to share, but it has lots and lots of chocolate flavour- perfect for those who don't really like the taste of beer, but do love chocolate.
Now, for those who are looking for something fun to do with their chocolate/coffee beers, many places suggest pouring half the beer into a glass and then pouring an ounce of a raspberry liqueur over it, making a chocolate raspberry concoction. We suggest the Elephant Island Framboise 375ml for $19.90 (as it tastes like they jammed fresh raspberries in the bottle, this is also delicious over ice cream, or in sparkling wine), but you could also use raspberry or strawberry vodka, or even Cassis- we have the Boudier 750 ml bottle for $39.99. Cassis is the traditional ingredient in a Kir Royale, made of sparkling wine with an ounce of Cassis poured into it.
If that seems too difficult, then Lost Coast Brewing has solved the problem with their Raspberry Brown, which is the Downtown Brown infused with real raspberries. All of the yummy dark richness of the Downtown Brown is still present, but it finishes with a subtle hint of raspberry. Available in the 650 ml bottle!
If beer isn't your thing, then why not try a sparkling wine.
Fresita Sparkling Strawberry is available in two sizes- 200ml or 750 ml. It originated as a sparkling Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Muscat blend with hand-picked Patagonia strawberries added to it. The result is a very strawberry bubbly concoction that isn't overly sweet.
We also have the Canella Sparkling Strawberry, which is Prosecco with real strawberry pulp added to it. The result is awesome! And only $17.90 for a 750 ml bottle.
If strawberries are not your favourite flavour, Canella also makes the Bellini, with Prosecco and white peach pulp. White peaches have a more intense yet delicate flavour than regular peaches, and this Bellini makes you wish that they always tasted so good. $17.90 for 750 ml.
There are also a couple of Moscatos worth mentioning. Moscato is an Italian sparkling, on the sweeter side but with low alcohol content. Sometimes described as "pop for grown-ups", Moscatos have aromas of cotton candy, strawberry and grapes, and the flavours are usually of strawberry, cherry, grapes with a hint of orange blossom. These pair extremely well with fruity desserts, but are also fun to drink by themselves. We suggest either the Mionetto Il Muscato (look for the blue label and crown cap) or the Petalo Il Vino D'amore with the rose label.
If you'd rather make cocktails, then consider some of the Van Gogh flavoured vodkas- think Raspberry, Espresso, Double Espresso, Dutch Chocolate or Pomegranate.
There are also 50 ml bottles of Double Espresso, which would make a great cocktail mixed with the 50 ml bottles of Absolut Raspberry.
Ask in-store for cocktail ideas, or for the staff recommendations for great wines, beer or spirits. We'd be happy to make your Valentine's something special!
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Liberty Ale is Here!
Liberty Ale from Anchor Brewing of San Francisco has recently arrived in 6 pack form at Hillside Liquor Store.
First introduced in 1975, Liberty Ale is brewed strictly according to traditional brewing methods, and, like all Anchor Brewing Company products, uses only natural ingredients — water, malted barley, fresh whole hops and yeast.
A special top-fermenting ale yeast is used during fermentation and is responsible for many of Liberty Ale's subtle flavors and characteristics. Carbonation is produced by an entirely natural process called "bunging," which produces champagne-like bubbles. Dry-hopping (adding fresh hops to the brew during aging), imparts a unique aroma to the ale. It is a process rarely used in this country today.
One of our Receivers at Hillside Liquor Store bought a 6 pack and tried some last night and has this to say about Liberty Ale: at first sip, this beer seemed as if it would be quite bitter, but actually ends up being fairly smooth with a slight hop character- making it the perfect summer (or sunny day) beer! Completely quaffable, and a great example of a West Coast American Ale.
Hillside Liquor Store also carries the Anchor Steam beer, which has been produced in San Francisco since 1896.
First introduced in 1975, Liberty Ale is brewed strictly according to traditional brewing methods, and, like all Anchor Brewing Company products, uses only natural ingredients — water, malted barley, fresh whole hops and yeast.
A special top-fermenting ale yeast is used during fermentation and is responsible for many of Liberty Ale's subtle flavors and characteristics. Carbonation is produced by an entirely natural process called "bunging," which produces champagne-like bubbles. Dry-hopping (adding fresh hops to the brew during aging), imparts a unique aroma to the ale. It is a process rarely used in this country today.
One of our Receivers at Hillside Liquor Store bought a 6 pack and tried some last night and has this to say about Liberty Ale: at first sip, this beer seemed as if it would be quite bitter, but actually ends up being fairly smooth with a slight hop character- making it the perfect summer (or sunny day) beer! Completely quaffable, and a great example of a West Coast American Ale.
Hillside Liquor Store also carries the Anchor Steam beer, which has been produced in San Francisco since 1896.
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Pike Brewing
Great news for those who are fans of Pike Brewing in Seattle WA, and loved to buy it at the Hillside Liquor Store! The AFIC group, who are distributors for such great breweries as Rogue, Lost Coast, Pyramid, Brooklyn and Mill St, has recently become the Canadian distributor for Pike Brewing.
Pike Brewing has been one of Hillside Liquor Store's favourite craft breweries, providing us with such delicious beer as: Kilt Lifter, a scotch style ale; Naughtie Nellie, a golden ale named for the madam of the LaSalle Hotel where Pike Brewing was founded; Tandem Double Ale, an English style double ale; and the XXXXX Stout (which was only sold at Hillside Liquor Store due to a serendipitous accident).
Pike Brewing is also celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2009, having started in 1989 at the Pike Place Public Market. The brewery's mission was to create world class ale to pair with great food, particularly stouts, scotch style ales, porters, ales and barley wines. Pike Brewing moved from its original venue in 1996 to a larger site that could also accommodate a brewpub. The Seattle Microbrewery Museum is also downstairs from Liberty Malt, at the back entrance to the Pike Pub.
In addition to fantastic brews, Pike Brewing has an innovative brewpub featuring local produce, suggested beer pairing for every meal, the option to substitute fresh veggies for french fries and an other spirits list with Washington State, California and Oregon ciders, wines, beer and spirits, and specially selected spirits and beer from around the world.
To learn more about Pike Brewing, or to take the interactive online brewery tour, or to take the 100 question Beer quiz, click here: http://www.pikebrewing.com/
To try the Pike Tandem, come in to Hillside Liquor Store soon! We have about 6 left at the moment, but anticipate more soon...
Pike Brewing has been one of Hillside Liquor Store's favourite craft breweries, providing us with such delicious beer as: Kilt Lifter, a scotch style ale; Naughtie Nellie, a golden ale named for the madam of the LaSalle Hotel where Pike Brewing was founded; Tandem Double Ale, an English style double ale; and the XXXXX Stout (which was only sold at Hillside Liquor Store due to a serendipitous accident).
Pike Brewing is also celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2009, having started in 1989 at the Pike Place Public Market. The brewery's mission was to create world class ale to pair with great food, particularly stouts, scotch style ales, porters, ales and barley wines. Pike Brewing moved from its original venue in 1996 to a larger site that could also accommodate a brewpub. The Seattle Microbrewery Museum is also downstairs from Liberty Malt, at the back entrance to the Pike Pub.
In addition to fantastic brews, Pike Brewing has an innovative brewpub featuring local produce, suggested beer pairing for every meal, the option to substitute fresh veggies for french fries and an other spirits list with Washington State, California and Oregon ciders, wines, beer and spirits, and specially selected spirits and beer from around the world.
To learn more about Pike Brewing, or to take the interactive online brewery tour, or to take the 100 question Beer quiz, click here: http://www.pikebrewing.com/
To try the Pike Tandem, come in to Hillside Liquor Store soon! We have about 6 left at the moment, but anticipate more soon...
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